Comparative evaluation of cention with glass ionomer cement, composite resins and silver amalgam with respect to mechanical strength: An in-vitro study

Introduction: Numerous direct filling materials are available to the modern dental practice from amalgams, GIC to modern bulk fill composites. Cention is an “alkasite” restorative. Alkasite refers to a new category of filling material, which like compomer or ormocer materials is essentially a subgroup of the composite material class. This new category utilizes an alkaline filler, capable of releasing acid-neutralizing ions. It is a tooth-colored, basic filling material for direct restorations. It is self-curing with optional additional light-curing. It is radiopaque, and releases fluoride, calcium and hydroxide ions. As a dual-cured material it can be used as a full volume (bulk) replacement material. Hence the Aim of the study was to compare the Alkasite (Cention N) with Silver amalgam, GIC and Composite to evaluate the Compressive strength & diametral tensile strength. Materials and Method: Split molds of dimension 6 [height] x4 [diameter] was used to fabricate 15 samples of each material for testing the compressive strength and for tensile strength. And subjected under Universal Instron testing machine connected to a load measuring cell, to recorded load applied to the samples at a crosshead speed of 0.75 ± 0.25 mm/min till the samples fracture. Results: Composite and Cention N showed significantly higher strength than Silver Amalgam and Glass ionomer cement. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, it can be concluded that Cention N can be used as a superior alternative when compared with Silver Amalgam and Glass ionomer cement.