Comparison of Antibacterial Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Fluoride Release of Glass Ionomer Restorative Dental Cements in Dentistry

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, and fluoride release of 4 different glass ionomer cements (GIC). MATERIAL/METHODS: A total of 200 samples were prepared: Riva Silver, a silver-reinforced GIC; Equia Forte HT, a glass hybrid GIC; ChemFil Rock, a zinc-added GIC; and Ketac™ Molar Easymix. Using the agar diffusion test for antibacterial activity, 30 samples from each group were analyzed for Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Actinomyces naeslundii. The areas around the samples where no bacterial growth occurred were digitally measured and recorded. For cytotoxicity analysis, the WST-1 test was performed on 10 samples from each group using the L929 mouse fibroblast cell line. The fluoride release property was evaluated using an ion-selective electrode method on 10 samples from each group. RESULTS: The group that used Ketac™ Molar Easymix showed the lowest antibacterial activity against S. mutans, L. acidophilus, and A. naeslundii. In all 3 days of cytotoxicity testing, the group that used Riva Silver was found to be the least toxic material, while the group that used ChemFil Rock did not have viable cells after the 1(st) day. In all 4 materials, fluoride release values gradually increased since the first day, with Ketac™ Molar Easymix having the highest fluoride release. CONCLUSIONS: Of all the GICs tested, Ketac™ Molar Easymix demonstrated the least antibacterial activity despite having the highest fluoride release, while Riva Silver was found to be the least cytotoxic material.