To evaluate, using compressive strength and acid erosion tests,whether petroleum jelly and olive oil can be used as protective coatings for glass-ionomer cements used in restorative dentistry.
Method:
The study employed 2 glass-ionomer cements; Fuji IX Caps, GC (A), Ketac Molar Aplicap, 3M-ESPE (B), prepared according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline, Unilever), olive oil (Goya) and varnish (GC) were used as coatings. 6 samples of each cement (4 mm diameter, 6 mm high) were prepared for each group. They were placed in a sealed container for 1 hour at 37oC, then coated and placed in water for 23 hours, then divided into two experimental groups; group I- tested immediately for 24h compressive strength, group II- tested for 2,6 pH lactic acid erosion for 4 weeks at weekly intervals. Samples without coating served as controls. Statistical analysis used student’s t- test.
Result:
Compressive strength MPa (SD)
A+petroleum jelly |
A+olive oil |
A+varnish |
A control |
B+petroleum jelly |
B+olive oil |
B+varnish |
B control |
152.6 (3.61) |
179.5 (3.21) |
139.8 (3.04) |
130.0 (10.1) |
134.2 (2.13) |
132.6 (3.16) |
96.1 (1.34) |
Acid Erosion. Δ mass (%) after 4 weeks exposure to lactic acid
A+petroleum jelly |
A+olive oil |
A+varnish |
A control |
B+petroleum jelly |
B+olive oil |
B+varnish |
B control |
-9.0% |
-9.8% |
-10.3% |
-20.7% |
-7.7% |
-9.5% |
-9.1% |
-21.5% |
Conclusion:
Petroleum jelly and olive oil covered glass-ionomer samples showed statistically significant (p>0.001) increase in 24h compressive strength when compared to standard varnish, for both GIC A and GIC B. Erosion in lactic acid was comparable for petroleum jelly, olive oil and varnish covered glass-ionomer samples.
Petroleum jelly and olive oil seem to be better alternatives to varnish when used for coating fresh glass-ionomer cement. They also are able to cover proximal surfaces restorations in class II and III cavities.