Radiopacities of glass ionomer cements measured with direct digital radiographic system.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the radiopacities of 5 glass ionomer cements (GICs) of different thickness using a digital radiographic system-storage phosphor plate. METHODS: The GICs tested were Vitremer, Vitrofil LC, Magic Glass, Vitromolar, and Maxxion, distributed into the orifices of 16 acrylic plates made to a thickness of 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm. Each plate was radiographed 3 times, and the images obtained were processed by computer. The images were read 3 times using the VixWin 2000 program, totaling 720 readings of radiographic density. One-way analysis of variance was applied for statistical analysis with identification of differ- ences using Scheffe's multiple comparisons test (α=5%). RESULTS: All the GICs varied in radiopacity according to thickness. Maxxion showedthe lowest value of radiopacity, whereas Magic Glass displayed the highest level of radiopacity at all thicknesses studied. However, Vitremer and Vitrofil LC showed similar results. CONCLUSION: It is important to know GIC radiopacities to help differentiate them from tooth structure and carious lesions as well as to use them correctly.