The impact of CENTION-N compared to glass-ionomer cement on shear bond strength and micro-leakage of primary teeth restorations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

One of the main goals in pediatric dentistry is to perform effective treatments with minimal intervention and in the shortest possible time. New restorative materials for primary teeth, such as Cention-N, may overcome the mechanical limitations of Glass-Ionomer Cement (GIC). This study systematically reviews the shear bond strength (SBS) and micro-leakage of GIC and Cention-N in primary teeth. This research was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis. Comprehensive searches were carried out in reputable databases including Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane up to December 2024. Relevant in vitro studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected and assessed using the QUIN checklist. Data were analyzed with CMA software. The I2 test evaluated heterogeneity, and the Begg test detected publication bias. Out of 179 articles identified, 12 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Ten of these were eligible for meta-analysis. The results showed that the SBS of Cention-N was significantly higher than that of GIC when bonding agents were used (Standardized Mean Difference SMD: 5.61; 95% CI: -6.99 to -4.23; P < 0.001). Additionally, micro-leakage of Cention-N was significantly lower compared to GIC under the same conditions (SMD: 1.7; 95% CI: 0.85 to 2.54; P < 0.001). Cention-N, with its superior mechanical properties and reduced micro-leakage when bonding agents were used, appears to be a promising option for primary tooth restorations, especially in stress-bearing areas.