Biomodification of Glass Ionomer Cement with Seashell Powder for Improved Restorative Strength – An In Vitro Study

Background: Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is a tooth-colored bulk placement, intrinsically adhesive restorative material with several other favorable properties including biocompatibility, fluoride release, and a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with tooth tissues.However, they lack the ideal flexural strength and wear resistance to perform satisfactorily as the posterior tooth restorative material and for carious lesions. Aims and Objectives:The aim of the present study was to compare surface microhardness of GIC and seashellreinforced GIC.Materials and Methods: The present study is of quantitative experimental type, in which ten specimens were fabricated and divided equally into two experimental groups: Group 1 (n = 5): Traditional GIC and Group 2: GIC reinforced with 10% Seashell Powder.The micro seashell powder was mixed with the GIC powder at 10% concentration (in weight).After polymerization, the glass ionomer and the reinforced glass ionomer samples were placed in a humidity-free container, where they were stored for 7 days at 37°C.Then, the samples were subjected to Vickers microhardness testing.The structural and superficial analysis of samples was performed through scanning electron microscopy.Hardness was compared and data were analyzed statistically using the Unpaired t-test.Results: Seashell-reinforced GIC showed good microhardness values, but compared to traditional GIC, it showed no statistical difference.Conclusion: Better materials with improved properties like Seashell reinforced GIC can be used in today's clinical practice.Further studies should be carried out to check other physical properties of this new material.