Effect of Glass Ionomer and Polycarboxylate Cements on Gingival Health of Primary Molars Restored with Stainless Steel Crown

Introduction: Glass ionomer and polycarboxylate cement have different effects on the marginal seal, microleakage, pulp tissue stimulation, and gingival health. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of these cement on the gingival health of primary molars restored with stainless steel crowns (SSC). Methods: A total number of 34 children were selected who were within the age range of 4-7 years and required SSCs on both sides. The selected teeth were identical in terms of the dental arch and tooth number. After preparing the teeth, glass ionomer and polycarboxylate were used randomly on each side to cement SSCs. After placing the crowns, parents were asked to maintain the oral hygiene of their children by brushing and flossing their teeth. Subsequently, 6 months after the crown cementation, the gingival index, plaque index, and additional cement were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS software (version 25) using Wilcoxon Rank, Chi-square, and binary logistic regression tests. Results: There was more gingival inflammation in the group of teeth that used polycarboxylate as cement (P=0.022) and in the lower arch (P=0.007). The plaque index was significantly lower 6 months after the crown cementation (P<0.001). Conclusion: Based on the results, gingivitis is less prevalent in primary molars with SSCs cemented with glass ionomer. Moreover, maxillary primary molars have a lower rate of gingivitis after placing SSCs. Besides, gender and tooth numbers did not affect the gingival health of primary molars restored with SSCs Introduction: Glass ionomer and polycarboxylate cements have different effect on marginal seal, microleakage, pulp tissue stimulation and gingival health. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of these cements on gingival health of primary molars restored with stainless steel crowns. Methods: A total number of 34 children between 4 to 7 years old who required stainless steel crowns bilaterally were selected. Selected teeth were the same in terms of dental arch and tooth number. After preparing the teeth, glass ionomer and polycarboxylate were used randomly in each side to cement SSCs. After placing the crowns, parents were asked to be responsible for their children’s oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing. 6 months after crown cementation, gingival index, plaque index and additional cement were evaluated. Statistical analysis were performed by SPSS V.25 using Wilcoxon Rank, Chi-square and binary logistic regression tests. Results: There was more gingival inflammation in the group of teeth that used polycarboxylate as cement (P=0.022) and in the lower arch (P=0.007). The plaque index was significantly lower 6 months after crown cementation (P