Interfacial assessment of cention forte vs. equia forte and two forms of calcium silicate cements at two time intervals

This in-vitro study assessed interfacial gaps and mechanical impact of layering Cention Forte, Equia Forte restorations with two Calcium Silicate Cements (CSCs) at two time intervals. 72 primary molars were divided into six groups based on restorative material (Cention Forte, Cention Forte without primer, Equia Forte) and CSC type (MTA Angelus powder, Bio-C Repair putty). Restorations were applied immediately (subgroup A) or after CSC setting (subgroup B). SEM assessed interfacial gaps, EDX measured element migration, and Vickers microhardness tester measured microhardness. No gaps were found between CSCs and restorations. Microhardness varied significantly between subgroups A and B in some groups at 200µm and 400µm depths, suggesting delayed application of Cention Forte enhances microhardness, while immediate application of Cention Forte without primer is superior. Delayed application of Equia Forte over MTA Angelus powder also showed advantages.

Heba Abdelkafy, Nada A. Salem, Rasha Mohamed Marzouk, Alaa M. Eldehna