Comparative evaluation of tensile bond strength of two different luting cements (Zinc phosphate and Zinc polycarboxylate) used in dentistry

Background: This study was conducted for comparative evaluation of tensile bond strength of two different luting cements (Zinc phosphate and Zinc polycarboxylate) used in dentistry. Materials & methods: In the present study, one hundred freshly extracted maxillary first premolars were employed. The samples were meticulously cleaned and preserved in sterile saline for future use. Upon completion of the cavity preparation, castings made of type IV dental stones were placed into each specimen. Wax patterns were utilized for the casting process. Subsequently, the castings underwent polishing, devesting, and finalization. The specimens were categorized into two research groups as follows: Group A consisted of teeth treated with zinc phosphate, while Group B comprised of teeth treated with zinc polycarboxylate. The mean tensile strength was determined using a universal testing apparatus. All results were analyzed using SPSS software and subsequently compiled into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. A student t test was conducted to assess the level of significance. Results: In group A, there were 50 teeth treated with zinc phosphate and in Group B, there were 50 teeth treated with zinc polycarboxylate cement. The samples from Group A and Group B exhibited mean tensile strengths of 4.52 MPa and 3.56 MPa, respectively. Notable results emerged from the statistical analysis comparing the mean tensile strengths of groups A and B. Conclusion: It has been determined that the average tensile strength of Zinc phosphate cement significantly exceeds that of Zinc polycarboxylate cement.