The Electrical Conductivity and Dielectric Properties of Dental Glass Ionomer Cements: In Vitro Study

Introduction: Glass ionomer cements find extensive use as dental restoratives for their biocompatibility, favorable mechanical properties, and sustained fluoride ion release. The measurement of the dielectric constant and resistivity of these materials has been used to monitor their setting characteristics. The aims was to study the conductivity and dielectric constant of the dental glass ionomer cement. Materials and Methods: Commercially available GIC cement was mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The resistivity of the samples was measured using an Inductance(L), Capacitance(C), Resistance(R) meter. The measurements were made both in the initially set samples and after the samples were set for 24 hours. The conductivity and dielectric constant of the samples were calculated. Results: There was an increase in the resistivity of the samples and hence a decrease in the conductivity and decrease in the dielectric constant of the samples with an increase in setting time. Conclusion: With the progression of the setting reaction, the Glass ionomer cement changes from ionic to nonionic state, hence causing an increase in the resistivity and decrease in the conductivity and dielectric constant, which suggests that GIC acts as an insulator to thermal and galvanic currents.