In vitro Study on Water Absorption of Dental Restorative Materials

Among the properties of materials for direct coronal restorations, water absorption is particularly important, influencing the mechanical properties, color and adhesion of the restorations made.The aim of this study was to compare the water absorption of six dental restorative materials, two composite, two compomers and two glass ionomers. Water absorption was determined on disk samples. 30 discs were prepared, 5 of each studied material, with a diameter of 15 mm and a thickness of 1 mm. The water absorption test was carried out based on the ISO 4049 specification. The composites and compomers showed a water absorption within the standard limits (40 mu g/mm3). Glass ionomers show high water absorption, therefore to be used as coronal restorative materials they need to be coated with a protective varnish.