Water sorption, solubility, expansion, and brushing abrasion of different temporary filling materials

Purpose: To compare three different zinc oxide/calcium sulfate-based temporary filling materials [Cavit G (3M ESPE), i-Pro N (i-dental), Cavitimi (Imicryl)] regarding water sorption, solubility, expansion, and brushing abrasion.
Methods: Twelve cylindrically shaped samples (6 × 2 mm) were prepared from each material to determine water sorption, solubility, and expansion. The dry mass (m1) and diameter (d1) of the samples were measured after desiccation, followed by measurement of the saturated masses (m2) and diameters (d2) after 7 days of immersion in water, and then measurement of the dehydrated dry masses (m3). Using these values, the water sorption, solubility, and expansion of the materials were calculated. Ten cylindrically shaped samples (8 × 2 mm) were prepared to evaluate mass changes due to brushing abrasion and their masses were recorded before and after brushing. One-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Significant differences were observed in the solubility (p< 0.05). Cavit G showed the highest solubility values, whereas Cavitimi exhibited the least. Mass loss and expansion values were significantly higher in Cavitimi (p< 0.05). Cavitimi showed the least water sorption (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: Cavitimi, a new temporary filling material, showed the highest mass loss and expansion, but the lowest values for solubility and water sorption. Cavit G exhibited the greatest solubility.