The Effects of Fixed Space Maintainers Luted with Resin Cement on Interleukin-18 Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid

The aim of this study was to compare periodontal parameters and IL-18 (Interleukin-18) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) following fixed space maintainers (FSMs) luted with resin cement (RC) versus glass ionomer cement (GIC) in children. This split-mouth study was conducted in 31 children aged 6 to 10 years who received FSMs after premature loss of mandibular second primary molars. Left mandibular first molars were luted with self-adhesive RC and right molars with conventional GIC. Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), and Periodontal Probing Depth (PPD) were recorded at baseline and 1 week follow-up. GCF was collected from the teeth using Periopaper® strips before luting and at the one-week follow-up and IL-18 levels were measured with ELISA. Mann-Whitney U test was used for intergroup comparisons, and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test for intragroup comparisons. Pre- and post-luting differences were analyzed, revealing no significant distinctions between the right and left sides across the PI, GI, and PPD parameters (p > 0.05). In the RC group, IL-18 measurements taken at two different intervals showed a significant difference (p = 0.036). RC-luted FSMs showed increased IL-18, suggesting a heightened inflammatory response, possibly related to RC components.