Comparison of Dentin Caries Remineralization with Four Bioactive Cements.

The treatment of deep carious lesions involves the use of ion-releasing agents to seal the lesions. These agents release minerals, leading to the remineralization of the remaining demineralized dentin. This study aimed to compare the dentin caries remineralization with bioactive cements. 60 Dentin blocks were prepared from the dentin of human third molars. Artificial carious lesions were induced on the blocks with pH cycling. The samples were divided into five groups (n=12). Dycal, Oxford ActiveCal PC, Biodentine, and ACTIVA BioACTIVE were applied using a mold. One group did not receive any cement. The samples were stored in remineralization solution for 30 days. The cement was removed using a #15 blade, and the dentin surface was evaluated using Energydispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction. One-way ANOVA did not show a significant difference in the weight percentages of calcium and phosphorus and the calcium-to-phosphorus ratios between the groups. The highest and the lowest weight percentages of calcium and phosphorus were observed in Biodentine and control groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in the remineralization properties of bioactive cements. Hydroxyapatite crystals were not formed in any of the adjacent dentin using these cements.

Cytotoxic Evaluation and Determination of Organic and Inorganic Eluates from Restorative Materials.

Over the last years, diverse commercial resin-based composites have dominated as dental filling materials. The purpose of the present study was to determine organic and inorganic eluates from five restorative materials using GC/MS and ICP-OES and to compare the effect on cell survival of human gingival fibroblasts of a conventional and a bioactive resin. Five commercially available restorative materials were employed for this study: ActivaTM Bioactive Restorative, ENA HRi, Enamel plus HRi Biofunction, Fuji II LC Capsule, and Fuji IX Capsule. Disks that were polymerized with a curing LED light or left to set were immersed in: 1 mL methanol or artificial saliva for GC/MS analysis, 5mL deionized water for ICP-OES, and 5mL of culture medium for cell viability. Cell viability was investigated with a modified staining sulforhodamine B assay.The following organic substances were detected: ACP, BHT, BPA, 1,4-BDDMA, CQ, DBP, DMABEE, HEMA, MCE, MeHQ, MOPA, MS, TMPTMA, and TPSb and the ions silicon, aluminum, calcium, sodium, and barium. Activa Bioactive Restorative was found to be biocompatible. Elution of organic substances depended on material's composition, the nature of the solvent and the storage time. Ions' release depended on material's composition and storage time. The newly introduced bioactive restorative was found to be more biocompatible.

Organic Eluates Derived from Intermediate Restorative Dental Materials.

A great number of different types of materials have been used in dentistry as intermediate restoratives. Among them, new resin-based bases have been released in the dental market. The present study focuses on the identification of the organic eluates released from such materials and the study of their surface microstructure in combination with their corresponding elemental composition. For this purpose, the following materials were used:ACTIVA™BioACTIVE-BASE/LINER™, Ketac™Bond Glass Ionomer, SDR™ and Vitrebond™Light Cure Glass Ionomer Liner/Base. Methanolic leachates derived from polymerized materials were analyzed by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) was used for the surface monitoring of suitably prepared specimens. The GC-MS analysis revealed the elution of twenty different substances from the three resin-based materials, while none was eluted from the glass ionomer base. The SEM analysis for Vitrebond™ presented small pits, the one for Ketac™Bond presented elongated cracks, while no voids were present for ACTIVA™BioACTIVE-BASE/LINER™ and SDR™. Moreover, the resin matrix of some dental materials may inhibit elements' accumulation on the surface layers. Particularly, the detected organic eluents may be related to potential toxic effects.

Glass-ionomer Cements in Restorative Dentistry: A Critical Appraisal.

Glass-ionomer cements (GICs) are mainstream restorative materials that are bioactive and have a wide range of uses, such as lining, bonding, sealing, luting or restoring a tooth. Although the major characteristics of GICs for the wider applications in dentistry are adhesion to tooth structure, fluoride releasing capacity and tooth-colored restorations, the sensitivity to moisture, inherent opacity, long-term wear and strength are not as adequate as desired. They have undergone remarkable changes in their composition, such as the addition of metallic ions or resin components to their composition, which contributed to improve their physical properties and diversified their use as a restorative material of great clinical applicability. The light-cured polymer reinforced materials appear to have substantial benefits, while retaining the advantages of fluoride release and adhesion. Further research should be directed towards improving the properties, such as strength and esthetics without altering its inherent qualities, such as adhesion and fluoride releasing capabilities.

Influence of heat and ultrasonic treatments on the setting and maturation of a glass-ionomer cement.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of different treatments (heat capsule, ultrasound, and dual treatments) on the setting kinetics and maturation properties of a conventional GIC (EQUIA, GC) to that of standard setting. METHODS: The optimal durations of the heat and ultrasonic treatments were determined by monitoring changes in the COO-/COOH ratio, surface hardness, and temperature within the samples. The influence of optimal treatments on the maturation properties of the GIC (microhardness, and 3-point flexural strength) were assessed using GIC samples incubated in artificial saliva for 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months. RESULTS: The optimal durations of the heat and ultrasonic treatments for accelerating setting were 5 minutes and 35 seconds, respectively. The dual treatment using the optimal conditions of the individual treatments further enhanced the setting kinetics. A temperature peak (49°C) within the GIC was detected during setting. Only the dual treatment increased the mechanical properties of the GIC after 24 hours compared to the control, while no significant difference was observed after 1 and 3 months.

Comparison of a SiO(2)-CaO-ZnO-SrO glass polyalkenoate cement to commercial dental materials: glass structure and physical properties.

Glass polyalkenoate cements (GPCs) have previously been considered for orthopedic applications. A Zn-GPC (BT 101) was compared to commercial GPCs (Fuji IX and Ketac Molar) which have a setting chemistry analogous to BT 101. Handling properties (working, T (w) and setting, T (s) times) for BT 101 were shorter than the commercial GPCs. BT 101 also had a higher setting exotherm (S (x) -34 °C) than the commercial GPCs (29 °C). The maximum strengths for BT 101, Fuji IX, and Ketac Molar were 75, 238, and 216 MPa (compressive, σ (c)), and 34, 54, and 62 MPa (biaxial flexural strengths, σ (f)), respectively. The strengths of BT 101 are more suitable for spinal applications than commercial GPCs.

Forensic study of mechanical properties of dental restoration after burial in mangrove environment.

Conducting research in the field of forensic sciences with methodologies that simulate situations found in the day-to-day practice of a given field of expertise is relevant insofar as this approach can produce results that are as close as possible to reality. In this context, the present study provided situations based on burial in a mangrove environment to estimate the changes in the mechanical properties (Knoop microhardness, roughness and color) of dental restorations utilizing silver amalgam, composite resin and glass ionomer cement over the time of burial. The silver amalgam showed a significant increase in surface roughness and a reduction in Knoop microhardness. Composite resin showed a statistically significant increase in color variation, and the glass ionomer cement showed significant increases in color variation and Knoop microhardness. These results allowed us to conclude that teeth restored with silver amalgam, composite resin and glass ionomer cement submitted to burial in mangrove environments produce different changes in surface roughness, Knoop microhardness and color properties depending on the time of burial to which the victims were submitted. These proprieties could help the forensic sciences to estimate time intervals for burial in mangrove environments.

Exploring the unexpected influence of the Si:Ge ratio on the molecular architecture and mechanical properties of Al-free GICs.

Germanium (Ge)-based glass ionomer cements have demonstrated the ability to balance strength with extended setting times, a unique set of characteristics for aluminum-free glass ionomer cements. However, the mechanical properties of current Ge-based glass ionomer cements significantly deteriorate over time, which jeopardizes their clinical potential. This work explores the effect of incrementally decreasing the Si:Ge ratio in the glass phase of zinc-silicate glass ionomer cements to identify potential mechanisms responsible for the time-induced mechanical instability of Ge-based glass ionomer cements. The influence of Ge was evaluated on the basis of changes in mechanical properties and molecular architecture of the cements over a 180-day period. It was observed that the compressive strength and modulus of the cements were sustained when Si:Ge ratios were ≥1:1, but when Si:Ge ratios are <1:1 these properties decreased significantly over time. These mechanical changes were independent of structural changes in the glass ionomer cement matrices, as the level of metal-carboxylate crosslinks remained constant over time across the various Si:Ge ratios explored. However, it was noted the temporal decline of mechanical properties was proportional to the increased release of degradation byproducts, in particular Ge that was released from the cements in substantially greater quantities than other glass constituents. Unexpectedly, the slowest setting cement (Si:Ge 1:1) was also the strongest; behavior that is uncommon in Si-based glass ionomer cements, supports the potential of Ge-containing glass ionomer cements as injectable bone cements in applications such as percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Sorción de humedad y resistencia a la disolución ácida de dos ionómeros de vidrio de restauración: estudio in vitro / Sorption of moisture and resistance to acid dissolution of two restoration glass ionomers: in vitro study

Resumen Introdución: En general el Ionómero de vidrio tiene algunas desventajas en la parte clínica, como es la fragilidad y la sensibilidad inicial a la humedad, lo que puede causar una disminución de la vida útil de la restauración. Estos efectos que sufre el ionómero como la sorción de humedad y la solubilidad a los ácidos puede causar daño a la restauración, facilitar su fractura y filtración marginal, lo que puede conllevar a una recidiva de caries y pérdida de sus propiedades. Objetivo: comparar in vitro la sorción de humedad y disolución ácida de dos ionómeros de restauración. Método: Se elaboraron 20 muestras de ionómero de vidrio Ketac molar y 20 de Fuji II. Se realizó una primera medición del peso con balanzas de precisión, obteniéndose un peso inicial. Los especímenes fueron sumergidos en agua destilada durante 24 horas, almacenadas en un calefactor; cada muestra fue pesada con una balanza de precisión, estableciéndose el porcentaje de humedad sorbida a partir del peso inicial. Posteriormente las muestras fueron sumergidas en solución de ácido cítrico al 3% durante 24 horas, para volver a ser pesadas, evaluándose la perdida de material por acción erosiva del ácido en porcentaje de peso. Conclusiones: La sorción de humedad en peso fue de 2,59% en el ketac molar y 1,45% en el Fuji II; al comparar las muestras mediante la prueba t, se obtuvo diferencias estadísticamente significativas. El porcentaje de pérdida de material por acción erosiva del ácido fue de 10,81% para Ketac molar y 18,62% para el Fuji II; al comparar las muestras mediante la prueba t, se obtuvo diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Se concluyó que la sorción de humedad fue mayor en el Ketac molar y la mayor solubilidad a la acción del ácido cítrico fue del Fuji II.

Abstract Introduction: Glass Ionomer has certain clinical disadvantages, such as fragility and moisture sensitivity, which might reduce the restauration´s lifespan. This effects, such as water absorption and acid solubility may damage the restauration, cause fracture and marginal filtration, this could trigger cavity relapse and the loss of the correct mechanical properties. Objective: Compare in vitro moisture sorption and acid solution of two restoration ionomers. Method: 20 samples of Ketac molar glass ionomer and 20 of Fuji II were made. A first weight measurement was made with precision scales, obtaining an initial weight. The specimens were submerged in distilled water for 24 hours, stored in a heater; Each sample was weighed with a precisión balance, establishing the percentage of moisture absorbed from the initial weight. Subsequently, the samples were submerged in 3% citric acid solution for 24 hours, to be re-weighed, evaluating the loss of material due to erosive action of the acid in percentage of weight. Conclusions: The moisture sorption by weight was 2.59% in the molar ketac and 1.45% in the Fuji II; When comparing the samples using the t-test, statistically significant differences were obtained. The percentage of material loss due to erosive action of the acid was 10.81% for molar Ketac and 18.62% for Fuji II; When comparing the samples using the t-test, statistically significant differences were obtained. It was concluded that the moisture sorption was higher in the molar Ketac and the greatest solubility to the action of citric acid was Fuji II.

The dissolution mechanisms of silicate and glass-ionomer dental cements.

The mechanism of dissolution of two dental cements of the acid-base setting types (silicate and glass-ionomer) is considered. Dissolution is incongruent, probably because most of the leached species can derive both from the matrix (polysalt gel) and the partly reacted glass particles. The release occurs by means of three discrete mechanisms, surface wash-off, diffusion through pores and cracks or diffusion through the bulk. Such behaviour is shown to be capable of being modelled with extremely high goodness-of-fit values, using equations such as y = const + at1/2 + bt. Analogies with research from the fields of geochemistry and nuclear fuel storage are made and these systems obey similar relationships. The dental cement systems differ, however, in that their dissolution is to some extent reversible. This is explained in terms of formation of insoluble complexes, either by reaction of the constituent ions, or by replacement of OH-, for example, with F-.

In vitro interaction between primary bone organ cultures, glass-ionomer cements and hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate ceramics.

Primary organ cultures derived from neonate rat calvaria were maintained for 2 wk and used to study in vitro response of osteoblast and periosteal cells to the component and composite forms of three different glass-ionomer (polyalkenoic) cements, comparing them to densely sintered hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate ceramics. Qualitative analysis by scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that osteoblasts colonized all the solid test materials, although there was a less favourable response to materials with a rough surface topography and to unset and fluoride-containing glasses. On solid materials migrated cells maintained their tessellated morphology and exhibited numerous micro-appendages anchoring them to the surface of the test materials. A collagen-containing extracellular matrix was elaborated on to the ceramics and set glass-ionomer cements, except for one (AquaCem). Mineralization of the extracellular matrix was seen adjacent to hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate ceramics, that adjacent to the latter morphologically resembling bone.

Glass ionomer cement: evidence pointing to fluorine release in the form of monofluorophosphate in addition to fluoride ion.

The fluoride ion released from glass ionomer cements into water is reportedly, in part, complexed with other elements present in the cement. When measured using ion selective electrode potentiometry (ISE) a decomplexant TISAB IV (T) is used to convert all fluoride to F- ion which the ISE can detect. In this study, an additional decomplexing procedure (H) designed to hydrolyse fluorine covalently bonded to phosphorus in the monofluorophosphate (MFP) ion into F- was also used. The soluble products from three glass ionomers were analysed by both techniques (H & T). Five 1 x 10 mm discs were each immersed in 10 ml of de-ionised water. This was changed and 4 ml analysed by T and 4 ml by H at 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 21, 24, 28, and 31 days. H was greater than T for 161 of the 165 pairs ( chi2=74.7, p=<0.001 ). The total cumulative F release H (in micromol/g cement) at 31 days for AH2 was 122.3, s.d. 30.8; LG26 44.0, s.d. 1.55; LG30 10.0, s.d. 3.15 as compared T results of 100.1, s.d. 31.1; 30.3, s.d. 1.92; 3.7, s.d. 1.36, respectively. In all three cases the H was significantly greater than T (matched pair 't' test with p=0.01 or less). H-T was show to have a very strong associative relationship with t1/2 (R2=0.98 or greater p<0.001 ). Evaluating the ratio of P:F in the cements in comparison with the ratio of additional F measured by H to that measured by T produced a relationship log[(H-T)/T]=0.28 x log[P/F]-0.45 with R2=0.999. It is concluded that glass ionomers release more fluorine than is detected by ISE using TISAB IV. If this F is in the form of MFP this may be released more completely into saliva than F as F-, release of which is substantially reduced by Ca2+, since calcium monofluorophosphate is more soluble than CaF2.

Characterisation of commercial ionomer glasses using magic angle nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR).

Five commercial ionomer glasses (Fuji IX, Ketac Molar, G338, G2, and G2SR) used to produce glass (ionomer) polyalkenoate dental cements were studied. 29Si, 27Al, 31P and 19F magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) Spectroscopy was used to characterise the glasses and the resulting spectra compared with previous studies of model glasses. The 29Si NMR spectra were consistent with Q4(3Al) and Q4(4Al) units being present and agreed with the low non-bridging oxygen contents calculated from the elemental composition. The 27Al NMR spectra typically exhibited three distinct sites at 45-60, 20 and 0 ppm which have been attributed to Al(IV), Al(V) and Al(VI) coordinate aluminium. The presence of Al(V) and Al(VI) are consistent with previous studies of model ionomer glasses. The 31P spectra all exhibited a chemical shift between -8 and -23 ppm with the exception of the Ketac Molar glass, which exhibited a peak at 2-3 ppm consistent with orthophosphate. The chemical shift of 31P in the range -8 to -23 ppm indicates a PO(4) tetrahedra surrounded by 1-4 Al moieties. The (19)F NMR spectra indicated the presence of Al-F-Ca(n) in the G2 and G338 glasses, Al-F-Sr(n) in the G2SR and Fuji IX glasses and crystalline CaF2, LaF3, Al-F-Ca(n) in the Ketac Molar glass. The G338 glass with a high non-bridging oxygen content showed the presence of a F-Ca(n) species. There was also present in all the glasses a peak corresponding to Al-F-Na(n). The intensity of this peak was approximately proportional to the sodium content.

FTIR investigation of monomer polymerisation and polyacid neutralisation kinetics and mechanisms in various aesthetic dental restorative materials.

Diamond ATR FTIR has been used to quantify light catalysed polymerisation and polyacid neutralisation rates in various glass ionomer cements (GIC), resin-modified GICs (RMGIC) and compomers. At 150s after the start of light exposure, levels of methacrylate polymerisation on the lower surfaces of 1mm thick specimens were 97% and 98% for the RMGIC, Vitremer and Fuji II LC and 47% and 37% for the compomers, Compoglass and Dyract. After light exposure, polymerisation rates for the compomers decreased linearly with inverse time. By 50,000s Compoglass and Dyract were 62% and 51% polymerised. Initial rate of polyacid neutralisation in the GIC Shofu HIFI was 0.32 times that of Fuji IX GIC. Those in Vitremer, Fuji II LC, Compoglass and Dyract were 0.16, 0.09, 0.004 and 0.004 times that of Fuji IX. Excluding short initial periods, log of neutralisation rates decreased linearly with log-time. Average gradients were -1.35 for the GIC, -0.80 for the RMGIC and -0.59 for the compomers. By 50,000s, polyacid salt concentrations for the RMGIC and compomers were 0.41 and 0.016 times that of the GIC. Reaction mechanisms have been discussed and used to help interpret material mechanical properties, fluoride release rates and adhesion to tooth structure.

Dielectric properties of glass ionomer cements--further studies.

Two recent proprietary glass ionomer cements showed that in the early stages of set the changes in relative permittivity (dielectric constant) and resistivity were rapid. However, when set, measurements indicated that the cements were highly ionic and polar and behaved similarly to the glass ionomer cements previously reported.

Glass-ionomer cements of improved flexural strength.

The effect of glass and polyacid composition on cement strength has been investigated with a view to improving the glass-ionomer cements. The flexural strength of glass-ionomer cements was found to be greatly dependent on the glass and polyelectrolyte used to prepare them. Opaque and opal glasses containing crystallites tended to yield cements with high flexural strength. Flexural strength was also found to be increased by increasing the molecular weight of the polyacid. In water-setting systems, cement strength was shown to be critically dependent on the glass/polyacid ratio.

Reactivity of fluoride-containing calcium aluminosilicate glasses used in dental glass-ionomer cements.

The glass component critically determines the properties of glass-ionomer cements (GIC). However, the exact relationship between the composition of the glass and these properties is not yet fully understood. To investigate this relationship, we studied the reactivity of glasses used in commercial GIC in acetic acid solutions, using a pH-stat method. Qualitative differences in the leaching behavior of these glasses can be explained by different pre-treatments. Acid-washing and silanization modify the surfaces of the glass particles, thus inducing a delay of the leaching process, whereas untreated glasses exhibit a fast initial leaching, but their acid reactivity slows very soon. Quantitative differences in acid reactivity can be correlated with the mean chemical composition of the glasses. In this respect, the leaching tends to increase with an increasing ratio of network-dwelling cations to Al3+ ions. These results provide a fundamental basis for the explanation, prediction, and control of cement properties as a function of glass characteristics.

The short-term fluoride release of a hand-mixed vs. capsulated system of a restorative glass-ionomer cement.

The present study investigated whether variability in fluoride release was reduced by use of a capsulated system as compared with a hand-mixed system based on the same qualitative and quantitative glass-ionomer formulation. Five operators independently prepared five disks of each type of glass-ionomer restorative filling material. The amount of fluoride released in water by each specimen after 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14 days was determined. The variance and the mean value of the fluoride release at a given time were independent of the operator, regardless of the glass-ionomer system considered. However, the variance and the mean value of the fluoride release at a given time were considerably greater for the capsulated system than for the hand-mixed system. A regression analysis further showed that the cumulative amount of fluoride released, [F], as a function of the time t conformed to [F] = a[1 - exp (-bt)] + ct0.5 for each glass-ionomer specimen, suggesting the simultaneous occurrence of two processes. Whereas the parameter b was the same for the hand-mixed and capsulated system and was independent of both a and c, the latter parameters were positively correlated. Moreover, the values for a and c were significantly greater for the capsulated system. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that the mixing process drastically influences the short-term as well as the long-term fluoride release.

Glass-ionomer cement formulations. II. The synthesis of novel polycarobxylic acids.

The synthesis of many polycarboxylic acids is reported. An account is given of their stability in aqueous solution and the properties of cements formed by their reaction with ion-leachable glasses. A copolymer of acrylic and itaconic acids was found to combine several favorable characteristics.

Residual monomer/additive release and variability in cytotoxicity of light-curing glass-ionomer cements and compomers.

In previous studies, light-cured glass-ionomer cements have been shown to evoke cytotoxic reactions. It was the purpose of this investigation (a) to determine the nature of the ingredients released into an aqueous medium from 2 light-cured glass-ionomer cements (GICs) and 3 compomers; (b) to evaluate the cytotoxicity of these extracts; and (c) to correlate the extent of the cytotoxic effects with eluted substances. Specimens of 2 light-cured GICs and 3 compomers were prepared and extracted in distilled water or cell culture medium for 24 hrs (surface-liquid ratio 42.4 mm2/mL). The aqueous eluates were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The relative amounts of the components released from various products were compared by means of an internal caffeine standard [%CF]. For evaluation of cytotoxic effects, permanent 3T3 fibroblasts were incubated with medium extracts for 24 hrs. In addition, the ED50 concentration of the photoinitiator diphenyliodoniumchloride (DPICl) was determined. In all extracts, several water-elutable organic substances were found: (Co)monomers (especially HEMA and ethylene glycol compounds), additives (e.g., camphorquinone and diphenyliodoniumchloride), and decomposition products. The extracts of 3 products inhibited cell growth only moderately, whereas the light-cured GIC Vitrebond and the compomer Dyract Cem revealed severe cytotoxic effects. Vitrebond liberated the initiator DPICl, whereas Dyract Cem segregated a relatively high quantity [2966 %CF] of the comonomer TEGDMA in comparison with the other products. The present data show that TEGDMA and DPICl may be regarded as the prime causes for cytotoxic reactions evoked by the investigated light-cured glass-ionomer cements or compomers. Therefore, leaching of these substances should be minimized or prevented.