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Fluoride release from model glass ionomer cements.
A Guida1, R G Hill, M R Towler
1Department of Material Science and Technology, University of Limerick, Plassey Park, Limerick, Ireland. andrea.guida@tin.it
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|September 7, 2004
Summary
This study shows that higher fluorine content in glass ionomer cements (GICs) leads to greater fluoride release over time. This finding is crucial for developing more effective dental restorative materials.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials
- Inorganic Chemistry
Background:
- Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are widely used in dentistry for restorations due to their fluoride-releasing capabilities and aesthetic properties.
- The controlled release of fluoride from GICs is essential for their cariostatic effect, preventing secondary caries.
- Optimizing fluoride release is key to enhancing the therapeutic benefits of GICs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of varying fluoride content in synthesized fluoro-alumino-silicate glasses on the fluoride release characteristics of experimental GICs.
- To establish the relationship between glass composition, particularly fluorine content, and the kinetics of fluoride ion release.
- To evaluate the impact of substituting strontium for calcium on the fluoride release profile.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of nine fluoro-alumino-silicate glasses with compositions based on 4.5SiO(2)-3Al(2)O(3)-1.5P(2)O(5)-(5-Z)CaO-ZCaF(2), varying in fluoride content.
- Preparation of glass ionomer cement disks from the synthesized glasses.
- Measurement of fluoride ion release into distilled water over 140 days using a fluoride ion-selective electrode.
- Determination of glass transition temperature in relation to fluorine content.
Main Results:
- Fluoride ion release from the GICs was directly proportional to the initial fluorine content of the glass at all measured time points.
- The cumulative fluoride release exhibited a square root dependence on time, indicating a diffusion-controlled release mechanism.
- Increasing fluorine content in the glass led to a decrease in the glass transition temperature.
- Replacing calcium with strontium in the glass composition had a negligible effect on the fluoride release behavior.
Conclusions:
- The fluorine content of the precursor glass is a primary determinant of fluoride release from glass ionomer cements.
- The release kinetics are consistent with a diffusion-controlled process, influenced by glass structure and fluorine concentration.
- The findings provide a basis for designing GICs with tailored fluoride release profiles for enhanced clinical efficacy.