Effect of fluoride-releasing liner on demineralized dentin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the remineralization of residual demineralized dentin underneath restorations by fluoride-releasing liners in vitro.

Two glass-ionomer cement liners, Lining Cement (GC) and RK-141A (GC), and two light-cured resin liners with and without 5 wt% NaF were used in this study. The resin liners were made by mixing TEGDMA and bis-GMA. Class 5 cavities were prepared on extracted human premolars. Demineralized dentin was promoted by using a bacterial caries induction system at the cavity floor. Cavities were restored with a resin composite following application of each liner. Specimens were then stored for 4 weeks at 37 degrees C and 100% humidity. After storage, the specimens were cut through the restorations, and axial sections of about 80-microm thickness were prepared. Contact microradiographs were taken, and the radiopacity of the demineralized dentin layer underneath the liner was analyzed.

The ratios of radiopacity of demineralized dentin under the fluoride-releasing liners were significantly higher than those under the resin liner without fluoride release. Although the amounts of fluoride release from the glass-ionomer cement liners were lower than that from the resin liner with fluoride release, there were no significant differences in the ratios of radiopacity in demineralized dentin layers among the 3 liners with fluoride release.

Although the fluoride released from liners can enhance remineralization of demineralized dentin, the amount of fluoride release does not affect the ratio of radiopacity in the remineralized dentin.