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Fluoride-releasing core build-up materials and artificial caries
P T Triolo1, J S Wefel, M E Jensen
1Center for Clinical Studies, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
American Journal of Dentistry
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Fluoride-releasing core materials significantly reduce enamel and root demineralization compared to conventional composites in an artificial caries model. These findings suggest their value in preventing tooth structure loss near restorations.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Cariology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Dental restorations, particularly core build-up materials, are crucial for tooth structure support.
- Demineralization of adjacent tooth structure remains a challenge, potentially leading to secondary caries.
- Fluoride release from restorative materials is a known strategy for caries prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of fluoride-releasing core build-up materials in preventing enamel and root demineralization.
- To compare the anti-demineralization effects of a fluoridated composite, a glass cermet, and a conventional composite core material.
- To assess the impact of thermocycling and an artificial caries challenge on tooth structure adjacent to these materials.
Main Methods:
- Thirty extracted human molars were divided into three groups: conventional composite, fluoridated composite, and glass cermet.
- Teeth underwent 350 cycles of thermocycling and a 72-hour artificial caries challenge at pH 4.2.
- Demineralization was quantified on enamel and root surfaces adjacent to the core materials using polarized light microscopy and digital image analysis.
Main Results:
- Fluoride-releasing core materials (fluoridated composite and glass cermet) significantly reduced enamel demineralization by 35% compared to conventional composite.
- Root demineralization was reduced by 20% with fluoride-releasing materials versus conventional composite.
- No significant difference in demineralization was observed between the fluoridated composite and glass cermet groups.
Conclusions:
- Fluoride-releasing core build-up materials demonstrate a significant protective effect against demineralization of adjacent enamel and root surfaces.
- These materials may be beneficial in clinical practice for preventing secondary caries around restorations.
- The study supports the use of fluoride-releasing materials as an adjunctive measure in restorative dentistry.