Aluminium and fluoride release into artificial saliva from dental restoratives placed in teeth

This study examined the release of aluminium and fluoride from restorative materials placed in either deciduous or young permanent immature teeth stored in artificial saliva for 1 month. Cavities were prepared in extracted teeth, then filled with a fluoride releasing restorative (glass-ionomer, compomer or composite resin), with and without conditioning as appropriate. The teeth were then stored in artificial saliva for 1 month, after which the amount of aluminium and fluoride released was determined spectrophotometrically. With all materials tested, both aluminium and fluoride were released in all cases. Young immature teeth were associated with lower level of ion release which was attributed to the absorption of ions by the enamel. However, unconditioned samples were usually associated with similar ion release to conditioned ones, suggesting that the loss of mineral phase on conditioning has only a marginal effect on the capacity for ion uptake. The ratio of aluminium to fluoride released varied with the type of tooth, deciduous conditioned teeth generally absorbing proportionately less aluminium than young immature teeth. The overall conclusion is that interaction with ions released by restorative materials is influenced by type of tooth.