Bioactive glass-ionomer cement with potential therapeutic function to dentin capping mineralization

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Glass-ionomer cements are widely used in dentistry.
• Developing bioactive materials with therapeutic functions is an ongoing goal.
• Dentin capping requires materials that support mineralization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel bioactive resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC) for dentin capping mineralization.
• To assess the mechanical properties and mineralization potential of the new RMGIC system.
• To investigate the in vitro effects of the bioactive glass-ionomer cement on dentin.

Main Methods:

• A novel star-shape poly(acrylic acid) was synthesized and formulated into an RMGIC with Fuji II LC filler and S53P4 bioactive glass.
• Compressive strength (CS) and microhardness were measured after conditioning in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine in vitro dentin surface changes.

Main Results:

• The developed bioactive RMGIC exhibited compressive strength comparable to the commercial Fuji II LC cement.
• The cement demonstrated the ability to promote dentin mineralization in the presence of SBF.
• SEM analysis revealed positive in vitro surface changes on dentin due to the bioactive glass incorporation.

Conclusions:

• The novel bioactive glass-ionomer cement system possesses mechanical properties suitable for dental restorations.
• This bioactive RMGIC system offers a direct therapeutic benefit by aiding dentin mineralization.
• The material shows promise for applications in dental restorations, particularly for root surface fillings.