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Crystal growth by restorative filling materials
Kazuhiko Endo1, Masanori Hashimoto, Katsuhiro Haraguchi
1Division of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.
European Journal of Oral Sciences
|September 14, 2010
Summary
Glass ionomer cements can mineralize tooth enamel in simulated gaps, forming calcium, phosphorus, and aluminum crystals. Compomers showed no such mineralization activity in this study.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Research
- Crystallization Studies
Background:
- Microleakage around dental restorations can lead to secondary caries and material degradation.
- Understanding the interaction between restorative materials and tooth structure is crucial for improving longevity.
- Remineralization potential of dental materials is an area of active research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mineralization ability of glass ionomer cements and a compomer in simulated interfacial gaps.
- To analyze the crystalline structures formed on tooth surfaces after material contact.
- To determine the elemental composition of any observed precipitates.
Main Methods:
- Three restorative materials (two glass ionomer cements, one compomer) were tested.
- Standardized 20-μm interfacial gaps were created between material disks and human enamel/dentin.
- Samples were stored in water for 24 hours or 1 year.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) were used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Glass ionomer cements induced hemispherical crystal formation on enamel after 1 year, absent in compomers.
- Chemical-cured glass ionomer showed greater crystal growth than dual-cured.
- Crystals contained calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and aluminum (Al), suggesting a link to the glass ionomer composition.
- No structural changes were observed on dentin surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Glass ionomer cements possess a mineralization capacity on enamel in simulated microleakage gaps.
- The observed crystals are likely derived from the glass ionomer material itself.
- Compomers do not exhibit this enamel mineralization effect under the tested conditions.
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