Pulpal response to an anhydrous glass ionomer luting cement

This investigation was designed to study the pulpal responses to Aquacem, an anhydrous glass ionomer luting cement, and to compare the results with those previously obtained for a conventional glass ionomer luting cement, Chembond. The study was carried out according to the BSI (1980) recommendations for testing restorative materials in vivo. Aquacem caused more pulpal inflammation than the control material, Kalzinol, though by an indirect mechanism. The statistical model demonstrated a significant association between bacterial presence within the experimental cavity and pulpal inflammation. The type of restorative material has no direct association with the degree of inflammation, but the model suggests that it exerts an indirect influence via its antibacterial properties and hence its influence on microbial microleakage.