Penetration of ions from silicate cement restorations into Copalite--covered cavity walls

This study aimed to asses the effect of silicate cement on Copalite -covered cavity walls in extracted human teeth. Class V cavities were prepared in 24 premolars and filled with silicate cement (Bio-Trey). Four cavities were unlined, the rest of the cavities were lined with 1 or 2 layers of Copalite before insertion of the restorations. After 6 months, 70-100 microns thick longitudinal sections of the teeth were studied by polarized light microscopy, microradiography and electron probe microanalysis. When imbibed in water or quinoline, a subsurface zone of altered birefringence was noticed in nearly all cavity walls. Nearly half of the cavity walls in the experimental groups showed a surface zone of increased radiopacity. In a few instances a subsurface radiolucent zone was present. By electron probe microanalysis F (0,4-3% by weight), Zn (1-4%) and Al (0,2-6%) were measured in the outer 10-60 microns of the cavity walls. The study shows that even with a double layer of Copalite, known to prevent microleakage, a desirable uptake of F and Al from silicate restorations into cavity walls can take place. Copalite does not prevent a phosphoric acid effect on the cavity walls.