Effects of glass ionomer cement on facial nerve: a clinical and histopathologic evaluation

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and histopathologic effects of glass ionomer cement (GIC) on facial nerve.

Eight Wistar albino rats were included in the study. Under general anesthesia, bilateral facial nerves of rats were dissected. Saline was injected into right facial nerves, while GIC was dropped on left facial nerves. Facial nerve functions of the rats were evaluated using mustache and bling reflex scores everyday along 14 days. On the 14th day, rats were sacrificed, and facial nerves examined in terms of inflammation, granulation tissue, and foreign body reaction. The clinical and histopathologic changes on facial nerves were compared for both groups.

In clinical evaluation, facial nerve functions did not significantly differ between two groups (p = .301). On histopathologic examination, bone cement group had significantly more foreign body reaction, granulation tissue, and inflammation compared with the control group (p = .001; p = .002; p = .003, respectively).

Bone cement directly applied on the nerve causes foreign body reaction increased inflammation and granulation tissue. Nonetheless it does not lead to a permanent facial nerve dysfunction.