Tissue response to a glass ionomer used as an endodontic cement. A preliminary study in dogs

A glass ionomer and a standard zinc phosphate were compared with respect to their biocompatibility as endodontic cements. The tissue response was assessed by implantation of both materials in dog tibias. In general, the glass ionomer appeared to provoke a slightly lesser inflammatory response than the zinc phosphate, but this was significant only at the 10- and 30-day observations. At the end of 90 days the tissue response to the tested materials appeared to be similar and the inflammatory picture tended to be resolved with progressive new bone formation. These findings suggest that the tested glass ionomer might adequately replace the zinc phosphate cement as a luting material for endodontic implant stabilizers.