The release of fluoride from two products of alginate impression materials

The purpose of this study was to determine the fluoride content of two products of alginate and the possible fluoride transfer to the teeth, saliva and blood. The total fluoride content of Zelgan normal-set and Kerr alginate fastset powder was assayed by direct diffusion and diffusion of the ash. The soluble fluoride leaching out in water over 24 hour was also determined. The results show that the fluoride contents of Zelgan and Kerr alginate powders are about 1.9% and 1.5% fluoride, respectively. Of the fluoride present in Zelgan and Kerr approximately 6.5% and 5.8%, respectively, leached out in 400 ml deionized water. The fluoride uptake was estimated in two adjacent enamel layers each approximately 7 micrometers thick, using 10 teeth exposed for 5 minutes and 18 h to the alginate gel (Zelgan). The results of acid etch microsamplings indicate a significant increase in the fluoride concentration of the first enamel layer after both 5 min and 18 h exposure. Fluoride uptake within the second enamel layer was insignificant, however. Fluoride transfer to the oral saliva and to the blood was evident after impression taking.