Hypermineralization of dentinal lesions adjacent to glass-ionomer cement restorations

Previous reports have shown a release of fluoride from glass-ionomer cement (GIC) restorations into the oral fluids. Fluoride in the ambient fluids has a caries-preventive effect by enhancing remineralization and inhibiting demineralization of the dental hard tissues. Therefore, the current investigation was undertaken to determine whether GIC fillings could contribute to the remineralization of caries lesions in dentin. Small circular preparations were made in disks of dentin which had incipient caries-like lesions in the remaining tissue. The preparations were filled with amalgam or composite materials (as controls) or with GIC. The specimens thus contained a restoration close to a dentinal caries-like lesion. The specimens were placed contralaterally in the buccal surfaces of removable partial dentures and were worn intra-orally by volunteers for a 12-week experimental period, after which the specimens were sectioned and analyzed by microradiography. All specimens with GIC restorations exhibited hypermineralization in the tissue bordering the filling and in the wall of the preparation which had been in contact with the restoration. The (caries-like) lesions were remineralized, even under conditions of heavy plaque formation. In contrast, specimens with amalgam or composite restorations showed further extensive demineralization. This study demonstrates a significant remineralization potential exerted by the fluoride-releasing GIC restorative material. Consequently, the choice of the restorative material might be crucial for the occurrence or prevention of recurrent caries around restorations.