Artificial secondary caries around two new F-containing restoratives

Replacement of restorations due to secondary caries is a continuing problem in restorative dentistry. This investigation evaluated the ability of two new light-cured fluoride-containing restorative materials to inhibit caries in vitro. Class 5 cavities were prepared in buccal and lingual surfaces of 20 extracted premolars. The occlusal cavosurface margin of each preparation was on enamel and the gingival cavosurface margin was on root surface. The four materials used were: glass-ionomer cement (Fuji II), composite resin (Silux Plus), light-cured glass ionomer (Vitremer), and compomer (Dyract). After 5 weeks in an acid gel for caries-like lesion formation, the teeth were sectioned longitudinally and examined with polarized light. The results showed that use of a light-cured glass ionomer and/or compomer may prevent both secondary caries around restorations and primary caries in surface enamel adjacent to the restorations.