Glass ionomer cement inhibits secondary caries in an in vitro biofilm model

One hundred and twenty-four extracted third molars received class V cavities and were filled with one conventional (Ketac Molar/KM), and two resin-modified glass ionomer cements (Photac Fil/PF, Ketac N100/KN, 3M Espe). A bonded resin composite (Single Bond Plus/Filtek Supreme XTE) served as control. After 14 days water storage at 37 °C, specimens were thermocycled (10,000 × 5/55 °C). Over a period of 10 days, specimens were subjected to cariogenic challenge for 3/4/6 h/day. Demineralization was caused by Streptococcus mutans (DSM 20523) alternatingly being rinsed over specimens using artificial saliva. After biological loading, teeth were cut longitudinally and demineralization depths were evaluated at the margins and at a distance of 0.5 mm from the margins using fluorescence microscopy. Marginal quality was investigated under a SEM at ×200 magnification.

Four-hour demineralization depths were for enamel margins (EM), enamel (E), dentin margin (DM), and dentin (D) (μm ± SD): KM: EM 12 ± 8, E 33 ± 7, DM 56 ± 11, D 79 ± 6; PF: EM 19 ± 13, E 34 ± 13, DM 53 ± 10, D 77 ± 12; and KN: EM 26 ± 5, E 38 ± 6, DM 57 ± 11, D 71 ± 7. For all glass ionomer cements (GICs), demineralization depth at the margins was less compared to 0.5 mm distance, with demineralization depth having been correlated to duration of cariogenic challenge (ANOVA [mod. LSD, p < 0.05]). Compared to the bonded resin composite, all GICs exhibited caries inhibition at restoration margins in enamel and dentin.