title: In vitro caries-inhibitory properties of a silver cermet.
abstract: Recurrent caries is one of the primary causes of failure of dental restorations. One method for reducing the frequency and severity of this problem is the use of fluoride-releasing restorative materials. The glass-ionomer cements are a type of fluoride-releasing material. They have been used extensively in recent years for a variety of clinical applications. However, in comparison with other restorative materials such as amalgam and composite resins, glass ionomers have relatively poor physical properties. Sintering of silver particles to glass-ionomer powder is a means of improving these physical properties. The sintered material is called a silver-glass ionomer or silver cermet. This study examined the in vitro caries-inhibitory potential of a silver cement by means of two methods. First, long-term fluoride release was measured. Second, an artificial caries system was used for evaluation of caries inhibition by cerment restorations in extracted teeth. In comparison with a standard glass-ionomer restorative material, fluoride release from the cermet material was significantly less throughout a 12-month period. The results from the artificial caries system indicated that this decreased fluoride release corresponded with a lesser degree of caries inhibition. Lesions around cermet restorations in both enamel and root surfaces were significantly more severe than those around conventional glass-ionomer restorations. However, in comparison with amalgam and composite resin restorations, the cermet did have some cariostatic activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Swift
mesh_terms: D016722:Cermet Cements; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003738:Dental Cements / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008298:Maleates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012834:Silver
chemical_list: D016722:Cermet Cements; D003722:Dental Alloys; D003738:Dental Cements; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D008298:Maleates; D012834:Silver; C040964:Ketac-Fil; D005459:Fluorides