title: Demineralisation and remineralisation of dentine caries, and the role of glass-ionomer cements.
abstract: In accordance with the principles of modern operative dentistry, to conserve tooth structure and to use therapeutic restorative materials, an understanding of the carious process in dentine and the biological properties of glass-ionomer cements (GICs) are necessary. Delineation of the outer necrotic from the inner vital and remineralisable carious dentine allows for the preservation of tooth structure. This delineation is not possible when relying on visual and tactile perceptions, but requires the use of a caries detecting dye. GICs are ideal dentine substitutes because of their anticariogenic properties, stable long-term ionic bonding, and ability to assist the process of remineralization. The range of usage of these restorative materials continues to expand with the development of improved products.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Smales
authors.forename: H K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Yip
mesh_terms: D001031:Apatites; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003094:Collagen; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003804:Dentin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D003808:Dentin Solubility; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D017001:Tooth Demineralization; D014089:Tooth Remineralization
chemical_list: D001031:Apatites; D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D003094:Collagen; D005459:Fluorides