Effect of encapsulation on the fluoride release from conventional glass ionomers.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of the type of encapsulation and the batch on the fluoride release of conventionally setting glass ionomer cements Ketac-Fil and Fuji Cap II.


METHODS
Three capsule types were selected: the capsules of Ketac-Fil and Fuji Cap II, and standard capsules. Six individual series of five cylindrical specimens were made from fresh mixes and leached at 37 degrees C with 25 ml distilled water up to 56 days. A second series of five specimens per formulation in original capsules was made from fresh mixes of another batch. The fluoride concentration was determined by means of a fluoride-ion selective electrode.


RESULTS
The fluoride release profiles of a given glass ionomer formulation generally run parallel regardless of the type of encapsulation. When the amounts of fluoride released within the specific formulation were compared as a function of the capsule type, statistically significant differences were only found for Ketac-Fil. Comparing the amounts of fluoride released by different batches of a given glass ionomer formulation, statistically significant differences were only found for Fuji Cap II.


CONCLUSIONS
The type of encapsulation may affect the fluoride release of a given glass ionomer formulation quantitatively, but not qualitatively. Apparently, different batches of the same formulation may result in different amounts of fluoride released.
De Moor
Roeland J G
RJ
Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Verbeeck
Ronald M H
RM
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002214:Capsules; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D017736:Ion-Selective Electrodes; D008298:Maleates; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D002214:Capsules; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D008298:Maleates; C084541:Fuji glass-ionomer lining cement; C040964:Ketac-Fil