Long-term evaluation of the remineralization of interproximal caries-like lesions adjacent to glass-ionomer restorations: a micro-CT study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the remineralization of incipient artificial interproximal caries in the presence of three glass-ionomer cements (highly-filled glass-ionomer cement, compomer, resin-modified glass-ionomer cement) and a resin composite (control).


METHODS
Proximal restorations were simulated by placing tooth specimens and the various glass-ionomer cements in closed containers with artificial saliva at 37 degrees C and pH 7.0 for 30 days with constant circulation. Tomographic images were obtained with a micro CT scanner at 90, 180, and 270 days, and density-measuring software was used to calculate the micro-density of artificial caries lesions in the specimens. The mean density changes were compared between groups in order to evaluate the effects of remineralization. All data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the post-hoc Tukey multiple comparison test at P < 0.05.


RESULTS
While the density of artificial caries lesions increased for all treatments, the increases for the three glass-ionomer groups were significantly higher than that for the resin group in each 3-month period. As time increased, the amount of density also increased for the glass-ionomer groups, and significant differences were found between the remineralization effects of the glass-ionomer groups. The micro CT proved to be an effective evaluation method.
Lee
Hyeok-Sang
HS
Dental Research Institute and Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
Berg
Joel H
JH
García-Godoy
Franklin
F
Jang
Ki-Taeg
KT
D020770:Compomers / Q000737:chemistry; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods*; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000737:chemistry; D012464:Saliva, Artificial / Q000737:chemistry; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods*
D020770:Compomers; D003188:Composite Resins; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D019279:Resin Cements; D012464:Saliva, Artificial