In vitro study of the caries inhibition properties from fluoride releasing materials

Abstract

Second caries around restorations is a major cause for their replacement. Restorative materials that release fluoride are assumed to inhibit marginal caries formation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the caries inhibition potential of resin ionomers vs. Fluoride releasing composites. Material tested included Group 1: Photac-Fil (ESPE), Group 2: Vitremer (3M), Group 3: Fuji II LC (GC), Group 4: Fluorocore (Caulk), Group 5: Heliomolar (Vivadent), Group 6: (Control) Z100 (3M). Standardized Class V cavities were prepared in the buccal or lingual aspects of 30 extracted permanent molars. The occlusal margins were placed in enamel and the gingival margins below the cementoenamel junction. Ten teeth were restored with each of the restorative materials. All treated teeth were coated with a layer of acid resistant varnish to within 1 mm. of the restorative margins. Specimens were thermocycled between 50 and 600C 300 times then cycled through an artificial caries challenge for five days. Teeth were then cut longitudinally through the restorations and thin sections ground to 100 [mu]m thickness. The sections were observed and photographed under polarized light microscopy and projected into a digitizing pad. Demineralized areas within 100 [mu]m from the restorative margm were quantified. [TRUNCATED]