Comparison of the remineralisation effect of a glass ionomer cement versus a resin composite on dentin of primary teeth

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of a high viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) and a composite resin with caries affected dentin and to determine the remineralization levels. Materials and methods: In a split mouth design 24 GIC and composite resin atraumatic restorative treatment restorations were made in vivo and the teeth were collected after 2 years and subsequently sectioned and examined using Vickers microhardness test; the latter was performed starting from the dentin surface adjacent to the restoration. Repeated Measure ANOVA and Bonferroni statistical methods were used for data analysis. Results: The microhardness adjacent to the GIC restorative material resulted to be significantly higher. Conclusion: GIC resulted to be a better restorative material for the remineralization of caries affected dentin, though further studies are necessary for the corroboration of this finding. The GIC restored primary molar dentin had a higher level of remineralization and GIC could be the material of choice in pediatric dentistry.