Dentin and enamel demineralization inhibition at restoration margins of Vitremer, Z 100 and Cention N.

PURPOSE: To examine the in vitro caries inhibition of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, and a fluoride and calcium releasing resin-based composite.

METHODS: Standardized Class V preparations were placed in 30 molars, the gingival margin placed below the cemento-enamel junction. Randomly, 10 Vitremer, 10 Z 100 and 10 Cention N restorations were placed according to manufacturer's instructions, in 30 teeth. The Z 100 non fluoride-releasing resin-based composite group acted as the control. All teeth had an acid-resistant varnish placed to within 1 mm of restoration margins and they were placed into artificial saliva for 2 weeks, the saliva being replenished every 48 hours. All teeth were subjected to thermocycling each day and to an artificial caries challenge (pH 4.4) for one hour twice a day. Sections of 100 µm were obtained, photographed under polarized light microscopy and then demineralized areas adjacent to restorations were quantitated.

RESULTS: The mean (± S.D.) area (µm 2) demineralization 100 µm from the enamel and dentin margins were: Vitremer 1,554 ± 1,153, 4,125 ± 301; Cention N 3580 ± 1,518, 6,246 ± 630; Z 100 13,257 ± 3,794, 8,842 ± 1,799. A Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test indicated that Vitremer had significantly less enamel demineralization then Cention N (P< 0.003) and Z 100 (P< 0.001) and Cention N had significantly less enamel demineralization than Z 100 (P< 0.001) and Z 100 (P< 0.001). Vitremer also had significantly less dentin demineralization than Cention N (P< 0.001) and Cention N had significantly less dentin demineralization than Z 100 (P< 0.001).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Recurrent caries remains a concern and this in vitro research indicates that Cention N, as well as Vitremer may clinically inhibit caries at restoration margins.