Clinical effects of glass ionomer restorations on residual carious dentin in primary molars

Purpose: To evaluate the mineralization and morphology of residual (infected and affected) carious dentin following the restoration of vital primary molars with viscous glass-ionomer cement (GIC). Methods: Encapsulated Fuji IX GP and Ketac-Molar Aplicap GICs were placed in cavities that were prepared using the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) approach. Four suitable exfoliated teeth with intact restorations were sectioned and then examined by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: EPMA demonstrated the presence of fluorine and strontium that had penetrated into the underlying residual carious dentin from the adjacent GIC. The concentrations of these two elements, and those of calcium and phosphorous, varied with distance from the GIC/dentin interface. SEM showed varying degrees of dentin tubule destruction and intratubular (peritubular) dentin present immediately subjacent to the GIC/dentin interface. Incomplete removal of carious dentin was observed in all specimens, and GIC remained adherent to the tissue.