Physicochemical and remineralisation properties of calcium silicate and glass ionomer cements applied in simulated caries-affected dentine.

Calcium silicate-based and glass ionomer cements are often used in caries-affected dentine. This study investigated the remineralising and physicochemical properties of two calcium silicates and a glass ionomer cement. Human molars with Class I cavities were subjected to pH cycling to simulate caries lesions. These were restored using two different calcium silicate cements (CTR-MTA or MTA-VOCO) or a glass ionomer cement (GIC). After storage in artificial saliva, Knoop microhardness (KHN) was measured within a 300-µm zone from the interface. Solubility, pH, calcium ion release, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were also conducted. Data were statistically analysed with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Both MTAs promoted greater remineralisation (KHN) compared to GIC. GIC showed the lowest solubility, whereas CTR-MTA demonstrated the highest solubility, followed by MTA-VOCO; the latter had the highest calcium release. Apatite deposition was observed only in the MTA groups (SEM-EDX and FTIR). MTA-VOCO demonstrated superior calcium ion release and increased dentine microhardness, although some signs of collagen degradation were also visible. Clinical relevance: GIC and calcium silicate cements may enhance mineral deposition in caries-affected dentine, though the alkalinity of MTAs might compromise collagen integrity at the bonding interface.