Prevention of demineralization adjacent to glass-ionomer restorations by immediate laboratory application of topical fluoride agents.

PURPOSE: To determine in the laboratory whether silver diamine fluoride (SDF) or sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish prevents demineralization adjacent to glass-ionomer restorations on root surfaces.

METHODS

45 non-carious molar roots were prepared for class V restorations and allocated into nine different groups: Fuji II LC; Fuji II LC + 38% SDF; Fuji II LC + 5% NaF; Equia Forte; Equia Forte + 38% SDF; Equia Forte + 5% NaF; Equia Forte + resin coating; Equia Forte + resin coating + 38% SDF; Equia Forte + resin coating + 5% NaF. Samples were immersed in MRS medium + 5% sucrose containing S. mutans and L. casei to develop a biofilm. Subsequently, the MRS medium was replenished daily and incubated at 37°C for 8 days. The lesion depth adjacent to the restoration was measured from images captured by a polarized light microscope. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the median depth measurements between groups. Dunn tests were used for pairwise comparison after Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

The lesion depth was least in restorations with 38% SDF and 5% NaF. Equia Forte and Equia Forte + resin coating + 5% NaF was significantly less demineralized than Fuji II LC without fluoride treatment. 38% SDF and 5% NaF varnish applied to newly placed glass-ionomer restorations reduce dentin demineralization.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The root caries could be prevented further by combining a fluoride-releasing material and applying topical fluoride agents. The immediate application of 38% SDF and 5% NaF varnish to the fluoride-releasing material may reduce the occurrence of root caries.