The biocompatibility of glass-poly(alkenoate) (Glass-Ionomer) cements: A review

Abstract

The literature describing the biocompatibility of glass-poly(alkenoate) ('Glass-Ionomer') cements has been reviewed. This literature shows that these materials have generally good biocompatibility for both dental and orthopaedic use, this latter observation being very recent. There have, though, been a few reports showing that in certain circumstances these materials may cause pulpal irritation and the reasons for these particular findings are considered. Following discussion of the biocompatibility of Glass-Ionomer cements, consideration is given to the likely underlying causes of this feature. Three factors are identified as contributing to the biocompatibility of these cements. They are: (i) minimal exotherm on setting; (ii) rapid neutralization following mixing; and (iii) slow release of ions which are generally biologically beneficial or, at least, benign. This last point is considered in some detail. Previous studies of leaching of ions from Glass-Ionomer cements have shown that only inorganic species are released. The biological effects of each of these inorganic ions are described and their influence on biocompatibility discussed.

Degree of Conversion and Hardness of Two Different Systems of the VitrebondTM Glass Ionomer Cement Light Cured with Blue LED

“…The RMGICs are commonly used in dentistry due to the properties, such as fluoride released, biocompatibility, low shrinkage, thermal compatibility and less caries formation [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] with tooth becoming an important material for studying. The hardness is one of most important physical properties to dental materials that can evaluate the resistance by indentation.…”

“…These materials have been commonly used due to the properties of fluoride release with a potential reduction in secondary caries, thermal compatibility with tooth enamel and dentin, minimized microleakage at the modulus of elasticity similar to dentin, tooth-enamel interface due to low shrinkage and low cytotoxicity. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] The GIC sets via an acid-base reaction between calcium and/or aluminum cations released from a reactive glass and carboxyl anions pendent on polyacid. The polymer backbones of GIC has been by poly (acrylic acid) homopolymer, poly (acrylic acid-co-itaconic acid) or/and poly (acrylic acid-co-maleic acid) copolymers.…”

The role of poly(acrylic acid) in conventional glass polyalkenoate cements

“…pronounced drying of the prepared tooth prior to cementation), insufficient remaining dentin thickness, excessive pressure during cementation or increased solubility resulting from inhibited setting reaction [120,124,125]. Further details on the biocompatibility of CGPCs are presented elsewhere [9,126,127].…”

“…The reaction between both components results in a composite cement material consisting of reacted and unreacted glass particles embedded in a polysalt matrix [2][3][4]. GPCs are used in dentistry due to a selection of clinical advantages as follows [2,[5][6][7][8][9]: (a) Single-step adhesion characteristics of both enamel and dentine. These features have made them attractive candidates for expanded applications in hard tissue repair.…”

Synthesis and application of a novel star-hyperbranched poly(acrylic acid) for improved dental restoratives

“…Since their invention, these cements have been successfully applied in dentistry for almost 30 years [1][2][3][4]. The success of these cements is attributed to the facts that they are known for their unique properties such as direct adhesion to tooth structure and base metals [5,6], anticariogenic properties due to release of fluoride [7], thermal compatibility with tooth enamel and dentin because of low coefficients of thermal expansion similar to that of tooth structure [8], minimized microleakage at the tooth-enamel interface due to low shrinkage [8], and low cytotoxicity [9,10].…”