Effect of a calcium silicate cement and experimental glass ionomer cements containing calcium orthophosphate particles on demineralized dentin

Objective The study aims to evaluate the effect of a glass ionomer cement (GIC; Fuji 9 Gold Label, GC) with added calcium orthophosphate particles and a calcium silicate cement (CSC; Biodentine, Septodont) regarding ion release, degradation in water, mineral content, and mechanical properties of demineralized dentin samples. Methods GIC, GIC + 5% DCPD (dicalcium phosphate dihydrate), GIC + 15% DCPD, GIC + 5% β-TCP (tricalcium phosphate), GIC + 15% β-TCP (by mass), and CSC were evaluated for Ca 2+ /Sr 2+ /F − release in water for 56 days. Cement mass loss was evaluated after 7-day immersion in water. Partially demineralized dentin disks were kept in contact with materials while immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C for 56 days. The “mineral-to-matrix ratio” (MMR) was determined by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Dentin hardness and elastic modulus were obtained by nanoindentation. Samples were observed under scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Data were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey test ( α = 0.05). Results Ca 2+ release from CSC and GIC (μg/cm 2 ) were 4737.0 ± 735.9 and 13.6 ± 1.6, respectively. In relation to the unmodified GIC, the addition of DCPD or β-TCP increased ion release ( p < 0.001). Only the dentin disks in contact with CSC presented higher MMR ( p < 0.05) and mechanical properties than those restored with a resin composite used as control ( p < 0.05). Mass loss was similar for GIC and CSC; however, the addition of DCPD or β-TCP increased GIC degradation ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Despite the increase in ion release, the additional Ca 2+ sources did not impart remineralizing capability to GIC. Both unmodified GIC and CSC showed similar degradation in water. Clinical relevance CSC was able to promote dentin remineralization.