Dentin and enamel demineralization inhibition at restoration margins of Vitremer, Z 100 and Cention N

Purpose: To examine the in vitro caries inhibition of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, and a fluoride and calcium releasing resin-based composite. Methods: Standardized Class V preparations were placed in 30 molars, the gingival margin placed below the cemento-enamel junction. Randomly, 10 Vitremer, 10 Z 100 and 10 Cention N restorations were placed according to manufacturer's instructions, in 30 teeth. The Z 100 non fluoride-releasing resin-based composite group acted as the control. All teeth had an acid-resistant varnish placed to within 1 mm of restoration margins and they were placed into artificial saliva for 2 weeks, the saliva being replenished every 48 hours. All teeth were subjected to thermocycling each day and to an artificial caries challenge (pH 4.4) for one hour twice a day. Sections of 100 urn were obtained, photographed under polarized light microscopy and then demineralized areas adjacent to restorations were quantitated. Results: The mean (± S.D.) area (urn 2) demineralization 100 urn from the enamel and dentin margins were: Vitremer 1, 554 ± 1, 153, 4, 125 ± 301; Cention N 3580 ±1, 518, 6, 246 ± 630; Z 100 13, 257 ± 3, 794, 8, 842 ± 1, 799. A Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test indicated that Vitremer had significantly less enamel demineralization then Cention N (P< 0.003) and Z 100 (P< 0.001) and Cention N had significantly less enamel demineralization than Z 100 (P< 0.001) and Z 100 (P< 0.001). Vitremer also had significantly less dentin demineralization than Cention N (P< 0.001) and Cention N had significantly less dentin demineralization than Z 100 (P< 0.001).