Permeability of Cavity Liners to Certain Agents

¹ Department of Dental Materials, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana

The permeability of three commercial cavity liners was assessed on the basis of enamel solubility tests. The varnishes tested did not completely inhibit the passage of phosphoric acid, acetic acid, or sodium fluoride, but they did greatly reduce it. The effects which some restorative materials had on tooth tissue were modified when placed over a varnish. The tendency for a fluoride-free silicate to increase enamel solubility was generally negated, while the protective effects of a fluoride-containing silicate were reduced. The action of the resins which contained fluoride was not altered by the varnishes.