Journal of Dental Research, Vol 68, 1088-1093, Copyright © 1989 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
In vitro caries-inhibitory properties of a silver cermet
E. J. Swift Jr
Department of Operative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
Recurrent caries is one of the primary causes of failure of dental
restorations. One method for reducing the frequency and severity of this
problem is the use of fluoride-releasing restorative materials. The
glass-ionomer cements are a type of fluoride-releasing material. They have
been used extensively in recent years for a variety of clinical
applications. However, in comparison with other restorative materials such
as amalgam and composite resins, glass ionomers have relatively poor
physical properties. Sintering of silver particles to glass-ionomer powder
is a means of improving these physical properties. The sintered material is
called a silver-glass ionomer or silver cermet. This study examined the in
vitro caries-inhibitory potential of a silver cement by means of two
methods. First, long-term fluoride release was measured. Second, an
artificial caries system was used for evaluation of caries inhibition by
cerment restorations in extracted teeth. In comparison with a standard
glass-ionomer restorative material, fluoride release from the cermet
material was significantly less throughout a 12-month period. The results
from the artificial caries system indicated that this decreased fluoride
release corresponded with a lesser degree of caries inhibition. Lesions
around cermet restorations in both enamel and root surfaces were
significantly more severe than those around conventional glass-ionomer
restorations. However, in comparison with amalgam and composite resin
restorations, the cermet did have some cariostatic activity.
