Biodegradation of Dental Composites/ Glass-Ionomer Cements

Abstract

Studies of the degradation processes, types of tests, and measurements and analyses of substances leaching out from resin-based composite materials and glass-ionomer cements are reviewed. For both types of materials, the initial release rate rapidly decreases to a low, but nearly constant, level. For composites, various types of degradation processes have been demonstrated. Elements from filler particles and degradation products from the resin ( e.g., formaldehyde) leak out. Many substances are not properly identified. It is, however, difficult for in vitro and in vivo degradation to be compared. For glass ionomers, a total disintegration of a surface layer is observed, together with a slow release of elements from the bulk. Of the elements released, fluoride is the most interesting. Marked differences have been shown between in vitro and in vivo solubility tests.