Electron probe microanalysis of ion exchange of selected elements between dentine and adhesive restorative materials.

BACKGROUND There have been numerous attempts to demonstrate the phenomenon of ion exchange between auto cure glass ionomer cements (GICs) and dentine. The purpose of this study was to employ an electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) technique to examine the interchange of elements between non-demineralized dentine and two types of restorative material, auto cure GICs and a resin composite. METHODS Restorations of auto cure GICs (Riva Fast, Fuji IX Fast, Ketac Molar Quick and Fuji VII) and a bonded composite resin were placed in each of 10 recently extracted human third molar teeth. After two weeks the restorations were sectioned and prepared for EPMA. Percentage weights of calcium, phosphorus aluminum, strontium and fluoride were calculated in the restorations 200 microm from the restorative interface and 200 microm into the dentine at 5 microm intervals. RESULTS There was evidence of calcium and phosphorus in all five auto cure GICs to a depth of 50 microm. Aluminum and strontium ions were also present in dentine except subjacent to Ketac Molar restorations. There was evidence of element transfer into composite resin and resin-bonded dentine. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this paper support the concept of ion exchange as a bonding mechanism between auto cure GIC and dentine. Element penetration into tooth structure and GIC exceeded beyond the "ion exchange layer" observed in scanning electron microscopy studies. Penetration of calcium and phosphorus into composite resin from dentine likely occurred as a result of the self-etching process dissolving calcium and phosphorus and incorporating these elements into the hybrid layer. The presence of Al and Sr ions in dentine were likely to be associated with resin tags extending into the dentine.