Comparison of remineralization ability of tricalcium silicate and of glass ionomer cement on residual dentin: an in vitro study

Objective This study aimed to compare the remineralization effects of a calcium silicate-based cement (Biodentine) and of a glass ionomer cement (GIC: Fuji IX) on artificially demineralized dentin. Methods Four standard cavities were prepared in dentin discs prepared from 34 extracted sound human third molars. In each disc, one cavity was covered with an acid-resistant varnish before demineralization (Group 1). The specimens were soaked in a chemical demineralization solution for 96 h to induce artificial carious lesions. Thereafter, one cavity each was filled with Biodentine (Group 2) and GIC (Group 3), respectively, and one carious lesion was left unrestored as a negative control (Group 4). Next, specimens were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 21 days. After cross-sectioning the specimens, the Ca/P ratio was calculated in each specimen by using scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Finally, data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni correction. Results Both cement types induced dentin remineralization as compared to Group 4. The Ca/P ratio was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 3 (p < 0.05). Conclusion The dentin lesion remineralization capability of Biodentine is higher than that of GIC, suggesting the usefulness of the former as a bioactive dentin replacement material. Clinical relevance Biodentine has a higher remineralization ability than that of GIC for carious dentin, and its interfacial properties make it a promising bioactive dentin restorative material.