1. Promoting Cellular Adhesion to Glass Polyalkenoate
Cement by Biopolymer Addition
Salem A.M., Chadwick R.G., Jones S.J., Ellis I.R
ABSTRACT
The American Academy of Operative Dentistry cites glass polyalkenoates (Glass Ionomer) as
the material of choice to restore root surface caries lesions. Although apparently successful in
the majority of cases it is not always possible to achieve a reliable seal from the oral
environment when such lesion extends subgingivally. This is due to haemorrhage impeding
placement and attachment of displaced gingival tissues.
This an in vitro project comprises two inter related strands;
a) A postal survey of UK and Libyan dentists to ascertain their management strategies on
root surface caries.
b) An investigation into the biocompatibility of two currently available glass
polyalkenoates (GC Fuji VIII, ChemFil Superior) in manufactured form and in
biologically modified forms to promote cellular attachment. Where results indicated
this was appropriate to do so.
In addition the properties of surface hardness, strength [compressive, diametral, flexural (3
point and biaxial)], diametral fatigue strength and adhesive bond strength were determined
prior to and following addition.
The results indicated that in Libya root caries was more often on interproximal surface than in
the UK. Gingival bleeding was a common clinical problem at restoration placement. Additions
of Type I Collagen and RGD to ChemFil Superior improved all physical properties measured
except shear bond strength where no detriment was observed. GC Fuji VIII was shown by cell
observation and viability tests not to be as biocompatible as ChemFil Superior.
Cell attachment to ChemFil Superior with above addition was demonstrated by MMT. It is
concluded that this approach has clinical potential to improve the restoration of root caries.