Electron microprobe analysis into interactions of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement and a modified composite with human dentin in vitro.

When materials used in restorative dentistry, such as a glass-ionomer cement or a compomer, were applied to dentin, ion exchanges occur between the material and the dentin. This work is based on an assessment in vitro of the ion exchanges occurring over time between (i) a glass-ionomer cement and dentin and (ii) a compomer and dentin. An electron microprobe analysis, technique not previously used for such a study, permitted qualitative and quantitative analysis of the interface and of the peripheral dentin.