Effects of environmental calcium and phosphate on wear and strength of glass ionomers exposed to acidic conditions.

This study evaluated the effects of environmental calcium and phosphate on wear resistance, strength, and surface morphology of highly viscous glass-ionomers (HVGICs) (Fuji IX Fast [FN] and KetacMolar [KM]) when exposed to acidic conditions. Fabricated specimens were randomly divided into five groups and kept in acidic solutions (pH 3) with varied levels of calcium and phosphate ranging from 0 to 2.4 mM. After 4 weeks of conditioning, the specimens were subjected to wear testing, shear punch, and surface roughness testing as well as SEM evaluation. Multiple comparisons of wear depth (microm), shear strength (MPa), and surface roughness (Ra) between acidic conditions were performed using ANOVA/post-hoc Scheffe's test (p < 0.05). Results showed that FN and KM exposed to acidic conditions had varied wear resistance, shear strength, surface roughness, and structure depending on environmental phosphate level. Increased level of environmental phosphate led to rougher surface, greater wear resistance, and strength of FN and KM than the controls (acid of pH 3). Under SEM, the surface of both FN and KM specimens were covered by numerous small particles when environmental phosphate was high. Results suggest that environmental phosphate may improve wear resistance and shear strength of HVGICs when challenged by acids.