Release of fluoride from glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) cement subjected to radiant heat.

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to examine the effect of the application of radiant heat on the fluoride release from the surface of a glass polyalkenoate cement.

METHODS

The radiant heat was applied at different intensities and for different time intervals using a high-intensity fibreoptic quartz halogen light source. A standard technique was used to measure the amount of fluoride released from one surface of a cement specimen into deionized water. Fluoride release was measured for a time period of over 2 years.

RESULTS

Results showed that fluoride was still being released 2 years after placement. The application of radiant heat did not have a statistically significant effect on the release of fluoride from the surface of this material.

CONCLUSIONS

There appeared to be a trend suggesting that the greater the amount of heat applied, the less fluoride was released from the surface of the cement. A considerable inter- and intrabatch variation was noted in the amount of fluoride released from the cement.