Fluorine uptake and crystallinity of dentin treated with glass ionomer cement containing tannin-fluoride preparation.

We investigated the fluorine uptake in various layers of bovine dentin treated with glass ionomer cement (GIC) where a tannin-fluoride preparation (HY agent) was incorporated in the cement powder at ratios of 0% (HY0), 1.5% (HY1.5), 5% (HY5), and 10% (HY10) by weight. The crystallinity of the dentin treated with the HY0 and HY10 cements was also investigated. The higher the ratio of incorporated HY agent, the deeper the penetration of fluorine in the dentin, and the greater the amount of fluorine taken up that bonded with the apatite. Compared with total fluorine uptake, more time is needed for fluorine to form a stable bond with apatite. It is also suggested that the crystallinity of dentin is enhanced when exposed to GIC containing the HY agent.