The Usage of Glass Ionomer Cements in Dental Medicine for Reconstructions in Heat Region

The glass ionomer cements (GIC) belong to the type of acid-base materials.

They are combination of weal polymeric aced and powdered glasses, which react in mixing. Setting occurs in concentrated solutions in water in the final structure contains a substantial amount of unreacted glass which acts as filler to reinforce the set cement.

In the pediatric dentistry GIC are the most useful material for obturations of primary teeth.

They are composed of Silicate glass containing Ca, Al, F, polycarboxylic acid.

The glass ionomer cements are used for cementation of stainless steel crowns.

Glass ionomer may be used as a liner for resins and conservative restorations in primary teeth.

The particles in glass ionomer cement are usually larger than those found in glass ionomer bases. There is less particle surface area available for reaction in the cement; therefore, the cement sets more slowly than the base, allowing more working time.

The importance of accuracy in the liquid/powder ratio of glass ionomer cement has been discussed.

Encapsulated, premeasured cement is available and may be considered for clinical use.

Automix syringe tips are available for the resin-modified glass ionomer materials as well. Bioactive cements have more recently become available in the marketplace.

These cements have glass particles incorporated into a resin matrix and have the advantage of bonding to tooth structure.

The cements release calcium and fluoride.

Manufacturers recommend these cements for cementing stainless steel, porcelain, and zirconia crowns.

The advantages of this GIC are: The working time – short – medium, short setting time, high compressive strength, medium bond strength to dentin, the release of fluoride, low pulpal response, moderate removal of excess.

This hybrid material has been successfully used as bone cements, for bridging the incudostapedial joint, the incus augmentation, as well as for the fixation of stapes prostheses. Regarding the missing long process of incus, ossicular chain reconstruction as a Type II tympanoplasty using ionomeric cement achieves a statistically significantly better hearing gain (p = 0.0003 at 1 kHz) than an autograft incus interposition using titanium-gold-angle prosthesis. Ossicular chain reconstruction with ionomeric cement as the procedure is easy to perform, presents less risk of damage to the stapes and cochlea, requires less extensive surgery and does not exclude other surgical methods in cases of reoperation.

The bioacompability, osteoconductive behavior and ability to bond with bones, teeth and metals of GIC have generated interest in the material for medical application and usage in dental medicine.