| Summary: | The American Academy of Operative Dentistry cites glass polyalkenoates (Glass Ionomer) as the material of choice to restore root surface caries lesions. Although apparently successful in the majority of cases it is not always possible to achieve a reliable seal from the oral environment when such lesion extends subgingivally. This is due to haemorrhage impeding placement and attachment of displaced gingival tissues. This in vitro project comprises two inter related strands; a) A postal survey of UK and Libyan dentists to ascertain their management strategies on root surface caries. b) An investigation into the biocompatibility of two currently available glass polyalkenoates (GC Fuji VIII, ChemFil Superior) in manufactured form and in biologically modified forms to promote cellular attachment. Where results indicated this was appropriate to do so. In addition the properties of surface hardness, strength [compressive, diametral, flexural (3 point and biaxial)], diametral fatigue strength and adhesive bond strength were determined prior to and following addition. The results indicated that in Libya root caries was more often on interproximal surfaces than in the UK. Gingival bleeding was a common clinical problem at restoration placement. Additions of Type I Collagen and RGD to ChemFil Superior improved all physical properties measured except shear bond strength where no detriment was observed. GC Fuji VIII was shown by cell observation and viability tests not to be as biocompatible as ChemFil Superior. Cell attachment to ChemFil Superior with the above addition was demonstrated by MTT. It is concluded that this approach has clinical potential to improve the restoration of root caries.
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