GC EUROPE Fuji VIII GP - Manual (Page 4)

The fundamentals of glass ionomer
technology
To achieve optimum clinical results, a clean, caries-free
periphery around the dentin-enamel junction will allow the
glass ionomer to help remineralise the underlying dentine.
For teeth with deep lesions and a symptomless pulp, leave
softened dentine on the cavity floor rather than risk pulpal
exposure. GC glass ionomers use strontium containing glass,
which are reported to be more effective at remineralising soft
dentine.
Condition the cavity to remove any surface debris left
after you’ve prepared the cavity. This also improves sur-
face energy, so the glass ionomer will flow more smoothly
and adapt to the cavity floor and walls for optimum che-
mical adhesion. What’s more, conditioning minimises the
risk of air entrapment and voids. The polyacrylic acid in
Cavity Conditioner also prepares dentine and enamel for
chemical adhesion without opening the dentine tubules,
which rules out post-operative sensitivity. After washing
off the conditioner, gently dry to remove excess moisture
without desiccating the tooth.
The formation of a strong, chemically-fused seal: the
most significant benefit you’ll reap in using glass ionomer
as the adhesive interface with the tooth.
Reminerialisation
4
Dentine surface with smear layer intact
Dentine surface after treatment with polyacrylic
acid conditioner
Dr
. H. Ngo
In this SEM image, the acid-resistant chemically-fused
seal appears as a raised ridge between Fuji IX GP and
dentine. The specimen was taken from a tooth which had
been restored with Fuji IX GP and subsequently extracted
for unrelated reasons nine months later. The specimen
was polished and etched for ten seconds to remove the
smear layer. Then a resin impression was taken for SEM
evaluation.
Reminerialisation
Hyperminerialisation