Biocompatibility of a glass ionomer luting agent. 2. Crown cementation.

In this experiment, 64 crown preparations were made in four primates. Final impressions, die fabrication, wax patterns and castings were achieved using conventional established clinical and laboratory techniques. Vented and unvented crowns were cemented with a glass ionomer cement (GI) and a zinc phosphate cement (ZOP). Some preparations were protected with calcium hydroxide liquid. On the same animals, in teeth not used for crowns, Class V cavities were prepared and GI and ZOP inserted by means of a pressure technique imitating hydraulic pressure generated during crown cementation. After periods of 5 and 60 days, the animals were sacrificed, the jaws dissected, fixed in formalin and prepared for histological evaluation. Of the 64 cemented crowns, one was unaccounted for. Of the unvented crowns with GI (5 days), vented crowns with GI (60 days), unvented crowns with ZOP (60 days), Class V with ZOP (5 days) and GI (60 days) with a remaining dentin thickness (RDT) of less than 1 mm, inflammatory responses of greater than or equal to 1 degree (on a scale 1-4 degrees) were observed. The use of liquid calcium hydroxide reduced the intensity of the reactions, in particular when small RDTs were present. It can be concluded that when RDTs of 1 mm or more were present, the cements in all groups were non-toxic. When it is estimated that the RDT is less than or equal to 1 mm, the use of a calcium hydroxide liner is recommended. Placement of luting agents in Class V preparations with pressure resulted in reactions resembling crown cementation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)