Effect of pre-reacted glass-ionomer filler extraction solution on demineralization of bovine enamel

To determine the effect of pre-reacted glass-ionomer (PRG) filler extraction solution on the demineralization of bovine enamel by measuring changes in the ultrasound transmission velocity. The specimens were prepared by cutting bovine teeth into enamel blocks. The specimens were immersed in buffered lactic acid solution for 10 minutes twice a day, and then stored in artificial saliva. Other specimens were stored in PRG filler extraction solution for 10 minutes, followed by 10-minute immersion in the buffered lactic acid solution twice a day. The propagation time of longitudinal ultrasonic waves was measured by a pulser receiver. Six specimens were used for each condition, and analyses of variance followed by Tukey tests (α=0.05) were done. No changes in sonic velocity were found for specimens stored in the PRG filler extraction solution, indicating that the PRG extraction solution had an effect on inhibiting the demineralization of bovine enamel. The results obtained with the use of an ultrasound measurement technique suggested that PRG filler extraction solution has the ability to prevent demineralization of enamel.