Histological evaluation of the biocompatibility of a glass-ionomer cement in rat alveolus

A type III glass-ionomer cement (Vidrion F), currently used as fast-setting lining material and fissure sealant, was implanted into rat dental alveolus immediately after tooth extraction and its biocompatibility was analysed in terms of incorporation into alveolar bone in the wound healing process. Histological and histometric evaluation of trial areas adjacent to the implants showed that by week 1 the glass-ionomer granules were encircled by a conspicuous capsule surrounded by immature connective tissue. By week 3 the implants were surrounded by a less prominent fibrous capsule and most of the tested area was occupied by mature trabecular bone. By week 6 the fibrous capsule was thinner and the tested area was almost totally covered by bone, which was in close contact with the implanted material in several places. Quantitative data confirmed progressive new bone formation in parallel with a decrease in the percentage fraction of connective tissue in the trial areas around the implants. The results revealed that the tested material is biologically compatible, being progressively incorporated into alveolar bone in the wound healing process. The quantitative evaluation of alveolar wound healing around a glass-ionomer implant may provide an experimental model for future comparative studies carried out with other biomaterials.