Remineralization-Related Effects of Multi-Ion Cements on Demineralized Dentin

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: This study investigates the short-term remineralization effects of multi-ion-releasing cements on demineralized dentin under simulated deep caries conditions and clarifies material-dependent differences relevant to interim caries management. METHODS: Fifty root dentin specimens were assigned to five groups (n = 10): control (CO), Caredyne Restore (CR), Fuji IX (FU), HY Bond Temporary Cement Hard (HY), and IP Temp Cement (IP). Samples were demineralized (pH 4.5, 3 days), treated with cements, and subjected to 7-day pH cycling (4 hours/d at pH 4.5, 20 hours/d at pH 7.0). Mineral changes were assessed using swept-source optical coherence tomography before demineralization (DEM), after DEM, and after pH cycling. Transverse microradiography and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used for quantitative mineral analysis and ion detection. Statistical analyses were conducted using one-way ANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA (P < .05). RESULTS: All cement groups showed significantly reduced DEM compared to the control after pH cycling (P < .05). IP exhibited the most favourable remineralization-related response, as indicated by a reduction in attenuation coefficients towards baseline levels. Transverse microradiography analysis demonstrated significantly lower mineral loss and lesion depth in the CR, HY, and IP groups compared with the control. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed material-dependent elemental signals, with zinc detected in CR and HY, fluoride-related elements in FU, and a distinct strontium signal in the surface prereacted glass ionomer-containing IP group. CONCLUSIONS: Ion-releasing cements demonstrated short-term protective effects and induced remineralization-related changes in demineralized dentin under the present in vitro pH-cycling conditions. Material-dependent differences were observed, with the surface prereacted glass ionomer filler-containing temporary cement showing the most favourable effects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Multi-ion-releasing temporary cements may contribute to the preservation of demineralized dentin and limitation of lesion progression when definitive restoration must be delayed.