The Research Says: Do Glass Ionomers Actually Remineralize Dentin
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Do glass ionomers really remineralize dentin or is that just something we’ve been repeating since dental school?
In this episode of The Research Says, we look at what current evidence shows about ion exchange, mineral gain, and whether GICs actually help caries-affected dentin recover after selective caries removal.
Glass ionomers have a reputation for being “bioactive,” but not all claims survive scrutiny. This video breaks down the strongest, most recent research so you can make better decisions in deep caries cases without overcutting or risking the pulp.
In this video, you’ll learn:
✅ How ion exchange really works at the dentin–restoration interface
✅ Whether GICs outperform resin-modified versions or calcium-silicate materials
✅ When a glass ionomer liner or base actually supports dentin recovery
✅ What studies say about calcium/phosphate gain and increased microhardness
✅ Why sealing quality matters more than the brand you choose
Whether you use GICs every day or rarely touch them, the data might surprise you, especially if you’re managing deep lesions, high-risk patients, or doing partial caries removal.
References:
1. Ghilotti et al., 2023 – Journal of Functional Biomaterials
Ghilotti J., Fernandez I., Sanz J.L., Melo M., Llena C. Remineralization potential of three restorative Glass Ionomer cements: an in vitro study. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023; 12(6): 2434.
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062434
Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/6/2434
2. Kuru et al., 2024 – BMC Oral Health
Kuru E., Altunsoy M., Kuru B. Comparison of remineralization ability of tricalcium silicate and of glass ionomer cement on residual dentin: an in vitro study. BMC Oral Health, 2024; 24: 755.
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04475-4
Available at: https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.c...
3. Hoshika et al., 2022 – In Vivo Interface Study
Hoshika S., et al. Interfacial Characterization of a Conventional Glass-Ionomer Cement after Functioning for 1 Year In Vivo. Scientific Reports / PMC, 2022.
Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
4. Nicholson J.W., Sidhu S.K., Czarnecka B., 2023 – Review on Fluoride Exchange
Nicholson J.W., Sidhu S.K., Czarnecka B. Fluoride exchange by glass-ionomer dental cements and its clinical effects: a review. Biomaterial Investigations in Dentistry, 2023.
DOI: 10.1080/26415275.2023.2244982
Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37615...
5. Al-Wakeel et al., 2024 – Ion-Releasing Materials and Dentin Hardness
Al-Wakeel E., et al. Evaluation of ion-releasing restorative materials on remineralization of caries-affected dentin. (Likely Journal: BMC Oral Health or Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics), 2024.
Available via PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6. Ngo H., Mount G.J. – Early Clinical Evidence
Ngo H., Mount G.J. Glass ionomer restorations: a clinical and biological rationale. Journal of Dentistry, 1998; 26(8): 591–596.
DOI: 10.1016/S0300-5712(98)00032-5
7. Systematic Review of Resin-Modified GICs, 2023 – PMC
Remineralizing ability of resin-modified glass ionomer cements: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine / PMC, 2023.
Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...