Release of fluoride from glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) cement subjected to radiant heat

Objectives: This study was designed to examine the effect of the application of radiant heat on the fluoride release from the surface of a glass polyalkenoate cement. Methods: The radiant heat was applied at different intensities and for different time intervals using a high-intensity fibreoptic quartz halogen light source. A standard technique was used to measure the amount of fluoride released from one surface of a cement specimen into deionized water. Fluoride release was measured for a time period of over 2 years. Results: Results showed that fluoride was still being released 2 years after placement. The application of radiant heat did not have a statistically significant effect on the release of fluoride from the surface of this material. Conclusions: There appeared to be a trend suggesting that the greater the amount of heat applied, the less fluoride was released from the surface of the cement. A considerable inter- and intrabatch variation was noted in the amount of fluoride released from the cement.