Pulpal response to a hybrid composite resin inlay bonded with a newly developed resin-modified glass ionomer luting cement

This study evaluated the pulpal response of hybrid composite resin inlay luted with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement, and compared it with a glass ionomer cement and an amalgam. Cervical cavities were prepared in monkey teeth. A resin-modified glass ionomer luting cement (Ionotite F, Tokuyama Dental Corp.) was applied to the teeth in one of the experimental groups, and then hybrid composite resin inlays (Estenia, Kuraray Medical Inc.) were bonded to the cavities. The teeth were extracted after 3, 30, and 90 days and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin staining or Brown and Brenn gram stain for bacterial observation. No serious inflammatory reaction of the pulp, such as necrosis or abscess formation, was observed in any of the experimental groups. No bacterial penetration along the cavity walls was detected in the resin-modified glass ionomer luting cement group. Hence, the resin-modified glass ionomer luting cement showed an acceptable biological compatibility with monkey pulp.