Analysis of dentistry cements using FTIR Spectroscopy

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of artificial saliva on dental materials. Dental cements of various compositions and applications were analyzed. Five types of cements were selected for the study: ionomer glass, carboxylic glass and cements used for temporary fillings: zinc-sulphate cement and cement containing calcium hydroxide. Dental materials were prepared in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. In the first stage, the cements were examined using the transmission technique in the range of 400-4000 cm-1. Dental cements were incubated in saliva at pH 5 for 21 days. After this time, the FTIR spectra for the cements were measured again and placed in artificial saliva. It was found that the FTIR spectra of dentistry cements after contact with artificial saliva differ from those corresponding to the starting materials. Spectroscopic analysis was also performed on saliva before and after incubating dental cements and materials used as temporary fillings. FTIR results indicate that under these conditions changes occur on the surface of dental materials due to their incubation in artificial saliva. The composition of saliva changes after the incubation of dental materials in it. Urea present in artificial saliva is degraded. Carbonates and phosphates are formed on the surface of dental materials. The disappearance of some bands in the spectra of the cements and their appearance in the spectra of the artificial saliva indicates the transfer of some components from the cements to the artificial saliva. The environment of the artificial saliva affects the dental materials. Analogous changes in the spectra of all tested dental materials are observed. These changes are limited to their area.