Assessment of Alkasite Restorative Material Versus Resin Modified Glass Ionomer in Class V Cavities: A Clinical Trial

Dental caries is a common chronic infectious illness caused by cariogenic bacteria that metabolize sugars to generate acid, which gradually demineralizes tooth structure. Dental caries is a major healthcare problem as it is the most prevalent disease worldwide. Low socioeconomic level groups are more likely to be affected by the disease and during the past thirty years, its prevalence has not considerably decreased despite being completely preventable.

Non-invasive methods (such as sealing, biofilm removal, and remineralization) should be used to treat existing early caries rather than removing the dental tissue. Cavitated lesions should be arrested or managed using a minimally invasive method, such as conservative cavity designs, and repairing defective restoration rather than replacing it.

Ion-releasing restorations are recognized for their biocompatibility with surrounding tissues and their fluoride-releasing capabilities, which are thought to help prevent caries by creating an oral environment that prevents the demineralization of surrounding hard tooth tissue.

Resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) is utilized for a variety of purposes, as luting agents, liners/bases, and restorative materials. The RMGI is more aesthetically pleasing than the conventional glass ionomer while maintaining the clinical benefits of the former, such as the release of fluoride, recharging capabilities, prevention of decalcification of hard tooth tissue, inhibition of bacterial acid metabolism, and ease of clinical operation.

A novel family of bioactive "alkasite" restorative materials, essentially a subgroup of composite resin, represents a new era of restorative dentistry. This material is available in a capsulated form using a unique adhesive system. An alkaline filler that has the ability to release ions that neutralize acids is used in this novel material. It is stated that this substance can neutralize bacterial acids by releasing hydroxide ions and remineralize hard dental tissues by releasing calcium and fluoride. The material's release of ions may be crucial in neutralizing the effects of cariogenic bacteria, thus guarding against tooth caries.

The author conducted a study to evaluate the performance of two different restorative materials in patients with class V carious lesion in upper anterior teeth where the esthetic appearances is highly recommended.

Inclusion criteria

• • Adults (30-40Ys) with class V cavities (ICDAS 4 or 5) in upper anterior teeth.

• Males or females.
• Have sufficient cognitive ability to understand consent procedures.
• Co-operative patients approving to participate in the trial.
• Anterior tooth cervical carious lesion with ICDAS score 4 or 5.
• Vital upper anterior teeth with no signs or symptoms of irreversible pulpitis.
• Mobility grade: no clinical mobility.
• Teeth with healthy periodontium.

Exclusion criteria

• • Disabilities.

• Systemic diseases or severe medically compromised.
• Lack of compliance.
• Evidence of severe bruxism, clenching or temporomandibular joint disorders.
• Cognitive impairment
• Periapical pathosis or signs of pulpal pathology.
• Non-vital tooth.
• Signs of pathological wear.
• Endodontically treated tooth.
• Severe periodontal affection or tooth indicated for extraction.