The prep is restored with which material to provide compensatory caries inhibition?

• A. Zinc phosphate cement
• B. Resin-modified glass ionomer cement
• C. Fluoride-releasing glass ionomer cements
• D. Compomer

Answer: (C)

Fluoride release from a restorative material provides cariostatic protection around the restoration. Fluoride diffuses into adjacent enamel and dentin, promotes remineralization, and inhibits demineralization, helping prevent secondary caries at the margins. Fluoride-releasing glass ionomer cements continually give off fluoride over time and also bond chemically to tooth structure, sealing the margins and reducing microleakage. This combination makes them the best choice for compensatory caries inhibition.

Zinc phosphate cement does not release fluoride and is mainly used for luting, with no cariostatic benefit. Resin-modified glass ionomer cements and compomers release fluoride, but to a lesser and less sustained extent than fluoride-releasing glass ionomer cements, so they provide less robust caries-inhibiting protection in this context.