What is the primary purpose of a glass ionomer base in dental restorations?

In dental restorations, a glass ionomer base serves multiple functions, but its primary purpose is to release fluoride over time. This characteristic is particularly valuable because fluoride has been shown to have a protective effect on tooth structure, helping to prevent recurrent decay around restorations and contributing to remineralization of enamel. The gradual release of fluoride helps maintain a degree of antibacterial activity, further reducing the risk of carious lesions.

While glass ionomer materials do possess adhesive properties that allow them to bond to tooth structure, their distinction primarily lies in their fluoride-releasing capability. Additionally, while they can provide thermal insulation and can support certain restorative materials, these functions are secondary to their role as a fluoride-releasing therapeutic agent. Thus, the key aspect of glass ionomer bases in this context is their ability to contribute to long-term dental health through fluoride release.