The correct composite material - Fuji 9 ?

[Right1]

Is "Fuji 9" used as a complete exterior composite material, or only as a 'sealer', underneath an exterior composite?

Is it true that Fuji 9 does not last as long as other composite materials (4 or 5 years as compared to 8 - 10+ years)?

If it is true that Fuji 9 does not last as long, is there a situation where it would be used as the sole (exterior) material to fill / repair a tooth?

The reason I am asking about Fuji 9 is due to a problem in the past with an incompatible composite material ('Point 4') which was quite painful. Subsequently, for the past 8 years my dentist has been using 'Herculite' composite; I know that this is not a popular material but it is one that I know will not give me a bad reaction. However now I have moved to another city and am looking for a new dentist and in the last week I have visited two, having a general discussion about prices and choice of composite material (I have 9 old fillings that need replacement due to 'ridges' or 'underhangs' and cracks). My old dentist used Fuji 9 as a sealer, covering it with Herculite, but one of the dentists I visited recently says that this is no longer a recommended procedure. The other dentist that I visited recently said that he would use Fuji 9 as the only composite (external) material; he acknowledged that it does not last as long.

[mbornfeld]

Dear Right1,

Actually, the formal name of the product to which you refer is Fuji IX GP-- with the Roman rather than the Arabic numeral. Let me preface my response by saying that I have no personal experience with Fuji IX GP, but I'm willing to provide my own spin, based on my knowledge of the class of materials to which this product belongs, as well as the way these products are used in the real world.

You have already acknowledged that you are aware that this product does not offer the same longevity as composite resin. Allow me to correct you on one point: Fuji IX GP is not a composite resin, but is more properly considered a "glass ionomer cement". The advantages of glass ionomers are that they tend to discourage recurrent decay at filling margins, they seal the cavity better, and they have a native ability to adhere to tooth surfaces (i.e., without the need for a discrete "bonding" procedure). In contrast, composite resin is harder, stronger, less water-soluble, looks more like natural tooth structure, and polishes to a smoother finish. That is why glass ionomer cements have historically been used as bases or liners under resins; because this arrangement exploits the benefits of both materials.

Fuji IX GP is marketed as a "packable" material. Without getting too deeply into operative technique, the implication of a "packable" material is that it can be formed into a filling. Whether a dentist would choose to do so (clearly, the product manufacturer would prefer that he did) would depend on whether he and/or his patient is/are comfortable with the idea of using a filling material that wears faster, has a greater chance of breaking under the stresses of chewing, and isn't quite as pretty as composite resin.

Just how long a filling made from Fuji IX GP would last is largely dependent on its application. On a tooth surface that does not receive much mechanical stress, it might last many years. On a molar's chewing surface in a patient with huge jaw muscles and a clenching habit-- not so much.

Hope this helps...

[Right1]

Mark, thank you very much for your informative response. It certainly helps me to understand the options and gives me a basis to discuss this matter with my dentist.