A study of retentive filler and its use in dentistry

The purpose of this study was to develop a fine compound inorganic filler with special surface microstructure (called retentive filler or RF) and to investigate its use in composite resin and synthetic resin teeth.

Barium silicate glass and fine silicon dioxide or barium silicate glass were mixed and sintered, then dispersed and classified by sedimentation. The surface microstructure and the particle size distribution of retentive filler were surveyed, and the mechanical properties of the composite resin and the resin tooth material reinforced with RF were tested.

Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface of RF particles is distinguished for its retentive contour microstructure. The particle size of RF is smaller than 3 microns. The mechanical properties of composite resin reinforced with RF are better than that of composites containing normal fillers, and the wear resistance of the resin tooth material containing RF is better than that of normal synthetic resin.

The RF can be successfully prepared by the technological process in this study. Because of the special surface microstructure, RF has a good bonding to the resin matrix. The testing results suggest that it is feasible to improve the mechanical properties, especially the wear resistance of the composite resin and resin teeth, by using retentive filler.