[Application of fluoro-resins on the tissue surface of pontic]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of fluoro-composite resins for clinical usage. Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) resin was applied to the tissue surface of pontic for 7 days in the oral cavity, and the amount of plaque accumulation was measured. The plaque retaining capacity of PCTFE was compared with Au-Ag-Pd alloy and porcelain. In order to survey the endurance of PCTFE-resin, the surface of PCTFE-coating was observed under SEM. The results were as follows: 1. Plaque accumulation on the PCTFE-coating was less than that of metal, and was equivalent to or less than that of porcelain. 2. Pin-point like plaque formation similar to that found on porcelain surfaces were observed on the PCTFE-coating. 3. SEM observations of the PCTFE-coating revealed some traces made by the toothbrush. As a result, PCTFE-coating was found to be useful for decreasing the amount of plaque formation on those pontic surfaces where mechanical cleaning can not be maintained.