[In-vitro plaque accumulation on different filling materials].

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Microbiology
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Plaque accumulation on dental restorations is a significant factor in secondary caries and periodontal disease.
• The surface characteristics of dental filling materials can influence bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.
• Understanding these influences is crucial for selecting materials that minimize plaque retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively investigate the influence of surface roughness and material-specific properties on plaque accumulation.
• To evaluate plaque accumulation on various dental filling materials, including highly polishable composites and cements.
• To assess potential antibacterial effects of selected dental materials.

Main Methods:

• Six dental materials (Degulor S, Amalcap SAS, Visio Dispers, Ketak-Fil, CuproDur, Harvard Cement) were tested.
• Materials were incubated in a Streptococcus mutans culture medium with sucrose for three days at 37°C.
• Plaque accumulation was quantified using gravimetric analysis.

Main Results:

• Highly polishable materials (Degulor S, Amalcap SAS, Visio Dispers) accumulated 50-75% less plaque than cements.
• Significant variations in plaque accumulation (up to 40%) were observed among cements, even with similar surface roughness.
• Preliminary tests indicated antibacterial effects for Degulor S, Harvard Cement, and CuproDur.

Conclusions:

• Surface polishability is a key factor in reducing plaque accumulation on dental restorations.
• Material-specific properties play a crucial role in bacterial adhesion beyond surface roughness.
• Some dental materials exhibit inherent antibacterial properties that may further inhibit plaque formation.