Compomers Reinforced with Bioactive Glass and Hydroxyapatite Particles.

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Cariology

Background:

• Compomer restorative materials are widely used in dentistry.
• Understanding their remineralisation capacity is crucial for long-term clinical success.
• Incorporating bioactive additives may enhance the performance of dental composites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioactive glass (BAG) on the remineralisation and demineralisation resistance of compomer restorative materials.
• To determine the optimal concentration of HA and BAG for improved dental enamel properties.

Main Methods:

• Compomers were mechanically mixed with varying percentages (1-4% w/w) of HA and BAG particles.
• Class V cavities in extracted teeth were restored with experimental compomers.
• Demineralised enamel lesions were created, and Vickers microhardness was measured.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to assess surface texture.

Main Results:

• Compomers with HA and BAG showed significantly higher microhardness in exposed enamel and at restoration margins compared to the control group.
• Higher concentrations (3% and 4%) of HA and BAG yielded superior microhardness results.
• SEM revealed non-homogeneous distribution of HA and BAG particles within the compomer matrix.

Conclusions:

• The addition of HA and BAG to compomers improves the demineralisation resistance of dental enamel.
• The beneficial effects are concentration-dependent, with higher additive amounts showing greater improvement.
• These findings suggest potential for enhanced dental restorative materials through bioactive filler incorporation.