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Fluoride release from a fluoride-containing amalgam in vivo
Scandinavian Journal of Dental Research
|October 1, 1985
Summary
Dental amalgam restorations may benefit oral health by releasing fluoride into saliva. This study found elevated salivary fluoride levels, potentially aiding in remineralization and preventing tooth decay.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Oral Biochemistry
Background:
- Dental caries remains a significant oral health concern.
- Fluoride is known for its caries preventive properties, primarily through remineralization.
- The fluoride release from dental restorative materials requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify fluoride levels in saliva following the use of acrylic plates with amalgam restorations.
- To assess the duration and pattern of fluoride release from these restorations.
- To determine the potential of these fluoride levels to promote remineralization.
Main Methods:
- Six subjects on a low-fluoride diet provided baseline saliva samples.
- Subjects wore acrylic plates with amalgam "fillings" for 8 weeks.
- Saliva samples were collected daily and analyzed for fluoride concentration using a fluoride-ion electrode.
Main Results:
- Initial salivary fluoride concentrations increased significantly upon wearing the plates, ranging from 12.26 to 91.06 microM.
- Fluoride levels exhibited an exponential decline with a half-life of 6-7 days over the first 25-30 days.
- Fluoride levels remained significantly elevated above baseline for the study duration, suggesting sustained release.
Conclusions:
- Amalgam restorations release fluoride into saliva at concentrations sufficient to potentially enhance remineralization.
- These findings suggest that restorations made with this material may offer benefits beyond preventing secondary caries, including addressing initial demineralization.