Controlled release of fluoride in connection with dental composite resins

A delivery system of F- in connection with dental restorations was tested. The system utilized the gap space which often exists between the restorative material and the tooth structure. A known quantity of fluoride compound was placed at a site within prepared plastic cavity blocks prior to restoring with composite resins. It was found that each specimen exhibited a unique steady-state release of F- during a certain period of the experiment. The rate and duration of the steady-state release of fluoride were independent of the types of composites used. This phenomenon was explained in terms of the gap size which could have been influenced by the manipulation and the nature of the materials. The benefit of this delivery system in dental application is its ability to maintain a high concentration of F- within the gap.