Surface Roughness and Microbial Adhesion on Four Provisional Prosthodontic Restorative Materials

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Provisional prosthodontic materials are crucial for temporary restorations.
• Surface properties and microbial adhesion influence the longevity and success of dental restorations.
• Understanding material behavior is key to preventing secondary infections and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare surface roughness (Ra) and microbial adhesion of four provisional prosthodontic materials against zirconium oxide.
• To assess the suitability of different provisional materials for long-term use based on their surface characteristics and microbial resistance.

Main Methods:

• Four provisional materials (PMMA, Bis-acryl, 3D-printed resin, milled PMMA) and zirconium oxide were tested.
• Surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a digital profilometer after standardized polishing.
• Microbial adhesion of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans was quantified using colony-forming units (CFU) after incubation.

Main Results:

• Zirconium oxide exhibited the lowest surface roughness and significantly reduced microbial adhesion (p < 0.001).
• Milled PMMA showed significantly lower roughness and microbial adhesion than conventional PMMA (p < 0.001).
• Bis-acryl and 3D-printed resins demonstrated higher microbial retention, suggesting potential limitations for extended use.

Conclusions:

• Zirconia and milled PMMA offer superior surface properties and reduced microbial adhesion, making them suitable for long-term provisional restorations.
• Conventional PMMA, bis-acryl, and 3D-printed resins may be less ideal for extended provisional use due to higher microbial retention.
• Material selection based on these findings can enhance clinical outcomes, with a need for further in vivo validation.