Antiplaque properties of sustained release SnF2: pilot studies

Pilot studies examining the physical and clinical properties of an intracoronal sustained release fluoride delivery system were performed. After testing various percentages of SnF2 incorporated into polycarboxylate, zinc phosphate, and zinc oxide cements, 70% SnF2 polycarboxylate cement was found to have adequate compressive strength while releasing the greatest amount of fluoride in vitro. A 30-day in vivo trial, in which this fluoride cement was used as a temporary intracoronal restoration, produced elevated salivary fluoride levels with only transient elevation in urinary fluoride levels. Plaque scores decreased during the experimental period, suggesting that the released SnF2 affected bacterial growth or attachment. The SnF2-polycarboxylate cement was an adequate temporary restorative material without significant side effects.