Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Strategies for Resin-Based Restoratives

Abstract

Repairing tooth defects with dental resin composites is currently the most commonly used method due to their tooth-colored esthetics and photocuring properties. However, the higher than desirable failure rate and moderate service life are the biggest challenges the composites currently face. Secondary caries is one of the most common reasons leading to repair failure. Therefore, many attempts have been carried out on the development of a new generation of antimicrobial and therapeutic dental polymer composite materials to inhibit dental caries and prolong the lifespan of restorations. These new antimicrobial materials can inhibit the formation of biofilms, reduce acid production from bacteria and the occurrence of secondary caries. These results are encouraging and open the doors to future clinical studies on the therapeutic value of antimicrobial dental resin-based restoratives. However, antimicrobial resins still face challenges such as biocompatibility, drug resistance and uncontrolled release of antimicrobial agents. In the future, we should focus on the development of more efficient, durable and smart antimicrobial dental resins. This article focuses on the most recent 5 years of research, reviews the current antimicrobial strategies of composite resins, and introduces representative antimicrobial agents and their antimicrobial mechanisms.

Antibacterial Activity of Dental Composite with Ciprofloxacin Loaded Silver Nanoparticles

“…Secondary caries, if not treated, eventually lead to dental restoration failure [ 4 , 5 ]. To counter this, novel therapeutical composites exhibiting antibacterial properties were developed [ 6 ]. For the first time in the 1950s, antibiotic drugs were incorporated into dental resin composites to enhance their antibacterial potential [ 7 ].…”

Deep margin elevation—Present status and future directions

“…53 Similarly, the development of novel antimicrobial biomaterials promises benefits for DME once the challenges of biocompatibility and controlled release of antimicrobial agents are overcome. 54,55 Furthermore, following case reports demonstrating favorable outcomes of a novel technique, a clinical trial is investigating the performance of RBC restorations placed on calcium-silicate cement applied in marginal defects extending to the alveolar crest. 56 Currently available data do not provide conclusive evidence on which adhesive strategy is most appropriate for DME.…”

Smart dental materials for antimicrobial applications

“…A summary of the most common agents and their mechanisms is presented in Table 1 . Additional information regarding antimicrobial dental materials is found in recent reviews [ [59] , [60] , [61] , [62] , [63] , [64] , [65] , [66] , [67] , [68] , [69] , [70] , [71] , [72] ]. This review is not a presentation of the menu of all the antimicrobial agents used in dentistry.…”