Surface Properties of Resin Composite Materials Relative to Biofilm Formation

Abstract

The surface properties of three different resin composite materials which influence Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation were evaluated using an artificial mouth system (AMS). Specimens were prepared from Clearfil AP-X, Grandio, and Reactmer Paste, and each material was divided into two groups: (1) surface was ground with 800-grit silicon paper (SiC＃800); or (2) surface was polished with up to 1-μm diamond paste (DP1μm). Biofilms were grown on the surface of each specimen for 20 hours, and then subjected to vortex agitation followed by measurement of retained biofilms. Surfaces with retained biofilms were also inspected by SEM. Significant differences were detected in surface roughness (Ra) between the two polishing conditions for all materials. The quantity of retained biofilm was significantly less (p<0.05) on Clearfil AP-X DP 1μm than on Clearfil AP-X SiC＃800. With Reactmer Paste, their surfaces registered the lowest amount of retained biofilm -but there were no significant differences between the two polishing conditions. In conclusion, polishing did not render all resin composites equally resistant to biofilm formation.

Effects of various chair-side surface treatment methods on dental restorative materials with respect to contact angles and surface roughness

“…Other investigators state that polished composite surfaces supported larger amounts of plaque due to the loss of superficial filler particles during the polishing process 4,25,50,52) . These observations contradict those of other authors who found that surface polishing of composite materials rendered the materials more plaque resistant and that the procedure was important to reduce bacterial accumulation 8,37,45) . The use of air-polishing devices in oral hygiene and periodontal therapy has proven to be a very effective means in rapidly removing stains and dental plaque 10) .…”

“…Thus a smooth surface with low surface free energy is important to modulate biofilm adherence and growth. An improvement in surface conditions could be achieved if resin composites were carefully polished 8,29,37,45) . In addition, biofilm formation is also influenced by the type (chemical composition) of resin biomaterial 3,24,[45][46][47] .…”

“…PEEK offers high strength, low moisture absorption and similar elasticity as bone and is used for telescopic and precision attachments as well as implant-supported suprastructures 7) . However, plaque accumulation under and around restorations is still a common problem and the main reason for the alteration and replacement of direct restorations 1,2,8,9) . Especially in the field of prosthetic dentistry, the control and removal of dental plaque deposits and subsequent polishing seems to be essential for the longevity of restorations.…”

Surface roughness and morphology of resin composites polished with two-step polishing systems

“…The natural gloss and final esthetic of the restoration, abrasivity and wear kinetics 1) ; improved mechanical properties 2) ; and tactile perception and comfort of the patient 3) are highly associated with surface properties. Moreover, smooth surfaces and margins reduce the risk of biofilm adhesion and maturation, recurrent caries, gingival irritation [4][5][6][7][8] and staining 9) . The smoothest possible surface is obtained when the resin composite polymerizes against a Mylar matrix without subsequent finishing or polishing 10,11) ; however, such a surface has a resin-rich layer, poor mechanical properties, is susceptible to increased wear and discoloration and should be eliminated 2,9) .…”

Inhibition of Biofilm Formation using Newly Developed Coating Materials with Self-cleaning Properties

“…Indeed, if surfaces with controlled wetting properties could be fabricated, then the quest for contamination-free surfaces would become a long-awaited reality 1) . From the manufacturing perspective of dental materials, several methods have been proposed for the development of restorative materials [2][3][4] and adhesive materials 5,6) with an ability to influence oral biofilm formation. Development of dental materials possessing "self-cleaning" surface property would bring a dramatic change to the field of clinical dentistry.…”