Comparison of antibacterial activity and fluoride release in tooth‑colored restorative materials: Resin‑modified glass ionomer, zirconomer, giomer, and cention N

Considering the important role of fluoride in preventing caries by reducing the number and activity of cariogenic bacteria and introducing new fluoride‑releasing tooth‑colored restorative materials, this study was performed to compare and evaluate fluoride ion release and antibacterial activity of resin‑modified GI, zirconomer, giomer (Beautifil), and Cention N.

In this experimental in vitro study, eighty samples (20 samples in each group) were prepared, 10 samples for fluoride testing and 10 samples for antibacterial activity. To evaluate the release of fluoride (PPM), fluoride ion‑selective electrode was used on days 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st; and antibacterial activities against Streptococcus mutans were examined using direct contact test by absorption of light hourly once every 5 h and days 1st, 2nd, and 7th using an ELISA reader with a microplate reader of 800 TS at a wavelength of 630 nm. The results were analyzed using one‑way ANOVA, Tamhane post hoc test, and paired t‑test in SPSS software (IBM, Somers, NJ, USA) at a significant level of (P < 0.05).

The release of fluoride from materials showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). The maximum mean of fluoride released during the 1st, 3rd and 7th days belonged to the zirconomer group and the minimum for the giomer group. During the measurement period of light absorption from 0 to 24 h after planting, light absorption of foursubstances together was found to be statistically significant (P <.001). Zirconomer light absorption increased on the 7th day, unlike other substances, but still, the minimum light absorption was related to zirconomer.

The highest fluoride release was in zirconomer, Cention N, fuji II LC, and giomer, sequentially. Zirconomer showed maximum and giomer showed minimum antibacterial activities.