Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy and Fluoride Release of Seven Different Glass-Ionomer-Based Restorative Materials

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate one high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement (EQUIA/GC), two resin-modified glass ionomers (Fuji II LC/GC, Photac Fil Quick Aplicap/3M Oral Care), two traditional glass ionomers (Ketac Molar Easymix/3M, Fuji II/GC), and two compomers (Freedom/SDI, Dyract XP/Dentsply Sirona) through a comparison of fluoride release and antimicrobial effects. Materials and Methods: A total of 210 samples were prepared, as 10 for each of the 7 materials for fluoride release and 20 for each material for the antimicrobial effect tests. To measure fluoride release, 5 ml distilled water and 5 ml TISAB II were added to the samples, which were then incubated at 37˚C. The fluoride levels of the material were measured using the selective ion electrode on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28. To compare the antimicrobial effects, 20 samples were divided in two groups and implanted in culture media containing Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophylus. Measurements were taken on days 2, 4 and 6. The diameter of the inhibition zone was recorded in millimetre (mm). Results: All the materials released fluoride and the difference between them was determined to be statistically significant (p < 0.01). The antimicrobial effect values of the materials against S. mutans and L. acidophylus were evaluated and statistically significant difference was determined between the materials on all the measurement days. Conclusions: All the materials were observed to release fluoride. With the exception of the compomers, all the other materials showed an antimicrobial effect against S. mutans and L. acidophylus.