Methods: Human saliva was used to grow a microcosm plaque on bovine enamel, Protemp™ 4 (3M ESPE) and Integrity® (Dentsply) samples (n=6) each. Plaque growth was initiated via a 1:4 mixture of human saliva and MCM-sucrose-culture media for 4 hr/37°C; the media was replenished for the next 22 hr/37°C. Plaque was collected and dried to determine plaque. Biomass was related to the exposed surface area of each specimen.
Results: On the enamel bovine reference samples an average plaque mass of 1.93 ± 0.51 mg/cm² has been found. Substantially less plaque accumulated on Protemp™ 4 (0,92 ± 0.35 mg/cm²) which is statistically significantly different (p<0,05, Two-Sample T-Test) to the plaque mass grown on bovine enamel and on Integrity® (1,46 ± 0.27 mg/cm²). The plaque accumulation on bovine enamel and Integrity® was not statistically significantly different (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Protemp™4 shows a statistically significant better plaque resistance than enamel which can be considered as first rationale for the dentist’s clinical observation that Protemp™4 seems to contribute to prevent gingivitis. Further investigations have been initiated to leverage understanding of the gingivitis preventive effect of temporary C&B materials.