Antimicrobial Activity of Four Tooth-Colored Restorative Materials

Objectives:This invitro study investigated the antibacterial effects of an ion-releasing resin composite(Degufill), a hybrid resin composite(Inten-s), a compomer (Compoglass F)and a resin-modified glass ionomer (Vitremer) against streptococcus mutans by a new method. Methods: The bacteria were derived from the dental plaque and grown onto blood agar plates.Then bacterial suspension was prepared. The unset restorative materials were filled into (Eppendorf) tubes. A narrow 100 conical cavity was created in the center of materials, and then the materials were cured. Bacterial suspension was placed into each test cavity. Tubes were incubated for selected time intervals(8,24,48h and 5d), each in a separate tube. The experiment was repeated Five times. After incubation period the suspensions were removed and numbesr of viable bacteria were determined. The Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: After 5-day of incubation, because of unfavorable growth conditions all bacteria were died. At all other incubation periods, all restorative materials except Inten-s showed significant antibacterial effects when compared with controls(p<0.05). Conclusion: The new method used in this study was nearly successful in ranking materials according to their antibacterial effects. Inten-s showed no obvious effect on bacterial growth and Other materials specially Vitremer significantly possessed antibacterial effects.