Antibacterial properties of restorative materials: nanohybrid composite resin, fissure sealants and glass ionomer in vitro study

Abstract

Introduction: The careful selection of restorative materials, such as resin-matrix composite, resin-based fissure sealants and glass ionomer, plays a crucial role in the successful treatment of dental caries, especially the antibacterial properties of these materials. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the antibacterial properties of resin-matrix composite, resin-based fissure sealants and glass ionomer in relation to Streptococcus mutans DSM 2523. Materials and Methods: Twelve discs of each of the materials under study were prepared and disinfected with 70% isopropyl alcohol. The bacterial suspension of Streptococcus mutans DSM 2523 prepared at 0.5 on the McFarland scale was inoculated on MS agar. Disks of the materials evaluated and the control group containing chlorohexidine were placed in each plate. The diameter of the antimicrobial halo (mm) was assessed after 1, 7, 15 and 30 days. Results: In each evaluation period, none of the restorative materials showed antimicrobial halo formation. Conclusion: The three restorative materials tested did not demonstrate antibacterial activity against the bacterium Streptococcus mutans DSM 2523, and the absence of conditions that reproduce oral humidity may have had an influence, mainly in relation to the resin-based fissure sealants and the glass ionomer.