Anti-Caries Activity of New Generation Rechargeable Dental Composites - An In Vitro Study

Introduction:Secondary caries at the restorative margins is the common reason for dental composite restoration failure. Our objectives were to evaluate the anti-caries activity of new generation rechargeable composites and to evaluate three different concentrations of quaternary ammonium methacrylate compound on S. mutans biofilm. Material and Methods:The composite resin consisted of urethane dimethacrylate and triethylene glycol divinylbenzyl ether and was prepared with 2%, 5%, and 8% of dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) and 20% of nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate for remineralization. Result:It was found that the incorporation of 8% DMAHDM significantly reduced S. mutans biofilm colony-forming units by 2-5 log by 7 folds, compared to the composite with 2% DMAHDM (P < 0.05) and nonsignificantly to 5% group. Adding 5% DMAHDM provides sustained Ca and P ion release as compared to 2% and 8% groups. Concusion:Hence, it was concluded that the composite with DMAHDM content increased the antibacterial effect in a dose-dependent manner and provided sustained Ca and P ion release till 70 days.