In the mouth, biofilm formation occurs on all soft and hard surfaces. Microbial colonization on such surfaces is always preceded by the formation of a pellicle. The physicochemical surface properties of a pellicle are largely dependent on the physical and chemical nature of the underlying surface. Thus, the surface structure and composition of the underlying surface will influence on the initial bacterial adhesion. The aim of this review is to evaluate the influence of the surface roughness and the restorative material composition on the adhesion process of oral bacteria. Both in vitro and in vivo studies underline the importance of both variables in dental plaque formation. Rough surfaces will promote plaque formation and maturation. Candida species are found on acrylic dentures, but dentures coating and soaking of dentures in disinfectant solutions may be an effective method to prevent biofilm formation. Biofilms on gold and amalgam are thick, but with low viability. Glass-ionomer cement collects a thin biofilm with a low viability. Biofilms on composites cause surface deterioration, which enhances biofilm formation. Biofilms on ceramics are thin and highly viable

Using the agar diffusion method, we conducted an in vitro study to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), new endodontic cement (NEC) and Portland cement at different concentrations against five different microorganisms. A base layer was made using Muller-Hinton agar for Escherichia coli (ATCC 10538) and Candida (ATCC 10231). For Actinomyces viscosus (ATCC 15987), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 10541) and Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) blood agar medium was used. Wells were formed by removing the agar, and the materials were placed in the well immediately after manipulation. The plates were kept at room temperature for 2 h for prediffusion, and then incubated at 37 degrees C for 72 h. The inhibition zones were then measured. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Tukey test to compare the differences among the three cements at different concentrations. The positive controls showed bacterial growth, while the negative controls showed no bacterial growth. All materials showed antimicrobial activity against the tested strains except for Enterococcus faecalis. NEC created larger inhibition zones than MTA and Portland cement. This difference was significant for Portland cement (P < 0.05), but not for MTA (P > 0.05). Among the examined microorganisms, the largest inhibition zone was observed for Actinomyces group (P < 0.05). The antimicrobial activity of the materials increased with time and concentration (P < 0.05). It was concluded that NEC is a potent inhibitor of microorganism growth.

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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tooth discolouration potential of two new calcium-silicate-based sealers (mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Fillapex and iRoot SP). Sixty premolars were resected below the coronal third of the root. Pulp chamber was instrumented and irrigated via the apical access. Samples were randomly assigned into groups A (MTA Fillapex), B (AH plus), C (iRoot SP) and D (unfilled as control). Colour assessment was performed at baseline, 1st, 3rd and 6th months with an intraoral spectrophotometer. Analysis of variance with additional multiple comparisons of post hoc were used for statistical analysis. All sealers caused perceptible tooth discolouration and there was no statistically significant difference between them. Discolouration progressed within the first 3 months and then decreased until the 6th month.