Emerging Contact-Killing Antibacterial Strategies for Developing Anti-Biofilm Dental Polymeric Restorative Materials

Abstract

Polymeric materials are the first choice for restoring tooth cavities, bonding tooth-colored fillings, sealing root canal systems, and many other dental restorative applications. However, polymeric materials are highly susceptible to bacterial attachment and colonization, leading to dental diseases. Many approaches have been investigated to minimize the formation of biofilms over polymeric restorative materials and at the tooth/material interfaces. Among them, contact-killing compounds have shown promising results to inhibit dental biofilms. Contact-killing compounds can be immobilized within the polymer structure, delivering a long-lasting effect with no leaching or release, thus providing advantages compared to release-based materials. This review discusses cutting-edge research on the development of contact-killing compounds in dental restorative materials to target oral pathogens. Contact-killing compounds in resin composite restorations, dental adhesives, root canal sealers, denture-based materials, and crown cements have all demonstrated promising antibacterial properties. Contact-killing restorative materials have been found to effectively inhibit the growth and activities of several oral pathogens related to dental caries, periodontal diseases, endodontic, and fungal infections. Further laboratory optimization and clinical trials using translational models are needed to confirm the clinical applicability of this new generation of contact-killing dental restorative materials.

A Review on Current Trends of Polymers in Orthodontics: BPA-Free and Smart Materials

“…The issue of plaque retention on brackets and microbial attachments onto biofilms has raised major concerns in dental material research. It is fascinating to develop a material that could clean itself of mainly organic and inorganic precipitations [ 81 , 82 ]. Earlier research in this area adopted the concept of the “lotus effect” inspired by microscopic bumps on a lotus leaf that transform its waxy surface into an extremely water repellent or superhydrophobic substance.…”

The burden of root caries: Updated perspectives and advances on management strategies

“…Currently, it is unknown whether the release of ions may compromise its mechanical properties and contribute to failure 56 . To overcome this limitation, the use of antibacterial monomers, such as quaternary ammonium monomers, within the resin matrix can provide antibacterial action with no leaching or release 122,123 . However, more investigations are needed to better understand the long‐term behaviour of bioactive resin composite and provide further insight into the management of root caries.…”

Improper Light Curing of Bulkfill Composite Drives Surface Changes and Increases S. mutans Biofilm Growth as a Pathway for Higher Risk of Recurrent Caries around Restorations

“…In compliance with the particular set of strategies developed to enhance the depth of bulk-fill cure, proper curing of bulk-fill composites is also essential for suitable service life in the oral environment [11][12][13][14]. The curing of bulk-fill demands to be optimal and may be compromised by improper curing practices [15][16][17][18]. If the bulk-fill is not adequately cured, the bottom layer, usually 4 mm or more distant from the light-curing tip, is the most affected [19].…”

“…Previous studies have emphasized that uncured monomers can be leach out, increasing the adhesion and growth of cariogenic species [17,21,22]. Thus, the enrichment of aciduric and acidogenic species, such as Streptococcus mutans, and the uncured rates of monomers can be factors governing the degradation behavior of the resin blend.…”

“…However, whether the variation of radiant exposure delivered to the top surface (occlusal view) of a bulk-fill composite will alter the properties pertinent for the longevity of restorations of the resin is not yet clear. Many studies in the broader literature have been published concerning biofilm growth over conventional and bulk-fill composite [16][17][18][19][20][21], but only considering ideal curing settings. No articles have been found dealing with the cariogenic biofilm growth over bulk-fill composites under curing settings that simulated the most frequently performed light-curing procedures.…”