EFFECT OF XYLITOL INCORPORATION ON THE SURFACE HARDNESS OF A LOW VISCOSITY BULK FILL COMPOSITE
Xylitol; Antimicrobial Agents; Dental Caries; Composite Resin.
Introduction: In view of the need for improved longevity of restorations, the development of antimicrobial resins has become necessary. Xylitol, a natural and biocompatible antimicrobial compound, may be a potential additive to include this property in a flowable bulk fill resin without compromising its integrity. Objective: To evaluate which xylitol concentration (0% or control; 2.5%; 5%) is optimal to develop an antimicrobial resin from a commercial flowable bulk fill resin (Tetric N-Flow Bulk Fill, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) without modifying its surface microhardness. Methodology: 3 groups (n=12) were obtained by changing the xylitol concentration (0% or control; 2.5%; 5%). To obtain the experimental resins, xylitol powder was incorporated into the flowable resin by manual spatulation for 1 min in a darkroom. Based on an acrylic mold, 5 mm diameter disks were made by curing of a single increment with a 1400 mW/cm² irradiance LED device (Bluephase, Ivoclar Vivadent). The disks were subjected to Vickers microhardness test (HMV-2, Shimadzu, Tokyo, Japan) on the upper side. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test for comparison between groups (p < 0.05). Results: The 5% xylitol group showed lower mean surface microhardness when compared to the 0% and 2.5% groups. Conclusion: Xylitol negatively affected restoration integrity only when a 5% concentration was used.