Acid neutralizing, mechanical and physical properties of pit and fissure sealants containing melt-derived 45S5 bioactive glass

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 45S5 bioactive glass (BAG) on the acid neutralizing, mechanical and physical properties of pit and fissure sealants. Methods 45S5BAG (<25 μm) was mixed with the silanized glass (180 ± 30 nm) and added into a resin matrix [Bis-GMA/TEGDMA 50/50 (wt%) containing 1% of DMAEMA/CQ 2:1 (wt%)] with varying filler proportions; 0% 45S5BAG + 50% glass (BAG0); 12.5% 45S5BAG + 37.5% glass (BAG12.5); 25% 45S5BAG + 25% glass (BAG25); 37.5% 45S5BAG + 12.5% glass (BAG37.5); and 50% 45S5BAG + 0% glass (BAG50). To evaluate the acid neutralizing properties, specimens were immersed in lactic acid solution (pH 4.0). Then, the change in pH and the time required to raise the pH from 4.0 to 5.5 were measured. In addition, flexural strength, water sorption and solubility were analyzed. Results The acid neutralizing properties of each group exhibited increasing pH values as more 45S5BAG was added, and the time required to raise the pH from 4.0 to 5.5 became shorter as the proportion of 45S5BAG increased (P < 0.05). Additionally, the flexural strength decreased according to the increasing proportions of 45S5BAG added (P < 0.05). Water sorption showed an increasing trend with increasing proportions of 45S5 BAG added (P < 0.05). However, the solubility results were similar among the groups (P > 0.05), except for BAG50. Significance The novel pit and fissure sealants neutralized the acid solution (pH 4.0) and exhibited appropriate mechanical and physical properties. Therefore, these compounds are suitable candidates for caries-inhibiting dental materials.