Background: Fluoride-releasing restorative materials act as fluoride reservoirs delivering fluoride to nearby tooth structures and absorbing fluoride from the surrounding or external sources. This trait is desirable in caries prevention and eradication.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride release and recharge capability of Equia Forte Fil with or without Equia Forte Coat.
Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 68 freshly extracted sound primary molars. Standardized buccal class V cavities were prepared in all teeth and then restored with Equia Forte Fil according to manufacturer's instructions. The samples were randomly allocated in two groups (n=34). Group I (n=34): teeth restored with Equia Forte Fil plus Equia Forte Coat. Group II (n=34): teeth restored with Equia Forte only. The samples were immersed in 5ml artificial saliva and fluoride release was evaluated on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days using fluorine ion-specific electrode. After 28 days, each group was further divided into 2 subgroups (n=17). Subgroup A (n=17): treated with Enamel Pro Varnish. Subgroup B (n=17): received no fluoride treatment. The amount of fluoride re-release was measured at the same time intervals. Data was analyzed using Independent t test, Repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni test.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p≤0.0001) in fluoride release and recharge between the 2 groups where Group II released drastically more fluoride.
Conclusions: The application of the nano-filled resin coat had a dramatic effect in reducing fluoride release and recharge capabilities of Equia Forte Fil.