Mechanical properties of Easy Fill composites after storage in mouthwashes

Purpose: The aim of the presented work was to investigate the influence of different mouthwashes on the chosen mechanical properties of different dental restorative composites. The null hypothesis was that the mouthwashes have influence on these properties. Design/methodology/approach: Four different restorative composites were used (Easy Fill Nano, Easy Fill Micro Hybrid, Easy Fill Flowable, Easy Fill Bulk). Samples were conditioned in different media: mouthwashes (Listerine Total Care with ethanol, Listerine Total Care Sensitive – alcohol-free) and distilled water. The samples were polymerized in Teflon moulds. The compressive strength, diametral tensile strength (DTS) and Vickers microhardness were examined. Findings: The research showed that the surface of composite materials was particularly sensitive to the action of mouthwashes. Both types of solutions, containing ethanol and without it lowered the microhardness values. The mouthwashes may also decrease other mechanical properties, like compressive strength of diametrical tensile strength. The results of the carried out investigations showed good mechanical properties of the tested materials, analogous to other materials of this type. Research limitations/implications: Other important properties of dental filling storied in mouthwashes should be analysed in future, including microgap between tooth and filling. Practical implications: The result contradicts the popular view that mouthwashes that do not contain ethanol are in general safer for composites in the context of reduction of mechanical properties. Both types of mouthwashes may reduce mechanical properties. Originality/value: The results of mechanical properties investigations of Easy Fill composites were presented and compared to other commercial materials. The changes of mechanical properties were also analysed after storing in different types of mouthwashes. So far, there has been no such research for these materials.

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Opracowanie rekordu w ramach umowy 509/P-DUN/2018 ze środków MNiSW przeznaczonych na działalność upowszechniającą naukę (2018).