Biodegradable Polymeric Ion Releasing Fillers

Abstract

Dental sealants are a highly effective tool used by dentists to prevent occlusal caries in children by sealing pits and fissures of molars. However, polymerization shrinkage can lead to marginal leakage and secondary caries over time. Biodegradeable polymeric ion-releasing fillers (PIRFs) synthesized from alginate have the potential to be a useful sustainable tool that can provide sustained pH independent release of ions that promote remineralization in enamel. These PIRFs were rinsed to remove excess calcium ions and then charged with a 0.9M NaF solution or 3-6M K2HPO4 solution. After being soaked in these solutions the PIRFs exhibited effective ion release into water. When incorporated into BisGMA/TEGMA sealants adequate depth of cure and degree of conversion properties were observed. PIRFs promote a solution that promotes remineralization of enamel which may also help reduce secondary caries risk while also being sourced from renewable alginate.