Biofilms on Restorative Materials

Abstract

Biofilm formation depends on many factors, one of them being the surface (substrate) on which the biofilm is formed, and dental restorative materials are such substrates. Biofilms play a crucial role for caries formation and inflammation of gingival, periodontal, or mucosal tissues next to restorations. Even general health problems such as systemic infections in immunocompromised patients may result from biofilms on dental materials (e.g., on dentures). Furthermore, biofilms may change material or surface properties. Biofilms on restorative materials have been investigated by several in vitro, in situ, and in vivo methods measuring a large number of different endpoints. Basically, datasets obtained from different methodological approaches are most suitable for final assessments. While surface properties like wettability or surface free energy (SFE) influence biofilm formation to a certain extent, the most relevant surface properties are material roughness followed by surface chemistry. The pellicle, which is formed rapidly on restorations after in vivo exposure, masks or levels off the influence of surface properties like wettability or SFE on biofilm formation. The prevention of biofilm formation is mainly based on general oral hygiene regimens. Furthermore, optimal polishing of restorative materials is instrumental. Several antimicrobial substances have been incorporated into restorative materials, which act by being released or as surface repellents. However, the optimal biofilm-preventive restorative material has not been found so far. New approaches in this context should aim at: (1) better understanding the role of the biofilm matrix (extracellular polymeric substance), and (2) implementing ecology-based approaches for the modification of dysbiotic disease-associated biofilms.