Abstract:
This study was to evaluate the effects of different types of active filler in a resin-based pit and fissure sealant on fluoride release, recharge, and lactic acid neutralizing abilities. Mesoporous silica was synthesized from rice hull ash using sol-gel method. Resin-based sealant was incorporated with 5% w/w of the following fillers: calcium aluminate cement (CAC), synthesized mesoporous silica (SI), glass-ionomer powder (GIC), acetic acid-treated GIC (GICA), and combination of fillers. Resin-based sealant without filler added was the control. Ten specimens of each group were separately stored in 3 mL of deionized water and the fluoride concentration, before and after fluoride recharge with fluoride gel, were measured every 3 days (from day 3 to day 27). The lactic acid pH change after storage for 24 hours of specimens was measured. Zeta potential, particle size distribution, particle surface area (BET), and morphology of fillers were evaluated. The CAC and SI mixture (CAC+SI) group demonstrated the highest fluoride release after being recharged with fluoride gel. CAC:SI weight ratio of 1:1 and 2:1 showed higher fluoride recharge property than those of 1:2. The CAC+SI group also demonstrated increased lactic acid pH. These findings suggest that a resin-based sealant containing synthesized mesoporous silica and calcium aluminate cement may enhance remineralization due to fluoride recharge and higher pH.