Comparision of antibacterial efficacy of different restorative materials – An in vitro study

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of different restorative materials against S. mutans which is an important cariogenic bacteria present in dental plaque. Methodology: A Direct Contact Test was performed to test the antibacterial efficacy of various commercially available restorative materials. They were divided into the following groups: Group I – Saline (Control) Group II – Composite Group III – GIC Group IV – DPI Amalgam Alloy Group V – Dispersalloy Results: GIC and Amalgam displayed superior antibacterial properties when compared to Composite and in amalgam high copper amalgam displayed better antibacterial properties than low copper amalgam. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using one way analysis of Variance - ANOVA test. Conclusion: So within the limitations of the present study it can be concluded that GIC showed highest antibacterial efficacy followed by DPI Amalgam alloy and Dispersalloy for the first and second day and after which all the test materials showed equal antibacterial efficacy, whereas Composite showed least antibacterial efficacy for all the seven days.