Surface Pre-Reacted Glass-Ionomer Fillers Show Efficacy in Preventing Dental Demineralization

In the realm of dental medicine, the continuous quest for innovative materials that can enhance oral health and prevent dental diseases is paramount. Among these innovations, surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) fillers have emerged as a promising material due to their potential benefits on dental hard tissues. This systematic review aims to shed light on the efficacy of topical applications containing S-PRG fillers in promoting dental health.

Objectives

The primary objective of this review was to meticulously assess how effective S-PRG filler-containing topical applications are at preserving the integrity of dental hard tissues. Given the rising interest in minimally invasive dentistry and preventive oral care, understanding the impact of such materials could significantly influence future clinical practices.

Data Sources

To ensure a comprehensive analysis, an extensive literature search was conducted across several databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, Lilacs, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up until August 15, 2022. Efforts were also made to include grey literature through searches in Google and Open Grey, supplemented by handsearching techniques.

Study Selection

The selection process focused on identifying clinical and in vitro studies that examined the effects of S-PRG filler-containing applications on adult human teeth. Out of 2,488 initial results, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria after duplicate removal and title/abstract screening. Ultimately, 11 studies passed full-text screening based on predetermined eligibility criteria.

Results

Among the eligible studies, nine were conducted in vitro while two were non-randomised clinical trials. The studies varied in terms of S-PRG filler delivery methods which included toothpastes, polishing pastes, eluates as delivery methods, and coatings. These applications were tested against enamel demineralization, dentine preservation, or oral biofilm management. Despite observed heterogeneity among study designs and outcomes leading to an inability for meta-analysis execution; individually analyzed data revealed promising results towards inhibiting demineralization in a dose-dependent manner alongside antimicrobial properties against cariogenic species.