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.

In this Article

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.

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Conclusion

The findings from this systematic review highlight the potential role of topical applications containing surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer fillers in preventing demineralization and offering antimicrobial protection to dental hard tissues regardless of the delivery method used or study type. This underscores their viability as preventive tools against caries formation and progression.

Clinical Significance

Given their demonstrated efficacy across various modes of application and types of dental tissues studied; S-PRG filler-containing products could be considered valuable additions to routine oral care regimens aimed at caries prevention and control. Such insights not only pave the way for further research but also guide clinical practice toward embracing these innovative materials for enhanced oral health outcomes.

This systematic review has been registered with PROSPERO under No. CRD42022347130 indicates its contribution to evidence-based dentistry through rigorous assessment methodologies applied during its compilation.