An in vitro analysis of a sustained release system for the treatment of denture stomatitis.

This study investigated the feasibility of a sustained-release delivery system for the treatment of denture stomatitis using four antifungal agents (chlorhexidine, clotrimazole, fluconazole, and nystatin) incorporated into a tissue conditioner (Lynal) at zero (control), low, medium, and high concentrations. Hardness of all experimental groups increased with both concentration and time, but remained within the range of clinical acceptability (Shore A < or = 49). Mean tensile strength increased in all experimental groups and was significantly stronger than the control for at least one concentration level of each drug, p < or = 0.05. All failures for tensile-strength testing were characterized as cohesive. All drugs demonstrated release from the tissue conditioner matrix and inhibition of growth of C. albicans that was either total, dose-related, or related to incubation time prior to inoculation. All controls supported growth.