Fluoride Release from Pediatric Dental Restorative Materials: A Laboratory Investigation.

Dental caries remains a prevalent issue in pediatric dentistry, necessitating restorative materials that not only repair decay but also provide protective benefits. Fluoride-releasing restorative materials have a key function in preventing recurrent caries by inhibiting bacterial activity and promoting remineralization. The objective of this study was to examine fluoride release from three pediatric dental restorative materials-, , and the -under different pH and temperature conditions. : Specimens (10 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness; n = 3 for each material) were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions; immersed in buffer solutions at pH 4.8, 6.8, and 8.8; and stored at 37 °C and 44 °C. Fluoride release was quantified using ion chromatography at three time points (1 day, 7 days, and 28 days). : The data revealed that fluoride release was significantly influenced by pH, temperature, and time ( < 0.05). exhibited the highest release, particularly in acidic conditions (pH 4.8), reaching 40.14 mg/L at 44 °C after 28 days. The and also showed increased release over time, but with lower cumulative concentrations. Higher temperatures generally enhanced fluoride diffusion across all materials. : These findings emphasize the pivotal impact of environmental factors in fluoride release dynamics. demonstrated superior fluoride release, particularly in acidic environments, suggesting its potential for high-caries-risk pediatric patients. These insights can inform the selection of restorative materials in pediatric dentistry, optimizing caries prevention strategies.