Calcium, phosphate and fluoride ionic release from dental restorative materials for elderly population: an analysis.

INTRODUCTION

With the increasing prevalence of cervical and root lesions in elderly patients, dental filling materials able to release bioactive ions are gaining importance in the restorative treatment. This study evaluated the release of calcium (Ca ), phosphate (PO ), and fluoride (F) ions from different restorative materials (, and ) for elderly population through testing conducted under different pH levels and temperature conditions.

METHODS

Specimens (10 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness;  = 3 for each material) were prepared according to manufacturers' instructions, immersed in buffer solutions at pH 4.8, 6.8, and 8.8; and stored at 37°C and 44°C. Ion release was measured after 1-, 7-, and 28-days using ion chromatography (fluoride and phosphate ions) and mass spectrometry (calcium ions).

RESULTS

Ion release from dental restorative materials was significantly influenced by pH, temperature, and exposure duration. All materials tested exhibited consistent pH trends, with an increase in acidic conditions and stabilization in neutral and basic environments. Fluoride release was notably affected by pH and exposure time ( < 0.001), with showing the highest fluoride release (34.59 ± 0.63 mg/L) in a basic environment at 37°C. had a maximum release of 3.55 ± 0.24 mg/L, and reached 7.67 ± 0.49 mg/L after 28 days at 44°C in an acidic medium. Phosphate release remained stable, while calcium ion release varied significantly among materials. had the highest calcium release (14.35 ± 0.45 mg/L) in a basic environment, and showed the highest calcium concentration (30.60 ± 0.73 mg/L) in neutral conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the relevance of ion-releasing from some bioactive dental restorative materials commonly employed also for managing Class V cervical lesions and promote remineralization in aging oral environments. Materials tested showed variable fluoride, calcium, and phosphate release depending on pH, temperature, and time. and exhibited higher fluoride release, supporting anti-caries potential.