Enhancement of antimicrobial action of polycar☐ylate cement

Abstract

n wental cement is the most commonly used adjunctive material in fixed prosthodontics. It is the retentive link that protects, seals, and insulates the tooth. Cements also alleviate sensitivity and allow for a trial evaluation of a fixed partial denture. There is no single cement considered suitable for all uses, but various available cements are selected according to physical, esthetic, or biologic requirements. Recent research has shown that enormous amounts of viable bacteria exist between prepared tooth structure and restorative materials.’ It has been theorized that the diffusion of bacteria, trapped under a restoration or entering through microleakage, may be the cause of either pulpal inflammation or secondary caries. Accordingly, a cement with antibacterial properties may function as a secondary line of defense to protect and preserve the remaining tooth structure. A recent report on the antimicrobial action of various dental cements in vitro found that many cements exhibited antimicrobial activity.? The exceptions were polycarboxylate and composite resin cements. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the feasibility of adding antimicrobial activity to polycarboxylate cement by the addition of the antiseptic chlorhexidine gluconate.