Study on the Surface Condition of Composite Biomaterials Related to Saliva pH

In the context of an extremely diverse offer of composite materials, the clinical reality permanently offers data about the way in which the individual feeding behavior, correlated with the salivary structure definitely have an impact on the structure, namely the quality of fillings made of various composite materials.The purpose of this study is represented by the analysis of the behavior of 6 types of composite materials that are frequently used in the dental medical practice in the presence of an acidic pH. The composite materials analyzed were Premise (Kerr) - P1, Polofil Supra (Voco) - P2, Nexcomp (Meta Biomed) - P3, Point 4 (Kerr) - P4, Pekalite (Heraeus Kulzer) - P5, and Progress (K.B. Mutsumi) - P6. The images of scanning electron microscopy clearly indicate that all samples are affected by acidic conditions (pH 4) after a moderately, but continuous exposure of 3 months. Signs of abrasions structural deterioration and leaks are obvious after pH 4 saliva treatments within all samples and magnifications, being marked by texture decay, rust-like presentation, and shallows, holes and cracks rise and enlargement. The intensity of deterioration processes varies between the studied commercial samples, with Pekalite (Heraeus Kulzer) followed by Point 4 (Kerr) being the most resistant to degradation in the current experimental conditions.