Evaluation of C. Albicans and S. Mutans adherence on different provisional crown materials

PURPOSE. Bacterial adhesion on provisional crown materials retained for a long time can influence the duration for which permanent prosthetic restorations can be healthily worn in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to compare seven different commonly used provisional crown materials with regard to Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans surface adhesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS. For each group, twenty specimens of the provisional fixed prosthodontic materials TemDent (Schutz), Imident (Imicryl), Tab 2000 (Kerr), Structur Premium (Voco), Systemp (Ivoclar Vivadent), Acrytemp (Zhermack), and Takilon-BBF (Takilon) were prepared (diameter, 10.0 mm; height, 2.0 mm). Surface roughness was assessed by atomic force microscopy. Each group was then divided into 2 subgroups (n=10) according to the microbial suspensions used: S. mutans and C. albicans. The specimens were incubated at 37 degrees C with S. mutans or C. albicans for seven days. Bacterial adherence on surfaces was assessed using the 2,3-bis[2-methyloxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay. RESULTS. S. mutans showed maximum adhesion to Structur, followed by Systemp, Acrytemp, Takilon, Tab 2000, Imident, and TemDent (P<.05). The highest vital C. albicans adhesion was noted on Takilon, followed by Imident and Tab 2000; the lowest adhesion was noted on Systemp (P<.05). CONCLUSION. The materials showed significant differences in the degree of bacterial adhesion. C. albicans showed higher surface adhesion than S. mutans on provisional crown and fixed partial denture denture materials.