Evaluation of the Microhardness and Monomer Release of Resin-Based Dental Materials

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate TEGDMA release at different time intervals and microhardness in resin infiltrants, two flowable composites, and two fissure sealants commonly used in minimally invasive dentistry. Disc-shaped specimens were prepared using a resin infiltrant (ICON), two flowable composites (Grandio So Heavy, Filtek Ultimate), and two fissure sealants (Clinpro Fissure Sealant, Grandio Seal), then polymerized with Elipar S10. Each material's Vickers Hardness Number (VHN) was evaluated after 24 hours using the HMV-G (Shimadzu) microhardness tester. TEGDMA release was determined by storing the samples in a 75-25% ethanol-water solution at 37 degrees C and measuring cumulative TEGDMA concentrations at 10 minutes, 1 hour, 24 hours, and 7 days using an Agilent 1100 HPLC system. Statistical analyses were conducted using repeated measures ANOVA with SPSS 20.0V. TEGDMA was released from all tested materials at all time intervals. The highest release was observed in ICON, significantly exceeding other materials (p < 0.05), while the lowest release was from Filtek Ultimate (p < 0.05). When compared, flowable composites released less TEGDMA than fissure sealants. No significant differences were noted between the Filtek Ultimate, Grandio So Heavy, Clinpro Seal, and GrandioSeal groups. The lowest microhardness values were obtained in the ICON group. All tested resin-based dental materials released TEGDMA, with the highest levels from ICON. Further studies are needed to evaluate these materials' safety and clinical relevance.