Multifaceted characterization of antibacterial resin composites: A scoping review on efficacy, properties, and in vivo performance.

Abstract

This scoping review aimed to collect, analyze, synthesize, and interpret the current data concerning antibacterial resin-based composites. The study followed the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. The searches were conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies evaluating efficacy, physical and chemical properties, cytotoxicity, and preventive effect against recurrent caries lesions provided by antibacterial resin-based composites published in the last 5 years and without language restriction were included. Fifty-three papers were analyzed. Only <i>in vitro, in situ</i>, and animal studies were published. The DMAHDM (dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate) was the most prevalent antibacterial agent in the resin composites and showed efficacy, did not increase cytotoxicity, nor jeopardize chemical and physical properties. The most used biofilm model and the test to evaluate the antibacterial effect was Streptococcus Mutans and the Colony Forming Unit Count. Antibacterial resin-based composites have performed exceedingly well in the large number of <i>in vitro</i> studies evaluated. However, clinical trials assessing the prevention of recurrent caries are absent and need to be further conducted to assure that using an antibacterial resin composite is a valid way to avoid restoration replacement due to recurrent caries.