Abstract
Background/purpose: Tooth-color restorations have diverse stability in regard to their surface properties especially after exposure to abrasive conditions, such as acid media or medication. This in-vitro study aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to liquid pediatric medications on the color stability and roughness of three tooth-colored restorative materials (a resin-modified glass ionomer cement, nanocomposite, and compomer). Materials and Methods: For each material, 55 disk-shaped samples were prepared and stored in a thermocontrolled incubator for 24 h while submersed in one of five exposure media (a multivitamin, bronchodilator, antiepileptic, antibiotic, and distilled water). All specimens were tested before and after exposure to estimate the shift in color and surface properties. Results: The medications significantly affected color stability, surface roughness, or both in all dental restorations. A significant and unfavorable change in color stability was observed for all restorative materials after immersion in the bronchodilator and antiepileptic, with the composite sample showing the least color stability after exposure. The resin-modified glass ionomer cement demonstrated the greatest change in surface roughness (P-value = 0.003). The best color stability, below 3.3, and surface roughness, below 0.2 mu m, were observed for the compomer. Conclusion: The medications evaluated in this study had a negative affect on the color and roughness of the materials under investigation. Parents should be instructed in proper oral hygiene to limit the negative impact of prolonged exposure to these medications. More in-vivo studies are required to improve the stability of direct restorations.