Physico-mechanical properties and bacterial adhesion of resin composite CAD/CAM blocks: An in-vitro study

BACKGROUND: The recent introduction of CAD/CAM technology has been strongly impacting the workflow in dental clinics and labs. Among the used CAD/CAM materials, resin composite CAD/CAM blocks offer several advantages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physico-mechanical properties and bacterial adhesion of a recently introduced nanoceramic hybrid material (Grandio Blocs) comparing it to a nanoceramic CAD/CAM material (Lava Ultimate). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 82 specimens were prepared; 41 specimens from each material. For flexural strength testing, bar shaped specimens were sectioned from each material and flexural strength was evaluated using a three point bending test. For surface hardness, specimens with 2 mm thickness were prepared, polished and tested using Vickers micro-hardness tester. For wear evaluation, specimens were tested in a block on ring tribometer and the amount of weight loss was determined. A stylus profilometer was used to evaluate the surface roughness of disc shaped specimens in three directions. For the bacterial adhesion, the same specimens from the roughness test were used to evaluate the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to the surface of each material after incubation for 24 hours. The correlation between surface roughness and bacterial adhesion was also investigated. RESULTS: The nano-ceramic hybrid CAD/CAM material exhibited significantly higher flexural strength and surface hardness than the nano-ceramic CAD/CAM material. It also showed significantly lower surface roughness and surface bacterial adhesion and lower wear that was not significantly different. A positive correlation was found between surface roughness and bacterial adhesion of both materials. CONCLUSIONS: The nano-ceramic hybrid CAD/CAM material showed better physico-mechanical properties compared to the nano-ceramic CAD/CAM material which could be attributed to the use of nanohybrid filler system and an enhanced resin matrix structure. Key words:CAD/CAM blocks, nano-ceramic hybrid, flexural strength, wear, surface hardness, surface roughness, bacterial adhesion.