TRACE ELEMENT LEVELS IN SALIVA IN SUBJECTS WITH COMPOSITE FILLING

Abstract

Aim: Trace elements are agents that regulate various biological pathways. Copper and zinc are essential components of theantioxidant enzyme system. The aim of this study was to determine iron, copper, and zinc levels in saliva after application ofcomposite resin restoration.Materials and Methods: Twenty cases of class I caries cavity (M:F ratio 8:12; age 18-25 years) were selected for the presentstudy. Following cavity preparation, the restorative material (Filtek Z 250) was applied to the cavities in line with themanufacturer’s instructions. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from before, and one hour, one day, seven days,and 30 days after restoration. Trace element saliva contents (zinc, copper, and iron) were analyzed using an atomic absorptionspectrophotometer (AAS) (AAnalyst 800, Perkin Elmer, USA) with the electrothermal graphite oven technique. Repeatedmeasures analysis of variance was used to evaluate trace element levels over time (?=0.05).Results: Copper, zinc, and iron levels in saliva decreased from 0.189±0.138 µg/ml to 0.123±0.031 µg/ml, from 0.067±0.012µg/ml to 0.060±0.013 µg/ml, and from 0.162±0.049 µg/ml to 0.126±0.032 µg/ml, respectively, at the end of 30 days.However, these changes were not statistically significant (p>0.05).Conclusions: Composite resin used in the present study did not affect trace element levels in saliva.