Fluoride release by restorative materials before and after a topical application of fluoride gel

the release of fluoride from restorative materials (vitremer, ketac-fil, fuji ii lc and freedom) was evaluated during two 15-day periods, before and after a topical application of acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (apf). for each material, 6 specimens were made, which were immersed in 2 ml of deionized water. the fluoride concentration dosages in the solutions were read at intervals of 24 hours for 15 days. after this period, the specimens of each material received treatment with apf gel for 4 minutes and the fluoride released was analyzed at 24-hour intervals during the following 15 days. the analysis of variance and the tukey test (p < 0.05) showed that the total mean fluoride released during the initial 15 days was greater for vitremer and ketac-fil and lower for fuji ii lc and freedom; and in the final 15 days there was a difference in release readings, with the greatest value for vitremer, followed by fuji ii lc, ketac-fil and freedom. the comparison of the results between the 1st day and the 16th day (after gel application) showed a greater fluoride release on the 16th day for vitremer, fuji ii lc and freedom and was equal for ketac-fil. although all the materials evaluated gained fluoride with the application of apf, the data suggest that the resin-modified ionomers are more efficient in releasing fluoride to the medium than the other materials.