2022 Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 52-60
Purpose: To assess the effects of microwave heating of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) on the amount of deformation and bactericidal effects on Candida albicans (C. albicans), and to investigate the possibility of application as a denture base material.
Method: 1) PEEK and other test pieces formed from resins for denture bases were subjected to microwave heating and deformation resistance was measured. 2) PEEK bearing C. albicans was subjected to washing with denture cleanser or microwave heating sterilization, and remaining live bacteria were then counted. 3) PEEK bearing a C. albicans biofilm was similarly subjected to washing with denture cleanser or microwave heating sterilization and remaining live bacteria were then counted.
Results: 1) Deformation of PEEK under microwave heating was negligible, with no apparent effect of repeated heatings, whereas deformation of denture base resins increased with the number of times of heating. 2) The bactericidal rate on PEEK was 99.9% by denture cleanser washing and 100% by microwave heating sterilization. 3) The bactericidal rate in the biofilm formed on PEEK was 99.7% by denture cleanser washing and more than 99.9% by microwave heating sterilization.
Conclusion: PEEK offers superior deformation and bactericidal effects under microwave heating and holds promise as a material for dentures and other intraoral appliances.
