Application of Antimicrobial Nanoparticles of Metals and Their Oxides in Improving Dental Prostheses

Abstract

Many nanoparticles of metals and their oxides, including silver, titanium, zinc, copper, zirconium, have antimicrobial properties. These nanoparticles are a promising strategy for the treatment and prevention of oral cavity infections and can be used in various fields of dentistry. The purpose of the work is to present a literature review on the application of applying antimicrobial nanoparticle of metals and their oxides in orthopedic dentistry, in particular, in the improvement of materials for the prosthetics of dentition defects. Literature sources were searched in the PubMed database. Articles for the years 2013–2023 were selected for their involvement in orthodontic dentistry and for the availability of microbiological test data. Recent trends indicate a shift towards enhancing the composition of fundamental materials used in dental prostheses. To mitigate infectious complications, a modification of the base plastic by incorporating nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties is proposed. Silver nanoparticles are widely utilized to modify denture materials and, when combined with polymers or applied as a surface coating on biomaterials, exhibit antimicrobial properties against oral pathogens, along with an anti-biofilm effect. Zinc oxide nanoparticles, recognized for their biocompatibility and non-toxic nature, possess significant biocidal properties effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. They demonstrate the ability to inhibit biofilm formation by oral cavity microorganisms, not only on acrylic prostheses but also on surfaces like glass, polystyrene, and silicone. Titanium oxide nanoparticles contribute to reducing microorganism adhesion on various prosthetic materials, including acrylic resins, ceramic glass, and stainless steel. Zirconium oxide nanoparticles, distinct from other metal oxide counterparts, do not compromise the aesthetics of dentures. Simultaneously, they enhance density and reduce polymethylmethacrylate porosity, thereby decreasing candida adhesion and proliferation in the samples. Copper oxide nanoparticles exhibit dose-dependent inhibition of C. albicans and Streptococcus spp. growth, along with biofilm formation, and show cytotoxic effects only at high concentrations. Thus, there are metal and metal oxide nanoparticles that can improve the antimicrobial properties of prosthetic materials for orthopedic dentistry and thus ensure the prevention of infectious complications when using dental prostheses, but for their clinical use, the gap between experiment and practice has yet to be bridged.