Effect of the Addition of Varying Concentrations of Silver Nanoparticles on the Fluoride Uptake and Recharge of Glass Ionomer Cement

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the amount of fluoride uptake and the recharge and release characteristics of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) without any additives in comparison to conventional glass ionomer cement supplemented with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at two concentrations: 0.1% and 0.2% (w/w). A total of 60 specimens were used in this in vitro study. The sample was divided into six groups—including three groups without fluoride charge: Group 1 (conventional GIC), Group 2 (GIC with 0.1% silver nanoparticles), and Group 3 (GIC with 0.2% silver nanoparticles; and three groups with fluoride charge: Group 4 (conventional GIC with fluoride); Group 5 (GIC with 0.1% silver nanoparticles with fluoride); Group 6 (GIC with 0.2% silver nanoparticles with fluoride), where Group 1 is considered the control group and the other five groups are used as the test groups. The amount of fluoride released was measured on days 1, 2, 7, 15, and 30. The comparisons were made between the groups with and without fluoride and among all the groups. A significant difference in the amount of fluoride released was observed between the groups, with the highest amount occurring in Group 1, followed by Group 2; the lowest amount of fluoride released was observed in Group 3 (p < 0.05). The groups with fluoride recharge (Groups 4, 5, and 6) exhibited a higher amount of fluoride release than the groups with no recharge (Groups 1, 2, and 3); however, Group 1 has more fluoride release compared to all other groups on days 1, 2, 7, 15, and 30 (p < 0.05). The amount of released fluoride decreased from day 1 to day 30 in all of the groups in the study. Despite the antimicrobial and anticariogenic benefits of adding silver nanoparticles to GIC, it seems that fluoride release characteristics are significantly affected by the addition of this material. This may force the clinician to a compromise between the antimicrobial benefit of silver nanoparticles and the remineralizing advantage of fluoride.

Silver Nanoparticles in Dental Applications: A Descriptive Review

“…This was the case both before and after the discovery of antibiotics. Ag possesses a wide variety of advantageous qualities, one of which is potent “antimicrobial” activity against a wide variety of infectious diseases [ 83 ]. In recent decades, there has been a steady increase in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which presents a threat to the usefulness of these medications.…”

Silver Nanoparticles in Dentistry: Investigating Research Prospects for Silver-Based Biomaterials

“…Although the incorporation of silver nanoparticles into glass ionomer cement (GIC) offers advantages in terms of antimicrobial properties and caries prevention, some studies have shown a notable adverse impact on the release of fluoride. This situation may place clinicians in a position where they need to strike a balance between harnessing the antimicrobial benefits of SNs and preserving the remineralization advantages of fluoride; it is advisable to conduct additional studies [2]. However, it is worth noting that the combined usage of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with various dental materials did not compromise the biocompatibility of these materials.…”

Effect of Zeolite Incorporation on the Ion Release Properties of Silver-Reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement

“…Silver-reinforced GIC material can release both fluoride and silver ions [ 31 ]. However, ion release studies have demonstrated that these materials can only release low levels of silver ions, with a compromised fluoride release [ 32 , 33 , 34 ].…”