Impact of Nanoparticles on Dental Composites: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Aims: The focus of this review is to assess the mechanical characteristics of using nanoparticles (NPs) in dental composites (DCs) to enhance strength and toughness. Materials and Methods: The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO with registration ID: CRD42024573647. A systematic search for relevant articles published between 2018 and July 2024 was conducted across electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, WoS, and EBSCOhost. Studies meeting pre-defined eligibility criteria were included and assessed for methodological quality. Data on the mechanical properties of NPs on DCs were extracted from included studies. Meta-analysis was performed to assess the mechanical flexure strength associated with NPs in DCs. Results: A range of NPs including silicon dioxide, zirconium dioxide, titanium dioxide, graphene oxide, core–shell chlorhexidine/amorphous calcium phosphate, zinc-doped mesoporous silica NPs, silver NPs, farnesol-loaded halloysite nanotube, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, niobium pentoxide, and chitosan were examined for incorporation into DCs. The use of organic and inorganic NPs has shown a significant boost in the mechanical characteristics of DCs. The forest plot demonstrated a significant increase in mechanical characteristics in DCs infused with NPs. Conclusion: It can be concluded that incorporating NPs in restorative dentistry holds promise for enhancing their mechanical properties and increasing strength and toughness.