Abstract

Abstract : Silver nanoparticles (SN) are one of the most widely used nanoparticles, most notably serving as an antimicrobial agent for medical and dental applications thereby increasing general and oral health, and thus improving life quality. Small-sized SN can hinder the growth of nitrifying bacteria more than that by silver ions at similar total silver concentrations. Their smaller particles and large surface area provide potent antibacterial effects at a low filler level, diminishing silver particle concentration necessary for its efficacy and avoiding negative influence on mechanical properties [1].
Calcium silicate-based cements have been developed as root-end filling materials mainly due to its hydraulic property which allows it to set even when in contact with tissue fluid and blood. Due to the inherent drawbacks in these cements including high cost, slower setting and limited antibacterial activity, new additives have been added to the existing commercially available materials [2]. Selected accelerants such as calcium chloride, calcium nitrate and calcium formate have been added to improve the physical properties of calcium silicate based cements [3]. Antimicrobial agents such as silver and gold nanoparticles, titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been used to inhibit bacterial growth [4]. Nonetheless, there are limited studies in the literature that reveal any adverse changes in the chemical properties of calcium silicate based cements when these accelerants and nanoparticles are added. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of adding silver nanoparticles in terms of pH, dimensional stability and calcium ion release on a cost-effective, low-temperature production based experimental calcium silicate based cement. The results were compared with that of a commercially available calcium silicate based cement. The study showed favorable results to validate the incorporation of silver nanoparticles in the newly formulated experimental cement.