Effect of nanomaterial incorporation on the mechanical and microbiological properties of dental porcelain

Statement of problem. Dental porcelain restorations are subject to biological failures related to secondary caries and periodontal disease leading to prosthesis replacement. Purpose. The purpose of this in vitro study was to explore the microbiological and mechanical properties of dental porcelain incorporated with different percentages of silver vanadate (beta-AgVO3) through microbiological analysis, roughness tests, and the Vickers microhardness test. Material and methods. In Line porcelain specimens were made by using a cylindrical Teflon matrix in the dimensions of 8x2 mm. For the control group, the porcelain was manipulated according to the manufacturer's instructions. The groups incorporating the nanomaterial were prepared with 2.5%, 5%, and 10% of (beta-AgVO3, which was added proportionally by mass to the porcelain powder. In vitro microbiologic analysis, roughness tests, and the Vickers microhardness test were performed. Results. Against Streptococcus mutans, the control group showed no inhibition halo (0 mm). All groups with AgVO3 showed a zone of inhibition, the highest for the group with 10% (30 mm) and then the groups with 2.5% (9 mm) and 5% (17 mm). For Vickers microhardness, no statistically significant difference (P<.05) was observed between the evaluated groups. The group with 10% of AgVO3 had the highest mean roughness and was statistically different (P<.001) from the other groups. Conclusion. Adding (beta-AgVO3) to dental porcelain demonstrated antimicrobial effectiveness at all concentrations (2.5%, 5%, and 10%), with no effect on Vickers microhardness. The 10% group had higher roughness than the other groups.