Nano-Filled Dental Composite's Antimicrobial Effectiveness

Abstract

Dental composites packed with nanoparticles are frequently utilized in restorative dentistry because of their mechanical and cosmetic qualities. But the development of secondary caries is still a concern due to their vulnerability to bacterial colonization, especially by Streptococcus mutans. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficiency of three commercially available nano-filled dental composites SDI, MANI, and EDUFILL. 30 composite blocks (10 blocks per material, each measuring (10 mm × 3 mm) were prepared. All samples were placed in agar medium containing Streptococcus mutans and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. After incubation, the dimensions of the samples were measured following bacterial exposure. Differences in bacterial adhesion were observed among the three composite types. The results indicate varying susceptibility of the composites to colonization by Streptococcus mutans, with certain materials showing higher bacterial retention. The study highlights that not all nano-filled dental composites exhibit the same antibacterial performance. Identifying the composite with the lowest resistance to S. mutans may guide clinicians in selecting materials less prone to bacterial colonization and secondary caries.