Evaluating the Effect of Addition of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle on Some Physical Properties of Flowable Composite Resin

Abstract

Objective: The flowable dental composite resins were introduced to the dental specialty because of the
advantages they possess over the conventional composite resins. The use of nanotechnology in the dentistry
field is one of the growing innovations in recent years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate certain
physical properties of flowable dental composite after incorporation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles
(TiO2NPs).
Materials and Methods: In the present study, TiO2NPs at 1.25 % and 2.5% concentrations were added to
flowable composite, while the unmodified composite was used as control. Then the physical properties of the
control and modified composite resins, including flowablity, radiopacity and water sorption and solubility
were tested. Data were analyzed with One way ANOVA, using SPSS 20.
Results: The results showed that there was statistically significant difference among the tested groups
regarding flowability and radiopacity (P<0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference among
control group and TiO2 modified groups regarding water sorption and solubility.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, a flowable dental composite was successfully
reinforced with TiO2. Incorporation of small weight percentages of this nanofiller exhibited properties
similar to the control material regarding water sorption and solubility. The flowability was slightly reduced
and radiopacity of the reinforced composites was increased, these changes were acceptable for clinical
applications and below ISO standards limits.