Comparison of Various Concentrations of Tricalcium Phosphate Nanoparticles on Mechanical Properties and Remineralization of Fissure Sealants

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties (flexural strength, micro-shear bond strength) and remineralizing potential of fissure sealants by adding various concentrations of β-tricalcium phosphate nanoparticles. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study consisted of five experimental groups con- taining prepared nano-fisssure sealants (1-5 wt.% -TCP nanoparticles) and two control groups containing a prepared and a commercial fissure sealant. Flexural/micro-shear bond strength values were measured using Zwick test machine. Cavities on sixty healthy premolar teeth were filled with the fissure sealants containing 0- 5 wt.% of nano -TCP. The samples were assessed for remineralization under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDAX. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, One-way ANOVA and Tukey's Post Hoc analysis/HSD were used to analyze the data. Results: There was no significant difference between the flexural strengths/elastic mod- ulus of the 0-5 wt.% nano β-TCP groups (p>0.05). The average flexural strength/elastic modulus of the prepared fissure sealant group (0%) was significantly higher than the commercial fissure sealant group (Clinpro) (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between micro-shear bond strengths of the experimental groups (1-5 wt.%), and between the commercial and the prepared (0%) fissure sealant groups (p>0.05). Examining the samples under SEM showed a significant increase in thickness of the intermediate layer with increasing concentrations of β-TCP nanoparticles (p<0.05). Conclusion: Addition of 1-5 wt.% -TCP nanoparticles to the fissure sealants significant- ly increased the remineralization potential without affecting the mechanical properties.