Effect of Silver Nano Particles-Reinforced Resin on Candidal Growth and Fracture Resistance of Complete Dentures (In Vitro Evaluation)

Abstract

This in vitro study was carried out to evaluate the effect of reinforcing heat cured acrylic resin with silver nano particles on fracture resistance and Candida albicans growth. Fourteen maxillary complete dentures and eight heat cured acrylic resin samples reinforced with silver nanoparticles (Group II) were compared to the same number of unreinforced heat cured acrylic resin dentures and samples as control (Group I).The dentures were used to assess the maximum load causing denture fracture, while the samples were used to assess Candida albicans growth. Dentures were constructed on educational cast using the same materials and following the same construction procedures. The only difference was adding 0.1% by volume silver nano particles to the acrylic resin monomer for the reinforced dentures. Samples exhibiting the same dimensions were made by using copper rectangular plate divided into eight equal compartments. Acrylic casts were poured in the finished dentures and their surfaces were modified to simulate the resiliency of the mucosa. The dentures placed on the acrylic casts were predisposed to load till fracture. The load was applied by the universal testing machine through a specially constructed T-shaped holder adapted bilaterally on the dentures. The means of load causing fracture were calculated. The obtained data were statistically analyzed. Samples of both groups were inoculated within a specially prepared fungal suspension, incubated and then inoculated on sabourad agar to detect candida albicans growth. The results obtained from this study revealed statistically significant, higher fracture resistance of dentures reinforced by silver nanoparticles compared to unreinforced dentures. The results also revealed statistically significant, less candida albicans growth on heat cured acrylic resin samples reinforced with silver nanoparticles compared to non-reinforced heat cured samples. Based on the results it could be concluded that adding silver nanoparticles to acrylic resin enhances the fracture resistance and reduces Candida albicans growth.