Application of 20% silver nanoclusters in polymethacrylic acid on simulated dentin caries; its penetration depth and effect on surface hardness

CABALÉN, MARIA BELÉN; MOLINA, GUSTAVO FABIAN; PISCITELLI, VINCENT; ROSSA, MAXIMILIANO; ARANGUREN, JUAN PABLO; PALMA, SANTIAGO DANIEL; PINO, GUSTAVO ARIEL; PICCA, MARIANA; BURROW, MICHAEL FRANCIS

Scientific Reports

Springer Nature

Año: 2023 vol. 13 p. 1 - 1

he aims of this study were: To evaluate the surface hardness of simulated dentin caries lesions treated with either silver nanoclusters (AgNCls) synthesized in polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) or 38% silver diammine fluoride (SDF), as well as observe the penetration of the treatment solutions into the simulated caries lesions. Dentin blocks 4 mm thick obtained from caries-free third molars were sectioned and then simulated caries lesions on the occlusal dentin surfaces were created. Eachspecimen (n = 8) was divided into four sections: (A) treated with 20% AgNCls/PMAA; (B) treated with SDF 38% (FAgamin, Tedequim, Cordoba, Argentina); (C) sound tooth protected by nail-varnish during artificial caries generation (positive control); and (D) artificial caries lesion without surface treatment (negative control). AgNCls/PMAA or SDF were applied on the simulated lesions with a microbrush for 10 s, then excess removed. The surface hardness was measured by means of Vickers indentation test. To trace