Comparative evaluation of the Effect of incorporating zinc-oxide Nanoparticles on the surface Roughness and hardness of Provisional restorative materials:An in-vitro study.

Abstract

ABSTRACT STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Fixed partial dentures have gained widespread acceptance as a preferred treatment approach for patients with partial tooth loss and since these restorations are fabricated indirectly in a dental lab, they typically entail a waiting period of several days or even weeks for their finalization. Provisional restorations protect the integrity of prepared teeth till the delivery of definitive restoration. In clinical scenarios such as full mouth rehabilitation, cases related to temporomandibular joint disorders, or patients exhibiting parafunctional habits, it is essential that provisional restorations possess robust mechanical properties tailored to address these specific clinical challenges. Commonly utilized materials for the construction of provisional restorations include polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyethyl methacrylate, Bisacryl composite (BAC) resin, and Epimine resins. Surface roughness and hardness stand as crucial attributes of provisional restorative materials. Surface roughness plays a vital role in deterring plaque buildup, and the absence of plaque attachment is a key determinant of success for provisional fixed prostheses, consequently impacting the overall success of definitive prostheses. Whereas, the resistance to indentation, when subjected to forces of mastication, is termed hardness. In recent years, there has been a growing trend with nanomaterials due to their distinctive structure and properties. Zinc, among various metals, has garnered significant attention in the medical field, primarily due to its antibacterial properties. Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) represent a newer, highly regarded candidate, widely employed owing to their exceptional safety and advantageous physicochemical and biomedical characteristics. ix Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of incorporating Zinc Oxide nanoparticles into the provisional materials to improve the Surface roughness and Hardness AIM: To compare and evaluate the surface roughness and hardness of provisional restorative materials after incorporation of Zinc-Oxide nanoparticles.