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Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2026, vol. 32, issue2
Subject Area: Dental Medicine
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DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2026322.6878
Published online: 04 June 2026
Review article
J of IMAB. 2026 Apr-Jun;32(2):6878-6885
SILVER NANOPARTICLES IN DENTAL RESTORATIVE MATERIALS: A PROMISING APPROACH IN THE PREVENTION OF SECONDARY CARIOUS LESIONS
Viktoriya Gateva
, Nataliya Gateva,
Department of Pediatric dentistry, Faculty of Dental medicine, Medical University- Sofia, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
As a result of many scientific studies, it has been established that secondary carious lesions are the main cause of the failure of restorations. The ethological factor with the greatest weight for their development is the accumulation of biofilm at the restoration margin and the metabolism of microorganisms. The pursuit of increasing the durability of restorations has led to the development of materials that exert strong antibacterial properties. Оne of the modern principles in dentistry is that materials do not simply restore the tooth, but also help in the prevention of caries by reducing caries risk.
Possessing an arsenal of diverse antibacterial properties, such as disrupting bacterial membranes, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting bacterial metabolism, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are emerging as promising agents in the prevention of secondary caries lesions. The purpose of the review is to examine in detail the mechanisms of antibacterial action of silver nanoparticles and how they affect the properties of the restorative materials. Although it has been shown that the addition of silver nanoparticles to the composition of composite resins, adhesive systems and glass-ionomer cements (GIC) significantly enhances their antibacterial activity without impairing their mechanical properties, doubts remain about the potential toxicity of these particles on human cells. Biological synthesis methods and the possibility of surface modification of the nanoparticles make it possible to optimise the release of silver ions and reduce their potential toxicity. Future research is needed to develop hybrid materials that demonstrate antibacterial and remineralizing properties, ensuring their safety and effectiveness in clinical applications. Despite the disadvantages of such modified filling materials, they are a promising alternative to increase the durability of restorations.
Keywords: Silver nanoparticles, secondary caries, restorative materials, nanotechnology, antibacterial properties, biofilm inhibition, oxidative stress,
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Please cite this article as: Gateva V, Gateva-Grancharova N. Silver Nanoparticles in Dental Restorative Materials: A Promising Approach in the Prevention of Secondary carious lesions. J of IMAB. 2026 Apr-Jun;32(2):6878-6885. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2026322.6878]
Correspondence to: Viktoriya Velizarova Gateva, Department of Pediatric dentistry, Faculty of Dental medicine, Sofia; 1, Georgi Sofiyski Str., Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mail: v.gateva@fdm.mu-sofia.bg
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Received: 06 October 2025
Published online: 04 June 2026