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Influence of Incorporating Zirconium- and Barium-based Radiopaque Filler Into Experimental and Commercial
P R Pedreira1, J E Damasceno2, C Mathias3
1*Priscila Regis Pedreira, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
This study tested how adding zirconium or barium oxide particles to a commercial and an experimental dental infiltrant affects several properties. The researchers measured cohesive strength, degree of conversion, water sorption, solubility, radiopacity, and penetration depth. They found that adding 45% zirconium oxide improved cohesive strength and radiopacity without reducing durability. The experimental infiltrant showed better performance in some areas, like water sorption and degree of conversion. All groups met or exceeded ISO standards for solubility and water sorption. The findings suggest that zirconium oxide is a promising additive for dental infiltrants.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Restorative dentistry
- Polymer chemistry in clinical applications
Background:
Current dental infiltrants are limited in their mechanical and optical properties. While commercial products like Icon are widely used, their performance may be improved through modification. It was already known that radiopacity is essential for clinical visibility, and that cohesive strength and water sorption influence long-term durability. No prior work had resolved how specific particle additions affect these properties in both commercial and experimental infiltrants. This gap motivated the investigation of zirconium- and barium-based fillers. Researchers propose that modifying infiltrants with these particles could enhance mechanical and optical characteristics. However, the effects on solubility and penetration depth remain unclear. This study aims to address these uncertainties.
Purpose Of The Study:
The study aimed to assess the impact of adding zirconium or barium oxide particles at 25% or 45% weight to both a commercial and an experimental infiltrant. Researchers focused on cohesive strength, degree of conversion, water sorption, solubility, radiopacity, and penetration depth. The motivation stemmed from the need to improve clinical performance without compromising mechanical properties. The authors propose that particle addition may enhance radiopacity while maintaining acceptable solubility and water sorption. They also sought to compare commercial and experimental formulations. The study tested whether these modifications could meet or exceed ISO standards. Researchers aimed to determine if zirconium or barium oxide particles could improve functional and optical properties. The study also evaluated whether particle concentration influenced penetration depth and tag extension.
Main Methods:
The study compared a commercial infiltrant (Icon) and an experimental formulation. Zirconium or barium oxide particles were added at 25% or 45% weight. Cohesive strength was measured using a universal testing machine with n=10 samples. Degree of conversion was analyzed via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with n=5 samples. Water sorption and solubility were determined by mass changes after polymerization and storage. Radiopacity was assessed using digital radiography with n=5 samples. Penetration depth was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy with n=5 samples. Statistical analysis was conducted in R with a 5% significance level, except for penetration depth, which was qualitative. The experimental design allowed for comparison of particle effects across both infiltrant types.
Main Results:
Groups with 45% zirconium showed higher cohesive strength regardless of infiltrant type. The experimental infiltrant without particles had higher degree of conversion than Icon. Water sorption was lower in the experimental infiltrant compared to Icon. All groups had solubility below ISO-recommended levels. Radiopacity exceeding 2.24 mmAl (enamel radiopacity) was observed only in groups with 45% zirconium. Penetration depth was similar across all groups, but experimental infiltrant groups showed longer tag extensions. The 45% zirconium addition met ISO standards for solubility and water sorption. Radiopacity and mechanical properties were optimized in zirconium-based groups.
Conclusions:
The authors propose that adding 45% zirconium oxide improves cohesive strength and radiopacity without compromising solubility or water sorption. The experimental infiltrant showed better degree of conversion and lower water sorption than Icon. Radiopacity above enamel levels was achieved only with 45% zirconium. Penetration depth remained consistent across groups, but experimental infiltrant groups had extended tag lengths. These findings suggest that zirconium oxide is a viable additive for enhancing clinical performance. The study supports the use of zirconium-based infiltrants for improved mechanical and optical properties. The results align with ISO standards for solubility and water sorption. The authors emphasize that particle concentration significantly influences functional outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Groups with 45% zirconium showed higher cohesive strength and adequate radiopacity above enamel levels.
The experimental infiltrant had lower water sorption than Icon, regardless of particle addition.
This method allows precise measurement of how deeply the infiltrant penetrated into the tooth structure.
Degree of conversion affects the mechanical properties of the infiltrant, with higher values observed in the experimental infiltrant.
It indicates that all tested groups met or exceeded clinical durability requirements for dental infiltrants.
The authors propose that 45% zirconium oxide is a viable additive for enhancing mechanical and optical properties.
