Fabrication and evaluation of amalgam/nano hydroxyapatite composites for dental restoration

Abstract

Amalgam was one of the most commonly used dental fill materials, and its usage is restricted in many countries, while amalgam is still under discussion by researchers. The alloy is criticized due to its mercury content and also its risks and limited resistance to corrosion in the body environment. In this study, amalgam/nano-hydroxyapatite composite was prepared with different weight percentages of hydroxyapatite and was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The composites were also evaluated mechanically by compression test (n = 3). Corrosion resistance of composites was studied by potentiodynamic polarization test. The results showed that by increasing the weight percentage of hydroxyapatite, the corrosion resistance of the composite increases, and the Mercury ion release decreased significantly, while the compressive strength of the composite increases 18 (p < 0.05), by increasing hydroxyapatite up to 1, and then decreases due to the agglomeration of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. It seems that the developed amalgam/nano-hydroxyapatite composite is an appropriate option for the purpose of filling the anterior teeth with less harmful effects.