Incorporating nanosilver with glass ionomer cement—A literature review

The objectives of this study were to retrieve and review studies that incorporated nanosilver with GIC and summarise the evidence regarding the properties of nanosilver-modified GIC. Two independent researchers performed a literature search using the keywords (nanosilver OR nano-silver OR (nano silver) OR (silver nanoparticles)) AND (GIC OR (glass ionomer cement) OR (glass ionomer cements)) in PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect. A total of 368 articles were identified. After removing duplicate results, titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility. Full texts of publications that investigated the manufacture and properties of nanosilver-modified GIC were retrieved and analysed. Finally, 21 studies were included. All of the studies reviewed in this investigation included the incorporation of nanosilver in GIC. The proportions of nanosilver added into GIC varied from 0.05% to 50%. Thirteen studies investigated the antimicrobial properties of nanosilver-modified GIC; all studies supported that adding nanosilver enhanced antimicrobial effectiveness. Nineteen studies reported the mechanical properties including compressive strength, flexure strength, tensile strength, and microhardness of nanosilver-modified GIC; but the results were inconclusive. Four studies tested the bonding strength of nanosilver-modified GIC to dentine and found that adding nanosilver would not influence the bonding property of GIC. Some studies explored fluoride release level, colour stability, and cytotoxicity of nanosilver-modified GIC; but the results were all inconclusive. This literature review is the first study to retrieve and summarise the findings and evidence regarding nanosilver-modified GIC research. It can provide clinicians with clinically relevant information about novel GIC materials that can be used in their treatment decisions.