Impact of Nanoparticles on Dental Composites: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Aims: The focus of this review is to assess the mechanical characteristics of using nanoparticles (NPs) in dental composites (DCs) to enhance strength and toughness. Materials and Methods: The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO with registration ID: CRD42024573647. A systematic search for relevant articles published between 2018 and July 2024 was conducted across electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, WoS, and EBSCOhost. Studies meeting pre-defined eligibility criteria were included and assessed for methodological quality. Data on the mechanical properties of NPs on DCs were extracted from included studies. Metaanalysis was performed to assess the mechanical flexure strength associated with NPs in DCs. Results: A range of NPs including silicon dioxide, zirconium dioxide, titanium dioxide, graphene oxide, core-shell chlorhexidine/amorphous calcium phosphate, zincdoped mesoporous silica NPs, silver NPs, farnesol-loaded halloysite nanotube, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, niobium pentoxide, and chitosan were examined for incorporation into DCs. The use of organic and inorganic NPs has shown a significant boost in the mechanical characteristics of DCs. The forest plot demonstrated a significant increase in mechanical characteristics in DCs infused with NPs. Conclusion: It can be concluded that incorporating NPs in restorative dentistry holds promise for enhancing their mechanical properties and increasing strength and toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]