Aim: This study compared the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) , 2% chlorhexidine gel and silver nanoparticles loaded in 2% chlorhexidine gel on radicular dentin microhardness.
Methods: 30 extracted human permanent single rooted teeth were selected. Teeth were decoronated then verticaly sectioned, one section for each root was included. Random distribution of samples was as follows: 2% chlorhexidine gel, AgNPs, and AgNPs loaded in 2% chlorhexidine, n=10 for each group. Baseline microhardness was measured using Vickers microhardness test, then medicaments were added for 2 weeks. Microhardness was assessed post-application. The variation in microhardness values was expressed in percentile values. Data were statistically analyzed utilizing One Way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey test, significance level was set at 0.05. The difference between the pre-treatment and the post-treatment microhardness values were statistically analyzed utilizing t-test with a P < .05.
Results: AgNPs and AgNPs loaded in 2% chlorhexidine resulted in a statistically significant increase in radicular dentin microhardness, while 2% chlorhexidine significantly reduced radicular dentin microhardness, (P < .05).
Conclusion: AgNPs and AgNPs loaded in 2% chlorhexidine displayed a reinforcing effect while 2% chlorhexidine demonstrated a weakening effect on radicular dentin microhardness.