Investigation of the Nanomechanical and Tribological Properties of Tooth-Fillings Materials

This study utilizes novel characterization techniques nanoindentation and nanoscratch for testing both the human enamel and dentine together with two biocompatible dental filling materials; epoxy nanocomposite and silver amalgam. Nanoindentation tests were performed to obtain accurate hardness and reduced modulus values for the enamel, dentin and two different fillers. We utilized Nano-scratch tests to obtain critical load in scratch test and resistance to sliding wear. Testing showed the silver amalgam filling has a higher modulus of elasticity, hardness and wear resistance compared to the nanocomposite. The novel mechanical characterization techniques utilized might assist in better understanding the mechanical behavior of the dental fillers and thus facilitate the design of robust fillers with excellent mechanical properties.