Preparation and evaluation of particle size and its distribution in a resin composite prepared by dental amalgam powder incorporated in a bonding agent through scanning electron microscope

Abstract

Introduction: Dental resin composite is made up of a matrix reinforced with fillers. Different fillers are used for the preparation of resin composite. Dental amalgam powder incorporation in a resin devoid of fillers and its evaluation through scanning electron microscope (SEM) was performed in this study. Evaluation of filler particle size and their distribution through SEM in a resin composite prepared by mixing a bonding agent and dental amalgam powder.

Material and Methods: Commercially available bonding agent and dental amalgam powder were mechanically mixed through an amalgamator in a ratio of 20%. Particle size was evaluated before and after mixing and particle distribution in the resin composite matrix was evaluated through SEM. Micrograph measurements were performed through Adobe Acrobat Reader software (version 10).

Results: Mean values of particles were 15.15µm for dental amalgam powder. Which when mixed with bonding agent was 12.14µm. Particle distribution on the basis of size after mixing with resin was found non-significant. Paired samples two tailed T- test when applied result was 0.14 through SPSS version 16 (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions: An even filler particle distribution of the resin composite was confirmed. Dental amalgam powder particles as filler in a bonding agent can be used to produce a resin composite. Dental amalgam powder is a potential contender to be substituted as filler for dental resin composites for posterior teeth. It can also be used when mixed with a bonding agent for lining, basing, luting and bonding of orthodontic brackets etc., as an intermediate base which may provide an inherent antiseptic environment.