Recent Advances in dental Application of Calcium Silicate-Based Cements Modified with Nanoparticle Additives: A Narrative Review

Calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs), such as mineral trioxide aggregate, are self-setting hydraulic cements and are among the commonly used endodontic materials due to their suitable sealing ability, marginal adaptation, and bioactivity. In this regard, efforts have been made to develop novel CSCs to improve their properties. Nanotechnology has left a significant impact on all scientific fields, and biomaterials are no exception. The higher surface-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles (NPs) and their cationic charge enhance their antibacterial activity by interacting with anionic bacterial cell surfaces. Incorporating NPs into CSCs can enhance their antibacterial, mechanical, and biological properties. The small size of nanoparticles increases surface area and reactivity, which can improve cement's overall performance, especially in combating bacteria and enhancing sealing. Inspired by the unique properties of nanoparticles, researchers have investigated the effects of incorporating various nanoparticles (e.g., silver NPs, hydroxyapatite NPs, and zinc oxide NPs) into CSCs to enhance their properties. Thus, this review focuses on attempts to improve CSCs by incorporating various nanoparticles. The antibacterial, physicochemical, and biological properties of CSCs after the addition of nanoparticles will be discussed. Further investigations are needed to clarify the unexplored aspects of incorporating nanoparticles into CSCs to enhance the properties of these endodontic materials.