Assessment of Montmorillonite Nanoclay-Modified Glass Ionomer Biocompatibility Focusing on Pulp Response

Abstract

Background and Aim: Incorporation of Montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay in restorative materials improves their mechanical properties in addition to biocompatibility, yet little is known about effects of MMT nanoclay-modified glass ionomer on dental pulp. This study aimed to evaluate pulp response of MMT nanoclay-modified glass ionomer as viable biocompatible material compared to resin-modified and conventional in dog model. Material and methods:MMT nanoclay was characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR). Class V cavities were prepared in 90 dogs' teeth and divided into 3 groups (n=30): G1: conventional, G2: MMT nanoclay-modified, and G3: resinmodified glass ionomer. Then the jaws were dissected and demineralized at three-time intervals of 7, 30 and 60 days to evaluate the pulp response of the extracted teeth of each group microscopically and statistically using Kruskal Wallis and Friedman tests.Results: MMT nanoclay-modified glass ionomer (G2) group at 7 days was associated with reduced signs of inflammation with lesser interstitial edema, marked thickening of collagen fibers, mild inflammatory cell infiltrate and less destruction of the odontoblastic layer compared to the other two groups. Further healing was observed with nanoclay group after 30 days with significantly reduced inflammation and promoted regeneration of the odontoblastic layer and pulp tissue to reach a normal histological pulp architecture by 60 days. Conclusion:MMT nanoclay-modified glass ionomer is a promising biocompatible material that shows favourable pulp response over both conventional and resin-modified.

Montmorillonite in dentistry: a review of advances in research and potential clinical applications

“…In a rare in vivo study conducted recently, the effects of MMT nanoclay-modified glass ionomer (Dellite ® 43B) on dental pulp were studied using a dog model. The study conclusively demonstrated that MMT-modified glass ionomer exhibited less inflammation, reduced interstitial edema, and minimized destruction of the odontoblastic layers compared to its non-MMT-modified counterpart [77]. These findings underscore that MMT enhances the biocompatibility of the glass ionomer material.…”