Tantalum oxide as filler for dental adhesive resin

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to formulate and evaluate an adhesive resin with tantalum oxide. Ta 2 O 5 was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and laser diffraction. The adhesive was formulated with methacrylate monomers and photoinitiators. Ta 2 O 5 was added into the adhesive at 1, 2, 5 and 10 wt%. One group remained without filler (control group). Ta 2 O 5 distribution, radiopacity (n=5), degree of conversion (DC) (n=3), softening in solvent (n=5) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) (n=10) were evaluated. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=0.05). Spherical nanometric Ta 2 O 5 was arranged in 3.35 µm particles. The groups over 5 wt% presented higher radiopacity (p<0.05). The DC ranged from 61.78 (±1.19)% to 67.35 (±1.40)%, with statistical difference from control group over 5 wt% addition (p<0.05). There was no difference in softening in solvent (p>0.05) and UTS (p>0.05). Tantalum oxide is a promising alternative for adhesive formulation and it could be further tested for biomimetic remineralization.