Incorporation of Silica Nanoparticles in Dental Stone Type IV: Effects on Setting Time

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the setting time of dental stone type IV by adding different percentages (0.5, 1, 2, 5) of silica nanoparticles. Methods: In this in vitro study, silica nanoparticles (silicon dioxide) were added to dental stone type IV at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 5% by weight. Forty samples were divided into five groups: 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, and a control group. The samples were prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions and tested according to the ISO 6873 standard using a Vicat device. The time from the start of mixing until the needle could no longer fully penetrate the mass was measured using a chronometer, and the setting time was recorded. Quantitative data were described using mean and standard deviation, and a one-way ANOVA test was performed using SPSS 26 to compare the results. A significance level of P < 0.05 was set. Results: The addition of silica nanoparticles to dental stone type IV significantly increased the setting time, with the increase being proportional to the concentration of the nanoparticles. The setting time of the group containing 5% nanoparticles was significantly higher than that of the control and the 0.5% group (P value < 0.05). Conclusion: The incorporation of silica nanoparticles into dental stone type IV resulted in a significant increase in setting time, particularly at a concentration of 5%. This increase is within the ISO range and offers advantages in the use of nanoparticles in dental materials.