The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a composite resin modified by TiO₂ and TiO₂/Ag nanoparticles and their influence over different properties.

TiO₂ and TiO₂/Ag NPs were synthesized by polymeric precursor and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods and then, characterized by different techniques. Direct contact test was performed using Filtek™ Z350XT blended with 0.5; 1 and 2% (wt.) of NPs against Streptococcus mutans to determine the best concentration to the other tests. After that, the modified composite resin was tested against S. mutans 7-day biofilm (CFU/mL). Also, compressive and diametral tensile strength (n = 40), degree of conversion (n = 25) and surface roughness (n = 50) was performed. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test for multiple comparison at 5% significance level.

The direct contact test demonstrates that by increasing the nanoparticle content, the bacterial growth is significantly reduceed (p < 0.05). The inclusion of 2% of TiO₂/Ag NPs significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the biofilm accumulation of S. mutans on the composite resin surface compared to the control Group. The TiO₂ NPs treated with an organosilane increased compressive strength of composite resin (p < 0.05). Degree of conversion remained unchanged (p > 0.05) and the surface roughness increased with the NPs (p < 0.05), except for the TiO₂ by polymeric precursor Group (p > 0.05).

The development of an antibacterial dental restorative material that hinder S. mutans biofilm without sacrificing the mechanical and physical properties is desirable in dental material science.