Comparison of Nanosurface Evaluation and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Calcium Hydroxide-Coated Stainless Steel and Zirconia Crowns in Pediatric Dentistry: An Atomic Force Microscopic Study.

AIM: To compare the nano-surface characteristics and antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide-coated stainless steel crowns (SSCs) and zirconia crowns using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and agar diffusion method.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

An in vitro study was conducted using 10 crowns, divided into two groups: Five calcium hydroxide-coated zirconia crowns (Group I) and five calcium hydroxide-coated SSCs (Group II). Both crown types were uniformly coated with calcium hydroxide nanoparticles. Nanosurface topography was assessed using AFM, and antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. Antimicrobial plates were incubated for 24 hours before zone measurement. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Atomic force microscopy analysis revealed significantly higher nanoscale surface roughness in zirconia crowns compared to SSCs. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated markedly larger zones of inhibition for zirconia crowns against S. mutans and Lactobacillus compared to SSCs, statistically indicating highly significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Calcium hydroxide-coated zirconia crowns exhibit superior nanoscale roughness and enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared to calcium hydroxide coated stainless steel crowns.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study addresses the clinical need for restorative options that not only restore form and function but also actively contribute to caries prevention in high-risk patients. Enhancing the antibacterial performance of preformed crowns through calcium hydroxide coatings may help limit bacterial colonization at crown margins, reduce the incidence of secondary caries, and support better longevity of both zirconia and SSCs. How to cite this article: Seth S, Ravikumar R. Comparison of Nanosurface Evaluation and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Calcium Hydroxide-Coated Stainless Steel and Zirconia Crowns in Pediatric Dentistry: An Atomic Force Microscopic Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(1):37-43.