Influence of nonthermal argon plasma on the shear bond strength between zirconia and different adhesives and luting composites after artificial aging

PURPOSE: Plasma activation of hydrophobic zirconia surfaces might be suitable to improve the bond strength of luting materials. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of nonthermal argon-plasma on the shear bond strength (SBS) between zirconia and different combinations of 10-MDP adhesive systems and luting composites after artificial aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred forty Y-TZP specimens were ground automatically with 165 µm grit and water cooling. Half of the specimens received surface activation with nonthermal argon-plasma. The specimens were evenly distributed into three groups according to the adhesive systems ([Futurabond U, Futurabond M, Futurabond M + DCA], VOCO GmbH, Germany, Cuxhaven) and into further two subgroups according to the luting materials ([Bifix SE, Bifix QM], VOCO GmbH). Each specimen underwent artificial aging by thermocycling and water storage. SBS was measured in a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Scheffè procedure with the level of significance set to 0.05. RESULTS: Surface activation with nonthermal plasma did not improve the bond strength between zirconia and the tested combinations of adhesive systems and luting materials. The plasma-activation trended to reveal higher bond strength if the self-etch luting material (Bifix SE) was used, irrespective of the adhesive system. CONCLUSION: Plasma-activation seems to be suitable to improve bond strength between zirconia and self-etch resin materials. However, further research is necessary to identify the influence of varying plasma-parameters.

Polish of interface areas between zirconia, silicate-ceramic, and composite with diamond-containing systems

PURPOSE: Fractures, occlusal adjustments, or marginal corrections after removing excess composite cements result in rough surfaces of all-ceramic FPDs. These have to be polished to prevent damage of the surrounding tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the roughness of zirconia, silicate-ceramic, and composite after polish with different systems for intraoral use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each set of 50 plates was made of zirconia, silicate-ceramic, and composite. All plates were ground automatically and were divided into 15 groups according to the treatment. Groups Zgrit, Sgrit, and Cgrit received no further treatment. Groups Zlab and Slab received glaze-baking, and group Clab was polished with a polishing device. In the experimental groups Zv, Sv, Cv, Zk, Sk, Ck, Zb, Sb, and Cb, the specimens were polished with ceramic-polishing systems “v”, “k”, and “b” for intraoral use. Roughness was measured using profilometry. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA and Scheffé-procedure with the level of significance set at P=.05. RESULTS: All systems reduced the roughness of zirconia, but the differences from the controls Zgrit and Zlab were not statistically significant (P>.907). Roughness of silicate ceramic was reduced only in group Sv, but it did not differ significantly from both controls (P>.580). Groups Cv, Ck, and Cb had a significantly rougher surface than that of group Clab (P < .003). CONCLUSION: Ceramic materials can be polished with the tested systems. Polishing of interface areas between ceramic and composite material should be performed with polishing systems for zirconia first, followed by systems for veneering materials and for composite materials.

Survival rate of modern all-ceramic FPDs during an observation period from 2011 to 2016

PURPOSE: In literature, many studies compare survival rates of different types of FPDs. Most of them compared restorations, which originated from one university, but from different clinicians. Data about restoration survival rates by only one experienced dentist are very rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival rate of allceramic FPDs without the blurring effects of different clinicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 153 veneeredzirconia FPDs were observed for follow-up. 22 patients received 131 single crowns and 22 bridges. Because of the different bridge lengths, one unit was defined as a restored or replaced tooth. In total, 201 units were included. Only the restorations performed by the same clinician and produced in the same dental laboratory from 2011 to 2016 were included. Considered factors were defined as “type of unit”, “type of abutment”, “intraoral region”, and “vitality”. Modified UHPHS criteria were used for evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using cox-regression. RESULTS: 189 units (94.0%) showed no kind of failure. 5 chippings (2.4%) could be corrected by intraoral polishing. 4 units (1.9%) exhibited spontaneous decementation. These polishable and recementable restorations are still in clinical use. Chippings or decementations, which lead to total failure, did not occur. One unit was completely fractured (0.5 %). Biological failures (caries, periodontitis or periimplantitis) did not occur. The statistical analysis of the factors did not reveal any significant differences. CONCLUSION: Modern all-ceramic FPDs seem to be an appropriate therapy not only for single restorations but for complex occlusal rehabilitations.

Influence of the material for preformed moulds on the polymerization temperature of resin materials for temporary FPDs

PURPOSE: Temperature increase of 5.5 ℃ can cause damage or necrosis of the pulp. Increasing temperature can be caused not only by mechanical factors, e.g. grinding, but also by exothermic polymerization reactions of resin materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate influences of the form material on the intrapulpal temperature during the polymerization of different self-curing resin materials for temporary restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 provisonal bridges were made of 5 resin materials: Prevision Temp (Pre), Protemp 4 (Pro), Luxatemp Star (Lux), Structure 3 (Str) and an experimental material (Exp). Moulds made of alginate (A) and of silicone (S) and vacuum formed moulds (V) were used to build 10 bridges each on a special experimental setup. The intrapulpal temperatures of three abutment teeth (a canine, a premolar, and a molar,) were measured during the polymerization every second under isothermal conditions. Comparisons of the maximum temperature (T(Max)) and the time until the maximum temperature (t(TMax)) were performed using ANOVA and Tukey Test. RESULTS: Using alginate as the mould material resulted in a cooling effect for every resin material. Using the vacuum formed mould, T(Max) increased significantly compared to alginate (P<.001) and silicone (P<.001). In groups Lux, Pro, and Pre, t(TMax) increased when the vacuum formed moulds were used. In groups Exp and Str, there was no influence of the mould material on t(TMax). CONCLUSION: All of the mould materials are suitable for clinical use if the intraoral application time does not exceed the manufacturer's instructions for the resin materials.