Sterilizing elastomeric chains without losing mechanical properties. Is it possible?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of different sterilization/disinfection methods on the mechanical properties of orthodontic elastomeric chains. METHODS: Segments of elastomeric chains with 5 links each were sent for sterilization by cobalt 60 (Co60) (20 KGy) gamma ray technology. After the procedure, the elastomeric chains were contaminated with clinical samples of Streptococcus mutans. Subsequently, the elastomeric chains were submitted to sterilization/disinfection tests carried out by means of different methods, forming six study groups, as follows: Group 1 (control - without contamination), Group 2 (70°GL alcohol), Group 3 (autoclave), Group 4 (ultraviolet), Group 5 (peracetic acid) and Group 6 (glutaraldehyde). After sterilization/disinfection, the effectiveness of these methods, by Colony forming units per mL (CFU/mL), and the mechanical properties of the material were assessed. Student's t-test was used to assess the number of CFUs while ANOVA and Tukey's test were used to assess elastic strength. RESULTS: Ultraviolet treatment was not completely effective for sterilization. No loss of mechanical properties occurred with the use of the different sterilization methods (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Biological control of elastomeric chains does not affect their mechanical properties. .

OBJETIVO: verificar os efeitos de diferentes métodos de esterilização/desinfecção nas propriedades mecânicas de elásticos ortodônticos em cadeia. MÉTODOS: segmentos de elástico em cadeia com 5 elos cada foram enviados para esterilização em radiação gama com cobalto 60 (20 KGy). Após esterilização, esses foram contaminados com amostras clínicas de Streptococcus mutans. Passado esse período, foram submetidos aos testes de esterilização/desinfecção por diferentes métodos, formando seis grupos de estudo, assim denominados: Grupo 1 (controle - sem ter sido contaminado), Grupo 2 (álcool 70°GL), Grupo 3 (autoclave), Grupo 4 (ultravioleta), Grupo 5 (ácido peracético) e Grupo 6 (glutaraldeído). Após esterilização/desinfecção, avaliou-se a efetividade desses métodos, por meio de contagem de unidades formadoras de colônias por mL (UFC/mL), e as propriedades mecânicas desses materiais. Utilizou-se o teste t de Student para avaliar o número de UFC, além do ANOVA e, posteriormente, do teste de Tukey para avaliação da força. RESULTADOS: verificou-se que o ultravioleta não obteve eficácia total quanto à esterilização. E não ocorreu perda das propriedades mecânicas dos elásticos, com os diferentes métodos de esterilização utilizados (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: o controle biológico de elásticos em cadeia não interfere nas suas propriedades mecânicas. .

Efficacy of various spray disinfectants on irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials: An in vitro study.

Background: Most of the materials (casts, impressions, etc.) that are sent to the dental laboratories show the presence of numerous pathogenic microorganisms. All the spray disinfectants are not equally effective against these microorganisms. Aims and Objectives: The aim was to compare the effectiveness of different spray disinfectants on irreversible hydrocolloid impressions and to find out the most effective dilution, contact time, and effect against each microorganism studied. Materials and Methods: The effects of four spray disinfectants, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, 0.525% sodium hypochlorite, 1:213 (1 part in 213 parts of water) povidone iodine, and 2% glutaraldehyde along with control (distilled water) on irreversible hydrocolloid impressions contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus viridans were studied. Results: Sodium hypochlorite, 5.25%, showed 1-min exposure time which was able to effect a 4log10 reduction in bacterial counts against S. aureus and S. viridans followed by 0.525% sodium hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde for 10 min. None were able to effect a 4 log10 reduction against B. subtilis. Conclusion: Sodium hypochlorite with a concentration of 5.25% was the most effective disinfectant and required the shortest contact time (1 min). Not all ADA-approved concentrations of surface disinfectants work equally well on irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials.

Histopathological evaluation of root canal filling materials for primary teeth

This study aimed to assess the response of apical and periapical tissues of dogs' teeth after root canal filling with different materials. Forty roots from dogs' premolars were prepared biomechanically and assigned to 4 groups filled with: Group I: commercial calcium hydroxide and polyethylene glycol-based paste (Calen®) thickened with zinc oxide; Group II: paste composed of iodoform, Rifocort® and camphorated paramonochlorophenol; Group III: zinc oxide-eugenol cement; Group IV: sterile saline. After 30 days, the samples were subjected to histological processing. The histopathological findings revealed that in Groups I and IV the apical and periapical regions exhibited normal appearance, with large number of fibers and cells and no resorption of mineralized tissues. In Group II, mild inflammatory infiltrate and mild edema were observed, with discrete fibrogenesis and bone resorption. Group III showed altered periapical region and thickened periodontal ligament with presence of inflammatory cells and edema. It may be concluded that the Calen paste thickened with zinc oxide yielded the best tissue response, being the most indicated material for root canal filling of primary teeth with pulp vitality.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta dos tecidos apicais e periapicais de dentes de cães, após obturação dos canais radiculares com diferentes materiais indicados para dentes decíduos. Foram utilizados pré-molares de cães, totalizando 40 raízes que, após pulpectomia e preparo biomecânico, foram divididas em 4 grupos, nos quais os canais radiculares foram obturados com os seguintes materiais: Grupo I - pasta comercial composta de hidróxido de cálcio e polietileno glicol 400 (Calen®) espessada com óxido de zinco; Grupo II - pasta composta de iodofórmio, Rifocort® e paramonoclorofenol canforado; Grupo III - cimento de óxido de zinco e eugenol; e Grupo IV - solução salina. Decorridos 30 dias, as peças foram submetidas ao processamento histológico. De acordo com os resultados da análise histopatológica observou-se que nos Grupos I e IV as regiões apical e periapical apresentaram aspecto de normalidade, com grande número de fibras e células e ausência de reabsorção dos tecidos mineralizados. No Grupo II observou-se infiltrado inflamatório e edema leves, com discreta fibrogênese e reabsorção óssea. O Grupo III apresentou alteração na região periapical e ligamento periodontal ampliado, com presença de células inflamatórias e edema. Os resultados obtidos permitiram concluir que a pasta Calen espessada com óxido de zinco apresentou a melhor resposta tecidual, sendo a mais indicada para a obturação de canais radiculares de dentes decíduos com vitalidade pulpar.

Influence of microwave sterilization on the cutting capacity of carbide burs

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the cutting capacity of carbide burs sterilized with microwaves and traditional sterilization methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty burs were divided into 5 groups according to the sterilization methods: dry heat (G1), autoclave (G2), microwave irradiation (G3), glutaraldehyde (G4) or control - no sterilization (G5). The burs were used to cut glass plates in a cutting machine set for twelve 2.5-min periods and, after each period, they were sterilized (except G5) following the protocol established for each group. The cutting capacity of the burs was determined by a weight-loss method. Data were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test. RESULTS: The means of the cutting amount performed by each group after the 12 periods were G1 = 0.2167 ± 0.0627 g; G2 = 0.2077 ± 0.0231 g; G3 = 0.1980 ± 0.0326 g; G4 = 0.1203 ± 0.0459 g; G5 = 0.2642 ± 0.0359 g. There were statistically significant differences among the groups (p<0.05); only dry heat sterilization was similar to the control. CONCLUSION: Sterilization by dry heat was the method that least affected the cutting capacity of the carbide burs and microwave sterilization was not better than traditional sterilization methods.

Evaluation of different sterilization and disinfection methods on commercially made preformed crowns.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes caused by different sterilization or disinfection methods on the vestibular surface of four commercially made preformed crowns using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Preformed crowns (NuSmile Primary Anterior Crown (NSC), Kinder Krowns (KK), Pedo Pearls (PP) and polycarbonate crowns (PC)) were sterilized and/or disinfected by one of the following techniques: no sterilization or disinfection (G1 control group); steam autoclaving at 134 degrees C (30 psi) for 4 min (G2); steam autoclaving at 134 degrees C (30 psi) for 12 min (G3); steam autoclaving at 121 degrees C (15 psi) for 30 min (G4); and ultrasonication in a bath containing 4% Lysetol AF for 5 min at room temperature (chemical disinfection) (G5). Scanning electron micrographs of the crowns were taken before and after their sterilization or disinfection. The changes on the vestibular surface were then scored for the presence or absence of crazing, contour alteration, fracturing, and vestibular surface changes. The data were analyzed statistically using the chi-square test. No changes were observed before and after sterilization or disinfection in the stereomicroscopic evaluation of the vestibular surface of the crowns. However, all methods in which steam autoclaving was used to sterilize the crowns caused significant (P < 0.05) crazing and contour alterations of the vestibular surface of the crowns when they were examined by SEM. Chemical disinfection using an aldehyde-free disinfectant is the preferred method of disinfection for crowns that have been used previously in other dental patients.

Efficacy of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis: a systematic review

The efficacy of the sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CHX) on Enterococcus faecalis was evaluated by systematic review and meta-analysis. The search strategies included search in electronic biomedical journal databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL) and handsearching records, using different matches of keywords for NaOCl, CHX and Enterococcus faecalis. From 41 in vivo studies, 5 studies met the inclusion criteria. In a sample containing 159 teeth, E. faecalis was detected initially in 16 (10%) teeth by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 42 (26.4%) teeth by microbial culture techniques. After root canal disinfection, this species was observed in 11 (6.9%) teeth by PCR and 12 (7.5%) teeth by culture. Risk differences of included studies were combined as generic inverse variance data type (Review Manager Version 5.0 _ Cochrane Collaboration, http://www.cc-ims.net, accessed 15 May 2008), taking into account the separate tracking of positive and negative cultures/PCR. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. In conclusion, NaOCl or CHX showed low ability to eliminate E. faecalis when evaluated by either PCR or culture techniques.

Effect of calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing on the bond strength of a resin-based endodontic sealer

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the bond strength of Epiphany™ resin-based sealer to dentin walls after placement of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] dressings. Fifteen extracted single-rooted human teeth were instrumented using 2.5 percent NaOCl + EDTA as irrigants. The teeth were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=5), according to the intracanal dressing: G1= Ca(OH)2 + saline; G2= Ca(OH)2 + 2 percent chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) gel; and G3= saline (control). After 10 days of storage in 100 percent humidity at 37ºC, the dressings were removed and the root canals were filled with Epiphany™ sealer. After additional 48 h of storage, the specimens were sectioned transversally into 2-mm-thick discs. Push-out tests were performed (1 mm/min, Instron 4411) and the maximum loads at failure were recorded in MPa. One-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls tests showed a statistically significant decrease in bond strength when a Ca(OH)2 dressing was used before root canal filling with Epiphany™ (G1= 10.18 ± 1.99 and G2= 9.98 ± 2.97) compared to the control group (13.82 ± 3.9) (p< 0.05). It may be concluded that the use of Ca(OH)2 as an intracanal dressing material affected the adhesion of Epiphany™ to the root canal walls, but even though the values were within the acceptable range found in the literature.

O objetivo desse estudo in vitro foi avaliar a resistência de união do cimento resinoso Epiphany™ às paredes dentinárias após aplicação de pastas de hidróxido de cálcio [Ca(OH)2]. Quinze dentes humanos uniradiculares foram igualmente instrumentados sob irrigação com as soluções de NaOCl 2,5 por cento + EDTA. Os dentes foram divididos em três grupos (n=5) e tratados com diferentes pastas de Ca(OH)2: G1= Ca(OH)2 + soro fisiológico; G2= Ca(OH)2 + 2 por cento CHX e G3= tratado apenas com soro fisiológico (grupo controle). Após 10 dias de armazenamento a 37°C e 100 por cento de umidade, as medicações foram removidas e os dentes obturados com o cimento Epiphany. Passadas 48 horas de armazenamento adicional, as amostras foram seccionadas tranversalmente em discos de 2 mm de espessura. Os testes de resistência de união (push-out) foram realizados em máquina de ensaio mecânico (1 mm/min) e os resultados expressos em MPa. Os testes de ANOVA e Newman-Keuls mostraram um significante decréscimo nos valores de resistência de união quando as pastas de Ca(OH)2 foram utilizadas (10,18 ± 1,99 e 9,98 ± 2,97) em comparação ao grupo controle (13,82 ± 3,9) (p<0,05). Pode-se concluir que o uso do Ca(OH)2 como medicação intracanal diminuiu a adesão do cimento Epiphany™ às paredes dos canais radiculares, embora os valores de resistência de união estejam dentro das médias aceitáveis encontradas na literatura.

AIDS em odontopediatria: uma realidade atual / AIDS in pedodontics: today reality

Os autores relatam através da literatura, a questäo da AIDS, especialmente na infância, e medidas de biossegurança para o exercício da profissäo, em decorrência do caso de uma criança com 3 anos de idade, que compareceu à clínica odontológica para um tratamento dentário, cuja queixa principal era de dor. No início do tratamento, ela se apresentou com um quadro de saúde geral precário com gripes repetitivas, otite crônica, febre intermitente, queilite angular, rachaduras peribucais e também com cárie rompante. Foi encaminhada para tratamento médico, com resposta muito satisfatória para o estado geral. Cerca de 1 ano após, os familiares tiveram ciência de que a criança tinha AIDS. O objetivo deste estudo é alertar os odontopediatras para a AIDS na Odontopediatria e para a importância do respeito às normas de biossegurança