Response of dental pulp capped with calcium-silicate based material, calcium hydroxide and adhesive resin in rabbit teeth

Direct pulp capping induces a local inflammatory process. Several biomaterials have been used for this procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the dentinal bridge thickness using three different pulp capping biomaterials with the conventional technique (high speed diamond bur) or Er-Yag laser, 1 month after pulp effraction. Materials and Methods: Forty two Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of 4 maxillary incisors and 2 mandibular incisors of New Zealand rabbits. Specimens were divided into 6 treatment groups. Teeth were treated with: In Group 1: Er-Yag laser and Biodentine® (Septodont), in Group 2: Er: Yag laser and calcium hydroxide (Dycal® Dentsply), in Group 3: Er: Yag laser and adhesive system (Prime& Bond® NT Dentsply), in Group 4: high speed diamond bur and Biodentine® (Septodont), in Group 5: high speed diamond bur and calcium hydroxide (Dycal® Dentsply), and in Group 6: high speed diamond bur and adhesive system (Prime& Bond® NT Dentsply). The preparation was done with copious irrigation. The animals were sacrificed at 30 days and the teeth were extracted and prepared for histological analysis. Results: In the group of « laser Er-Yag ¼, iatrogenic pulpal wounds treated with Biodentine® were covered with a thick hard tissue barrier after 1 month. The difference was not significant with the groups of Dycal® used with Er: Yag laser and high speed diamond bur. Prime& Bond® NT Dentsply specimens showed a thin dentinal bridge layer. Conclusion: At 1 month, Er-Yag laser proved to be useful with Biodentine® for direct pulp capping procedures

Resin-dentin bond stability of etch-and-rinse adhesive systems with different concentrations of MMP inhibitor GM1489

Abstract Enzymatic degradation of the hybrid layer can be accelerated by the activation of dentin metalloproteinases (MMP) during the bonding procedure. MMP inhibitors may be used to contain this process. Objective To evaluate the degree of conversion (DC%), dentin bond strength (µTBS) (immediate and after 1 year of storage in water), and nanoleakage of an experimental (EXP) and a commercial (SB) adhesive system, containing different concentrations of the MMP inhibitor GM1489: 0, 1 µM, 5 µM and 10 µM. Methodology DC% was evaluated by FT-IR spectroscopy. Dentin bond strength was evaluated by µTBS test. Half of beams were submitted to the µTBS test after 24 h and the other half, after storage for 1 year. From each tooth and storage time, 2 beams were reserved for nanoleakage testing. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test to compare means (α=0.05). Results All adhesive systems maintained the µTBS after 1 year of storage. Groups with higher concentrations of inhibitor (5 µM and 10 µM) showed higher µTBS values than groups without inhibitor or with 1 µM. The nanoleakage values of all groups showed no increase after 1 year of storage and values were similar for SB and EXP groups, in both storage periods. The inhibitor did not affect the DC% of the EXP groups, but the SB5 and SB10 groups showed higher DC% values than those of SB0 and SB1. Conclusions The incorporation of GM1489 in the adhesive systems had no detrimental effect on DC%. The concentrations of 5 µM GM1489 for SB and 5 µM or 10 µM for EXP provided higher μTBS than groups without GM1489, in the evaluation after 1 year of storage; whereas the concentration of inhibitor did not affect adhesive systems nanoleakage.

Can composition and preheating improve infiltrant characteristics and penetrability in demineralized enamel?

Abstract The composition of infiltrants can influence their physical properties, viscosity and depth of penetration (DP). Strategies are used to increase the DP, such as the addition of diluents or the use of heat. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preheating and composition on physical properties and DP of infiltrants in demineralized enamel. The groups were assigned, and the following experimental formulations were made: 25%BisEMA +75%TEGDMA; 25%BisEMA +65%TEGDMA +10%ethanol; 25%BisEMA +65%TEGDMA +10%HEMA; 100%TEGDMA; 90%TEGDMA +10%ethanol; 90%TEGDMA +10%HEMA. The samples were photoactivated at two temperatures (25°C and 55°C). Degree of conversion (DC) was performed using an infrared spectrophotometer. Elastic modulus (E), flexural strength (FS) and contact angle (CA) tests were also performed. The DP of an infiltrant in demineralized enamel was determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) using an indirect labeling technique. The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. DC increased after preheating in all the groups; however, 90%TEGDMA+10%ethanol showed the lowest DC for both temperatures, and the lowest E. Preheating did not influence E or FS. The CA increased at 55°C for most groups, but decreased for groups containing HEMA. Temperature did not seem to influence DP, and Icon showed the lowest DP values. The 100%TEGDMA composition showed more homogeneous penetration, whereas Icon showed heterogeneous and superficial penetration. The preheating technique does not improve all properties in all the material compositions. The composition of a material can influence and improve its properties.

Solvent degradation and polymerization shrinkage reduction of resin composites using isobornyl methacrylate

Abstract The aim of this study was to use the isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) as a combining or substituent diluent monomer in the resin matrix of dental resin composites. Thus, the resin matrix was formulated with 60 wt% of BisGMA and 40 wt% of diluent monomers. TEGDMA as the only diluent monomer was used as control with 40 wt%, while total substitution of TEGDMA was done with 40 wt% of IBOMA. The combination of IBOMA and TEGDMA was done with 20 wt% of each monomer. To the resin matrix, 65 wt% of filler particles was added. Degree of conversion (DC) using FT-IR, flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), polymerization shrinkage by gap formation (GF), Knoop hardness (KH) and solvent degradation (SD) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05; b=0.2). The results showed that reducing or substituting TEGDMA using IBOMA did not affect the DC (0.085), FS (p=0.886) or FM (p=0.414). Also, when IBOMA was used, lower GF was found in comparison to the control containing only TEGDMA as the diluent monomer (p=0.032). However, even though all composites presented reduction in KH during the SD test, the combination of IBOMA and TEGDMA showed similar reduction in KHN in comparison to the control group (p=0.001), while the total substitution of TEGDMA with IBOMA decreased KHN after SD (p=0.041). Thus, the combination of IBOMA and TEGDMA seem to reduce SD and GF without affecting the properties of resin composites.

Resumo O objetivo nesse estudo foi utilizar o isobornil metacrilato (IBOMA) como monômero combinante ou substituinte na matriz resinosa de resinas compostas odontológicas. Para tanto, a matriz resinosa foi formulada com 60 % em peso de BisGMA e 40 % em peso de monômero diluente. O TEGDMA foi utilizado como único monômero diluente para o grupo controle com 40 % em peso, enquanto a substituição total de TEGDMA foi feita com 40 % em peso de IBOMA. Na combinação de IBOMA e TEGDMA foram utilizados 20 % em peso de cada monômero. Na matriz resinosa, 65 % em peso de partículas de carga foi adicionado. O grau de conversão (GC) utilizando FT-IR, a resistência flexural (RF), o módulo flexural (MF), a contração de polimerização por formação de gap (FG) utilizando Microscopia Confocal à Laser, a Dureza Knoop (DK) e a degradação em solvente (DS) foram avaliados. Todos os dados foram analisados utilizando ANOVA e teste de Tukey (α=0.05; b=0.2). Os resultados demonstraram que reduzindo ou substituindo o TEGDMA utilizando o IBOMA não afetou o GC (p=0.085), a RF (p=0.886) ou o MF (p=0.414). Ainda, quando o IBOMA foi utilizado como um monômero combinante ou substituinte, menor FG foi observada em comparação ao controle contendo apenas TEGDMA como monômero diluente (p=0.032). Contudo, apesar de todos os compósitos terem apresentados redução na DK durante o teste de DS, a combinação de IBOMA e TEGDMA demonstrou uma redução na DK similar ao grupo (p=0.001), enquanto a substituição total de TEGDMA com IBOMA reduziu a DK após DS (p=0.041). Dessa forma, a combinação do IBOMA e TEGDMA parece reduzir DS e a FG sem afetar as propriedades de resinas compostas.

Twenty-four-month clinical performance of different universal adhesives in etch-and-rinse, selective etching and self-etch application modes in NCCL - a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract Objective The aim of this randomized, controlled, prospective clinical trial was to evaluate the performances of two different universal adhesives and one etch-rinse adhesive for restoration of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). Material and Methods Twenty patients with at least seven NCCLs were enrolled. Lesions were divided into seven groups according to adhesive systems and application modes: GSE: GLUMA Universal-self-etch, GSL: GLUMA Universal-selective etching, GER: GLUMA Universal-etch-and-rinse, ASE: All-Bond Universal-self-etch, ASL: All-Bond Universal-selective etching, AER: All-Bond Universal-etch-and-rinse, SBE (Control): Single Bond2-etch-and-rinse. A total of 155 NCCLs were restored with a nano hybrid composite (Tetric N-Ceram). Restorations were scored with regard to retention, marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, recurrent caries and post-operative sensitivity using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria after one week, 6, 12 and 24 months. Statistical evaluations were performed using Chi-square tests (p=0.05). Results The recall rate was 81.9% after the 24-month follow-up. The cumulative retention rates for self-etch groups (GSE: 72.2%, ASE:75%) were significantly lower than other experimental groups (GSL: 93.7%, GER: 100%, ASL: 94.1%, AER: 100%, SBE: 100%) at the 24-month follow-up (p<0.05). Regarding marginal adaptation and marginal discoloration, GSE and ASE groups demonstrated more bravo scores after 6 and 12-month observations but differences were not significant (p>0.05). Only one restoration from ASL group demonstrated post-operative sensitivity at 6 and 12-month observations. No secondary caries was observed on the restorations at any recall. At the end of 24-month observations, no significant differences were detected among groups regarding any of the criteria assessed, except retention. Conclusion GLUMA Universal and All-Bond Universal showed better results in etch-and-rinse and selective etching mode compared to the self-etch mode regarding retention. Etch-and-rinse and selective etching application modes of the current universal adhesives tended to provide better clinical outcomes considering the criteria evaluated at the end of 24-month evaluation.

Composite-derived monomers affect cell viability and cytokine expression in human leukocytes stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis

Abstract Objectives: Dental composites release unreacted resin monomers into the oral environment, even after polymerization. Periodontal cells are, therefore, exposed to substances that potentially elicit the immune inflammatory response. The underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the interaction between resin monomers and human immune cells found in the gingival crevicular fluid are not fully understood yet. This study investigated the ability of bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BISGMA), urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) to induce apoptosis and cytokine release by human leukocytes stimulated with a periodontal pathogen. Methodology: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 16 healthy individuals were included in this study. To determine the toxicity, the PBMC were incubated for 20 hours, with monomers, for the analysis of cell viability using MTT assay. To evaluate cell death in the populations of monocytes and lymphocytes, they were exposed to sub-lethal doses of each monomer and of heat-inactivated Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) for 5 hours. Secretions of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α were determined by ELISA after 20 hours. Results: UDMA and TEGDMA induced apoptosis after a short-time exposure. Bacterial challenge induced significant production of IL-1β and TNF-α (p<0.05). TEGDMA reduced the bacterial-induced release of IL-1β and TNF-α, whereas UDMA reduced IL-1β release (p<0.05). These monomers did not affect IL-10 and IL-6 secretion. BISGMA did not significantly interfere in cytokine release. Conclusions: These results show that resin monomers are toxic to PBMC in a dose-dependent manner, and may influence the local immune inflammatory response and tissue damage mechanisms via regulation of bacterial-induced IL-1β and TNF-α secretion by PBMC.

Effect of iodonium salt and chitosan on the physical and antibacterial properties of experimental infiltrants

Abstract Resinous infiltrants are indicated in the treatment of incipient carious lesions, and further development of these materials may contribute to greater control of these lesions. The aim of this study was to analyze the physical and antibacterial properties of experimental infiltrants containing iodonium salt and chitosan. Nine experimental infiltrants were formulated by varying the concentration of the diphenyliodonium salt (DPI) at 0, 0.5 and 1 mol%; and chitosan at 0, 0.12 and 0.25 g%. The infiltrants contained the monomeric base of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate and bisphenol-A dimethacrylate ethoxylate in a 75 and 25% proportion by weight, respectively; 0.5 mol% camphorquinone and 1 mol% ethyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate. The degree of conversion was evaluated using Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy, and the flexural strength and elastic modulus using the three-point bending test. Sorption and solubility in water, and antibacterial analysis (minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration) were also analyzed. Data was analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05), with the exception of the antibacterial test, which was evaluated by visual inspection. In general, the infiltrant group containing 0.5% DPI and 0.12% chitosan showed high values of degree of conversion, higher values of elastic modulus and flexural strength, and lower sorption values in relation to the other groups. Antibacterial activity was observed in all the groups with DPI, regardless of the concentration of chitosan. The addition of DPI and chitosan to experimental infiltrants represents a valid option for producing infiltrants with desirable physical and antibacterial characteristics.

Influence of activation mode, fatigue, and ceramic interposition on resin cements' diametral tensile strength

Abstract This study evaluated the influence of activation modes, on Diametral Tensile Strength (DTS) of dual cured resin cements subjected to a Mechanical Fatigue test (MF). Four dual-cured resin cements (RelyX UNICEM [U], RelyX ARC [A], ENFORCE [E] and Nexus 2 [N]) were activated by three different curing modes as follows: Self-Curing (SC), Dual Cure activation with photoactivation executed directly (DC) and Dual Cure activation with Photoactivation Through Porcelain (DCTP). After 24 hours, half of the sample was subjected to 30.000 fatigue cycles at 1 Hz frequency and 12 N load. Then, all specimens were subjected to DTS test in Instron Universal Testing Machine and data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey's Test (5%). The results of DTS test means (MPa) and standard deviation, for each cement factor activated by SC, DC and DCTP was respectively: U (28.12 ± 5.29; 37.44 ± 6.49 and 40.10 ± 4.39), A (49.68 ± 8.42; 55.12 ± 5.16 and 63.43 ± 6.92), E (49.12 ± 3.89; 56.42 ± 8.88 and 56.96 ± 6.45) and N (61.89 ± 11.21; 59.26 ± 9.47 and 62.56 ± 10.93). Turkey's test indicated that DC is related to the highest DTS values; Nexus 2 DTS remained the same independently of activation mode and that the Porcelain disk interposition enhanced DTS only for RelyX ARC the ANOVA statistical test indicated that MF didn't alter the DTS values for all experimental groups. MF results clinical implication is that all cements tested exhibited, in an immediate loading, good cross linked bonds quality.

Effect of dentin preparation mode on the bond strength between human dentin and different resin cements

Abstract The aim was to evaluate the influence of different dentin preparation mode in the smear layer characteristics (SL), hybrid layer (HL), and microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to dentin with two resin cements. The occlusal dentin of 120 third molars was exposed. The teeth were divided into 4 groups (n=30) according to the dentin preparation mode: 1- fine grain diamond bur; 2- coarse grain diamond bur; 3- multi laminate carbide steel bur; and, 4- ultrasonic CV Dentus diamond bur. Each treated dentin group was divided into 2 sub-groups (n=15) according to the resin cement: (1) RelyX U200 and (2) RelyX ARC. Resin composite blocks were cemented on dentin. After storage at 37o C for 24 h, beams with a cross section area of 1.0 mm2 were obtained, and tested in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Two additional teeth for each sub-group were prepared to analyze the SL and HL on a scanning electron microscopy. According to Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn tests, there was no significant difference in µTBS among the rotary instruments within each resin cement group. RelyX ARC obtained higher µTBS values compared to RelyX U200 (p<0.05). RelyX ARC formed evident HL, which was not observed for RelyX U200. The dentin mode preparation did not influence the µTBS of the resin cements. The SL was different for all instruments. The cementing agent is more determinant in the hybrid layer formation and bond strength to dentin than the instruments applied on dentin.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes modos de preparação da dentina nas características da smear layer (SL), da camada híbrida (CH) e na resistência de união à microtração (RUµT) à dentina com dois cimentos resinosos. A dentina oclusal de 120 terceiros molares humanos foi exposta. Os dentes foram divididos em 4 grupos (n=30) de acordo com o modo de preparação da dentina: 1 - ponta diamantada de granulação fina; 2 - ponta diamantada de granulação grossa; 3 - ponta de carboneto de aço multilaminada; 4 - ponta diamantada ultrassônica. Cada grupo foi subdividido em dois subgrupos (n=15) de acordo com o cimento resinoso: (1) RelyX U200 e (2) RelyX ARC. Blocos de resina composta foram cimentados na dentina. Após armazenamento a 37 °C por 24 h, as amostras foram cortadas para obter palitos com área de 1,0 mm2, os quais foram testados em máquina de ensaio universal com velocidade de 0,5 mm/min. Dois dentes adicionais por subgrupo foram preparados para analisar as características da SL e da CH em microscópio eletrônico de varredura. De acordo com o teste de Kruskal-Wallis e o teste de Dunn, não houve diferença significativa na RUµT entre os instrumentos rotatórios para cada cimento resinoso. RelyX ARC obteve maiores valores de RUµT em comparação ao RelyX U200 (p<0,05). RelyX ARC formou uma CH evidente, o que não foi observado para o RelyX U200. O modo de preparação da dentina não influenciou na RUµT dos cimentos resinosos. A SL foi diferente para todos os instrumentos. O agente de cimentação foi mais determinante na formação da camada híbrida e na resistência de união do que os instrumentos utilizados para preparar a dentina.

Long-term bonding efficacy of adhesives containing benzodioxioles as alternative co-initiators

Abstract This study evaluated the three-year lifespan of the bond to dentin of experimental self-etch adhesives containing benzodioxole derivatives - 1,3-benzodioxole (BDO) and piperonyl alcohol (PA) - as co-initiator alternative to amines. Adhesive resins were formulated using Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, HEMA, camphorquinone and different co-initiators: BDO, PA or ethyl 4-dimethylamino benzoate (EDAB - amine). An experimental self-etch primer was used to complete the two-step, self-etch adhesive system. Clearfil SE Bond (CSE) was used as commercial reference. Bond strength to human dentin was assessed by microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test, and failure mode was classified. Morphology of the dentin bonding interface was assessed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Irrespective of the dental adhesives evaluated, µTBS was higher after 24 hours compared with that after 1.5 and 3 years (p ≤ 0.001). However, adhesives with BDO and PA as co-initiators showed significantly higher bond strength than the bonding resin with EDAB (p ≤ 0.002), independent of the time evaluated. The commercial adhesive CSE showed similar bond strength compared with the other groups (p ≥ 0.05). Mixed failures were mainly observed after 24 hours, while adhesive failures were more frequently observed after 1.5 and 3 years. No notable differences in homogeneity and continuity along the bonded interfaces were detected among the materials in the SEM analysis. In conclusion, benzodioxole derivatives are feasible alternative co-initiators to tertiary amine in camphorquinone-based self-etching dental adhesive formulations.

Influence of a hydrophobic monomer on the physical and mechanical properties of experimental surface sealants

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of adding the hydrophobic monomer 1,12 dodecanediol dimethacrylate (DDDMA) to experimental sealants with and without thermocycling on degree of conversion (DC), water sorption (WS), water solubility (WSB), color stability (ΔE), and micro-shear bond strength (μSBS). Five experimental and one commercially available sealant (Bisco - BIS) were tested. The experimental sealants were formulated by mixing different percentages of DDDMA monomers and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA). The photoinitiator system was composed by camphorquinone (CQ) and tertiary amine 4-ethyl benzoate dimetilamiono (EDBA). Ethanol was used as a solvent. The experimental groups were named sequentially according to the monomeric content (DDDMA/UDMA): S40/40 (40/40), S50/30 (50/30), S60/20 (60/20), S70/10 (70/10) and S80/0 (80/0). Data were analyzed separately by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's test (p<0.05). The values of DC ranged from 94.59% (S40/40) to 54.02% (S80/10). BIS showed the highest WS value (p<0.05) and S40/40, S50/30, S60/20 and S80/0 showed the lowest WS values of all tested sealants. WSB values ranged from 7.88 µg/mm3 (BIS) to 13.27 µg/mm3 (S70/10). The highest ΔE value was 11.05±2.88 for BIS and the highest μSBS value was found for S60/20. No significant difference was observed in bond strength between sealants and bovine enamel after thermocycling. Adding DDDMA to the composition of surface sealants can improve its performance, once the monomer increased the degree of conversion and the color stability.

Evaluation of physical-mechanical properties, antibacterial effect, and cytotoxicity of temporary restorative materials

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare selective physical-mechanical properties, antibacterial effects and cytotoxicity of seven temporary restorative materials (TRM): five resin-based materials [Bioplic (B), Fill Magic Tempo (FM), Fermit inlay (F), Luxatemp LC (L) and Revotek LC (R)], and zinc oxide-eugenol cement (IRM) and glass ionomer cement (GIC) as the controls. Material and methods The physical-mechanical properties were evaluated by determining microleakage (ML), ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Shore D hardness (SDH). In addition, the polymerization rate (Pr-1), depth of cure (DC), water sorption and solubility (WS/SL) were evaluated. The antimicrobial effects of the materials were assessed by biofilm accumulation of Streptococcus mutans (BT) and the direct contact test (DCT) by exposure to Enterococcus faecalis for 1 and 24 h, and cytotoxicity by MTT assay. The data were analyzed by ANOVA or Kruskall-Wallis tests, and a complementary post-hoc method (p<0.05). Results Group B, followed by FM and GIC had significantly lower percentages of microleakage in comparison with the other groups; Groups FM and L showed the highest WS, while Groups R and FM showed the significantly lowest SL values (p<0.05). Group R showed the statistically highest UTS mean and the lowest DC mean among all groups. Group F showed the lowest S. mutans biofilm accumulation (p=0.023). Only the Group L showed continued effect against E. faecalis after 1 h and 24 h in DCT. The L showed statistically lower viability cell when compared to the other groups. Conclusions These findings suggest the antibacterial effect of the temporary materials Fill Magic and Bioplic against S. mutans, while Luxatemp showed in vitro inhibition of S. mutans biofilm accumulation and E. faecalis growth. Regarding the cell viability test, Luxatemp was the most cytotoxic and Fill Magic was shown to be the least cytotoxic.

Model resin composites incorporating ZnO-NP: activity against S. mutans and physicochemical properties characterization

Abstract Although resin composites are widely used in the clinical practice, the development of recurrent caries at composite-tooth interface still remains as one of the principal shortcomings to be overcome in this field. Objectives To evaluate the activity against S. mutans biofilm of model resin composites incorporating different concentrations of ZnO-nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) and characterize their physicochemical properties. Materials and Methods Different concentrations of ZnO-NP (wt.%): E1=0, E2=0.5, E3=1, E4=2, E5=5 and E6=10 were incorporated into a model resin composite consisting of Bis-GMA-TEGDMA and barium borosilicate particles. The activity against S. mutans biofilm was evaluated by metabolic activity and lactic acid production. The following physicochemical properties were characterized: degree of conversion (DC%), flexural strength (FS), elastic modulus (EM), hardness (KHN), water sorption (Wsp), water solubility (Wsl) and translucency (TP). Results E3, E4, E5 and E6 decreased the biofilm metabolic activity and E5 and E6 decreased the lactic acid production (p<0.05). E6 presented the lowest DC% (p<0.05). No significant difference in FS and EM was found for all resin composites (p>0.05). E5 and E6 presented the lowest values of KHN (p<0.05). E6 presented a higher Wsp than E1 (p<0.05) and the highest Wsl (p<0.05). The translucency significantly decreased as the ZnO- NP concentration increased (p<0.05). Conclusions The incorporation of 2 - 5 wt.% of ZnO-NP could endow antibacterial activity to resin composites, without jeopardizing their physicochemical properties.

Effects of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) on the odontoclastic differentiation ability of human dental pulp cells

Abstract Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) on odontoclastic differentiation in the dental pulp tissue. Material and Methods: The effects of different TEGDMA dosages on the odontoclastic differentiation capability of dental pulp cells were analyzed in vitro using the following methodologies: i) flow cytometry and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining; ii) apoptotic effects using Annexin V staining; iii) mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-kB ligand (RANKL) genes by quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR); and iv) OPG and RANKL protein expression by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: TEGDMA caused relatively less odontoclastic differentiation in comparison with the control group; however, odontoclastic differentiation augmented with increasing doses of TEGDMA (p<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of OPG was lower in TEGDMA treated pulp cells than in the control group (p<0.05). While the mRNA expression of RANKL remained unchanged compared to the control group (p>0.05), its protein expression was higher than the control group (p<0.05). In addition, TEGDMA increased the apoptosis of dental pulp cells dose dependently. Conclusions: TEGDMA reduced the odontoclastic differentiation ability of human dental pulp cells. However, odontoclastic differentiation ratios increased proportionally with the increasing dose of TEGDMA.

Degree of conversion and bond strength of resin-cements to feldspathic ceramic using different curing modes

Abstract Resin cements have led to great advances in dental ceramic restoration techniques because of their ability to bond to both dental structures and restorative materials. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the performance of resin cements when different curing modes are used, by evaluating the degree of conversion and bond strength to a ceramic substrate. Material and Methods Three resin cements were evaluated, two dual-cured (Variolink II and RelyX ARC) and one light-cured (Variolink Veneer). The dual-cured resin cements were tested by using the dual activation mode (base and catalyst) and light-activation mode (base paste only). For degree of conversion (DC) (n=5), a 1.0 mm thick feldspathic ceramic disc was placed over the resin cement specimens and the set was light activated with a QTH unit. After 24 h storage, the DC was measured with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). For microshear bond strength testing, five feldspathic ceramic discs were submitted to surface treatment, and three cylindrical resin cement specimens were bonded to each ceramic surface according to the experimental groups. After 24 h, microshear bond testing was performed at 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed until the failure. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p<0.05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for classifying the failure modes. Results Higher DC and bond strength values were shown by the resin cements cured by using the dual activation mode. The Variolink II group presented higher DC and bond strength values when using light-activation only when compared with the Variolink Veneer group. Conclusion The base paste of dual-cured resin cements in light-activation mode can be used for bonding translucent ceramic restorations of up to or less than 1.0 mm thick.

Influence of addition of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride to an experimental adhesive

Abstract The aim of this study was to develop an experimental adhesive with addition of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (METAC) and to evaluate its mechanical and biological properties and its in vitro antibacterial activity. An experimental adhesive resin was formulated with Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, and HEMA. The antibacterial monomer was added at concentrations of 1%, 2.5%, and 5% (METAC groups). A group without METAC addition was used as control. The experimental adhesives were evaluated as to their antibacterial potential against Streptococcus mutans, degree of conversion, and softening in ethanol for 2 hours. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post-hoc test, and the paired Student’s t-test (significance level of 0.05). METAC showed antibacterial activity against S. mutans at all concentrations (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference across METAC groups (p > 0.05). The 1%, 2.5%, and 5% groups yielded the highest mean values for degree of conversion (p < 0.05). The 1% group did not differ from the control group (p > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in baseline microhardness values (p > 0.05) and microhardness values after immersion in ethanol were lower than at baseline for all groups (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the reduction of Knoop hardness number (KHN) after immersion in ethanol for any of the groups (p > 0.05). The results of the present study indicate that METAC is a promising antibacterial agent when added to an adhesive system.

Longevity of metal-ceramic crowns cemented with self-adhesive resin cement: a prospective clinical study

Abstract Resin cements are often used for single crown cementation due to their physical properties. Self-adhesive resin cements gained widespread due to their simplified technique compared to regular resin cement. However, there is lacking clinical evidence about the long-term behavior of this material. The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to assess the survival rates of metal-ceramic crowns cemented with self-adhesive resin cement up to six years. One hundred and twenty-nine subjects received 152 metal-ceramic crowns. The cementation procedures were standardized and performed by previously trained operators. The crowns were assessed as to primary outcome (debonding) and FDI criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier statistics and descriptive analysis. Three failures occurred (debonding), resulting in a 97.6% survival rate. FDI criteria assessment resulted in scores 1 and 2 (acceptable clinical evaluation) for all surviving crowns. The use of self-adhesive resin cement is a feasible alternative for metal-ceramic crowns cementation, achieving high and adequate survival rates.

Evaluation of phenyl-propanedione on yellowing and chemical-mechanical properties of experimental dental resin-based materials

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the influence of phenyl-propanedione on yellowing and chemical-mechanical properties of experimental resin-based materials photoactivated using different light curing units (LCUs). Material and Methods Experimental resin-based materials with the same organic matrix (60:40 wt% BisGMA:TEGDMA) were mechanically blended using a centrifugal mixing device. To this blend, different photoinitiator systems were added in equimolar concentrations with aliphatic amine doubled by wt%: 0.4 wt% CQ; 0.38 wt% PPD; or 0.2 wt% CQ and 0.19 wt% PPD. The degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength (FS), Young’s modulus (YM), Knoop hardness (KNH), crosslinking density (CLD), and yellowing (Y) were evaluated (n=10). All samples were light cured with the following LCUs: a halogen lamp (XL 2500), a monowave LED (Radii), or a polywave LED (Valo) with 16 J/cm2. The results were analysed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=0.05). Results No statistical differences were found between the different photoinitiator systems to KNH, CLS, FS, and YM properties (p≥0.05). PPD/CQ association showed the higher DC values compared with CQ and PPD isolated systems when photoactivated by a polywave LED (p≤0.05). Y values were highest for the CQ compared with the PPD systems (p≤0.05). Conclusion PPD isolated system promoted similar chemical and mechanical properties and less yellowing compared with the CQ isolated system, regardless of the LCU used.

Effects of the application techniques of self-adhesive resin cements on the interfacial integrity and bond strength of fiber posts to dentin

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the influence of an application technique of a glass-fiber post using self-adhesive resin cements on the push-out bond strength and the presence of bubbles in the root thirds. The cements were either applied according to the manufacturer's instruction or using a commercial delivering system (Centrix), at which the cement pastes were collected and applied after manipulation. Material and Methods: Self-adhesive resin cements (RelyX U200/3M ESPE-U200; Maxcem Elite/Kerr-MAX; Clearfil SA Cement/Kuraray-CSA) and a conventional cement (RelyX ARC/3M ESPE-ARC) were used to cement a post and applied either based on the manufacturer's instructions or using a Centrix syringe to deliver the cements directly onto the post of choice, or directly into canal. The roots were scanned with a micro-computed tomography (μCT) and then sectioned into nine 1-mm thick slices for a push-out bond strength test. The μCT images showed the percentage of bubbles in the root thirds (cervical, medium, and apical). Data were analyzed with three-way ANOVA/Tukey (α=0.05). Results: Triple interaction was not significant (p>0.05). The interaction “material” vs “root third” was not significant. A significant interaction was observed between “material” vs “application technique” (p<0.05). For ARC, U200, and MAX, significantly lower percentages of bubbles were observed when the Centrix syringe delivered the cements. Equivalent percentages of voids were observed for CSA, irrespective of the application technique (p>0.05). Significantly higher bond strength was observed when the self-adhesive resin cements were applied using the Centrix delivery system, in comparison with the manufacturer's instructions (p<0.05). Bond strength varied with the root third: cervical>medium>apical (p<0.05). No correlations were found between the bond strength and voids. Conclusions: Bond strength and voids are negatively influenced by the conventional application technique for luting fiber posts. The delivery system (Centrix) seems to produce better results when cementing fiber posts.

Porosity of temporary denture soft liners containing antifungal agents

ABSTRACT Incorporation of antifungals in temporary denture soft liners has been recommended for denture stomatitis treatment; however, it may affect their properties. Objective: To evaluate the porosity of a tissue conditioner (Softone) and a temporary resilient liner (Trusoft) modified by minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antifungal agents for Candida albicans biofilm. Material and Methods: The porosity was measured by water absorption, based on exclusion of the plasticizer effect. Initially, it was determined by sorption isotherms that the adequate storage solution for specimens (65×10×3.3 mm) of both materials was 50% anhydrous calcium chloride (S50). Then, the porosity factor (PF) was calculated for the study groups (n=10) formed by specimens without (control) or with drug incorporation at MICs (nystatin: Ny-0.032 g, chlorhexidine diacetate: Chx-0.064 g, or ketoconazole: Ke-0.128 g each per gram of soft liner powder) after storage in distilled water or S50 for 24 h, seven and 14 d. Data were statistically analyzed by 4-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=.05). Results: Ke resulted in no significant changes in PF for both liners in water over 14 days (p>0.05). Compared with the controls, Softone and Trusoft PFs were increased at 14-day water immersion only after addition of Ny and Chx, and Chx, respectively (p<0.05). Both materials showed no significant changes in PF in up to 14 days of S50 immersion, compared with the controls (p>0.05). In all experimental conditions, Softone and Trusoft PFs were significantly lower when immersed in S50 compared with distilled water (p<0.05). Conclusions: The addition of antifungals at MICs resulted in no harmful effects for the porosity of both temporary soft liners in different periods of water immersion, except for Chx and Ny in Softone and Chx in Trusoft at 14 days. No deleterious effect was observed for the porosity of both soft liners modified by the drugs at MICs over 14 days of S50 immersion.