Initial Mechanical Stabilization of Conventional Glass Ionomer Cements with Different Active Principles

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the initial mechanical stabilization of conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) indicated for the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in different storage periods. Material and Methods: Specimens were divided according to the GIC (n=12): IZ - Ion-Z, KM - Ketac Molar Easymix, RS - Riva Self Cure, and GL - Gold Label 9. They were prepared and stored in distilled water. Superficial microhardness (SMH) was evaluated (KHN) in three phases: (A) after 1, (B) 3, and (C) 7 days of storage. Data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 5%). Results: The average KHN values for phases A, B, and C were, respectively, 33.05 ± 9.74; 33.21 ± 10.31 and 52.07 ± 11.75 (IZ); 50.35 ± 11.39; 66.05 ± 10.48 and 67.77 ± 13.80 (KM); 89.63 ± 15.59; 71.31 ± 23.86 and 57.70 ± 16.89 (RS); 42.18 ± 9.03; 68.54 ± 6.83 and 57.95 ± 8.24 (GL). Significant differences were observed: GIC, time, and interaction of both (p<0.05). KHN values differed between the groups, except in the GIC parameter for KM and GL. The time parameter values of phase A were lower than those of B and C, except for IZ and RS. Conclusion: The initial mechanical stabilization differed between the types of GIC tested and the storage time, and after the final period, all had similar SMH.

Incorporação da técnica de restauração atraumática por equipes de saúde bucal da atenção básica à saúde do Recife/PE / Incorporation of the atraumatic restoration technique by oral health teams from the basic health care of Recife/PE

Resumo: Objetivou-se analisar aspectos referentes ao emprego da Técnica de Restauração Atraumática (TRA) nas atividades dos Cirurgiões-Dentistas (CDs) da Atenção Básica à Saúde (ABS) do Recife, no Distrito Sanitário IV, planejadas para o controle e tratamento da cárie dentária. Promoveu-se uma caracterização do perfil profissional e sobre aspectos relacionados ao emprego da técnica. Tratou-se de um estudo observacional de caráter descritivo. A amostra foi o universo dos CDs (23), que estavam em exercício profissional em 23 unidades de saúde do Distrito Sanitário IV, no primeiro semestre de 2017. Para a coleta de dados foi elaborado um questionário estruturado submetido à validação e foi aplicado face a face. A análise de dados realizou cálculos de estatística descritiva. Foram calculadas a distribuição de frequência absoluta e relativa das variáveis estudadas. Apenas dois dentistas não foram entrevistados por estarem afastados do trabalho, isto significou em uma perda de 8,69%. Prevaleceu entre os entrevistados a idade de 41 a 57 anos (52,83%); e o sexo feminino (80,95%); 80,95% ingressaram na ABS por concurso; 90,48% possuíam pós-graduação, sendo 80,95% na especialidade Saúde da Família. A maioria afirmou utilizar a TRA e que a ABS recomenda o uso (85,75%). A técnica era utilizada para restaurações provisórias e definitivas (61,11%) e quase 50% dos entrevistados relataram que a qualidade do produto interferia na execução, duração e adesão das restaurações. Os CDs indicaram a TRA para diferentes idades e condições de vida, onde prevaleceu o uso para crianças (42,86%) e gestantes (42,86%). A grande maioria dos CDs se declarou habilitado, mas com necessidade de capacitação (95,24%). Conclui-se que a TRA é indicada e está incorporada às práticas de cuidados da maioria dos entrevistados, contudo investimentos em educação permanente dos profissionais e provimento de material recomendado para o uso eficaz da técnica devem ser planejados.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the incorporation of the Atraumatic Restoration Technique (ART) in the planned activities for dental caries control and treatment performed by dentists in public healthcare services in Sanitary District IV of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Methods: The professional profile of dentists and aspects related to the use of ART was investigated. This is an observational and descriptive study. The sample (23) consisted of a universe of dentists of Sanitary District IV in the first half of 2017. Data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire that was validated face to face. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics calculations. Results: Only two dentists were not interviewed, because they were away from work, resulting in a drop out sample of 8.69%. Most of the participants were between 41 to 57 years of age (52.83%), female (80.95%), while 80.95% entered in the public service by a selective process; 90.48% had a postgraduate degree with a specialization in family health (80.95%). The majority claimed to use ART and its recommendation in the public health service (85.75%). The technique was used for provisional and definitive restorations (61.11%), and almost 50% of the respondents reported that the quality of the dental material interfered in the execution, longevity, and adhesion of the restorations. The respondents recommended ART for different ages and life conditions, mainly in children (42.86%) and pregnant women (42.86%). The great majority of dentists claimed to be qualified but needed training (95.24%). Conclusion: It was concluded that ART was recommended and incorporated in the dental care practices of most of the interviewed dentists, highlighting the need for investments in ongoing training of dental professionals in public healthcare services and the provision of recommended materials for the effective use of ART

The correct use of the ART approach

Confusion exists amongst dentists and scientists about the correct use of the caries management approach termed atraumatic restorative treatment (ART). Inconsistent use of the original definition of ART and suggested modifications (mART) have led to misunderstanding, misconception and miscommunication in the dental literature over the last decade. The aim of this paper is to contribute to a uniform understanding and use of the term ART. Adherence to its original description is suggested and two major aspects were addressed: the use of hand instruments only and the use of adhesive materials and systems.

Microhardness of glass ionomer cements indicated for the ART technique according to surface protection treatment and storage time

The aim of this study was to assess the microhardness of 5 glass ionomer cements (GIC) - Vidrion R (V, SS White), Fuji IX (F, GC Corp.), Magic Glass ART (MG, Vigodent), Maxxion R (MR, FGM) and ChemFlex (CF, Dentsply) - in the presence or absence of a surface protection treatment, and after different storage periods. For each GIC, 36 test specimens were made, divided into 3 groups according to the surface protection treatment applied - no protection, varnish or nail varnish. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h, 7 and 30 days and the microhardness tests were performed at these times. The data obtained were submitted to the ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey tests (á = 5 percent). The results revealed that the mean microhardness values of the GICs were, in decreasing order, as follows: F > CF = MR > MG > V; that surface protection was significant for MR, at 24 h, without protection (64.2 ± 3.6a), protected with GIC varnish (59.6 ± 3.4b) and protected with nail varnish (62.7 ± 2.8ab); for F, at 7 days, without protection (97.8 ± 3.7ab), protected with varnish (95.9 ± 3.2b) and protected with nail varnish (100.8 ± 3.4a); and at 30 days, for F, without protection (98.8 ± 2.6b), protected with varnish (103.3 ± 4.4a) and protected with nail varnish (101 ± 4.1ab) and, for V, without protection (46 ± 1.3b), protected with varnish (49.6 ± 1.7ab) and protected with nail varnish (51.1 ± 2.6a). The increase in storage time produced an increase in microhardness. It was concluded that the different GICs, surface protection treatments and storage times could alter the microhardness values.