Shade reproduction and the ability of lithium disilicate ceramics to mask dark substrates

Objectives@#This study aimed to evaluate the ability of lithium disilicate ceramics to reproduce the A2 shade and to mask A4 substrates. @*Materials and Methods@#Twenty-four discs (8 mm in diameter, shade A2) of high translucency (groups 1–3) and low translucency (groups 4–6) of IPS e.max ceramic with different thicknesses (0.5, 0.75, and 1 mm) were fabricated as monolithic structures. In addition, discs of medium opacity (group 7–8) with different core/veneer combinations (0.3 mm/0.7 mm and 0.5 mm/0.5 mm) were fabricated as bilayer structures. Specimens were superimposed on an A4 substrate (complex). The color changes of the complex were measured using a spectrophotometer on a black background, and the ΔE values of the complex were compared with either the A4 substrate or the A2 shade tab. One-way analysis of variance, the Tukey honest significant difference test, and the Fisher test were used to analyze the data (p < 0.05). @*Results@#Significant between-group differences were found for comparisons to both the A4 substrate and the A2 shade (p < 0.05). When compared with the A4 substrate, the ΔE values in all groups were in the non-acceptable range. When compared with the A2 shade, the ΔE values in all groups, except groups 2 and 3, were in the clinically acceptable range. @*Conclusions@#All translucencies and thicknesses masked the underlying dark substrate.However, the low-translucency IPS e.max Press better reproduced the A2 shade.

Bioactivity of endodontic biomaterials on dental pulp stem cells through dentin

OBJECTIVES@#This study investigated the indirect effect of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), as 2 calcium silicate-based hydraulic cements, on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) through different dentin thicknesses.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#Two-chamber setups were designed to simulate indirect pulp capping (IPC). Human molars were sectioned to obtain 0.1-, 0.3-, and 0.5-mm-thick dentin discs, which were placed between the 2 chambers to simulate an IPC procedure. Then, MTA and CEM were applied on one side of the discs, while hDPSCs were cultured on the other side. After 2 weeks of incubation, the cells were removed, and cell proliferation, morphology, and attachment to the discs were evaluated under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDXA) spectroscopy was performed for elemental analysis. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was assessed quantitatively. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.@*RESULTS@#SEM micrographs revealed elongated cells, collagen fibers, and calcified nucleations in all samples. EDXA verified that the calcified nucleations consisted of calcium phosphate. The largest calcifications were seen in the 0.1-mm-thick dentin subgroups. There was no significant difference in ALP activity across the CEM subgroups; however, ALP activity was significantly lower in the 0.1-mm-thick dentin subgroup than in the other MTA subgroups (p < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The employed capping biomaterials exerted biological activity on hDPSCs, as shown by cell proliferation, morphology, and attachment and calcific precipitations, through 0.1- to 0.5-mm-thick layers of dentin. In IPC, the bioactivity of these endodontic biomaterials is probably beneficial.

Bioactivity of endodontic biomaterials on dental pulp stem cells through dentin

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the indirect effect of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), as 2 calcium silicate-based hydraulic cements, on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) through different dentin thicknesses.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two-chamber setups were designed to simulate indirect pulp capping (IPC). Human molars were sectioned to obtain 0.1-, 0.3-, and 0.5-mm-thick dentin discs, which were placed between the 2 chambers to simulate an IPC procedure. Then, MTA and CEM were applied on one side of the discs, while hDPSCs were cultured on the other side. After 2 weeks of incubation, the cells were removed, and cell proliferation, morphology, and attachment to the discs were evaluated under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDXA) spectroscopy was performed for elemental analysis. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was assessed quantitatively. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.RESULTS: SEM micrographs revealed elongated cells, collagen fibers, and calcified nucleations in all samples. EDXA verified that the calcified nucleations consisted of calcium phosphate. The largest calcifications were seen in the 0.1-mm-thick dentin subgroups. There was no significant difference in ALP activity across the CEM subgroups; however, ALP activity was significantly lower in the 0.1-mm-thick dentin subgroup than in the other MTA subgroups (p < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The employed capping biomaterials exerted biological activity on hDPSCs, as shown by cell proliferation, morphology, and attachment and calcific precipitations, through 0.1- to 0.5-mm-thick layers of dentin. In IPC, the bioactivity of these endodontic biomaterials is probably beneficial.

Shade reproduction and the ability of lithium disilicate ceramics to mask dark substrates

Objectives@#This study aimed to evaluate the ability of lithium disilicate ceramics to reproduce the A2 shade and to mask A4 substrates. @*Materials and Methods@#Twenty-four discs (8 mm in diameter, shade A2) of high translucency (groups 1–3) and low translucency (groups 4–6) of IPS e.max ceramic with different thicknesses (0.5, 0.75, and 1 mm) were fabricated as monolithic structures. In addition, discs of medium opacity (group 7–8) with different core/veneer combinations (0.3 mm/0.7 mm and 0.5 mm/0.5 mm) were fabricated as bilayer structures. Specimens were superimposed on an A4 substrate (complex). The color changes of the complex were measured using a spectrophotometer on a black background, and the ΔE values of the complex were compared with either the A4 substrate or the A2 shade tab. One-way analysis of variance, the Tukey honest significant difference test, and the Fisher test were used to analyze the data (p < 0.05). @*Results@#Significant between-group differences were found for comparisons to both the A4 substrate and the A2 shade (p < 0.05). When compared with the A4 substrate, the ΔE values in all groups were in the non-acceptable range. When compared with the A2 shade, the ΔE values in all groups, except groups 2 and 3, were in the clinically acceptable range. @*Conclusions@#All translucencies and thicknesses masked the underlying dark substrate.However, the low-translucency IPS e.max Press better reproduced the A2 shade.

Effect of water storage on flexural strength of silorane and methacrylate-based composite resins

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the effect of water storage on the flexural strength (FS) of low shrinkage composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 165 bar-shaped specimens (2 × 2 × 25 mm) were fabricated of 2 low shrinkage composites (Filtek P90 [3M ESPE], GC Kalore [GC International]) and a conventional methacrylate-based composite (Filtek Z250 [3M ESPE]). The specimens were subjected to 3-point bending test at 6 time intervals, namely: immediately after curing, at 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year following storage in wet and dry conditions. The FS of the specimens were measured by applying compressive load at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min. Data was analyzed using 3-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test. RESULTS: Three-way ANOVA revealed significant interactions between time, type of composite, and storage condition (p = 0.001). Tukey's multiple comparison test revealed significant reductions in FS of all composites after 6 months and 1 year of storage in distilled water compared to dry condition. CONCLUSIONS: Filtek P90 showed the highest and GC Kalore showed the lowest FS after 1 year storage in distilled water. The immediate high strength of Filtek Z250 significantly decreased at 1 year and its final value was lower than that of Filtek P90.

Effect of composite color and thickness on correction of tooth discoloration

Objective: Selection of an appropriate shade of composite is critical in achieving an esthetic restoration. Different systems are used to assess and describe color parameters. This study aimed to assess the effect of color and thickness of Filtek Supreme [FS] and Premise [P] composite resins on correction of tooth discoloration

Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 10 anterior teeth with Vita A2 color shade were selected. Composite specimens were fabricated in 0.5 and 0.75 mm thicknesses of FS and P composites. Intact teeth, prepared teeth, prepared teeth with enamel and dentin composite discs on their buccal surfaces, stained teeth and stained teeth with composite discs were photographed using a digital camera under standard conditions and color change [[Delta]E] at different phases was calculated

Results: The L[asteristk], a[asteristk] and b[asteristk] color parameters in prepared and unstained teeth were not significantly different from those of intact teeth. In stained teeth, the L[asteristk] parameter only in prepared and stained teeth with 0.75mm P composite was not significantly different from the L[asteristk] parameter in intact teeth. Significant differences were seen in other stained teeth. The a[asteristk] and b[asteristk] parameters only in prepared and stained teeth with 0.5 mm FS composite were significantly different from those in intact teeth. By increasing the thickness of composite, the color change in comparison with intact teeth decreased in both groups

Conclusion: The results showed that the effect of type of composite, its thickness and their interaction on the color change was significant when using FS and P composites in 0.5 and 0.75mm thicknesses in comparison to intact teeth and the lowest color difference with intact teeth was achieved using 0.75mm thickness of P composite [enamel and dentin]

Effect of powder/liquid ratio on fluoride release of glass ionomers

Objective: Evidence shows that the powder/liquid mixing ratio recommended by the manufacturers is often not respected when mixing the glass ionomer [GI] powder and liquid, yielding a GI cement with disproportionate powder/liquid ratio. Considering the confirmed effect of powder/liquid ratio on the GI properties, and more importantly, its fluoride release potential, this study aimed to assess the effect of powder/liquid ratio on fluoride release of GI cements

Methods: Fuji II, Fuji II LC Improved and Fuji IX GI cements were used in this experimental study. Of each material, three groups with powder 20% less than recommended, the exact recommended ratio and powder 20% more than recommended, were prepared. To assess the fluoride release potential, 45 disc-shaped specimens measuring 2×4mm were prepared [5 per each group]. After fabrication, the specimens were immersed in 5 mL of distilled water. The amount of fluoride released into distilled water was measured at days 1 to 7, and also at 13, 14, 15, 28, 29, 30, 58, 59, 60, 88, 89, and 90 days, using Ion Selective Electrode [ISE]. After each time of measurement, distilled water was replaced. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Tukey's post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison of groups and powder/liquid mixing ratio. For pairwise comparison of time points, the Bonferroni adjustment was applied [p<0.05]

Results: Based on the results, although the amount of fluoride released from Fuji IX was higher than Fuji II, this difference was not statistically significant [p=0.589]. The lowest fluoride release was seen in Fuji II LC and this difference was statistically significant [p<0.05]. Change by 20% in the powder/liquid mixing ratio in the three GI cements had no significant effect on fluoride release [p=0.650, p=0.103, p=0.082]

Conclusion: Fluoride release from GI was time-dependent and the amount of released fluoride decreased over time. Fuji II LC resin-modified GI [RMGI] released less fluoride than Fuji II and Fuji IX. Also, 20% change in powder/liquid mixing ratio had no significant effect on fluoride release in different groups

comparative study on anti-hyperalgesia effect of MTA and ketoprofen in inflammatory pain

Mineral trioxide aggregate [MTA] is an endodontic material with different clinical applications e.g. root-end filling, pulp capping and perforation repair. It has been reported to possess antimicrobial and antifungal activities. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of White MTA on formalin-induced hyperalgesia in a rat with inflammatory pain. Inflammatory pain was induced by subcutaneous [SC] injection of formalin [40 microL, 2.5%] into the rat upper lip. The nociceptive behavioral responses i.e. shaking of the lower jaw and face rubbing were quantified. 40 uL of eugenol [50 mg/kg], WMTA [20 mg/0.2 mL] or ketoprofen were injected solely or in combination with formalin 2.5% and the behavioral responses were compared with those observed after formalin treatment alone. One-way ANOVA, Tukey were used for analysis of data. Formalin 2.5% provoked a biphasic nociceptive response, with an early and short lasting first tonic phase followed by a second phase. Solely SC injection of either WMTA or ketoprofen [a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug] did not stimulate any significant nociceptive behaviour. However, injection of eugenol [a pain relieving agent] induced the early phase not the tonic phase of nociceptive response. WMTA, eugenol or ketoprofen injection 20 min before formalin injection attenuated the first phase but somehow prevented the induction of the second phase of nociceptive responses which were produced by formalin. Behavioural nociceptive responses including shaking of the lower jaw and face rubbing were significantly reduced when the subject was pretreated with either WMTA or ketoprofen [P<0.001]. In this study, WMTA induced pain reduction by suppression of the formalin-induced nociceptive response