Novel pulp capping material based on sodium trimetaphosphate: synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the mechanical, physicochemical, and antimicrobial properties of four different formulations containing micro- or nanoparticles of sodium trimetaphosphate (mTMP and nTMP, respectively). Methodology: Four experimental groups were used in this investigation: two mTMP groups and two nTMP groups, each containing zirconium oxide (ZrO2), and solution containing either chitosan or titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs). Setting time, compression resistance, and radiopacity were estimated. The agar diffusion test was used to assess the antimicrobial activity of the formulations against five different microbial strains: Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, Actinomyces israelii, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus faecalis. Parametric and nonparametric tests were performed after evaluating homoscedasticity data (p<0.05). Results: From the properties evaluated, nTMP cements required less setting time and showed greater resistance to compression. Cements containing TiO2 showed greater radiopacity for both nTMP and mTMP. All four cement formulations showed antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and L. casei Conclusion: Formulations containing nTMP have shorter setting times and higher compressive strength, and those with TiO2 nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activities. Clinical relevance: The cement containing nTMP, ZrO2, and TiO2 could be an alternative material for protecting the pulp complex.

Influence of the Vehicle on the Tissue Reaction and Biomineralization of Fast Endodontic Cement

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the tissue response and the biomineralization ability of CER prepared with epoxy resin or water compared to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA). Material and Methods: Polyethylene tubes containing materials or empty tubes for control were inserted into the subcutaneous tissues of 30 rats. After 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days, the rats were killed and the tubes were removed for analysis using hematoxylin-eosin staining, von Kossa staining, and under polarized light. Inflammation was graded through a score system; the thickness of the fibrous capsule was classified as thin or thick; the biomineralization ability was recorded as present or absent. The results were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). Results: Histologic analysis performed after 7 and 15 days for CER prepared with epoxy resin or water and for MTA showed moderate inflammation and a thick fibrous capsule (p>0.05). After 30, 60, and 90 days, mild inflammation, and a thin fibrous capsule were observed in all groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: All materials had structures positive for von Kossa and birefringent to polarized light. CER epoxy resin showed biocompatibility and biomineralization similar to CER water and MTA.

Degree of conversion of resin cements polymerized under different thicknesses of feldspathic porcelain

Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of resin cements polymerized under different thicknesses of feldspathic dental ceramic. Methods: Forty samples of RelyX ARC and RelyX Veneer resin cements were polymerized under Starlight feldspathic ceramic discs (DeguDent Gmbh) with 0.5 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2.4 mm in thickness. The control group was cured without the interposition of ceramic. The DC measurements were performed 10 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours after the light-activation in a Nexus 670 FTIR spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measure ANOVA and Fisher PLSD test. Results: The RelyX ARC showed higher DC for all ceramic thicknesses. There was significant decrease in DC related to an increase in ceramic thickness. For RelyX ARC, the values of DC obtained after 1 hour and 24 hours did not differ statistically between them, but they were higher than those analyzed after 10 minutes. For RelyX Veneer cement, there was gradual increase in the DC up to 24 hours. Conclusion: The higher the thicknesses of ceramic, the lower DC of the resin cement

Resin-modified glass ionomer containing calcium glycerophosphate: physico-mechanical properties and enamel demineralization

Abstract Sources of calcium and phosphate have been added to dental restorative materials to improve their anticaries effect. Objective This study evaluated the effect of adding calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) to resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) on the physico-mechanical properties, ion release, and enamel demineralization. Material and Methods: Specimens were fabricated for each experimental group: RMGIC without CaGP (Control), RMGIC with 1, 3 and 9% CaGP. To determine the release of fluoride (F), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), six specimens were immersed in demineralization and remineralization solutions for 15 days. In another experimental trial, the following physico-mechanical properties were evaluated at time intervals of 1 and 7 days after fabrication: compressive strength (n=12), diametral tensile strength (n=12), surface hardness of material (n=6) and the degree of conversion of monomers (n=8). To study enamel demineralization, specimens (n=12) were attached to enamel blocks and submitted to pH-cycling. Subsequently, surface and cross-sectional hardness and the concentration of F, Ca and P in enamel were determined. Results The addition of CaGP to RMGIC led to higher mean release of F, Ca and P when compared with control (p<0.001). Mechanical properties were within the range of those of the ionomer cements after addition of 1% and 3% CaGP. The degree of conversion did not differ between groups at the 1st and the 7th day (p>0.439). The addition of 3% and 9% CaGP reduced mineral loss and increased F, Ca and P in the enamel when compared with control (p<0.05). Conclusion The addition of 3% CaGP in RMGIC increased the release of F, P and Ca, reduced enamel demineralization, and maintained the physico-mechanical properties within the parameters for this material.

Cytotoxic effects of new MTA-based cement formulations on fibroblast-like MDPL-20 cells

Abstract The present study aimed at evaluating the cytotoxic effects of a novel cement called CER on periodontal fibroblast-like cells of mice (MDPL-20), in comparison with different formulations of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), by means of the cell viability test (MTT) and cell morphology analysis. Thirty-two round-shaped samples were fabricated with the following cements: white MTA, white and gray CER and experimental white MTA. The samples were immersed in serum-free culture medium for 24 hours or 7 days (n = 16). The extracts (culture medium + components released from the cements) were applied for 24 hours to previously cultured cells (40.000 cells/cm2) in the wells of 24-well plates. Cells seeded in complete culture medium were used as a negative control. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Two samples of each cement were used for cell morphology analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The extracts obtained at the 7-day period presented higher cytotoxicity compared with the 24-hour period (p < 0.05). The gray CER obtained at 24 hours presented the highest cytotoxic effect, whereas the experimental white MTA presented the lowest, similar to the control (p > 0.05). However, at the 7-day period, the experimental white MTA presented no significant difference in comparison with the other cements (p > 0.05). At the 7-day period, CER cement presented cytotoxic effects on fibroblast-like cells, similar to different MTA formulations. However, the immersion period in the culture medium influenced the cytotoxicity of the cements, which was greater for CER cement at 24 hours.

Effect of Trimetaphosphate and Fluoride Association on Hydroxyapatite Dissolution and Precipitation In Vitro

The present study analyzed the action of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) and/or fluoride on hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite powder was suspended in different solutions: deionized water, 500 µg F/mL, 1,100 µg F/mL, 1%TMP, 3%TMP, 500 µg F/mL plus 1%TMP and 500 µg F/mL plus 3%TMP. The pH value of the solutions was reduced to 4.0 and after 30 min, raised to 7.0 (three times). After pH-cycling, the samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The concentrations of calcium fluoride, fluoride, calcium and phosphorus were also determined. Adding 1% or 3% TMP to the solution containing 500 µg F/mL produced a higher quantity of calcium fluoride compared to samples prepared in a 1,100 µg F/mL solution. Regarding the calcium concentration, samples prepared in solutions of 1,100 µg F/mL and 500 µg F/mL plus TMP were statistically similar and showed higher values. Using solutions of 1,100 µg F/mL and 500 µg F/mL plus TMP resulted in a calcium/phosphorus ratio close to that of hydroxyapatite. It is concluded that the association of TMP and fluoride favored the precipitation of a more stable hydroxyapatite.

O presente estudo avaliou a ação do trimetafosfato de sódio (TMP) e/ou fluoreto sobre a hidroxiapatita. Pó de hidroxiapatita foi suspenso em diferentes soluções: água deionizada, 500 µg F/mL, 1100 µg F/mL, 1%TMP, 3%TMP, 500 µg F/mL adicionado a 1%TMP e 500 µg F/mL associado a 3%TMP. O pH das soluções foi reduzido para 4,0 e depois de 30 min, elevado para 7,0 (três vezes). Depois do processo de ciclagem de pH, as amostras foram analisadas por difração de raios-X e espectroscopia por infravermelho. As concentrações de fluoreto de cálcio, fluoreto, cálcio e fósforo também foram determinadas. A adição de 1% ou 3% TMP na solução contendo 500 µg F/mL produziu uma maior quantidade de fluoreto de cálcio comparado às amostras tratadas com uma solução de 1100 µg F/mL. A respeito da concentração de cálcio, amostras tratadas com soluções de 1100 µg F/mL e 500 µg F/mL adicionado ao TMP foram estatisticamente similares e mostraram maiores valores. Soluções de 1100 µg F/mL e 500 µg F/mL adicionado ao TMP resultaram em uma proporção molar Ca/P mais próxima à da hidroxiapatita. Conclui-se que a associação de TMP e F favoreceu a precipitação de uma hidroxiapatita mais estável.

Influência da fotopolimerização e termociclagem na adesão de compósitos ortodônticos / Influence of photopolymerization and thermocycling on the adhesion of orthodontic composites

Neste trabalho avaliou-se a influência de choques térmicos e fatores relacionados à fotopolimerização na adesão de acessórios ortodônticos ao dente. Para tanto, foram utilizados três compósitos adesivos comerciais. Foram utilizadas duas fontes de luz LED para polimerização dos compósitos com diferentes tempos de exposição à irradiação. As amostras foram divididas em dois grupos, sendo um deles sujeito à termociclagem. A adesão dos compósitos foi avaliada através da resistência ao cisalhamento. Entre os compósitos estudados, Fill Magic e Transbond mostraram o mais baixo e a mais alta resistência ao cisalhamento, respectivamente. A fonte de luz com maior densidade de potência promoveu a maior resistência ao cisalhamento. A resistência ao cisalhamento dos compósitos Fill Magic e Ortho Lite foi influenciada pela termociclagem.

This study evaluated the influence of thermal shock, and factors related to photopolymerization on the adhesion of orthodontic accessories to teeth. Three light-cured composite adhesives were used. Two LED light sources were used to cure the adhesive composites at different times of the light irradiation. The samples were divided into two groups, with one group subjected to thermocycling. The adhesion of the composites was evaluated through shear bond strength. Fill Magic and Transbond showed the lowest and highest shear bond strength, respectively. The light-curing unit with higher power density promoted greater shear bond strength. The shear bond strength of the Fill Magic and Ortho Lite adhesives was influenced by thermocycling.

Effect of Sodium Trimetaphosphate on Hydroxyapatite Solubility: An In Vitro Study

This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) with and without fluoride (F) on the concentration of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and F in hydroxyapatite (HA). Synthetic HA powder (0.15 g) was suspended (n=6) in solutions (75 mL) of TMP at 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0%, 8.0% and 10% concentrations in the presence and absence of 100 ppm F and subjected to a pH-cycling process. The precipitates were filtrated, dried at 70° C for 24 h and ground onto a fine powder. The concentrations of F (KOH (CaF2) and HCl (FA) soluble), Ca (Arsenazo III), and P (molybdate method) in HA were determined. The Ca P, and Ca/P ratio data were subjected to Tukey's test and the F data were subjected to Student-Newman-Keuls test (p<0.05). The addition of TMP to the samples reduced F deposition to 98% (p<0.001). The groups containing 100 ppm F and 0.4% or 0.6% TMP exhibited a higher Ca concentration than the group containing only 100 ppm F (p<0.05). Furthermore, the HA treated with 0.2% and 0.4% TMP and 100 ppm F showed a higher Ca/P ratio than the other groups (p<0.001). In conclusion, TMP at 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% concentrations combined with F seemed to be able to precipitate HA with low solubility. However, especially at high concentrations, TMP interferes with F deposition on HA.

Este estudo avaliou o efeito de diferentes concentrações de trimetafosfato de sódio (TMP) com e sem fluoreto (F) nas concentrações de cálcio (Ca), fósforo (P) e F na hidroxiapatita (HA). Pó de HA sintético (0,15 g) foi suspenso (n=6) em soluções (75 mL) de TMP com concentrações de 0%, 0,1%, 0,2%, 0,4%, 0,6%, 0,8%, 1,0%, 2,0%, 4,0%, 6,0%, 8,0% e 10% na presença ou na ausência de 100 ppm F e foram submetidas ao processo de ciclagem de pH. O precipitado foi filtrado seco a 70°C por 24 h e triturado em um pó fino. As concentrações de F (solúvel em KOH: CaF2, e em HCl: FA), Ca (Arsenazo III) e P (método do molibdato) foram determinadas na HA. Os dados de Ca, P e de proporção Ca/P foram submetidos ao teste de Tukey e os dados de F ao teste Student-Newman-Keuls (p<0,05). A adição de TMP reduziu a deposição de F em 98% (p<0,001). Os grupos contendo 100 ppm F e TMP 0,4% e 0,6% apresentaram maiores concentrações de Ca do que o grupo contendo somente 100 ppm F (p<0,05). Além disso, a HA tratada com 0,2% e 0,4% de TMP e 100 ppm F apresentou maiores proporções Ca/P em relação aos demais grupos (p<0,001). Em conclusão, TMP nas concentrações de 0,2%, 0,4% e 0,6% quando associado ao F é capaz de precipitar uma HA com menor solubilidade. Entretanto, especialmente em altas concentrações, TMP interfere com a deposição de F na HA.

Estudo do grau de conversão de resinas compostas fotoativadas por espectroscopia FTIR / Study of the conversion degree of photo-cured resin composites by FTIR spectroscopy

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o grau de conversão de três resinas compostas fotoativadas (Fill Magic, TPH Spectrum e Te-Econom). Cento e vinte amostras foram preparadas, as quais foram irradiadas por 20 e 40s usando quatro fontes diferentes (duas halógenas e duas à base de LED). O grau de conversão foi avaliado a partir de dados de absorção no infravermelho próximo obtidos em um espectrofotômetro infravermelho. Os resultados mostram que o grau de conversão aumenta com o tempo de irradiação somente quando as resinas foram irradiadas com fontes de luz com densidade de potência menor do que 233 mW/cm2. Todas as três resinas alcançaram o nível de conversão tipicamente observado em resinas fotoativadas comerciais.

Glass transition and degree of conversion of a light-cured orthodontic composite

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the glass transition temperature (Tg) and degree of conversion (DC) of a light-cured (Fill Magic) versus a chemically cured (Concise) orthodontic composite. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anelastic relaxation spectroscopy was used for the first time to determine the Tg of a dental composite, while the DC was evaluated by infrared spectroscopy. The light-cured composite specimens were irradiated with a commercial LED light-curing unit using different exposure times (40, 90 and 120 s). RESULTS: Fill Magic presented lower Tg than Concise (35-84ºC versus 135ºC), but reached a higher DC. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that Fill Magic has lower Tg than Concise due to its higher organic phase content, and that when this light-cured composite is used to bond orthodontic brackets, a minimum energy density of 7.8 J/cm² is necessary to reach adequate conversion level and obtain satisfactory adhesion.

Infrared spectroscopy: a tool for determination of the degree of conversion in dental composites

Infrared spectroscopy is one of the most widely used techniques for measurement of conversion degree in dental composites. However, to obtain good quality spectra and quantitative analysis from spectral data, appropriate expertise and knowledge of the technique are mandatory. This paper presents important details to use infrared spectroscopy for determination of the conversion degree.

Estudo da expansão térmica do sistema bráquete-resinas ortodônticas / Study of thermal expansion of bracket-resin system

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o coeficiente de expansão térmica de duas resinas ortodônticas, Concise e Fill Magic, e do material utilizado para a confecção da base de bráquetes metálicos. A expansão térmica foi estudada através da técnica de extensometria. Três amostras para cada resina foram preparadas utilizando anéis de 10 mm de diâmetro e 1 mm de espessura. Fitas metálicas contendo uma face lisa e outra com malha de retenção foram utilizadas como amostras de bráquetes. O coeficiente de expansão térmica obtido para o bráquete foi de 18,48 e para as resinas Concise e Fill Magic foi de 63,23 ± 1,17 e 40,80 ± 1,39 ustrain/°C, respectivamente

Influência da umidade e da temperatura na resistência de cisalhamento de duas resinas ortodônticas / Influence of humidity and temperature on the shear bond strength of two orthodontic resins

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resistência ao cisalhamento com e sem termociclagem das resinas compostas Concise Ortodôntico e Fill Magic Ortodôntico, bem como os efeitos de termociclagem na adesão. Dentes pré-molares foram divididos em quatro grupos, em dois dos quais foi utilizada a Concise e, nos dois restantes, a Fill Magic. Dois grupos, um de cada resina adesiva foram armazenados em temperatura ambiente por 24h antes do ensaio de cisalhamento. Os dentes foram submetidos à termociclagem por três dias. Os resultados indicaram que a Concise apresenta maior resistência ao cisalhamento independentemente das condições de temperatura e umidade.