Bond strength of self-adhesive resin cements to dry and moist dentin

This study evaluated the effects of humidity conditions and evaluation times on the dentin bond strength (DBS) of two self-adhesive resin cements (RC). The RC used were: RelyX Unicem (3M ESPE) and Clearfil SA Cement (Kuraray Med.). One hundred and twenty coronal portions of bovine incisors (n = 10) were used. Buccal surfaces were abraded in order to expose a flat dentinal surface (180-grit SiC) and to standardize the smear layer formation (600-grit SiC). The humidity conditions tested were: dry (air-dried for 10 s), slightly moist (water application with disposable applicator on dried dentin and water excess removed with absorbent paper), and moist (same application without water removal). The RC were used according to the manufacturers' recommendations and were applied to prepolymerized resin discs (2 mm thick; Sinfony, 3M ESPE), which were subsequently bonded to the dentin surfaces. After 24 h, half of the teeth were prepared for the microtensile bond strength test, while the other half were stored in water for 6 months and tested in tension (0.5 mm/min) until failure. A 3-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test were performed (preset alpha of 0.05). No RC showed any reduction of DBS after 6 months, and no significant difference was observed between them. The moist dentin increased the bond strength of Clearfil SA Cement for both periods of time. Humidity conditions can change the DBS; however, the study's results were product-dependent.

Influence of the interposition of ceramic spacers on the degree of conversion and the hardness of resin cements

This study evaluated: I) the effect of photo-activation through ceramics on the degree of conversion (DC) and on the Knoop hardness (KHN) of light- and dual-cured resin cements; and II) two different protocols for obtaining the spectra of uncured materials, to determine the DC of a dual-cured resin cement. Thin films of cements were photo-activated through ceramics [feldspathic porcelain (FP); lithium disilicate glass-ceramics of low translucency (e.max-LT), medium opacity (e.max-MO) and high translucency (e.max-HT); glass-infiltrated alumina composite (IC) and polycrystalline zirconia (ZR)] with thicknesses of 1.5 and 2.0 mm. DC was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Two protocols were used to obtain the spectra of the uncured materials: I) base and catalyst pastes were mixed, and II) thin films of base and catalyst pastes were obtained separately, and an average was obtained. KHN assessment was performed with cylindrical specimens. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α= 0.05). The light-cured cement showed higher DC (61.9%) than the dual-cured cement (55.7%). The DC varied as follows: FP (65.4%), e.max-HT (65.1%), e.max-LT (61.8%), e.max-MO (60.9%), ZR (54.8%), and IC (44.9%). The light-cured cement showed lower KHN (22.0) than the dual-cured (25.6) cement. The cements cured under 1.5 mm spacers showed higher KHN (26.2) than when polymerized under 2.0 mm ceramics (21.3). Regarding the two protocols, there were significant differences only in three groups. Thus, both methods can be considered appropriate. The physical and mechanical properties of resin cements may be affected by the thickness and microstructure of the ceramic material interposed during photo-activation.

Evaluation of the adaptation of zirconia-based fixed partial dentures using micro-CT technology

The objective of the study was to measure the marginal and internal fit of zirconia-based all-ceramic three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) (Y-TZP - LAVA, 3M-ESPE), using a novel methodology based on micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) technology. Stainless steel models of prepared abutments were fabricated to design FPDs. Ten frameworks were produced with 9 mm2 connector cross-sections using a LAVATM CAD-CAM system. All FPDs were veneered with a compatible porcelain. Each FPD was seated on the original model and scanned using micro-CT. Files were processed using NRecon and CTAn software. Adobe Photoshop and Image J software were used to analyze the cross-sectional images. Five measuring points were selected, as follows: MG - marginal gap; CA - chamfer area; AW - axial wall; AOT - axio-occlusal transition area; OA - occlusal area. Results were statistically analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis and Tukey's post hoc test (α= 0.05). There were significant differences for the gap width between the measurement points evaluated. MG showed the smallest median gap width (42 µm). OA had the highest median gap dimension (125 µm), followed by the AOT point (105 µm). CA and AW gap width values were statistically similar, 66 and 65 µm respectively. Thus, it was possible to conclude that different levels of adaptation were observed within the FPD, at the different measuring points. In addition, the micro-CT technology seems to be a reliable tool to evaluate the fit of dental restorations.

Immunohistochemical expression of biglycan and decorin in the pulp tissue of human primary teeth during resorption

Primary teeth are interesting models that can be used to study physiological and pathological processes involving cells and extracellular matrices in hard and soft tissues. This study investigated the expression and distribution of biglycan and decorin-the non-collagenous components of the extracellular matrix-in primary teeth tissue, during physiological root resorption. Thirty healthy human primary teeth were grouped together according to root length: Group I - two-thirds root length, Group II - one-third root length, and Group III - teeth with no root. The streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase immunohistochemical method was used with antibodies against the previously named antigens. The proteoglycans studied were found in the pulp and dentin extracellular matrix in all groups without any differences in the proteins, among the groups. Biglycan was observed mainly in predentin and in pulp connective tissue in the resorption area. In addition, decorin was observed mainly in pulp connective tissue, but near the resorption area. Biglycan and decorin were distributed differentially in the dental tissues. The present immunohistocytochemical data, combined with previously reported data, suggest that these proteoglycans could be involved in regulating the physiological resorption process in healthy primary teeth.

Evaluation of the posterior superior alveolar artery and the maxillary sinus with CBCT

Assessment of the maxillary sinus anatomy before sinus augmentation is important for avoiding surgical complications, because of the close anatomical relationship between the posterior maxillary teeth and the maxillary sinus. The posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) is the branch of the maxillary artery that supplies the lateral sinus wall and overlying membrane. We evaluated the location of the PSAA and its relationship to the alveolar ridge and maxillary sinus using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The study group consisted of 135 CBCT scans (270 sinuses) obtained from the archive of the dentomaxillofacial radiology department at Yeditepe University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Turkey. The distance between the lower border of the artery and the alveolar crest, bone height from the sinus floor to the ridge crest, distance from the artery to the medial sinus wall, and the diameter and location of the artery were determined. The occurrence of septa and pathology were recorded from CBCT scans. The PSAA was observed in 89.3% of sinuses, and 71.1% of arteries were intraosseous with diameters mostly < 1 mm (68.9%). The prevalence of sinus septa was 55.2%, and that of sinus pathology was 57.4%. The mean age was 43.07 ± 17.55 years. There was a statistically significant difference between the location of the artery and gender (p < 0.05). The prevalence of sinus membrane thickening was 57.4%. Detailed knowledge about the location of the PSAA and sinus morphology may be obtained with CBCT before maxillary sinus surgery.

Do new matrix formulations improve resin composite resistance to degradation processes?

The aim of this study was to determine the degradation resistance of three new formulations-silorane-, Ormocer- and dimer-acid-based materials-and compare them to the traditional dimethacrylate-based materials. One silorane- (Filtek P90, P90), one Ormocer- (Ceram-X, CX), one dimer-acid- (N'Durance, ND) and two dimethacrylate-based (Filtek P60, P60; Tetric Ceram, TC) materials were investigated. Water sorption (Wsp) and solubility (Wsl) were determined after the materials were immersed in water for 28 days. Knoop hardness (KH) was determined before and after 24 h immersion in pure ethanol. The flexural-strength (FS) was determined by the bending test after one-week storage in a dry environment or after one-week immersion in pure ethanol. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (95%). The three new formulations showed lower Wsp than the dimethacrylate-based formulation. CX (0.50 ± 0.17%) and ND (0.72 ± 0.19%) exhibited the lowest Wsp, whereas P90 (0.02 ± 0.03%) and P60 (0.04 ± 0.03%) showed the lowest Wsl. All resins showed reduced Knoop hardness number (KHN) after ethanol immersion. P60 presented the lowest decrease in KH value (19 ± 5%). TC (48 ± 3%) and P90 (39 ± 9%) showed the highest KHN decrease after ethanol storage. The FS of CX, ND and TC were affected by ethanol storage. The new formulations did not improve the degradation resistance, as compared with the traditional methacrylate-based materials.

Bone healing of mandibular critical-size defects in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Few articles have shown changes in bone metabolism caused by hypertension. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between hypertension and bone healing. Circular critical-size defects 5 mm and 2 mm in diameter were created, respectively, on the left and right side of the mandible in 40 spontaneously hypertensive and 40 control Wistar-Kyoto rats. Five animals from each strain were killed 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days after surgery. The macroscopic evaluation showed great mandibular angle deformation on the left side and non-healed defects on both sides and groups. Histological evaluation revealed similar bone healing on both sides, with initial necrosis in the central area, and fibrosis and angiogenesis within the first 5 days. From the 10th postoperative day on, the newly formed bone displayed progressive thickening until the 90th postoperative day, when the defect margins presented a compact bone structure. Furthermore, the statistical analysis of the histometric data did not reveal any significant hypertension effect on bone healing in the defect area. These results suggest that bone healing was not different between spontaneously hypertensive rats and control rats.

Inflammatory effect of green propolis on dental pulp in rats

Pulpotomy in deciduous teeth is a controversial issue, especially with regard to alternative materials used for the direct pulp capping of the root canal pulp tissue. The aim of the present study was to perform a histological analysis of the initial reaction of the root canal pulp tissue in rats, following pulpotomy and pulp capping with (1) green propolis extract, (2) iodoform paste, (3) green propolis extract + iodoform and (4) calcium hydroxide paste with saline solution. Analyses were performed after 24 hours, 72 hours and 7 days. The substances containing green propolis extract and iodoform led to the production of an intense inflammatory infiltrate and necrosis in the root canal pulp tissue throughout the analyses. In the calcium hydroxide group, inflammatory infiltrate only prevailed at the 72-hour evaluation. Among the substances tested, calcium hydroxide paste induced the lowest intensity of inflammatory response in the root canal pulp tissue. Longer studies should be carried out to analyze the pulp repair process following pulpotomy and pulp capping with the compounds analyzed.

Surface agents' influence on the flexural strength of bilaminated ceramics

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different surface agents on the flexural strength of a ceramic system. Eighty bar-shaped specimens of zirconia were divided into four groups according to the agent to be used: group Control - to be cleaned with alcohol; group VM9 - application of a fluid layer of porcelain; group Effect Bonder - application of a bonding agent; and group Coloring Liquid - application of coloring liquid. All specimens received the porcelain application by the layering technique and were then subjected to thermocycling. The four-point bending test was performed to calculate the strength values (σ, MPa) and the failure modes were classified. ANOVA did not detect significant differences among the groups. The Weibull modulus were 5 (Control, VM9 and Effect Bonder) and 6 (Coloring Liquid). The cracking of the porcelain ceramic toward the interface was the predominant failure mode. It was concluded that the surface agents tested had no effect on the flexural strength of the bilaminated ceramic specimens.

Evaluation of pH, calcium ion release and antimicrobial activity of a new calcium aluminate cement

This study evaluated the pH, calcium ion release and antimicrobial activity of EndoBinder (EB), containing different radiopacifiers: bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), zinc oxide (ZnO) or zirconium oxide (ZrO2), in comparison to MTA. For pH and calcium ion release tests, 5 specimens per group (n = 5) were immersed into 10 mL of distilled and deionized water at 37°C. After 2, 4, 12, 24, 48 h; 7, 14 and 28 days, the pH was measured and calcium ion release quantified in an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. For antimicrobial activity, the cements were tested against S. aureus, E. coli, E. faecalis and C. albicans, in triplicate. MTA presented higher values for pH and calcium ion release than the other groups, however, with no statistically significant difference after 28 days (p > 0.05); and the largest inhibition halos for all strains, with no significant difference (E. coli and E. faecalis) for pure EB and EB + Bi2O3 (p > 0.05). EB presented similar performance to that of MTA as regards pH and calcium ion release; however, when ZnO and ZrO2 were used, EB did not present antimicrobial activity against some strains.

Survival in patients with oral and maxillofacial diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

The purpose of this study was to determine the survival and prognostic factors of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the oral cavity and maxillofacial region. Retrospectively, the clinical records of patients with a primary diagnosis of DLBCL of the oral cavity and maxillofacial region treated at the A.C. Camargo Hospital for Cancer, São Paulo, Brazil, between January 1980 and December 2005 were evaluated to determine (A) overall survival (OS) at 2 and 5 years and the individual survival percentage for each possible prognostic factor by means of the actuarial technique (also known as mortality tables), and the Kaplan Meier product limit method (which provided the survival value curves for each possible prognostic factor); (B) prognostic factors subject to univariate evaluation with the log-rank test (also known as Mantel-Cox), and multivariate analysis with Cox's regression model (all the variables together). The data were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. From 1980 to 2005, 3513 new cases of lymphomas were treated, of which 151 (4.3%) occurred in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region. Of these 151 lesions, 48 were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with 64% for OS at 2 years and 45% for OS at 5 years. Of the variables studied as possible prognostic factors, multivariate analysis found the following variables have statistically significant values: age (p = 0.042), clinical stage (p = 0.007) and performance status (p = 0.031). These data suggest that patients have a higher risk of mortality if they are older, at a later clinical stage, and have a higher performance status.

Perinatal factors associated with developmental defects of enamel in primary teeth: a case-control study

The present study was designed to evaluate associations between developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in the primary dentition and aspects related to mothers and preschoolers in the city of Diamantina, Brazil. A case-control study was carried out involving children aged three to five years. The case group was composed of 104 children with at least one dental surface affected by DDE. The control group comprised 105 children without DDE, matched for gender and age. The diagnosis of enamel defects was performed using the Developmental Defects of Enamel Index. Information was collected through interviews investigating socio-demographic aspects, gestation, birth weight, prematurity and breastfeeding. Simple and multiple regression analyses were performed, providing unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (Poisson regression). DDE were more prevalent among children who had not been breastfed (PR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.1-2.2) and those whose mothers were under 24 years of age at the birth of the child (PR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.1-1.9). The prevalence of DDE in the primary dentition was higher among children who had not been breastfed and those whose mothers were under 24 years of age at the birth of the child.

Prevalence of caries in Brazilian children with cleft lip andor palate, aged 6 to 36 months

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of caries in children with cleft lip and∕or palate aged 6-36 months of life. This study was conducted at the University of São Paulo School of Dentistry, Brazil. A total of 143 children were selected (73 male, 70 female), all of whom had at least two erupted teeth. The children were distributed as follows: 88 had cleft lip and palate, 35 had cleft palate, 20 had cleft lip. Dental caries disease was diagnosed according to criteria set by the World Health Organization. It was observed that 18.9% of the study children had caries. No correlation between prevalence of caries and gender or type of cleft was observed. Mean dmf-t was 0.47. The prevalence of caries was higher in the upper arch, and the most affected tooth was the central incisor (p = 0.001). Children with cleft lip and∕or palate did not have high caries indices.

Factors associated with the development of early childhood caries among Brazilian preschoolers

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) in children and investigate the influence of sociodemographic variables, quality of oral hygiene and child-related aspects. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 593 children aged three to five years. Data were collected through clinical examinations and interviews with parents. Interviews with parents of the children were conducted to acquire information on sociodemographic aspects, breastfeeding, bottle feeding and harmful oral habits. Statistical analysis involved the chi-square test and the Poisson regression. The prevalence of ECC was 53.6%. The occurrence of ECC was greater among children with unsatisfactory oral hygiene (PR: 2.95; 95% CI: 2.42-3.60) and those from a family with a lower monthly household income (PR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.24-2.10). In conclusion, unsatisfactory oral hygiene and monthly income exerted an influence on the occurrence of ECC among preschoolers.

Lack of correlation between obturation limits and apical leakage

The aim of this paper was to evaluate a possible correlation between obturation limits and leakage. Thirty-six extracted human mandibular incisors were used, characterized by straight and single canals, non-anatomical complexities, absence of previous endodontic treatment, complete root formation and patent foramen. For standardization of the specimens for the leakage analysis, foraminal instrumentation was performed up to a Flexofile #25 (Dentsply-Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). All specimens were instrumented and filled following the same protocol, and the obturation limits were measured using Axiovision 4.5 Software (Carl Zeiss Vision, Hallbergmoos, Germany). The specimens were then separated into three groups (n = 12) according to the following variables: Group I - obturation limits ranging from 0 mm to 0.76 mm of the main apical foramen. Group II - obturation limits ranging from 0.77 mm to 0.98 mm of the main apical foramen. Group III - obturation limits ranging from 0.99 mm to 1.68 mm of the main apical foramen. Apical leakage was quantified by fluid filtration. The analyses were confronted using Pearson's test (p > 0.05). Groups I, II and III showed Pearson correlation values (r2) of -0.152, -0.186 and 0.058, respectively. No correlation was found between the obturation limits and apical leakage.

Analysis of the color alteration and radiopacity promoted by bismuth oxide in calcium silicate cement

The aim of the study was to determine if the increase in radiopacity provided by bismuth oxide is related to the color alteration of calcium silicate-based cement. Calcium silicate cement (CSC) was mixed with 0%, 15%, 20%, 30% and 50% of bismuth oxide (BO), determined by weight. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was the control group. The radiopacity test was performed according to ISO 6876/2001. The color was evaluated using the CIE system. The assessments were performed after 24 hours, 7 and 30 days of setting time, using a spectrophotometer to obtain the ΔE, Δa, Δb and ΔL values. The statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn and ANOVA/Tukey tests (p < 0.05). The cements in which bismuth oxide was added showed radiopacity corresponding to the ISO recommendations ( > 3 mm equivalent of Al). The MTA group was statistically similar to the CSC / 30% BO group (p > 0.05). In regard to color, the increase of bismuth oxide resulted in a decrease in the ΔE value of the calcium silicate cement. The CSC group presented statistically higher ΔE values than the CSC / 50% BO group (p < 0.05). The comparison between 24 hours and 7 days showed higher ΔE for the MTA group, with statistical differences for the CSC / 15% BO and CSC / 50% BO groups (p < 0.05). After 30 days, CSC showed statistically higher ΔE values than CSC / 30% BO and CSC / 50% BO (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the increase in radiopacity provided by bismuth oxide has no relation to the color alteration of calcium silicate-based cements.

Effects of threaded post placement on strain and stress distribution of endodontically treated teeth

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of parallel and tapered threaded post placement on the strain and stress distribution of endodontically treated teeth. Fifteen bovine incisors were sectioned 15 mm from their apices, endodontically treated, and divided into three groups (n = 5) according to three different threaded posts: parallel threaded post (Radix-Anker, RA); tapered threaded post (Euro-Post, EP) and tapered threaded post (Reforpost II, RII). A strain-gauge was fixed on the proximal surface perpendicular to the long root axis, 2 mm from the cervical limit. Strain generated during post placement was recorded and compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α= .05). A scanning electron microscope was used to examine the longitudinal root sections. Stress was evaluated for each group in a two-dimensional finite element analysis. The models were meshed with tetrahedron elements and loaded with 2 N at an angle of 135° to the lingual face. The equivalent Von Mises stress was calculated. The one-way ANOVA showed significant difference among the groups. The RA group (150.0 ± 12.2 A) produced higher external strain than the RII (80.0 ± 12.2 B) and the EP (70.0 ± 6.1 B) groups. The inner strain was approximately five times greater than the external dentin strain. High stress concentrations in each thread of the posts were observed. Scanning electron micrographs showed cracks that started in the threads of the posts. The threaded post placement induced root strain mainly on the parallel side post. Root strain and stress concentration on the post threads tended to create cracks in the inner root canal dentin.

Effect of sodium ascorbate on the bond strength of silorane and methacrylate composites after vital bleaching

We investigated the effect of sodium ascorbate (SA) on the microtensile bond strengths (MTBSs) of different composites to bovine enamel after vital bleaching with hydrogen peroxide (HP) or carbamide peroxide (CP). Thirty bovine incisors were randomly divided into five groups and treated with no bleaching application (control), 35% HP alone, 35% HP + 10% SA for 10 minutes (HP + SA), 16% CP alone, or 16% CP + 10% SA for 10 minutes (CP + SA). Specimens were restored with Silorane adhesive and Filtek Silorane composite (designated as S / group) or with Clearfil SE bond and Filtek Supreme XT (designated as F / group). Composite build-up was created on the enamel. Sectioned specimens (n = 10 per group; 1 mm2; cross-sectional area) were created and stressed in a universal testing machine at 1 mm/min crosshead speed. The application of 10% SA immediately after bleaching with 16% CP or 35% HP increased the enamel MTBS, regardless of the adhesive / composite resin used. The resulting MTBS values were similar to those of the control groups. Use of 16% CP and 35% HP alone decreased the enamel MTBS, regardless of the adhesive / composite resin used, with F / CP + SA = F / HP + SA = F / CP = S / CP + SA = S / HP + SA = S / C > S / CP = S / HP = F / CP = F / HP (p < 0.05). We concluded that the application of SA for 10 minutes immediately after vital bleaching increases the enamel BS for dimethacrylate- and silorane-based composites.