Effect of thickness of CAD/CAM materials on light transmission and resin cement polymerization using a blue light-emitting diode light-curing unit.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of thickness of high-translucency (HT) CAD/CAM materials on irradiance and beam profile from a blue light-emitting diode light-curing unit (LCU) and on the degree of conversion (DC) and maximum polymerization rate (Rpmax ) of a light-cured resin cement (LCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The direct output from the LCU, the light transmission and irradiance ratio (IR) through one conventional composite and nine HT CAD/CAM materials (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0-mm thick; n = 5) were measured with a integrating sphere coupled to a spectrometer. The light beam was assessed with a beam profiler camera. The DC at 600 s and the Rpmax of one LCC was determined using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (n = 5). Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's tests, and Dunnett's test was also used for irradiance data (α = 0.05). RESULTS: A significant decrease in irradiance through all materials occurred as thickness increased. Thin CAD/CAM materials improved light homogeneity, which decreased with the increase in thickness. The DC of the LCC directly exposed to light was the same as when exposed to 45%, 25%, 15%, or 5% IRs. Rpmax decreased with the decrease in IR. CONCLUSIONS: Although the HT CAD/CAM materials reduced the irradiance from the LCU, minor effects were observed in the LCC's DC. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite the light attenuation of blue light through different CAD/CAM materials that were up to 2-mm thick, the degree of conversion of one brand of light-cured resin cement was clinically acceptable when the LCU was used for 30 s.

Effects of shades of a multilayered zirconia on light transmission, monomer conversion, and bond strength of resin cement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of shades of a multilayered zirconia on light transmission, resin cement degree of conversion, and shear bond strength of resin cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The light transmission through opaque (OPQ) and translucent (TNS) regions of Katana UTML zirconia (Kuraray Noritake Dental) were evaluated for using a spectroradiometer (n = 5). Degree of conversion of dual-cure resin cement (Panavia V5, Kuraray Noritake Dental) was measured after light-activation through OPQ or TNS regions and direct exposure. Composition of the zirconia was analyzed with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Shear bond strength (SBS) was evaluated on the OPQ and TNS regions after 24 h and 1 year from specimen preparation (n = 15). RESULTS: The OPQ region produced higher irradiance loss (95.1%) than TNS one (92.9%), and lower degree of conversion (52.4%) than TNS (71.2%) at 24 h post-light activation. EDS analysis did not show differences on the microstructure of the OPQ and TNS regions. There were no significant differences on the SBS between zirconia regions. For both zirconia regions, a significant reduction on the SBS occurred after aging, being 31.7% for OPQ and 38% for TNS. CONCLUSION: Both OPQ and TNS regions affected the light transmission through the multilayered zirconia. The OPQ region yielded the highest light attenuation and the lowest degree of conversion of resin cement. Different regions of the zirconia did not influence the SBS. Clinical significance Although opaque and translucent regions of the multilayered zirconia reduced the light transmission from LED curing unit and the degree of conversion of resin cement, the regions did not affect the resin cement adhesion.

Effect of extended light activation and increment thickness on physical properties of conventional and bulk-filled resin-based composites.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the biaxial flexural strength (BFS), flexural modulus (BFM), and Knoop microhardness (KHN) of incremental and bulk-filled resin-based composites (RBCs) using extended curing exposure times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disc specimens (n = 8; 6-mm diameter) were fabricated using three stacked molds (0.5-mm thick for the top and bottom molds, and a 1-mm-thick center mold for the conventional and 3-mm thick for the bulk-fill RBCs). Conventional (Tetric EvoCeram/TCE and Filtek Z250/FIZ) and bulk-fill RBCs (Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill/TBF and Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative/FOB) were evaluated. The stacked RBC-filled molds were light-cured for (1) the manufacturer-recommended exposure (MRE) duration; (2) 50%, and (3) 100% extension of the MRE. The BFS, BFM, and KHN of the top and bottom discs were measured. BFS and BFM were analyzed by three-way ANOVA (material*curing time*depth) and Tukey's post hoc (α = 0.05). KHN was analyzed by two-way ANOVA (curing time*depth) and Tukey's post hoc (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Extending the exposure duration did not change the BFS and BFM on the top of the RBCs, but the BFS and KHN increased at the bottom of bulk-fill RBCs. For the conventional RBCs, TCE showed the highest increase on BFS at the bottom, going from 53.6 MPa at T1 to 69.9 at T3. Among the bulk-fill RBCs, FOB presented the highest increase on the bottom BFS (T1: 101.0 ± 19.9 MPa, T3: 147.6 ± 12.9 MPa). For all RBCs and exposure times, BFS and KHN were lower at the bottom. Only FIZ and FOB reached a bottom-to-top hardness ratio of 80%, at T3 and T2. CONCLUSION: A significant increase on the BFS and KHN on the bottom of bulk-fill RBCs can be observed when the time of exposure to the curing light is double the MRE. However, extended exposure does not eliminate differences on the BFS and KHN between the shallow and deep regions of RBCs. TCE and TBF failed to reach an acceptable B/T hardness ratio at all evaluated exposure times. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mechanical properties of RBCs can be affected by insufficient polymerization, specially at deeper regions of the increment. Therefore, clinicians should consider applying twice the MRE to curing-light to polymerize the maximal increment thickness of bulk-fill RBCs.

Surface treatments on CAD/CAM glass-ceramics: Influence on roughness, topography, and bond strength.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of surface treatment on roughness (SA), topography, and shear bond strength (SBS) of computer-aided designer and manufacture (CAD/CAM) zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) and feldspathic (FEL) glass-ceramics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FEL and ZLS specimens were submitted to 5% or 10% hydrofluoric acid (HF) or self-etching ceramic primer (MEP) and different application times (20, 40, and 60 s), or to sandblasting (Control, 20 s). Resin cement cylinders were bonded to the specimens and tested in shear (n = 10) after 24 h and 16-months of water storage. SA and topography were evaluated by atomic force (AFM, n = 10) and scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Bonferroni test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Sandblasting promoted the highest SA for ZLS, but 10% HF (40, 60 s) promoted higher SBS at 16 months. 10% HF produced the highest SA for FEL, but sandblasting and 5% HF (20 s) maintained SBS after 16 months, without differences from 10% HF (20 s) (p > 0.05). Overall, MEP produced lower SA and SBS among groups (p < 0.05). HF displayed greater morphological changes on FEL. CONCLUSION: 10% HF (40 s) provided better results for ZLS, while 5% or 10% HF (20 s) was suitable for FEL. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surface treatments influenced SA, topography, and SBS of materials. HF etching is the surface treatment of choice for both CAD/CAM glass-ceramics.

Flexural strength and microhardness of bulk-fill restorative materials.

BACKGROUND: Bulk-fill materials can facilitate the restorative procedure mainly for deep and wide posterior cavities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate flexural strength (biaxial flexural strength [BFS]) and microhardness (Knoop microhardness [KHN]) at different depths of bulk-fill materials. METHODS: Five bulk-fill materials were tested: two light-curable composite resins, one dual-cure composite, one bioactive restorative, and a high-viscosity glass ionomer. A conventional composite was used as control. BFS and KHN were tested at different depths. Data was analyzed by two- and one-way ANOVAs, respectively and Tukey's post-hoc (α=0.05). RESULTS: The high-viscosity glass ionomer material presented the lowest BFS at all depths. KHN for the two light-curable and the dual-cure bulk-fill resin composites was reduced following an increase in restoration depth, while the conventional composite, the bioactive material, and the high-viscosity glass ionomer were not affected. CONCLUSION: There are differences in the properties of the tested materials at 4 mm depth, showing that the studied properties of some materials vary according to the cavity depth, although the results are material dependent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mechanical properties of light-cured, bulk-fill materials may be affected by inadequate polymerization. Clinicians should consider complementary strategies to achieve adequate polymerization at high-increment depths.

Adhesion, Mechanical Properties, and Microstructure of Resin-matrix CAD-CAM Ceramics.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of 1-year water storage and surface treatments on shear bond strength (SBS) of two composite cements bonded to resin matrix CAD-CAM ceramics (RMCs) and on the mechanical properties of RMCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three types of RMCs were tested: 1. polymer-infiltrated hybrid ceramic (PIHC, Enamic, VITA Zahnfabrik); 2. resin nanoceramic (RNC, Lava Ultimate, 3M Oral Care); and 3. flexible hybrid ceramic (FHC, Cerasmart, GC). One indirect laboratory composite (ILC, Epricord, Kuraray Noritake) was used as control. For each material, 60 plates (14 x 7 x 1 mm) were prepared for the SBS test and submitted to three different surface treatments: following manufacturer's instructions, non-thermal atmospheric plasma application (30 s), and plasma + bonding agent. Two composite cements were tested: RelyX Ultimate (3M Oral Care) and Panavia V5 (Kurarary Noritake). Two resin cylinders (1.5 mm diameter x 1.5 mm height) were bonded to each plate (n = 10), with one tested after 24-h storage in distilled water and the other after 1 year of storage in distilled water. Twenty rectangular bars (12 x 2 x 1 mm) of each indirect material were prepared and submitted to the 3-point flexural test after 24-h or 1-year water storage to determine the elastic modulus (EM) and flexural strength (FS) (n = 10). Fractured samples were also examined with SEM and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). SBS data were analyzed by four-way ANOVA, and EM and FS data by two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-hoc test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Groups treated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions exhibited higher SBS than did plasma and plasma + bonding agent groups for all indirect materials, composite cements, and storage periods tested. In general, RelyX Ultimate displayed higher mean SBS than did Panavia V5, except for some groups of ILC where manufacturer's instructions were followed. After 1-year storage in water, all groups exhibited a significant reduction in SBS, except for some groups that following manufacturer's instructions. ILC showed the lowest values of EM and FS. Among the CAD-CAM materials, FHC exhibited the lowest EM and highest FS means, while PIHC possessed the highest EM and lowest FS means for both storage periods. CONCLUSIONS: In general, following the respective manufacturer's instructions yielded the best bond strength results. For most materials, 1-year water storage decreased bond strength of composite cements to RMCs, as well as their FS, while increasing their EM. Microstructure and composition influenced the mechanical properties studied.

Effect of zirconia decontamination protocols on bond strength and surface wettability.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of human saliva decontamination protocols on bond strength of resin cement to zirconia (Y-PSZ), wettability, and microbial decontamination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Zirconia plates were sandblasted and divided into (a) not contaminated, (b) contaminated with human saliva and: (c) not cleaned, (d) cleaned with air-water spray, (e) cleaned with 70% ethanol, (f) cleaned with Ivoclean, or (g) cleaned with nonthermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP). The wettability and microbial decontamination of the surfaces were determined after saliva contamination or cleaning. Monobond Plus (Ivoclar Vivadent) was applied after cleaning, followed by Variolink LC (Ivoclar Vivadent). The samples were stored 1 week before shear bond strength (SBS) testing, and data (SBS and wettability) were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α = .05). RESULTS: Saliva contamination reduced SBS to zirconia compared to not contaminated. Both Ivoclean and NTAP produced higher SBS compared to not cleaned and were not significantly different from the not contaminated. Ivoclean produced the highest contact angle, and NTAP the lowest. With the exception of using just water-spray, all cleaning protocols decontaminated the specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Both Ivoclean and NTAP overcame the effects of saliva contamination, producing an SBS to zirconia comparable to the positive control. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dental ceramics should be cleaned prior to resin cementation to eliminate the effects of human saliva contamination, and Ivoclean and NTAP are considered suitable materials for this purpose.

Efeito da aplicação de plasma não-térmico atmosférico no reparo de cerâmicas CAD/CAM de matriz resinosa com resina composta / Effect of non-thermal atmospheric plasma application on the resin composite repair of resin matrix CAD/CAM ceramics

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do plasma atmosférico não-térmico (PANT), sozinho ou associado ao jateamento ou adesivo, e do tempo de armazenamento em água na resistência de união por cisalhamento (RUC) do reparo de cerâmicas CAD/CAM de matriz resinosa (CMR) com resina composta. Amostras de 14x7x1mm de três CMRs, Enamic (VITA Zahnfabrik), Cerasmart (GC Corp.) e Lava Ultimate (3M Oral Care), foram obtidas e submetidas ao envelhecimento artificial (EQ-UV, Equilam) por 300 horas. Os seguintes tratamentos de superfície foram realizados: (1- Controle) jateamento + silano + adesivo; (2) PANT; (3) PANT + adesivo; (4) jateamento + PANT. Cilindros de resina composta (Spectra Smart, Dentsply Sirona, 1,5 mm diâmetro e altura) foram aderidos às superfícies tratadas e a RUC foi avaliada em uma máquina de ensaio universal (EZ Test, Shimadzu) após 24 horas ou 1 ano de imersão em água, a 37oC (n=10). No geral, o tratamento controle obteve os melhores resultados de RUC, comparado aos grupos tratados com PANT. Houve redução da RUC após 1 ano de imersão em água para a maioria dos grupos, entre eles para o controle do Enamic e Lava Ultimate, enquanto Cerasmart não mostrou redução. O tratamento com PANT, sozinho ou associado a outro tratamento, não foi capaz de aumentar a RUC do reparo das CMRs com resina composta. O tratamento controle parece ser o melhor método de reparo das CMRs, principalmente considerando-se a longevidade do tratamento.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nonthermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP), alone or combined with sandblasting or adhesive, and water-storage time on the shear bond strength (SBS) of resin composite repair of resin matrix ceramics (RMC). Samples (14x7x1mm) of three RMCs, Enamic (VITA Zahnfabrik), Cerasmart (GC Corp.), and Lava Ultimate (3M Oral Care), were prepared and submitted to artificial aging (EQ-UV, Equilam) for 300 h. The following surface treatments were performed: (1- Control) sandblasting + silane + adhesive; (2) NTAP; (3) NTAP + adhesive; (4) sandblasting + NTAP. Resin composite cylinders (Spectra Smart, Dentsply Sirona, 1,5 mm diameter and height) were bonded to the treated surfaces and the SBS was evaluated in a universal testing machine (EZ Test, Shimadzu) after 24 h or 1 year of water storage, at 37oC (n=10). In general, the control treatment obtained the best SBS results, compared to groups treated with NTAP. There was a decrease in SBS after 1 year of water immersion for most groups, including the control treatment for Enamic and Lava Ultimate, while Cerasmart presented no reduction. The treatment with NTAP alone or combined with another treatment, was not capable of increasing the SBS of resin composite repair to RMCs. Control treatment seems to be the best method for repairing CMRs, mainly considering the treatment longevity.

Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on reducing the chemo-induced oral mucositis severity and on salivary levels of CXCL8/interleukin 8, nitrite, and myeloperoxidase in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a randomized clinical trial.

Oral mucositis (OM) is the most common debilitating complication among patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) has shown beneficial effects in the treatment of OM, but few studies have evaluated its biological effects. This study evaluated the effect of PBM on the reduction of OM severity in patients undergoing HSCT and its relation to the modulation of the inflammatory response. Fifty-one patients were randomly assigned to two groups: PBM [submitted to PBM from admission (AD) to D+7] (n = 27) and control (n = 24) [received oral hygiene]. OM severity was assessed daily using the WHO scale. Saliva samples were collected on AD, D+7, and hospital discharge (HD) to measure CXCL8/interleukin 8, using cytometric bead array analysis and nitrite (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) using colorimetric methods. PBM significantly reduced the severity of OM from D+7 to D+11 (p < 0.05). All non-interventional patients (controls) who developed grade 2 or higher OM induced an increase of CXCL8 in saliva (n = 14) on D+7. PBM led to a decrease in CXCL8 on D+7 in 85% of patients, while 70.8% of patients in the control group presented an increase in this chemokine (p = 0.007). NO decreased from AD to D+7 in the PBM group (p > 0.05). MPO significantly decreased on D+7 in both groups (p < 0.05). PBM brought about a reduction in the severity of OM in patients undergoing HSCT, and this reduction was associated with a decrease in CXCL8 salivary levels.

Análise da precisão do exame de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico na determinação do comprimento de trabalho durante a terapia endodôntica / Analysis of the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography exam in determining the work length during root canal treatment

Objetivo: Avaliar a precisão do exame de Tomografia Computadorizada de Feixe Cônico (TCFC) na determinação do comprimento de trabalho (CT) em 24 dentes humanos unirradiculares. Material e Método: Após a realização dos procedimentos de abertura coronária, exploração do canal radicular e preparo dos terços cervical e médio os dentes tiveram seus comprimentos de trabalho determinados pelos métodos direto, eletrônico e tomográfico. No método direto, o CT foi determinado visualmente com o auxílio de uma lima do tipo K-File #20, enquanto que nos métodos eletrônico e tomográfico, as odontometrias foram estabelecidas, respectivamente, com a utilização de um localizador eletrônico foraminal da marca Root ZX II e em imagens de TCFC obtidas em um tomógrafo Prexion 3D. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste ANOVA ao nível de 5% de significância Resultados: Ao todo foram realizadas 72 mensurações. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre as medidas obtidas pelos diferentes métodos empregados. Conclusões: O exame de TCFC revelou ser uma alternativa eficaz para a obtenção do CT durante a terapia endodôntica.

Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in work length (WL) determination in twentyfour single-rooted human Material and Methods: After performing the procedures of coronary opening, root canal exploration and cervical preflaring, the teeth had their work lengths determined by direct, electronic and tomographic methods. In the direct method, the WL was determined visually, using a #20 KFile instrument. In the electronic and tomographic methods, the WLs were determined using the Root ZX II locating device and TCFC images, respectively. The data were analyzed statistically by the ANOVA test at 5% significance level. Results: A total of 72 measurements were performed. No statistical difference was observed between the measurements obtained by the different methods. Conclusions: The CBCT proved to be an effective alternative for WL determination during root canal treatment.