The effect of mechanical loading on the cusp defection of premolars restored with direct and indirect techniques.

AIM: This study assessed the effect of fatigue load cycling on human premolars restored with MOD restorations (direct and indirect approaches) on cuspal defection, compared to intact teeth (unprepared) and unrestored teeth with an inlay preparation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MOD inlay preparations were performed on sixty premolars with their roots embedded in acrylic resin. These teeth were divided into six groups (n = 10): (1) intact teeth; (2) unrestored and prepared teeth; (3) teeth restored with direct composite resin; (4) teeth restored with an indirect composite resin; (5) teeth restored with injected ceramic inlays (IPS Empress 2 (Ivoclar); (6) teeth restored with CAD/CAM inlays made of feldspathic ceramic (Vita Mark II). All of the indirect restorations were adhesively cemented. Strain-gauges were bonded to the buccal and lingual surfaces of the specimens. Compressive axial loading of 100N was applied on the occlusal face of the specimens to measure the cuspal deflection (microstrain) under compressive loading. These measurements were obtained before and after mechanical cycling (1 Hz, 37°C, 100,000x). RESULTS: Comparing the results obtained before and after fatiguing, the cuspal defection increased only in the CAD/CAM approach. The prepared tooth group had the highest cuspal defection, before and after mechanical cycling. CONCLUSION: The evaluated restoring approaches decrease the cuspal defection, consequently appear to improve the cuspal reinforcement.

Influência de diferentes protocolos de cimentação na resistência de união de pinos de fibra à dentina radicular / Influence of different luting protocols on the bond strength of fiber posts to root dentin

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência de diferentes protocolos de cimentação na resistência de união ao push-out de pinos de fibra cimentados adesivamente à dentina radicular bovina. Método: Os canais de 40 dentes bovinos (comprimento: 16 mm) foram preparados (profundidade: 12 mm) utilizando brocas de preparo (Nº 3, RTD). Cada canal teve sua região apical (4 mm comprimento) incluídas em resina acrílica e as raízes foram divididas em quatro grupos, de acordo com os procedimentos de cimentação(n=10): G1-sistema adesivo de frascos múltiplos com condicionamento total + pino de fibra nº 3; G2-sistema adesivo de frascos múltiplos com condicionamento total + pino de fibra nº 1; G3-sistema adesivo de frascos múltiplos com condicionamento total + pino de fibra no1 + pinos de fibra acessórios; G4-Pinos de fibra nº 3 sem condicionamento total nem procedimentos de união na dentina. Com exceção do grupo G4, a dentina radicular foi tratada com sistema adesivo de frascos múltiplos com condicionamento total (All Bond 2/Bisco). O sistema adesivo foi aplicado utilizando microbrush (Dentsply) e o excesso do material foi removido com pontas de papel absorventes. Os pinos de fibra de quartzo (Macro-Lock Illusion/RTD) foram cimentados à dentina radicular utilizando um cimento resinoso dual (Duolink/Bisco) e, em seguida, foram armazenados em água destilada previamente ao teste mecânico (24 h, 37°C). Cada espécime foi cortada em quatro fatias (1,8 mm de espessura), as quais foram submetidas ao ensaio de push-out em máquina de ensaio universal (1mm/min). Os dados (MPa) foram analisados estatisticamente pela análise de variância (ANOVA-1 fator)...

Resultados: Os valores médios (±DP) obtidos após o ensaio de push-outforam: G1- 5,4±1,3 MPa; G2- 4,2±2,4 MPa; G3-4,6±1,5 MPa; G4-3,3±1,7 MPa. Anova demonstrou não haver significância estatística entre os grupos (p=0,0966). A hipótese foi rejeitada. Conclusão: A resistência de união de pinos de fibra à dentina radicular não foi influenciada pelos protocolos de cimentação avaliados...

Objective: To evaluate the influence of different luting protocols on the push-out bond strength of fiber posts cemented to bovine root dentin. Method: Forty bovine root canals (length: 16 mm) were prepared up to 12 mm using #3 (RTD) preparation burs. Each canal had its apical 4 mm embedded in acrylic resin and the roots were assigned to four groups (n=10), according to the cementation procedures: G1: etch-and-rinse multi-bottle adhesive system + #3 fiber post; G2: etch-and-rinse multibottle adhesive system + #1 fiber post; G3: etch-and-rinse multi-bottle adhesive system + #1 fiber post + accessory fiber posts; G4: #3 fiber post without etching and bonding procedures to dentin. Except for G4, root dentin was treated with the etch-and-rinse multi-bottle adhesive system All Bond 2 (Bisco). The adhesive system was applied with a microbrush (Dentsply) and excess material was removed withabsorbent paper points. The quartz fiber posts (Macro-Lock Illusion/RTD) were cemented to the root dentin with a dual-cure resin cement (Duolink/Bisco) and were stored in distilled water (for 24 h at 37 °C) before the mechanical tests. Each sample was cut into four slices (1.8 mm thick) that were subjected to push-out tests in a universaltesting machine (1 mm/min). The data (in MPa) were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA. Results: The mean push-out bond strength values (±SD) were: G1: 5.4 ± 1.3 MPa; G2: 4.2 ± 2.4 MPa; G3: 4.6 ± 1.5 MPa and G4: 3.3 ± 1.7 MPa. One-way ANOVA showed no statistically significant differences among the groups. The tested hypothesis was discarded. Conclusion: The push-out bond strength of fiber posts to root dentin was not influenced by the evaluated luting protocols...

Effects of cement-curing mode and light-curing unit on the bond durability of ceramic cemented to dentin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different light-curing units and resin cement curing types on the bond durability of a feldspathic ceramic bonded to dentin. The crowns of 40 human molars were sectioned, exposing the dentin. Forty ceramic blocks of VITA VM7 were produced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The ceramic surface was etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid / 60s and silanized. The dentin was treated with 37% phosphoric acid / 15s, and the adhesive was applied. The ceramic blocks were divided and cemented to dentin according to resin cement / RC curing type (dual- and photo-cured), light-curing unit (halogen light / QTH and LED), and storage conditions (dry and storage / 150 days + 12,000 cycles / thermocycling). All blocks were stored in distilled water (37°C / 24h) and sectioned (n = 10): G1 - QTH + RC Photo, G2 - QTH + RC Dual, G3 - LED + RC Photo, G4 - LED + RC Dual. Groups G5, G6, G7, and G8 were obtained exactly as G1 through G4, respectively, and then stored and thermocycled. Microtensile bond strength tests were performed (EMIC), and data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). The bond strength values (MPa) were: G1 - 12.95 (6.40)ab; G2 - 12.02 (4.59)ab; G3 - 13.09 (5.62)ab; G4 - 15.96 (6.32)a; G5 - 6.22 (5.90)c; G6 - 9.48 (5.99)bc; G7 - 12.78 (11.30)ab; and G8 - 8.34 (5.98)bc. The same superscript letters indicate no significant differences. Different light-curing units affected the bond strength between ceramic cemented to dentin when the photo-cured cement was used, and only after aging (LED > QTH). There was no difference between the effects of dual- and photo-cured resin-luting agents on the microtensile bond strength of the cement used in this study.

Effects of cement-curing mode and light-curing unit on the bond durability of ceramic cemented to dentin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different light-curing units and resin cement curing types on the bond durability of a feldspathic ceramic bonded to dentin. The crowns of 40 human molars were sectioned, exposing the dentin. Forty ceramic blocks of VITA VM7 were produced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The ceramic surface was etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid / 60s and silanized. The dentin was treated with 37% phosphoric acid / 15s, and the adhesive was applied. The ceramic blocks were divided and cemented to dentin according to resin cement / RC curing type (dual- and photo-cured), light-curing unit (halogen light / QTH and LED), and storage conditions (dry and storage / 150 days + 12,000 cycles / thermocycling). All blocks were stored in distilled water (37°C / 24h) and sectioned (n = 10): G1 - QTH + RC Photo, G2 - QTH + RC Dual, G3 - LED + RC Photo, G4 - LED + RC Dual. Groups G5, G6, G7, and G8 were obtained exactly as G1 through G4, respectively, and then stored and thermocycled. Microtensile bond strength tests were performed (EMIC), and data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). The bond strength values (MPa) were: G1 - 12.95 (6.40)ab; G2 - 12.02 (4.59)ab; G3 - 13.09 (5.62)ab; G4 - 15.96 (6.32)a; G5 - 6.22 (5.90)c; G6 - 9.48 (5.99)bc; G7 - 12.78 (11.30)ab; and G8 - 8.34 (5.98)bc. The same superscript letters indicate no significant differences. Different light-curing units affected the bond strength between ceramic cemented to dentin when the photo-cured cement was used, and only after aging (LED > QTH). There was no difference between the effects of dual- and photo-cured resin-luting agents on the microtensile bond strength of the cement used in this study.

Analysis of tooth enamel after excessive bleaching: a study using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy.

This study assessed alterations on bovine enamel after excessive bleaching. Coronal portions of bovine teeth (n = 30) were sectioned and divided into three groups (n = 10 per group). The coronal parts were further cut incisocervically into two halves. While one half received no bleaching (control), the other half was subjected to either one (group 1), three (group 2), or five bleaching sessions (group 3) with 35% hydrogen peroxide. The enamel surfaces were then analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Excessive bleaching affected the surface morphology and chemistry of the bovine enamel. EDS analysis showed the highest decrease in calcium ion percentages in groups 2 and 3 when compared to their nonbleached halves. Oxygen and phosphorus percentages were comparable on both the control and bleached enamel, regardless of the number of bleaching sessions. Consecutive bleaching sessions with 35% hydrogen peroxide may lead to morphologic and specific elemental changes when performed in a short period of time. Calcium ion percentages may decrease when this bleaching agent is used for more than one session. Int J Prosthodontics 2010;23:29-32.

Influence of the coloring agent concentration on bleaching gel and pulp chamber temperatures during dental bleaching.

This study evaluated the influence of the coloring agent concentration on the temperature of the gel layer and pulp chamber during dental bleaching with an LED/laser light source. Ten human incisors and a digital thermometer with K-type thermocouples were used. Using a high-speed spherical diamond bur, endodontic access was gained through openings on the lingual faces until pulp chamber was exposed. One end of the thermocouple was placed on the labial surface (immersed in bleaching gel) and the other end in the pulp chamber. The same 10 specimens were used in the 12 groups, according to the type and concentration of bleaching gel. Each bleaching gel was used in four different concentrations: manipulated without coloring, with normal quantity recommended by the manufacturer, with double the recommended amount of coloring, and with triple the recommended amount of coloring. The temperature rise was measured every 30 seconds for three minutes with a K-type thermocouple. The data were analyzed by ANOVA to examine the concentration and type of bleaching gel. This test was followed by Tukey's test, which was performed independently for the gel at the labial surface and the pulp chamber (a = 5%). For both surfaces, values of p = 0.00 were obtained for all factors and for the interaction between them. The varying concentrations of coloring agent produced statistically significant differences in terms of temperature increase for both the gel layer and the pulp chamber during activation.

Influência de dois tipos de retentores intra-radiculares e do tipo de coroa total na resistência e modo de fratura de raízes de incisivos superiores / Influence of two types posts and full-coverage crown systems on fracture resistance and failure of maxillary incisors restored with metal and fiber posts

O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar e comparar a resistência à fratura de incisivos centrais restaurados usando dois tipos de pinos intra-radiculares:núcleo metálico fundido e pinos de fibra de quartzo, reconstruídos com diferentes tipos de coroas. A hipótese nula testada foi que a resistência a fratura desses corpos de prova não apresentariam diferença quanto ao tipo de pino e tipo de coroa. Sessenta incisivos centrais superiores foram divididos em 6 grupos: G1- núcleo metálico fundido + coroa em cerômero,G2- núcleo metálico fundido + coroa metalo-cerâmica, G3- núcleo metálico fundido + coroa em e-max, G4 – pino de fibra de quartzo e pinos acessórios + coroa em cerômero, G5- pino de fibra de quartzo e pinos acessórios + coroa metalo-cerâmica e G6- pino de fibra de quartzo e pinos acessórios + coroa em e-max. Todos os espécimes foram submetidos à ciclagem mecânica com frequência de 2 Hz e 500.000 ciclos com carga de 3Kg. Os corpos de prova foram submetidos a teste de compressão em uma máquina universal de ensaios (Emic) com velocidade de carga de 1,0 mm/min até a sua fratura. Os valores de resistência à fratura foram G1- 47.44 ± 10.39, G2- 54.74 ±7.76, G3-49.71± 8.66, G4- 54.97 ± 8.67, G5-73.50 ± 11.83 e G6- 55.47 ± 10.62. A análise de variância (ANOVA) (p<0,05) mostrou diferença estatisticamente significante para os pinos. Quanto à análise de fratura, os núcleos metálicos fundidos apresentaram o maior número de amostras com fratura desfavoráveis quando comparados os pinos de fibra de quartzo. O conjunto pino de fibra restaurados com coroa metalo cerâmica, apresentou valor de resistência à fratura estatisticamente maior quando comparado aos demais grupos segundo o teste de Tukey (5%), Metalo cerâmica - 64,12±13,69 kgf, difere estatisticamente das demais coroas metal free - 52,59±9,88 kgf e cerômero - 51,20±10,08 kgf que, entre si, não diferem estatisticamente. O resultado deste estudo indica que o uso de pinos de fibra aumenta à resistência...

The aim of this study was to compare the fracture resistance and failure of maxillary incisors restored using fiber post and metallic post underdifferent types of full-coverage crowns. The null hypothesis tested was that fracture resistance and the failure pattern of these teeth were not affected by the use of fiber post, metallic post and typo of full coverage crown.Sixty maxillary incisors were divided into 6 groups of 10 each. G1- metallic post + metallic ceramic crowns, G2- metallic post + e-max system, G3-metallic post + cerômeros, G4- Fiber post and accessories post + metallic ceramic crowns, G5- Fiber post and accessories post + e-max system and G6- Fiber post and accessories post + cerômeros. The specimens were submitted a mechanical loading at a frequency of 2 Hz for a total of 500.000 cycles. After were taken to the Universal Test Machine for the fracture resistance at 1,0 mm/min speed. The fracture resistance values were G1- 47.44 ± 10.39, G2- 54.74 ±7.76, G3-49.71 ± 8.66, G4- 54.97 ±8.67, G5-73.50 ± 11.83 e G6- 55.47 ± 10.62. Results show statistically significant differences in relation to the type of the posts (ANOVA)(p<0,05). Fracture analyses about metallic post showed the mostun favorable fracture and fiber post restored with metallic crown showed statistically significant difference in relation to the others groups. Tukey test (5%) showed Metallic-crown - 64,12±13,69 kgf, is statistically difference than the other crowns metal free - 52,59±9,88 kgf and Sinfony crowns - 51,20±10,08 kgf that was not different between it self. The result of this study indicate that the use of fiber posts increase their resistance to fracture and improve the prognosis in case of fracture.

Influence of gel color on in vitro surface and intrapulpal temperature rise during blue light-activated tooth bleaching.

This study evaluated the null hypothesis that the color of a bleaching gel has no effect on temperature because it absorbs the light used during photocuring. This study used 10 maxillary central incisors (offering endodontic access) and a digital thermometer with thermocouples. One end of the thermocouple was placed on the labial surface (immersed in bleaching gel); the other end was placed in the pulp chamber. The bleaching materials each offered two color options: blue and red. The bleaching agents were activated with a LED hybrid blue light photocuring unit and a low intensity diode laser. Based on the blue light-activated bleaching, it was determined that the red gel produced significantly higher temperature increases than the blue gel. No significant differences were found between the two brands of gel tested.

Effect of acid neutralization and mechanical cycling on the microtensile bond strength of glass-ceramic inlays.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the hypothesis that a process of hydrofluoric acid precipitate neutralization and fatigue load cycling performed on human premolars restored with ceramic inlays had an influence on microtensile bond strength results (MTBS). METHODS: MOD inlay preparations were performed in 40 premolars (with their roots embedded in acrylic resin). Forty ceramic restorations were prepared using glass-ceramic (IPS Empress). The inner surfaces of all the restorations were etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 60 seconds, rinsed with water and dried. The specimens were divided into two groups

Trauma oclusal x tecidos periodontais: ação da osteopontina e do receptor ativador do fator nuclear kappa B / Occlusal trauma x periodontal tissue: action of the osteopontin and receptor activator of nuclear factor Kappa B ligand

O trauma oclusal é causado pela força oclusal excessiva e muitas vezes está associado com a perda do osso alveolar. Na presença de trauma oclusal, periodontites provocadas por biofilme estão sujeitas a ter uma evolução mais rápida que periodontites onde o trauma oclusal não está associado. Nesta revisão foi detalhada a atuação de duas proteínas (osteopontina e RANKL) que podem estar envolvidas neste processo. Sabe-se que a osteopontina é uma proteína produzida sob carga mecânica e induz a migração dos osteoclastos para o local da reabsorção. O receptor ativador do fator nuclear Kappa B (RANKL) é um importante fator na diferenciação, ativação e sobrevivência dos osteoclastos, e participa da indução in vitro da osteopontina intracelular. Entretanto, o envolvimento do RANKL na reabsorção óssea inflamatória, com ou sem trauma oclusal, e o papel da osteopontina nas células ainda não está claro. No presente estudo, uma revisão de literatura foi realizada com o objetivo de elucidar a imunohistoquímica do trauma oclusal associado aos tecidos periodontais, enfatizando a atuação da osteopontina e do RANKL, assim como a relação entre o trauma oclusal e os tecidos periodontais. Com base no que existe atualmente na literatura, o mecanismo preciso de degradação periodontal sob excessiva carga oclusal ainda não está bem estabelecido em virtude da complexa ação das referidas proteínas.

The occlusal trauma is caused by excessive occlusal loading and many times are associated with the anatomy ofthe osseous structures. In the presence of occlusal loading, periodontitis caused for bacterial film could be an evolution faster than periodontitis disease where the occlusal trauma is not associated. In this review, it will be emphasized the action of two proteins (osteopontin and RANKL) that can be involved in this process. The osteopontin is known to be reduced upon mechanical loading and is considered to induce migration of osteoclasts to the resorption bone. The receptor activator of nuclear factor Kappa B (RANKL) is an important factor in the differentiation, activation and survival of the osteoclasts, and participates of the induction in vitro of the intracellular osteopontin. However, the evolvement of the RANKL in the inflammatory osseous resorption, with or without oclusal loading, and the function of the osteopontin in the cells is unclear. In the present study, a literature review was carried through with the objective to elucidate the immunohistochemistry of the occlusal trauma associate to the periodontal tissues, emphasizing the action of osteopontin and RANKL, as well as the relation between the occlusal loading and periodontal tissues. On the basis of what it exists currently in literature, the necessary mechanism of the fabric periodontal under excessive occlusal loading was unclear because of the complex action of these proteins.

Pulpal temperature increase with high-speed handpiece, Er:YAG laser and ultrasound tips.

The aim of this study was to compare intrapulpal temperature increase produced by high-speed handpiece, Er:YAG laser and CVDentus ultrasound tips during cavity preparation. Thirty bovine mandibular incisors with an enamel/dentin thickness of 4 mm at buccal surface had their roots amputated and were allocated to the following groups (n=10): Group I- high-speed handpiece; Group II- noncontact Er:YAG laser (250 mJ/4 Hz); and Group III- CVDentus ultrasouns tips. All devices were used with water cooling. Class V cavities were prepared to a depth of 3.5 mm, measured with a periodontal probe. A type T thermocouple was placed inside the pulp chamber to determine the temperature increase (degrees C), which was recorded by a data acquisition system ADS 2000 IP (Lynx Technology) linked to a notebook computer. Data were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p=0.05). The mean temperature rises were: 1.10 degrees C (+/-0.56) for Group I, 0.84 degrees C (+/-0.55) for Group II, and 3.00 degrees C (+/- 1.34) for Group III. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between Groups I and II, but both of them differed significantly from Group III (p<0.05). In conclusion, the use of Er:YAG laser and high-speed handpiece for cavity preparation resulted in similar temperature increase. Although ultrasound tips generated significantly higher intrapulpal temperature increase, it remained below the critical value of 5.5 degrees C and may be considered safe for use.

Pulpal temperature increase with high-speed handpiece, Er-YAG laser and ultrasound tips

The aim of this study was to compare intrapulpal temperature increase produced by high-speed handpiece, Er:YAG laser and CVDentus ultrasound tips during cavity preparation. Thirty bovine mandibular incisors with an enamel/dentin thickness of 4 mm at buccal surface had their roots amputated and were allocated to the following groups (n=10): Group I- high-speed handpiece; Group II- noncontact Er:YAG laser (250 mJ/4Hz); and Group III- CVDentus ultrasouns tips. All devices were used with water cooling. Class V cavities were prepared to a depth of 3.5 mm, measured with a periodontal probe. A type T thermocouple was placed inside the pulp chamber to determine the temperature increase (°C), which was recorded by a data acquisition system ADS 2000 IP (Lynx Technology) linked to a notebook computer. Data were analyzed statistically by oneway ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p=0.05). The mean temperature rises were: 1.10°C (±0.56) for Group I, 0.84°C (±0.55) for Group II, and 3.00°C (± 1.34) for Group III. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between Groups I and II, but both of them differed significantly from Group III (p<0.05). In conclusion, the use of Er:YAG laser and high-speed handpiece for cavity preparation resulted in similar temperature increase. Although ultrasound tips generated significantly higher intrapulpal temperature increase, it remained below the critical value of 5.5°C and may be considered safe for use.

Evaluation of light transmission through translucent and opaque posts.

OBJECTIVES: The transmission of light through translucent posts was observed, and the microhardness of light-cured cement used to secure these posts was evaluated at different depths. METHODS: Fifteen single-rooted standard bovine teeth, 16 mm in size, were used. The root canals were prepared using #3 drills Light-Post (five teeth) and Aestheti Post (five teeth) systems (BISCO), with a working-length of 12 mm. In five teeth, translucent posts were cemented (Light-Post #2), while another five teeth received opaque posts (Aestheti Post #2). The roots were painted with black nail varnish to prevent the passage of light through the lateral walls of the roots. The root canals of all the specimens were treated with the All-Bond 2 adhesive system (BISCO) and cemented with light-cured cement (Enforce, Dentsply). All the roots were transversally cut to obtain six specimens 1.5 mm thick. Every two sections corresponded to a specific region of the root (cervical, middle, apical), making it possible to observe the cement microhardness at different levels. The groups (n = 10) were defined as: GI: translucent post (TP)/cervical region; G2: TP/middle region; G3: TP/apical region; G4: Opaque post (OP)/cervical region; G5: OP/middle region; G6: PO/apical region. Five root canals were only filled with cement for use as a control (G7). Then, Vickers microhardness analyses were performed. RESULTS: In G3, G5 and G6, the cement was not sufficiently hard to allow for microhardness analysis. When submitted to the ANOVA test, G1 (35.07), G2 (24.28) and G4 (28.64) presented no statistical differences. When the previous groups were compared to G7 (51.00) using the Kruskal-Wallis test, a statistical difference was found. CONCLUSION: Translucent posts allow cement polymerization up to the middle portion of the root.

Fatigue resistance of bovine teeth restored with resin-bonded fiber posts: effect of post surface conditioning.

This study evaluated the effect of post surface conditioning on the fatigue resistance of bovine teeth restored with resin-bonded fiber-reinforced composite (FRC). Root canals of 20 single-rooted bovine teeth (16 mm long) were prepared to 12 mm using a preparation drill of a double-tapered fiber post system. Using acrylic resin, each specimen was embedded (up to 3.0 mm from the cervical part of the specimen) in a PVC cylinder and allocated into one of two groups (n = 10) based on the post surface conditioning method: acid etching plus silanization or tribochemical silica coating (30 pm SiO(x) + silanization). The root canal dentin was etched (H2PO3 for 30 seconds), rinsed, and dried. A multi-step adhesive system was applied to the root dentin and the fiber posts were cemented with resin cement. The specimens were submitted to one million fatigue cycles. After fatigue testing, a score was given based on the number of fatigue cycles until fracture. All of the specimens were resistant to fatigue. No fracture of the root or the post and no loss of retention of the post were observed. The methodology and the results of this study indicate that tribochemical silica coating and acid etching performed equally well when dynamic mechanical loading was used.

Does the thickness of the resin cement affect the bond strength of a fiber post to the root dentin?

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of cement thickness on the bond strength of a fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post system to the root dentin. Eighteen single-rooted human teeth were decoronated (length: 16 mm), the canals were prepared, and the specimens were randomly allocated to 2 groups (n = 9): group 1 (low cement thickness), in which size 3 FRC posts were cemented using adhesive plus resin cement; and group 2 (high cement thickness), in which size 1 FRC posts were cemented as in group 1. Specimens were sectioned, producing 5 samples (thickness: 1.5 mm). For cement thickness evaluation, photographs of the samples were taken using an optical microscope, and the images were analyzed. Each sample was tested in push-out, and data were statistically analyzed. Bond strengths of groups 1 and 2 did not show significant differences (P = .558), but the cement thicknesses for these groups were significantly different (P < .0001). The increase in cement thickness did not significantly affect the bond strength (r2 = 0.1389, P= .936). Increased cement thickness surrounding the FRC post did not impair the bond strength.