Marginal adaptation of indirect restorations using different resin coating protocols.

This study evaluated the influence of material combinations used in the resin coating technique (RCT) on the marginal adaptation of indirect restorations with gingival margins in enamel (EM) and cement (CM). Eighty third-molars were used. Two cavities were prepared in each tooth. The cavities were distributed into 16 groups. Cavities with EM were filled with the following material combinations: G1: Single-Bond 2 (Sb2), G2: Sb2 + Bond/Scotchbond-Multipurpose (Sb2B), G3: Sb2 + Filtek-Flow Z350 (Sb2Fl), G4: Scotchbond-Multipurpose (SBMP), G5: Clearfil-S3 (CS3), G6: CS3 + Bond/Clearfil-SE Bond (CSE3B), G7: CS3 + Protect Liner F (CS3PL) and G8: Clearfil SE Bond + Protect Liner F (CSEBPL). The same combinations were applied to the cavities in CM: G9, G10, G11, G12, G13, G14, G15, G16, respectively. The fillings were performed with the Sinfony-System (3M/ESPE). After 24 h, the teeth were submitted to thermocycling (2,000 cycles, 5° to 55°C) and load-cycling (50,000 cycles, 50 N). Next, the Caries-Detector (Kuraray) was applied to the restoration margins. Images from the proximal margin were evaluated using the Image-Tool 3.0 software. The results were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The mean values (%) for the groups were: EM: G1=46.68, G2=15.53, G3=19.83, G4=27.53; G5=59.49, G6=25.13, G7=34.37, G8=15.20; CM: G9=38.38, G10=23.25, G11=26.97, G12=25.85, G13=37.81, G14=30.62, G15=29.17, G16=20.31. The highest percentages of marginal gap on EM or CM were found in the groups that did not use a liner. It can be concluded that the most appropriate RCT combinations were the groups that used a liner.

Biomechanical degradation of the nano-filled resin-modified glass-ionomer surface.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in the laboratory the roughness (Ra) and micromorphology surface of the nanofilled resin-modified glass-ionomer (Ketac N100) subjected to biomechanical degradation, compared to Vitremer, Ketac Molar Easymix and Fuji IX. METHODS: Specimens obtained from the ionomers were divided into two storage groups (n = 10): relative humidity and S. mutans biofilm (biodegradation). After 7 days, Ra values and micrographs were obtained. Then, the brushing abrasion test (mechanical degradation) was conducted with dentifrice slurry (three-body) and the specimens were reassessed. Data were submitted to repeated measures three-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: There was significant interaction among the factors: material, storage and abrasion (before/after). Vitremer showed similar Ra values between storage groups, while the other materials presented higher Ra values after biodegradation test. Concerning biomechanical challenge, Ketac N100 presented the lowest Ra values. Ketac Molar Easymix and Fuji IX presented undesirable roughening of their surfaces under the detrimental conditions tested. The eroded aspect after biodegradation with filler exposure after mechanical degradation was evident.

Analyses of biofilms accumulated on dental restorative materials.

PURPOSE: To qualitatively and quantitatively assess the architectural arrangement of microorganisms in biofilm developed on the surface of different restorative materials: ceramic (C), resin composite (RC), conventional (CGIC) and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (RMGIC). METHODS: Streptococcus mutans was used to develop a biofilm that adhered to the surfaces of the selected material disks in 30 days. The specimens were stained and analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and COMSTAT. Among biofilm properties, mean thickness, total bio-volume, roughness coefficient and surface-to-volume ratio were investigated, as well as characteristics of the distribution and architecture of viable/nonviable cells in the biofilm. RESULTS: Only the mean biofilm thickness was statistically significantly different among the restorative materials tested. C and RC accumulated the thickest biofilms. Qualitative analysis showed cellular aggregates and fluid-filled channels penetrating to a considerable depth of the biofilm. In addition, images demonstrated a progression of more viable cells in superficial regions of the biofilm to proportionally more nonviable cells in the deeper regions of the biofilms near the disk.

Confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis of the depth of dentin caries-like lesions in primary and permanent teeth.

This study analyzed comparatively, by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), the depth of caries-like lesions produced by biological and chemical artificial models in permanent and primary dentin. Six primary molars and six premolars were used. The occlusal enamel was removed and a nail polish layer was applied on the specimens, except for a 4 x 2 mm area on dentin surface. Half of specimens were immersed in acid gel for 14 days (chemical model) and the other half was immersed in BHI broth with S. mutans for 14 days (biological model). After development of artificial caries, the crowns were longitudinally sectioned on the center of the carious lesion. Three measurements of carious dentin depth were made in each specimen by CLSM. Measurements depths were compared between the caries models and between tooth types by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test (alpha=5%). For permanent teeth, the biological model showed significantly higher (p<0.05) caries depth values than the chemical model. For primary teeth, no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was found between the caries models. The artificial caries model influenced caries depth only in permanent teeth. There was no difference in carious dentin depth between permanent and primary teeth, regardless of the artificial caries model.