Effect of sintering parameters on the mechanical properties of monolithic zirconia.

Background. Zirconia restorations with high mechanical properties are the current treatment options for fixed restorations with advantages of high biocompatibility and low pulp irritation. Although the effect of sintering time and temperature on the optical and mechanical properties of zirconia core material were investigated, the effect of these parameters on the translucent monolithic zirconia is still uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the changes in sintering temperature and holding time on the mechanical and structural properties of monolithic zirconia. Methods. Totally, 340 self-colored (A2) zirconia specimens from two different monolithic zirconia groups (n=170) were prepared, measuring 15.5×12.5×1.2 mm. Then, 17 subgroups (n=10), including the control groups, were sintered according to sintering parameters. XRD analysis was used to determine phase transformations. The surface roughness of the specimens was evaluated using profilometry, and the flexural strength of the specimens was evaluated by the three-point bending test. The data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and post hoc multiple comparison test with Bonferroni correction (a=0.05) at a significance level of 0.05. Independent-samples t-test was used to compare the subgroups between the control groups (P˂0.05). Results. No tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation was observed in the groups. Changes in the sintering parameters did not significantly affect the surface roughness and flexural strength of monolithic zirconia. Surface roughness values for all the subgroups were above the clinically critical limit. Conclusion. According to the results of this study, changes in the sintering parameters did not affect the surface phase transformation, surface roughness, and flexural strength of monolithic zirconia.

Zinc Inhibits Collagenolysis by Cathepsin K and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Demineralized Dentin Matrix.

The enzymatic degradation of dentin organic matrix occurs via both the action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins (CCs). Zinc can prevent collagen hydrolysis by MMPs. However, its effect on the activity of dentin-bound CCs is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc on matrix-bound cathepsin K and MMP activity in dentin. Completely demineralized dentin beams were divided into test groups (n = 9) and incubated at 37°C in an incubation media (1 mL) containing ZnCl2 of 0.02 (physiological level, control), 0.2, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, or 40 mM. The dry mass changes of the beams were determined, and incubation media were analyzed for cathepsin K- and MMP-specific collagen degradation end products - CTX (C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen) and ICTP (cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen) - at 1, 3, and 7 days of incubation. The mass loss of the beams decreased when the zinc level in the incubation media was ≥5 mM (p < 0.05). The release of liberated collagen degradation telopeptides decreased in accordance with the decrease in the mass loss rates of the beams. Cathepsin K-induced dentin collagen degradation can be strongly inhibited by zinc. Zinc levels of ≥5 mM can be considered as a reliable threshold for the stabilization of dentin matrices.

Stability and Marginal Bone Level Changes of SLActive Titanium-Zirconium Implants Placed with Flapless Surgery: A Prospective Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Immediately-loaded, narrow-diameter implants can be a less invasive alternative for the implant-supported fixed rehabilitation of narrow, posterior crests. PURPOSE: To determine the stability and marginal bone level (MBL) changes of narrow-diameter, titanium-zirconium (TiZr) implants placed with flapless surgery and loaded immediately in the posterior region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight TiZr implants (3.3 mm diameter, 10 mm length, Roxolid, Straumann AG) were placed in the posterior crests of 14 patients with computer-guided flapless surgery as a support of 3-unit posterior bridges. Eighteen implants were loaded immediately, and 20 implants were loaded conventionally. The implant stability quotients were determined at the 1, 2, 4, and 8. weeks of healing before conventional loading, and at the 3, 6, and 12. months after loading by resonance frequency analysis. The MBL changes were measured by digital radiography. RESULTS: The surgical protocols were accomplished without any biological complications. There was no significant difference in the stability changes of TiZr implants between the loading groups (p > .05). The MBL changes were -0.18 ± 0.27 mm and -0.24 ± 0.27 mm at the 12. month of immediate and conventional loading, respectively, which was not statistically significant (p > .05). CONCLUSION: The stability and MBL changes of TiZr implants supporting posterior 3-unit bridges were clinically acceptable at the first year of loading.

Effects of environment on the release of Ni, Cr, Fe, and Co from new and recast Ni-Cr alloy.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The addition of previously cast alloy to new alloy for economic reasons may increase the release of elements. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of the immersion period, immersion media, and addition of previously cast alloy to new alloy on the release of elements. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Disk-shaped specimens were prepared from a Ni-Cr alloy (Ni: 61 wt%, Cr: 26 wt%, Mo: 11 wt%, Si: 1.5 wt%, Fe, Ce, Al, and Co <1 wt%) (Remanium CS; Dentaurum) with new alloy (group N) and 50% new/50% recast alloy (group R). After the immersion of the specimens in both NaCl (pH 4) and artificial saliva (pH 6.7) for 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days, the release of ions was determined by using atomic absorption spectrometry. Data were analyzed with a 3-way ANOVA (α=.001). RESULTS: The release of Ni was significantly affected by the immersion period, of Ni and Cr by the alloy and media (P<.01), and of Fe by the alloy (P<.01). Ion release from the recast alloy in artificial saliva was 109.71 for Ni, 6.49 for Cr, 223.22 for Fe, and 29.90 µg/L for Co. The release of Co in NaCl was below the detection limit in both groups. CONCLUSION: The release of Ni in NaCl and artificial saliva increased with the length of the immersion period in both groups. The release of Cr and Fe was higher in artificial saliva than in NaCl in group R, regardless of the immersion period. The release of Co in NaCl was below the detection limit in both groups.

In vitro retention loss of attachment-retained removable partial denture.

AIM: To investigate the importance of attachment types on the retention loss of extracoronal attachment-retained removable partial dentures depending on the usage period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to observe the retention loss of 5 different attachments (OT Strategy, OT Strategy-metal protected, Vario-stud-snap and Vario-soft 3 and ERA-RV) over time, attachment-retained partial dentures representing Kennedy II mod. I case were placed in a custom-made, retention test machine. For each minute, eight separating and joining movements were performed and retention values (Newton) of the attachments were recorded by computer. The retention tests implemented in 540,1080 and 2160 cycles. The data were evaluated statistically according to the two-way ANOVA and Tukey parametrical tests. RESULTS: The slide type attachment providing the best retention force was observed to be the most worn out by this process (p < 0.01) while the ball type attachments, which typically have the lesser retention force, showed less retention loss (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the retention attributes of the attachment-retained dentures were affected by the specific type of precision attachment as well as the usage period. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Precision attachments with ball-type plastic matrices may be recommended for the clinical use due to their retention stability over time.

Fluoride release frompolyacid modified composites (compomers) in artificial saliva and lactic acid / Liberação de flúor por compósitos poliácidos modificados (compômeros) em saliva artifical e ácido lático

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different extraction media and time on the amount and pattern of fluoride release from compomers. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 42 specimens (n = 7 per group) in disc forms (7 mm diameter, 2 mm thickness) from three different compomers (were placed in artificial saliva (pH = 7.0) and lactic acid (pH = 5.2). The amount of the fluoride in these solutions were measured at 1st, 7th, 14th, 21th and 28th day time intervals by means of the fluoride ion selective electrode. The fluoride amount was calculated by concentration (ppm). The amount and the pattern of fluoride release was dependent on both the material, the storage medium and time. RESULTS: Fluoride release was evident for all the compomers but the rate of release varied considerably between the materials. Significant differences were also found between the different types of compomer (p < 0.01). A time dependent increase in the fluoride content was observed for all the compomers in both media. For all the tested materials, the fluoride release was higher in the lactic acid (p < 0.01). The amount of fluoride release was the most from Compoglass followed by Dyract AP and Glasiosite at 28th days, in both artificial saliva and lactic acid respectively. The least amount of fluoride release was observed at the first day.

OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito de diferentes meios e tempo na quantidade e padrão de liberação de flúor por compômeros. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: 42 espécimes (n = 7 por grupo) em discos (7 mm de diâmetro, 2 mm de espessura), três compômeros diferentes, foram colocados em saliva artificial (pH 7,0) e ácido lático (pH 5,2). A quantidade de flúor nas soluções foram medidas a intervalos semanais, do 1º ao 28º dias (quatro semanas) por meio de eletrodos seletivos para íons flúor. A quantidade de flúor foi calculdada por concentração(ppm). A quantidade e o padrão da liberação de flúor variou consideravelmente tanto do material, do meio de armazenamento e tempo. RESULTADOS: A liberação de flúor foi evidente por todos os compômeros, mas a taxa de liberação variou consideravelmente entre os diferentes tipos de compômeros (p < 0.01). Um aumento relacionado com o tempo no conteúdo de flúor foi observado para todos os compômeros em ambos os meios. Para todos os materiais testados, a liberação de flúor foi maior no ácido lático (p < 0.01). A quantidade de liberação de flúor foi maior pelo Compoglass®, seguido pelo Duract AP® e Glasiosite® aos 28 dias, tanto na saliva artificial como no ácido lático respectivamente. A menor liberação de flúor foi observada no primeiro dia.

The adherence of Candida albicans to acrylic resin reinforced with different fibers.

One important aethiological factor in the pathogenesis of chronic atrophic candidosis is the presence of Candida albicans on the fitting surface of the dentures. Fibers may come into contact with oral mucosa during the finishing procedures of acrylic resins. The exposed fibers may provide mechanical retention for yeast cells at the interface of the components. The effect of two different glass fibers and two different environments were evaluated in respect of Candida albicans adhesion to the acrylic surface. Half of the acrylic samples reinforced with two different fibers (Sticknet and Eversticknet) were pretreated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and the rest with unstimulated saliva. The test specimens were placed in yeast suspension. The adhered cells were examined with a scanning electron microscope. The amount of adhered cells in PBS was lower for Eversticknet but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). The number of yeast cells decreased in saliva for both groups and the difference was statistically significant for the samples reinforced with Eversticknet (p < 0.01). The use of Sticknet or Eversticknet as reinforcing material for poly(methylmethacrylate) had no effect on surface topography due to the same adhesion state of Candida albicans. The presence of a salivary pellicle derived from unstimulated saliva reduced adhesion of Candida albicans.

The release of elements from dental casting alloy into cell-culture medium and artificial saliva.

OBJECTIVES: The biocompatibility of dental casting alloys is a critical issue because these alloys are in long-term intimate contact with oral tissues. Since the biocompatibility of alloys is not completely known; the release of elements from the alloys has been studied. The aim of this study was to compare the elemental release from dental casting alloy during exposure to artificial saliva and cell-culture medium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty specimens made from Ni-Cr alloy were provided in the form of 5 mm diameter discs, 2 mm in thickness with a 7 mm stem attached to one face to facilitate handling. Ten of twenty samples were polished separately using a conventional technique. The remaining ten samples were left sandblasted with 50 mum Al(2)0(3). Ten samples (5 polished, 5 sandblasted) were separately placed into cell-culture wells with Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium. The other ten samples were placed separately into cell-culture wells with artificial saliva. The samples were subjected in contact with these medium for 30 days. These medium were collected every 7 days. The cell-culture medium and artificial saliva without alloy samples were subjected to elemental analyses as a control. At the end of the exposure time, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) was used to determine the release of elements from the alloys into all collected medium. Statistical analyses were assessed with two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: In general, the elemental release occurred with in all medium. The elemental releases of sandblasted alloys were higher than polished alloys. Artificial saliva was found to cause more release from the samples. In both media, Ni released from polished and sandblasted alloys were higher than Cr and Mo. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the release of elements from the alloys might have correlated with the environments and the surface of dental alloy.

Effects of glow-discharge and surfactant treatments on the wettability of vinyl polysiloxane impression materials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although surfactant-modified vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) is described as hydrophilic by manufacturers, interaction with dental gypsum is relatively poor. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the wettability of surfactant-modified VPS after different surface treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-four impression-material specimens (20 x 10 x 1 mm) were prepared from 3 different brands of VPS (Aquasil, Panasil Contact Plus, and Accuflex). Four groups (n = 7) of specimens were established according to the surface treatment method used: no treatment, topical application of 2 different surface wettability agents (Silwet Copolymer L-77 or Delar surfactant), or coating with an acrylic acid plasma in a glow-discharge reactor. Plasma treatment specimens were coated with acrylic acid in a glow-discharge system at a radio frequency of 13.56 MHz with 20-W discharge power and 5 minutes of exposure time. Wettability was measured using the contact-angle method. Values were recorded after the drop contacted the surface at 0.6 second, 30.7 seconds, and 210.8 seconds. Contact-angle mean values were compared using 3-way analysis of variance with repeated measures on 1 factor, followed by a post hoc Duncan test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: As the sphericity assumption was not satisfied, the Greenhouse-Geisser correction was used for contact-angle values. Glow-discharge treatment proved to be effective for increasing the surface energy of the VPS compared to controls at all time points studied (P <.0001). At 0.6 second, Silwet significantly decreased the contact-angle values for Aquasil and for Panasil Contact Plus (P <.0001). Delar treatment, at this time point, significantly increased the contact-angle values of GC (P <.0001) and decreased the contact-angle values of Aquasil (P <.0001). At 30.7 seconds, Silwet significantly increased the wettability of Aquasil and Panasil Contact Plus ( P <.0001) but did not significantly increase the wettability of GC. Delar treatment, at 30.7 seconds, increased the contact-angle values of GC (P <.0001), whereas contact-angle values of Aquasil significantly decreased (P <.0001). At 210.8 seconds, all surface-modification methods used were effective in increasing the wettability of VPS tested over untreated controls (P <.0001). CONCLUSION: Wettability of VPS-based impression materials can be increased by coating the surface with acrylic acid in a glow-discharge reactor. The change in wettability achieved by the application of topical surfactants resulted in variations among surfactant-VPS combinations.

Effects of base-metal casting alloys on cytoskeletal filaments in cultured human fibroblasts.

PURPOSE: The present study was designed to determine the cytotoxic effects of some widely used dental base-metal casting alloys (Ni-Cr and Co-Cr) on the cytoskeleton in cultured human fibroblasts, and to evaluate whether any structural alteration is associated with the application of these alloys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten specimens from six different alloys were prepared as 5-mm disks. Five of ten samples from each group were polished; the remaining five samples were left sandblasted with 50-microm Al2O3. All samples were directly exposed to human fibroblasts in a 24-well cell culture dish for 120 hours. Then, cells were fixed and stained with antibodies against major cytoskeletal elements--actin, vimentin, and microtubules--by immunofluorescent staining methods. Cells were analyzed in 3-D to document the cytoskeletal alterations using a laser confocal microscope. RESULTS: Disintegration of actin filaments was observed in lamellipodia of fibroblasts by the effect of both polished and sandblasted Ni-Cr and Co-Cr samples, with the exception of the polished Co-Cr alloy (Wirocast). Moreover, intracytoplasmic actin-decorated stress fibers were found bent and occasionally tangled in the sandblasted Ni-Cr (Wiron 99) and Co-Cr alloys (Wirocast and Co-Cr Degussa). Vimentin, a mesenchymal cell intermediate filament protein normally showing an intracellular meshwork pattern, was not affected by any of the polished or sandblasted alloys. Microtubules mainly remained intact in all dental alloy-treated groups. CONCLUSION: Taken together, it is possible to postulate that Ni-Cr and Co-Cr dental alloys, especially sandblasted forms, may have detrimental effects on the actin-based cytoskeleton, at least tested in vitro.