Effect of alpha-humulene incorporation on the properties of experimental light-cured periodontal dressings.

The objective of this study was to formulate an experimental light-cured periodontal dressing containing alpha-humulene and to compare its physical, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties with commercial gold standards (Barricaid® and Periobond®). Two periodontal dressing formulations were developed (a and b). The formulations were divided into 5 groups according to the alpha-humulene concentration as follows: Ea - control group, Ea1 - 1%, Ea5 - 5%, Ea10 - 10%, and Ea20 - 20%; Eb - control group, Eb1 - 1%, Eb5 - 5%, Eb10 - 10%, and Eb20 - 20%. Materials characterization was performed using the degree of conversion, cohesive strength, sorption, and solubility assays. Antimicrobial assay was performed using the modified direct contact test against E. faecalis and S. aureus. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the cell viability experiment using L929 fibroblasts. In general, the cohesive strength values of materials decreased as the alpha-humulene concentration increased. All the experimental dressings showed antimicrobial activity against both bacteria tested. Cell viability results for the Ea, Ea1, Eb, and Eb1 groups showed moderate cytotoxic effect. The formulations containing alpha-humulene showed similar behavior to the commercial references. Thus, formulations containing alpha-humulene have potential to be used as periodontal dressing.

Experimental resin-based dual-cured calcium aluminate and calcium titanate materials for vital pulp therapy.

This paper evaluates the physicochemical and biological properties of experimental resin-based dual-cured calcium aluminate (CA) and calcium titanate (CTi) materials for vital pulp therapy (VPT). The experimental dual-cured materials were obtained as two pastes: a) Bis-EMA 10, PEG 400, DHEPT, EDAB, camphorquinone, and butylated hydroxytoluene; and b) fluoride ytterbium, Bis-EMA 10, Bis-EMA 30, benzoyl peroxide, and butylated hydroxytoluene. The materials were divided into six groups based on the added calcium component: MTA (MTA®, Angelus); CLQ (Clinker-Fillapex®, Angelus); CA (calcined at ,1200°C in pastes a and b); CA800 (calcined at 800°C in paste a); CA1200 (calcined at 1,200°C in paste a); and CTi (paste a). The real-time degree of conversion and rate of polymerization (n = 3), diametral tensile strength (n = 10), hydrogen potential (n = 15), calcium ion release (n = 10), water sorption and solubility (n = 10), and cell viability (n = 6) were evaluated. One- and two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test were used in the analysis of the parametric data, and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's multiple tests were used to analyze the nonparametric data (α = 0.05). CLQ, CA800 and CA1200 had the highest diametral tensile strength. The water solubility of MTA was similar to that of CA800, CA1200 and CTi. CA800 and CA1200 resulted in cell viabilities similar to those of MTA and CLQ. The experimental dual-cured CA-based material that calcined at 800°C showed physicochemical and biological properties suitable for VPT, and similar to those of MTA.

Effect of alpha-humulene incorporation on the properties of experimental light-cured periodontal dressings

Abstract The objective of this study was to formulate an experimental light-cured periodontal dressing containing alpha-humulene and to compare its physical, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties with commercial gold standards (Barricaid® and Periobond®). Two periodontal dressing formulations were developed (a and b). The formulations were divided into 5 groups according to the alpha-humulene concentration as follows: Ea - control group, Ea1 - 1%, Ea5 - 5%, Ea10 - 10%, and Ea20 - 20%; Eb - control group, Eb1 - 1%, Eb5 - 5%, Eb10 - 10%, and Eb20 - 20%. Materials characterization was performed using the degree of conversion, cohesive strength, sorption, and solubility assays. Antimicrobial assay was performed using the modified direct contact test against E. faecalis and S. aureus. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the cell viability experiment using L929 fibroblasts. In general, the cohesive strength values of materials decreased as the alpha-humulene concentration increased. All the experimental dressings showed antimicrobial activity against both bacteria tested. Cell viability results for the Ea, Ea1, Eb, and Eb1 groups showed moderate cytotoxic effect. The formulations containing alpha-humulene showed similar behavior to the commercial references. Thus, formulations containing alpha-humulene have potential to be used as periodontal dressing.

Experimental resin-based dual-cured calcium aluminate and calcium titanate materials for vital pulp therapy

Abstract: This paper evaluates the physicochemical and biological properties of experimental resin-based dual-cured calcium aluminate (CA) and calcium titanate (CTi) materials for vital pulp therapy (VPT). The experimental dual-cured materials were obtained as two pastes: a) Bis-EMA 10, PEG 400, DHEPT, EDAB, camphorquinone, and butylated hydroxytoluene; and b) fluoride ytterbium, Bis-EMA 10, Bis-EMA 30, benzoyl peroxide, and butylated hydroxytoluene. The materials were divided into six groups based on the added calcium component: MTA (MTA®, Angelus); CLQ (Clinker-Fillapex®, Angelus); CA (calcined at ,1200°C in pastes a and b); CA800 (calcined at 800°C in paste a); CA1200 (calcined at 1,200°C in paste a); and CTi (paste a). The real-time degree of conversion and rate of polymerization (n = 3), diametral tensile strength (n = 10), hydrogen potential (n = 15), calcium ion release (n = 10), water sorption and solubility (n = 10), and cell viability (n = 6) were evaluated. One- and two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test were used in the analysis of the parametric data, and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's multiple tests were used to analyze the nonparametric data (α = 0.05). CLQ, CA800 and CA1200 had the highest diametral tensile strength. The water solubility of MTA was similar to that of CA800, CA1200 and CTi. CA800 and CA1200 resulted in cell viabilities similar to those of MTA and CLQ. The experimental dual-cured CA-based material that calcined at 800°C showed physicochemical and biological properties suitable for VPT, and similar to those of MTA.

Simple and Low-Cost Thermal Treatments on Direct Resin Composites for Indirect Use.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of three low-cost additional thermal treatments, available in the dental office, on the mechanical, chemical and optical properties of a light-cured resin composite indicated for direct restorations but used as indirect restorative. The direct resin composite TPH3 (Dentsply) was light-polymerized using a light-emitting diode curing unit and submitted to three experimental additional thermal treatments: dry heat at 170 °C for 5 min, autoclave at 121 °C for 6 min, or microwave oven at 450 W for 3 min. The resin composite without any thermal treatment was used as negative control group. An indirect resin composite (Vita CM LC, Vita Zahnfabrik) was tested as a reference. Flexural strength, elastic modulus, microhardness, degree of C=C conversion, roughness before and after simulated toothbrush abrasion, translucency parameter and color difference (ΔE00) were evaluated. Data were analyzed at α=0.05. The indirect resin composite presented lower C=C conversion and mechanical performance. The flexural strength was significantly higher in the dry oven group compared with the control. The roughness was not different among groups before or after brushing, but the thermal treatments caused an increase in C=C conversion, microhardness, and elastic modulus without affecting the translucency parameter or showing visible color alteration (ΔE00<1.8). These results suggest that the use of additional thermal methods of polymerization represents an economical and simple alternative to enhance the mechanical and chemical properties of direct resin composites when used as indirect restoratives.

Simple and low-cost thermal treatments on direct resin composites for indirect use

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of three low-cost additional thermal treatments, available in the dental office, on the mechanical, chemical and optical properties of a light-cured resin composite indicated for direct restorations but used as indirect restorative. The direct resin composite TPH3 (Dentsply) was light-polymerized using a light-emitting diode curing unit and submitted to three experimental additional thermal treatments: dry heat at 170 °C for 5 min, autoclave at 121 °C for 6 min, or microwave oven at 450 W for 3 min. The resin composite without any thermal treatment was used as negative control group. An indirect resin composite (Vita CM LC, Vita Zahnfabrik) was tested as a reference. Flexural strength, elastic modulus, microhardness, degree of C=C conversion, roughness before and after simulated toothbrush abrasion, translucency parameter and color difference (ΔE00) were evaluated. Data were analyzed at α=0.05. The indirect resin composite presented lower C=C conversion and mechanical performance. The flexural strength was significantly higher in the dry oven group compared with the control. The roughness was not different among groups before or after brushing, but the thermal treatments caused an increase in C=C conversion, microhardness, and elastic modulus without affecting the translucency parameter or showing visible color alteration (ΔE00<1.8). These results suggest that the use of additional thermal methods of polymerization represents an economical and simple alternative to enhance the mechanical and chemical properties of direct resin composites when used as indirect restoratives.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de três tratamentos térmicos adicionais de baixo custo, disponíveis no consultório dentário, nas propriedades mecânicas, químicas e ópticas de uma resina composta fotoativada indicada para restaurações diretas porém usada como restaurador indireto. A resina composta direta TPH3 (Dentsply) foi fotoativada usando um diodo emissor de luz e submetida a três tratamentos térmicos adicionais experimentais: forno seco a 170 °C por 5 min, autoclave a 121 °C por 6 min ou forno de micro-ondas a 450 W por 3 min. A resina composta sem qualquer tratamento térmico adicional foi usada como grupo controle negativo. Uma resina composta indireta (Vita CM LC, Vita Zahnfabrik) foi testada como referência comercial. Resistência à flexão, módulo de elasticidade, microdureza, grau de conversão de C=C, rugosidade antes e após abrasão por escovação simulada, parâmetro de translucidez e diferença de cor (ΔE00) foram avaliados. Os dados foram analisados considerando α=0.05. A resina composta indireta apresentou menor conversão de C=C e desempenho mecânico. A resistência à flexão foi significativamente mais alta no grupo forno seco comparado ao controle. A rugosidade não foi diferente entre os grupos antes ou após a escovação, porém os tratamentos térmicos adicionais causaram aumento na conversão de C=C, microdureza e módulo de elasticidade, sem afetar o parâmetro de translucidez ou mostrar alteração de cor visível (ΔE00<1,8). Estes resultados sugerem que o uso de métodos térmicos adicionais de polimerização representam alternativa econômica e simples para aprimorar as propriedades mecânicas e químicas de resinas compostas diretas quando utilizadas como restauradores indiretos.

Addition of phosphates and chlorhexidine to resin-modified MTA materials.

To evaluate the properties of experimental mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) resin-modified materials for root-end filling procedures, varying their compositions regarding the addition of hydroxiapatite (HA) or dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, with or without chlorhexidine digluconate. White MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) was used as a reference material. Degree of conversion (DC) was evaluated by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIr) spectroscopy (n = 5). Flowability (n = 3) and radiopacity (n = 3) were evaluated following ISO 6876:2001 methods. For splitting tensile strength analysis, cylindrical samples (n = 10) were subjected to compressive load using a universal testing machine (Instron Corporation, Norwood, MA). Water sorption and solubility tests were performed according to ISO 4049:2009 methods. Calcium ion release and pH analysis (n = 10) were evaluated using a pH meter (Orion, Watsonville, CA). Cytotoxicity (n = 8) of materials extracts was evaluated as cell viability percentage. Statistical analysis was performed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov for normal distribution and data was subjected to one-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). Addition of chlorhexidine digluconate reduced DC mean values for experimental materials (<50%). White MTA demonstrated lower flowability (5.3 mm) and higher radiopacity (9.8 mm Al), splitting tensile strength (9.1 MPa), solubility (8.2 µg/mm3 ), calcium ion release (~26.5 ppm), cytotoxicity (55.2%), and pH mean values (10.8), when compared to experimental materials. All groups demonstrated a decrease in calcium release (<85%) and pH (<13%). Formulation containing HA demonstrated similar pH values after 28 days when compared to white MTA. Evaluated experimental resin-modified MTA based materials without chlorhexidine digluconate showed satisfactory results for all physico-chemical properties tested and cytotoxicity. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2195-2201, 2019.

Development of a dual-cure mineral trioxide aggregate-based cement: Biological, physical, and mechanical properties.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the physical, mechanical, and biocompatibility properties of a new dual-cure white mineral trioxide aggregate (D-W-MTA) and a commercial W-MTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diametral tensile strength (DTS), water sorption (WSp), and water solubility (WSl) tests were performed. Cytotoxicity was observed in primary culture of human pulp fibroblasts (HPFs) and mouse 3T3/NIH fibroblast lineage. Specimens of both materials were embedded in 1 mL of Dulbecco's modified essential medium for 24 h. Cells were incubated for 24 h with the eluates. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and genotoxicity by micronucleus (MN) formation. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests considering P < 0.05. RESULTS: D-MTA and W-MTA not showed cytotoxic effect on the two cell lines. However, D-MTA stimulated HPF growth. The MN count was similar to that of the control group for D-MTA and W-MTA. D-MTA presented lower DTS and WSl. Nevertheless, WSp was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that D-MTA is a promising material for pulp capping. Thus, in vivo tests should be performed to evaluate the performance of this material.

Pentaerythritol Tetrasalicylate in the Chemical Composition of Root Canal Sealers

Abstract The aim of this study was to synthesize and evaluate physicochemical properties of a new salicylate derivative in experimental calcium-based root canal sealers. Two salicylate derivatives were synthesized for the transesterification reaction of methyl salicylate with two different alcohols (1,3-butylenoglicol disalicylate-BD and pentaerythritol tetrasalicylate -PT) in molar ratio 1:3 and 1:6, respectively. The products (BD and PT), were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (RMN). Calcium-based experimental sealers were prepared with the same catalyst paste (60% of MTA, 39% of n-ethyl-o-toluenesulfonamide, and 1% titanium dioxide) and four different concentrations of BD and PT in the base pastes (40/0 - control, 35/5, 30/10 and 20/20) with 60% of bismuth oxide. The experimental sealers were evaluated for setting time, solubility (24 h, 7, 14 and 30 days), diametral tensile strength and Young's Modulus. Data were analyzed by one- or two-way ANOVA with Tukey's test (p<0.05). The addition of PT reduced the materials setting time. After 24 h the sealer 40/0 and 35/5 had higher solubility, and after 14 and 28 days the sealer 20/20 showed the lowest solubility (p<0.05). After 7 days the sealer 20/20 stabilized its solubility. The sealer 40/0 presented the highest values and the 20/20 presented the lowest values of diametral tensile strength and Young's modulus (p<0.05). The addition of PT to calcium-based root canal sealers provides benefits to the setting time and solubility.

Resumo O objetivo neste estudo foi sintetizar e avaliar as propriedades físico-químicas de um novo derivado do salicilato em cimentos endodônticos experimentais à base de cálcio. Dois derivados de salicilato foram sintetizados por meio de uma reação de trans esterificação do salicilato de metila com dois diferentes alcoóis (1,3-butilenoglicol dissalicilato-BD e pentaeritritol tetrassalicilato-PT) na proporção molar de 1: 3 e 1:6, respectivamente. Os produtos (BD e PT), foram caracterizados por espectroscopia infravermelho transformada de Fourier (FTIR) e espectroscopia de ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN). Os cimentos experimentais à base de cálcio foram preparados com a mesma pasta catalisadora (60% de MTA, 39% de N-etil o/p toluenosulfonamida e 1% de dióxido de titânio) e quatro concentrações diferentes de BD e PT nas pastas base (40/0 - controle, 35/5, 30/10 e 20/20) com 60% de óxido de bismuto. Os cimentos foram avaliados quanto ao tempo de endurecimento, à solubilidade (24 h, 7, 14 e 28 dias), resistência à tração diametral e ao módulo de elasticidade. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA um ou dois fatores e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). A adição de PT reduziu o tempo de endurecimento dos materiais testados. Após 24 horas os cimentos 40/0 e 35/5 apresentaram maior solubilidade que os demais e após 14 e 28 dias o cimento 20/20 foi o que apresentou menor solubilidade (p<0,05). Após 7 dias o grupo 20/20 estabilizou a sua solubilidade. O cimento 40/0 apresentou os maiores valores e o cimento 20/20 apresentou os menores valores de resistência à tração diametral e módulo de elasticidade (p<0,05). A adição de PT a cimentos à base de cálcio possibilita benefícios ao tempo de presa e solubilidade.

Pentaerythritol Tetrasalicylate in the Chemical Composition of Root Canal Sealers.

The aim of this study was to synthesize and evaluate physicochemical properties of a new salicylate derivative in experimental calcium-based root canal sealers. Two salicylate derivatives were synthesized for the transesterification reaction of methyl salicylate with two different alcohols (1,3-butylenoglicol disalicylate-BD and pentaerythritol tetrasalicylate -PT) in molar ratio 1:3 and 1:6, respectively. The products (BD and PT), were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (RMN). Calcium-based experimental sealers were prepared with the same catalyst paste (60% of MTA, 39% of n-ethyl-o-toluenesulfonamide, and 1% titanium dioxide) and four different concentrations of BD and PT in the base pastes (40/0 - control, 35/5, 30/10 and 20/20) with 60% of bismuth oxide. The experimental sealers were evaluated for setting time, solubility (24 h, 7, 14 and 30 days), diametral tensile strength and Young's Modulus. Data were analyzed by one- or two-way ANOVA with Tukey's test (p<0.05). The addition of PT reduced the materials setting time. After 24 h the sealer 40/0 and 35/5 had higher solubility, and after 14 and 28 days the sealer 20/20 showed the lowest solubility (p<0.05). After 7 days the sealer 20/20 stabilized its solubility. The sealer 40/0 presented the highest values and the 20/20 presented the lowest values of diametral tensile strength and Young's modulus (p<0.05). The addition of PT to calcium-based root canal sealers provides benefits to the setting time and solubility.

A new method for evaluating the retentive efficacy of different denture adhesives

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate a new method for measuring the retention values of different denture adhesives. Methods: The adhesive strength values of three different commercial denture adhesives (Corega powder, Corega adhesive tape and Ultra Corega cream) were evaluated using three different moisturizing agents (distilled water, artificial saliva and natural saliva). The adhesive test was performed on a universal testing machine, after applying the adhesive products to acrylic resin specimens, under two different test conditions (wetting or dipping). Tensile bond strength values in MPa were obtained for each denture adhesive presentation and test condition. Viscosity of the denture adhesives mixed with the different moisturizing agents was determined using a rotary rheometer. Maximum viscosity values were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test. Tensile bond strength data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and the Tukey's test. Pooled data of each denture adhesive presentations for all test conditions was also carried out. Correlation between viscosity and pooled tensile strength values was analyzed through linear regression analysis. A significance level of α=0.05 was set for all analyses. Results: Results showed that statistically higher adhesion strength was obtained with tape and cream adhesives when using natural saliva as moisturizing agents (p<0.05). The adhesive strength values obtained with the dipping method were similar to those obtained with the conventional wetting method. The denture retention strength was influenced by both the denture adhesive type and moisturizing agent used. Conclusion: The dipping method showed to be a reliable test capable to simulate the oral conditions and should be better explored in further studies

Influence of 2% chlorhexidine on pH, calcium release and setting time of a resinous MTA-based root-end filling material.

The addition of chlorhexidine (CHX) to a resinous experimental Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (E-MTA) based root-end filling material is an alternative to boost its antimicrobial activity. However, the influence of chlorhexidine on the properties of this material is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of 2% chlorhexidine on the pH, calcium ion release and setting time of a Bisphenol A Ethoxylate Dimethacrylate/Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (Bis-EMA/MTA) based dual-cure experimental root-end filling material (E-MTA), in comparison with E-MTA without the addition of CHX and with conventional white MTA (W-MTA). The materials were placed in polyethylene tubes, and immersed in deionized water to determine pH (digital pH meter) and calcium ion release (atomic absorption spectrometry technique). The setting time of each material was analyzed using Gilmore needles. The data were statistically analyzed at a significance level of 5%. E-MTA + CHX showed an alkaline pH in the 3 h period of evaluation, the alkalinity of which decreased but remained as such for 15 days. The pH of E-MTA + CHX was higher than the other two materials after 7 days, and lower after 30 days (p < 0.05). All of the materials were found to release calcium ions throughout the 30 days of the study. The addition of CHX increased the calcium ion release of E-MTA to levels statistically similar to W-MTA. E-MTA showed shorter initial and final setting time, compared with W-MTA (p < 0.05). The addition of 2% CHX to MTA prevented setting of the material. The addition of CHX to E-MTA increased its pH and calcium ion release. However, it also prevented setting of the material.

Experimental self-etching HEMA-free adhesive systems: cytotoxicity and degree of conversion.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) by methacrylate surfactant monomers on the cytotoxicity and degree of conversion of two-step self-etching dentin adhesive systems. Five HEMA-free adhesive systems were tested: Bis-EMA 10, Bis-EMA 30, PEG400, PEG400UDMA, PEG1000, and a HEMA group was used as positive control. The cytotoxicity of the experimental primers, with different monomer concentrations (2 or 20 wt%), and bond resins, containing 25 wt% surfactant, was assessed using murine fibroblast cell line 3T3 and the tetrazolium assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)). The degree of conversion of the bond resins was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The data were submitted to statistical analysis using level of significance set at P < 0.05. The PEG 1000 group obtained higher cell viability in comparison with HEMA in the 2 % primer. The cell survival rate using 20 % primer showed that PEG1000 and BIS-EMA 10 were less cytotoxic than HEMA. With regard to the eluate from bond resin, the data showed that the groups BIS-EMA 10, BIS-EMA 30 and PEG400UDMA were less cytotoxic than HEMA. No statistically significant difference was found among degrees of conversion of the experimental groups and HEMA. PEG 1000, BIS-EMA 10 and 30 monomers showed the biological potential for use in new adhesive system formulations since they showed lower cytotoxicity and similar degree of conversion when compared with the HEMA-containing group.

Influence of 2% chlorhexidine on pH, calcium release and setting time of a resinous MTA-based root-end filling material

The addition of chlorhexidine (CHX) to a resinous experimental Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (E-MTA) based root-end filling material is an alternative to boost its antimicrobial activity. However, the influence of chlorhexidine on the properties of this material is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of 2% chlorhexidine on the pH, calcium ion release and setting time of a Bisphenol A Ethoxylate Dimethacrylate/Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (Bis-EMA/MTA) based dual-cure experimental root-end filling material (E-MTA), in comparison with E-MTA without the addition of CHX and with conventional white MTA (W-MTA). The materials were placed in polyethylene tubes, and immersed in deionized water to determine pH (digital pH meter) and calcium ion release (atomic absorption spectrometry technique). The setting time of each material was analyzed using Gilmore needles. The data were statistically analyzed at a significance level of 5%. E-MTA + CHX showed an alkaline pH in the 3 h period of evaluation, the alkalinity of which decreased but remained as such for 15 days. The pH of E-MTA + CHX was higher than the other two materials after 7 days, and lower after 30 days (p < 0.05). All of the materials were found to release calcium ions throughout the 30 days of the study. The addition of CHX increased the calcium ion release of E-MTA to levels statistically similar to W-MTA. E-MTA showed shorter initial and final setting time, compared with W-MTA (p < 0.05). The addition of 2% CHX to MTA prevented setting of the material. The addition of CHX to E-MTA increased its pH and calcium ion release. However, it also prevented setting of the material.

Influence of surface moisture condition on the bond strength to dentin of etch-and-rinse adhesive systems

AIM: To evaluate the immediate microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of three two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive systems applied under different dentin surface moisture conditions. METHODS: Class V cavities were prepared in seventy-two bovine incisors. Each tooth was randomly allocated into three groups, according to the adhesive system used: Single Bond 2 (SB), Prime & Bond 2.1 (PB) and XP Bond (XPB). Each group was divided in three subgroups, according to the dentin moisture condition: over-wet, moist and dry (n=8). For the moist subgroups the adhesive was applied as to the manufacturer's instructions; for the over-wet ones, without drying the cavity after the rinsing procedure; and for the dry subgroups, drying the surface for 20 s. The teeth were restored with Filtek Z-250 and stored in distilled water (24 h); next, each restoration was sectioned in beam-shaped specimens which were stored for 24 h at 37 °C. Each specimen was submitted to µTBS test (EMIC), and data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant interaction between the adhesive system type and the dentin surface moisture condition (p=0.003). SB and XPB presented higher bond strength in the moist dentin condition, and PB showed high µTBS values in the dry substrate. CONCLUSIONS: The moisture condition influenced the bond strength between the adhesives and dentin. SB performed better in the moist condition, whereas PB and XPB showed satisfactory bond strength in the moist and in the dry substrates. The over-wet dentin condition only impaired bond strength to SB and XPB...

Evaluation of pH and calcium ion release of a dual-cure bisphenol A ethoxylate dimethacrylate/mineral trioxide aggregate-based root-end filling material.

INTRODUCTION: The incorporation of light-curable resins has been proposed for mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to improve its properties and reduce its setting time. The aim of the present study was to assess the pH and calcium ion release of an experimental bisphenol A ethoxylate dimethacrylate/MTA-based root-end filling material (E-MTA) in comparison with white MTA Angelus (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil) (W-MTA) and to evaluate the influence of the addition of calcium chloride (CaCl2) on these properties. METHODS: Polyethylene tubes filled with the materials were immersed in deionized water for the measurement of pH (digital pH meter) and calcium release (atomic absorption spectrophotometry). The evaluations were performed at 3 and 24 hours and 7, 15, and 30 days. Data were measured using 2-way repeated measures of variance followed by the Holm-Sidak method (P < .05). RESULTS: All materials presented a reduction in the pH and released calcium ions during the 30 days of the study. E-MTA showed a significantly lower calcium ion release capacity when compared with W-MTA (P < .05). The calcium release of E-MTA + 5% CaCl2 was similar to W-MTA (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The monomer bisphenol A ethoxylate dimethacrylate added to MTA formed a material with a lower capacity of calcium release than W-MTA despite maintaining a similar pH. However, the addition of CaCl2 improved the calcium release of this material.

Physical properties of MTA Fillapex sealer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare several physicochemical properties including working and setting times, flow, solubility, and water absorption of a recent calcium silicate-based sealer (MTA Fillapex; Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) and an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus; Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany). METHODS: The materials were handled following the manufacturer's instructions. The working time and flow were tested according to ISO 6876:2001 and the setting time according to American Society for Testing and Materials C266. For solubility and water absorption tests, the materials were placed into polyvinyl chloride molds (8 × 1.6 mm). The samples (n = 10 for each material and test) were placed in a cylindrical polystyrene-sealed container with 20 mL deionized water at 37°C. At 1, 7, 14, and 28 days, the samples were removed from the solutions and blotted dry for solubility and water absorption tests. The data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance with the Tukey test (P < .05). RESULTS: MTA Fillapex showed the lowest values of flow, working and setting times, solubility, and water absorption (P < .05). The solubility and water absorption increased significantly over time for both materials in a 1- to 28-day period (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: MTA Fillapex showed suitable physical properties to be used as an endodontic sealer.

Novel experimental cements for use on the dentin-pulp complex.

This aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and biological properties of novel experimental cements (Hybrid, Paste and Resin) based on synergistic combinations of existing materials, including pH, diametral tensile strength (DTS) and cytotoxicity comparing them with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA - Angelus®) and a glass ionomer cement (GIC) developed at our laboratory. For the physicochemical and biological tests, specimens with standard dimensions were produced. pH measurements were performed with digital pH meter at the following time intervals: 3, 24, 48 and 72 h. For the DTS test, cylindrical specimens were subjected to compressive load until fracture. The MTT assay was performed for cytotoxicity evaluation. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Paste group showed pH values similar to MTA, and Hybrid group presented pH values similar to GIC (p>0.05). The tested materials showed pH values ranging from alkaline to near neutrality at the evaluated times. MTA and GIC showed similar DTS values. The lowest and highest DTS values were seen in the Paste and Resin groups, respectively (p<0.05). Cell viability for MTA and experimental Hybrid, Paste and Resin groups was 49%, 93%, 90% and 86%, respectively, when compared with the control group. The photo-cured experimental resin cement showed similar or superior performance compared with the current commercial or other tested experimental materials.

Correlation between surface roughness and microhardness of experimental composites with varying filler concentration.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the surface roughness on the surface microhardness of experimental composites with varying filler concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental resin composites were formulated by mixing Bis-GMA and TEGDMA in a 50/50% weight ratio and CQ/EDAB were added to make the material photosensitive. Silanized glass particles were incorporated in the resin blend in two concentrations: C50 with 50% and C75 with 75% in weight ratio. The surface roughness and the surface microhardness measurements were determined after every three finishing procedures with #280-, #600- and #1200-grit wet sandpapers, respectively. The data were analyzed statistically by Two Way ANOVA and Tukey's test, and comparisons were conducted using the Spearman's correlation test (p > 0.05). RESULTS: The surface roughness and surface microhardness were negatively associated (r = - 0.68) and the finishing procedures of both composites resulted in harder and smoother surfaces than the initial ones. Additionally, in a smooth circumstance, the higher content of fillers has not resulted in a composite with better microhardness and smoothness. CONCLUSION: Finishing procedures decreased the surface roughness and consequently improved the surface microhardness of the composites evaluated. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Finishing and polishing procedures are effectives in reducing the surface roughness amplitude of composite materials and in improving their surface microhardness. Thus a microhardness test and any hardness evaluation must be conducted only after a properly finished and polished surface is achieved.