Efficacy of a sugar-free herbal lollipop for reducing salivary Streptococcus mutans levels: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of an herbal lollipop containing licorice root extract on salivary Streptococcus mutans in caries-free and high-caries-risk children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in caries-free and high-caries-risk children, aged 5-11 years (n = 108). The groups were caries-free children (group A); high-caries-risk children whose dental treatment was completed before lollipop use (group B); and high-caries-risk children who did not comply with dental treatment (group C). The groups were divided into two subgroups: herbal (A-1, B-1, C-1) and placebo lollipops (A-2, B-2, C-2). Saliva samples were taken before dental treatment, before and after consuming lollipops, and at 3 months after consuming lollipops. The results were statistically analyzed with chi-squared test. RESULTS: Only in group C-1 (high-risk, using herbal lollipops) that significant reduction was observed in salivary S. mutans levels after lollipop use (p = 0.033), and only in the same group (C-1), there was significant difference between after lollipop use and third month levels (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Herbal lollipops could be recommended to children with high-caries risk who do not comply with dental treatment in place of high-carbohydrate snacks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The paper provides a perspective on using herbal products in high-risk children for reducing salivary S. mutans counts.

Effect of resealing on microleakage of resin composite restorations in relationship to margin design and composite type.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between margin preparation design and resin-composite type on microleakage with or without re-application of surface-penetrating sealant. METHODS: Class-I resin-composite restorations were completed for 128 extracted human molars. Half of the margins were beveled, the other half, butt-joint. Half of each group was restored with Filtek-Supreme (FS), the other half with Esthet-X (EX) using their respective adhesive systems. Margins were etched and sealed with a surface-penetrating sealant, Fortify. The samples were stored in water 24h, and thermocycled (5,000 cycles, 5°C-55°C). Then, samples were abraded using a toothbrush machine (6,000 strokes). Half of the restorations from each sealant group (n=16) were resealed, and the other half had no further treatment. Thermocycling and tooth brushing were repeated. The samples were sealed with nail polish, immersed in methylene-blue for 8h, sectioned, and magnified digital photographs were taken. Three examiners assessed dye penetration. A 2×2×2 multi-layered Chi-Square analysis, using Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test was conducted for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No difference was observed between sealed and resealed FS and EX restorations with butt-joint margins. In beveled margins, resealing caused significantly less microleakage (P<.01). No differences were found between restorations either sealed or resealed with bevel margins. In butt-joint margins, at the leakage level deeper than 2/3 of the preparation depth, resealed FS showed less microleakage than EX resealed restorations (P<.01). CONCLUSION: Resealing reduced microleakage in bevel margins, however, in butt-joint margins resealing did not affect the leakage. A significant statistical relationship exists between and within resealing, margin preparation design, type of composite, and microleakage.

Fluoride and aluminum release from restorative materials using ion chromatography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the amounts of fluoride and aluminum released from different restorative materials stored in artificial saliva and double-distilled water. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cylindrical specimens (10 x 1 mm) were prepared from 4 different restorative materials (Kavitan Plus, Vitremer, Dyract Extra, and Surefil). For each material, 20 specimens were prepared, 10 of which were stored in 5 mL artificial saliva and 10 of which were stored in 5 mL of double-distilled water. Concentrations of fluoride and aluminum in the solutions were measured using ion chromatography. Measurements were taken daily for one week and then weekly for two additional weeks. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: The highest amounts of both fluoride and aluminum were released by the resin-modified glass ionomer cement Vitremer in double-distilled water (p<0.05). All materials released significantly more fluoride in double-distilled water than in artificial saliva (p<0.05). In artificial saliva, none of the materials were observed to release aluminum. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that storage media and method of analysis should be taken into account when the fluoride and aluminum release from dental materials is assessed.

Fluoride and aluminum release from restorative materials using ion chromatography

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the amounts of fluoride and aluminum released from different restorative materials stored in artificial saliva and double-distilled water. Material and METHODS: Cylindrical specimens (10 x 1 mm) were prepared from 4 different restorative materials (Kavitan Plus, Vitremer, Dyract Extra, and Surefil). For each material, 20 specimens were prepared, 10 of which were stored in 5 mL artificial saliva and 10 of which were stored in 5 mL of double-distilled water. Concentrations of fluoride and aluminum in the solutions were measured using ion chromatography. Measurements were taken daily for one week and then weekly for two additional weeks. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: The highest amounts of both fluoride and aluminum were released by the resin-modified glass ionomer cement Vitremer in double-distilled water (p<0.05). All materials released significantly more fluoride in double-distilled water than in artificial saliva (p<0.05). In artificial saliva, none of the materials were observed to release aluminum. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that storage media and method of analysis should be taken into account when the fluoride and aluminum release from dental materials is assessed.

Relationship between caries and dental plaque composition.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between dental caries and the biochemical composition of dental plaque and to determine the effect of a 10% sucrose solution on the biochemical structure of dental plaque in children. METHODS: 60 children grouped according to caries status took part in this study [Caries-free (CF), DMFS=0, df-s = 0; Caries-positive (CP), DMFS > or =10, df-s > or =10]. Dental plaque samples were collected before (baseline) and at 3 and 30 minutes after a 1-minute rinse with 10% sucrose. Fluoride (F), calcium (Ca), and inorganic phosphorus (Pi) levels were determined using ion chromatography, and insoluble polysaccharide (IEPS) concentrations were determined using colorimetric analysis. RESULTS: Although the mean baseline Ca and Pi levels in plaque were higher in the CF group than in the CP group, these differences were not statistically significant. Baseline IEPS levels were significantly higher in the CP group than in the CF group. Following exposure to sucrose, plaque F, Ca and Pi concentrations decreased significantly in both groups. However, insoluble polysaccharide concentrations increased significantly in the CF group only.

Success rate of Sealapex in root canal treatment for primary teeth: 3-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of Sealapex pulpectomies in primary teeth. STUDY DESIGN: Root canals of 62 primary teeth were filled with Sealapex. The tooth was restored with a stainless steel crown, amalgam, compomer, or glass ionomer cement. Clinical and radiographic evaluations of pulpectomized teeth were performed for up to 36 months afterward. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 92.3%. During the follow-up period, 4 teeth (7.7%) showing periapical lesion and pathologic resorption were extracted and rated as "failure." There were no statistically significant differences between success rate and extent of root canal filling material (P > .05). None of the fillings showed complete resorption in the canals. There were no significant differences among the restorative materials (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that Sealapex can be used successfully in root canal treatment for primary teeth.

Comparison of two different dosages of hydroxyzine for sedation in the paediatric dental patient.

AIM: This study compared the effect of two different dosages of hydroxyzine supported by 50% nitrous oxide inhalation sedation in child patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty uncooperative healthy children with an age range of 31-120 months were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. The patients in group 1 were given 20 mg of hydroxyzine (Atarax) 24 h preoperatively and on the operation day, 3.7 mg/kg hydroxyzine was administered orally. The patients in group 2 received 3.7 mg/kg hydroxyzine orally only on the operation day. All patients also received 50% nitrous oxide inhalation sedation. The child's behaviour was evaluated every 5 min by using Houpt Sedation Rating Scale. The oxygen saturation and heart rates were also followed. RESULTS: The mean age of the children in the study was 61.9 months (SD 11.9) for group 1 and 53.7 months (SD 12.8) for group 2. Evaluation of the results showed that there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) between behavioural attitudes and sedation degree of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty milligrams of hydroxyzine administered 24 h preoperatively has no significant benefit on sedation of the child.

The rapid sterilization of gutta-percha cones with sodium hypochlorite and glutaraldehyde.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite and glutaraldehyde for rapid sterilization of gutta-percha cones contaminated with Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633. Cones were treated with either 2% glutaraldehyde or 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. The gutta-percha cones were sterilized with a 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution throughout the test. Glutaraldehyde did not decontaminate the gutta-percha cones even after 15 minutes of contact. All positive controls showed positive results during the first 24 hours. Negative controls were followed up for 24 and 48 hours and demonstrated the efficiency of previous sterilization. No microbial growth was observed in the groups tested. Even though gutta-percha cones are usually sterile during storage, they can be easily contaminated if incorrectly manipulated. NaOCl at 2.5% concentration is an effective agent for decontamination of gutta-percha cones at no additional cost.

Surface hardness of resin composites after staining and bleaching.

This study investigated the effect of 3 staining solutions and 3 over-the-counter tooth-bleaching systems on the microhardness of 2 dental resin composites. Forty-five specimens of Filtek Supreme and Esthet-X were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Over a 40-day test period, the specimens in each group (n=15) were immersed in 1 of the 2 staining solutions (coffee and red wine) or distilled water as the control for 3 hours a day at room temperature. The 15 specimens in each staining group were further randomly divided into 3 subgroups, and the specimens in each subgroup (n=5) were bleached using one of the bleaching agents (Night Effects, Simply White Night and Opalescence Quick). Surface hardness was measured at 24 hours after polymerization (baseline), after staining and after bleaching. Means and standard deviations were calculated, and the data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Duncan's Test. The microhardness of Esthet-X was significantly higher than Filtek Supreme at baseline (p<0.01). All specimens of both materials immersed in coffee and wine revealed a significant hardness decrease compared to baseline values (p<0.05). In the control group, microhardness was increased, and this increase was statistically significant for Filtek Supreme (p<0.05). After bleaching, there was a significant decrease in mean microhardness for all groups tested (p<0.05). No significant difference was found among bleaching agents.

Effects of saliva contamination on shear bond strength of compomer to dentin in primary teeth.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of saliva contamination on the bond strengths of two compomers applied to primary teeth dentin during different bonding stages. METHODS: 30 extracted human non-carious primary molars were prepared for shear bond-strength testing. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups of 10. Prime & Bond NT (acetone-based) and Futura Bond A & B (water-based) adhesives were tested under the following conditions: (a) non-contaminated conditions; (b) after contamination of the dentin surface with fresh whole saliva for 20 seconds and removal of excess saliva before adhesive application; and (c) contamination of the dentin surface with fresh whole saliva for 20 seconds and removal of excess saliva after adhesive curing. Following adhesive application Dyract AP or Glasiosite was applied via a polytetrafluroethylene split mould and light-cured to the dentin surface. Shear bond strengths were measured using an Instron Universal testing machine running at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. After measuring shear bond strengths, specimens were prepared for SEM evaluation and identification of failure type. Results were analyzed by two-factor experiment with repeated measures as one factor. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found among the shear bond strengths (P > 0.05) of the groups. The results revealed that saliva contamination of dentin surfaces before or after adhesive application did not affect the shear bond strength of either compomer.

Effects of staining and bleaching on color change of dental composite resins.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Discoloration of resin-based composites by colored solutions is a common problem. The use of bleaching agents for discolored natural teeth is becoming increasingly popular. It is not clear if bleaching agents can remove the stain from composite resins. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 2 staining solutions and 3 bleaching systems on the color changes of 2 dental composite resins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five disk-shaped specimens (9 x 2.5 mm) of each of 2 composite resins, Filtek Supreme (FS) and Esthet X (EX), were prepared. The specimens were then divided into 3 groups of 15 specimens each and immersed in 2 staining solutions (coffee or red wine) or distilled water (control) for 3 hours daily over a 40-day test period. The 3 groups were then divided into 3 subgroups (n = 5), and 3 bleaching agents (Crest Night Effects, Colgate Simply White Night, or Opalescence Quick) were applied to the surface of the specimens over a 14-day period. Color of the specimens was measured with a spectrophotometer using CIELAB color space relative to CIE standard illuminant D55 at baseline, after staining, and after bleaching. The color differences (deltaE(ab)*) between the 3 measurements were calculated. The value deltaE(ab)* = 3.3 was used as an acceptable value in subjective visual evaluations. Analysis of variance and nonparametric analysis (Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test) were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: After staining, FS had more color change than EX and was more affected by the wine solution. After bleaching, the color of both EX and FS specimens returned to the baseline. The color differences between bleaching and baseline were less than value deltaE(ab)* = 3.3 for all groups. CONCLUSION: The nanocomposite (FS) changed color more than the microhybrid composite (EX) as a result of staining in coffee or red wine solutions. After bleaching, discoloration was removed completely from the composite resins tested.