Development of an Antibacterial Dentin Adhesive.

Nisin is a peptide that possesses potent antibacterial properties. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of a nisin-doped adhesive against Streptococcus mutans, as well as its degree of conversion and microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to dentin. Nisin was added to the adhesive Adper Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE), resulting in four groups: Control Group (Single Bond 2); Group 1% (1 wt% nisin-incorporated), Group 3% (3 wt% nisin-incorporated) and Group 5% (5 wt% nisin-incorporated). Antibacterial activity against S. mutans was evaluated using colony-forming unit counts (CFU). The degree of conversion was tested using FTIR. Forty human teeth were restored for µTBS evaluation. Data were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey tests at α = 0.05. The nisin-doped adhesives, for all concentrations, exhibited a significant inhibition of the growth of S. mutans (p < 0.05); Incorporation of 5% and 3% nisin decreased the degree of conversion of the adhesive (p < 0.05). The µTBS (in MPa): Control Group­38.3 ± 2.3A, Group 1%­35.6 ± 2.1A, Group 3%­27.1 ± 1.6B and Group 5%­22.3 ± 1.0C. Nisin-doped adhesives exerted a bactericidal effect on S. mutans. The µTBS and degree of conversion of adhesive were not affected after incorporation of 1% nisin.

Scanning electron microscopy comparison of the resin-dentin interface using different specimen preparation methods.

Microscopy has been widely used to complement the data of studies related to dentin bonding; however, different specimen preparation methods may influence the analysis. Aiming to contribute to the reported scenario, this study evaluated the effect of two specimen-sectioning methods (cleavage and diamond disk cut) on the quality of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Four crowns of human molars were selected and had an area of approximately 6 mm2 of dentin exposed. They were then divided into two groups according to the universal adhesive application: total and self-etching modes. Then, composite blocks were built up and the specimens were stored in deionized water to allow the postcuring. The specimens were further divided according to the sectioning method: cleavage or diamond disk cut. Four specimens were obtained from each tooth. They were desiccated, placed on aluminum stubs, sputter-coated with gold, and observed in a scanning electron microscope, with ×2000 of magnification. The quality of the SEM images were evaluated by two calibrated examiners and classified into four scores (1-4). Mann-Whitney test (p < .05) showed that the diamond disk provided significantly higher scores than cleavage, whereas no significant difference was observed when comparing the total-etching and self-etching modes of application. The diamond disk cut method is preferable to the cleavage method to ensure the quality of the SEM analysis in studies involving the resin-dentin interface.

Influence of Dentin Deproteinization on Bonding Degradation: 1-year Results.

INTRODUCTION: The decalcification protocol of dentin surface with sodium hypochlorite removes the exposed collagen fibrils and could improve the longevity of the bonding interface. This study evaluated the influence of collagen removal with 10% sodium hypochlorite (10% NaOCl) on the longitudinal shear bond strength (SBS) of adhesives to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two extracted human molars were sectioned and the buccal and lingual surfaces were flattened and acid etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds. The specimens were divided into six groups (n = 12 teeth - 24 sections), according to adhesive and collagen removal protocol: group 1: UNO Dentastic; group 2: Prime and Bond NT; group 3: Single Bond; group 4: 10% NaOCl + UNO Dentastic; group 5: 10% NaOCl + Prime and Bond NT; group 6: 10% NaOCl + Single Bond. Composite Z100 buildup was prepared, and the SBS test was assessed after 24 hours and 1 year. Data were submitted to three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean values (MPa) were for 24 hours: G1: 22.45B; G2: 7.90DE; G3: 12.56CD; G4: 19.85BC; G5: 33.73A; G6: 20.77B; and for 1 year: G1: 2.43E; G2: 2.26E; G3: 4.3DE; G4: 18.79BC; G5: 26.49AB; G6: 22.73B. CONCLUSION: Dentin deproteinization treatment with 10% NaOCI influenced the SBS compared with conventional treatment. The negative influence on SBS detected for conventional groups at 1-year interval was not detected for deproteinized groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The longevity of hybrid layer is critical due to the hydrolysis process at the adhesive interface over time. The use of 10% NaOCl deproteinization protocol might improve the longevity of bonding in adhesive restorations.

Microhardness change of enamel due to bleaching with in-office bleaching gels of different acidity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the enamel microhardness treated with three in-office bleaching agents, containing 35% hydrogen peroxide with different acidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine incisors were divided into three groups that received the following bleaching agents: Whiteness HP, Total Bleach and Opalescence Xtra. Three gel applications/10-min each, totaling 30-min of bleaching treatment, were made on the teeth and activated with a blue LED (1000 mW/470 nm) combined to a LASER (120 mW/795 nm) device (Easy Bleach-Clean Line). Vickers hardness (VH) was evaluated at baseline and after the bleaching procedure. The values of Hardness loss [HNL] (% reduction) were calculated. The two-sample t-test was used for comparison of the HNL of the three bleaching products (5% level of significance). RESULTS: The Opalescence Xtra, which had the lowest pH value (pH = 4.30), showed a significant increase of HNL when compared with Total Bleach bleaching agent, which had the highest pH value (pH = 6.62). CONCLUSIONS: The 35% hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents resulted in a reduction in surface enamel microhardness and bleaching with the most acid agent resulted in a significant enamel hardness loss compared to the less acid agent (4.30 vs 6.62). Strategies proposed to reduce the enamel loss after bleaching treatment may include the use of daily fluoride therapy, mouth rinsing (fluoride, milk and sodium bicarbonate solution), fluoride/bicarbonate dentifrices without abrasives, do not toothbrush immediately after bleaching, fluorides and calcium add to bleaching agents.

Assessment of the apical seal of root canals using different filling techniques.

The aim of this study was to investigate the apical leakage of roots filled by three different gutta-percha techniques: lateral condensation, Tagger's hybrid and E&Q Master. Forty-two extracted single-rooted teeth were used. The coronal part of each tooth was removed and the root received biomechanical preparation using a 60-K file. The roots were randomly divided into three groups according to the technique of filling the root canal: Group I, lateral condensation; Group II, Tagger's hybrid; Group III, E&Q Master. The roots were submitted to dye leakage test with Rhodamine B for 7 days, using vacuum during the initial 30 min. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally and the leakage was measured in a linear fashion from apex to crown. Statistical analysis indicated that lateral condensation and E&Q Master techniques showed lower leakage than Tagger's technique (P = 0.0016). However, statistically no difference was found between lateral condensation and E&Q Master system techniques.