RESUMO
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect for fracture resistance of different coronally extended post length with two different post materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty endodontically treated maxillary central incisors embedded in acrylic resin with decoronated root portion were taken for the study. The postspaces were prepared according to standard protocol. The samples were divided into two groups according to the post material: glass-fiber post and Quartz fiber post. These groups were further subdivided on the basis of coronal extension of 4 and 6 mm for glass fiber and Quartz fiber posts, respectively. The posts were then luted with dual-polymerizing resin cement followed by core buildup. Samples were subjected to increasing compressive oblique load until fracture occurred in a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and independent Student's t-test. Analysis was done using SPSS version 15 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) Windows software program. RESULTS: Glass fiber post with coronal extension of 4 mm (182.8 N) showed better results than with 6-mm length (124.1 N). Similarly, in quartz fiber posts group, 4-mm postlength (314 N) was better when compared with 6 mm (160 N). The 4-mm coronal extension of quartz fiber post displayed superior fracture resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Glass fiber posts showed better fracture resistance than Quartz fiber posts. 4-mm coronal length showed more fracture resistance than 6 mm.
RESUMO
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser irradiation combined with fluoride in inhibiting enamel demineralization has been demonstrated by several laboratory investigations. However, there are very few reports about the in situ or in vivo caries preventive effect of CO2 laser combined with topical fluoride on dental enamel. Hence, an in situ study was designed and carried out to assess inhibition of mineral loss from human tooth enamel by CO2 laser and 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Impressions of upper and lower arch of the volunteers were made in alginate impression material. Study models were poured, duplicated, and duly labeled. On the working model, appliances were fabricated in acrylic resin to fit the upper dental arch of the volunteers. Four enamel slabs (one from each group) were fitted on the palatal surface of the appliance as close as possible to posterior teeth. Surfaces of slabs were kept below the outer surface of acrylic. The analysis was done using SPSS version 15 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) Windows software program. RESULTS: Statistically significant increase in inhibition of mineral loss of enamel slabs when treated individually or in a combination of low power CO2 laser and 1.23% APF solution. The application of 1.23% APF solution after low power CO2 laser treatment showed maximum inhibition of mineral loss. CONCLUSION: The combined use of this specific laser treatment plus fluoride was more successful than either laser treatment or fluoride alone in the inhibition of mineral loss in the mouth. The results of this study also suggest that the combination of low power laser treatment with fluoride therapy may be effective as a caries inhibition treatment.
