In vitro evaluation of the odontogenic potential of mouse undifferentiated pulp cells.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the odontogenic potential of undifferentiated pulp cells (OD-21 cell line) through chemical stimuli in vitro. Cells were divided into uninduced cells (OD-21), induced cells (OD-21 cultured in supplemented medium/OD-21+OM) and odontoblast-like cells (MDPC-23 cell line). After 3, 7, 10 and 14 days of culture, it was evaluated: proliferation and cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein content, mineralization, immunolocalization of dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 (DMP1), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteopontin (OPN) and quantification of genes ALP, OSTERIX (Osx), DMP1 and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (p<0.05). There was a decrease in cell proliferation in OD-21 + OM, whereas cell viability was similar in all groups, except at 7 days. The amount of total protein was higher in group OD-21 + OM in all periods; the same occurred with ALP activity after 10 days when compared with OD-21, with no significant differences from the MDPC-23 group. Mineralization was higher in OD-21+OM when compared with the negative control. Immunolocalization demonstrated that DMP1 and ALP were highly expressed in MDPC-23 cells and OD-21 + OM cells, whereas OPN was high in all groups. Real-time PCR revealed that DMP1 and ALP expression was higher in MDPC-23 cell cultures, whereas RUNX2 was lower for these cells and higher for OD-21 negative control. Osx expression was lower for OD-21 + OM. These results suggest that OD-21 undifferentiated pulp cells have odontogenic potential and could be used in dental tissue engineering.

Low-level laser therapy influences mouse odontoblast-like cell response in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of two different irradiation times with 85 mW/cm(2) 830 nm laser on the behavior of mouse odontoblast-like cells. BACKGROUND DATA: The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate pulp tissue is a reality, but few reports relate odontoblastic responses to irradiation in in vitro models. METHODS: Odontoblast-like cells (MDPC-23) were cultivated and divided into three groups: control/nonirradiated (group 1); or irradiated with 85 mW/cm(2), 830 nm laser for 10 sec (0.8 J/cm(2)) (group 2); or for 50 sec (4.2 J/cm(2)) (group 3) with a wavelength of 830 nm. After 3, 7, and 10 days, it was analyzed: growth curve and cell viability, total protein content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcified nodules detection and quantification, collagen immunolocalization, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DMP1 gene. Data were analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Cell growth was smaller in group 2 (p<0.01), whereas viability was similar in all groups and at all periods. Total protein content and ALP activity increased on the 10th day with 0.8 J/cm(2) (p<0.01), as well as the detection and quantification of mineralization nodules (p<0.05), collagen, and VEGF expression (p<0.01). The expression of DMP1 increased in all groups (p<0.05) compared with control at 3 days, except for 0.8 J/cm(2) at 3 days and control at 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT influenced the behavior of odontoblast-like cells; the shorter time/smallest energy density promoted the expression of odontoblastic phenotype in a more significant way.

Resonance frequency analysis of overdenture retainer implants with immediate loading.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 16 patients of both sexes with lower overdenture and upper complete dentures, by analysing the resonance frequency of the initial and late stability of implants used to retain the overdenture under immediate loading. BACKGROUND: Oral rehabilitation treatment with complete dentures using implants has been increasingly more common among the specialists in the oral rehabilitation area. This is an alternative for obtaining retention and stability in treatments involving conventional complete dentures, where two implants are enough to retain the overdenture satisfactorily. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Osstell™ Mentor device was used for the analysis in the initial period (primary stability), 3 and 15 months after the installation of the lower overdenture (secondary stability). The statistical analysis was performed with the repeated measures model (p < 0.01). RESULTS: The implant stability quotients were observed to increase after 15 months of the rehabilitating treatment. CONCLUSION: The use of overdentures over two lower implants should become the treatment of choice for individuals who have a fully edentulous mandible.

Effects of the combination of low-level laser irradiation and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in bone repair.

Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein type 2 (rhBMP-2) have been used to stimulate bone formation. LLLI stimulates proliferation of osteoblast precursor cells and cell differentiation and rhBMP-2 recruits osteoprogenitor cells to the bone healing area. This in vivo study evaluated the effects of LLLI and rhBMP-2 on the bone healing process in rats. Critical bone defects were created in the parietal bone in 42 animals, and the animals were divided into six treatment groups: (1) laser, (2) 7 µg of rhBMP-2, (3) laser and 7 µg of rhBMP-2, (4) 7 µg of rhBMP-2/monoolein gel, (5) laser and 7 µg rhBMP-2/monoolein gel, and (6) critical bone defect controls. A gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser was used (wavelength 780 nm, output power 60 mW, beam area 0.04 cm(2), irradiation time 80 s, energy density 120 J/cm(2), irradiance 1.5 W/cm(2)). After 15 days, the calvarial tissues were removed for histomorphometric analysis. Group 3 defects showed higher amounts of newly formed bone (37.89%) than the defects of all the other groups (P < 0.05). The amounts of new bone in defects of groups 1 and 4 were not significantly different from each other (24.00% and 24.75%, respectively), but were significantly different from the amounts in the other groups (P < 0.05). The amounts of new bone in the defects of groups 2 and 5 were not significantly different from each other (31.42% and 31.96%, respectively), but were significantly different from the amounts in the other groups (P < 0.05). Group 6 defects had 14.10% new bone formation, and this was significantly different from the amounts in the other groups (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that LLLI administered during surgery effectively accelerated healing of critical bone defects filled with pure rhBMP-2, achieving a better result than LLLI alone or the use of rhBMP-2 alone.

In vitro evaluation of the odontogenic potential of mouse undifferentiated pulp cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the odontogenic potential of undifferentiated pulp cells (OD-21 cell line) through chemical stimuli in vitro. Cells were divided into uninduced cells (OD-21), induced cells (OD-21 cultured in supplemented medium/OD-21+OM) and odontoblast-like cells (MDPC-23 cell line). After 3, 7, 10 and 14 days of culture, it was evaluated: proliferation and cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein content, mineralization, immunolocalization of dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 (DMP1), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteopontin (OPN) and quantification of genes ALP, OSTERIX (Osx), DMP1 and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (p<0.05). There was a decrease in cell proliferation in OD-21 + OM, whereas cell viability was similar in all groups, except at 7 days. The amount of total protein was higher in group OD-21 + OM in all periods; the same occurred with ALP activity after 10 days when compared with OD-21, with no significant differences from the MDPC-23 group. Mineralization was higher in OD-21+OM when compared with the negative control. Immunolocalization demonstrated that DMP1 and ALP were highly expressed in MDPC-23 cells and OD-21 + OM cells, whereas OPN was high in all groups. Real-time PCR revealed that DMP1 and ALP expression was higher in MDPC-23 cell cultures, whereas RUNX2 was lower for these cells and higher for OD-21 negative control. Osx expression was lower for OD-21 + OM. These results suggest that OD-21 undifferentiated pulp cells have odontogenic potential and could be used in dental tissue engineering.

O objetivo foi avaliar o potencial odontogênico de células indiferenciadas da polpa (OD-21) por meio de indução química in vitro. As células foram divididas em grupos: controle (OD-21), induzido (OD-21 em meio suplementado/OD-21 + OM), e células odontoblastóides (MDPC-23). Após 3, 7, 10 e 14 dias, avaliou-se proliferação e viabilidade celular, proteína total e fosfatase alcalina (ALP), mineralização, imunolocalização da proteína da matriz dentinária 1 (DMP1), ALP e osteopontina (OPN), assim como a expressão dos genes ALP, OSTERIX (Osx), DMP1 e fator de transcrição RUNX2 por PCR em tempo real. Os dados foram avaliados pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis seguido pelo teste de Mann-Whitney U (p<0.05). Houve diminuição na proliferação celular em OD-21 + OM, com viabilidade celular similar em todos os grupos, exceto aos sete dias. O conteúdo de proteína total foi maior no grupo OD-21 + OM em todos os períodos; o mesmo ocorreu com a atividade de ALP quando comparada com o grupo OD-21, além de apresentar resultados similares ao grupo MDPC-23. A mineralização foi maior em OD-21 + OM quando comparada com o controle negativo. A imunolocalização demonstrou expressão de DMP1 e ALP em MDPC-23 e OD-21 + OM, enquanto que todos os grupos foram positivos para OPN. A expressão gênica de DMP1 e ALP foi maior nas culturas de MDPC-23, enquanto que a de RUNX2 foi menor para estas células e maior no controle negativo. A expressão de OSTERIX foi menor em OD-21 + OM quando comparada aos outros grupos. Sugere-se que as células indiferenciadas da polpa da linhagem OD-21 apresentam potencial odontogênico e poderiam ser usadas para a engenharia tecidual.

Desenvolvimento de lesões artificiais de cárie em dentina humana e bovina comparada a lesões de cárie natural / Development of caries-like lesions in human and bovine dentin compared to natural caries

Dada a complexidade, aspectos éticos e custos envolvidos na condução de experimentos clínicos relacionados a cárie dental, estudos in vitro têm sido uma alternativa às pesquisas clínicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desenvolvimento de lesões artificiais de cárie em dentina humana e bovina, comparado à lesões de cárie natural em dentina humana (CT). Quinze fragmentos de dentina humana naturalmente cariada, 45 fragmentos de dentina humana (H) e 45 fragmentos de dentina bovina (B) foram planificados e polidos. Os espécimes dos grupos H e B foram então submetidos a três protocolos de ciclos de pH: 8 (H8 e B8), 12 (H12 e B12) e 16 ciclos (H16 e B16). Após o desafio cariogênico, valores de microdureza Knoop (KHN) foram obtidos a 30, 60, 90, 120 e 150 µm da superfície das lesões. A Análise de Variância mostrou efeito significativo da interação ciclo-profundidade. O teste t-Student foi empregado para comparar as médias de KHN do substrato naturalmente cariado (CT) em relação a cada desafio cariogênico desenvolvido nos grupos H e B, em cada profundidade. Os modelos de ciclos de pH que mais se aproximaram em termos de microdureza das lesões de cárie natural foram o grupo B8, para dentina bovina e o grupo H16, para dentina humana. Dentro das condições do presente estudo, pode-se concluir que a utilização tanto de substrato humano quanto bovino pode ser considerada uma alternativa viável para o desenvolvimento de lesões de cárie artificial.

Due to the complexity, ethical aspects and high costs involving clinical experiments on dental caries, in vitro studies have been considered as an alternative option to clinical researches. The purpose of this study was to compare artificial caries-like lesions in human and bovine dentin to natural caries in human dentin (CT). Fifteen specimens of human dentin with natural caries, 45 specimens of human dentin (H), and 45 specimens of bovine dentin (B) were flattened and polished. The specimens from groups H and B were submitted to three different protocols of pH cycles: 8 (H8 and B8), 12 (H12 and B12), and 16 cycles (H16 and B16). Each cycle consisted of immersion of the specimens for 6 hours in a demineralising solution and for 18 hours in a remineralising solution. After the cariogenic challenge, the Knoop microhardness (KHN) was determined at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 µm from the lesion surface. The Analysis of Variance showed a significant effect of the interaction cycle-depth. The Student?s t-test was employed to compare the mean values of KHN from the substrate with natural caries to the values of KHN of each cycle of the experimental groups (H or B), at each depth. The pH-cycling models closest to natural caries were group B8, for bovine dentin and group H16, for human dentin. Within the conditions of the present study, it can be concluded that the use of both human and bovine substrates can be considered a viable alternative to the development of artificial caries lesions.

Tensile bond strength of different adhesive systems to enamel and dentin.

The aim of this study was to assess the tensile bond strength of four adhesive systems to enamel and dentin: Clearfil Liner Bond 2V - C, Prime&Bond NT/NRC - PB, Single Bond - SB and All Bond 2 -AB. For such purpose, 40 sound human molars were selected. Crowns were bisected in a mesiodistal direction and each half was ground until flat enamel (E) or dentin (D) surfaces were obtained. A total of 80 specimens were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=20, 10 in enamel and 10 in dentin). After surface treatment, a composite resin (Z250; 3M) cone was prepared using a split Teflon(R) matrix. Bond strength was tested in an universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). Bond strength means in MPa were: C - E: 18.66 (+/-2.67) and D: 21.62 (+/-5.29); PB - E: 18.13 (+/-2.96) and D: 3.19 (+/-1.40); SB - E: 20.06 (+/-6.11) and D: 16.95 (+/-2.57); AB - E: 18.20 (+/-3.94) and D: 15.94 (+/-4.72). Statistical analysis of data by two-way ANOVA showed that C presented the best results followed by SB. In conclusion, among the tested materials, Clearfil Liner Bond 2V self-etching primer adhesive syetem had the best performance. The substrate type influenced bond strength, being higher to enamel.

Tensile bond strength of different adhesive systems to enamel and dentin

The aim of this study was to assess the tensile bond strength of four adhesive systems to enamel and dentin: Clearfil Liner Bond 2V - C, Prime&Bond NT/NRC - PB, Single Bond - SB and All Bond 2 -AB. For such purpose, 40 sound human molars were selected. Crowns were bisected in a mesiodistal direction and each half was ground until flat enamel (E) or dentin (D) surfaces were obtained. A total of 80 specimens were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=20, 10 in enamel and 10 in dentin). After surface treatment, a composite resin (Z250; 3M) cone was prepared using a split Teflon® matrix. Bond strength was tested in an universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). Bond strength means in MPa were: C - E: 18.66 (±2.67) and D: 21.62 (±5.29); PB - E: 18.13 (±2.96) and D: 3.19 (±1.40); SB - E: 20.06 (±6.11) and D: 16.95 (±2.57); AB - E: 18.20 (±3.94) and D: 15.94 (±4.72). Statistical analysis of data by two-way ANOVA showed that C presented the best results followed by SB. In conclusion, among the tested materials, Clearfil Liner Bond 2V self-etching primer adhesive syetem had the best performance. The substrate type influenced bond strength, being higher to enamel.

Este estudo avaliou a resistência à tração de diferentes sistemas adesivos ao esmalte/dentina: Clearfil Liner Bond 2V - C, Prime&Bond NT/NRC - PB, Single Bond -SB and All Bond 2 -AB. Quarenta molares humanos hígidos tiveram suas coroas seccionadas no sentido mesio-lingual, e posteriormente lixadas até que fossem obtidas superfícies lisas de esmalte (E) ou dentina (D). Oitenta espécimes foi aleatoriamente dividido em 4 grupos (n=20, 10 em esmalte e 10 em dentina). Após o tratamento da superfície de acordo com cada sistema adesivo testado, um cone de resina composta Z250 (3M) foi preparado com uma matriz de Teflon®. O teste de tração foi realizado em uma máquina universal de ensaios (0.5 mm/min). As médias de resistência à tração (em MPa) foram: C - E: 18,66 (±2,67) e D: 21,62 (±5,29); PB - E: 18,13 (±2,96) e D: 3,19 (±1,40); SB - E: 20,06 (±6,11) e D: 16,95 (±2,57); AB - E: 18,20 (±3,94) e D: 15,94 (±4,72). A análise estatística (ANOVA a critérios e teste de Tukey) mostrou que C obteve os melhores resultados, seguido por SB. Concluiu-se que, dentre os materiais testados, o Clearfil Liner Bond 2V teve melhor desempenho, e que o tipo de substrato tratado influenciou na resistência adesiva, sendo esta maior em esmalte.

Evaluation of the surface hardness of composite resins before and after polishing at different times

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface hardness of six composite resins: Revolution, Natural Flow, Fill Magic Flow, Flow-it! (flowables), Silux Plus (microfilled) and Z100 (minifilled) before and after polishing at different times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, 240 specimens (5mm diameter, 1.4mm high) were prepared. Vickers hardness was determined before and after polishing at different times: immediately, 24h, 7 and 21 days after preparation of the samples. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey test. RESULTS: There was no difference in the hardness of flowable resins, which had lower hardness than the minifilled resin. The minifilled resin showed the highest surface hardness as compared to the other materials (p<0.01). All materials exhibited higher hardness after polishing, being more evident after 7 days. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that, regardless of the composite resin, surface hardness was considerably increased when polishing was delayed and performed 1 week after preparation of the samples.

PROPOSIÇÃO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a dureza superficial de seis resinas compostas - Revolution, Natural Flow, Fill Magic Flow, Flow-it! (flowables), Silux Plus (micropartículas) e Z100 (híbrida) - antes e após o polimento realizado em diferentes tempos. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram confeccionados 240 corpos-de-prova circulares (5mm de diâmetro e 1,4mm de altura). A dureza Vickers foi obtida antes e após o polimento realizado em diferentes tempos: imediatamente, 24 horas, 7 dias e 21 dias após a confecção do corpo-de-prova. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente por meio da ANOVA e do Teste de Tukey. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença entre as resinas compostas flowable, as quais apresentaram os menores valores de dureza. A resina composta híbrida demonstrou os melhores resultados. Todos os materiais exibiram aumento de dureza após a realização do polimento, que foi mais evidente após 7 dias. CONCLUSÃO: Pôde-se concluir que, independente do tipo de resina composta, a dureza superficial foi consideravelmente maior quando o polimento foi realizado 1 semana após a confecção dos corpos-de-prova.

Evaluation of the surface hardness of composite resins before and after polishing at different times%Avaliação da dureza superficial de resinas compostas antes e após o polimento em diferentes tempos

PROPOSIÇÃO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a dureza superficial de seis resinas compostas - Revolution, Natural Flow, Fill Magic Flow, Flow-it! (flowables), Silux Plus (micropartículas) e Z100 (híbrida) - antes e após o polimento realizado em diferentes tempos. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram confeccionados 240 corpos-de-prova circulares (5mm de diâmetro e 1,4mm de altura). A dureza Vickers foi obtida antes e após o polimento realizado em diferentes tempos: imediatamente, 24 horas, 7 dias e 21 dias após a confecção do corpo-de-prova. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente por meio da ANOVA e do Teste de Tukey. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença entre as resinas compostas flowable, as quais apresentaram os menores valores de dureza. A resina composta híbrida demonstrou os melhores resultados. Todos os materiais exibiram aumento de dureza após a realização do polimento, que foi mais evidente após 7 dias. CONCLUSÃO: Pôde-se concluir que, independente do tipo de resina composta, a dureza superficial foi consideravelmente maior quando o polimento foi realizado 1 semana após a confecção dos corpos-de-prova

Evaluation of the surface hardness of composite resins before and after polishing at different times.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface hardness of six composite resins: Revolution, Natural Flow, Fill Magic Flow, Flow-it! (flowables), Silux Plus (microfilled) and Z100 (minifilled) before and after polishing at different times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, 240 specimens (5mm diameter, 1.4mm high) were prepared. Vickers hardness was determined before and after polishing at different times: immediately, 24h, 7 and 21 days after preparation of the samples. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey test. RESULTS: There was no difference in the hardness of flowable resins, which had lower hardness than the minifilled resin. The minifilled resin showed the highest surface hardness as compared to the other materials (p<0.01). All materials exhibited higher hardness after polishing, being more evident after 7 days. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that, regardless of the composite resin, surface hardness was considerably increased when polishing was delayed and performed 1 week after preparation of the samples.

Composite resin's adhesive resistance to dentin: influence of Er:YAG laser focal distance variation.

The aim of this study was to analyze in vitro the influence of Er:YAG laser focal distance variation on tensile bond strength of a composite resin to dentin. Although there are several studies using the Er:YAG laser for dentin treatment, there is a lack of available literature related to the Er:YAG laser focal distance variation. Sixty vestibular and lingual dentin surfaces from extracted human third molars, kept in a 0.4% azide sodium solution, were ground and assigned to six groups. The control group was conditioned with 35% phosphoric acid (CA). In the lased groups, the dentin surface treatment was performed by irradiation with Er:YAG laser (80 mJ/2 Hz), varying the focal distance (11, 12, 14, 16, and 17 mm), followed by acid etching. The Single Bond/Filtek Z250 (3M) resinous system was used for the specimen manufacture. The tensile bond strength tests were performed in a Universal Testing Machine with 50 kgf load cell and 0.5 mm/min cross head speed. The averages in MPa were: CA: 18.03 (+/-2.09); 11 mm; 9.92 (+/-3.34); 12 mm: 9.49 (+/-2.29); 14 mm: 10.99 (+/-3.45); 16 mm: 10.56 (+/-1.93); and 17 mm: 17.05 (+/-2.31). It was concluded that the application of Er:YAG laser in a defocused mode (17 mm) associated with acid etching was similar to the treatment of acid solely. Er:YAG laser irradiation in a focused (12 mm) and a defocused (11, 14, and 16 mm) mode coupled with acid conditioning produced the lowest values of adhesion.

Influence of salivary contamination on marginal microleakage of pit and fissure sealants.

PURPOSE: To assess quantitatively the influence of salivary contamination in vitro on marginal microleakage of pit and fissure sealants. METHODS: Forty-eight sound human third molars were selected and assigned to three groups: 1) Fluroshield (F), 2) Single Bond + Fluroshield (SBF) and 3) Ketac-fil (KF). Each group was divided into two subgroups: control (C) and with salivary contamination (SC). The occlusal surfaces were etched with 40% polyacrylic acid for 10 seconds or 37% phosphoric acid for 30 seconds, for either glass-ionomer or resin-based sealants, respectively. Specimens were contaminated with 0.25 mL of fresh human saliva for 20 seconds and dried afterwards. The sealants were placed and samples were thermocycled, immersed in a 0.2% Rhodamine B solution for 24 hours, embedded in acrylic resin and serially sectioned. The sections were viewed under an optical microscope connected to a computer and a video camera, and the images obtained were digitized. The extent of dye penetration along buccal and lingual slopes was measured in millimeters, using specific computer software, and converted into percentage, according to the fissures extension. RESULTS: The microleakage means (%) were: F/C:0 (+/- 0); F/SC: 31.71 (+/- 31.69); SBF/C: 0 (+/- 0); SBF/SC: 0 (+/- 0); KF/C: 0.98 (+/- 2.79) and KF/SC: 11.82 (+/- 15.45). ANOVA and Tukey test showed that salivary contamination provided significant increase in microleakage. Under salivary contamination, only SBF provided complete marginal sealing. When F and KF were compared, the glass-ionomer cement yielded the best sealing.

Bonding of self-etching and total-etch systems to Er:YAG laser-irradiated dentin. Tensile bond strength and scanning electron microscopy.

This study investigated the effect of Er:YAG laser on bonding to dentin and the interaction pattern of different adhesive systems with the lased substrate. Tensile bond strength of a self-etching [Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB)] and two total-etch [Single Bond (SB) and Gluma One Bond (GOB)] systems to lased and non-lased dentin was evaluated and the adhesive interface morphology was examined by SEM. Dentin was either treated following the manufacturers' instructions (A) or submitted to Er:YAG lasing (80 mJ; 2 Hz) + adhesive protocol (B). Resin cones were bonded to demarcated dentin sites and tested for tensile strength. For SEM, dentin discs were obtained, bisected and the halves were treated (A or B). The adhesive interfaces were examined. Means of tensile bond strength (in MPa) were: CSEB: (A) 20.65+/-1.81, (B) 14.06+/-1.88; SB: (A) 18.36+/-1.48, (B) 16.19+/-1.90; GOB: (A) 16.58+/-1.94, (B) 14.07+/-2.13. ANOVA and Tukey tests showed that lasing of dentin resulted in a significant decrease in bond strength (p<0.05). In the non-lased subgroups, CSEB had higher bond strength than the total-etch adhesives (p<0.05). Conversely, in laser-ablated specimens, CSEB had the lowest bond strength, while SB had the highest values (p<0.05). Consistent hybrid layers were observed for conventionally treated specimens, whereas either absent or scarce hybridization zones were viewed for lased subgroups. Er:YAG laser irradiation severely undermined the formation of consistent resin-dentin hybridization zones and yielded lower bond strengths. CSEB self-etching primer appeared to be the most affected by the laser ablation on the dentin substrate, resulting in the weakest adhesion.

Bond strength of glass-ionomer cements to caries-affected dentin.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the tensile bond strength of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (a: Fuji II LC) and three traditional glass-ionomer cements (b: Ketac-fil; c: Ketac Molar; d: Fuji IX) to caries-affected dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty human permanent molars with occlusal caries in dentin were selected, embedded in polyester resin, and ground until the carious dentin was exposed. Infected dentin was removed with curettes according to the atraumatic restorative technique (ART), and the tooth surface was smoothed with SiC paper. A bonding site, limited to 3 mm in diameter, was treated with polyacrylic acid for 10 s. After surface treatment, an inverted glass-ionomer cone was prepared for each specimen, using a split bisected Teflon matrix. The cones were immediately protected with a thin layer of nail varnish or bonding agent. Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h, and then bond strength to failure was tested. RESULTS: The mean (SD) bond strengths in MPa were: a: 8.33 (2.35); b: 2.46 (1.60); c: 0.83 (1.18), and d: 1.45 (1.70). The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests. Fuji II LC, a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, showed higher bond strength values and was statistically superior to the other groups, containing traditional glass ionomer cements (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings showed that the traditional glass-ionomer cements tested in this study had lower mean bond strength values to caries-affected dentin than did the resin-modified glass-ionomer cement.

In vitro evaluation of microleakage of a flowable composite in Class V restorations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate microleakage around class V restorations using a flowable composite compared to a hybrid composite. Forty class V cavities were prepared on buccal and lingual surfaces of 20 human teeth, with occlusal and cervical margins at the enamel and cementum/dentin levels, respectively. Specimens were divided into 2 groups with 10 samples each. Group 1: buccal cavities received Paama 2 (conventional bonding agent) + Wave (flowable composite); lingual cavities were restored with Paama 2 + Glacier (hybrid composite). Group 2: buccal cavities received Optibond Solo (self-priming bonding agent) + Wave; lingual cavities were restored with Optibond Solo + Glacier. After being stored in distilled water and finished, the teeth were thermocycled, immersed in a 50% silver nitrate solution and embedded in resin. They were sectioned and the depth of tracer penetration was scored. The results were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests. The restorations with flowable composite and those with hybrid composite from the same group showed similar results of microleakage for both occlusal and cervical margins. Optibond Solo improved the sealing of the restorations when compared with Paama 2 (p < 0.01). None of the restorative materials completely sealed the tooth/restoration interface at the cervical margins.

Assessing microleakage in resin composite restorations rebonded with a surface sealant and three low-viscosity resin systems.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the ability of three low-viscosity resin systems (Unibond, Single Bond, and Fluorseal), used as rebonding agents, and a specific surface-penetrating sealant (Fortify) to prevent microleakage in Class V resin composite restorations. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Fifty Class V cavities with the occlusal margin in enamel and the cervical margin in dentin and cementum were prepared on both the buccal and lingual surfaces of sound extracted premolars and restored with a hybrid light-cured resin composite. After finishing and polishing, restorations were randomly assigned to one of five equal groups (n = 10): a control, without surface sealing, and four experimental groups in which margins were etched and rebonded. Specimens were thermocycled, immersed in a 50% silver nitrate solution, sectioned longitudinally, and analyzed for leakage at the occlusal and cervical interfaces. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed significantly less leakage at the enamel margins for all groups. Fortify and Unibond were statistically similar and provided better marginal sealing at dentin and cementum interfaces. Fluorseal showed the poorest ability to prevent microleakage. CONCLUSION: The rebonding technique may substantially minimize microleakage at dentin and cementum margins of composite restorations, when a resin system with sufficiently low viscosity is used as a surface sealant, regardless of whether it has been specified for such a purpose.