Physical-Mechanical Properties of a Resin-Modified Calcium Silicate Material for Pulp Capping.

The purpose of this study was to investigate and to compare the physical-mechanical properties of a resin-modified calcium silicate material (TheraCal LC), used for pulp-capping, to MTA (Angelus) and a calcium hydroxide cement (Dycal). Specimens of each material (n=12) were prepared in Teflon molds (3.58 mm x 3 mm) and measured before and after immersion in distilled water for 24 h and 30 days to evaluate the dimensional change. The same specimens were submitted to compressive strength test on a Universal Testing Machine (Instron) (1 mm/min). Root canals were filled with the cements (n=8), and after 24 h, the bond strength (push-out test) to dentin was also assessed on a Universal Testing Machine (1 mm/min). Eight additional specimens of TheraCal LC were prepared to evaluate the bond strength immediately after light curing. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA, and Tukey or Bonferroni post hoc tests (p<0.05). Percentage expansion of TheraCal LC was above the Specification No. 57 of ANSI/ADA, in both periods. The dimensional change for TheraCal LC was higher than MTA in 24 h and 30 days; and Dycal in 30 days (p<0.05). TheraCal LC had higher compressive and bond strength to dentin in comparison with MTA and Dycal (p<0.05). Although TheraCal LC expanded more than the ANSI/ADA recommendation, its compressive and push-out bond strength to dentin were satisfactory and superior to MTA and Dycal.

Scanning electron microscopy evaluation of dentin ultrastructure after surface demineralization.

CONTEXT: Knowledge about dentin microstructure is essential for execution of clinical procedures which require adhesion of materials to dentin. AIMS: To evaluate by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the dentin ultrastructure after demineralization with 6 M and 12 M hydrochloric acid (HCl). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty dentin segments were immersed in fixative solution and dehydrated in ethanol. After 24 h, segments were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 10), demineralized with 6 M HCl (G6M) and 12 M HCl (G12M), and prepared for SEM analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Based on photomicrographs and chemical composition (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) of dentin, a descriptive analysis was conducted. RESULTS: G6M samples revealed a demineralized surface with peritubular dentin exposure and small magnification of the dentinal tubules openings. The intertubular dentin was partially demineralized. Demineralization of G12M samples was more aggressive and at different depths, promoting erosion and "detachment" of dentin layers. Peritubular dentin was observed on the dentin surface. There was a large magnification of the dentinal tubules openings. In both groups, tubular structures showed a similar chemical composition to the intertubular dentin. Lamina limitans was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Dentin demineralization is dependent on the HCl molarity and promotes exposure of peritubular dentin.

Effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation on diffusion of hydroxyl ion through radicular dentine.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) on diffusion of hydroxyl ions through radicular dentine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After chemomechanical preparation of root canals in 60 human teeth, the cementoenamel junction and the apical 3 mm of each root were covered with fast-setting adhesive. Four final irrigation protocols were applied (n = 10): group (G)1: irrigation with EDTA + NaOCl; G2: EDTA + PUI + NaOCl; G3: EDTA+(NaOCl + PUI); G4: (EDTA + PUI) + (NaOCl + PUI). Ten teeth irrigated with distilled water followed by PUI (G5) served as the negative control. After drying, the canals were filled with calcium hydroxide paste (CH), sealed and kept in individual vials containing 10 mL of distilled water with known pH values. At 7, 14, and 21 days, the pH of the water in the vials was measured. The pH values in various groups were analyzed with two-way ANOVA (irrigation protocol and time period as factors) and Holm-Sidak multiple comparison test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Changes in pH was not significantly different among groups (P = 0.651) but was significant different among different time periods (P < 0.0001). For all groups, ion diffusion was higher at 14 and 21 days than at 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: PUI has no effect on diffusion of hydroxyl ions through radicular dentine. When CH is used as temporary filling material, a waiting period of at least 14 days is required to create an alkaline environment within the radicular dentine. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of PUI during final irrigation phase does not improve the action of CH when it is used as temporary filling material.