In vitro cytotoxicity of resin-containing restorative materials after aging in artificial saliva

Studies have reported that dental resin-based materials release substances which have biological liabilities. However, some current methods for detecting these substances may not be adequate to detect biologically relevant concentrations. In the current study, we hypothesized that resin-based materials exhibit cytotoxic effects and alter cellular function in vitro when high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV detection) cannot detect any release of substances. We further hypothesized that this release continues even after aging the samples in artificial saliva. Five types of composite or compomer materials (Z-100, Tetric Ceram, Dyract AP, Solitaire, and Clearfil AP-X) and one organically modified ceramic material (Definite) were tested after aging in artificial saliva for 0, 7, or 14 days. Cytotoxicity was assessed using direct contact with fibroblasts and measurement of succinic dehydrogenase activity after 48 h of exposure post aging. Release of substances from the materials was assessed using HPLC with UV detection. Altered cellular function was estimated by measuring proliferation of MCF-7 cells with sulforhodamine staining. HPLC showed that whereas initial release of substances was higher without aging, this release dropped significantly after 7 or 14 days of aging, and was equivalent to the Teflon controls after 14 days for four of the materials (Tetric Ceram, Definite, Solitaire, and Clearfil AP-X). Without aging in saliva, all materials had cytotoxicities >50% of the Teflon negative controls. After 14 days of aging, all materials except the Definite continued to show severe cytotoxicity. Only the Definite could be tested for its ability to alter cellular function because of the continuing toxicity of the other materials. This modified ceramic material caused a significant proliferative effect on the MCF-7 cells indicating that sufficient substances were released to alter cellular function. We concluded that all of these commercially available resin-based dental materials continue to release sufficient components to cause lethal effects or alter cellular function in vitro even after 2 weeks of aging in artificial saliva. Received: 19 April 1999 / Accepted: 15 July 1999     

Polymerization contraction stress in light-cured packable composite resins.

OBJECTIVE: Determination of the polymerization contraction stress of packable composites (ALERT, Surefil, Solitaire, Solitaire 2) and a packable ORMOCER material (Definite) in comparison with a conventional hybrid composite (Tetric Ceram). METHODS: Contraction force generated by the test materials (10 replications each) was measured by polymerizing the composites filled in a plastic tray between two aluminum attachments mounted in a Stress-Strain-Analyzer testing machine (specimen size: 4x4x2 mm, C-factor=0.33). Contraction force was recorded for 300s under a standard exposure condition (40s, 800mW/cm(2)). Maximum contraction stress (MPa), force rate (N/s), relative force rate (%/s) of each material were statistically analyzed by ANOVA (alpha=0.05) and post-hoc Tukey's test. RESULTS: Maximum contraction stresses of the packable materials were 4.60 +/- 0.32MPa (ALERT), 4.16 +/- 0.18MPa (Definite), 3.36 +/- 0.08MPa (Solitaire 2), 3.33 +/- 0.23MPa (Solitaire) and 3.13 +/- 0.18MPa (Surefil), which were significantly higher than that of Tetric Ceram (2.51 +/- 0.14MPa). Tetric Ceram exhibited the significantly lowest force rate. Force/time curves were S-shaped. Solitaire especially showed a longer pre-gelation phase before contraction force was recorded. SIGNIFICANCE: High contraction stress and rapid contraction force development can lead to failure of bond to tooth structure. This study suggested that, packable composite resins are less capable of reducing the contraction stress during the early setting stage, thus not superior in maintaining the bond with cavity walls to conventional hybrid composite Tetric Ceram.     

Cytotoxicity of flowable resin composite on cultured human periodontal ligament cells compared with mineral trioxide aggregate

Aim: To investigate the cytotoxicity of three flowable resin composites that potentially useful as retrograde filling materials, compared with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Methods: Ten standard cylinder discs were used for each of the tested materials: Tetric Flow, Filtex Flow, Aeliteflo, and MTA, which were prepared under aseptic conditions. Cytotoxicity of eluates from all materials after 1–4 days’ immersion in culture medium and direct contact cytotoxicity were evaluated using cultured human periodontal ligament cells (PDLC). The colorimetric (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and scanning electron microscope of cell morphology (direct contact only) were used. Results: No eluates of set materials demonstrated cytotoxicity at any concentration or elution time. Freshly‐mixed MTA was cytotoxic in direct contact, but not set MTA. Freshly‐mixed Aeliteflo was also cytotoxic, as was set material up to 2 days’ elution. With morphological assessment, some differences were seen among resin composites, but all changes were rated as slight using the International Standard Organization criteria. Conclusions: Of all of the materials tested, Tetric Flow showed the least cytotoxic effects on PDLC. Further research is needed to determine the clinical usefulness of flowable composites as retrograde filling materials.     

Wear and microhardness of different resin composite materials

This study determined the three-body abrasive wear resistance of two packable composites (P-60; Solitaire 2), an ion-releasing composite (Ariston AT), a hybrid composite (Tetric Ceram) and an ormocer (Admira). The study also looked at the correlation between wear resistance and hardness of the composites. Three-body wear testing was performed using an ACTA wear machine with 15 N contact force using millet seed as the third body. Wear depth (microm) was measured by profilometry after 200,000 cycles. The hardness test was performed using a digital microhardness tester (load: 500 g; dwell time: 15 seconds). The data were analyzed by using Kruskal Wallis (p < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences among the three body abrasive wear of the composites. The ranking from least to most were as follows: Filtek P-60 < Solitaire 2 < Ariston AT < Tetric Ceram < Admira. Filtek P-60 showed the highest microhardness value. No other significant differences in hardness were observed among the different resin composites (P-60 > AristonAT = Tetric Ceram = Solitaire 2 = Admira). The results of this study indicate that there are significant differences in the wear resistance of the resin composites. The correlation between hardness and wear was significant with a correlation coefficient of r:-0.91. A significant negative correlation exists between hardness and three-body wear of resin composites.     

Evaluation of resin composite materials. Part I: in vitro investigations

PURPOSE: To evaluate different resin-based composites using a variety of in vitro investigation methods to predict their clinical behavior. METHODS: Materials selected for this study were Heliomolar radiopaque (microfilled), Tetric Ceram, Pertac II (minifilled hybrids), Ariston pHc (ion releasing hybrid), and Solitaire I (hybrid with porous fillers). The evaluated in vitro criteria were three-body wear according to the ACTA method, microtensile bond strengths to enamel and dentin, flexural strength (four-point bending strength), flexural fatigue behavior (flexural fatigue limit), and calcium ion release (for Ariston pHc). RESULTS: Concerning wear resistance, Ariston pHc (20.5 microm after 200,000 cycles) was inferior to the other materials (13.7-15.9 microm). Microtensile bond strengths to dentin were similar for Heliomolar (32.0 MPa), Tetric Ceram (30.4 MPa; both bonded with Syntac Classic), and Pertac II (30.8 MPa; bonded with EBS Multi) being above Solitaire I (22.5 MPa; bonded with Solidbond) being above Ariston pHc (13.2 MPa; bonded with Ariston Liner). Enamel bond strengths for Heliomolar (40.0 MPa), Tetric Ceram (36.5 MPa), and Pertac II (38.9 MPa) were significantly higher than for Solitaire I (26.6 MPa) which was above Ariston pHc (7.2 MPa). Heliomolar, Tetric Ceram, and Pertac II revealed higher micro-TBS to enamel than to dentin, Ariston showed the contrary, and Solitare exhibited no difference between enamel and dentin micro-TBS. Solitaire I exhibited a lower initial flexural strength than the other materials, the computed fatigue strength of the material even dropped to the level of glass ionomer cements (17.9 MPa). Long-term calcium release data for Ariston exhibited a continuously high calcium release becoming lower at the end of the observation beyond 21 months.     

TOXICITY TESTING OF RESTORATIVE DENTAL MATERIALS USING BRINE SHRIMP LARVAE (ARTEMIA SALINA)

This study investigated the effect of extracts of different composites, glass ionomer cement (GIC)s and compomers on the viability of brine shrimp larvae. Ethanolic extracts of four dental composites (Z-100; Solitaire 2; Filtek P60 and Synergy), a conventional GIC (Ketac-Fil), a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Vitremer), two compomers (F2000; Dyract AP), and a flowable compomer (Dyract Flow) were prepared from each material. Following evaporation of the ethanol, the extracts were resuspended in distilled water, which was then used to test the effects on the viability of brine shrimp larvae. For the composites, the extract of Synergy was the least toxic (88% viability) followed by the extracts of Solitaire 2, Z100 and P60 (75%, 67.5% and 50% viability, respectively). One-way ANOVA revealed highly significant differences between the resin composite materials (p<0.001). Follow-up comparison between the composite groups by Tukey''s pairwise multiple-comparison test (α =0.05) showed that the extract of Synergy was significantly less toxic than the extracts of all the other materials except that of Solitaire 2. The compomers showed 100% lethality, while the percentage of viable larvae for the extracts of Ketac-Fil, and Vitremer were 32.3%, and 37.0%, respectively. One-way ANOVA revealed highly significant differences between the groups of materials (p<0.001). Follow-up comparison between the groups by Tukey''s test (α = 0.05) showed that the toxic effect of the extracts of the compomers were significantly greater than that of Ketac-Fil, and Vitremer. The differences in the toxic effects of Vitremer and Ketac-Fil were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the toxicity of composite materials varied according to their chemical composition. Compomers were the most lethal materials to brine shrimp larvae followed by GICs and then composites.     

Selected mechanical properties of fluoride-releasing restorative materials

Mechanical properties, diametral tensile strength (DTS) and flexural strength (FS) of six fluoride releasing materials were measured and compared. The samples were prepared and tested according to ISO specifications. The materials included a glass ionomer (Fuji IX), a resin-modified glass ionomer (Photac-Fil), two compomers (F 2000; Dyract AP) and two composites (Solitaire; Tetric Ceram). The tests were performed after the materials were stored in distilled water (DTS) and phosphate buffered saline solution (FS) at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and one week. Fluoride-releasing composite resin had the highest flexural and diametral tensile strengths and were statistically stronger than compomers, followed by resin-modified glass ionomer and conventional glass ionomer. However, a notable exception to this general trend was Solitaire, a fluoride-releasing composite resin.     

The volumetric fraction of inorganic particles and the flexural strength of composites for posterior teeth

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the content of inorganic particles and the flexural strength of new condensable composites for posterior teeth in comparison to hybrid conventional composites. METHOD: The determination of the content of inorganic particles was performed by mass weighing of a polymerized composite before and after the elimination of the organic phase. The volumetric particle content was determined by a practical method based on Archimedes' principle, which calculates the volume of the composite and their particles by differential mass measured in the air and in water. The flexural strength of three points was evaluated according to the norm ISO 4049:1988. RESULTS: The results showed the following filler content: Alert, 67.26%; Z-100, 65.27%; Filtek P 60, 62.34%; Ariston pHc, 64.07%; Tetric Ceram, 57.22%; Definite, 54.42%; Solitaire, 47.76%. In the flexural strength test, the materials presented the following decreasing order of resistance: Filtek P 60 (170.02 MPa)>Z-100 (151.34 MPa)>Tetric Ceram (126.14 MPa)=Alert (124.89 MPa)>Ariston pHc (102.00 MPa)=Definite (93.63 MPa)>Solitaire (56.71 MPa). CONCLUSION: New condensable composites for posterior teeth present a concentration of inorganic particles similar to those of hybrid composites but do not necessarily present higher flexural strength.     

The induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity by dental adhesives.

OBJECTIVES: Polymerized dental resin materials release residual monomers that may interact with pulp tissues. We hypothesized that dental adhesives might cause cytotoxicity in pulp cells via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may also contribute to genotoxic effects in vitro. METHODS: For cytotoxicity testing, transformed human pulp-derived cells were exposed to extracts of primers and bonding agents of Clearfil SE bond, Clearfil Protect bond, AdheSE, Prompt L-Pop, and Excite for 24h. The cytotoxicity of the same materials was also analyzed in a dentin barrier test device using three-dimensional pulp cell cultures. The generation of ROS in monolayer cultures was measured after a 1h exposure period by flow cytometry (FACS), and genotoxicity as indicated by the formation of micronuclei was determined in V79 cells after a 24h exposure period. RESULTS: The dentin primers and bonding agents decrease cell survival in a dose-related manner. Cytotoxicity of bonding agents based on concentrations which caused 50% cell death (EC50) were ranked as follows: Excite (0.16 mg/ml)>AdheSE bond (0.30 mg/ml)>Clearfil Protect bond (0.35 mg/ml)>Clearfil SE bond (0.37 mg/ml), and Prompt L-Pop bond (0.68 mg/ml). Dentin primers were about 10-fold less effective. In contrast, no cytotoxic effects of the dental adhesives were observed in a dentin barrier test device. Yet, all dental adhesives increased the amounts of ROS about fivefold in pulp cells in a dose-related manner, and, again, the bonding agents were more efficient than the dentin primers. Finally, the number of micronuclei was increased about sixfold by extracts of the AdheSE primer. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest that the cytotoxic potencies demonstrated by these materials might be of clinical relevance, since all dental adhesives disturbed the cellular redox state of pulp cells in monolayer cultures. As a result, the concentrations of biologically active ingredients of some of the agents may be high enough to modify pulp cell metabolism when the materials are used in deep cavities or directly contact pulp tissue.     

Human and bovine pulp-derived cell reactions to dental resin cements

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic reaction of transfected human pulp derived cells (tHPDC) and transfected bovine pulp derived cells (tBPDC) after exposure to resin cements [RelyX UnicemClicker (RX), MaxCem (MC), Panavia F 2.0 (PF), BisCem (BC), and Bistite II DC (BII)] and to compare it to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Materials and methods

Set materials were extracted in culture medium, cell survival as a measure of cytotoxicity was determined photometrically using crystal violet after cells were exposed to the extracts for 24?h. The generation of ROS was detected by flow cytometry after cells were exposed to extract dilutions for 1?h.

Results

The ranking of the least to the most cytotoxic material was: RX < BII < PF < BC < MC for both cell lines, but for tHPDC, only MC and PF eluates were different from untreated controls. Generally, tBPDC were more susceptible to materials than tHPDC, but only for RX and BC was this difference statistically significant. All undiluted extracts increased ROS production in both cell lines but to a higher amount in tHPDC than in tBPDC.

Conclusions

tHPDC reacted less sensitive than tBPDC in the cytotoxicity test but with the same rank order of materials. In contrast, the cellular oxidative stress reaction was more pronounced in tHPDC than in tBPDC.

Clinical relevance

Depending on the residual dentine layer in deep cavities, biologically active resin monomers or additives released from resin cements may influence the dentine–pulp complex, for instance, its regenerative and reparative capacities.     

Cytotoxicity evaluation of dental resin composites and their flowable derivatives

The release of components from dental composite into surrounding tissue may cause an adverse tissue reaction. Thus, this study investigated the cytotoxicity of three types of dental composites with their flowable derivatives and determined the compounds released from these materials by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Fifteen specimens from each composite (Admira, Z250, Tetric Ceram) with fifteen of their flowables (Admira Flow, Tetric Flow, Feltik Flow) were prepared in the form of discs and divided into two groups of 10 and 5 for each material. The first group (10 discs) was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the material on balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts by measuring cellular metabolic activity (3{4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl}-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide [MTT] assay) relative to Teflon controls, while the second group (5 discs) was used to determine the leached components from each material into culture medium by HPLC analysis. The results revealed that Z250 and Tetric Ceram were less cytotoxic than their flowable derivatives. However, the ormocer, Admira, was significantly more cytotoxic than Admira Flow. Among the standard composites, Tetric Ceram was the least cytotoxic and Admira the most. Furthermore, Tetric flow was the most cytotoxic and Admira flow was significantly the least cytotoxic among the flowable materials tested. HPLC analysis revealed bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (bis-GMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) in the eluates of all the materials, while urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) was present in all eluates except that of Feltik Flow. In conclusion, the flowable derivatives are more cytotoxic than the traditional composites whereas the ormocer Admira Flow is less cytotoxic than the Admira composite.     

Effect of N-acetyl cysteine on orthodontic primers cytotoxicity

Objectives

The aims of this study were to evaluate the cytotoxicity of four orthodontic primers, including two hydrophilic and two hydrophobic materials, and to investigate the role of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in induced cell damage. Moreover, the effects of the anti-oxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on primers toxicity was analyzed.

Methods

Human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) were exposed to different concentrations of primers (0-0.25 mg/ml) in the presence or absence of NAC, and the cytotoxicity was assessed by the MTT assay, while cell death was quantified by flow cytometry after propidium iodide staining. The increase in the induced ROS levels was detected by flow cytometry measuring the fluorescence of the oxidation-sensitive dye 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA).

Results

All materials decreased cell viability in a dose-related manner after a 24 h exposure period. Cytotoxicity of orthodontic primers based on concentrations which caused a 50% decrease in cell viability (TC₅₀) in HGF was ranked as follows (median values): Eagle Fluorsure (0.078 mg/ml) > Transbond XT (0.081 mg/ml) > Transbond MIP (0.128 mg/ml) > Ortho solo (0.130 mg/ml). Moreover, in HGF cells, all materials induced a dose-dependent increase in ROS levels compared to untreated cells. Incubation of HGF with NAC significantly reduced ROS production and decreased the cell damage and cytotoxicity caused by all materials tested (p < 0.001).

Significance

Our results suggested that hydrophilic primers were less cytotoxic than hydrophobic materials. Moreover, we demonstrated a major role of ROS in the induction of cell death since the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine was able to prevent cell damage induced by all materials tested.     

Cytotoxicity of components of resins and other dental restorative materials

Cytotoxicity testing of dental restorative materials must be viewed as an assessment of hazards, that is the potential of the material to cause pulpal problems. In this context, composites, glass ionomers, amalgams, zinc-based cements and peroxide bleaching agents are all possible hazards to the pulp. The risks that these materials will cause pulpal toxicity in vivo can be partly estimated by assessing the cytotoxicity of the substances which are released from these materials in vitro and comparing these cytotoxic concentrations with those concentrations that are present in vivo . The resin components of composites, metal ions and hydrogen peroxide, all of which are released from dental restorative materials, have been shown to be cytotoxic in vitro in sufficient concentrations. The potencies of these substances are quite diverse. However, the Cytotoxicity of these substances in usage tests, and therefore the risks of pulpal toxicity, depends on their ability to diffuse through the dentine and accumulate in the pulp.     

Sliding wear of 19 commercially available composites and compomers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of particle size, particle material and morphology on the sliding wear of 19 light curing, commercially available composites (Durafill VS, Metafil CX, Heliomolar RO, Solitaire, Arabesk, Artglass, Charisma F, Pertac II, Charisma, Degufill Ultra, TPH Spectrum, Z100, Tetric classic, Pertac Hybrid, Estilux Hybrid, Dyract AP, Compoglass F, Compoglass and Hytac). METHODS: The materials were applied to an aluminum sample holder (7.5 mm diameter, 2 mm depth) in one layer and polymerized in a Dentacolor XS light curing unit for 180 s. The surface was ground flat (#1000) to remove any matrix rich surface layer. Then samples were stored in Ringer's solution for 24 h at 37 degrees C. Occlusal contact wear was simulated in a sliding wear tester (Munich Artificial Mouth). Eight specimens of each material were tested in a pin-on-block design with oscillating sliding of a Degussit antagonist (5 mm diameter) at a vertical load of 50 N. The horizontal excursion of the antagonist was 8 mm. Wear was quantified by a replica technique every 6000, 10,000, 30,000 and 50,000 cycles using a 3D-laser scanner. The materials were compared by their mean wear after 50,000 cycles. Comparisons of different composites and compomers were performed using analysis of variance and t-tests including the Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: The microfiller composites (Durafill VS, Metafil CX, Heliomolar RO) revealed the lowest, and the compomers (Dyract AP, Compoglass F, Compoglass and Hytac) showed the highest contact wear (p < 0.05). The wear of the hybrid composite (Estilux Hybrid) and the micro hybrid composites (Solitaire, Arabesk, Artglass, Charisma F, Pertac II, Charisma, Degufill Ultra, TPH Spectrum, Z100, Tetric classic, Pertac Hybrid) was higher than that of the microfiller composites (p < 0.05). The results showed additional significant differences within the three groups of composites. The coefficient of determination between loss of height and maximum particle size was r2 = 0.41. SIGNIFICANCE: Both particle size and morphology have a high influence on the wear properties concerning the two-body wear in the occlusal contact area.     

Effect of high intensity vs. soft-start halogen irradiation on light-cured resin-based composites. Part II: Hardness and solubility

PURPOSE: To determine hardness and solubility of light-cured resin-based composites after high intensity vs. soft-start quartz tungsten halogen irradiation. METHODS: Knoop hardness of resin-based composite specimens was measured at 1.5 mm depth after dry storage for 24 hours at 37 degrees C so as to indirectly evaluate degree of cure. Solubility was determined gravimetrically by extraction of post-cured (24 hours, 37 degrees C) specimens in 50 wt% methanol for 72 hours. Four hybrid (Filtek Z250, Herculite, Solitaire 2, Tetric Ceram), an inhomogeneously filled hybrid (InTen-S) and a microfilled (Filtek A110, formerly Silux Plus) composite were cured using the quartz tungsten halogen units Astralis 10 and Optilux 501 in the high intensity (Astralis 10 High Power: 10 seconds @ 1300 mW/cm2; Optilux Boost: 10 seconds @ 1140 mW/cm2) or soft-start modes (Astralis 10 Pulse: increase to 700 mW/cm2 within 10 seconds, three periods of 2 seconds @ 1300 mW/cm2 alternating with two periods of 2 seconds @ 700 mW/cm2; Optilux Ramp: exponential increase within 10 seconds, followed by 10 seconds @ 1140mW/cm2). RESULTS: For the fast curing composites Z250, Tetric Ceram and InTen-S, equivalent hardness was observed after 10 seconds of high intensity and 20 seconds of soft-start irradiation. For the slower curing composites Herculite, Solitaire 2 and A110, the soft-start protocols produced higher hardness values. Regarding solubility however, the superiority of soft-start irradiation was also seen for Tetric Ceram and InTen-S. The lowest solubility was observed for InTen-S, followed by Z250, whereas Herculite and Solitaire 2 scored highest for this parameter.     

Determination of polymerization shrinkage stress by means of a photoelastic investigation.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the polymerization stress of different established composite resins (Tetric Ceram, Vivadent; EsthetX, Surefil, Dentsply/DeTrey; Clearfil AP-X, Clearfil Photo Posterior, Kuraray; Prodigy Condensable, sds Kerr; Filtek P 60, 3M ESPE; Solitaire 2, Heraeus-Kulzer) by means of a photo-elastic investigation and investigated six new, experimental composite resins, which have been claimed to exhibit less polymerization shrinkage (InTen-S, Vivadent; K 112, K 051, Dentsply/DeTrey; Compox, Pluto, Hermes 3M ESPE). METHODS: Cylindrical cavities (phi 5 mm) in Araldit B epoxide resin plates (40 x 40 x 3 mm3) were pretreated with the Rocatec system to ensure bonding of the composite resin. Ten composite resin specimens of each material, embedded in the Araldit plates, were exposed for 60 s (Elipar TriLight, Standard-mode, 800 mW/cm2). Polymerization contraction stress data (MPa) were calculated at 4 min and 24 h after exposure, based on the diameter of the isochromatic curves of first order obtained from the Araldit-plates. The statistical analysis was carried out with the Wilcoxon test (5% level). RESULTS: After 24 h, the calculated mean polymerization stress values were 4.4+/-0.1 MPa for Tetric Ceram, 4.6+/-0.1 MPa for EsthetX, 3.7+/-0.1 MPa for Z 250, 4.6+/-0.1 MPa for Clearfil AP-X, 4.1+/-0.1 MPa for Prodigy Condensable, 4.0+/-0.1 MPa for Filtek P 60, 4.5+/-0.1 MPa for Surefil, 4,5+/-0.1 MPa for Clearfil Photo Posterior, 5.4+/-0.04 MPa for Solitaire 2, 3.2+/-0.1 MPa for In Ten-S, 3.9+/-0.1 MPa for K 112, 3.1+/-0.04 MPa for K 051, 3.2+/-0.1 MPa for Compox, and 2.0+/-0.1 MPa for Hermes. CONCLUSIONS: The new and experimental composite resins In Ten-S, K 051, Compox, and Hermes showed significantly less polymerization shrinkage stress than the controls (p < 0.0005, Bonferroni correction). For the experimental material Pluto, no determination of isochromatic rings was possible.     

A new screening test for toxicity testing of dental materials

OBJECTIVES: The development of a micro plate assay for cytotoxicity testing of dental materials based on a bioassay using brine shrimp larvae (artemia salina) as sensitive organisms. METHODS: Brine shrimp larvae are commonly used for cytotoxicity assays in pharmacology. These larvae are sensitive to toxic substances. The ratio between dead larvae (no motility) and living larvae (high motility) in comparison to a control without any toxic substances is used to estimate the toxicity of the test solutions.The test materials (Arabesk((R)), Solitaire((R)), Pertac((R)) II, Tetric((R)), Herculite((R)) and the compomer materials Dyract((R)), Hytac((R)), Compoglass((R))) were polymerized and consecutively milled. After incubation of 1g in 4ml distilled water at 37 degrees C for 48h, the solid materials were separated by centrifugation. The solutions were equibrilated with NaCl to a salt content of 25g/l. Aliquots of 200microl were distributed in eight micro wells and 50microl of a artemia salina containing (n=8-14) solution were added to each well. As controls eight wells with 250microl salt solution containing a comparable number of brine shrimp were used. At baseline, after 2, 5, 24 and 48h, the dead shrimp were counted using a stereo microscope. Finally all shrimps were sacrificed using Na-acid (5%) and counted to get the number of shrimps per well.Results: All compomers and Solitaire caused 100% brine shrimp lethality after 24h and showed significantly (p<0.01, signed rank test) higher toxicities than the remaining composites. With the exception of Pertac II, all composites showed significantly higher toxic values than the control. Pertac II did not show any differences from the controls used. CONCLUSIONS: This new technique has some advantages for toxicity testing of restorative materials, because it can quickly be carried out at low costs. The disadvantage is the high quantity of material used and the low sensitivity.     

Color stability of fluoride-containing restorative materials

Six fluoride-releasing materials of shade A3 were tested: one glass ionomer (Fuji IX), one resin-modified glass ionomer (Photac-Fil), two compomers (F 2000 and Dyract AP) and two composites (Tetric Ceram and Solitaire). Disk-shaped specimens of each material were prepared according to manufacturer's instructions, polished and L*a*b* baseline measurements taken. Specimens were randomly divided into two groups and given four different treatments of UV light exposure and immersion in a staining solution. Chromo Meter color measurements were taken following each treatment. Two-way ANOVA and Duncan Multiple Range post-hoc tests were used to compare color changes as a function of the four treatment conditions and one-way ANOVA was used to compare materials for each treatment separately. The results showed significant difference in shade A3 between products. In general, the hydrophobic materials showed greater color stability and stain resistance than the hydrophilic materials. Tetric ceram had the best color stability and stain resistance, while Fuji IX had the least.     

Polymerization shrinkage-strain and microleakage in dentin-bordered cavities of chemically and light-cured restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the relationship between polymerization shrinkage and microleakage in dentin-bordered restorations. METHODS: Four light-cured restorative materials in combination with their respective dental bonding agents (DBA) were investigated: Tetric Ceram/Syntac classic (Vivadent), Solitaire/Gluma Solid bond (Heraeus Kulzer), Definite/Etch & Prime 3.0 (Degussa), Solitaire 2/Gluma Solid bond (Heraeus Kulzer). The chemically cured resin Degufill sc microhybrid (Degussa) in combination with ART Bond (Coltène) was also included. Polymerization shrinkage of the restorative materials was measured using three different methods (dilatometer, linometer, buoyancy method) and analyzed with ANOVA. For the determination of microleakage, caries-free human molars were embedded in acrylic resin and subsequently abraded with a wet abrasion machine to produce four level dentin surfaces. One hundred sixty cavities (3 mm diameter/1.5 mm deep) were randomly assigned to four groups of equal size. The groups were restored without (group 1 and 2) and with DBA (group 3 and 4), and either not subjected (group 1 and 3) or subjected (group 2 and 4) to 2000 cycles from 5-55 degrees C. Each group was further divided into five material subgroups of eight cavities each. Microleakage was determined using a dye penetration test assessed at depths of 200, 400 and 600 microm into the fillings. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: All three methods of measuring polymerization shrinkage (PS) generated the same, statistically secured ranking for the four light-cured restorative materials: PS Definite < PS Tetric Ceram < PS Solitaire 2 < PS Solitaire. In the microleakage study, only a few statistically significant differences were observed. Etch & Prime 3.0/Definite in group 3 and Solid Bond/Solitaire 2 in group 4 tended to exhibit the least microleakage. Correlation coefficients between aggregated shrinkage and microleakage data were 0.3 for group 3 and -0.2 for group 4. SIGNIFICANCE: The results do not suggest any correlation between polymerization shrinkage and microleakage in dentin of direct adhesive restorations.