Tensile strength of type IV dental stones dried in a microwave oven

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: It is known that drying dental stones in a microwave oven can save time, but the strength of the material may be affected by different drying methods. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the diametral tensile strength (DTS) of 5 type IV gypsum products at different time intervals using microwave and air-drying methods. MATERIAL AND METHOD:. A total of 300 cylinder specimens were prepared from 5 type IV dental stones (Moldano, Amberok, Herastone, Shera-Sockel, and Fujirock; n = 60 per stone) in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations. Half of the specimens of each stone (n = 30) were dried in open air within a temperature range of 20 +/- 2 degrees C; the other half (n = 30) underwent initial setting in a silicone rubber mold in open air for 10 minutes and then were dried in a microwave oven for 10 minutes. Within these groups, 10 specimens were tested under diametral compression at each of the following time periods: 30, 60, and 120 minutes after drying. Three-way analysis of variance and Scheffe's post hoc test were performed for statistical comparisons at a significance level of P<.05. RESULTS: At all time intervals, the diametral tensile strength values for dental stones dried in a microwave oven (mean 2.99 MPa) were significantly higher (P<.01) than the values for specimens dried in open air (mean 2.53 MPa). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, microwave oven drying had a positive effect on the diametral tensile strength of 5 type IV dental stones.     

Comparision of diametral tensile strength of microwave and oven-dried investment materials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Microwave drying technique for investment materials is believed to be timesaving by accelerating the elimination of free water content. PURPOSE: This study compared the diametral tensile strength of 4 investment materials used in removable partial denture framework fabrication. The investment materials were subjected to microwave and conventional oven drying at different time intervals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Type III partial denture casting investments (Wirovest, Wiroplus, Biosint, PH2) were tested. A total of 160 specimens were prepared in cylindrical form at a height of 40 mm and a diameter of 20 mm, in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations. Forty specimens were prepared from each product; 20 specimens were dried at 230 degrees C for 1 hour in an electric furnace, the other 20 were dried in a microwave oven for 10 minutes at 600 W. The dried specimens were tested at 2- and 4-hour intervals in diametral compression at a crosshead speed of 0. 5 cm/min. RESULTS: The microwave drying technique resulted in greater diametral tensile strength values for all investment materials. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, microwave drying of type III dental investment materials at 600 W for 10 minutes was, apart from strengthening the material, timesaving for the dental laboratory.     

Microwave drying of high strength dental stone: effects on dimensional accuracy

High-strength dental stone is widely used to produce dies for the fabrication of restorations with the lost-wax technique. It is normal to wait at least 24 hours for casts to dry and gain sufficient strength prior to initiating laboratory procedures. This waiting time may be greatly reduced by using microwave drying. This study determined the optimum microwave energy density for preserving working die accuracy of a Type IV high-strength dental stone (Silky Rock; Whipmix). Cylindrical die specimens were fabricated according to manufacturer's instructions and allowed to set for one hour. The specimens were subsequently treated as follows: Group I (Control group)--air dried; Group II--microwaved at 700W for 40 seconds; Group III--microwaved at 490W for 60 seconds. The percentage weight loss of cylindrical specimens (n = 6) and the percentage dimensional change (n = 7) of die specimens in three axes (x, y and z) were determined at 30 minutes, 1 hour and 24 hours after air drying/microwaving. Weight loss was measured using an electronic digital balance, while dimensional changes were assessed using image analysis software. Data was subject to ANOVA/Scheffe's tests at significance level 0.05. No significant difference in percentage weight loss was observed between air drying for 24 hours and microwaved specimens at all time intervals. Although no significant difference in percentage dimensional changes was observed between specimens microwaved at 490W for 60 seconds and specimens air dried for 24 hours, significant changes in x, y and z dimensions were observed after microwaving at 700W for 40 seconds at various time intervals. Microwave radiation at 490W for 60 seconds is recommended for drying Type IV high-strength dental stone. Further investigations are required to determine changes in physical properties associated with the aforementioned microwave power density.     

Linear dimensional change,compressive strength and detail reproduction in type IV dental stone dried at room temperature and in a microwave oven

The type IV dental stone is widely used for the fabrication of dyes and master casts for fixed and removable partial prostheses. It is typically normal to wait at least 24 hours for the casts to dry prior to beginning the laboratory procedures. The waiting time has been shown to be greatly reduced by using microwave drying.

Objective

This study evaluated the influence of drying techniques at room temperature and microwave oven on the linear dimensional change, compressive strength and detail reproduction in type IV dental stones.

Material and Methods

Three type IV dental stone brands were selected; Elite Rock, Shera Premium and Durone IV. Two different drying protocols were tested in 4 groups (n=10); G1 - room temperature (25±4ºC) dried for 2 hours; G2 - room temperature dried for 24 hours; G3 - room temperature dried for 7 days and G4 - microwave oven dried at 800 W for 5 minutes and after 2 hours at room temperature. After drying, the samples were assayed for dimensional charges. The sample surface was submitted to the ImageTool 3.0 software for compressive strength in a universal testing machine with a cell load of 50 KN at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minutes and the detail reproduction was analyzed with a stereomicroscope at 25x magnification. The statistical analysis of the linear dimensional change and compressive strength data were conducted by the ANOVA test followed by the Tukey test (p<0.05). Detailed reproduction values were reported in percentages.

Results

For the compressive strength test, Elite Rock and Durone IV did not present significant differences between G2 and G4, while Shera Premium did not present differences between G3 and G4. The best reproduction levels were observed for G3.

Conclusions

Dental stone microwave oven drying showed a linear dimensional change similar to after room temperature drying for 24 hours and 7 days. The compressive strength of the stone dried in the microwave oven was similar to those dried at room temperature for 24 hours, with the exception of Shera Premium, which had similar results for microwave and room temperature drying for 7 days. For the microwave drying method the detail reproduction levels for samples dried at room temperature for 24 hours and 7 days were similar, except for the Durone IV.     

Diametral tensile strength of composite core material with cured and uncured fiber posts

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different types of posts and post head designs on the fracture resistance of a composite resin core material using the diametral tensile strength (DTS ). Seventy-five disc specimens were prepared using a composite core and prefabricated glass fiber posts and were divided into four test groups and one control group (n=15). The use of fiber posts reduced the DTS of the composite core material; the DTS value of the control material was significantly higher (p=0.05) than all of the test groups.     

Compressive and diametral tensile strength of glass ionomer cements

The aim of this study was to compare, in different periods of time, the compressive and diametral tensile strength of a traditional high viscous glass ionomer cement: Fuji IX (GC Corporation), with two new Brazilian GIC's: Vitro-Molar (DFL) and Bioglass R (Biodinamica), all indicated for the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) technique. Fifteen disk specimens (6.0mm diameter x 3.0mm height) for the diametral tensile strength (DTS) test and fifteen cylindrical specimens (6.0mm diameter x 12.0mm height) for the compressive strength (CS) test were made of each GIC. Specimens were stored in deionized water at 37o C and 100% of humidity in a stove until testing. Five specimens of each GIC were submitted to CS and DTS test in each period, namely 1 hour, 24 hours and 7 days. The specimens were tested in a testing machine (Emic) at a crosshead speed of 1.0mm/min for CS and 0.5mm/min for the DTS test until failure occurred. The data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (alpha=0.05). The mean CS values ranged from 42.03 to 155.47MPa and means DTS from 5.54 to 13.72 MPa, with test periods from 1h to 7 days. The CS and DTS tests showed no statistically significant difference between Fuji IX and Vitro Molar, except for CS test at 1-hour period. Bioglass R had lowest mean value for CS of the cements tested. In DTS test Bioglass R presented no statistically significant differences when compared with all others tested GICs at 1-hour period and Bioglass R presented no difference at 24-hour and 7-day periods when compared to Vitro-Molar. Further studies to investigate other physical properties such as fracture toughness and wear resistance, as well as chemical composition and biocompatibility, are now needed to better understand the properties of these new Brazilian GIC's.     

Modification of conventional glass-ionomer cements with N-vinylpyrrolidone containing polyacids, nano-hydroxy and fluoroapatite to improve mechanical properties

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to enhance the mechanical strength of glass-ionomer cements, while preserving their unique clinical properties. METHODS: Copolymers incorporating several different segments including N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) in different molar ratios were synthesized. The synthesized polymers were copolymers of acrylic acid and NVP with side chains containing itaconic acid. In addition, nano-hydroxyapatite and fluoroapatite were synthesized using an ethanol-based sol-gel technique. The synthesized polymers were used in glass-ionomer cement formulations (Fuji II commercial GIC) and the synthesized nanoceramic particles (nano-hydroxy or fluoroapatite) were also incorporated into commercial glass-ionomer powder, respectively. The synthesized materials were characterized using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Compressive, diametral tensile and biaxial flexural strengths of the modified glass-ionomer cements were evaluated. RESULTS: After 24h setting, the NVP modified glass-ionomer cements exhibited higher compressive strength (163-167MPa), higher diametral tensile strength (DTS) (13-17MPa) and much higher biaxial flexural strength (23-26MPa) in comparison to Fuji II GIC (160MPa in CS, 12MPa in DTS and 15MPa in biaxial flexural strength). The nano-hydroxyapatite/fluoroapatite added cements also exhibited higher CS (177-179MPa), higher DTS (19-20MPa) and much higher biaxial flexural strength (28-30MPa) as compared to the control group. The highest values for CS, DTS and BFS were found for NVP-nanoceramic powder modified cements (184MPa for CS, 22MPa for DTS and 33MPa for BFS) which were statistically higher than control group. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that, both NVP modified and nano-HA/FA added glass-ionomer cements are promising restorative dental materials with improved mechanical properties.     

Evaluation of Dimensional Stability and Accuracy of Autoclavable Polyvinyl Siloxane Impression Material

Dimensionally stable autoclavable impressions will be effective in controlling the cross-infection and contamination caused by patient’s saliva and other oral secretions. The accuracy of newly introduced autoclavable polyvinyl siloxane impression material was assessed for its dimensional stability and accuracy. A standard metal model (Dentoform, U-501, Columbia) was customised for impression making. The impressions were made using the newly introduced polyvinyl siloxane impression materials (AFFINIS, Coltene/Whaledent AG, 9450 Alstalten, Switzerland). Fifty impressions were made and were divided into two groups A and B of 25 each. Group A was the control sample (non-autoclaved impressions) and group B was the test sample (autoclaved impressions), which was subjected to the steam autoclave procedure at 134 °C for 18 min, casts were poured in type IV gypsum products. The customised metal model, casts obtained from control and test group were subjected to laboratory evaluation with help of a travelling microscope (×10 magnification), and digital vernier calliper (0.01 mm/10 μm accuracy). Data analysis was done using one-way ANOVA and One-Sample t test to evaluate the overall accuracy (P < 0.005). As a result, there was an average reduction of 0.016 μm in overall dimension between the test and the control group when compared with the master model, which is not statistically or clinically significant. The newly introduced polyvinyl siloxane impression material is accurate and dimensional stable for clinical use when steam autoclaved at 134 °C for 18 min.     

Mechanical properties of light-cured composites polymerized with several additional post-curing methods

This study determined the microhardness and diametral tensile strength of two hybrid resin composites submitted to conventional light curing, which were post-cured with different methods, and compared these data with the same data collected from one indirect resin composite. Two hybrid composites (TPH Spectrum and Filtek P60) and an indirect one (Solidex) were used. Conventional composites were polymerized with 1) conventional light curing for 40 seconds. Additional curing methods were applied with 2) laboratory multi-focal light curing for seven minutes, 3) microwave curing for five minutes at 500W, 4) oven curing for 15 minutes at 100 degrees C, 5) autoclave curing for 15 minutes at 100 degrees C and (6) were polymerized only with a laboratory light curing unit in three increments for three minutes and post-polymerized for seven minutes. The Solidex group was done following the manufacturers' instructions only. Diametral tensile strength and Knoop hardness tests were applied for all groups of five samples. Data were compared using ANOVA, Tukey and Student t-tests (p < 0.05). Post-curing methods increased the Knoop hardness and diametral tensile strength of conventional composites. In general, Filtek P60 showed higher hardness and diametral tensile strength values than TPH Spectrum resin. The Indirect resin composite showed poorer mechanical properties than conventional composites.     

Diametral tensile strength of a resin composite core with nonmetallic prefabricated posts: an in vitro study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A number of prefabricated nonmetallic posts are currently available for use in conjunction with resin composite cores before fabrication of crowns for endodontically treated teeth. Information is needed regarding the strength of the composite and the nature of attachment between its components. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different types of posts on the fracture resistance of a resin composite core material using the diametral tensile strength (DTS) test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cylindrical specimens, 6 mm in diameter and 3 mm high, were prepared from resin composite (Tetric Ceram) and a group of prefabricated posts (n=10) as follows: resin composite only (control); Vectrispost (VTS); FiberKor (FKR); AEstheti-Plus post (ATP); Light-Post (LTP); Dentorama post (DRM), and Para-Post (PRP) as a second control. Specimens were stored for 7 days in water at 37 degrees C and then subjected to DTS test in a universal testing machine until failure occurred and load was recorded (N). Mean values and SD for DTS values (MPA) were calculated, and data were analyzed statistically with 1-way analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey test (alpha=.05). Representative specimens from each group were examined with SEM to determine nature of failure. RESULTS: Mean values (SD) in MPa for DTS were as follow: Control group: 49.64 (3.36); VTS: 29.77 (3.36); FKR: 31.9 (2.39); ATP: 28.92 (2.2); LTP: 34.26 (3.37); DRM: 33.45 (2.46), and PRP: 27.90 (2.40). Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the groups (P<.05). SEM examination indicated that for PRP failure was adhesive in nature, whereas with all nonmetallic posts, cohesive failure was more predominant. CONCLUSION: The use of posts did not result in reinforcement of resin composite core when diametral tensile force was applied. When used with the core material, LTP, DRM, and FKR resulted in the highest DTS values, whereas PRP resulted in the lowest values.     

Effect of polymerization under pressure on indirect tensile mechanical properties of light-polymerized composites

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Flaws developed during polymerization of restorative materials cause a decrease in mechanical properties. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of polymerization under pressure on the indirect tensile mechanical properties (stiffness and diametral tensile strength) of several light-polymerized composites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five light-polymerized composites were tested: Brilliant, Z100, TPH Spectrum, Prodigy, and Pertac Hybrid. A total of 80 cylindrical disk specimens (6 mm x 2 mm) were prepared for each material in a special mold that enabled polymerization under pressure (PUP). An equal number of specimens were polymerized under surface pressures of 0,.35,.71 and 1.06 MPa (n = 20). Stiffness (N/mm) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) (MPa) were analyzed while loading the specimen to failure with a loading machine. Two-way analysis of variance and Weibull analyses were applied (alpha=5%). RESULTS: Material type had a statistically significant influence on both DTS and stiffness (P<.0001). Differences up to 33% in DTS and up to 70% in stiffness values were found among the tested materials. Loading (PUP) had a significant influence on stiffness (P<.03) and DTS (P<.0001). PUP caused an increase in DTS values for Brilliant, Z100, and Prodigy of about 20% (P<.001) and increased stiffness only for Brilliant (15%). However, the amount of pressure needed for the improvement was different between materials (interaction between materials and loadings) (P<.0005). Weibull statistics showed that PUP improved the chances for reducing flaws in a material. CONCLUSION: Polymerizing material under pressure can improve its DTS and stiffness. However, the pressure needed for the procedure is material dependent.     

Mechanical properties of calcium phosphate based dental filling and regeneration materials

The objective of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of calcium phosphate cements (CPC) for possible dental applications with varied liquid and powder compositions under the same testing condition. Cements studied in this experiment were divided into two groups of CPC not containing polymer and polymeric CPC (PCPC). Cement powder was formed by combining equimolar amounts of dicalcium phosphate anhydrous and tetracalcium phosphate, or acrylic resin polymer powder mixture. The CPC specimens for the compressive strength (CS) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) measurements were prepared by mixing powder and liquid for 30 s with a powder/liquid ratio of 3:1, and subsequently packing the paste into a brass mould. The specimens were kept at 37 degrees C and 100% relative humidity for 24 h before measurements were conducted on a Universal Testing Machine with a cross-head speed of 1 mm min-1. The CS of CPC was 0.14-10.29 MPa and that of PCPC was 0.26-117.58 MPa. The DTS of CPC was 0.10-4.56 MPa and that of PCPC was 0.07-22.54 MPa. The CS and DTS were very diverse depending on the composition of powder and liquid. Some compositions showed higher values than commercial liners. Thus compositions of 2% carboxymethyl cellulose + 35% citric acid in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), 20% gelatin in PBS, 2% sodium alginate in PBS, 20-40% aqueous acrylic-maleic copolymer solution, and some of the HPMC and PMVE-Ma solutions exhibited promising formulae for dentine regenerating materials. Acrylic resin-PCPC group showed generally higher CS and DTS values. Based on this study, further studies on the reaction with odontoblast and resultant dentine regeneration should be performed using promising compositions.     

Diametral tensile and compressive strengths of several types of core materials.

PURPOSE: Compressive and diametral tensile strengths (DTSs) of core materials are thought to be important, because cores usually replace a large bulk of tooth structure and should provide sufficient strength to resist intraoral tensile and compressive forces. This study was undertaken to compare the mechanical properties of materials used for direct core foundations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The differences between the compressive and DTSs of six core materials, including Duralloy (high-copper amalgam), Grandio (visible light-cured nanohybrid resin composite), Admira (organically modified ceramic), Filtek P60 (packable composite resin), Rebilda DC (dual-cure adhesive core material), and Argion Molar (silver-reinforced glass ionomer cement), were tested. A total of 120 specimens, half for the compressive strength (CS) test (6 mm in height, 4 mm in diameter) and the other half for the DTS test (6 mm in diameter, 3 mm in thickness), were prepared. The specimens were stored at room temperature in distilled water for 7 days. The Lloyd testing machine was used to load the specimens at a crosshead speed 0.5 cm/min, and the strength values were determined in MPa. RESULTS: The compressive and DTS test values (in MPa), respectively, of the materials were: Admira (361, 44); Filtek P60 (331, 55); Grandio (294, 53); Rebilda DC (279, 42); Duralloy (184, 40); and Argion Molar (107, 9). Kruskal-Wallis test was computed, and multiple comparisons test discerned many differences among materials (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Packable composite resin (Filtek P60), visible light cured nanohybrid resin composite (Grandio), and organically-modified ceramic (Admira) had higher compressive and DTS values than the other materials.     

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.     

Diametral tensile strength and Vickers hardness of a composite after storage in different solutions

This study evaluated the Vickers hardness (VHN) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of the composite Z100 (3M ESPE) cured with: Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen light curing unit (QTH) (700mW/cm2- 40 s) and Argon laser (1,000mW/cm2- 10 s). Specimens of 2 mm depth and 8 mm diameter were immersed for 30 days at 37 degrees C in different storage means: water, alcohol, acetic acid, propionic acid and dry (control). The DTS (n = 8) was determined with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The VHN (n = 8) test was carried out using a 50 g load for 60 s. Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). The relationship between VHN and DTS was observed by Pearson correlation. The light source was not significant in both tests (VHN: P < 0.18; DTS: P < 0.92), but the factor storage showed significance (P < .001). Mechanical properties of the control group were statistically superior to those of the other storage groups (VHN = 102.2; DTS = 42.3 MPa). The alcohol group showed the lowest VHN (93.3) and DTS (33.8 MPa) values, which were similar to values for propionic (VHN = 97.5; DTS = 35.9 MPa) and acetic acids (VHN = 97.8; DTS = 36.1 MPa), but different from that of water (VHN = 102.2; DTS = 42.3 MPa). The relationship between VHN and DTS values presented a positive correlation (r2 = 0.90; P < 0.01).     

Microwave oven drying of artificial stone

The compressive strength of various artificial stones were tested using air, oven, and microwave oven drying methods to compare the three for drying refractory casts. The microwave oven can be used for rapid drying of refractory casts in removable partial denture construction. However, it should not be used for drying extremely wet casts.     

Diametral tensile strength of composite resins submitted to different activation techniques

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diametral tensile strength (DTS) of composite resins submitted to different curing techniques. Four composite resins were tested in this study: Targis (Ivoclar), Solidex (Shofu), Charisma (Heraeus-Kulzer) and Filtek Z250 (3M Espe). Sixty-four cylindrical specimens were prepared and divided into eight groups according to each polymerization technique (n = 8). The indirect composite resins (Targis and Solidex) were polymerized with their respective curing systems (Targis Power and EDG-lux); Charisma and Filtek Z250 were light-cured with conventional polymerization (halogen light) and additionally, with post-curing systems. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C for one week. DTS tests were performed in a Universal Testing Machine (0.5 mm/min). The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan tests. The results were (MPa): Z250/EDG-lux: 69.04 feminine; Z250/Targis Power: 68.57 feminine; Z250/conventional polymerization: 60.75b; Charisma/Targis Power: 52.34c; Charisma/conventional polymerization: 49.17c; Charisma/EDG-lux: 47.98c; Solidex: 36.62d; Targis: 32.86d. The results reveal that the post-cured Z250 composite resin showed the highest DTS means. Charisma composite presented no significant differences when activation techniques were compared. Direct composite resins presented higher DTS values than indirect resins.     

Hardness and diametral tensile strength of a hybrid composite resin polymerized with different modes and immersed in ethanol or distilled water media

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microhardness and diametral tensile strength of a hybrid composite resin (Z250, 3M ESPE) polymerized with four different modes of light exposure and immersed in two different media. METHODS: Composite resin specimens were randomly polymerized according to the experimental groups (conventional, 550 mW/cm(2)/30 s; soft start, 300 mW/cm(2)/10 s + 550 mW/cm(2)/20 s; high intensity, 1060 mW/cm(2)/10 s; pulse delay, 550 mW/cm(2)/1 s + 60 s of waiting time + 550 mW/cm(2)/20 s) and immersed in one of two media (distilled water or absolute ethanol) for 24 h. After that, microhardness (M) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) tests were performed. RESULTS: For DTS, there were no statistical differences among the polymerization modes, however, ethanol medium groups presented statistically lower DTS (p < 0.05) than water medium. For the M test, samples immersed in ethanol medium presented lower M for almost all groups. Conventional mode presented higher M values for the groups immersed in water medium. In ethanol medium, conventional and pulse delay groups presented higher M values, statistically different (p < 0.05) from the high intensity group. For all experimental conditions, the top surface showed higher M than the bottom surface. SIGNIFICANCE: Different polymerization modes can be related to the different polymer structures formed, and consequently with different physical properties of resin composite. The immersion media can alter the physical properties of resin composites of different polymer structures.     

Antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and diametrical tensile strength of an interim cement modified with zinc oxide nanoparticles and terpenes: An in vitro study

Statement of problem

Interim restorations are occasionally left in the mouth for extended periods and are susceptible to bacterial infiltration. Thus, dental interim cements with antibacterial properties are required.

A comparison of the mechanical properties of a gallium-based alloy with a spherical high-copper amalgam.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate how the mechanical properties of a palladium free gallium-based alloy (Galloy) compare with a leading spherical high-copper amalgam (Tytin). METHODS: Cylindrical specimens were mechanically condensed, according to the ISO 1559:1986 standard, to measure compressive strength, Vickers hardness, static creep and dimensional change on setting. Disc and beam shaped specimens were manually prepared to assess the diametral tensile and flexural strengths of the investigated alloys. RESULTS: The mean hardness, 1h compressive fracture strength, 24 h diametral tensile and 24h flexural strengths of Galloy were significantly lower (P<0.001) than Tytin. No significant differences in modulus of elasticity, creep, dimensional change on setting, 24 and 168 h compressive fracture strength for the two alloys were identified. SIGNIFICANCE: The significant reduction in the 1 h mean compressive fracture strength and hardness identified for Galloy compared with Tytin possibly indicate a slower setting reaction in the gallium-based alloy. Manual condensation of the gallium-based alloy produced specimens with inferior mechanical properties possibly due to the increased likelihood of introducing voids within the test specimens. Previous reports indicating poor corrosion resistance and moisture sensitivity of gallium-based alloys highlight the need for further research to investigate the effect of the oral environment on the gallium-based alloy.