Effect of bleaching agents on the fluoride release and microhardness of dental materials

The use of bleaching agents has become a popular procedure for whitening teeth. Recently introduced polyacid-modified composite resins (compomers) have several favorable features, such as improved physical properties and fluoride release. Because these two materials have many possibilities to interact in the oral cavity during dental treatment, it is necessary to understand such interaction. To evaluate the effect of a bleaching agent on dental restoratives, three compomers were photopolymerized and then bleached for 1, 2, 3 and 5 days with the use of 30% hydrogen peroxide. Fluoride release, surface microhardness, and surface modifications were evaluated. It was found that the cumulative fluoride release was found to be linearly correlated to the tested periods of bleaching in all compomers. Among the tested compomers, F2000 showed the highest cumulative fluoride release. Bleached compomers became soft because of surface degradation, so the surface microhardness decreased. F2000 showed an apparent crack formation that was not observed in other compomers. The nearly linear correlation between the filler content and microhardness was found in the control samples. However, the same correlation was not observed after the compomers were stored in a bleaching agent or distilled water.     

Effect of light-curing method on marginal adaptation, microleakage, and microhardness of composite restorations

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different light-curing methods on microleakage, marginal adaptation, and microhardness of composite restorations. Slot-type preparations were made in bovine teeth, with gingival margins on dentin. Specimens were divided into 12 groups (n = 12) according to composite-light-curing unit (LCU) combinations. Three composites were used: Filtek Supreme, Herculite XRV, and Heliomolar. All restorations were placed using the same adhesive. Four LCUs were used: a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) LCU (Optilux 501), a first-generation light-emitting diode (LED) LCU (FreeLight 1), and two second-generation LED LCUs (FreeLight 2 and Translux Power Blue). After finishing and polishing, specimens were subjected to mechanical load cycling (100,000 cycles). Gingival margin adaptation was determined as a function of gap formation using epoxy replicas. Microleakage was evaluated by measuring dye penetration across the gingival wall in cross-sectioned specimens. Microhardness was measured as Knoop Hardness number (KHN) at different occluso-gingival locations in cross-sectioned specimens. Data were analyzed for statistical significance (p = 0.05) using appropriate statistical tests. Marginal adaptation was affected by load-cycling in most specimens, but no significant differences were observed among composites and LCUs. Microleakage was not affected by LCU, except for Heliomolar specimens which when cured with Optilux 501 resulted in higher microleakage scores than those obtained with the other LCUs. For microhardness, Translux Power Blue generally produced the highest values and the FreeLight 1 produced the lowest. The performance of the second-generation LED LCUs generally was similar to that of the QTH control, and better than that of the first-generation LED unit.     

Microstructure, microhardness, and biocompatibility characteristics of yttrium hydroxyapatite doped with fluoride

The current study focused on doping of hydroxyapatite (HA) with constant yttrium (Y(3+) ) and varying fluoride (F(-) ) compositions to investigate its microstructure, microhardness, and biocompatibility. HA was synthesized by precipitation method and sintered at 1100°C for 1 h. Y(3+) and F(-) ion dopings resulted in changes in densities. In x-ray diffraction analysis, no secondary phase formation was observed. Lattice parameters decreased upon ion substitutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that ion addition resulted in smaller grains. In Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, F(-) ion substitution was confirmed. HA doped with 2.5% Y(3+) and 1% F(-) exhibited the highest microhardness. Y(3+) and F(-) ions improved Saos-2 cell proliferation on discs in Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assay. In SEM analysis, cells attached and proliferated on all disc surfaces. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay showed that cell differentiation on the discs was improved by doping HA with an optimum F(-) amount. Dissolution tests revealed that structural stability of HA was improved with F(-) ion incorporation. The dissolution behavior of fluoridated samples exhibited a parallel pattern with the cell proliferation and differentiation behavior on these samples. Overall, this work shows that fluoride and yttrium cosubstitution into HA HA2.5Y1F was the most promising material for biomedical applications.     

Evaluation of dye penetrations around two resin-based materials used as fissure sealants

Two materials, based on Bis GMA resin, which may be used as fissure sealants were evaluated for dye penetration between sealant and enamel. The conventional fissure sealant (Durafil Flow) showed the greatest degree of dye penetration in the largest number of specimens. The penetration of the dye was less extensive when a filled resin (P30) was used. The use of a dentine adhesive together with the filled resin further reduced the penetration of the dye. The number of teeth exhibiting leakage with this treatment was the smallest noted.     

Variability of cytotoxicity and leaching of substances from four light-curing pit and fissure sealants.

It was the aim of our study to investigate the composition and cytotoxicity of aqueous extracts of four light-curing pit and fissure sealants. Water extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and relative quantities of identified compounds were compared by means of an internal caffeine standard [%CF]. Cytotoxic effects due to medium extracts were determined by means of permanent 3T3 fibroblasts. All light-curing pit and fissure sealants segregated different ingredients into water, such as co-monomers (mainly ethylene glycol compounds) and initiating substances (e.g., camphorquinone). Bisphenol-A, however, which is easily detected by GC/MS, was not found in any of the analyzed eluates. The extracts of three sealants inhibited monolayer growth only moderately whereas the eluate of one product inhibited cell proliferation significantly. In the extracts of this sealant high quantities [%CF] of the co-monomer TEGDMA were detected. Our results indicate that light-curing pit and fissure sealants release substances into aqueous media that may induce cytotoxic effects. However, no concerns about potential estrogenic effects of Bisphenol-A are supported by our results.     

Compressive strength,fluoride release and recharge of fluoride-releasing materials

The compressive strength, fluoride releases and recharge profiles of 15 commercial fluoride-releasing restorative materials have been studied. The materials include glass ionomers (Fuji IX, Ketac Molar, Ketac Silver, and Miracle Mix), resin-modified glass ionomers (Fuji II LC Improved, Photac-Fil, and Vitremer), compomers (Compoglass, Dyract AP, F2000, and Hytac) and composite resins (Ariston pHc, Solitaire, Surefil and Tetric Ceram). A negative linear correlation was found between the compressive strength and fluoride release (r(2)=0.7741), i.e., restorative materials with high fluoride release have lower mechanical properties. The fluoride-releasing ability can be partially regenerated or recharged by using a topical fluoride agent. In general, materials with higher initial fluoride release have higher recharge capability (r(2)=0.7088). Five equations have been used in curve fitting to describe the cumulative fluoride release from different materials. The equation [F](c)=[F](I)(1-e(-bt))+betat best describes the cumulative fluoride release for most glass ionomers, resin-modified glass ionomers, and some high fluoride-releasing compomers and composites, whereas [F](c)=[F](I)/(t(1/2)+t)+alphat best describes the cumulative fluoride release for most compomers and composite resins. The clinic applications of different fluoride-releasing materials have also been discussed.     

Development of adhesive pit and fissure sealants using a MMA resin initiated by a tri-n-butyl borane derivative

A new adhesive fissure sealant, which consists of a solution of 3% 2-hydroxy-3-beta-naphthoxypropyl methacrylate in methyl methacrylate (MMA), poly-MMA powder and an oxidized tri-n-butyl borane, a polymerization initiator, was developed. Tensile bond strength between an acid-etched bovine enamel and a poly-MMA bar joined by this sealant was 60 kg/cm2, and the value did not decrease much after 30 days immersion in water at 37 degrees C. Penetration of fuchsin into the sealant-enamel interface during a percolation test was not observed. SEM observation showed no voids between the enamel and the cured sealant.     

Strength and fluoride release characteristics of a calcium fluoride based dental nanocomposite

Secondary caries and restoration fracture remain the two most common problems in restorative dentistry. Release of fluoride ions (F) could be a substantial benefit because F could enrich neighboring enamel or dentin to combat caries. The objective of this study was to incorporate novel CaF(2) nanoparticles into dental resin to develop stress-bearing, F-releasing nanocomposite. CaF(2) nanoparticles, prepared in our laboratories for the first time, were combined with reinforcing whisker fillers in a resin. Flexural strength (mean+/-sd; n=6) was 110+/-11MPa for the composite containing 30% CaF(2) and 35% whiskers by mass. It matched the 108+/-19MPa of a stress-bearing, non-releasing commercial composite (Tukey's at 0.05). The composite containing 20% CaF(2) had a cumulative F release of 2.34+/-0.26mmol/L at 10weeks. The initial F release rate was 2mug/(hcm(2)), and the sustained release rate after 10weeks was 0.29mug/(hcm(2)). These values exceeded the reported releases of traditional and resin-modified glass ionomer materials. In summary, nanocomposites were developed with relatively high strength as well as sustained release of fluoride ions, a combination not available in current materials. These strong and F-releasing composites may yield restorations that can reduce the occurrence of both secondary caries and restoration fracture.     

Kinetics of fluoride release from zinc oxide-based cements

Considerable attention has been given to the release of the cariostatic fluoride ion from glass-based dental cements (dental silicate and glass ionomer). In these, the total available fluoride content is not precisely known since fluorine is distributed between the cross-linked aqueous salt matrix, partially dissolved glass, and undissolved glass. In analogous cements based on zinc oxide the fluoride is added as highly soluble SnF2. The object of this study is to compare the F- ion release profiles of commercial zinc polycarboxylate and zinc phosphate containing 4.4 and 3.6% SnF2, respectively. Mixed cements were clamped in split ring moulds to produce discs of 10 mm x 1 mm after storage at 37 degrees C for 1 h. Each was weighed and immersed in 10 ml of deionised water. When this changed, at 13 time intervals up to 98 days, the fluoride content was measured using an ion selective electrode. The mean (N = 3) values obtained were expressed cumulatively [F] in micromol F ion/g cement. The total [F] released was 111 for the zinc polycarboxylate and 286 for zinc phosphate compared with total F in the cements of 561 and 464, respectively. When the cumulative [F] was plotted versus t(1/2) close associations were found for both cements. For the polycarboxylate the regression line [F] = 10.6t(1/2) + 9.9 fitted well over the whole 98 days (R = 0.997). For the phosphate a better fit regression line was obtained using results up to 32 days only; [F] = 36.8t(1/2) - 8.4 (R = 0.999). For t > 32 days results increasingly deviated from this line. These results fitted a regression line of the form [F] = 81.7log(e) t - 87.3 (R = 0.9997). Comparisons are made with data from previous authors both for zinc phosphate cement and glass-based cements and with diffusion theory of F ion release. It is concluded that zinc-based cements provide some indications of how glass-based cements may behave over long periods of release and that zinc phosphate is the material of clinical choice for orthodontic cementation if maximal fluoride release is the prime criterion.     

Enamel microhardness after in vitro demineralization and role of different restorative materials

This study aimed to evaluate the extension of enamel demineralization around the margin of restorations after immersion in cariogenic solution, in an attempt to define the role of new restorative materials in preventing secondary caries formation. For this purpose, enamel microhardness was measured. Twelve class V restorations in human extracted third molars were prepared in vitro and immersed in a demineralizing solution (lactic acid, pH 4.5) at 37 degrees C for 3 days to simulate the formation of secondary caries and its effect on the marginal integrity of composite restorations. The restorative systems tested in the study were Scotchbond 1 + Z 250 (group A), ABF + APX (group B), Fuji IX (group C), SE Bond + APX (group D), and Scotchbond 1 + F 2000 (group E). The microhardness was measured close to the margin of restoration (marginal exposed enamel), at 2.0 mm from the margin (exposed enamel), and at approximately 4 mm from the margin in a varnish-covered enamel area (protected enamel). Five measurements were made on each site at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 microm depth from the external enamel surface. Exposed enamel and marginal exposed enamel were greatly affected by the cariogenic solution, as confirmed by the high rate of demineralization. The marginal exposed enamel showed a higher rate of demineralization than the exposed enamel, as demonstrated by the lowest microhardness values. The materials that claimed fluoride release did not prevent any type of enamel marginal alteration. This study revealed that enamel close to the margin of restoration may be rapidly affected by secondary caries formation when immersed in a demineralizing-cariogenic solution and that fluoride-releasing materials are unable to reduce the marginal demineralization processes. These demineralization processes may be responsible for marginal secondary caries and for restoration failures.     

Enamel microhardness after in vitro demineralization and role of different restorative materials

This study aimed to evaluate the extension of enamel demineralization around the margin of restorations after immersion in cariogenic solution, in an attempt to define the role of new restorative materials in preventing secondary caries formation. For this purpose, enamel microhardness was measured. Twelve class V restorations in human extracted third molars were prepared in vitro and immersed in a demineralizing solution (lactic acid, pH 4.5) at 37°C for 3 days to simulate the formation of secondary caries and its effect on the marginal integrity of composite restorations. The restorative systems tested in the study were Scotchbond 1 + Z 250 (group A), ABF + APX (group B), Fuji IX (group C), SE Bond + APX (group D), and Scotchbond 1 + F 2000 (group E). The microhardness was measured close to the margin of restoration (marginal exposed enamel), at 2.0 mm from the margin (exposed enamel), and at approximately 4 mm from the margin in a varnish-covered enamel area (protected enamel). Five measurements were made on each site at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 μm depth from the external enamel surface. Exposed enamel and marginal exposed enamel were greatly affected by the cariogenic solution, as confirmed by the high rate of demineralization. The marginal exposed enamel showed a higher rate of demineralization than the exposed enamel, as demonstrated by the lowest microhardness values. The materials that claimed fluoride release did not prevent any type of enamel marginal alteration. This study revealed that enamel close to the margin of restoration may be rapidly affected by secondary caries formation when immersed in a demineralizing-cariogenic solution and that fluoride-releasing materials are unable to reduce the marginal demineralization processes. These demineralization processes may be responsible for marginal secondary caries and for restoration failures.     

烤瓷熔附金属全冠边缘微渗漏与两种角度肩台影响的比较

背景：肩台的形态将直接关系到患者基牙的健康和最终修复体的质量。 目的：采用循环加载和温度循环试验观察两种肩台制备后的烤瓷熔附金属全冠冠边缘的微渗漏程度。 方法：选年龄40-50岁因牙周炎导致拔除的新鲜磨牙40颗,随机分成两组。以标准备牙的要求制作烤瓷熔附金属全冠,将肩台分别制备成120°和90°。通过体外实验,对两种肩台制备后的烤瓷熔附金属全冠行循环加载和温度循环试验,测试其冠边缘微渗漏的程度。 结果与结论：循环加载和温度循环试验显示,无论是唇侧边缘还是舌侧边缘,120°型肩台设计更容易引起微渗漏,而90°型肩台颈缘微渗漏机会小。说明烤瓷熔附金属全冠修复体颈缘设计以90°型肩台较为理想,微渗漏机会小。     

51Cr release cytotoxicity assay evaluated with fluoride and cadmium

The sensitivity of the⁵¹Cr release assay was evaluated with two known cytotoxic agents; fluoride and cadmium. The sensitivity was far less than that of other assays, e.g. growth inhibition of cultured cells, and additionally a two-peaked dose-response curve was found with cadmium.     

The effects of adding fluoride compounds to a fluoride-free glass ionomer cement on subsequent fluoride and sodium release

Studies have shown that ions in a glass ionomer matrix are 1-10% of the amounts present in the original glass. To measure more precisely the release from a cement matrix, known amounts of ions were added to LG30 glass which was fluoride and sodium-free. Cement without additions acted as the control. 1.4-1.6% of each of sodium, calcium and aluminum fluorides were added to three portions of control blend. The sodium and fluoride release into deionised water from five discs of each cements blend was measured for 8 months. This represented complete release for sodium but not for fluoride. Traces of fluoride and sodium in the glass produced low but measurable amounts indicating about a third of the fluoride and substantially all sodium present in LG30 was released. The addition of calcium fluoride had no significant effect on sodium or fluoride release and aluminium fluoride minimal effects. Adding sodium fluoride significantly enhanced release of both ions although fluoride release was less than from a glass containing 5% fluoride. Only small proportions of the additions, 2-5% of the fluoride and 13% of sodium, were released. Sodium and fluoride appeared to be released independently. For LG30 cements additives were poor at supplying extra ions.     

Controlled release of fluoride in connection with dental composite resins

A delivery system of F⁻ in connection with dental restorations was tested. The system utilized the gap space which often exists between the restorative material and the tooth structure. A known quantity of fluoride compound was placed at a site within prepared plastic cavity blocks prior to restoring with composite resins. It was found that each specimen exhibited a unique steady-state release of F⁻ during a certain period of the experiment. The rate and duration of the steady-state release of fluoride were independent of the types of composites used. This phenomenon was explained in terms of the gap size which could have been influenced by the manipulation and the nature of the materials. The benefit of this delivery system in dental application is its ability to maintain a high concentration of F⁻ within the gap.     

不同树脂黏结剂对纤维桩冠向微渗漏及黏结强度的影响

背景：目前国内外对全酸蚀、自酸蚀及自黏结树脂黏结剂对纤维桩的冠向微渗漏及黏结强度影响的研究仍存在差异。 目的：评价全酸蚀、自酸蚀及自黏结3种树脂黏结剂对纤维桩黏固后冠向微渗漏及黏结强度影响。 方法：将32颗人离体上前牙随机分成5组,其中3组为实验组,2组为对照组。实验组离体牙经根管预备后,选用全酸蚀、自酸蚀及自黏结3种树脂黏结剂分别黏结直径为1.4 mm的玻璃纤维桩。体视显微镜下观察试件各剖面的微渗漏情况,再将实验组试件沿垂直牙长轴方向切成厚度为2 mm的薄片,万能材料测试机进行微推出实验,并观察试件断裂方式。阳性对照组不进行根管预备,根部涂布指甲油,冠部直接暴露于染色剂中;阴性对照组不进行根管预备,树脂覆盖根管口,将牙体整体涂布指甲油后黏蜡包埋至截面下1 mm。 结果与结论：各种树脂黏结剂均存在微渗漏现象,其中全酸蚀树脂黏结剂的微渗漏程度最轻,自酸蚀树脂黏结剂的微渗漏程度最重。3种树脂黏结剂间的微渗漏程度差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05)。黏结剂间的黏结强度由高到低分别为全酸蚀树脂黏结剂、自酸蚀树脂黏结剂、自黏结树脂黏结剂,3种黏结剂的黏结强度差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05)。试件的主要断裂方式为黏结剂/纤维桩间断裂及混合破坏。说明全酸蚀树脂黏结剂与牙本质结合紧密,与自酸蚀树脂黏结剂、自黏结树脂黏结剂比较在微渗漏程度及黏结性能方面显示出优越性。     

The release of fluoride and other chemical species from a glass-ionomer cement

The elution of fluoride, sodium and silica from a glass-ionomer cement was studied for 598 days. It was found that these species were still being released when the experiments were concluded, however, the rate of release was much diminished. The release of fluoride, sodium and silica was incongruent. Only fluoride associated with sodium appeared to be available for release.     

Amelogenin-assisted ex vivo remineralization of human enamel: Effects of supersaturation degree and fluoride concentration

The formation of organized nanocrystals that resemble enamel is crucial for successful enamel remineralization. Calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions, and amelogenin are important ingredients for the formation of organized hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystals in vitro. However, the effects of these remineralization agents on the enamel crystal morphology have not been thoroughly studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of fluoride ions, supersaturation degree and amelogenin on the crystal morphology and organization of ex vivo remineralized human enamel. Extracted third molars were sliced thin and acid-etched to provide the enamel surface for immersion in different remineralization solutions. The crystal morphology and mineral phase of the remineralized enamel surface were analyzed by field emission-scanning electron microscopy, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transformed infrared and X-ray diffraction. The concentration of fluoride and the supersaturation degree of hydroxyapatite had significant effects on the crystal morphology and crystal organization, which varied from plate-like loose crystals to rod-like densely packed nanocrystal arrays. Densely packed arrays of fluoridated hydroxyapatite nanorods were observed under the following conditions: σ(HAP)=10.2±2.0 with 1.5±0.5 mg l(-1) fluoride and 40±10 μg ml(-1) amelogenin, pH 6.8±0.4. A phase diagram summarizes the conditions that form dense or loose hydroxyapatite nanocrystal structures. This study provides the basis for the development of novel dental materials for caries management.     

Histomorphometric and microhardness assessments of sheep cortical bone surrounding titanium implants with different surface treatments

Several factors influence the healing process and the long-term mechanical stability of cementless fixed implants, such as bone remodeling and mineralization processes. Histomorphometric and bone hardness measurements were taken in implants inserted in sheep femoral cortical bone at different times to compare the in vivo osseointegration of titanium screws (diam.; 3.5 x 7 mm length) with the following surface treatments: machined (Ti-MA); acid-etched (Ti-HF); HA vacuum plasma spray (Ti-HA); and Ca-P anodization followed by a hydrothermal treatment (Ti-AM/HA). Ti-MA and Ti-AM/HA implants presented the lowest (Ra = 0.20 +/- 0.01 microm) and highest (Ra = 1.97 +/- 0.64 microm) significant (p < 0.0005) roughness value, respectively. Bone-to-implant contact of Ti-HF was lower than that of the other surface treatments at both experimental times (8 weeks: -20%, ns; 12 weeks: -30%, p < 0.01). Significant differences in MAR (mineral apposition rate) were also found between the different experimental times for Ti-MA (115%, p < 0.01) and Ti-HF (57%, p < 0.01), demonstrating that bone growth had slowed inside the screw threads of Ti-HA and Ti-AM/HA after 12 weeks. No bone microhardness changes in preexisting host bone were found, while Ti-MA showed the lowest value for the inner thread area at 8 weeks (HV(200 microm)= 49.8 +/- 3.8 HV). These findings confirm that osseointegration may be accelerated by adequate surface roughness and bioactive ceramic coating such as Ca-P anodization followed by a hydrothermal treatment, which enhance bone interlocking and mineralization.