Effects of pH on the dentin surface.

A microleakage and scanning electron microscope (SEM) study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of acidic primers on prepared dentin surfaces. The microleakage study revealed that no significant differences were noted between the five materials tested in regard to leakage at enamel and dentin margins. SEM analyses revealed that the smear layers of all specimens were altered in some manner. Further long-term clinical studies should be conducted to evaluate acidic treatment of dentin.     

Effects of chemical pretreatments on dentin bonding

The aim of this study was to evaluate several chemical pretreatments on the shear bond strength of three dentin bonding agents (DBAs) and to try to correlate dentin morphology with bond strength using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The DBAs tested were: Gluma Primer in association with Scotchbond DC, Scotchbond DC alone and Clearfil New Bond. Bond strengths of Scotchbond DC and Clearfil New Bond were not significantly modified or reduced by acidic dentin pretreatments. Gluma/Scotchbond adhesion was increased by several treatments but only maleic acid treatment produced shear bond strengths significantly higher than EDTA treatment. SEM evaluation of dentin treatments revealed a wide variety of morphological changes in the dentin surface with partial and complete removal of smear layer by acidic solutions, and only minor modification by amino acid solutions. Only maleic acid was capable of the complete removal of the smear layer and smear plugs coupled with extensive exposure of dentin collagen fibrils.     

Ultra-morphological characteristics of dentin surfaces after different preparations and treatments

Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), this study investigated the characteristics of smear layers after preparation of dentin surfaces using different methods. In addition, this study analyzed, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the interactions of smear layers with the various acidic agents used subsequently to treat the dentin surface. Mid-coronal dentin surfaces were prepared according to one of five instrumentation methods: fracture; grinding with carbide bur; grinding with regular-grit diamond bur; grinding with superfine-grit diamond bur; or grinding with 600-grit silicon carbide (SiC) abrasive paper. Then, each prepared dentin surface was further divided into control (no further treatment) or treatment with one of the following agents: phosphoric acid solution (PAS); phosphoric acid gel (PAG); Clearfil SE Bond 2 Primer (SE2); or Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SBU). Longitudinal ultra-thin sections were made for TEM observations. Dentin discs, representing each surface preparation and treatment method described above, were created, and the morphology was examined by SEM. The TEM results revealed differences in thickness and denseness of the smear layer, according to the different methods of instrumentation used to prepare the dentin surface. The two forms of phosphoric acid completely removed the smear layer in all groups. Agglomerated silica particles were observed on the top of the collagen layer after etching with PAG. For all dentin surfaces, except for that prepared with SiC, SE2 demonstrated better etching efficacy on different smear layers, whereas SBU provided only superficial interaction.     

Incompatibility of oxalate desensitizers with acidic, fluoride-containing total-etch adhesives

The use of oxalate desensitizers on acid-etched dentin prior to adhesive application can result in subsurface tubular occlusion by calcium oxalate crystals. However, the solubility of calcium oxalate increases in acidic solution. We hypothesized that total-etch adhesives can, depending upon their pH, interact with oxalate-desensitizer-treated dentin in an adverse manner. Acid-etched human dentin treated with 2 oxalate desensitizers (BisBlock and Super Seal) was bonded with 4 simplified total-etch adhesives: One-Step (OS), Single Bond (SB), OptiBond Solo Plus (OB), and Prime&Bond NT (PB). Composite-dentin beams were examined by SEM and TEM, both of which revealed numerous spherical globules on OB- and PB-bonded, desensitizer-treated dentin, but not in OS or SB samples. Bond strengths produced by OB and PB were significantly lower in oxalate-treated specimens than those produced by OS or SB. These surface globules may have interfered with hybridization of demineralized dentin with OB and PB resins and caused compromised bond strengths.     

Gap formation between different cavity walls and resin composite systems on primary and permanent teeth

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of five self-etching and etch-rinse dentin-bonding agents in achieving a gap-free adaptation between the restorative material and the dentin in primary and permanent teeth. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Gaps located at the restoration dentin interface were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: There were more gaps on the corner of the cavities, but no significant difference was detected between different cavity walls (p>0,05). Statistical results of the SEM analysis revealed fewer gaps in the restorations made with self-etching dentin bonding agents than etch-rinse agents at the restoration-dentin interface in both primary and permanent teeth. CONCLUSION: Self-etching bonding systems were preferable in primary and permanent teeth according to the results of this study. However, further studies should be conducted to determine a favorable strategy to eliminate the gaps on the corners of cavities and maintain a gap-free adaptation between resin composite and tooth structure.     

Adhesion of a new commercial self-etching/self-priming bonding resin to human caries-infected dentin

We have examined the adhesive properties of a new commercial self-etching/self-priming bonding resin (Unifil Bond, UB) to normal and caries-infected dentin of human extracted molars using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a micto-tensile bonding strength (MTBS) test. In this study, 7 human extracted molars with moderate occlusal caries were used, and flat surfaces including occlusal dentin caries were prepared from the teeth. After the application of UB to the surfaces, a composite resin was built up, and subjected to the measurement of MTBS and SEM observation of the interfacial morphology between UB and dentin. The MTBS of UB to normal dentin was 33.4 MPa, but that to caries-infected dentin was 11.0 MPa. There was a significant difference between the MTBS to normal and carious dentin. SEM observation revealed that the typical hybrid layer was not formed in caries-infected dentin. These results suggested that resin infiltration into caries-infected dentin was not sufficient to allow perfect sealing of the restoration.     

Morphology and chemical composition of dentin in permanent first molars with the diagnose MIH

The purpose of this investigation was to study the morphology and distribution of some inorganic elements in dentin in first permanent molars from children with Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH). Sixty four tooth sections from thirty two children were examined in polarized light. Fifteen representative sections were selected for SEM/XRMA analysis; 5 were used for SEM analysis and 10 for XRMA analysis. No morphological changes in the dentin were revealed in polarized light microscopy (PLM). However, in all but two sections interglobular dentin was found. The SEM analyzes confirmed the findings of the PLM with no structural changes to be found in the dentin. The XRMA results showed a difference in the concentration of elements between dentin below normal and dentin below carious or hypomineralized enamel. Elements related to organic matter appeared with higher values in dentin below hypomineralized and carious enamel. The morphological and chemical findings in dentin below hypomineralized enamel imply that the odontoblasts are not affected in cases of MIH, but may be affected by hypocalcemia, reflected by the presence of interglobular dentin.     

Effect of various pretreatments for dentin bonding on dentin permeability

Pretreatment of the dentinal surface with acidic solution is now considered to be necessary to obtain strong bonding between dentin and resin materials. Effects of various surface treatments for dentin bonding on dentinal smear removal have been reported by SEM observation. In this study, changes of dentin permeability after the surface treatments were measured using Pashley's technique. Forty-second treatments with either phosphoric acid gel, aqueous phosphoric acid, 10-3 solution or aqueous 10-20 Ca solution (10% citric acid containing 20% CaCl2) produced greater increases in dentin permeability compared with the treatments using either 10-20 Ca gel, Tenure Conditioner, Scotchprep or Gluma 2 for 40 seconds. Treatments with primers including adhesive monomers such as Scotchprep and Mirage Conditioner also increased the dentin permeability by removal of the smear layers and smear plugs. Application of a bonding agent (Clearfil Photobond) for 1 minute did not remove the smear plugs and the dentin permeability remained the same as before the treatment. The changes in dentin permeability were not predictable by SEM observation in some cases.     

Collagen degradation in endodontically treated teeth after clinical function

Endodontically treated teeth restored with posts are susceptible to coronal leakage after long-term function. We hypothesize that demineralized collagen matrices (DCMs) created in dentin by acidic zinc phosphate cement within the dowel spaces degrade with time. Forty-two post-restored teeth were extracted after three periods of clinical service and were examined, by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy, for the status of the DCMs. SEM revealed a progressive degradation of the DCMs, becoming less dense after 3 to 5 years, losing structural integrity after 6 to 9 years, and partially disappearing after 10 to 12 years. TEM revealed evidence of collagenolytic activity within the DCMs, with loss of cross-banding and unraveling into microfibrils, and gelatinolytic activity that resulted in disintegration of the microfibrils. Bacterial colonization and the release of bacterial enzymes and of host-derived matrix metalloproteinases may contribute to the degradation of collagen fibrils in root dentin after clinical function.     

Normalisation of calcium status reverses the phenotype in dentin, but not in enamel of VDR-deficient mice

Objective

To determine the effects of vitamin D receptor (VDR) deficiency on mouse dentin and enamel mineralisation, and how normalisation of serum calcium level affects dentin and enamel phenotypes in VDR knockout mice.

Materials and methods

Groups of VDR wild-type (VDR+/+), VDR deficient (VDR−/−) and VDR−/− rescued mice were sacrificed at 70.5 days of life. The rescued group was established by a high-calcium diet feeding the VDR−/− mice from postnatal 19 days. Micro-CT was used to compare enamel and dentin mineralisation density (MD) at different levels of mandibular incisors among the groups. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the ultrastructure of the enamel and dentin in the corresponding levels and of surface enamel after acidic treatment.

Results

Micro-CT showed that in VDR−/− rescued group, dentin phenotype was reversed and dentin MD was reversed to normal; however, enamel mineralisation was not reversible, and remained as hypermineralisation in molar region and apical region of the incisors. SEM also revealed enamel hypermineralisation in the VDR−/− rescued group. This early enamel hypermineralisation was more susceptible to acidic erosion.

Conclusion

Vitamin D affects dentin mineralisation systemically, and it regulates enamel mineralisation locally.     

Comparison of depth of dentin etching and resin infiltration with single-step adhesive systems

OBJECTIVES: Adhesion of resin composites to dentin is currently believed to result from impregnation of adhesive resin into superficially demineralized dentin. The purpose of this study was to use micro-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the extent of resin penetration into etched dentin with single-step adhesive systems. METHODS: Adhesive systems used were One-Up Bond F (Tokuyama Dental) and Reactmer Bond (Shofu, Inc.). A self-etching primer system Mac Bond II (Tokuyama Dental) was employed as a control. Resin composites were bonded to bovine dentin with the adhesive systems, and specimens were sectioned parallel to dentinal tubules. Raman spectra were successively recorded along a line perpendicular to the dentin-adhesive interface in steps of 0.2 microm and the spectra were obtained. SEM observations of the resin-dentin interface were also conducted. RESULTS: The dentin-resin interface of single-step adhesive systems showed a gradual transition in the relative amount of adhesive from the resin side to dentin side. The widths of resin penetration into demineralized dentin detected by Raman microscopy were greater than those obtained by the morphological analysis using SEM. CONCLUSIONS: From the results of this study, a gradual variation in the composition of the dentin-resin interface was detected, and the degree of resin impregnation observed with SEM observation was less than that detected with the Raman microscopy.     

SEM study on the dentin and cementum of oreodont teeth

An SEM study on the dental hard tissue was conducted on the canines and molars removed from a fossil oreodont. The orthodentin was densely distributed with dentinal tubules measuring 2.2 microns in diameter; the tubules were filled with their related odontoblastic processes. They coursed in a parabolic fashion from the pulpal aspect towards the tooth surface. There were many fine lateral offshoots that branched from the tubules, such that the mantle dentin measuring 50 microns in thickness was mostly distributed with these terminal branches measuring 0.7 micron in diameter. However, they did not intrude into the enamel to form spindles and rods. SEM study indicated that the uneven surface of the tubular wall was due to a crisscross of the underneath dentinal matricial fibers, and the peritubular dentin was not observed. The superficial circumpulpal dentin was distributed with interglobular dentin, while the radicular dentin beneath the cementum was additionally distributed with a granular layer. We also observed concentric lamellae corresponding to incremental lines in the dentin, as well as a flat wavy dentinoenamel junction. We noticed the radicular dentin was covered with an acellular cementum except at the apical portion, where it was paved with cellular cementum.     

Effect of pulse duration of Er: YAG laser on dentin ablation

The present study examined the effects on dentin ablation efficiency arising from various pulse durations of Er: YAG laser at a fixed energy fluence. Ten flat human dentin disks were prepared and exposed to an Er: YAG laser at 1 pps for three seconds at pulse durations of 100-500 microsec with 150 mJ/pulse (40.0 J/cm x pulse). The depth and diameter of the ablated dentin were measured and the ablation volume was estimated. Irradiated surfaces and cross-sections were observed using a SEM. Depth of the removed dentin increased and the diameter of the spot decreased without a change in the estimated volume at increased pulse durations. SEM observation of the irradiated surfaces revealed that there were no morphological differences when the pulse duration was changed. When the specimens were cross-sectioned, the ablated dentin had a dome shape and there was a dark layer under the irradiated surface.     

Effects of dentin surface treatments on the shear bond strength of Vitrabond.

The influences of nine dentin surface treatments were evaluated on the shear bond strength of a new light-cured glass-ionomer cement (GIC) and on the SEM morphology of the treated dentin surfaces. The following treatments were performed: saline solution (control), NaOCl, acidic glycine, EDTA, malic acid, malic acid plus glycine, polyacrylic acid, tannic acid, and neutral+acidic oxalate solutions. Buccal dentin surfaces were polished with #320-grit abrasive paper, treated with one of the chemicals, washed, and air-dried. Cylindrical GIC samples were then applied to the dentin surface, stored in 100% humidity, and tested after 24 h. SEM observations demonstrated no effect of saline or NaOCl treatment on the smear layer but its complete removal with exposure of collagen fibrils after malic or malic acid plus glycine treatment. Partial removal of the smear layer occurred following glycine treatment and with tannic or polyacrylic acids. Complete removal of the smear layer was seen after EDTA or pyruvic acid treatment. Oxalate treatment produced a layer of crystals, which completely covered the dentin surface. Shear bond strength of GIC was significantly increased only by treatment with the oxalate solutions.     

Protective effects of cavity liners on dentin

Smear layers are very soluble in acidic solutions. Removal of smear layers increases dentin permeability and the potential for pulpal irritation. In this study, smear layers were treated with either saline, Barrier, Copalite, LC-Scotchbond, Hydroxyline, or DDS 1 & 2 to determine how well they protected the dentin from subsequent acid attack with 37% phosphoric acid for two minutes. Using both SEM and permeability measurements, the materials were ranked from least to most effective as: Saline less than Barrier = Copalite less than Hydroxyline = Scotchbond = DDS 1 & 2.     

Interaction of glass-ionomer cements with moist dentin

Glass-ionomer cements (GICs) are regarded as aqueous gels made up of polyalkenoic acid salts containing ion-leachable glass fillers. The consequence of water permeation across the GIC-dentin interface is unknown. This study used SEM, field-emission/environmental SEM (FE-ESEM), and TEM to examine the ultrastructure of GIC-bonded moist dentin. Dentin surfaces bonded with 6 auto-cured GICs were examined along the fractured GIC-dentin interfaces. Additional specimens fractured 3 mm away from the interfaces were used as controls. SEM revealed spherical bodies along GIC-dentin interfaces that resembled hollow eggshells. FE-SEM depicted similar bodies with additional solid cores. Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis and TEM showed that the spherical bodies consisted of a silicon-rich GIC phase that was absent from the air-voids in the controls. The GIC inclusions near dentin surfaces result from a continuation of the GI reaction, within air-voids of the original polyalkenoate matrix, that occurred upon water diffusion from moist dentin.     

Effect of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate pre-treatment on micro-tensile bond strength of resin composite to demineralized dentin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) application on the micro-tensile bond strength of resin composite to demineralized dentin. Artificially demineralized lesions were formed on bovine dentin surfaces and treated with 10, 30, 50, 70 and 100 wt% HEMA aqueous solution. The surfaces were then applied and covered with SE Bond and AP-X according to the manufacturer's instruction. After immersion in 37 degrees C water for 24 h, bond strength were measured using a universal testing machine. Bond strengths to both demineralized dentin and normal dentin, without HEMA application, were also measured. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis at the resin-dentin interface were also performed. The bond strength data were statistically compared with anova and Scheffe's test (P < 0.05). Bond strength to demineralized dentin treated with over 30 wt% HEMA aqueous solution were significantly higher than that to demineralized dentin without HEMA application, but significantly lower than that to normal dentin. SEM observation revealed that the hybrid layer and resin-tags thickened and lengthened with HEMA application. In CLSM, the diffusion of adhesive primer into demineralized dentin increased with HEMA application. These results indicated that HEMA application might increase the bond strength to demineralized dentin by the enhancement of resin monomer penetration of HEMA.     

Scanning electron microscopic analysis of dentin in vitamin D-resistant rickets--assessment of mineralization and correlation with clinical findings.

In vitamin D-resistant rickets, the basic dental defect is manifested in dentin. Structural investigations of rachitic dentin by light and scanning electron microscopy have revealed the presence of calcospherites separated by interglobular dentin. This occurs when calcospherites do not fuse. This study investigated the morphology and ultrastructure of rachitic dentin with three different clinical and histologic grades of severity to determine if dentin mineralization can be quantified by calcospherite size and degree of calcospherite fusion. The results showed that a correlation existed between calcospherite size, calcospherite fusion, and the degree of dentin mineralization. The present findings indicate that calcospherite size and calcospherite fusion are valid parameters for assessing and quantifying dentin mineralization. In addition, an SEM grading of severity was established based on these two parameters. The SEM grades correlated directly with the clinical and histologic grades, suggesting that the dental clinical manifestations are a reflection of the underlying morphology of the dentin and the extent of abnormal dentin mineralization.     

Effect of removal of surface collagen fibrils on resin-dentin bonding.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of NaOCl at removing the demineralized layer by examining the morphology of the hybrid layer and measuring shear bond strengths after different dentin treatments. METHODS: Dentin disks were treated with: (1) 35% phosphoric acid (PA) 20 s; (2) PA treatment followed by 1.5% NaOCl, 2 min; (3) PA treatment, followed by a 10% NaOCl immersion for 120 h. SEM was used to analyze the morphology of dentin and its interface with dentin bonding agents (DBAs), while shear bond strength tests were used to measure adhesion. All specimens were then fractured into two halves: One half was inspected under SEM; the other half was sequentially placed in 10% PA followed by 12.5% NaOCl for 70 h, to remove all dentin from the resin replica of the original bonded interface. RESULTS: SEM observations showed that collagen fibrils were completely removed from the acid-etched surface by NaOCl treatment. The diameter and the size of dentinal tubules and the number of lateral branches of the tubules were increased following NaOCl treatment. NaOCl applied on dentin smear layers did not significantly modify their SEM morphology. Resin tags were larger in diameter after phosphoric acid/NaOCl treatment than after only phosphoric acid treatment. Resin-infiltrated dentin-layers were only observed after the single phosphoric acid (i.e. conventional etching) procedure, and were not observed after combined phosphoric acid/NaOCl treatment. Etched/NaOCl samples showed a lower bond strength using Scotchbond MP and 3M Single Bond, but were higher in Optibond FL and unmodified in Prime & Bond 2.0 groups when compared with acid-etched controls. Treatment of etched dentin with NaOCl for 120 h produced an unusual type of resin infiltration of mineralized dentin that could be called a "reverse hybrid layer" which may explain the mechanism of resin bonding to NaOCl treated dentin. SIGNIFICANCE: The use of acidic conditioners for exposure of the collagen matrix exposes a soft delicate mesh that can collapse, thereby interfering with resin infiltration. If acid-etching is followed by NaOCl treatment, high bond strengths can be achieved via "reverse hybrid layer" formation, a proposed new mechanism of micromechanical resin retention. This mechanism is not yet recommended for clinical use but demonstrates a new type of resin retention.     

COMPARATIVE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DENTAL CONDITIONERS ON DENTIN MICROMORPHOLOGY

This study evaluated comparatively by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the effect of different dental conditioners on dentin micromorphology, when used according to the same protocol. Forty dentin sticks were obtained from 20 caries-free third human molars and were assigned to 4 groups corresponding to 3 conditioners (phosphoric acid 37%, Clearfil SE Bond and iBond) and an untreated control group. After application of the conditioners, the specimens were immersed in 50% ethanol solution during 10 s, chemically fixed and dehydrated to prepare them to SEM analysis. In the control group, dentin surface was completely covered by smear layer and all dentinal tubules were occluded. In the phosphoric acid-etched group, dentin surface was completely clean and presented exposed dentinal tubule openings; this was the only group in which the tubules exhibited the funnel-shaped aspect. In the groups conditioned with Clearfil SE Bond primer and iBond, which are less acidic than phosphoric acid, tubule openings were occluded or partially occluded, though smear layer removal was observed. SE Bond was more efficient in removing the smear layer than iBond. In the Clearfil SE Bond group, the cuff-like aspect of peritubular dentin was more evident. It may be concluded all tested conditioners were able to change dentin morphology. However, it cannot be stated that the agent aggressiveness was the only cause of the micromorphological alterations because a single morphological pattern was not established for each group, but rather an association of different aspects, according to the aggressiveness of the tested conditioner.