Water sorption of CH3- and CF3-Bis-GMA based resins with additives

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of additives on the water sorption characteristics of Bis-GMA based copolymers and composites containing TEGDMA, CH₃Bis-GMA or CF₃Bis-GMA.

Material and methods

Fifteen experimental copolymers and corresponding composites were prepared combining Bis-GMA and TEGDMA, CH₃Bis-GMA or CF₃Bis-GMA, with aldehyde or diketone (24 and 32 mol%) totaling 30 groups. For composites, barium aluminosilicate glass and pyrogenic silica was added to comonomer mixtures. Photopolymerization was effected by 0.2 wt% each of camphorquinone and N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine. Specimen densities in dry and water saturated conditions were obtained by Archimedes'' method. Water sorption and desorption were evaluated in a desorption-sorption-desorption cycle. Water uptake (%WU), water desorption (%WD), equilibrium solubility (ES; µg/mm³), swelling (f) and volume increase (%V) were calculated using appropriate equations.

Results

All resins with additives had increased %WU and ES. TEGDMA-containing systems presented higher %WU, %WD, ES, f and %V values, followed by resins based on CH₃Bis-GMA and CF₃Bis-GMA.

Conclusions

Aldehyde and diketone led to increases in the water sorption characteristics of experimental resins.     

Apoptosis and survivability of human dental pulp cells under exposure to Bis-GMA

Objective

In the present study, we examined whether 2, 2-bis [4-(2-hydroxy-3methacryloxypropoxy) phenyl] propane (Bis-GMA) has effects on LSC2 cells, human dental pulp cell line.

Material and Methods

The viability, cell cycle, and morphology of LSC2 cells were analyzed after exposure to several different concentrations of Bis-GMA. The recovery of viability of Bis-GMA exposed cells was also analyzed in the condition without Bis-GMA. Further, penetration of Bis-GMA to dentin disc was examined using isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

There was a concentration-dependent decrease in cell proliferation and an increase in cell number in the sub-G1 population after exposure to Bis-GMA. Furthermore, the cells showed typical characteristics of apoptotic cells after the exposure to high concentration of Bis-GMA. In contrast, cells exposed to lower concentrations of Bis-GMA recovered their viability after being cultured without Bis-GMA. We also found that Bis-GMA is capable of penetrating 1-mm-thick dentin discs, though the penetrated concentration was lower than that showing cytotoxicity.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Bis-GMA has cytotoxic effects, though dental pulp exposed to lower concentrations is able to recover their viability when Bis-GMA is removed.     

Effect of incorporation of 2-tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate on flexural strength of a denture base acrylic resin

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resins have commonly been used as a denture base material. However, denture bases may act as a reservoir for microorganisms and contribute to oral diseases in denture wearers. It is hypothesized that the 2-tertbutylaminoethyl methacrylate (TBAEMA) incorporated to acrylic resins should have antimicrobial activity related to the presence of amino groups on acrylic resin surface.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the presence of amino groups on acrylic resin surface and the influence on flexural strength after incorporation of TBAEMA.

Material and Methods

Six groups were divided according to the concentration of TBAEMA incorporated to acrylic resin (Lucitone 550): 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 1.75 and 2%. Specimens surface were evaluated by electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) to detect the presence of amino groups, represented by nitrogen ratios. Flexural strength of the specimens was tested and results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey''s test (α=0.05).

Results

Different nitrogen ratios were observed on specimen surfaces: 0, 0.13, 0.74, 0.66, 0.92 and 0.33% for groups 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 1.75, and 2%, respectively. Significant differences were found for flexural strength (p<0.001). The mean flexural strength values were 98.3±3.9, 93.3±3.2, 83.9±2.1, 82.8±5.2, 71.2±5.1 and 17.3±3.2 MPa for groups 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 1.75, and 2%, respectively.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, the incorporation of TBAEMA results in the presence of the potentially antimicrobial amino groups on specimen surfaces, but affect the flexural strength, depending on the concentration of TBAEMA.     

Ex vivo microbial leakage after using different final irrigation regimens with chlorhexidine

Objective:

To assess the influence of final irrigation protocols with chlorhexidine in the coronal leakage of Enterococcus faecalis in filled root canals.

Material and Methods:

Seventy single-root canals from extracted teeth were prepared using ProTaper instruments. The irrigation protocol accomplished an alternating irrigation with 5 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% EDTA between each file. The teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n=15) according to the final irrigation regimen: group 1, without final irrigation; group 2, irrigation with 10 mL 2.0% chlorhexidine (CHX); group 3, with a final application of EC40^TM; and group 4, irrigation with the combination (1:1) of 0.2% CHX + 0.1% cetrimide (CTR). All the teeth were mounted in a two-chamber apparatus and the coronal access was exposed to E. faecalis. The presence of turbidity in the BHI broth over a period of 180 days was observed. The Friedman test was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

EC40^TM varnish showed the least leakage at 180 days, and was statistically similar to 2% CHX. No significant differences were observed between the group without final irrigation and the 2% CHX group or 0.2% CHX + 0.1% CTR.

Conclusions:

In this ex vivo study, EC40^TM showed the longest delayed coronal leakage of E. faecalis, although without significant differences from 2% CHX.     

Tensile bond strength of four denture resins to porcelain teeth with different surface treatment

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the bond strength between porcelain denture teeth (Bioblend 43D) and four different polymerized denture resins (Lucitone 199, Palapress, Acron MC, Triad) with and without a bonding agent and after four different types of surface treatment (polished, HF etched, sandblasted, air-abraded).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Central incisor porcelain denture teeth were divided into 32 groups of 5 each. Tensile bond strength (MPa) was determined using a testing machine at crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Mean and standard deviation are listed. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. Means were compared by Tukey-Kramer intervals at 0.05 significance level.

RESULTS

All surface treatment increased bond strength compared to polished surface and the highest bond strength was found with Palapress resin with etched porcelain surface (8.1 MPa). Bonding agent improved the bond strength of all denture resins to porcelain teeth. Superior bonding was found with Palapress and air-abraded porcelain (39 MPa).

CONCLUSION

Resins with different curing methods affect the bond strength of porcelain teeth to denture bases. Superior bonding was found with auto-polymerized resin (Palapress). Application of ceramic primer and bonding agent to porcelain teeth with and without surface treatment will improve the bond strength of all denture resins to porcelain teeth.     

Staining and calculus formation after 0.12% chlorhexidine rinses in plaque-free and plaque covered surfaces: a randomized trial

Objectives

Studies concerning side effects of chlorhexidine as related to the presence of plaque are scarce. The purpose of this study was to compare the side effects of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) on previously plaque-free (control group) and plaque-covered surfaces (test group).

Methods

This study had a single-blind, randomized, split-mouth, 21 days-experimental gingivitis design, including 20 individuals who abandoned all mechanical plaque control methods during 25 days. After 4 days of plaque accumulation, the individuals had 2 randomized quadrants cleaned, remaining 2 quadrants with plaque-covered dental surfaces. On the fourth day, the individuals started with 0.12% CHX rinsing lasting for 21 days. Stain index intensity and extent as well as calculus formation were evaluated during the experimental period.

Results

Intergroup comparisons showed statistically higher (p<0.05) stain intensity and extent index as well as calculus formation over the study in test surfaces as compared to control surfaces. Thus, 26.19% of test surfaces presented calculus, whereas calculus was observed in 4.52% in control surfaces.

Conclusion

The presence of plaque increased 0.12% CHX side effects. These results strengthen the necessity of biofilm disruption prior to the start of CHX mouthrinses in order to reduce side effects.     

Impact of filler size and distribution on roughness and wear of composite resin after simulated toothbrushing

Objectives

Nanofilled composite resins are claimed to provide superior mechanical properties compared with microhybrid resins. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare nanofilled with microhybrid composite resins. The null hypothesis was that the size and the distribution of fillers do not influence the mechanical properties of surface roughness and wear after simulated toothbrushing test.

Material and methods

Ten rectangular specimens (15 mm x 5 mm x 4 mm) of Filtek Z250 (FZ2), Admira (A), TPH3 (T),Esthet-X (EX), Estelite Sigma (ES), Concept Advanced (C), Grandio (G) and Filtek Z350 (F) were prepared according to manufacturer''s instructions. Half of each top surface was protected with nail polish as control surface (not brushed) while the other half was assessed with five random readings using a roughness tester (Ra). Following, the specimens were abraded by simulated toothbrushing with soft toothbrushes and slurry comprised of 2:1 water and dentifrice (w/w). 100,000 strokes were performed and the brushed surfaces were re-analyzed. Nail polish layers were removed from the specimens so that the roughness (Ra) and the wear could be assessed with three random readings (µm). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey''s multiple-comparison test (α=0.05).

Results

Overall outcomes indicated that composite resins showed a significant increase in roughness after simulated toothbrushing, except for Grandio, which presented a smoother surface. Generally, wear of nanofilled resins was significantly lower compared with microhybrid resins.

Conclusions

As restorative materials suffer alterations under mechanical challenges, such as toothbrushing, the use of nanofilled materials seem to be more resistant than microhybrid composite resins, being less prone to be rougher and worn.     

Influence of antimicrobial solutions in the decontamination and adhesion of glass-fiber posts to root canals

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of root canal disinfectants on the elimination of bacteria from the root canals, as well as their effect on glass-fiber posts bond strength.

Material and Methods

Fifty-three endodontically treated root canals had post spaces of 11 mm in length prepared and contaminated with E. faecalis. For CFU/ml analysis, eight teeth were contaminated for 1 h or 30 days (n=4). Teeth were decontaminated with 5% NaOCl, 2% CHX, or distilled water. As control, no decontamination was conducted. After decontamination, sterile paper points were used to collect samples, and CFU/ml were counted. For push-out, three groups were evaluated (n=15): irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl, 2% CHX, or sterile distilled water. A bonding agent was applied to root canal dentin, and a glass-fiber post was cemented with a dual-cured cement. After 24 h, 1-mm-thick slices of the middle portion of root canals were obtained and submitted to the push-out evaluation. Three specimens of each group were evaluated in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s T3 test (α=0.05).

Results

The number of CFU/ml increased from 1 h to 30 days of contamination in control and sterile distilled water groups. Decontamination with NaOCl was effective only when teeth were contaminated for 1 h. CHX was effective at both contamination times. NaOCl did not influence the bond strength (p>0.05). Higher values were observed with CHX (p<0.05). SEM showed formation of resin tags in all groups.

Conclusion

CHX showed better results for the irrigation of contaminated root canals both in reducing the bacterial contamination and in improving the glass-fiber post bonding.     

INFLUENCE OF LIGHT ENERGY DENSITY ON HEAT GENERATION DURING PHOTOACTIVATION OF DENTAL COMPOSITES WITH DIFFERENT DENTIN AND COMPOSITE THICKNESS

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different energy densities on the heat generated during photoactivation of Filtek Z250 (3M/ESPE) and Z100 (3M/ESPE) composite resins with different dentin and composite thickness.

Material and Methods:

The temperature increase was registered with a type-K thermocouple connected to a digital thermometer (Iopetherm 46). A chemically polymerized acrylic resin base was prepared to serve as a guide for the thermocouple and as a support for 0.5-, 1.0-, and 1.5-mm-thick bovine dentin discs. Circular elastomer molds (1.0 mm-height x 3.0-mm diameter or 2.0-mm height x 3.0-mm diameter) were adapted on the acrylic resin base to standardize the composite resin thickness. A conventional halogen light-curing unit (XL 2500, 3M/ESPE) was used with light intensity of 700 mW/cm². Energy density was calculated by the light intensity applied during a certain time with values of 28 J/cm² for Z100 and 14 J/cm² for Filtek Z250. The temperature change data were subjected to three-way ANOVA and Tukey''s test at 5% level.

Results:

The higher energy density (Z100) promoted greater temperature increase (p<0.05) than the lower energy density (Filtek Z250). For both composites and all composite thicknesses, the lowest dentin thickness (0.5 mm) yielded significantly higher (p<0.05) temperature increase than the other two dentin thicknesses. The 1-mm-thick composite resin layer yielded significantly higher (p<0.05) temperature changes for both composites and all dentin thicknesses.

Conclusions:

Temperature increase was influenced by higher energy density and dentin/composite thickness.     

EFFECT OF POST-POLYMERIZATION HEAT TREATMENTS ON THE CYTOTOXICITY OF TWO DENTURE BASE ACRYLIC RESINS

Introduction:

Most denture base acrylic resins have polymethylmethacrylate in their composition. Several authors have discussed the polymerization process involved in converting monomer into polymer because adequate polymerization is a crucial factor in optimizing the physical properties and biocompatibility of denture base acrylic resins. To ensure the safety of these materials, in vitro cytotoxicity assays have been developed as preliminary screening tests to evaluate material biocompatibility. ³H-thymidine incorporation test, which measures the number of cells synthesizing DNA, is one of the biological assays suggested for cytotoxicity testing. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate, using ³H-thymidine incorporation test, the effect of microwave and water-bath post-polymerization heat treatments on the cytotoxicity of two denture base acrylic resins.

Materials and Methods:

Nine disc-shaped specimens (10 x 1 mm) of each denture base resin (Lucitone 550 and QC 20) were prepared according to the manufacturers'' recommendations and stored in distilled water at 37°C for 48 h. The specimens were assigned to 3 groups: 1) post-polymerization in a microwave oven for 3 min at 500 W; 2) post-polymerization in water-bath at 55° C for 60 min; and 3) without post-polymerization. For preparation of eluates, 3 discs were placed into a sterile glass vial with 9 mL of Eagle''s medium and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The cytotoxic effect of the eluates was evaluated by ³H-thymidine incorporation.

Results:

The results showed that the components leached from the resins were cytotoxic to L929 cells, except for the specimens heat treated in water bath (p<0.05). Compared to the group with no heat treatment, water-bath decreased the cytotoxicity of the denture base acrylic resins.

Conclusion:

The in vitro cytotoxicity of the tested denture base materials was not influenced by microwave post-polymerization heat treatment.     

INFLUENCE OF LIGHT CURING SOURCE ON MICROHARDNESS OF COMPOSITE RESINS OF DIFFERENT SHADES

Introduction:

The evolution of light curing units can be noticed by the different systems recently introduced. The technology of LED units promises longer lifetime, without heating and with production of specific light for activation of camphorquinone. However, further studies are still required to check the real curing effectiveness of these units.

Purpose:

This study evaluated the microhardness of 4 shades (B-0.5, B-1, B-2 and B-3) of composite resin Filtek Z-250 (3M ESPE) after light curing with 4 light sources, being one halogen (Ultralux – Dabi Atlante) and three LED (Ultraled – Dabi Atlante, Ultrablue – DMC and Elipar Freelight – 3M ESPE).

Methods:

192 specimens were distributed into 16 groups, and materials were inserted in a single increment in cylindrical templates measuring 4mm x 4mm and light cured as recommended by the manufacturer. Then, they were submitted to microhardness test on the top and bottom aspects of the cylinders.

Results:

The hardness values achieved were submitted to analysis of variance and to Tukey test at 5% confidence level. It was observed that microhardness of specimens varied according to the shade of the material and light sources employed. The LED appliance emitting greater light intensity provided the highest hardness values with shade B-0.5, allowing the best curing. On the other hand, appliances with low light intensity were the least effective. It was also observed that the bottom of specimens was more sensitive to changes in shade.

Conclusion:

Light intensity of LED light curing units is fundamental for their good functioning, especially when applied in resins with darker shades.     

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE ASSOCIATED WITH INTRACANAL MEDICATION FOR Candida albicans AND Enterococcus faecalis INOCULATED IN ROOT CANALS

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the action of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) associated with an intracanal medication against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis inoculated in root canals.

Material and Methods:

Thirty-six human single-rooted teeth with single root canals were used. The canals were contaminated with C. albicans and E. faecalis for 21 days and were then instrumented with 1% NaOCl. The roots were divided into 3 groups (n=12) according to the intracanal medication applied: calcium hydroxide paste, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel, and 2% CHX gel associated with calcium hydroxide. The following collections were made from the root canals: a) initial sample (IS): 21 days after contamination (control), b) S1: after instrumentation, c) S2: 14 days after intracanal medication placement; S3: 7 days after intracanal medication removal. The results were analyzed statistically by the Kruskal-Wallis test at 5% significance level.

Results and Conclusions:

Both 1% NaOCl irrigation and the intracanal medications were effective in eliminating E. faecalis and C. albicans inoculated in root canals.     

Peel strength of denture liner to PMMA and polyamide: laser versus air-abrasion

PURPOSE

This study investigated the effect of laser parameters and air-abrasion on the peel strength of silicon-based soft denture liner to different denture resins.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specimens (N=180) were prepared out of three different denture base resins (Rodex, cross-linked denture base acrylic resin; Paladent, heat-cured acrylic resin; Deflex, Polyamide resin) (75 mm × 25 mm × 3 mm). A silicon-based soft denture liner (Molloplast B) was applied to the denture resins after the following conditioning methods: a) Air-abrasion (50 µm), b) Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase MD Turbo, Biolase Technology) at 2 W-20 Hz, c) Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 2 W-30 Hz, d) Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 3 W-20 Hz, e) Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 3 W-30 Hz. Non-conditioned group acted as the control group. Peel test was performed in a universal testing machine. Failure modes were evaluated visually. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey''s test (α=.05).

RESULTS

Denture liner tested showed increased peel strength after laser treatment with different parameters (3.9±0.4 - 5.58±0.6 MPa) compared to the control (3.64±0.5 - 4.58±0.5 MPa) and air-abraded groups (3.1±0.6 - 4.46±0.3 MPa), but the results were not statistically significant except for Paladent, with the pretreatment of Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 3 W-20 Hz. Polyamide resin after air-abrasion showed significantly lower peel strength than those of other groups (3.1±0.6 MPa).

CONCLUSION

Heat-cured acrylic resin, PMMA, may benefit from Er,Cr:YSGG laser treatment at 3 W-20 Hz irradiation. Air-abrasion of polyamide resins should be avoided not to impair their peel bond strengths to silicon-based soft denture liners.     

BOND STRENGTH OF HARD CHAIRSIDE RELINE RESINS TO A RAPID POLYMERIZING DENTURE BASE RESIN BEFORE AND AFTER THERMAL CYCLING

Purpose:

This study assessed the shear bond strength of 4 hard chairside reline resins (Kooliner, Tokuso Rebase Fast, Duraliner II, Ufi Gel Hard) to a rapid polymerizing denture base resin (QC-20) processed using 2 polymerization cycles (A or B), before and after thermal cycling.

Materials and Methods:

Cylinders (3.5 mm x 5.0 mm) of the reline resins were bonded to cylinders of QC-20 polymerized using cycle A (boiling water–20 minutes) or B (boiling water; remove heat-20 minutes; boiling water–20 minutes). For each reline resin/polymerization cycle combination, 10 specimens (groups CAt e CBt) were thermally cycled (5 and 55 °C; dwell time 30 seconds; 2,000 cycles); the other 10 were tested without thermal cycling (groups CAwt ad CBwt). Shear bond tests (0.5 mm/min) were performed on the specimens and the failure mode was assessed. Data were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls post-hoc test (α=.05).

Results:

QC-20 resin demonstrated the lowest bond strengths among the reline materials (P<.05) and mainly failed cohesively. Overall, the bond strength of the hard chairside reline resins were similar (10.09±1.40 to 15.17±1.73 MPa) and most of the failures were adhesive/cohesive (mixed mode). However, Ufi Gel Hard bonded to QC-20 polymerized using cycle A and not thermally cycled showed the highest bond strength (P<.001). When Tokuso Rebase Fast and Duraliner II were bonded to QC-20 resin polymerized using cycle A, the bond strength was increased (P=.043) after thermal cycling.

Conclusions:

QC-20 displayed the lowest bond strength values in all groups. In general, the bond strengths of the hard chairside reline resins were comparable and not affected by polymerization cycle of QC-20 resin and thermal cycling.     

Effect of thermal cycling on denture base and autopolymerizing reline resins

Objective:

This study evaluated the fracture toughness (FT) of denture base and autopolymerizing reline resins, with and without thermocycling (T).

Material and Methods:

Specimens of each material (denture base acrylic resin - Lucitone 550 - L; autopolymerizing reline resins - Ufi Gel Hard-UH, Tokuyama Rebase II-TR, New Truliner- NT and Kooliner-K), were produced, notched and divided into two groups (n=10): CG (control group of autopolymerizing reline resins and L): FT tests were performed after polymerization; TG (thermocycled group): FT tests were performed after T (5ºC and 55ºC for 5,000 cycles).

Results:

Results (MPa.m^(1/2)) were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey''s test (p=0.05). L exhibited the highest FT mean values in both groups (CG - 2.33; TG - 2.17). For the CG groups, NT showed the highest FT (1.64) among the autopolymerizing reline resins, and K the lowest (1.04). After T, when the autopolymerizing reline resins were compared, a statistically significant difference in FT was found only between the NT (1.46) and TR (1.00).

Conclusions:

Thermocycling increased the FT of K and did not influence the FT of L, UH, TR and NT.     

Effect of repeated immersion solution cycles on the color stability of denture tooth acrylic resins

Objective

Chemical solutions have been widely used for disinfection of dentures, but their effect on color stability of denture tooth acrylic resins after repeated procedures is still unclear. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate whether repeated cycles of chemical disinfectants affected the color stability of two denture tooth acrylic resins.

Material and Methods

Sixty disc-shaped specimens (40 mm x 3 mm) were fabricated from two different brands (Artiplus and Trilux) of denture tooth acrylic resin. The specimens from each brand (n=30) were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=5) and immersed in the following solutions: distilled water (control group) and 5 disinfecting solutions (1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% sodium hypochlorite, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde, and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate). Tooth color measurements were made by spectrophotometry. Before disinfection, the initial color of each tooth was recorded. Further color measurements were determined after subjecting the specimens to 7, 21, 30, 45, 60, and 90 immersion cycles in each tested solution. Color differences (ΔE*) were determined using the CIE L*a*b* color system. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey tests. The significance level was set at 5%.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in ΔE* among the 5 disinfectants and water during the 90 cycles of immersion for both denture tooth acrylic resins. Distilled water promoted the greatest color change in both denture tooth acrylic resins, nevertheless none of tested disinfectants promoted ΔE* values higher than 1.0 on these acrylic materials during the 90 cycles of disinfection.

Conclusions

Repeated immersion cycles in disinfecting solutions alter ∆E* values, however these values do not compromise the color of the tested denture tooth acrylic resins because they are imperceptible to the human eye.     

Chromatic stability of acrylic resins of artificial eyes submitted to accelerated aging and polishing

Esthetics and durability of materials used to fabricate artificial eyes has been an important eissue since artificial eyes are essential to restore esthetics and function, protect the remaining tissues and help with patients'' psychological therapy. However, these materials are submitted to degrading effects of environmental agents on the physical properties of the acrylic resin.

Objective

This study assessed the color stability of acrylic resins used to fabricate sclera in three basic shades (N1, N2 and N3) when subjected to accelerated aging, mechanical and chemical polishing.

Material and methods

Specimens of each resin were fabricated and submitted to mechanical and chemical polishing. Chromatic analysis was performed before and after accelerated aging through ultraviolet reflection spectrophotometry.

Results

All specimens revealed color alteration following polishing and accelerated aging. The resins presented statistically significant chromatic alteration (p<0.01) between the periods of 252 and 1008 h.

Conclusions

Both polishing methods presented no significant difference between the values of color derivatives of resins.     

A microleakage study of gutta-percha/AH Plus and Resilon/Real self-etch systems after different irrigation protocols

The development and maintenance of the sealing of the root canal system is the key to the success of root canal treatment. The resin-based adhesive material has the potential to reduce the microleakage of the root canal because of its adhesive properties and penetration into dentinal walls. Moreover, the irrigation protocols may have an influence on the adhesiveness of resin-based sealers to root dentin.

Objective

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different irrigant protocols on coronal bacterial microleakage of gutta-percha/AH Plus and Resilon/Real Seal Self-etch systems.

Material and Methods

One hundred ninety pre-molars were used. The teeth were divided into 18 experimental groups according to the irrigation protocols and filling materials used. The protocols used were: distilled water; sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)+eDTA; NaOCl+H₃PO₄; NaOCl+eDTA+chlorhexidine (CHX); NaOCl+H₃PO₄+CHX; CHX+eDTA; CHX+ H₃PO₄; CHX+eDTA+CHX and CHX+H₃PO₄+CHX. Gutta-percha/AH Plus or Resilon/Real Seal Se were used as root-filling materials. The coronal microleakage was evaluated for 90 days against Enterococcus faecalis. Data were statistically analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival test, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.

Results

No significant difference was verified in the groups using chlorhexidine or sodium hypochlorite during the chemo-mechanical preparation followed by eDTA or phosphoric acid for smear layer removal. The same results were found for filling materials. However, the statistical analyses revealed that a final flush with 2% chlorhexidine reduced significantly the coronal microleakage.

Conclusion

A final flush with 2% chlorhexidine after smear layer removal reduces coronal microleakage of teeth filled with gutta-percha/AH Plus or Resilon/Real Seal SE.     

MICROHARDNESS OF COMPOSITE RESINS AT DIFFERENT DEPTHS VARYING THE POST-IRRADIATION TIME

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to assess the microhardness of posterior composite resins at different depths varying the post-irradiation time.

Materials and methods:

For each composite resin [Solitaire 2 (SO) - Heraus Kulzer, P60 (P) - 3M, Prodigy Condesable (PC) - Kerr, Surefil (S) - Dentsply and Alert (A) - Pentron], 6 specimens (3 mm in diameter; 4mm high) were prepared using a black polyurethane cylindrical matrix. The resins were inserted in a bulk increment and light cured for 40 seconds. Microhardness was analyzed at different depths (top, 0.4 mm, 1.0 mm, 2.0mm, 3.0 mm and 4.0 mm) and at two moments (20 minutes and 24 hours after light-curing). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey''s test (p<0.05).

Results:

Overall, microhardness means decreased significantly with the increase of depth, being lower in the first moment tested. P, S and PC showed the highest microhardness means.

Conclusion:

It may be concluded that the tested composite resins presented a gradual decrease of microhardness as depth increased and this drop was more accentuated for depths beyond 2 mm. For all materials, higher microhardness means were recorded 24 hours after light activation. P60 yielded the best results at the different depths evaluated.     

Difference in the color stability of direct and indirect resin composites

Indirect resin composites are generally regarded to have better color stability than direct resin composites since they possess higher conversion degree

Objective

The present study aimed at comparing the changes in color (∆E) and color coordinates (∆L, ∆a and ∆b) of one direct (Estelite Sigma: 16 shades) and 2 indirect resin composites (BelleGlass NG: 16 shades; Sinfony: 26 shades) after thermocycling.

Material and Methods

Resins were packed into a mold and light cured; post-curing was performed on indirect resins. Changes in color and color coordinates of 1-mm-thick specimens were determined after 5,000 cycles of thermocycling on a spectrophotometer.

Results

∆E values were in the range of 0.3 to 1.2 units for direct resins, and 0.3 to 1.5 units for indirect resins, which were clinically acceptable (∆E<3.3). Based on t-test, ∆E values were not significantly different by the type of resins (p>0.05), while ∆L, ∆a and ∆b values were significantly different by the type of resins (p<0.05). For indirect resins, ∆E values were influenced by the brand, shade group and shade designation based on three-way ANOVA (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Direct and indirect resin composites showed similar color stability after 5,000 cycles of thermocycling; however, their changes in the color coordinates were different.