Thermal cycling procedures for laboratory testing of dental restorations

Long-term chlorhexidine effect on bond strength to Er:YAG laser irradiated-dentin

This study evaluates the bond strength of dentin prepared with Er:YAG laser or bur, after rewetting with chlorhexidine on long-term artificial saliva storage and thermocycling. One hundred and twenty human third molars were sectioned in order to expose the dentin surface (n = 10). The specimens were randomly divided in 12 groups according to treatment and aging: Er:YAG laser rewetting with deionized water (LW) and 24 h storage in artificial saliva (WC); LW and 6 months of artificial saliva storage + 12.000 thermocycling (6M), LW and 12 months of artificial saliva storage + 24.000 thermocycling (12M), Er:YAG laser rewetting with 2% chlorhexidine (LC) and WC, LC and 6M, LC and 12M, bur on high-speed turbine rewetting with deionized water (TW) and WC, TW6M, TW12M, bur on high-speed turbine + 2% chlorhexidine (TC) and WC, TC and 6M, TC and 12M. The specimens were etched with 35% phosphoric acid, washed, and dried with air. Single Bond 2 adhesive was applied and the samples were restored with a composite. Each tooth was sectioned in order to obtain 4 sticks, which were submitted to microtensile bond strength test (µTBS). The two-way ANOVA, showed no significant differences for the interaction between the factors and for the aging factor. Tukey 5% showed that the LC group had the lowest µTBS. The rewetting with chlorhexidine negatively influenced the bond strength of the preparation with the Er:YAG laser. The artificial saliva aging and thermocycling did not interfere with dentin bond strength.

Long term water storage deteriorates bonding of composite resin to alumina and zirconia short communication

Objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of long term water storage and ageing on the bond strength of resin composite cement to yttria-stabilized zirconium dioxide (zirconia) and dialuminium trioxide (alumina). Substrate specimens of alumina and zirconia were air particle abraded with dialuminium trioxide before priming and application of composite resin. Priming was made with gamma metharyloxy-trimethoxysilane or acryloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane monomer after which the intermediate dimethacrylate resin was applied and photopolymerized. This was followed by curing particulate composite resin cement (Relyx ARC) to the substrate as a resin stub. The ageing methods of the specimens (n=6) were: (1) they stored four years in 37±1ºC distilled water, (2) thermocycled 8000 times between 55±1ºC and 5±1ºC, (3) stored first in water for four years and then thermocycled. Specimens which were stored dry, were used as controls. Bonding of composite resin was measured by shear-bond strength test set-up. Both thermocycling and long-term water storage decreased significantly shear bond strength values compared to the control group (from the level of 20 MPa to 5 MPa) regardless of the used primer or the type of the substrate. Combination of four years water storage and thermocyling reduced the bond strength even more, to the level of two to three megapascals. In can be concluded that water storage and thermocycling itselves, and especially combination of water storage and thermocycling can cause considerable reduction in the bond strength of composite resin cement to alumina and zirconia.

Evaluation of thermal stress in hydroxyapatite film fabricated by powder jet deposition

This study aimed to create a thick hydroxyapatite (HA) film on the surface of a human tooth via a powder jet deposition (PJD) device for dental handpieces, and to examine the microstructural and mechanical properties of the HA film. In particular, the effects of thermal stress on this film were evaluated. The HA film was created by blasting 3.18-μm HA particles, calcinated at 1,200°C, onto the enamel substrate at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. An HA film with an area of 3 mm × 3 mm was prepared and polished. The following HA film parameters were evaluated from the three-dimensional surface profile: surface roughness, Vickers hardness, and bonding strength before and after artificial aging induced by 500 cycles of thermal cycling (5-55°C). The HA particles in the deposited film were densely packed, and the surface of the HA film was unchanged after thermal cycling. There were also no significant differences in the hardness and the bonding strength of the HA film before and after thermal cycling. The HA film created in this study demonstrated excellent microstructural and mechanical properties, even after the application of thermal stress.

Thermo-mechanical degradation of composite restoration photoactivated by modulated methods-a SEM study of marginal and internal gap formation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of thermal-mechanical degradation on superficial and internal gap formation of composite restorations photoactivated using modulated methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An experimental composite was prepared using a resin matrix containing 65wt% Bis-GMA and 35wt% TEGDMA. Camphorquinone (0.5wt%) and dimethylaminoethyl-methacrylate (0.5wt%) were dissolved in the resin as a photo-initiator system and 65wt.% silanized glass fillers were added to the matrix. Ground buccal surfaces of bovine lower incisors were used to make 160 preparations (3 mm × 3 mm × 2 mm in depth). An adhesive system (Adper Single Bond 2) was applied and the specimens were assigned into 16 groups (n = 10), according to the photoactivation method [high intensity (HI), low intensity (LI), soft-start (SS) and pulse-delay (PD)] and the degradation protocol [(control/no degradation; thermal cycling (TC); mechanical loading (ML); thermo-mechanical loading (TC+ML)]. Marginal and internal interfaces of bonded restorations were replicated in epoxy resin and analyzed by SEM. Gaps were expressed as a percentage of the total length of the margins. Data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

For the control group no significance was noted among the photoactivation methods. TC had no effect in gap formation. ML and TC+ML increased the incidence of superficial gaps for both HI and SS groups as well as increased the internal gaps for all groups.

CONCLUSION

Although photoactivation methods do not influence gap formation at first, composite restoration photoactivated by low intensity or modulated methods showed improved resistance to thermo-mechanical degradation. Mechanical loading is determinant for interfacial degradation of composite restorations, while thermal cycling has no effect on gap formation.

Influence of cement film thickness on the retention of implant-retained crowns

PURPOSE

The main goal of this study was to establish a new, high precision procedure to evaluate the influence of cement film thickness on the retention of cemented implant-retained crowns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-six tapered titanium abutments (6° taper, 4.3 mm diameter, Camlog) were shortened to 4 mm. Computer-aided design was used to design the crowns, and selective laser sintering, using a cobalt-chromium alloy, was used to produce the crowns. This method used a focused high-energy laser beam to fuse a localized region of metal powder to build up the crowns gradually. Before cementing, preset cement film thicknesses of 15, 50, 80, or 110 μm were established. Glass ionomer, polycarboxylate, or resin cements were used for cementation. After 3 days storage in demineralized water, the retention of the crowns was measured in tension using a universal testing machine.

RESULTS

The cement film thicknesses could be achieved with a high level of precision. Interactions between the factors cement and cement film thickness could be found (p ≤ 0.001). For all cements, crown retention decreased significantly between a cement film thickness of 15 and 50 μm (p ≤ 0.001). At 15 μm cement film thickness, the resin cement was the most retentive cement, followed by the polycarboxylate and then the glass ionomer cement (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that cement film thickness has an influence on the retentive strength of cemented implant-retained crowns.

Bond Durability of Er:YAG Laser-Prepared Primary Tooth Enamel

This study evaluated in vitro the influence of thermocycling and water storage (WS) on the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin in cavities prepared in primary tooth enamel with conventional bur or Er:YAG laser. The test surfaces were obtained from 48 primary molars and randomly assigned to 2 groups (n=24), according to cavity preparation: A: bur-preparation and B: Er:YAG laser irradiation. The specimens were restored with an etch-and-rinse adhesive system and composite resin. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups (n=6) according to WS duration and number of thermal cycles (TCs): I: 24 h WS/no thermocycling; II: 7 days WS/500 TCs; III: 1 month WS/2,000 TCs; IV: 6 months WS/12,000 TCs. The specimens were tested to failure in shear strength at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. SBS means (S.D.) in MPa were: AI: 17.45 (2.03), AII:16.38 (1.49), AIII: 6.88 (0.66), AIV: 7.77 (1.53), BI: 12.32 (0.99), BII: 15.37 (2.24), BIII: 15.05 (2.01) and BIV-5.51 (1.01). WS duration and number of TCs influenced significantly the SBS values only for BIV (p<0.05). AI presented the highest SBS value, which was statistically similar to those of AII, BII and BIII. In conclusion, the adhesion of an etch-and-rinse adhesive to Er:YAG laser-irradiated primary tooth enamel was affected by the methods used to simulate degradation of the adhesive interface only when 6 months WS/12,000 TCs were employed.

Influence of resin cements on cuspal deflection and fracture load of endodontically-treated teeth restored with composite inlays

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of resin cements on cuspal deflection, fracture load and failure mode of endodontically-treated teeth restored with composite resin inlays.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty maxillary premolars were randomly divided into four groups: G1 (sound teeth, control), G2 (RelyX ARC), G3 (RelyX Unicem) and G4 (Maxcem Elite). The teeth from groups 2, 3 and 4 received mesial-occlusal-distal preparations and endodontic treatments. Impressions were taken with vinyl polysiloxane and poured using type IV die stone. Inlays with Z250 composite resin were built over each cast and luted with the resin cements. A 200-N load was applied on the occlusal surface and the cuspal deflection was measured using a micrometer. The specimens were then subjected to an axial load until failure occurred. The resulting failure mode was analyzed.

RESULTS

The means for cuspal deflection (μm) and fracture load (N) followed by the same letter represent no statistically significant difference based on ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Cuspal deflection: G1 = 4.7 (± 1.7)(a), G2 = 12.0 (± 8.9)(a), G3 = 39.0 (± 27.0)(b) and G4 = 56.8 (± 18.2)(b). Fracture load: G1 = 1982 (± 893)(a), G2 = 690.9 (± 225.5)(b), G3 = 679 (± 193.6)(b) and G4 = 465.5 (± 121.6)(b). G1 presented cusp fractures only at the cement-enamel junction (CEJ). There was a high frequency of cusp fractures below the CEJ in G2, G3 and G4.

CONCLUSIONS

Composite resin inlays luted with resin cements do not recover the strength of sound teeth. However, teeth restored with composite resin inlays and luted with RelyX ARC can withstand mechanical fatigue longer before failure occurs than those luted with RelyX Unicem and Maxcem Elite.

Durability of bond between an indirect composite veneering material and zirconium dioxide ceramics

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the durability of bond strength between an indirect composite material and zirconia ceramics after thermocycling (100 000 cycles) and to assess the effect of various priming agents for zirconia surface treatments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A CAD/CAM system (Katana, Noritake Dental Supply) was used to fabricate 96 zirconia disks as a bonding substrate. The specimens were randomly divided into six groups (n = 16) and treated with one of the following acidic priming agents: Alloy Primer (ALP, Kuraray), Clearfil Ceramic Primer (CCP, Kuraray), Clearfil Photo Bond (CPB, Kuraray), Clearfil Photo Bond with Clearfil Porcelain Bond Activator (CPB + Activator, Kuraray), Estenia Opaque Primer (EOP, Kuraray) and Porcelain Liner M Liquid A (PLA, Sun Medical). The specimens were bonded with an indirect composite material (Estenia C&B Dentin, Kuraray). Shear bond strengths were tested before and after 100 000 thermocycles and the data were analyzed by using the Steel-Dwass test and Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

After 100 000 thermocycles, the PLA group showed the lowest bond strength (p = 0.010), whereas the CPB + Activator (23.9 MPa; p < 0.014) and CPB (22.7 MPa; p < 0.028) groups had significantly higher bond strengths than the other groups. The Mann-Whitney U-test revealed that bond strengths did not significantly decrease after thermocycling, except for specimens in the PLA (p = 0.038) and CCP (p = 0.028) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of a combination of hydrophobic phosphate monomer (MDP) and initiator results in a durable long-term bond between Katana zirconia and Estenia C&B composite material.

Evaluation of roughness and micromorphology of epoxy paint on cobalt-chromium alloy before and after thermal cycling

It has been suggested that the epoxy paint used to coat metal substrates in industrial electrostatic painting applications could also be used to mask metal clasps in removable dental prostheses (RDP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate both the influence of thermal cycling and the in vitro roughness of a surface after application of epoxy paint, as well as to assess the micromorphology of a cobalt-chromium (CoCr) based metal structure. Sixty test specimens were fabricated from a CoCr alloy. The specimens were separated into three groups (n = 20) according to surface treatment: Group 1 (Pol) - polished with abrasive stone and rubbers; Group 2 (Pol+Epo) - polished and coated with epoxy paint; Group 3 (Epo) - air-abraded with aluminum oxide particles and coated with epoxy paint. The surface roughness was evaluated before and after 1000 thermal cycles (5°C and 50°C). The surface micromorphology was verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences among surface treatments (p < 0.0001), but no difference was found before and after thermal cycling (p = 0.6638). The CoCr-based metal alloy surfaces treated with epoxy paint (Groups 2 and 3) were rougher than the surfaces that were only polished (Group 1). Thermal cycling did not influence surface roughness, or lead to chipping or detachment of the epoxy paint.

The effect of fiber post presence and restorative technique on the biomechanical behavior of endodontically treated maxillary incisors: an in vitro study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Unresolved controversy exists concerning the best technique for restoring endodontically treated teeth. Prefabricated posts have been recommended with some debate as a method of restoring pulpless teeth before placement of the final restoration.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect on the strain, fracture resistance, and fracture mode of endodontically treated human incisors of 4 types of restorations with or without glass fiber posts after thermal cycling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety human maxillary central incisors were selected and divided into 1 control group and 8 treatment groups (n=10). The teeth were endodontically treated and received 2 large Class III preparations simulating coronal destruction. The teeth were then restored with or without glass fiber posts and by using 4 restorative techniques: direct composite resin, direct composite veneer, feldspathic ceramic veneer, or a feldspathic ceramic crown. After artificial aging by thermal cycling, the incisors were loaded at a 135-degree angle, and the strain was measured by using strain gauges placed on the facial and proximal root surfaces. Specimens were subsequently loaded to the point of fracture. Strain and fracture resistance results were analyzed by a 1-way and 2-way ANOVA, followed by the Tukey HSD and Dunnett tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

One-way analyses showed that the control group and the direct composite resin restoration with and without post groups presented significantly higher fracture resistance values (P<.001). Two-way analyses showed no significant differences for the post system. Proximal strain values were higher in the control and composite resin groups and lower in the feldspathic ceramic groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of glass fiber posts did not increase the fracture resistance of endodontically treated incisors. Conservative composite resin restorations showed higher fracture resistance values.

Influence of fluoride-containing adhesives and bleaching agents on enamel bond strength

This study evaluated the influence of fluoride-containing carbamide peroxide (CP) bleaching agents and adhesive systems on bonded enamel interfaces that are part of the dynamic pH cycling and thermal cycling models. The buccal surfaces of 60 bovine incisors were restored with a composite resin and bonded with three- and two-step, etch-and-rinse, fluoride-containing adhesives, Optibond FL (FL) and Optibond Solo Plus (SP), respectively. Restored teeth were subjected to thermal cycling to age the interface. Both SP and FL adhesive-restored teeth were bleached (n = 10) with 10% CP (CP) and 10% CP + fluoride (CPF) or were left unbleached (control). Bleaching was performed for 14 days simultaneously with pH cycling, which comprised of 14 h of remineralization, 2 h of demineralization and 8 h of bleaching. The control groups (FL and SP) were stored in remineralizing solution during their bleaching periods and were also subjected to carious lesion formation. Parallelepiped-shaped samples were obtained from the bonded interface for microtensile bond strength (μTBS) testing. The enamel μTBS of the FL and SP groups (control, not bleached) were higher (p < 0.05) than those of the bleached interfaces (FL > FL + CPF = FL + CP and SP > SP + CPF = SP + CP). The groups subjected to treatment with the fluoride-containing bleaching agents exhibited similar μTBS compared to regular bleaching agents. Bleaching agents, regardless of whether they contained fluoride, decreased enamel bond strength.

Influence of surface treatments and resin cement selection on bonding to zirconia

This study aimed to evaluate the surface changes caused in zirconia by different surface treatments and the influence of the surface treatment and cement selection on bonding to zirconia under aging. Sintered zirconia specimens were divided into five groups (n = 31) based on the surface treatment, namely, control, air abrasion, silica coating, laser and air abrasion + laser. After surface treatment, surface roughness and microscope analyses were performed on one specimen of each group. Composite cylinders were then bonded to conditioned ceramics using RelyX U100 (RXU), Clearfil Esthetic Cement (CEC) and Panavia F (PF) (n = 10). After 24 h, the bonded specimens were subjected to thermal cycling (6,000 times), and then, a shear bond strength test was conducted. The roughness values were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, and the bond strengths were analysed by two-way analysis of variance and Duncan's test. The relationship between the roughness and the bond strength was determined by Spearman's correlation analysis. Specimens subjected to surface treatments were rougher than the control specimen (p < 0.000). However, there were no significant differences between the air abrasion and air abrasion + laser groups and the silica coating and laser groups. Specimens treated with laser showed lower bond strengths irrespective of the resin cement used. CEC and/or PF showed higher bond strengths than RXU for each surface treatment group. No significant relationship was observed between the roughness and the bond strength. The results of this study showed that all the surface treatments, except for laser irradiation, were suitable for treating zirconia ceramics. Cement selection was found to be more important than surface treatment, and phosphate monomer-containing cements were suitable for cementing zirconia.

Influence of resin-based composite restoration technique and endodontic access on cuspal deflection and cervical microleakage scores

OBJECTIVES

To assess cuspal deflection and cervical microleakage of mesio-occlusal-distal cavities in standardised premolar teeth restored incrementally with resin-based composite (RBC) placed horizontally or obliquely and with endodontic access cavities (with and without gutta percha and epoxy resin sealer obturation).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two teeth were allocated to four groups (n=8) and RBC restored in eight horizontal (Group A) or oblique increments (Groups B-D) using a quartz-tungsten-halogen light curing unit. The dependent variable for Groups B-D was endodontic access (none (Group B), obturated without (Group C) and with gutta percha and epoxy resin sealer (Group D)). Cuspal deflections were recorded post-irradiation using a twin channel deflection measuring gauge. Following restoration, the teeth were thermocycled, immersed in fuchsin dye, sectioned and examined for cervical microleakage.

RESULTS

Tukey's post hoc tests identified a significant decrease in total cuspal deflection for the horizontal (p=0.015) compared with the oblique placement technique. No significant difference in total cuspal deflection was evident between Groups B and D restored teeth (p>0.318) or in cervical microleakage score between Groups A and D (p=0.575).

SIGNIFICANCE

Deformation is proportional to the cubed power of the length of a uniform cantilever beam and although a crude approximation of cuspal deformation, the reduction in the effective cusp length therefore significantly reduced the deflection in the MOD cavities when the horizontal rather than the oblique incremental restoration technique was employed.

Resistência à flexão de resinas de metacrilato de metila e bisacrilato de metila submetidas à termociclagem

OBJETIVO: Verificar a resistência à flexão de quatro resinas utilizadas para a confecção de restaurações temporárias submetidas à termociclagem. MÉTODO: Foram utilizadas as resinas da marcas Luxatemp e Structur 2, à base de bisacrilato de metila, e as resinas das marcas Duralay e Alike, à base de metacrilato de metila. Vinte espécimes de cada material foram confeccionados e divididos em dois grupos, para serem submetidos às seguintes condições: (I) - 24 horas de armazenagem em saliva artificial, e (II) - 24 horas de armazenagem em saliva artificial seguida de termociclagem (2000 ciclos, 5 °C-55°C). Cada amostra foi levada ao teste de resistência à flexão em uma Máquina de Ensaios Universal (EMIC DL 10000) e os dados obtidos foram analisados pelo teste ANOVA (dois fatores) e, em seguida, pelo teste Tukey (p < 0,05). RESULTADO: As resinas de bisacrilato apresentaram resultados superiores de resistência à flexão após ambos os tempos de armazenagem, não diferindo estatisticamente entre si após 24 horas (p = 0,3594). A resina Luxatemp apresentou os maiores valores de resistência à flexão após a termociclagem, sendo estatisticamente superior às demais. A termociclagem alterou as propriedades mecânicas de todas as resinas, diminuindo a sua resistência à flexão (p = 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: As resinas de bisacrilato apresentam maior resistência à flexão do que as resinas de metacrilato para os fatores estudados. Todos os materiais utilizados neste estudo tiveram sua resistência reduzida pela ciclagem térmica.

Effect of thermal aging on the tensile bond strength at reduced areas of seven current adhesives

The purpose of this study was to determine the micro-tensile bond strength (MTBS) to dentin of seven adhesive systems (total and self-etch adhesives) after 24 h and 5,000 thermocycles. Dentin surfaces of human third molars were exposed and bonded with two total-etch adhesives (Adper Scotchbond 1 XT and XP Bond), two two-step self-etch adhesives (Adper Scotchbond SE and Filtek Silorane Adhesive System) and three one-step self-etch adhesives (G-Bond, Xeno V and Bond Force). All adhesive systems were applied following manufacturers' instructions. Composite buildups were constructed and the bonded teeth were then stored in water (24 h, 37 °C) or thermocycled (5,000 cycles) before being sectioned and submitted to MTBS test. Two-way ANOVA and subsequent comparison tests were applied at α = 0.05. Characteristic de-bonded specimens were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 24 h water storage, MTBS values were highest with XP Bond, Adper Scotchbond 1 XT, Filtek Silorane Adhesive System and Adper Scotchbond SE and lowest with the one-step self-etch adhesives Bond Force, Xeno V and G-Bond. After thermocycling, MTBS values were highest with XP Bond, followed by Filtek Silorane Adhesive System, Adper Scotchbond SE and Adper Scotchbond 1 XT and lowest with the one-step self-etch adhesives Bond Force, Xeno V and G-Bond. Thermal aging induced a significant decrease in MTBS values with all adhesives tested. The resistance of resin-dentin bonds to thermal-aging degradation was material dependent. One-step self-etch adhesives obtained the lowest MTBS results after both aging treatments, and their adhesive capacity was significantly reduced after thermocycling.

Degradation of dental ZrO2-based materials after hydrothermal fatigue. Part I: XRD, XRF, and FESEM analyses

The aim was to investigate the effect of simulated low-temperature degradation (s-LTD) and hydrothermal fatigue on the degradation of three ZrO(2)-based dental materials. Lava, IPS, and NanoZr discs were randomly assigned to (1) Control-Storage in distilled water at 37°C; (2) Aging at 134°C for 5 h (s-LTD); (3) Thermocycling in saliva for 30,000 cycles (TF). XRD revealed that ZrO(2) m phase was identified in all groups but TF increased the m phase only for Lava. Under the FESEM, Lava showed no alterations under s-LTD, but displayed corrosion areas up to 60 µm wide after TF. We conclude that TF accelerated the degradation of Lava through an increase in the m phase and grain pull-out from the material surface.

SEM Analysis of Hybrid Layer and Bonding Interface After Chlorhexidine Use

More studies suggest that the bond between composite and dentin degrades over time because of the action of matrix metalloproteinase on collagen fibrils left unprotected by acid etching. Clinical actions should be taken to prevent this from happening and thus the failure of what should be a very long-term restoration.

Comparison of 3 luting agents on retention of implant-supported crowns on 2 different abutments

BACKGROUND

For fixed prostheses, retention is one of the most important factors for clinical success. It is unknown whether grooves that increase surface area of implant abutment while retaining the diameter and wall height provide greater uniaxial retention force. The purpose of this study was to determine the retention of 3 different cements on 2 implant abutments with different surface configurations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty samples on 2 different abutments (a total of 60 crowns) with different margin and axial walls configuration and surface area were used. Metal crowns were fabricated on the abutment and cemented with 3 different (zinc-phosphate [ZP], glass ionomer [GI], or eugenol-free zinc oxide [ZO]) cements. After cementation, implant-abutment-casting assemblies were thermal cycled 1000 times with 1-minute dwell-time between 5°C and 55°C then subjected to tensile test with universal testing machine until decementation occurred. The mean force required to dislodge castings from abutment was determined.

RESULTS

The luting agents influenced retention of castings on implant abutments, whereas different surface configurations and total surface area of the abutments did not influence the uniaxial retention forces. Among the cements tested, ZP exhibited higher values of retention, followed by GI and eugenol-free ZO.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in surface area of abutment did not result in improved retention. The present results suggest using ZP rather than GI and eugenol-free ZO in implant-supported crowns to provide higher retention.

Reliability of fiber post bonding to root canal dentin after simulated clinical function in vitro

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of thermomechanical loading (TML) on the bond strength of fiber posts luted with three different resin cements. Sixty-six extracted human anterior teeth were endodontically treated and restored with fiber posts (RelyX Fiber Posts, 3M ESPE) using three commercially available resin cements and three corresponding core build-up materials (n=22 each): Panavia F 2.0/Clearfil DC Core Automix (Kuraray), Variolink II/Multicore Flow (Ivoclar Vivadent), and RelyX Unicem/Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE). Twelve specimens of each group received all-ceramic crowns and were subjected to TML. The other 10 specimens were stored in saline solution for 24 hours. The roots were sectioned and bond strength was measured using a push-out test. Adhesive interfaces of two specimens of each group subjected to TML were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Bond strengths of fiber posts were significantly affected by the type of resin cement (p<0.0005) and TML (p<0.0005; two-way analysis of variance). TML significantly reduced bond strengths for all materials ((6.0 (6.2) MPa)) compared with initial bond strengths ((14.9 (10.4) MPa)). RelyX Unicem resulted in significantly higher bond strengths before ((18.3 (10.3) MPa)) and after TML ((9.8 (7.5) MPa)) compared with the other materials (p<0.0005; Tukey HSD). Using FESEM, Variolink II and Panavia F demonstrated a hybrid layer partly detached from the underlying resin cement, whereas no hybrid layer was observed for RelyX Unicem. The decrease in bond strength after TML suggests that retention of fiber posts may be reduced after clinical function. Therefore, endodontically treated teeth that are restored using fiber posts may benefit from additional reinforcement via coronal restorations using adequate ferrules and/or adhesive techniques.

MATHEMATICAL MODELING FOR THE PREDICTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF TOOTH THERMAL PAIN: A REVIEW

Tooth pain, especially tooth thermal pain, is one of the most important symptoms and signs in dental clinic and daily life. As a special sensation, pain has been studied extensively in both clinic and experimental research aimed at reducing or eliminating the possible negative effects of pain. Unfortunately, the full underlying mechanism of pain is still unclear, because the pain could be influenced by many factors, including physiological, psychological, physical, chemical, and biological factors and so on. Besides, most studies on pain mechanisms in the literature are based on skin pain sensation and only few are based on tooth pain. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review on both neurophysiology of tooth pain mechanism, and corresponding thermal, mechanical, and thermomechanical behaviors of teeth. We also describe a multiscale modeling approach for quantifying tooth thermal pain by integrating the mathematic methods of engineering into the neuroscience. The mathematical model of tooth thermal pain will enable better understanding of thermal pain mechanism and optimization of existing diagnosis and treatment in dental clinic.

Bonding of acrylic denture teeth to MMA/PMMA and light-curing denture base materials: the role of conditioning liquids

OBJECTIVES

The connection between resin denture teeth and the denture base is essential for the integrity of partial and full dentures. The aim of the present study was to analyse the bond strength of acrylic denture teeth to two light curing denture base materials compared to the gold-standard (MMA/PMMA) using different conditioning liquids.

METHODS

The ridge laps of 220 identical denture teeth were ground and pre-treated using different conditioning liquids (MMA, an experimental conditioning liquid as well as the two commercially available liquids Palabond and Versyo.bond). The denture base materials (PalaXpress, Versyo.com, Eclipse) were applied using a split mould to obtain tensile bond strength specimens of identical shape. Ten specimens per test group were either stored in water for 24h or thermocycled (5000×, 5-55°C) prior to tensile bond strength testing (cross-head speed 10mm/min). Data was subjected to parametric statistics (α=0.05).

RESULTS

The three-way ANOVA revealed a significant influence of the material, pre-treatment as well as the storage. PalaXpress showed the highest bond strength (24.3MPa) of all materials tested after TC, whereas the use of MMA led to the most constant results. Lower values were recorded for Versyo.com (17.5MPa) and Eclipse (10.4MPa) bonded with Versyo.bond.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that MMA/PMMA based denture base resins provide reliable and durable bond strength to acrylic denture teeth. Using light-curing denture base materials requires the application of appropriate conditioning liquids to obtain acceptable bond strength. The use of MMA affects bond strength to light-curing denture base materials.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The pre-treatment of denture teeth is critical regarding their bond-strength to denture base materials and in turn for the integrity of removable full and partial dentures. Light-curing denture base resins are more sensitive to the correct tooth pre-treatment compared to conventional MMA/PMMA materials, requiring specific conditioning liquids.

Effect of conventional and resin-modified glass-ionomer liner on dentin adhesive interface of Class I cavity walls after thermocycling

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze the effect of glass-ionomer cement as a liner on the dentin/resin adhesive interface of lateral walls of occlusal restorations after thermocycling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Occlusal cavities were prepared in 60 human molars, divided into six groups: no liner (1 and 4); glass-ionomer cement (GIC, Ketac Molar Easymix, 3M ESPE) (2 and 5); and resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC, Vitrebond, 3M ESPE) (3 and 6). Resin composite (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE) was placed after application of an adhesive system (Adper Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE) that was mixed with a fluorescent reagent (Rhodamine B) to allow confocal microscopy analysis. Specimens of groups 4, 5 and 6 were thermocycled (5°C-55°C) with a dwell time of 30 seconds for 5000 cycles. After this period, teeth were sectioned in approximately 0.8-mm slices. One slice of each tooth was randomly selected for confocal microscopy analysis. The other slices were sectioned into 0.8 mm × 0.8 mm beams, which were submitted to microtensile testing (MPa). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05).

RESULTS

There was no detectedstatistical difference on bond strength among groups (α<0.05). Confocal microscopy analysis showed a higher mean gap size in group 4 (12.5 μm) and a higher percentage of marginal gaps in the thermocycled groups. The RMGIC liner groups showed the lowest percentage of marginal gaps.

CONCLUSIONS

Lining with RMGIC resulted in less gap formation at the dentin/resin adhesive interface after artificial aging. RMGIC or GIC liners did not alter the microtensile bond strength of adhesive system/resin composite to dentin on the lateral walls of Class I restorations.

Adhesion of Resin Composite to Hydrofluoric Acid-exposed Enamel and Dentin in Repair Protocols

Intraoral repairs of ceramic fixed-dental-prostheses (FDP) often include cervical recessions that require pretreatment of the exposed tooth surfaces either before or after the ceramic is conditioned with hydrofluoric (HF) acid gel. The sequence of repair protocol may cross-contaminate the exposed etched enamel or dentin surfaces during the application or rinsing process and thereby affect the adhesion. This study evaluated the influence of HF acid gel with two concentrations on bond strengths of composite to enamel and dentin. Human third molars (N=100, n=10 per group) with similar sizes were selected and randomly divided into 10 groups. Flat surfaces of enamel and dentin were created by wet ground finishing. Before or after the enamel (E) or dentin (D) was conditioned with phosphoric acid (P), substrate surfaces were conditioned with either 9.5% HF (HF9.5) or 5% HF (HF5). Subsequently, a bonding agent (B) was applied. The experimental groups by conditioning sequence were as follows where the first letter of the group abbreviation represents the substrate (E or D) followed by the acid type and concentration: group 1 (EPHF9.5), group 2 (EPHF5), group 3 (EHF9.5P), group 4 (EHF5P), group 5 (DPHF9.5), group 6 (DPHF5), group 7 (DHF9.5P), and group 8 (DHF5P). Group 9 (EPB) and group 10 (DPB) acted as the control groups. Repair resin was adhered incrementally onto the conditioned enamel and dentin in polyethylene molds. Each layer was photo-polymerized for 40 seconds. All specimens were thermocycled (×1000, 5°-55°C) and subjected to shear test (universal testing machine, 1 mm/min). Specimens that debonded during thermocycling were considered as 0 MPa. The bond strength data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test and failure types using the chi-square test (α=0.05). Overall, the bond results (MPa) were lower on dentin than on enamel (p&lt;0.01). EPB (25.6 ± 6.6) and DPB (20.2 ± 4.9) control groups showed significantly higher results than those of other groups (p&lt;0.05). While higher mean bond strengths were obtained in group 1 (EPHF9.5) (11.5 ± 2.1) and group 2 (EPHF5) (7.3 ± 0.6), lower results were obtained when HF acid gels were applied prior to phosphoric acid (EHF9.5P: 5.0 ± 1.1, EHF5P: 3.6 ± 0.1) (p&lt;0.05). On dentin, the results were the lowest in group 8 (DHF5P: 1.5 ± 1.6), being significantly lower than those of group 5 (DPHF9.5) (p&lt;0.05). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed predominantly mixed failures with less than half of the composite left on both enamel and dentin surfaces (64 out of 80) (p&lt;0.05), indicating that in general, adhesion was not ideal. Contamination of the enamel or dentin surfaces with HF acid gel impairs the bond strength of composites. Considering both the bond strength results and failure types, when dental tissues are to be repaired next to ceramic, application of phosphoric acid before HF acid gel application can be recommended. HF acid gel concentration did not influence the results except on enamel.

Shear bond strengths of various luting cements to zirconia ceramic: surface chemical aspects

OBJECTIVES

To measure the shear bond strengths of various luting cements to a sandblasted zirconia ceramic and to determine the surface energy parameters of the luting cements.

METHODS

Two conventional glass ionomer cements, two resin-modified glass ionomer cements, two compomer cements, and two adhesive resin cements were prepared and bonded to sandblasted zirconia (Lava). All bonded specimens were stored in water at 37°C for 48 h and then half of them additionally thermocycled 10,000 times prior to the shear bond strength test (n=10). Surface roughness (R(a)) values and surface energy parameters of the eight luting cements and polished zirconia ceramic were evaluated using a profilometer and contact angle measurements, respectively (n=10). The bond strength and surface roughness data were statistically analysed using non-parametric and parametric procedures, respectively (α=0.05). Relationships between surface energy parameters and measured shear bond strengths were investigated using the Spearman rank correlation test.

RESULTS

Panavia F 2.0 and Principle produced higher bond strengths than the other cements, with no significant changes before and after thermocycling. Fuji I, Ketac Cem Easymix, and Ionotite F yielded near-zero or zero values after thermocycling. All debonded specimens showed adhesive failure. Mean R(a) values ranged from 0.104 to 0.167 μm. We found the base (hydrogen bond accepting) components of the luting cements significantly affected the bond strengths both before and after thermocycling.

CONCLUSION

It is recommended that the surface energy parameters of luting cements be considered in evaluating their adhesive properties with zirconia ceramic.

Effect of thermocycling on the bond strength of composite resin to bur and laser treated composite resin

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of two different surface treatments (Er:YAG laser and bur) and three different numbers of thermal cycling (no aging, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 cycles) on the micro-shear bond strength of repaired composite resin. Ninety-six composite blocks (4 mm × 4 mm × 1 mm) obtained with a micromatrix hybrid composite were prepared. The composite blocks were then randomly divided into four groups (n = 24), according to the thermal cycling procedure: (1) stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h (control group), (2) 1,000 cycles, (3) 5,000 cycles, and (4) 10,000 cycles. After aging, the blocks were further subdivided into two subgroups (n = 12), according to surface treatment. Bur and laser-treated composite surfaces were treated with an etch&rinse adhesive system. In addition, a microhybrid composite resin was bonded to the surfaces via polyethylene tubing. Specimens were subjected to micro-shear bond strength test by a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0 and 5 mm/min. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (α = 0.05) for micro-shear bond strengths. After conducting a bond strength test, it was found that the laser and bur-treated specimens had similar results. Aging with 10,000 thermocycles significantly affected the repair bond strength of composite resins.

Microleakage after thermocycling of cemented crowns--a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Microleakage testing of dental materials is a commonly accepted evaluation technique of margin integrity. Thermocycling has been utilized by many researchers to study the influence of temperature extremes on the marginal gap of cemented restorations. The aim of this investigation was to analyze microleakage data on cemented crowns, published in the dental literature until Dec 2009, to identify methodological factors that might potentially affect the results of in vitro microleakage tests and to compare the results.

METHODS

The following databases were included: Ovid MEDLINE(R) In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Ovid MEDLINE(R) 1950 to Present, Ovid-MEDLINE(R) 1950 to Present with Daily Update, EMBASE, EBM Reviews - Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Pub Med. The search was limited to articles in English, French, Italian and German published until the end of 2009. Classical reviews, comments, animal studies, in vivo articles and studies investigating restorative materials or milk teeth were excluded. 33 different studies were finally selected. The studies were entered in a database and compared using selected literature criteria: sample, restoration procedures, thermocycling and mechanical cycling, evaluation method. For statistical analysis only 16 studies could be applied.

RESULTS

It was not possible to make a quantitative synthesis of most of the data, due to the heterogeneity of the studies concerning methods, treatment and outcome variables. Comparing the main groups of materials (ceramics, gold alloys and base metal alloys), no significant difference in the proportion of teeth without microleakage was found. Furthermore no significant difference in the proportion of teeth showing microleakage less than two third of the wall or teeth showing microleakage including the entire wall was found. Using the mean values in the meta-analysis instead of the proportions does not change the results. Confidence intervals could only be calculated for two materials (gold alloy, metal alloy). No difference between materials was found.

SIGNIFICANCE

Comparison of the results from different studies is critical, since there are no generally accepted standards for experimental parameters, such as type and concentration of the storage solution, time of storage, temperature during storage, type and duration of thermal cycling and/or mechanical cycling, and the scoring criteria. There is lack of standardization of experimental conditions, which would ensure confidence in the studies and would further allow better comparability of various results.