Comparison of three methods of critical evaluation of microleakage along restorative interfaces

3D-2D microleakage assessment of preheated bulk-fill composite resin applied with different parameters: a micro-CT analysis

This study evaluated microleakage from class II cavities filled with bulk-fill composite preheated to different temperatures, applied at different thicknesses, and with different polymerization modes. A total of 60 mesio-occlusal cavity were drilled into the extracted human third molars at 2 mm and 4 mm thickness. Preheated bulk-fill composite resin (Viscalor; VOCO, Germany) was applied to the cavities at 68 °C and 37 °C after the adhesive resin was applied, and cured using standard and high-power light-curing modes of a VALO light-curing unit. An incrementally applied microhybrid composite was used as the control. The teeth were subjected to 2000 cycles of heating to 55 °C and cooling to 5 °C with a 30-s hold time. Then, they were immersed in a 50% silver nitrate solution for 24 h and scanned with micro-computed tomography. Scanned data were processed using the CTAn software. Two (2D) and three (3D) dimensional analyses of leached silver nitrate were performed. The data's normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test before comparisons using a three-way analysis of variance. In both 2D and 3D analysis, bulk-fill composite resin preheated to 68 °C and applied at 2 mm thickness showed less microleakage. In the 3D analysis, restorations applied at 37 °C and 4 mm thickness in high-power mode showed significantly higher values (p < 0.001). Preheated bulk-fill composite resin can be applied at 68 °C and effectively cured at both 2 mm and 4 mm thickness.

Tridimensional Evaluation of the Interfacial Gap in Deep Cervical Margin Restorations: A Micro-CT Study

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Using a material that optimizes marginal seal when using a margin elevation technique to manage deep class II cavities should enhance clinical outcomes.

SUMMARY

Objectives: The purpose of this laboratory study was to perform a tridimensional interfacial gap evaluation of class II cavities with enamel and dentin cervical margins, before and after cyclic fatigue, restored with different nanohybrid resin composites.Methods and Materials: Standardized class II cavities were performed on 48 intact maxillary premolars, placing the mesial cervical margin 1 mm above the cement-enamel junction (CEJ) and the distal cervical margin 1 mm below the CEJ. Specimens were treated with two-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond2) and divided into six groups according to the restoration technique. Microcomputed Tomography imaging was executed before and after 1,000,000 cycles of chewing simulation at 50 N. Tridimensional interfacial gaps, expressed as cubic millimeters, were analyzed through a standardized software flowchart (Mimics). Data were analyzed with a two-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc tests (α=0.05).Results: Restoration technique (p=0.001) and chewing simulation (p=0.00001) significantly influenced interfacial gap on dentin but not on enamel. The post hoc test showed that, on dentin margins, flowable resins had a lower gap at baseline but a higher gap after chewing simulation, especially when a 2-mm-thick layer was applied, compared with nanohybrid and bulk-fill composites.Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, no differences in interfacial gap volume were found on enamel margins. On dentin margins, flowable resins showed better marginal seal at baseline, but they seem to be more prone to interfacial degradation during chewing simulation than traditional composites.

Evaluation of Two Resin Composites Having Different Matrix Compositions

This study compared two resin composites with similar filler systems and different matrix compositions. The depth of cure (DoC), polymerization shrinkage, and marginal leakage were evaluated. A Filtek Bulk Fill resin composite (FB) and a Filtek Supreme resin composite (FS) were used. For the DoC and polymerization shrinkage, cylindrical specimens with different thicknesses were prepared. The DoC was attributed to the bottom/top ratios of Vickers microhardness numbers. For polymerization shrinkage, each specimen was firstly scanned using micro-computed tomography (µCT) then cured for 20 s, then for 10 s, and then for 10 s, and they were rescanned between each curing time. Data were processed using the Mimics software. For marginal leakage, standardized 5 mm cavities were prepared in 90 molars. After etching and bonding, materials were packed according to groups: FB-bulk, FB-incremental, and FS-incremental, which were cured for 20, 30, and 40 s, respectively. After thermo-cycling, teeth were stored in 1% methylene blue dye for 24 h and then sectioned and observed for dye penetration. The results showed insignificant differences in the shrinkage and leakage between the different packing techniques and curing times of both materials. In conclusion, the introduction of a novel matrix into resin composite composition enabled bulk-filling in one layer up to 5 mm deep while keeping a tolerable polymerization shrinkage.

Laser-Aided Enamel Conditioning: A Comparison of Microleakage Under Brackets Following Different Aging Procedures

Objective:

To evaluate microleakage under the orthodontic adhesives applied following two version of erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser-aided enamel conditioning after thermal and thermomechanical simulators.

Materials and Methods:

A comparative analytical study based on metal braces bonded on the enamel of extracted teeth ( n = 160) etched with acid, Er:YAG laser and Er:YAG laser with an X-Runner handpiece, and self-etch adhesives. An arch wire was ligatured to samples which were embedded in acrylic blocks by two with periodontal ligaments. The specimens were subdivided into two groups: those aged with thermal cycling and thermomechanical aging procedures. The samples were immersed in basic fuchsin solution (0.5%) for 24 h. Buccolingual sections were performed on the mesial and distal wings of the braces. The color penetration at the gingival and occlusal margins of the adhesive-bracket and enamel-adhesive was evaluated under a stereomicroscope. The median and mean values of microleakage in both groups were evaluated with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests ( P < .05).

Results:

The highest microleakage was recorded in the gingival part of the samples aged with the thermomechanical aging procedure ( P = .001). The amount of microleakage generally increased in the samples subjected to thermomechanical loading, but the only significant difference was recorded in the gingival part in each four different conditioning methods.

Conclusion:

Microleakage of the phosphoric acid-etched groups was recorded with lower values for both aging methods. Thermomechanical aging should be included to microleakage studies due to increased microleakage on gingival side for all etching groups.

Marginal microleakage of cervical composite resin restorations bonded using etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives: two dimensional vs. three dimensional methods

Objectives

This study was evaluated the marginal microleakage of two different adhesive systems before and after aging with two different dye penetration techniques.

Materials and Methods

Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 48 human molars. Clearfil SE Bond and Single Bond (self-etching and etch-and-rinse systems, respectively) were applied, each to half of the prepared cavities, which were restored with composite resin. Half of the specimens in each group underwent 10,000 cycles of thermocycling. Microleakage was evaluated using two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) dye penetration techniques separately for each half of each specimen. Data were analyzed with SPSS 11.5 (SPSS Inc.), using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The difference between the 2D and 3D microleakage evaluation techniques was significant at the occlusal margins of Single bond groups (p = 0.002). The differences between 2D and 3D microleakage evaluation techniques were significant at both the occlusal and cervical margins of Clearfil SE Bond groups (p = 0.017 and p = 0.002, respectively). The difference between the 2D and 3D techniques was significant at the occlusal margins of non-aged groups (p = 0.003). The difference between these two techniques was significant at the occlusal margins of the aged groups (p = 0.001). The Mann-Whitney test showed significant differences between the two techniques only at the occlusal margins in all specimens.

Conclusions

Under the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that the 3D technique has the capacity to detect occlusal microleakage more precisely than the 2D technique.

Comparison of the Effect of Dentin Bonding, Dentin Sealing Agents on the Microleakage of Provisional Crowns Fabricated with Direct and Indirect Technique-An Invitro Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative sensitivity after temporization is a common complaint in Fixed Partial Denture patients. It is caused by weak and ill fitting temporary restorations which results in microleakage. This can be controlled by providing good temporary restorations and by coating the exposed dentinal tubules of the prepared tooth with dentin bonding agent or dental varnish.

AIM

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of dentin-bonding, dentin sealing agents on the microleakage of temporary crowns made by tooth colored auto polymerizing resin fabricated with direct and indirect technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty premolar and molar human teeth were collected which were extracted recently was used for the study. The teeth were marked and divided into 3 groups each containing 10 nos. They were individually mounted with self-cure acrylic resin. It was then mounted on a milling machine and crown preparations done. Temporary crowns were fabricated by direct and indirect method with two types of materials. In group A (Control group), the temporary crowns fabricated with both direct and indirect method were cemented directly with temporary luting cement. In group B dentine-bonding agent (solobond M) was applied once to the prepared surface of each tooth specimen before the cementation of temporary crowns where as in case of group C a single layer of dental varnish is applied prior to crown cementation. The entire specimens were immersed in 1% methylene blue and allowed to undergo thermal treatment. It was then sectioned in a hard tissue microtome. Each section was evaluated for dye penetration into the dentin tubules by comparing it with a visual scale.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

SPSS Version 13 software was used for non-parametric data analysis by a qualified statistician. P-values less than 0.05 (p-value<0.05) were considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

Group B (Dentin Bonding Agent) specimens cemented with crowns fabricated in direct technique showed the least amount of microleakage when compared with group A and group C. Group C (Dental Varnish) specimen showed comparatively more amount of microleakage than that of group B. Group A (control group) specimens showed the maximum amount of microleakage.

CONCLUSION

The application of a single layer of Dental varnish appears to be of no significant benefit when compared to crowns cemented with the application of Dentin bonding agent on the tooth surface. The application of a single layer of Dentin bonding agent (Solobond M) and temporary crowns fabricated with direct technique may be of some benefit for crown preparations as an interim measure prior to the luting of final crown.

3D-microleakage assessment of adhesive interfaces: exploratory findings by μCT

OBJECTIVES

To explore the feasibility of a 3D-microleakage protocol for the evaluation of various configurations of adhesive-tooth interfaces.

METHODS

Three different kinds of specimens were prepared: (1) a Class-I composite restoration placed without any bonding to maximize gap formation at the interface; (2) a glass-fiber post cemented with a self-adhesive composite cement into a prepared root canal; and (3) inlay MOD composite restorations placed with either a 1-step self-adhesive or a 2-step etch-and-rinse composite cement. After silver-nitrate (AgNO3) infiltration, the specimens were scanned using a Skyscan 1172 X-ray microtomograph (μCT; Skyscan Bruker) at 100kV, 100μA and 7.8-9.5μm resolution. Projection images were reconstructed, after which maximum-intensity projections (MIPs) and 3D-volumetric renderings were produced. For the inlays, an additional conventional stereomicroscopic (SM) microleakage evaluation was accomplished after specimen sectioning.

RESULTS

MIPs and 3D-renderings from specimens (1) and (2) revealed strongly varying microleakage patterns along the marginal gap/interface. For the specimens of setup (3), the high radiopacity of the 2-step composite cement hindered evaluation of the MIPs. MIP-microleakage patterns along the enamel margin of the restoration cemented with the 1-step composite cement corresponded well to the stereomicroscopic images.

SIGNIFICANCE

The reported μCT-protocol revealed good sensitivity to detect AgNO3 infiltration at the adhesive-tooth interface when considerable microleakage was present. When microleakage was less apparent and spread in a more diffuse pattern, evaluation with μCT was less sensitive compared to stereomicroscopic evaluation.

Comparative evaluation of traditional and self-priming hydrophilic resin

Background:

The purpose of this study was to compare the microleakage of traditional composite (Charisma/Gluma Comfort Bond) and self-priming resin (Embrace Wetbond).

Materials and Methods:

Standardized Class V cavities partly in enamel and cementum were prepared in 20 extracted human premolars. Teeth were divided into two groups. Group 1 was restored with Charisma/Gluma Comfort Bond and Group 2 with Embrace Wetbond. The specimens were stored in distilled water at room temperature for 24 h and then subjected to 200 thermocycles at 5°C and 55°C with a 1 min dwell time. After thermocycling teeth were immersed in a 0.2% solution of methylene blue dye for 24 h. Teeth were sectioned vertically approximately midway through the facial and lingual surfaces using a diamond saw blade. Microleakage was evaluated at enamel and cementum surfaces using 10 × stereomicroscope. The statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:

Wetbond showed less microleakage at occlusal and gingival margins as compared with Charisma/Gluma Comfort Bond and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Class V cavities restored with Embrace Wetbond with fewer steps and fewer materials offers greater protection against microleakage at the tooth restorative interface.

Characterization of aqueous silver nitrate solutions for leakage tests

OBJECTIVES

To determine the pH over a period of 168 h and the ionic silver content in various concentrations and post-preparation times of aqueous silver nitrate solutions. Also, the possible effects of these factors on microleakage test in adhesive/resin restorations in primary and permanent teeth were evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A digital pHmeter was used for measuring the pH of the solutions prepared with three types of water (purified, deionized or distilled) and three brands of silver nitrate salt (Merck, Synth or Cennabras) at 0, 1, 2, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 168 h after preparation, and storage in transparent or dark bottles. Ionic silver was assayed according to the post-preparation times (2, 24, 48, 72, 96, 168 h) and concentrations (1, 5, 25, 50%) of solutions by atomic emission spectrometry. For each sample of each condition, three readings were obtained for calculating the mean value. Class V cavities were prepared with enamel margins on primary and permanent teeth and restored with the adhesive systems OptiBond FL or OptiBond SOLO Plus SE and the composite resin Filtek Z-250. After nail polish coverage, the permanent teeth were immersed in 25% or 50% AgNO₃ solution and the primary teeth in 5% or 50% AgNO₃ solutions for microleakage evaluation. ANOVA and the Tukey's test were used for data analyses (α=5%).

RESULTS

The mean pH of the solutions ranged from neutral to alkaline (7.9±2.2 to 11.8±0.9). Mean ionic silver content differed depending on the concentration of the solution (4.75±0.5 to 293±15.3 ppm). In the microleakage test, significant difference was only observed for the adhesive system factor (p=0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Under the tested experimental conditions and based on the obtained results, it may be concluded that the aqueous AgNO₃ solutions: have neutral/alkaline pH and service life of up to 168 h; the level of ionic silver is proportional to the concentration of the solution; even at 5% concentration, the solutions were capable of indicating loss of marginal seal in the composite restorations; the 3-step conventional adhesive system had better performance regarding microleakage in enamel on primary and permanent teeth.

Restoration interface microleakage using one total-etch and three self-etch adhesives

This study evaluated the efficacy of a total-etch and three self-etch adhesives in reducing microleakage after three months water storage and thermocycling. Thirty freshly extracted caries-free human premolars and molars were used. Class V standardized preparations were performed on the facial and lingual surfaces, with the gingival margin placed 1 mm below the CEJ. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups; Group I: Xeno III one-step self-etch adhesive (Dentsply/Caulk), Group II: Prime & Bond NT total-etch adhesive (Dentsply/Caulk), Group III: i-Bond one-step self-etch adhesive (Heraeus Kulzer) and Group IV: Clearfil SE Bond two-step self-etch adhesive (Kuraray Medical). The teeth were restored using 2 mm increments of shade A2 resin composite (Esthet-X, Dentsply/Caulk). Each layer was cured using the Spectrum 800 curing light (Dentsply/Caulk) for 20 seconds at 600mW/cm2. The teeth were stored in distilled water for 90 days. Samples were thermocycled 500x between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C with a dwell time of 30 seconds, then placed in a 0.5% methylene blue dye solution for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. Samples were sectioned longitudinally and evaluated for microleakage at the occlusal and gingival margins under a stereomicroscope at 20x magnification. Dye penetration was scored: 0 = no penetration; 1 = partial dye penetration along the occlusal or gingival wall; 2 = dye penetration along the occlusal or gingival wall; 3 = dye penetration to and along the axial wall. A Mann-Whitney test was used to demonstrate significantly more dye penetration in Group III than in the other groups at both the occlusal and gingival scores (p < 0.0001). When comparing the occlusal and gingival scores for each group, the Wilcoxon Rank test showed no significant difference in dye penetration for Xeno III (p > 0.05), Prime & Bond NT (p = 0.059) and I Bond (p = 0.083), and Clearfil SE Bond yielded more dye penetration at the occlusal than at the gingival wall (p = 0.001).

Partial Ceramic Crowns: Influence of Ceramic Thickness, Preparation Design and Luting Material on Fracture Resistance and Marginal Integrity In Vitro

For fracture resistance and the marginal integrity of adhesively bonded partial ceramic crowns (PCC), the choice of ceramic thickness and luting material are more important than preparation design. PCC fabricated from industrially sintered feldspathic ceramic should have at least a thickness of 1.5–2.0 mm in stress bearing areas.

Influence of the methodology and evaluation criteria on determining microleakage in dentin–restorative interfaces

This in vitro study compared microleakage along the dentin-restorative interface using a spectrophotometer protocol and two conventional single-surface methods (scores and percentages), using an organic dye (0.5% buffered methylene blue) or a tracer (50% silver nitrate). Occluso-proximal preparations with gingival margins in dentin were made in 40 human teeth. The teeth were divided into four groups (n=10) according to the solution dyes and adhesive system used: group 1, single bond/methylene blue; group 2, single bond/silver nitrate; group 3, Clearfil SE Bond/methylene blue; and group 4, Clearfil SE Bond/silver nitrate. The dye penetration measurements were made in all groups, using scores and percentages. Groups 1 and 3 were also assessed by UV spectrophotometer. For percentage measurement, the data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test. For the material factor, there was a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 3. For the dye factor, there was a statistically significant difference between groups 3 and 4. The score results were submitted to Kruskall-Wallis test and showed differences between groups 1 and 3 and groups 2 and 3. For spectrophotometer measurement, no significant difference was observed between groups 1 and 3. The results of dye penetration suggest that there was a difference between dyes and measurement methods, and this should change the interpretation of microleakage tests.

Effects of aging methods on microleakage of an adhesive system used as a sealant on contaminated surfaces

This study evaluated the effects of aging methods on the microleakage of an adhesive system used for sealing pit and fissure surfaces. After acid etching, the occlusal surfaces of 60 permanent teeth were contaminated with 1mL of human plasma and then sealed with OptiBond dual cure, activated in the ramp mode (Optilux 501). The sample was then divided into eight experimental and a control groups. Aging was performed for 20 days in 5, 37, 55 and 5-55ºC (200 cycles/day) under water contact or not. After subjecting the specimens to the AgNO(3) technique, they were sectioned twice. Dye penetration was measured and the mean values were subjected to ANOVA. No group provided hermetic seal against dye penetration, even the control group (without treatment). Significant aging x water interaction effect (p=0.033) was observed. The group without water contact at 5ºC (p=0.015) showed the least dye penetration value. The results led to the main conclusions: 1) all groups showed dye penetration, even the control group; 2) storage teeth at 5ºC on dry condition provided the lowest degree of dye penetration; 3) in the presence of water, the temperature variations seem not to affect the microleakage values.

In vitro evaluation of microleakage of indirect composite inlays cemented with four luting agents

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Microleakage around dental restorations is implicated in the occurrence of secondary carious lesions, adverse pulpal response, and reduced restoration longevity.

PURPOSE

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microleakage of indirect resin composite inlays cemented with 4 luting agents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Standardized Class V inlay preparations overlapping the cemento-enamel junction were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 40 extracted human mandibular third molars. Eighty postpolymerized, heat-treated resin composite inlays (Targis, 72 specimens, 8 controls) were processed in stone replicas and cemented into the preparations using 4 luting agents (n = 18 + 2 controls for each cement group): a resin composite used with a bonding agent (Variolink II/Excite), a resin composite used with a self-etching primer, but without bonding agent (Panavia F/ED Primer), a modified resin composite used with a bonding agent (Resinomer/One Step), and a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (Fuji Plus). Thirty-six inlays (n = 9 + 1 control) were subjected to thermal cycling (2000 cycles, 5 degrees C/55 degrees C), whereas the other 36 were not. All the teeth were then immersed in 1% methylene blue dye solution for 48 hours. Microleakage score, margin location (enamel/cementum), thermal cycling history, and preparation location (buccal/lingual) were analyzed using a multivariate model (alpha = .05). Multivariate analysis was performed using a polychotomous logistic regression.

RESULTS

The preparation location had no significant effect on dye penetration. The margin location (enamel or cementum) and the thermal cycling had a significant effect on microleakage (odds ratios [ORs] = 17.6 and 8.04, respectively). In comparing the 3 resin-based luting agents (Variolink II, Panavia F, and Resinomer) to Fuji Plus, Panavia F exhibited the lowest significant overall microleakage (OR = 0.09), followed by Variolink II (significant OR equal to 0.43), whereas Resinomer demonstrated the greatest significant overall microleakage (OR = 1.35).

CONCLUSION

Within the experimental conditions of this in vitro study, thermal cycling significantly increased microleakage (OR = 8.04). The overall microleakage at the enamel margins was significantly lower than the overall microleakage at the cementum margins for the 4 luting agents tested (OR = 17.6).

Microleakage of glass-ionomer cement placed in association with non-setting calcium hydroxide

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether non-setting calcium hydroxide [Ca (OH)2] cement placed in the root canal system of premolar teeth would affect the subsequent microleakage of a glass-ionomer restoration (GIC). Following selection, 62 human premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons were accessed and root canals prepared according to a standardized procedure. The specimens were then allocated randomly into two major groups each of 30 teeth. Two other teeth were used as a positive and a negative control. The control group was restored with glass-ionomer cement following drying of the canal and placement of a cotton wool pledget. The test group had all canals dressed with non-setting Ca(OH)2 and then was subdivided, one set (n = 22) being restored following conditioning of the access cavity margins, the other (n = 8) having the margins cleaned with a hand excavator. Samples were assessed for microleakage using a two-point scoring system (leakage or no leakage) in conjunction with a clearing technique using AgNO3. Using Fisher's exact test, a statistically significant difference was found between the control and test groups (P < 0.05) but there was no significant difference between the excavated and conditioned cavities (P=0.55). It is concluded that contamination of access cavity margins with Ca(OH)2 during medication of a root canal interferes with the bond of GIC, resulting in increased microleakage in vitro.

Effect of energy density on properties and marginal integrity of posterior resin composite restorations

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the minimal extent of cure required by the base of a Class 2 resin composite restoration (Z250, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) that allows it to support the rest of the restoration and maintain its marginal seal under simulated clinical conditions.

METHODS

Resin composite (Z250, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) was placed incrementally or in bulk into Class 2 preparations in extracted human molar teeth and exposed to various light-curing energy densities. The restorations were subjected to 1000 thermal cycles (5-55 degrees C) and 500,000 fatigue cycles from 18 to 85 N using a stainless-steel sphere. Marginal integrity was evaluated using visual rating (ridit analysis) and microleakage. Degree of conversion (DC) and Knoop hardness (KHN) were determined at the occlusal and gingival surfaces using a reusable tooth template with identical preparation dimensions. Percentage of maximum DC and KHN were determined. Mechanical properties were tested in resin composite bars having similar KHN values as the resin composite at the gingival margins.

RESULTS

Energy density had a significant effect on gingival marginal defects as determined by ridit analysis but not on microleakage. Water had a significant dissolving effect on gingival margin integrity at very low degrees of conversion and energy densities (4000 mJ/cm2). There was no overall significant effect of thermal-mechanical stressing on gingival marginal defects or microleakage.

SIGNIFICANCE

Based on ridit analysis, a recommended lower limit of gingival margin acceptability in the bulk-filled Z250 resin composite restoration was created by 80% of maximum conversion, 73% of maximum hardness and approximately 70% of maximum flexural strength and modulus in the gingival marginal area.

In vitro quantitative evaluation of marginal microleakage in Class II restorations confected with a glass ionomer cement and two composite resins

This study evaluated, in vitro, marginal microleakage in class II restorations confected with the glass ionomer cement Vitremer and with the composite resins Ariston pHc and P-60. The aims of the study were to assess the effect of thermocycling on those materials and to evaluate two methods utilized in the analysis of dye penetration. Sixty premolars divided in three groups were utilized; the teeth had proximal cavities whose cervical walls were located 1 mm below the cementoenamel junction. Half of the test specimens from each group underwent thermocycling; the other half remained in deionized water, at 37 degrees C. The specimens were immersed, for 24 hours, in a basic 0.5% fuchsin solution at 37 degrees C. For the analysis of microleakage, the specimens were sectioned in a mesio-distal direction, and the observation was carried out with the software Imagetools. The results were evaluated through the 2-way ANOVA and through the Tukey's test. All groups presented marginal microleakage. The smallest values were obtained with Vitremer, followed by those obtained with the composite resins P-60 and Ariston pHc. There was no statistically significant difference caused by thermocycling, and the method of maximum infiltration was the best for detecting the extension of microleakage.

Marginal integrity of large compomer Class II restorations with cervical margins in dentine

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to investigate the marginal integrity of total-bond Dyract AP restorations in large Class II restorations with cervical margins in dentine. The efficacy of a new non-rinse conditioner and the effect of beveling the enamel margins were also studied.

METHODS

Large MOD cavities with cervical margins located 1mm below the CEJ were prepared in 48 extracted human molars. Six groups (n=8) were filled using a total-bond technique with Spectrum TPH or Dyract AP or a sandwich technique with Dyract in combination with Spectrum TPH. For Dyract AP total-bond restorations, a new non-rinse conditioner was tested vs. a total-etch with 36% phosphoric acid in beveled and butt-joint cavities. After water storage for 21 days and thermocycling (2000x, 5-55 degrees C), replicas were produced for quantitative marginal analysis in the SEM. Afterwards, teeth were immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin for 24h and dried. Percent dye penetration over the total margin length was analysed in three layers using a sequential grinding technique. Statistical analysis was performed with non-parametric tests and the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons at p<0.05.

RESULTS

All restoration types showed microleakage. On cervical margins in dentine, Dyract AP restorations showed better marginal adaptation than Spectrum TPH total-bond restorations (marginal openings (MO), median 33.8 vs. 79.6%), but were inferior to Dyract/Spectrum TPH sandwich restorations (MO: 0. 0%). The non-rinse conditioner improved the marginal adaptation of Dyract AP restorations in dentine (MO: 4.7 vs. 38.4%, p=0.0206 for beveled cavities, 12.2 vs. 33.8%, p=0.0238, for butt-joint cavities) and yielded similar results in enamel margins provided that enamel margins were beveled. Beveling of enamel significantly reduced the occurrence of enamel microcracks.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a non-rinse conditioner in combination with Dyract AP may improve the marginal adaptation of Class II restorations compared to composite restorations. The sandwich technique with Dyract results in better marginal adaptation in cervical dentine compared to all other restorative techniques tested in this study. However, microleakage cannot predictably be prevented with the sandwich technique.

Electrochemical study of insulating properties of dental amalgam bonding polymers

The standard techniques used for amalgam restorations often result in a lack of adhesion to mineralized dental tissues. The bonding of amalgam with polymer has been suggested to improve its adaptation to dental tissues. Moreover the polymer involved in the bonding should inhibit the corrosion and the diffusion of metallic ions. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the capacity of bonded amalgam to prevent ionic diffusion and migration. In this respect, an original method employing electrochemical techniques was used to determine the leakage current of bonded amalgam restorations. The electrochemical behaviour of conventional and bonded amalgam restorations was compared using a potentiostat driven by a computerized system (Voltamaster, Radiometer Analytical) with software for specific applications such as chronoamperometry or cyclic voltammetry. Samples of recently extracted teeth of young patients were first examined, and then the results were checked by other experimental assays using protected and unprotected copper sticks. The measurements obtained with chronoamperometry (E = +300 mV/SCE) in Ringer's solution at 37 degrees C showed that after polarization for 30 h the oxidation current decreased threefold for bonded samples (10 microA cm(-2)) as compared with the unprotected samples (35 microA cm(-2)). These results, as well as those obtained with the copper wires, demonstrated that even with two layers of adhesive the bonded joint is permeable to ions probably as a result of the hydrophylic properties of HEMA, a component of the adhesive. However, using five layers of adhesive reduced the ionic current by a factor as large as 10(6).

Review of dental materials citations: Part B, July to December 1995

OBJECTIVE

A lag of many months occurs between journal issue publication and updates to electronic databases. The objective of this literature analysis was to identify and categorize all of the dental materials citations in biomedical journals that were published from July 1995 through December 1995.

METHODS

Seventeen primary and 51 secondary journals were searched using their tables of contents to detect and record dental materials publications from July to December of 1995. Those journals that were typically rich in dental materials articles were classified as primary ones. Citations were categorized into 17 topics and divided into subsections. The review excluded case reports, most literature related primarily to dental implants, and most articles on biomedical materials used outside of the field of general dentistry.

RESULTS

The greatest number of citations was related to topics of dentin bonding and resin-based restorative filling materials (composites and glass ionomers). There was no major change in the number of dental materials publications per year reported from 1993 (n = 786) to 1995 (n = 751).

SIGNIFICANCE

This citation list provides a comprehensive resource for use by academicians and researchers to bridge the gap between initial publication and access to electronic searching methods for major databases.