The fracture toughness of various core materials

Effect of Laser Etching on Glass Fiber Posts Cemented with Different Adhesive Systems

BACKGROUND

Glass fiber-reinforced posts have been preferred frequently because of some physical properties similar to the dentin, chemically bonding to dentin, biocompatibility, and esthetics.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the microleakage and bond strength of glass fiber posts cemented with various adhesive systems on laser-etched root canal walls.

METHODS

Roots of 120 human mandibular premolars were divided into two groups for push-out bond strength test and the microleakage test (n = 60). Erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser etching of the root canal walls was carried out on half of the specimens in both test groups. The laser-treated and laser-nontreated groups were divided again into three subgroups (n = 10). Glass fiber posts (everStick Post) were luted using three different resin cements: total-etch (Variolink N), self-etch (Panavia F 2.0), and self-adhesive (Rely X Unicem). Three dentin discs were obtained from each root, and the bond strength of the glass fiber posts was measured by push-out tests. The dye penetration method was used to investigate coronal microleakage. In addition, surface treatments and the bonding interfaces were observed using scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

The highest bond strengths were observed for the total-etch and self-adhesive resin cement groups with laser etching (p < 0.05), and the lowest bond strength was obtained for the self-etch resin cement group (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of microleakage (p > 0.05), except for the self-adhesive resin cement group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Er:YAG laser etching enhances the bonding strength of glass fiber posts. In addition, laser etching can reduce microleakage of self-adhesive resin cement.

The fracture resistance of teeth restored with different adhesive dowels

OBJECTIVE

Fiber-reinforced composite dowels are suggested to be a better alternative to metal dowels. This in vitro study evaluated the fracture resistance and fracture modes of teeth restored with nine different dowel systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety mandibular pre-molar teeth were decoronated and nine homogenous groups were composed. Root canal and dowel canal preparations were made and nine different dowel systems were used to fabricate restorations. Core build-ups were made with a composite resin core material. Specimens were mounted in acrylic resin blocks and continuous compressive force was applied until fracture occurred. Fracture resistance and fracture mode data were collected. One-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov and one-way ANOVA tests were performed for the fracture resistance data of the groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences among the fracture resistances of the groups. All specimens of the pre-fabricated stainless steel dowel group fractured catastrophically. However, even in the worst-case, five specimens of the fiber-reinforced composite groups had favorable fracture modes.

CONCLUSIONS

The teeth restored with fiber reinforced composite dowels were as resistant to fracture as teeth restored with stainless steel dowels. Fracture modes of teeth restored with fiber reinforced composite dowels were more advantageous than teeth restored with pre-fabricated stainless steel dowels.

Treatment concepts for restoration of endodontically treated teeth: A nationwide survey of dentists in Germany

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Opinions concerning proper restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) vary. A variety of techniques and materials for post-and-core restorations are available. The rationale for post placement performed by German dentists was unknown.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine current opinions, applied techniques, and materials for the restoration of ETT in Germany.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A nationwide questionnaire-based survey containing 18 multiple choice questions regarding treatment philosophies, favored post type, and materials for core foundations was mailed to 36,500 German general dentists. A total of 6029 questionnaires (16.5%) were returned. Data were evaluated in terms of the dentists' occupational experience and the frequency of post placement. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Irrespective of their occupational experience, 52% of the surveyed dentists consider post placement for almost every postendodontic restoration of ETT. The majority of dentists (54%) believe that a post reinforces ETT. Cast posts and cores are used by 55% of all dentists, whereas 34% use prefabricated posts exclusively. Screw posts are the most popular prefabricated post type (47%). Composite resin (51%) is preferred for core foundation, followed by glass ionomer cements (GICs) (26%). Amalgam is seldom used (0.5%). Posts are placed primarily with zinc phosphate cement (51%), followed by GIC (38%).

CONCLUSION

The treatment philosophy of German dentists is not in complete agreement with recommendations found in the literature. The belief that a post would reinforce an ETT might explain the high frequency of post placements. Due to the partially inconsistent responses, it is difficult to derive a generalized treatment concept.

Crowns and other extra-coronal restorations: cores for teeth with vital pulps

Cores for teeth with vital pulps is the seventh in the series of crowns and other extra-coronal restorations. A core is defined as 'that part of a preparation for an indirect restoration consisting of restorative material'. This article questions the need for routine pin placement and addresses the following issues--removal of existing restorations, the need for a core, core materials, core retention, and problem solving.

The effect of thermocycling on the fracture toughness and hardness of core buildup materials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Thermocycling has been shown to cause surface degradation of many dental materials, but its effect on the fracture toughness and hardness of direct core buildup materials is unknown.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to determine the effect of thermocycling on the fracture toughness and hardness of 5 core buildup materials.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifteen specimens were prepared from each of the following materials: Fluorocore, VariGlass VLC, Valiant PhD, Vitremer, and Chelon-Silver. American Standard for Testing Materials guidelines for single-edge notch, bar-shaped specimens were used. Ten specimens of each material were thermocycled for 2000 cycles; the other 5 specimens were not thermocycled. All specimens were subjected to 3-point bending in a universal testing machine. The load at fracture was recorded, and the fracture toughness (K(IC)) was calculated. Barcol hardness values were also determined. Data were analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance and compared with the Tukey multiple range test (P<.05). Pearson's correlation coefficient was also calculated to measure the association between fracture toughness and hardness.

RESULTS

Fluorocore had the highest thermocycled mean K(IC) and Valiant PhD the highest non-thermocycled K(IC). Chelon-Silver demonstrated the lowest mean K(IC) both before and after thermocycling. One-way analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences between conditions, and the Tukey test showed significant differences (P<.05) between materials for both conditions. Most specimens also showed significant hardness differences between conditions. Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated only a mild-to-moderate correlation between hardness and fracture toughness.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, the thermocycling process negatively affected the fracture toughness and hardness of the core buildup materials tested.

Whisker-reinforced dental core buildup composites: effect of filler level on mechanical properties

The strength and toughness of dental core buildup composites in large stress-bearing restorations need to be improved to reduce the incidence of fracture due to stresses from chewing and clenching. The aims of the present study were to develop novel core buildup composites reinforced with ceramic whiskers, to examine the effect of filler level, and to investigate the reinforcement mechanisms. Silica particles were fused onto the whiskers to facilitate silanization and to roughen the whisker surface for improved retention in the matrix. Filler level was varied from 0 to 70%. Flexural strength, compressive strength, and fracture toughness of the composites were measured. A nano-indentation system was used to measure elastic modulus and hardness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the fracture surfaces of specimens. Whisker filler level had significant effects on composite properties. The flexural strength in MPa (mean +/- SD; n = 6) increased from (95+/-15) for the unfilled resin to (193+/- 8) for the composite with 50% filler level, then slightly decreased to (176+/-12) at 70% filler level. The compressive strength increased from (149+/-33) for the unfilled resin to (282+/-48) at 10% filler level, and remained equivalent from 10 to 70% filler level. Both the modulus and hardness increased monotonically with filler level. In conclusion, silica particle-fused ceramic single-crystalline whiskers significantly reinforced dental core buildup composites. The reinforcement mechanisms appeared to be crack deflection and bridging by the whiskers. Whisker filler level had significant effects on the flexural strength, compressive strength, elastic modulus, and hardness of composites.

Diametral and compressive strength of dental core materials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Strength greatly influences the selection of core materials. Many disparate material types are now recommended for use as cores. Cores must withstand forces due to mastication and parafunction for many years.

PURPOSE

This study compared the compressive and diametral tensile strengths of 8 core materials of various material classes and formulations (light-cured hybrid composite, autocured titanium containing composite, amalgam, glass ionomer, glass ionomer cermet, resin-modified glass ionomer, and polyurethane).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Materials were manipulated according to manufacturers' instructions for use as cores. Mean compressive and diametral strengths with associated standard errors were calculated for each material (n = 10). Analyses of variance were computed (P <.0001) and multiple comparisons tests discerned many differences among materials.

RESULTS

Compressive strengths varied widely from 61.1 MPa for a polyurethane to 250 MPa for a resin composite. Diametral tensile strengths ranged widely from 18.3 MPa for a glass ionomer cermet to 55.1 MPa for a resin composite. Some resin composites had compressive and tensile strengths equal to those of amalgam.

CONCLUSION

Light-cured hybrid resin composites were stronger than autocured titanium containing composites. The strengths of glass ionomer-based materials and of a polyurethane material were considerably lower than for resin composites or amalgam.

Fatigue testing and microscopic evaluation of post and core restorations under artificial crowns

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Coronoradicular reconstruction techniques of pulpless teeth include prefabricated post systems that retain a core material such as silver amalgam, composite, glass ionomer, or modified glass ionomer cement. Mechanical properties of these materials are critical to sustain masticatory forces.

PURPOSE

This in vitro study compared the mechanical resistance of 3 core materials (silver amalgam, composite, and silver-reinforced glass ionomer) under masticatory conditions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Industrially fabricated teeth were used and a total of 75 specimens were divided into 3 groups of 25 specimens. Titanium canal posts were placed, followed by core buildups in amalgam, composite, or glass ionomer. Teeth were prepared for full cast crowns and the crowns were fabricated and cemented with glass ionomer cement. Twenty specimens from each group were placed in a mastication simulator cyclically loading the teeth with a 400 N force for 1.5 million cycles. The 5 remaining specimens were used as controls. Teeth were sectioned and observed macroscopically and microscopically to determine the rate of defects for each material. Observed defects were verified with the Kruskal-Wallis test. The 3 core materials were ranked with the Tukey multiple comparison test.

RESULTS

Significant differences of mechanical behavior were found for the 3 materials. At P <.01, silver amalgam was significantly superior to composite and glass ionomer. Composite was significantly superior to glass ionomer.

CONCLUSION

Cores fabricated with amalgam had the lowest rate of defects when tested under artificial crowns. Glass ionomer, when used as a core material under artificial crowns, showed the highest rate of defects after an instantaneous load of 400 N for a 1,500,000 repetition cycle.

Retention of three endodontic posts cemented with five dental cements

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The retention of a post is believed to be a major factor in restoration survival. Therefore the cement with the greatest in vitro retention property should give the best performance for a restoration.

PURPOSE

This study compared retentive values of three posts (Flexi-Post, AccessPost, and ParaPost) cemented with five cements (Flexi-Flow, zinc phosphate, Advance, Duet, and Ketac-Cem) plus a control group that consisted of a Flexi-Post No. 2 dowel without cement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 160 recently extracted human single-rooted teeth with crowns removed at the cementoenamel junction were divided into 16 groups of 10 samples. Post holes were prepared according to manufacturers' instructions. Posts were then cemented with one of the five cements. Each sample was placed into a specialized jig and on a tensile testing machine with crosshead speed of 0.638 cm/minute, applied until failure. A two-way analysis of variance and Newman-Keuls multiple range comparison tests were performed for all cemented groups. A one-way analysis of variance and a Student-Newman-Keuls multiple range comparison test were performed only for the groups with the Flexi-Post dowel, this included the no cement condition, with significant results if p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Flexi-Post dowel with Flexi-Flow Natural cement obtained the highest retentive value (303.91 pounds). ParaPost dowel with Duet cement exhibited the lowest retention value (21.23 pounds). The Flexi-Post dowel demonstrated higher mean retention than AccessPost or ParaPost dowels, AccessPost dowel was higher than ParaPost dowel. Flexi-Flow cement had the highest overall mean retention followed, in decreasing order, by zinc phosphate, Advance, Ketac-Cem, and Duet cements.

CONCLUSIONS

Flexi-Post dowel was the most retentive post studied with values ranging from 303.91 pounds with Flexi-Flow Natural cements to 150.93 pounds without cement. Flexi-Flow cements had a higher overall mean retention than other cements studied.

Fracture strengths of three core restorative materials supported with or without a prefabricated split-shank post

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the fracture strengths of three restorative materials, a lanthanide reinforced composite (Ti-Core Natural), a silver amalgam (Tytin), and a hybrid glass ionomer (Advance), supported by either a multitiered, threaded split-shank post (Flexi-Flange) or with a dentin spur without a post.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 60 recently extracted single-rooted human teeth were divided into six groups of 10. All groups were stored at 100% humidity at room temperature for 1 week before testing. Each specimen was placed in a special jig at a 45-degree angle to the buccolingual axis and subjected to a load that was recorded in pounds and converted to Newtons on a universal testing machine, with a crosshead speed of 0.63 cm/minute until failure. Two-way analysis of variance followed by the Newman-Keuls pairwise multiple comparisons test were used to compare the results.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference between core materials (p < 0.001), but not regarding post conditions. Ti-Core Natural material had a significantly larger mean failure threshold for fracture than either Tytin silver amalgam or Advance material and the letter two core materials (Tytin and Advance) do not differ from each other. There was no statistical difference between Ti-Core material supported by a post and Ti-Core material supported without a post.

Dental materials: 1995 literature review

This critical review of the published literature on dental materials for the year 1995 has been compiled by the Dental Materials Panel of the United Kingdom. It continues the series of annual reviews started in 1973 and published in the Journal of Dentistry. Emphasis has been placed upon publications which report upon the materials science or clinical performance of the materials. The review has been divided by accepted materials classifications (fissure sealants, glass polyalkenoate cements, resin composites, dentine bonding, dental amalgam, endodontic materials, casting alloys, investment materials, resin-bonded bridges and ceramo-metallic restorations, all ceramic restorations, denture base and soft lining materials, impression materials, dental implants, orthodontic materials and biomechanics). Three hundred and thirty articles published in 68 titles have been reviewed.