Comparative Evaluation of Two Different Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials in Class 1 Post-Endodontic Restorations in Molars-A Randomized Clinical Study

Formulation and Characterization of New Experimental Dental Composites with Zirconium Filling in Different Forms

Short glass fibers are generally used in posterior dental restorations to enhance the mechanical properties and improve the material microstructure. Two resin-based composites (S0 and SF) were formulated and characterized to investigate the influence of zirconium in their characteristics and properties. The organic part of the investigated materials was the same (BisGMA, TEGDMA, and a photochemical polymerization system), and in the inorganic part, besides quart, glassA, and hydroxylapatite with Zn, sample S0 contained strontium glass with zirconium and sample SF contained fiber powder of chopped zirconium. The samples were characterized by the degree of conversion (DC), mechanical properties, water sorption (WS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) before and after the WS test, and antimicrobial properties. The results obtained were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's statistical tests. Both samples had a high DC. Regarding the mechanical properties, both samples were very similar, except DTS, which was higher for the composite without fibers. After 14 days, the WS value of the SF sample was lower than that of the S0 sample. Water caused significant changes in the topography of the SF sample, but thanks to its antimicrobial properties and the diffusion phenomenon, SF had a more pronounced antimicrobial effect. This study shows that the addition of appropriate amounts of Sr-Zr-glass powder gives the material in which it is added similar properties to material containing chopped zirconium glass fiber powder. According to the antimicrobial test results, resin composites containing experimental zirconia fillings can be considered in future in vitro clinical studies for posterior reconstructions with significantly improved mechanical properties.

Clinical evaluation of posterior flowable short fiber-reinforced composite restorations without proximal surface coverage

The purpose of this clinical trail was to assess the clinical behavior of posterior composite restorations supported by a substantial foundation of flowable short fiber-reinforced composite SFRC (everX Flow, GC, Japan) used without proximal surface coverage with particulate filler resin composite (PFC). Seventy patients (20 males, 50 females; mean age: 30 ± 10 years) were randomly enrolled in this trial. Patients received direct restorations of either SFRC covered only on the occlusal surface (1-2 mm) by conventional PFC composite (G-ænial Posterior, GC), or plain conventional PFC composite without fiber-reinforcement, in Class II cavities in premolar and molar vital teeth. One operator made all restorations using one-step, self-etch bonding agent (G-ænial Bond, GC) according to manufacturers' recommendations. Two blinded trained operators evaluated the restorations at baseline, at 6, 12 and 18 months using modified USPHS criteria. Results indicated that, in both groups and at different follow-up intervals, according to evaluated criteria, restorations were rated mostly with best score (Alpha) (p > 0.05). For the marginal integrity after 6 months, a single case in the intervention [increased to 3 (8.8%) after 18 months] and 3 (9.7%) cases of the control group [increased to 4 (12.9%) after 18 months] had Bravo score but with no significant difference (p > 0.05). For color match measured after 6 and 18 months, three (8.8%) cases had Bravo score in the intervention group. The use of flowable SFRC composite without any PFC surface coverage proximally in Class II restorations demonstrated satisfactory clinical outcome throughout the 18-month follow-up.

Effect of Coffee and Polishing Systems on the Color Change of a Conventional Resin Composite Repaired by Universal Resin Composites: An In Vitro Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the color stability of repaired aesthetic restorative resin matrix materials after immersion in coffee and the effect of polishing systems after staining. One hundred and eighty cylindrical discs (8 mm × 2 mm) were prepared using a conventional nano-fill resin composite (Clearfil Majesty Esthetic A2 shade) with round cavities (3 × 1 mm). Cavities were repaired by three resin composite materials: Clearfil Majesty Esthetic A2 shade, one-shaded nano-fill resin composite (Omnichroma) and group-shaded nano-hybrid resin composite (Optishade, medium shade). Each group was polished with three polishing systems (n = 20); aluminum oxide (Soflex Spiral Wheels, 3M ESPE), silicon carbide (Occlubrush, Kerr, CA, USA) and diamond particulate (Twist Dia Spiral Wheels, Kuraray, Okayama, Japan). Color change (ΔE00) measurements were performed with a spectrophotometer at the baseline. Half of the polished samples were either kept in distilled water or immersed in coffee for 15 days, and color measurements were repeated before and after polishing. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Repaired samples showed different color correspondence values in all groups. All three restorative materials showed significant color changes (ΔE00) after immersion in coffee (p ≤ 0.05). Repolishing of stained samples showed color improvement values in all groups. The content of the polishing system played an important role in removing the stains.

Experimental Investigations of the Dental Filling Materials: Establishing Elastic Moduli and Poisson's Ratios

The mechanical properties of the dental filling material (DFMs) strongly influence the lifetime and durability of the tooth reparation performed. Among the most significant mechanical characteristics, one has to mention the Poisson's ratio and the elastic modulus (Young's modulus). They, during the cyclic mastication load, can prevent or aid in the prevention of secondary dental decays by provoking micro-cracks, the de-bonding of the filling material from the natural dental tissue, as well as fatigue at the level of their interface. The authors performed a scoping analysis of the nowadays-involved experimental methods, together with a critical review, putting in evidence of their advantages and limits. Based on the developments, they propose a new approach in this sense by involving the electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI)/shearography high-accuracy optical method. They illustrate the advantages of this method in establishment of the elastic modulus, but they also propose a high-accuracy methodology in the estimation of Poisson's ratio. Based on the briefly-illustrated experimental results, one can conclude that ESPI/shearography can become a very useful tool for research, even though it is not a common (nowadays widely applied) method, such as three-point bending or strain gauge methods.