High Throughput Automated Characterization of Enamel Microstructure using Synchrotron Tomography and Optical Flow Imaging

The remarkable damage-tolerance of enamel has been attributed to its hierarchical microstructure and the organized bands of decussated rods. A thorough characterization of the microscale rod evolution within the enamel is needed to elucidate this complex structure. While prior efforts in this area have made use of single particle tracking to track a single rod evolution to various degrees of success, such a process can be both computationally and labor intensive, limited to the evolution path of a single rod, and is therefore prone to error from potentially tracking outliers. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is a well-established algorithm to derive field information from image sequences for processes that are time-dependent, such as fluid flows and structural deformation. In this work, we demonstrate the use of PIV in extracting the full-field microstructural distribution of rods within the enamel. Enamel samples from a wild African lion were analyzed using high-energy synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography. Results from the PIV analysis provide sufficient full-field information to reconstruct the growth of individual rods that can potentially enable rapid analysis of complex microstructures from high resolution synchrotron datasets. Such information can serve as a template for designing damage-tolerant bioinspired structures for advanced manufacturing. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Thorough characterization and analysis of biological microstructures (viz. dental enamel) allows us to understand the basis of their excellent mechanical properties. Prior efforts have successfully replicated these microstructures via single particle tracking, but the process is computationally and labor intensive. In this work, optical flow imaging algorithms were used to extract full-field microstructural distribution of enamel rods from synchrotron X-ray computed tomography datasets, and a field method was used to reconstruct the growth of individual rods. Such high throughput information allows for the rapid production/prototyping and advanced manufacturing of damage-tolerant bioinspired structures for specific engineering applications. Furthermore, the algorithms used herein are freely available and open source to broaden the availability of the proposed workflow to the general scientific community.

Mammalian enamel: A universal tissue and diverse source of inspiration

The natural armors and weapons of the animal kingdom are serving as inspiration in the development of next-generation engineering materials. In this pursuit, seldom considered are the variations in properties across taxa that have evolved to meet their unique functional demands. Here, teeth from six different mammalian species were acquired and categorized according to their bite force quotient (BFQ), which accounts for the allometric scaling between bite force and body size. Selected chemical, microstructural, and mechanical properties of the enamel were quantified across the enamel thickness using spectroscopy and indentation techniques. Results showed that the chemical composition of enamel was significantly (P <  0.05) different between the Low and High BFQ groups, whereas the apatite crystallinity was not. The enamel of all animals exhibited a spatial gradient in mechanical properties that was consistent when evaluated using a normalized framework. Although the elastic modulus, hardness and indentation brittleness were significantly lower in the High BFQ group, the fracture resistance of enamel was significantly higher in this group, potentially reflective of bite force requirements related to diet and predation. Enamel rod decussation was present in all teeth, but there were differences in specific microstructural features. Overall, these results highlight that the diversity of tooth enamel across species should be considered in the pursuit of nature-inspired structural materials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Natural weapons are serving as inspiration in the development of next-generation engineering materials. Tooth enamel is a viable candidate, but variations in the structure and properties of enamel across taxa have not been explored. Here, teeth from six different mammalian species were categorized according to their bite force quotient (BFQ), and the enamel was compared in terms of selected chemical, microstructural, and mechanical properties. We show that specific aspects of the chemical composition and properties of the Low and High BFQ groups are unique, which appears reflective of bite forces associated with diet and predation. Overall, the results highlight that the diversity of tooth enamel across species should be considered in the pursuit of nature-inspired structural materials.

Ceramic Inlay Bonded Interfaces in Minimally Invasive Preparations: Damage and Contributing Mechanisms in Sliding Contact

BACKGROUND

In the preparation of inlay cavities, a choice must be made between conventional standard and minimally invasive preparation designs; in the long run, this choice can affect the integrity of the bonded interface.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of minimally invasive cavity preparation designs on the extent and contributing mechanisms of damage to ceramic inlay bonded interfaces.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Tooth blocks with 90°, 120° and 75° marginal angles were prepared, representing tooth cavities with conventional standard and minimally invasive preparations with large divergence and convergence angles and bonded to monolithic ceramic (IPS e.max CAD). Vickers indentations were placed at various distances from the bonded interface. The indentation morphology and crack length were observed. Reciprocating wear tests were performed on the bonded interface with a 20-newton (N) vertical load. The wear depth and wear-scar morphology were characterized after increments of cyclic sliding contact.

RESULTS

The 120° group exhibited longer indentation cracks in the ceramic, whereas the 75° group showed larger indentations in the enamel when compared to the 90° group (p<0.001). Consistent with the weaker edge crack resistance, the 120° group experienced the greatest wear (p=0.008), and the wear depth in the enamel of the 75° group exceeded that of the 90° group (p<0.001) in the early stage (5×102 cycles). However, no significant difference in the wear depth (p>0.147) and morphology were found at the later wear stage among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, minimally invasive preparations with 120° and 75° marginal angles can result in early sever damage at the ceramic inlay bonded interface but show comparable wear behaviors to the conventional 90° group at the later stage.

On the regeneration of fish scales: structure and mechanical behavior

Fish scales serve as a dermal armor that provides protection from physical injury. Owing to a number of outstanding properties, fish scales are inspiring new concepts for layered engineered materials and next-generation flexible armors. Although past efforts have primarily focused on the structure and mechanical behavior of ontogenetic scales, the structure-property relationships of regenerated scales have received limited attention. In the present study, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) acquired from the wild were held live in an aquatic laboratory at 10°C and 20°C. Ontogenetic scales were extracted from the fish for analysis, as well as regenerated scales after approximately 1 year of development and growth. Their microstructure was characterized using microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, and the mechanical properties were evaluated in uniaxial tension to failure under hydrated conditions. The strength, strain to fracture and toughness of the regenerated scales were significantly lower than those of ontogenetic scales from the same fish, regardless of the water temperature. Scales that regenerated at 20°C exhibited significantly higher strength, strain to fracture and toughness than those regenerated at 10°C. The regenerated scales exhibited a highly mineralized outer layer, but no distinct limiting layer or external elasmodine; they also possessed a significantly lower number of plies in the basal layer than the ontogenetic scales. The results suggest that a mineralized layer develops preferentially during scale regeneration with the topology needed for protection, prior to the development of other qualities.

Contributions of intermolecular bonding and lubrication to the mechanical behavior of a natural armor

Among many dermal armors, fish scales have become a source of inspiration in the pursuit of "next-generation" structural materials. Although fish scales function in a hydrated environment, the role of water and intermolecular hydrogen bonding to their unique structural behavior has not been elucidated. Water molecules reside within and adjacent to the interpeptide locations of the collagen fibrils of the elasmodine and provide lubrication to the protein molecules during deformation. We evaluated the contributions of this lubrication and the intermolecular bonding to the mechanical behavior of elasmodine scales from the Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus). Scales were exposed to polar solvents, followed by axial loading to failure and the deformation mechanisms were characterized via optical mechanics. Displacement of intermolecular water molecules by liquid polar solvents caused significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in stiffness, strength and toughness of the scales. Removal of this lubrication decreased the capacity for non-linear deformation and toughness, which results from the increased resistance to fibril rotations and sliding caused by molecular friction. The intermolecular lubrication is a key component of the "protecto-flexibility" of scales and these natural armors as a system; it can serve as an important component of biomimetic-driven designs for flexible armor systems. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The natural armor of fish has become a topic of substantial scientific interest. Hydration is important to these materials as water molecules reside within the interpeptide locations of the collagen fibrils of the elasmodine and provide lubrication to the protein molecules during deformation. We explored the opportunity for tuning the mechanical behavior of scales as a model for next-generation engineering materials by adjusting the extent of hydrogen bonding with polar solvents and the corresponding interpeptide molecular lubrication. Removal of this lubrication decreased the capacity for non-linear deformation and toughness due to an increase in resistance to fibril rotations and sliding as imparted by molecular friction. We show that intermolecular lubrication is a key component of the "protecto-flexibility" of natural armors and it is an essential element of biomimetic approaches to develop flexible armor systems.

Interfibril hydrogen bonding improves the strain-rate response of natural armour

Fish scales are laminated composites that consist of plies of unidirectional collagen fibrils with twisted-plywood stacking arrangement. Owing to their composition, the toughness of scales is dependent on the intermolecular bonding within and between the collagen fibrils. Adjusting the extent of this bonding with an appropriate stimulus has implications for the design of next-generation bioinspired flexible armours. In this investigation, scales were exposed to environments of water or a polar solvent (i.e. ethanol) to influence the extent of intermolecular bonding, and their mechanical behaviour was evaluated in uniaxial tension and transverse puncture. Results showed that the resistance to failure of the scales increased with loading rate in both tension and puncture and that the polar solvent treatment increased both the strength and toughness through interpeptide bonding; the largest increase occurred in the puncture resistance of scales from the tail region (a factor of nearly 7×). The increase in strength and damage tolerance with stronger intermolecular bonding is uncommon for structural materials and is a unique characteristic of the low mineral content. Scales from regions of the body with higher mineral content underwent less strengthening, which is most likely the result of interference posed by the mineral crystals to intermolecular bonding. Overall, the results showed that flexible bioinspired composite materials for puncture resistance should enrol constituents and complementary processing that capitalize on interfibril bonds.

Effect of cryopreservation of teeth on the structural integrity of dentin

The autotransplantation of teeth after cryopreservation has become an increasingly viable method for whole tooth replacement. While the immediate success rates are quite high, damage introduced by cryopreservation within the dentin or enamel could be detrimental to the durability of these teeth.

OBJECTIVE

to determine whether cryopreservation alters the microstructure of dentin or causes a reduction of its resistance to mechanical failures.

METHODS

Third molars were obtained from young donors (18≤age≤30yrs) and subjected to a cryopreservation protocol involving storage for 10days in cryoprotectant solution at -196°C. After treatment, the mid-coronal dentin was characterized in terms of its elastic modulus, strength and fatigue behavior. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to evaluate the microstructure and integrity of collagen after cryopreservation.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the elastic modulus or flexural strength between dentin from the cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved (control) teeth. However, the cryopreservation treatment caused a significant decrease in the fatigue strength of dentin with respect to the controls, with average reduction of nearly 20%. While there were no differences apparent in the collagen matrix or fracture surfaces between the cryopreserved and control groups, the microstructure of dentin from the cryopreserved teeth exhibited unique features and damage that appear to have caused the decrease in durability.

SIGNIFICANCE

Autotransplantation of cryopreserved teeth may be a viable option for whole tooth restorations, but hidden damage within the dentin could render these teeth more susceptible to mechanical failures by fatigue and fracture.

The limiting layer of fish scales: Structure and properties

Fish scales serve as a flexible natural armor that have received increasing attention across the materials community. Most efforts in this area have focused on the composite structure of the predominately organic elasmodine, and limited work addresses the highly mineralized external portion known as the Limiting Layer (LL). This coating serves as the first barrier to external threats and plays an important role in resisting puncture. In this investigation the structure, composition and mechanical behavior of the LL were explored for three different fish, including the arapaima (Arapaima gigas), the tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) and the carp (Cyprinus carpio). The scales of these three fish have received the most attention within the materials community. Features of the LL were evaluated with respect to anatomical position to distinguish site-specific functional differences. Results show that there are significant differences in the surface morphology of the LL from posterior and anterior regions in the scales, and between the three fish species. The calcium to phosphorus ratio and the mineral to collagen ratios of the LL are not equivalent among the three fish. Results from nanoindentation showed that the LL of tarpon scales is the hardest, followed by the carp and the arapaima and the differences in hardness are related to the apatite structure, possibly induced by the growth rate and environment of each fish.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The natural armor of fish, turtles and other animals, has become a topic of substantial scientific interest. The majority of investigations have focused on the more highly organic layer known as the elasmodine. The present study addresses the highly mineralized external portion known as the Limiting Layer (LL). Specifically, the structure, composition and mechanical behavior of the LL were explored for three different fish, including the arapaima (Arapaima gigas), the tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) and the carp (Cyprinus carpio). Results show that there are significant differences in the surface morphology of the LL from posterior and anterior regions in the scales, and between the three species. In addition, the composition of the LL is also unique among the three fish. Results from nanoindentation showed that the LL of tarpon scales is the hardest, followed by the carp and the arapaima and the differences in hardness are related to the apatite structure, possibly induced by the growth rate and environment of each fish. In addition, a new feature was indentified in the LL, which has not been discussed before. As such, we feel this work is unique and makes a significant contribution to the field.

Temperature effects on the fracture resistance of scales from Cyprinus carpio

In this investigation the fracture resistance of scales from Cyprinus carpio was evaluated as a function of environmental temperature. Tear specimens were prepared from scales obtained from three characteristic regions (i.e. head, mid-length and tail) of multiple fish. The fracture resistance was characterized in Mode III loading and over temperatures ranging from -150°C to 21°C. Results showed that there was a significant reduction in tear resistance with decreasing temperature and the lowest resistance to fracture was obtained at -150°C. There was a significant difference in the relative tear toughness between scales from the three locations at ambient conditions (21°C), but not below freezing. Scales obtained near the head exhibited the largest resistance to fracture (energy ≈ 150 ± 25 kJm(-2)) overall. The fracture resistance was found to be primarily dependent on the thickness of the external mineralized layer and the number of external elasmodine plies, indicating that both the anatomical position and the corresponding microstructure are important to the mechanical behavior of elasmoid fish scales. These variables may be exploited in the design of bioinspired armors and should be considered in future studies concerning the mechanical behavior of these interesting natural materials.

Degradation in the fatigue strength of dentin by diamond bur preparations: Importance of cutting direction

The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate the degradation in fatigue strength of dentin by diamond bur preparations and to identify the importance of cutting direction. Three groups of coronal dentin specimens were prepared from unrestored third molars, including a flaw free "control," and two groups that received a diamond bur cutting treatment performed parallel or perpendicular to the specimen length. The specimens were subjected to static or cyclic flexural loading to failure and the results were compared with data for carbide bur cutting. Under static loading diamond bur cutting resulted in significantly lower flexure strength (p ≤ 0.05) than the control for both cutting directions (from 154 to ∼124 MPa). However, there was no significant difference in the strength between the control and carbide bur treated specimens. Similarly, the fatigue strength of the diamond bur treated specimens was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.0001) than that of the control for both cutting directions. Cutting in the perpendicular direction resulted in nearly 60% reduction to the endurance limit (from 44 to 19 MPa). Based on the results, diamond bur cutting of cavity preparations causes a reduction in the fatigue strength of dentin, regardless of the cutting direction. To maintain the durability of dentin, cavity preparations introduced using diamond burs must be performed with appropriate cutting direction and followed by a finishing pass.

Differences in the microstructure and fatigue properties of dentine between residents of North and South America

Spatial variations in the microstructure of dentine contribute to its mechanical behaviour.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this investigation was to compare the microstructure and fatigue behaviour of dentine from donors of two different countries.

METHODS

Caries-free third molars were obtained from dental practices in Colombia, South America and the US to assemble two age-matched samples. The microstructure of the coronal dentine was evaluated at three characteristic depths (i.e. deep, middle and superficial dentine) using scanning electron microscopy and image processing techniques. The mechanical behaviour of dentine in these three regions was evaluated by the fatigue crack growth resistance. Cyclic crack growth was achieved in-plane with the dentine tubules and the fatigue crack growth behaviour was characterized in terms of the stress intensity threshold and the Paris Law parameters.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the tubule density between the dentine of patients from the two countries. However, there were significant differences (p≤0.05) in the tubule lumen diameters between the two groups in the deep and peripheral regions. In regards to the fatigue resistance, there was a significant increase (p≤0.05) in threshold stress intensity range, and a significant decrease in fatigue crack growth coefficient with increasing distance from the pulp in teeth from the US donors. In contrast, these properties were independent of location for the dentine of teeth from the Colombian donors.

CONCLUSIONS

The microstructure of dentine and its mechanical behaviour appear to be a function of patient background, which may include environmental factors and/or ethnicity.

An inset CT specimen for evaluating fracture in small samples of material

In evaluations on the fracture behavior of hard tissues and many biomaterials, the volume of material available to study is not always sufficient to apply a standard method of practice. In the present study an inset Compact Tension (inset CT) specimen is described, which uses a small cube of material (approximately 2×2×2mm(3)) that is molded within a secondary material to form the compact tension geometry. A generalized equation describing the Mode I stress intensity was developed for the specimen using the solutions from a finite element model that was defined over permissible crack lengths, variations in specimen geometry, and a range in elastic properties of the inset and mold materials. A validation of the generalized equation was performed using estimates for the fracture toughness of a commercial dental composite via the "inset CT" specimen and the standard geometry defined by ASTM E399 (2006). Results showed that the average fracture toughness obtained from the new specimen (1.23±0.02MPam(0.5)) was within 2% of that from the standard. Applications of the inset CT specimen are presented for experimental evaluations on the crack growth resistance of dental enamel and root dentin, including their fracture resistance curves. Potential errors in adopting this specimen are then discussed, including the effects of debonding between the inset and molding material on the estimated stress intensity distribution. Results of the investigation show that the inset CT specimen offers a viable approach for studying the fracture behavior of small volumes of structural materials.

Accelerated fatigue of dentin with exposure to lactic acid

Composite restorations accumulate more biofilm than other dental materials. This increases the likelihood for the hard tissues supporting a restoration (i.e. dentin and enamel) to be exposed to acidic conditions beyond that resulting from dietary variations. In this investigation the fatigue strength and fatigue crack growth resistance of human coronal dentin were characterized within a lactic acid solution (with pH = 5) and compared to that of controls evaluated in neutral conditions (pH = 7). A comparison of the fatigue life distributions showed that the lactic acid exposure resulted in a significant reduction in the fatigue strength (p ≤ 0.001), and nearly 30% reduction in the apparent endurance limit (from 44 MPa to 32 MPa). The reduction in pH also caused a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in the threshold stress intensity range required for the initiation of cyclic crack growth, and significant increase in the incremental rate of crack extension. Exposure of tooth structure to lactic acid may cause demineralization, but it also increases the likelihood of restored tooth failures via fatigue, and after short time periods.

Indentation damage and crack repair in human enamel

Tooth enamel is the hardest and most highly mineralized tissue in the human body. While there have been a number of studies aimed at understanding the hardness and crack growth resistance behavior of this tissue, no study has evaluated if cracks in this tissue undergo repair. In this investigation the crack repair characteristics of young human enamel were evaluated as a function of patient gender and as a function of the distance from the Dentin Enamel Junction (DEJ). Cracks were introduced via microindentation along the prism direction and evaluated as a function of time after the indentation. Microscopic observations indicated that the repair of cracks began immediately after crack initiation and reaches saturation after approximately 48 h. During this process he crack length decreased up to 10% of the initial length, and the largest degree of reduction occurred in the deep enamel, nearest the DEJ. In addition, it was found that the degree of repair was significantly greater in the enamel of female patients.

Degradation in the fatigue resistance of dentin by bur and abrasive air-jet preparations

The objective of this investigation was to distinguish whether the instruments commonly used for cutting dentin cause degradation in strength or fatigue behavior. Beams of coronal dentin were obtained from unrestored 3(rd) molars and subjected to either quasi-static or cyclic flexural loading to failure. The surfaces of selected beams were treated with a conventional straight-sided bur or with an abrasive air jet laden with glass particles. Under monotonic loading, there was no difference in the strength or Weibull parameters obtained for the control or treated beams. However, the fatigue strength of dentin receiving bur and air-jet treatments was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.0001) than that of the control. The bur treatment resulted in the largest overall degree of degradation, with nearly 40% reduction in the endurance limit and even more substantial decrease in the fatigue life. The methods currently used for cavity preparations substantially degrade the durability of dentin.

The reduction in fatigue crack growth resistance of dentin with depth

The fatigue crack growth resistance of dentin was characterized as a function of depth from the dentino-enamel junction. Compact tension (CT) specimens were prepared from the crowns of third molars in the deep, middle, and peripheral dentin. The microstructure was quantified in terms of the average tubule dimensions and density. Fatigue cracks were grown in-plane with the tubules and characterized in terms of the initiation and growth responses. Deep dentin exhibited the lowest resistance to the initiation of fatigue crack growth, as indicated by the stress intensity threshold (ΔK(th) ≈ 0.8 MPa•m(0.5)) and the highest incremental fatigue crack growth rate (over 1000 times that in peripheral dentin). Cracks in deep dentin underwent incremental extension under cyclic stresses that were 40% lower than those required in peripheral dentin. The average fatigue crack growth rates increased significantly with tubule density, indicating the importance of microstructure on the potential for tooth fracture. Molars with deep restorations are more likely to suffer from the cracked-tooth syndrome, because of the lower fatigue crack growth resistance of deep dentin.

Contributions of microstructure and chemical composition to the mechanical properties of dentin

The influence of microstructural variations and chemical composition to the mechanical properties and apparent flaw sensitivity of dentin were evaluated. Rectangular beams (N = 80) of the deep and superficial coronal dentin were prepared from virgin 3rd molars; twenty beams of each region were nominally flaw free and the remainder possessed a single "surface flaw" via a Vickers indentation. Mechanical properties were estimated in four-point flexure and examined using Weibull statistics. Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy in Reflectance Mode (FTIR-RM) was used to quantify the relative mineral to collagen ratios. Results showed that the average flexural strength, and strain and energy to fracture of the deep dentin beams were significantly lower (P < 0.005) than for the superficial dentin. While the deep dentin exhibited the highest mineral/collagen ratio and lowest damage tolerance, there was no significant effect of the surface flaws. Weibull analyses suggest that deep dentin possesses a larger distribution of intrinsic flaw sizes that contributes to the location dependence in strength.

FATIGUE OF BIOMATERIALS: HARD TISSUES

The fatigue and fracture behavior of hard tissues are topics of considerable interest today. This special group of organic materials comprises the highly mineralized and load-bearing tissues of the human body, and includes bone, cementum, dentin and enamel. An understanding of their fatigue behavior and the influence of loading conditions and physiological factors (e.g. aging and disease) on the mechanisms of degradation are essential for achieving lifelong health. But there is much more to this topic than the immediate medical issues. There are many challenges to characterizing the fatigue behavior of hard tissues, much of which is attributed to size constraints and the complexity of their microstructure. The relative importance of the constituents on the type and distribution of defects, rate of coalescence, and their contributions to the initiation and growth of cracks, are formidable topics that have not reached maturity. Hard tissues also provide a medium for learning and a source of inspiration in the design of new microstructures for engineering materials. This article briefly reviews fatigue of hard tissues with shared emphasis on current understanding, the challenges and the unanswered questions.

Fatigue of zirconia and dental bridge geometry: Design implications

Zirconia is currently used as a framework material for posterior all-ceramic bridges. While the majority of research efforts have focused on the microstructure and corresponding mechanical properties of this material, clinical fractures appear to be largely associated with the appliance geometry.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to estimate the maximum stress concentration posed by the connector geometry and to provide adjusted estimates of the minimum connector diameter that is required for achieving 20 years of function.

METHODS

A simple quantitative description of the connector geometry in an all-ceramic 4-unit bridge design is used with published stress concentration factor charts to estimate the degree of stress concentration and the maximum stress.

RESULTS

The magnitude of stress concentration estimated for clinically relevant connector geometries ranges from 2 to 3. Using previously published recommendations for connector designs, adjusted estimates for the minimum connector diameter required to achieve 20 years of clinical function are presented.

SIGNIFICANCE

To prevent clinical fractures the minimum connector diameter in multi-unit bridges designs must account for the loads incurred during function and the extent of stress concentration posed by the connector geometry.

Vertical fracture of root filled teeth restored with posts: the effects of patient age and dentine thickness

AIM

To determine whether patient age contributed to the fracture resistance of teeth subjected to root canal treatment and post placement.

METHODOLOGY

Forty-five single-rooted, single-canal human teeth were mounted, instrumented, obturated and prepared for a post. The teeth were divided into young (18 < or = age < or = 35) and old (60 < or = age) groups and subjected to cyclic loading until fracture; those reaching 200,000 cycles without undergoing failure were then subjected to static loading to fracture. Statistical differences between groups were examined using one-way anovas, and correlations were identified using Pearson's r; significance was established at P < or = 0.05.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two age groups in terms of the number of cycles to fracture (P > 0.05) or the load to fracture (P > 0.05). However, there was a significant correlation (P < or = 0.05) between the root fracture resistance and individual age, indicating that the susceptibility to root fracture increases significantly with increasing patient age. Also, the dentine thickness of roots that fractured was significantly less than those that did not (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Vertical root fracture of teeth receiving root canal treatment with posts is more likely to occur in the teeth of older patients (60+) and particularly in those with low dentine thickness.

Evaluation of effectiveness of Er,Cr:YSGG laser for root canal disinfection: theoretical simulation of temperature elevations in root dentin

Erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) lasers are currently being investigated for disinfecting the root canal system. Prior to using laser therapy, it is important to understand the temperature distribution and to assess thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. In this study, a theoretical simulation using the Pennes bioheat equation is conducted to evaluate how heat spreads from the canal surface using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Results of the investigation show that some of the proposed treatment protocols for killing bacteria in the deep dentin are ineffective, even for long heating durations. Based on the simulation, an alternative treatment protocol is identified that has improved effectiveness and is less likely to introduce collateral damage to the surrounding tissue. The alternative protocol uses 350 mW laser power with repeating laser tip movement to achieve bacterial disinfection in the deep dentin (800 microm lateral from the canal surface), while avoiding thermal damage to the surrounding tissue (T<47 degrees C). The alternative treatment protocol has the potential to not only achieve bacterial disinfection of deep dentin but also shorten the treatment time, thereby minimizing potential patient discomfort during laser procedures.

Dehydration and the dynamic dimensional changes within dentin and enamel

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to quantify the dimensional changes in dentin and enamel during dehydration, and to determine if there are differences between the responses of these tissues from young and old patients.

METHODS

Microscopic digital image correlation (DIC) was used to evaluate deformation of dentin and enamel as a function of water loss resulting from free convection in air. Dimensional changes within both tissues were quantified for two patient age groups (i.e. young 18< or =age< or =30 and old 50< or =age) and in two orthogonal directions (i.e. parallel and perpendicular to the prevailing structural feature (dentin tubules or enamel prisms)). The deformation histories were used to estimate effective dehydration coefficients that can be used in quantifying the strains induced by dehydration.

RESULTS

Both dentin and enamel underwent contraction with water loss, regardless of the patient age. There was no significant difference between responses of the two age groups or the two orthogonal directions. Over 1h of free convection, the average water loss in dentin was 6% and resulted in approximately 0.5% shrinkage. In the same time period the average water loss in the enamel was approximately 1% and resulted in 0.03% shrinkage. The estimated effective dehydration coefficients were -810microm/m/(% weight loss) and -50microm/m/(% weight loss) for dentin and enamel, respectively.

SIGNIFICANCE

The degree of deformation shrinkage resulting from dehydration is over a factor of magnitude larger in dentin than enamel.

Aging and the reduction in fracture toughness of human dentin

An evaluation of the crack growth resistance of human coronal dentin was performed on tissue obtained from patients between ages 18 and 83. Stable crack extension was achieved over clinically relevant lengths (0< or = a < or =1mm) under Mode I quasi-static loading and perpendicular to the nominal tubule direction. Results distinguished that human dentin exhibits an increase in crack growth resistance with extension (i.e. rising R-curve) and that there is a significant reduction in both the initiation (K(o)) and plateau (K(p)) components of toughness with patient age. In the young dentin (18< or =age< or =35) there was a 25% increase in the crack growth resistance from the onset of extension (K(o)=1.34 MPa m(0.5)) to the maximum or "plateau" toughness (K(p)=1.65 MPa m(0.5)). In comparison, the crack growth resistance of the old dentin (55< or =age) increased with extension by less than 10% from K(o)=1.08 MPa m(0.5) to K(p)=1.17 MPa m(0.5). In young dentin toughening was achieved by a combination of inelastic deformation of the mineralized collagen matrix and microcracking of the peritubular cuffs. These mechanisms facilitated further toughening via the development of unbroken ligaments of tissue and posterior crack-bridging. Microstructural changes with aging decreased the capacity for near-tip inelastic deformation and microcracking of the tubules, which in turn suppressed the formation of unbroken ligaments and the degree of extrinsic toughening.

An examination of fatigue striations in human dentin: in vitro and in vivo

Although striations are often used in evaluating fatigue crack growth in engineering materials, they have not been used in studying the mechanics of fracture in hard tissues. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the striations resulting from fatigue crack growth in the dentin of human teeth. Compact tension (CT) specimens obtained from the coronal dentin of molars from young (17 < or = age < or = 37 years) and senior (age > or = 50 years) patients were subjected to cyclic Mode I loads. Striations evident on the fracture surfaces were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and contact profilometer. Fatigue crack growth striations that developed in vivo were also examined on fracture surfaces of restored molars. A power spectrum analysis of surface profiles from the CT specimens showed that the striation spacing ranged from 50 to 170 microm. The average spacing in the dentin of seniors (130 +/- 23 microm) was significantly larger (p < 0.001) than that in young dentin (88 +/- 13 microm). Fatigue striations in the restored teeth exhibited features that were consistent with those that developed in vitro and a spacing ranging from 59 to 95 microm. Unlike metals, the striations in dentin developed after a period of cyclic loading that ranged from 1 x 10(3) to 1 x 10(5) cycles. A quantitative evaluation of the striation spacing using the Bates-Clark equation suggested that cyclic crack growth within the restored teeth occurred at a stress intensity range near 0.7 MPa x m(0.5), and a stress range of approximately 12 MPa.

Transition behavior in fatigue of human dentin: structure and anisotropy

The influence of tubule orientation on the transition from fatigue to fatigue crack growth in human dentin was examined. Compact tension (CT) and rectangular beam specimens were prepared from the coronal dentin of molars with three unique tubule orientations (i.e., 0 degrees , 45 degrees and 90 degrees). The CT specimens (N=25) were used to characterize fatigue crack initiation and steady-state cyclic extension, whereas the rectangular beams (N=132) were subjected to 4-pt flexure and used in quantifying the stress-life fatigue response. The transition behavior was analyzed using both the Kitagawa-Takahashi and El Haddad approaches. Results showed that both the fatigue crack growth and stress-life responses were dependent on the tubule orientation. The average Paris Law exponent for crack growth perpendicular (90 degrees) to the tubules (m=13.3+/-1.1) was significantly greater (p<0.05) than that for crack growth oblique (45 degrees) to the tubules (m=11.5+/-1.87). Similarly, the fatigue strength of dentin with 90 degrees tubule orientation was significantly lower (p<0.05) than that for the other two orientations, regardless of the range of cyclic stress. The apparent endurance strengths of specimens with 0 degrees (44MPa) and 45 degrees (53MPa) orientations were nearly twice that of the 90 degrees (24MPa) orientation. Based on these results, human dentin exhibits the largest degree of anisotropy within the stress-life regime and the transition from fatigue to fatigue crack growth occurs under the lowest cyclic stress range when the tubules are aligned with the cyclic normal stress (90 degrees orientation).

A comparison of fatigue crack growth in resin composite, dentin and the interface

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fatigue crack growth properties of the dentin/resin adhesive interface.

METHODS

Compact tension (CT) specimens were prepared from coronal dentin, resin composite, and dentin bonded to resin composite using Optibond Solo Plus adhesive. All specimens were then subjected to cyclic Mode I loading while fully hydrated at a stress ratio of R=0.1 and frequency of 5 Hz. Steady state fatigue crack growth was modeled using the Paris Law in terms of the exponent (m) and coefficient (C).

RESULTS

The average fatigue crack growth rates in the resin composite ranged from 1.6E-06 to 3.8E-05 mm/cycle with growth occurring over a stress intensity range from 0.40 to 0.77 MPa m(1/2); the average growth exponent was 6.9+/-3.1. Average fatigue crack growth rates for the dentin/resin interface specimens ranged from 5.5E-07 to 6.4E-03 mm/cycle with growth occurring over a stress intensity range from 0.37 to 0.64 MPa m(1/2). The Paris Law exponent for these specimens ranged from 16<or=m<or=25. Fatigue crack growth at the interface occurred primarily in the adhesive resin and at the adhesive-dentin interface. In addition, many of the dentin/resin specimens underwent unstable fracture at a comparatively low stress intensity range without undergoing cyclic crack growth.

SIGNIFICANCE

The dentin/resin adhesive interface proved to be significantly more sensitive to fatigue crack growth than either dentin or resin composite. Variation in the cyclic crack growth responses of the dentin/resin interface specimens suggests that the interface, and particularly the adhesive resin, exhibits lower resistance to crack initiation and growth in comparison to dentin.

Fatigue of the cement/bone interface: the surface texture of bone and loosening

Loosening is recognized as one of the primary sources of total hip replacement (THR) failure. In this study the influence of the bone surface texture on loosening of the cement/bone interface was studied. Model cemented hip replacements were prepared and subjected to cyclic loads that induced pure shear fatigue of the cement/bone interface. The femoral canals were textured with the use of specific cutting tools to achieve a desired surface topography. Loosening of the implant with cyclic loading was characterized in terms of the initial migration (Region I), steady-state loosening (Region II), and unstable loosening (Region III). Results from the experiments showed that the initial migration and rate of steady-state loosening were dependent upon the bone surface topography. The apparent fatigue strength ranged from 0.8 to 5.1 MPa, and denotes the cyclic shear stress required for loosening of 1 mm within 10 million cycles. Regardless of the bone surface topography the ratio of apparent fatigue strength and ultimate shear strength of the interfaces was approximately 0.24. In general, the apparent fatigue strength increased proportional to the average surface roughness of the femoral canal and the corresponding volume available for cement interdigitation. In addition, there was a strong correlation between the normalized initial migration and the apparent fatigue strength (i.e., specimens with the highest initial migration exhibited the lowest fatigue strength).

Hydration and dynamic fatigue of dentin

An experimental investigation on the dynamic fatigue response of dentin was conducted to examine the influence of stress rate on the strength and energy to fracture. Rectangular beams were prepared from the coronal dentin of bovine maxillary molars and subjected to four-point flexure to failure. The dentin beams were examined in the fully hydrated and dehydrated condition at stress rates (sigma) ranging from 0.01 to 100 MPa/s. Results for the hydrated dentin showed that the flexure strength, energy to fracture, and flexure modulus all increased with increasing stress rate; the flexure strength increased from 100 MPa ((sigma) = 0.01 MPa/s) to 250 MPa ((sigma) = 100 MPa/s). In contrast, the elastic modulus and strength of the dehydrated dentin decreased with increasing stress rate; the flexural strength of the dehydrated dentin deceased from 170 MPa ((sigma) = 0.01 MPa/s) to 100 MPa ((sigma) = 100 MPa/s). While the hydrated dentin behaved more like a brittle material at low stress rates, the strain to fracture was found to be nearly independent of (sigma). According to the experimental results, restorative conditions that cause development of static stresses within the tooth could promote a decrease in the damage tolerance of dentin.

Age, dehydration and fatigue crack growth in dentin

A preliminary study of the effects from age and dehydration on fatigue crack growth in human dentin was conducted. Compact tension (CT) fatigue specimens of coronal dentin were prepared from extracted molars and subjected to high cycle fatigue (10(5)<N<10(6)) under Mode I loading. Young hydrated dentin (mean age=25+/-7 years), old hydrated dentin (mean age=55+/-14 years) and young dehydrated dentin (mean age=20+/-2 years) were examined. Fatigue crack growth rates were quantified according to the Paris Law in terms of the crack growth exponent (m) and coefficient (C). The average fatigue crack growth exponent for the young hydrated dentin (m=13.3+/-1.1) was significantly less than that for the hydrated old (m=21.6+/-5.2; p<0.003) and dehydrated young dentin (m=18.8+/-2.8; p<0.01). Fatigue cracks in the old dentin underwent initiation at a lower stress intensity range than in young dentin and propagated at as significantly faster rate (over 100x). Differences in the microscopic features of the fracture surfaces from the old and young dentin suggested that particular mechanisms contributing to energy dissipation and crack growth resistance in the young hydrated dentin were not present in the old dentin. Based on results of this study, the fatigue crack growth resistance of human dentin decreases with both age of the tissue and dehydration.

Effects of aging on the mechanical behavior of human dentin

An experimental study on the mechanical behavior of human dentin and the influence of age was conducted. Beams with rectangular cross-section were sectioned from the coronal dentin of virgin extracted molars (N = 76) that were obtained from (N = 70) patients between 17 and 80 years of age. The beams were loaded in either quasi-static 4-point flexure or 4-point flexural fatigue to failure and the stiffness, strength and fatigue properties were evaluated. In characterizing the fatigue response the beams were divided into two age groups that were regarded as young (17 < or = age < or = 30, mean +/- std. dev. = 25 +/- 5 years) and old (50 < or = age < or = 80, mean +/- std. dev. = 64 +/- 9 years) dentin. Results from monotonic loading showed that both the flexural strength and strain to fracture of dentin decreased significantly with age. The fatigue life of dentin increased with a reduction in cyclic stress amplitude and the fatigue strength of young dentin was greater than that of old dentin at all cyclic stress amplitudes. The endurance strength of young dentin (at 10(7) cycles) was approximately 44 MPa, whereas the old dentin exhibited an endurance strength of approximately 23 MPa. Based on differences in the mechanical behavior and microscopic features of the fracture surfaces from the young and old specimens, aging appears to result in an increase in both the rate of damage initiation and propagation in dentin.

Stress ratio contributes to fatigue crack growth in dentin

An experimental study of fatigue crack growth in dentin was conducted, and the influence of stress ratio (R) on the crack growth rate and mechanisms of cyclic extension were examined. Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) fatigue specimens were sectioned from bovine molars and then subjected to high cycle fatigue loading (10(5) < N < 10(6)) under hydrated conditions. The evaluation consisted of Mode I loads with stress ratios that ranged from -0.5 to 0.5. The fatigue crack growth rates were measured and used to estimate the crack growth exponent (m) and coefficient (C) according to the Paris Law model. The fatigue crack growth rates for steady-state extension (Region II) ranged from 1E-7 to 1E-4 mm/cycle. It was found that the rate of cyclic extension increased significantly with increasing R, and that the highest average crack growth rate occurred at a stress ratio of 0.5. However, the crack growth exponent decreased with increasing R from an average of 4.6 (R = 0.10) to 2.7 (R = 0.50). The stress intensity threshold for crack growth decreased with increasing R as well. Results from this study suggest that an increase in the cyclic stress ratio facilitates fatigue crack growth in dentin and increases the rate of cyclic extension, both of which are critical concerns in minimizing tooth fractures and maintaining lifelong oral health.

A comparison of the mechanical behavior of posterior teeth with amalgam and composite MOD restorations

OBJECTIVE

To compare the mechanical behavior, and infer differences in fracture resistance, of mandibular molars with amalgam and composite MOD restorations to that of an unrestored molar.

METHOD

Finite element models were developed for an unrestored molar and molars with MOD amalgam and composite restorations. The location and magnitude of maximum principal stress resulting from simultaneous mechanical and thermal loads were determined for each molar using a series of designed experiments. An analysis of variance was conducted with the components of stress to distinguish the relative influence of oral parameters and restoration on the stress distribution in each molar.

RESULTS

The maximum principal stress in the unrestored molar was the largest of all three molars examined and occurred within the dentin along the pulpal wall. Maximum principal stresses in the molars with amalgam and composite restorations both occurred along the cavosurface margin. Maximum principal stresses in the molar with amalgam restoration occurred at the pulpal floor and lingual wall junction and resulted from large occlusal loads. Although occlusal loading had minimal effects on the stress distribution within the molar with composite restoration, low oral temperatures were responsible for the maximum principal stresses, which were found at the lingual margin and occlusal surface junction.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in the magnitude of maximum stress that occurred in the molars with amalgam and light curing composite restorations. However, the location and orientation of maximum stress in the restored molars were largely dependent on the restorative material. Although clinical studies report that tooth fracture occurs predominately to restored molars, the unrestored molar experienced the highest stress in this investigation. Therefore, the reduction in fracture resistance of restored posterior teeth appears to result from changes in the location of maximum stress resulting from mastication and temperature changes.

The influence of simultaneous mechanical and thermal loads on the stress distribution in molars with amalgam restorations

A finite element analysis (FEA) of a mandibular molar restored with Class II amalgam restoration was conducted to determine the stress distribution which results from a superposition of simultaneous mechanical and thermal loading. A fully crossed three-level four-factor experimental design was used to evaluate the relative influence of crown temperature, time of thermal loading, occlusal force, and cavo-surface margin adhesion on the stress distribution. It was found that occlusal force and temperature had significant influence on the stress distribution and particularly on the maximum principal stress. Over the range in oral conditions considered, thermal loading contributed for over 35% of the stress within the restored molar subjected to simultaneous mechanical and thermal loads. Furthermore, thermal loading had significant effects on the magnitude of normal stress that develops parallel to the pulpal floor. Although marginal bonding of amalgam reduces the stress resulting from occlusal forces, thermal loading promotes the development of significant interfacial shear stresses along the bonded margin. Stresses related to the thermal component of loading concentrate near the pulpal floor and lingual surface margin, the site most prominent in cusp fracture. Hence, results from this study clearly indicate that an evaluation of new dental materials and/or restorative designs should consider the effects from a superposition of simultaneous mechanical and thermal loads on fracture resistance.

The failure of amalgam dental restorations due to cyclic fatigue crack growth

In this study a restored mandibular molar with different Class II amalgam preparations was examined to analyze the potential for restoration failure attributed to cyclic fatigue crack growth. A finite element analysis was used to determine the stress distribution along the cavo-surface margin which results from occlusal loading of each restoration. The cyclic crack growth rate of sub-surface flaws located along the dentinal cavo-surface margin were determined utilizing the Paris law. Based on similarities in material properties and lack of fatigue property data for dental biomaterials, the cyclic fatigue crack growth parameters for engineering ceramics were used to approximate the crack growth behavior. It was found that flaws located within the dentine along the buccal and lingual margins can significantly reduce the fatigue life of restored teeth. Sub-surface cracks as short as 25 microm were found capable of promoting tooth fracture well within 25 years from the time of restoration. Furthermore, cracks longer than 100 microm reduced the fatigue life to less than 5 years. Consequently, sub-surface cracks introduced during cavity preparation with conventional dental burrs may serve as a principal source for premature restoration failure.