Degradation, fatigue, and failure of resin dental composite materials

The intent of this article is to review the numerous factors that affect the mechanical properties of particle- or fiber-filler-containing indirect dental resin composite materials. The focus will be on the effects of degradation due to aging in different media, mainly water and water and ethanol, cyclic loading, and mixed-mode loading on flexure strength and fracture toughness. Several selected papers will be examined in detail with respect to mixed and cyclic loading, and 3D tomography with multi-axial compression specimens. The main cause of failure, for most dental resin composites, is the breakdown of the resin matrix and/or the interface between the filler and the resin matrix. In clinical studies, it appears that failure in the first 5 years is a restoration issue (technique or material selection); after that time period, failure most often results from secondary decay.

Influence of core buildup material on the fatigue strength of an all-ceramic crown

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Clinically relevant variables and testing methods have not been used to investigate the effects of core buildup materials on the strength of all-ceramic restorations.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the compressive strength of Optimal Pressable Ceramic (OPC) all-ceramic crowns supported by 1 of 3 different core materials and subjected to static or cyclic loading in air or water.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 135 human extracted third molar teeth were divided into 3 equal groups, and cores of amalgam, composite, and dentin (control) were fabricated. Complete crown preparations with a circumferential 90 degrees shoulder margin 1 mm deep were prepared to support complete crown restorations. Testing in compression was performed at a loading rate of 2.0 mm/min. Sixty teeth (20 with each type of core) were subjected to static loading, with equal numbers tested in air and water. The remaining 75 teeth (25 with each type of core) were subjected to cyclic loading in water. The compressive and diametral tensile strengths of 6 x 12-mm OPC cylinders also were tested in both air and water. The data were analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey multiple means comparison test (P<.05).

RESULTS

Analysis of the static fracture stress of OPC crowns indicated no significant differences among the core materials (values from testing in air and water, respectively: dentin core 22.7 +/- 4.5 MPa and 19.7 +/- 4.7 MPa; amalgam core 25.2 +/- 5.2 MPa and 21.6 +/- 6.3 MPa; and composite core 20.9 +/- 4.1 MPa and 18.7 +/- 4.9 MPa). Under wet conditions, static versus cyclic loading produced significantly different results for each of the core materials (dentin core 19.7 +/- 4.7 MPa vs. 9.5 +/- 1.5 MPa; amalgam core 21.6 +/- 6.3 MPa vs. 10.3 +/- 1.6 MPa; composite core 18.7 +/- 4.9 MPa vs. 13.3 +/- 3.2 MPa). A significant difference was observed for the solid compressive cylinders tested in water (793.8 +/- 280.1 MPa) versus in air (1473.6 +/- 527.4 MPa).

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, the mean compressive strength of OPC crowns tested in water was significantly different under cyclic versus static loading. No significant difference among the 3 core materials was found with respect to crown compressive strength.

Particle size analysis of amalgam powder and handpiece generated specimens

OBJECTIVES

The increasing interest in the elimination of amalgam particles from the dental waste (DW) stream, requires efficient devices to remove these particles. The major objective of this project was to perform a comparative evaluation of five basic methods of particle size analysis in terms of the instrument's ability to quantify the size distribution of the various components within the DW stream.

METHODS

The analytical techniques chosen were image analysis via scanning electron microscopy, standard wire mesh sieves, X-ray sedigraphy, laser diffraction, and electrozone analysis. The DW particle stream components were represented by amalgam powders and handpiece/diamond bur generated specimens of enamel; dentin, whole tooth, and condensed amalgam.

RESULTS

Each analytical method quantified the examined DW particle stream components. However, X-ray sedigraphy, electrozone, and laser diffraction particle analyses provided similar results for determining particle distributions of DW samples. These three methods were able to more clearly quantify the properties of the examined powder and condensed amalgam samples. Furthermore, these methods indicated that a significant fraction of the DW stream contains particles less than 20 microm.

SIGNIFICANCE

The findings of this study indicated that the electrozone method is likely to be the most effective technique for quantifying the particle size distribution in the DW particle stream. This method required a relative small volume of sample, was not affected by density, shape factors or optical properties, and measured a sufficient number of particles to provide a reliable representation of the particle size distribution curve.

Sealant bond strengths of CO(2) laser-etched versus acid-etched bovine enamel

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate sealant shear bond strength on bovine enamel with standard acid etching compared with CO(2) laser etching.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bovine enamel was prepared either by acid or laser etching and divided into four experimental groups, either acid or laser-etched teeth with or without a primer. A gelatin capsule was used to place the sealant on the prepared enamel surface and the bond tested in shear. Also surface roughness was evaluated by using a surface analyzer and an atomic force microscope.

RESULTS

Shear bond strength results were the following: acid etch = 8.8 +/- 3.8 MPa, acid etch with primer = 10.3 +/- 5.5 MPa, laser etch = 4.0 +/- 1.1 MPa, and laser etch with primer = 6.2 +/- 2.3 MPa. Analysis of variance statistical analysis found no significant difference in bond strength between the acid-etched groups. However, the laser-etched groups had significantly lower bond strengths from the acid-etched teeth. In addition, a significant difference was observed between the laser-etched groups, where the use of the primer helped to increase the bond strength of the sealants. The surface roughness was significantly greater on the laser-etched teeth at the microm level (by using a surface analyzer) from the acid-etched and the control specimens. No difference in roughness (by using an atomic force microscope) was observed at the nanometer level between the laser and acid-etched teeth.

CONCLUSION

For these particular settings, the laser-etched teeth resulted in lower bond strengths to enamel and the use of a primer increased the bond strength for laser-etched teeth only.

In vitro evaluation of endodontic posts

PURPOSE

To compare stainless steel posts and three different fibrous posts with respect to pullout (shear) strength from extracted third molars embedded in denture acrylic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Post space was prepared and the posts cemented with a resin cement according to manufacturer's instructions. Single step and multi-step dentin bonding systems were also evaluated. The testing was in tension at a loading rate of 2 mm/min.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in the pullout (shear) strength between any of the post groups tested. Also evaluated was the flexure strength of the fibrous posts before and after thermal cycling. Statistical analysis indicated a significant decrease in flexure strength for the respective fibrous posts following thermal cycling.

Mechanical property evaluation of pressable restorative ceramics

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the flexure strength under static and cyclic loading and the fracture toughness under static loading of six restorative ceramic materials. Specifically the intent was to compare four leucite (K2O.Al2O(3).4SiO2) strengthened feldspathic (pressable) porcelains (OA, OI, E, and FP) to a low fusing feldspathic porcelain (F) and an experimental (EC) lithium disilicate containing ceramic.

METHODS

All materials were tested as a control in air and distilled water (without aging) and after three months aging in air or distilled water to determine flexure strength and fracture toughness. A staircase approach was used to determine the cyclic flexure strength. EDS and SEM analysis were conducted on the polished and fracture surfaces.

RESULTS

The mean flexure strength for the controls in air and water (without aging or cyclic loading) ranged from 67 to 99 MPa, except the experimental ceramic that was twice as strong with a mean flexure strength of 191-205 MPa. For the mean fracture toughness, the range was 1.1-1.9 MPa/m0.5 with the experimental ceramic being 2.7 MPa/m0.5. The effect of testing in water and aging for three months caused a moderate reduction in the mean flexure strength (6-17%), and a moderate to severe reduction in the mean fracture toughness (5-39%). The largest decrease (15-60%) in mean flexure strength was observed when the samples were subjected to cyclic loading.

SIGNIFICANCE

The lithium disilicate containing ceramic had a significantly higher flexure strength and fracture toughness when compared to the four pressable leucite strengthened ceramics and the low fusing conventional porcelain. All of the leucite containing pressable ceramics did provide an increase in mean flexure strength (17-19%) and mean fracture toughness (3-64%) over the conventional feldspathic porcelain. Further, the influence of testing environment and loading conditions implies that these ceramic materials in the oral cavity might be susceptible to cyclic fatigue, resulting in a significant decrease in the survival time of all-ceramic restorations.

Comparative study of water sorption, solubility, and tensile bond strength of two soft lining materials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Two soft denture lining materials with distinct chemical compositions were evaluated to determine whether these compositional variations manifest themselves in property differences.

PURPOSE

This study evaluated and compared the water sorption, solubility, and tensile bond strength of a recently introduced silicone-based soft liner (Luci-sof) and a plasticized acrylic resin soft liner (Permasoft) using 2 processing techniques, laboratory-processed and autopolymerized at chairside, for the latter.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For water sorption and solubility testing, 24 disks (45 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness) were prepared for each group, stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C, and tested after 1, 4, and 6 weeks. The disks used for the first week were again tested after 4 and 6 weeks of continuous storage. Their weight was recorded and sorption and solubility were calculated using 2 methods. Two PMMA cylinders (25 mm in diameter, 25 mm in length), joined together by the soft liner, were used to determine the bond strength in tension at a loading rate of 2 mm/min after 48 hours and 12 weeks aging in distilled water.

RESULTS

Permasoft had higher solubility (1.50% +/- 0.20% laboratory-processed and 1.42% +/- 0.16% autopolymerized at chairside) and sorption (2.45% +/- 0.36% laboratory-processed and 1. 76% +/- 0.08% autopolymerized at chairside) than Luci-sof (0.17% +/- 0.09% solubility and 0.41% +/- 0.17% sorption) after 6 weeks of aging. For tensile bond strength, there was no significant difference between each respective control and the 12-week bond strength for each material. However, Luci-sof (1.16 +/- 0.27 MPa) had a significantly higher tensile bond strength than Permasoft (0. 50 +/- 0.18 MPa laboratory-processed and 0.44 +/- 0.09 MPa autopolymerized at chairside).

CONCLUSION

On the basis of lower water sorption and solubility and higher tensile bond strength, Luci-sof may provide better clinical success.

Evaluation of chemical and mechanical properties of dental composites

Composite materials were aged in distilled, deionized water and a solution by volume of 50% distilled, deionized water and 50% ethanol for three mon at 37 degrees C. Also investigated was the effect of aging dental glass filler powder in distilled, deionized water for one, three, six, and ten mon at 2 degrees C, 37 degrees C, and 72 degrees C. Atomic absorption analysis was performed on the aqueous media in which the samples were aged in order to determine the extent of leaching of silicon and strontium. From the leaching rates at various aging temperatures, the activation energies for silicon (10.3-16.4 j/mol) and strontium (57.0-58.4 j/mol) were determined. Aging in the 50% distilled, deionized water and 50% ethanol solution greatly increased the leaching rate of both silicon and strontium, as compared to aging in distilled, deionized water. Glass powder leached far more than the composite materials, due to an increase in exposed surface area, as well as a lack of chemical bonding to a resin matrix or a linked glass network. Temperature greatly increased the leaching rate of both silicon and strontium. Only after ten mon did strontium leach substantially more than silicon. For the dental composites investigated after 3 mon aging, Mode I fracture toughness decreased 57-68% in ethanol and 37-43% in water, and mode II fracture toughness decreased 41-49% in ethanol and 6-11% in water.

Thermal and cyclic loading of endodontic posts

The intent of this study was to determine pullout (shear) strength of carbon and stainless steel serrated posts from teeth. The tooth-posts groups were controls, thermal-cycled, load-cycled (load applied at either a 45 degrees angle or along the long axis of the post), and thermal- and load-cycled. Human extracted third molars were embedded in denture acrylic. Post space was prepared and the posts cemented with a resin cement according to manufacturer's instructions. The testing was in tension at a loading rate of 2 mm/min. The pullout (shear) strengths (MPa+/-SD) for the carbon posts were: controls 6.1+/-3.3; load-cycled 4.3+/-2.2; and thermal-cycled 4.2+/-2.2. The thermal-cycled and then load-cycled carbon posts all fractured during testing and were unable to be evaluated for shear strength. The pullout (shear) strengths (MPa+/-SD) for the stainless steel posts were: controls 6.6+/-2.9; load-cycled 7.1+/-3.2; thermal-cycled 4.8+/-2.0; and thermal load-cycled 6.8+/-3.5. The statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in the pullout (shear) strength between any of the post groups tested. Two different operators then prepared specimens using carbon posts abraded with 50 microm alumina and non-abraded carbon posts. The alumina abrasion caused a decrease in the post bond strength with the alumina particles impinging on the carbon fibers resulting in their fracture. The significant difference between bond strengths was attributed to each operator's years of clinical experience.

Leisure-time physical activity and self-perceived fitness of hospital employees

For 58 hospital employees, an r of .40 was obtained for self-reported time spent engaged in regular physical activity and was the only significant independent predictor of self-perceived fitness.

Reliability and validity of the clinical instructor survey tool

To assess the perceived importance of clinical instructors' techniques, the Clinical Instructor Survey Tool was developed and administered to 13 subjects to assess internal consistency. Cronbach alpha was .82.

Fracture properties of aged and post-processed dental composites

The purpose of this study was to determine the flexure strength (sigma f), Young's modulus (E), and fracture toughness (KIC) of five dental composites after aging in water and air. The composites were, by weight, 75% or 79% glass filler and 25% or 21% resin composed of 60% Bis-GMA and 40% TEG-DMA. The filler was either strontium glass (75Sr or 79Sr) or a combination, by weight, of 90% strontium glass and 10% colloidal silica (75Sr10 or 79Sr10). The specimens, 2 x 4 x 70 mm bars, were aged in either air or distilled water at 37 degrees C and were tested in their respective aging media at a loading rate of 1.22 mm/s. The sigma f and E were tested in four-point loading and the KIC in three-point loading. The addition of the fillers to the unfilled resin resulted in a statistically significant increase in the flexure strength, flexure modulus, and fracture toughness. Aging in air had minimal effect on these properties. However, testing and aging in water led to a significant decrease in the mechanical properties in the first 6 months, but had limited effect from 6 to 12 months.

Bond strength of Bis-GMA and glass ionomer pit and fissure sealants using cyclic fatigue

The aim of the study was to determine the bond strength of glass ionomer and resin-modified glass ionomer sealants compared to Bis-GMA sealants using both static and cyclic fatigue shear testing. Four materials were evaluated: D, a Bis-GMA sealant with 10% phosphoric acid etchant; FC, a resin-modified glass ionomer sealant with 20% polyacrylic acid etchant; FD, a resin-modified glass ionomer sealant with 10% polyacrylic acid etchant; and FSC, a self-cured glass ionomer sealant with no etchant. Gelatin capsules filled with the sealant material were bonded to the enamel surfaces of bovine teeth after appropriate surface conditioning and then tested in shear static and cyclic fatigue. Static and cyclic shear bond strengths, respectively, for each group were (MPa): FC: 21.1+/-2.8 and 17.1+/-3.1; FD: 14.6+/-5.9 and 8.5+/-3.1; D: 10.8+/-4.9 and 4.7+/-2.6; FSC: 8.7 (1.0 and 2.9+/-0.6. The resin-modified glass ionomer sealants had better fatigue bond strength than both Bis-GMA and self-cured glass ionomer sealants with the surface conditioning affecting the bond strength of the resin-modified glass ionomer sealants.

The Fitness Facility Membership Questionnaire: a measure of reasons for joining

This study describes the development of the Fitness Facility Membership Questionnaire of 43 items, designed to identify reasons for joining a fitness facility. Items were generated from responses to an open-ended questionnaire. A 50-item version of the questionnaire was completed by 152 members of five community-based fitness facilities. Principal components analysis with varimax rotation yielded 8 factors, accounting for 63.8% of the variance. The factors were labeled Socialization, Aquatic-related Facilities, Extrinsic Motivation, Recreational Facilities, Intrinsic Motivation, Resistance Equipment, Aerobic Equipment, and Amenities. The internal consistency of the eight factors was acceptable with Cronbach coefficients alpha ranging from .72 to .89. Discriminant analysis of responses is also presented.

Fracture studies of selected dental restorative composites

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the flexure strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness (mode I, mode II, and mixed mode) of resin and four specially made dental restorative composite materials.

METHODS

Testing was done on prismatic bars in flexure and disk specimens in diametral compression. Fracture strengths were analyzed using Weibull statistics. Statistical analysis consisted of a one-way analysis of variance followed by a Tukey multiple means analysis for each of the materials. In addition, the fracture strengths were analyzed using Weibull statistics due to the brittle behavior exhibited by these materials.

RESULTS

The experimental results showed that the addition of fillers resulted in a significant three-fold increase in flexure modulus and a significant 30-50% increase in fracture toughness from the resin. As was indicated by the different Weibull modulus values, strength data obtained from four-point bending were not related with strength data from three-point bending. A straight notch vs. a relatively sharp V-notch gave higher fracture toughness values. Fracture toughness was dependent on the depth of a straight notch and was practically independent of the V-notch depth. Mode I and II fracture toughness in two composites (75Sr and 75Sr10) were carried out on precracked disk specimens in diametral compression. The results of mode I toughness were close to those obtained from the flexure testing. The mode II toughness values were greater than the mode I values by more than 30%. The data fit an equation of the form KI/KIC + (KII/KIIC)2 = 1(where KI, KII are the mode I and II stress intensity factors and KIC, KIIC are the respective critical values).

SIGNIFICANCE

Notching technique, testing configuration (three-point vs. four-point loading), and method of testing (bar vs. disk) have significant effect on the fracture properties.

Testing mode and surface treatment effects on dentin bonding

The goal of this project was to evaluate the effect of the following variables on shear dentin-bonding test results: mode of testing (cyclic fatigue versus static loading), surface treatments (32% phosphoric acid, 10% phosphoric acid, and no treatment [unetched]), and type of shear test (traditional planar versus push-out). All teeth were stored in distilled water and tested in a shear mode at a loading rate of 2 mm/ min. The specimens were loaded in static or cycled for 1000 cycles using a staircase approach or until fracture, whichever occurred first. On samples with etched dentin surfaces, the push-out test did not demonstrate a significant difference in measured bond strength when compared with results from the planar test, although sample preparation was more labor-intensive. The bond strength resulting from cyclic fatigue of the etched specimens was approximately 51% of the static loading value. Ten percent phosphoric acid was as effective as 32% phosphoric acid for dentin bonding. Finite-element analysis indicated that the traditional planar shear test produces flexure of the specimen and high tensile stress magnitudes within the resin bonding layer. The push-out test produces elevated compressive stresses localized in the composite along the circumference of the punch. Shear stresses in the resin bonding layer are similar for both testing methods at the same loading element contact force.

Type of physical activity, variables describing participation in physical activity, and self-perceived fitness

This study examined the association between self-perceived fitness and the type of physical activity and variables describing participation in physical activity by 91 university students. Type of physical activity and variables describing participation were significantly related to self-perceived fitness in the total group (r = .43) and women (r = .52), but nonsignificant for men. Self-reported anaerobic activity was a significant independent predictor of self-perceived fitness in the total group (r = .29) and for women (r = .42) but not for men as was frequency of physical activity in the total group (r = .33) and for women (r = .35) but not for men.

In vitro aging of a heat/pressure-cured composite

Specimens of a heat/pressure-cured microfill composite were aged in saline or distilled water at 37 degrees C up to 12 mon to determine if the flexure strength was affected by the aging media. No significant difference in the flexure strength was observed between the controls and the 12 mon aged specimens. Cyclic testing in distilled water resulted in a lower flexure strength at fracture than that observed for the aged specimens. This lower strength is attributed to fatigue of the silane bond, the resin matrix, and/or the filler particles.

Thermal conductivity of cement base materials

This study was designed to determine the most efficient dentin-cement-restorative material system to minimize temperature changes from either a hot (58 degrees C) or cold (4 degrees C) source. Extracted human molar teeth were used to conduct the experiment utilizing a standard Class I occlusal preparation 3.5 mm in diameter with a remaining dentin thickness of 0.5 or 1.0 mm and a control dentin thickness of 2.0 mm. A bi-electrode thermocouple was utilized with one thermocouple mounted on the roof of the pulp chamber and the other on the occlusal surface of the specimen. The cements investigated were zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE), zinc phosphate (ZP), glass ionomer (GI), and zinc polycarboxylate (ZPC) with a thickness of either 0.5 mm or 1.5 mm. Statistical analysis consisted of a one-way analysis of variance followed by a multiple means comparison test. For heated specimens consisting of cement and dentin only, ZOE was the least effective in limiting temperature change. When cold was applied, ZOE was the most effective. Statistically for cold application, the other three cements, ZP, GI and ZPC, and 2.0 mm of dentin were the same for limiting temperature change. When amalgam was used to restore the tooth, ZOE and GI were most effective in limiting temperature change for cooled teeth. For heated teeth, all the cements were identical except for ZOE, which was the least effective. For composite restored teeth, all cements and dentin were identical in limiting temperature changes for either heating or cooling.

In-vivo comparisons of clot formation on titanium and hydroxyapatite-coated titanium

We investigated in vivo clot formation on the surface of hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium (Ti) implants and on non-coated Ti implants. Immediately after tooth extraction implant samples were inserted into the blood clot, in the same extraction site, for 1, 30, 60, or 120 seconds. Samples were processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Qualitative observations of clotting topography were made by direct SEM viewing. Neither of the implant surfaces appeared to differ markedly in the degree of clotting during the 120 seconds of implantation; they revealed very early clot formation and limited clot attachment. These results were compared to the findings obtained in a previous study using identical methods with an intact periodontal ligament (PDL), root planed roots, and roots planed and treated with pH 1 citric acid. The PDL surface had the most rapid clot formation at all time periods. By 120 seconds, all root surfaces had completed clot formation.

Surface roughness of polished amalgams

The purpose of this project was to determine the amalgam surface roughness following finishing and polishing procedures. Nine high-copper amalgams were tested. They were hand-condensed in a 3 x 3 x 30 mm mold. Each sample was divided into four sections, and each section was finished by one of four methods: carving only; carving and then burnishing 15 minutes after carving; carving and then polishing at the prescribed times; or carving, burnishing 15 minutes after carving, and then polishing at the prescribed times. Each bar of amalgam had these surface treatments done at either 1, 3, 6, or 24 hours. The results indicated surface roughness may be more dependent on particle size, shape, and distribution of the individual high-copper amalgams than the polishing time or the surface treatment performed.

Physiological aging of an all-ceramic restorative material

Ceramic materials exposed to a liquid environment may be subject to stress corrosion and/or time-delayed failure. The intent of this project was to evaluate the susceptibility of a magnesia alumina spinel (Cerestore) to stress corrosion and degradation. Bars 2.5 x 2.5 x 30.0 mm were prepared according to manufacturer's instructions. Specimens were aged in distilled water or air at 37 degrees C. The modulus of rupture was evaluated at zero, six, and 12 months in four-point loading at loading rates of 0.05, 0.5, and 5.0 mm/min. The modulus of rupture of each specimen was tested in its respective aging medium. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance with a multiple-means comparison test, linear regression analysis, and Weibull statistics. The pooled data sets of specimens aged in water vs. those aged in air showed a significant difference in the respective modulus of rupture (air, 108.50 +/- 16.11; water 96.94 +/- 15.04 MPa). The one-way analysis of variance showed no significant difference between the aging times zero, six, and 12 months in each respective aging medium. The Weibull analysis also showed no difference between the Weibull constants, 7.66 air vs. 7.64 water, but a significant difference between the characteristic strengths, 115.22 air vs. 103.02 water. This study indicates that distilled water has a significant degradative effect on a magnesia alumina spinel, more likely affecting the mode of fracture rather than the stress corrosion characteristics.

Weibull models for the statistical analysis of dental composite data: aged in physiologic media and cyclic-fatigued

The modulus of rupture or flexural strength of dental composites aged in distilled water and saline solution or cyclic-fatigued to fracture in distilled water was analyzed by use of Weibull statistics. Two- and three-parameter Weibull models were applied to the data. For the case of the dental composites aged for five distinct time periods, the most appropriate model was a two-parameter Weibull model for each separate aging time. For the cyclic-fatigue data, a three-parameter accelerated failure time model with a Weibull baseline distribution and scale parameter, depending on the variable cycle, was appropriate.

Cyclic fatigue of composite restorative materials

The purpose of this project was to investigate and evaluate dental composite restorative materials classified according to filler particle size (microfill, small particle, hybrid) regarding fracture characteristics and susceptibility to stress corrosion. The composite materials were tested by cyclic fatigue in distilled water at 37 degrees C. No trend was observed between the number of cycles to fracture and the cycling load as a percentage of the modulus of rupture. Linear regression analysis correlation was weak for most of the composites used to determine the stress corrosion resistance constant, which ranged from 0.80 to 12.05. Observation of the fracture interface revealed inter- and intraparticle fracture for the small particle and hybrid composites. The microfills fractured between and through the prepolymerized particles.

Shear strength and filler particle characterization of Maryland (acid etch) bridge resin cements

The shear strengths of Maryland (acid etch) bridge cements were investigated and ranged from 44 to 70 MPa. The bulk shear strength of the resin cements is sufficient; the weak link in the system (other than the technique sensitivity) is the interface at or adjacent to the resin and metal or the resin and enamel. The resin cements were polished and etched, and scanning electron micrographs were taken and digitized to illustrate the filler particle sizes and distribution.

Comparison study of elastic impression material

The study of four elastic impression materials indicated that master castings could be more accurately seated on casts made from MOD impressions than from full crown impressions. A discrepancy between clinical acceptance and statistical identity was also demonstrated. The study indicated that by altering just one variable, the pour time, a wide range of results is obtained, some clinically acceptable and others clinically unacceptable.

Geriatric dentistry in the predoctoral curriculum

The elderly component of the general population has been increasing in the past decades and will continue to increase well into the future. This group of people presents to the dentist with a unique set of characteristics, both dental and physical. To treat the elderly more competently and to provide clinical training to undergraduates simultaneously, a geriatric dental program was initiated in 1976 at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. The program's current status and operation are described.

Shear testing of the porcelain-metal bond

A simple shear test was employed to determine the bonding strength of porcelain to a gold metal substrate and to a non-precious metal substrate after they had been aged in double-distilled water at 37 degrees C for four and 12 months. A 7.4% and 18.1% decrease in bond strength after four months and 12 months, respectively, was observed for the porcelain-gold system, and a decrease of 21.2% and 21.4% after four and 12 months, respectively, for the non-precious-porcelain system. A significant difference was observed between the bond strengths of the porcelain-metal composites: 51.17 +/- 11.29 MPa for the porcelain-gold system and 31.83 +/- 3.65 MPa for the porcelain-non-precious system.

Aluminum ion deposition in rat tissues following implantation of a ceramic-metal disc

Plasma-sprayed alumina on 316L stainless steel discs was implanted in Sprague-Dawley rats for six months; at which time the animals were sacrificed, and selected tissues analyzed for aluminum concentration using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The liver, testes, and kidneys exhibited significant increases in aluminum ion concentration.

Regional myocyte size in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Regional differences in cell size in the hearts of rats with and without cardiac hypertrophy were studied using isolated muscle cells. Isolated cardiac myocytes were prepared from left ventricular free wall inner and outer halves and the right ventricle of six male 12-week-old spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Fischer-344 rats. In SHR, blood pressure was increased to 188 +/- 4 (SEM) mm Hg versus 143 +/- 2 and 133 +/- 10 for WKY and Fischer rats, respectively (p less than 0.001). Total heart weight was increased to 1103 +/- 29 mg in SHR compared to 824 +/- 21 in WKY and 951 +/- 23 in Fischer rats (p less than 0.001. Isolated cardiac myocytes were prepared by perfusion of isolated hearts with Ca++ free Hanks' solution containing EGTA followed by collagenase-containing media. Mean length, width and volume of 150 cells stained with hematoxylin and eosin from each site were measured with a sonic digitizer. Two nuclei were present in 85 to 87% of isolated cells from all strains and regions. There was no difference among strains in right ventricular cell length, width, or volume, nor between left ventricular inner and outer halves within each strain. Left ventricular cells were larger than right ventricular cells (p less than 0.05) in all strains. Left ventricular cells of SHR were larger than left ventricular cells of WKY of Fischer rats in proportion to the increase in total heart weight, indicating that cardiac enlargement in SHR is due to increased cell size rather than increased cell number.

Circadian rhythm of biliary excretion and its control mechanisms in rats with chronic biliary drainage

Rats with chronic biliary drainage under a rigid lighting schedule (light on at 6 A.M. and off at 6 P.M.) exhibited a remarkable circadian rhythm of bile flow, biliary concentrations and excretory rates of bile salts, cholesterol, and phospholipid. The peak was attained at midnight and nadir at noon except for the peak concentrations of cholesterol and phospholipid occurring at 8 P.M. Cholesterol feeding abolished the circadian rhythm of biliary cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations but not their excretory rates because the daily fluctuation of the bile flow remained unchanged. Bilateral vagotomy enhanced the bile flow rate and shifted the peak of circadian rhythm of all parameters except bile salt 4 h earlier. Bilateral adrenalectomy abolished the circadian variation of the concentration of cholesterol and phospholipid and minimized that of bile salt, but the daily fluctuation of their excretory rates persisted in a lower amplitude. The studies suggested that such circadian rhythm might be controlled simultaneously by multiple factors and could not be entirely abolished by any single special treatment.