Determinação das forças retentivas de bases de dentaduras de alumínio e resinas acrílicas

Apresentação de um trabalho de pesquisa, para determinação das diferenças entre os valores retentivos apresentados por bases de dentaduras confeccionadas de diferentes materiais. Ditos valores foram deterrninados e comparados sob diferentes condições. As bases de dentaduras foram confeccionadas de três materiais diferentes a partir de dois modelos diferentes quanto à características de superfície e para dois pacientes diversos. Como líquido intermediário utilizou-se saliva humana e água com diversos valores de tensão superficial, determinados. Os resultados trouxeram à luz vãrios fatores, tanto na bôca de pacientes como em modelos de laboratório, qüe influenciam a quantidade de rètenção apresentada pelas bases de dentaduras. Um estudo subseqüente de certos aspectos do problema de retenção de dentaduras completas é necessário para esclarecer alguns dos pontos abordados e discutidos neste trabalho.

Effect of storage temperature on sealing ability and solubility of white mineral trioxide aggregate

OBJECTIVE

Knowledge about the effect of storage conditions on the clinical performance of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is of great importance for clinicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage temperature on sealing ability and solubility of white MTA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was divided into two parts: sealing ability and solubility tests. Forty single-rooted human pre-molars were divided into three experimental (n = 10) and two control groups (n = 5). The root canals were instrumented and root apices were resected. Root-end cavities were prepared and filled with white MTA stored at 4°C, 25°C or 40°C. Microleakage was evaluated using a protein leakage test with bovine serum albumin at 24-h intervals for 120 days. The solubility test was also performed based on ISO specifications (ISO 2001-6876). Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey test, with a significance level set at p = 0.05.

RESULTS

The highest bovine serum albumin microleakage and the highest solubility rates were observed in 4°C followed by 25°C and 40°C groups. At higher temperatures, leakage needed significantly longer times to occur (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, storage temperature appears to play an important role in the properties and hence clinical outcomes of MTA.

Back-scattered and secondary electron images of scanning electron microscopy in dentistry: a new method for surface analysis

OBJECTIVE

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a popular tool for investigating the root canal surface to visualize dentinal tubules, the smear layer and various root canal filling materials in endodontics. Most of the SEM micrographs taken in endodontic research are in secondary electrons (SE) mode, in which the topographic view of a subject can be demonstrated without giving any information about the real structure. Back-scattered electron (BSE) images are also used, which reveal some information about the internal structure while providing no topographic details. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using back-scattered (BSE) and secondary electron (SE) mode of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together for obtaining detailed information about biomaterials in relation to dental structures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mesiobuccal roots of four permanent maxillary molars were cleaned and shaped with rotary instruments. Two samples were obturated with gutta-percha and sealer. After 2 weeks, gutta-perch was removed using rotary instruments and chloroform. In the other phase of the study, white mineral trioxide aggregate was mixed and packed into five glass tubes and exposed to blood, deionized water, synthetic tissue fluid and egg white. All the samples were prepared for visualization under SE and BSE modes of SEM to observe the characteristics of material remnants and surface structures.

RESULTS

BSE mode illustrated different grey scale views which made it possible to differentiate dentin chips from filling material remnants on the surface of root canal dentin. In addition, SE mode focused on image topography, while a BSE detector showed new texture formation on the surface of white mineral trioxide aggregate exposed to proteinaceous fluids such as blood or egg white.

CONCLUSIONS

Mapping BSE and SE micrographs helped us to better understand the structure of materials on the surface of root canal dentin and MTA. Moreover, analysis of structure of materials on the surface of root canal dentine and MTA can be performed better by mapping of BSE and SE micrographs.

Effect of laser irradiation on root canal walls after final irrigation with 17% EDTA or BioPure MTAD: X-ray diffraction and SEM analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of diode laser irradiation on crystallographic and morphologic characteristics of root canal walls after final irrigation with either 17% EDTA or BioPure MTAD.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

Root canals in 60 single-rooted teeth were instrumented using a rotary Ni-Ti system. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20) based on the final irrigants: group 1, saline; group 2, 17% EDTA; and group 3, MTAD. Each group was further divided into two subgroups (n = 10). Subgroup A received diode laser irradiation at a wavelength of 810 nm and an output power of 2 W for 5 × 5 seconds, while subgroup B received no irradiation. A paired t test was used to compare mean dentinal erosion before and after irradiation in each group. Specimens were analyzed using SEM and x-ray diffractometery. One-way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey test were used to evaluate dentinal erosion between groups. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to evaluate any significant differences in the amount of dentin erosion between the groups.

RESULTS

SEM micrographs showed closed dentinal tubules in the control group, while in unlased BioPure MTAD and EDTA groups, clean root canal walls were evident. Erosion was mostly seen in EDTA-treated teeth, while an increase of erosion degree was noted on root canal walls after additional laser irradiations. After irrigation and laser irradiation, the XRD spectrums indicated sharper peaks of EDTA, which showed a slight crystallographic change compared with the other groups. EDTA made changes in the mineralization of dentin due to its higher accumulation on the dentinal wall surface and produced significant degrees of erosion in comparison with MTAD by changing the physical properties of the root canal wall surface. These undesirable changes can be enhanced by further laser irradiation.

CONCLUSION

Results confirm that a diode laser in combination with BioPure MTAD have minimum effect on the chemical properties of root canal dentin while having good smear layer removal properties. The results of the present study indicated that a diode laser in combination with Biopure MTAD might be suggested as a final management of the root canal system prior to canal obturation.

The efficacy of foam cleaners in removing debris from two endodontic instruments

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of ProFile File cleaner and a nanostructured foam in removing debris from two rotary nickel-titanium instruments during and after instrumentation.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

Twenty mandibular premolars were decoronated and instrumented up to either no. 40.04 RaCe (no. 40.04) or K3 (no. 40.04) instruments (n = 10). Each group of files was randomly divided into two groups: ProFile File cleaner and Nano Foam cleaner. The instruments were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) before and after placement into the canals. Subsequently, instruments were introduced into each cleaner and examined again under SEM. The amount of debris removal from the instruments was determined by ImageJ software. Data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests at a .05 level of significance.

RESULTS

The amount of debris removal was significantly different between the groups (P = .002). The amount of debris removed was significantly higher in K3 with Nano Foam cleaner than ProFile File cleaner (P = .009).

CONCLUSION

Nanostructured foam can remove debris from endodontic files, especially from those with complex cross-section. This method is recommended to help optimize debris removal with the further possibility of instrument sterilization and reduced risk of cross-contamination.

The effect of some fluids on surface oxidation and amount of released iron of stainless steel endodontic files

Endodontic files come in contact with blood, infected pulp tissue, and irrigating solutions during root canal therapy. Some instruments such as stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy are used to observe corrosion of endodontic files which are complicated and dependent on preparation methods. Having knowledge of the corrosion and ion release of endodontic files can help in drawing firm deductions as to which files would perform better in the clinical scenario. Therefore, we have used energy dispersive X-ray analysis and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer to track oxygen on the surface and iron in the exposed media to observe the oxidative rate of the media. In this study, corrosion by blood was higher than other biological fluids, but less than with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Observations of energy dispersive X-ray analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometer results demonstrated that after exposure the amount of oxygen on the surface and surrounding areas increased. Therefore, the files should be rinsed as soon as possible during and after use to hinder the oxidation rate, but blood may produce a different behavior and it might be considered as a decreased risk of broken stainless steel files remaining in the root canal after treatment.

Application of mercury intrusion porosimetry for studying the porosity of mineral trioxide aggregate at two different pH

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a novel method of detecting and comparing the porosity of white Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Portland cement at two different pH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cylindrical specimens (n = 120) were prepared from hydrated ordinary white Portland Cement (WPC) (n = 60) and white Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (WMTA) (n = 60) and exposed to environments with pH of 4.4 (n = 30) or 7.4 (n = 30). The pore size distribution and total pore volume were detected using Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey or Tamhane test (p = 0.05).

RESULTS

The pore volume of WMTA was significantly lesser than WPC at both pH (p < 0.05). The surface tension of mercury was taken as 480 (N/m) and the contact angle 141.3° for both materials. Pores were consistently found in all specimens. Total pore volumes for WPC and WMTA (cubic centimeter/gram) were 0.1954 and 0.1023, respectively, while the diameter of the pores ranged from 50-100 Å and 20-50 Å, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry technique is a promising and reliable technique for assessing the porosity of endodontic materials.

Influence of white mineral trioxide aggregate on inflammatory cells before and after expiry date

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of subcutaneously implanted white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) on inflammatory reactions before and after expiry date.

METHODS

Fifty Wistar rats were used in this study. Polyethylene tubes were filled with WMTA with expiry dates of 2008, 2009, and 2011, and empty ones serving as the controls were implanted into the subcutaneous tissue. The rats were sacrificed at 7-, 14-, 28-, and 60-day intervals. 5-μm sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and observed under a light microscope. Inflammatory reactions were categorized as 0, none (without inflammatory cells); 1, mild (inflammatory cells < 25); 2, moderate (25-125 inflammatory cells); and 3, severe (more than 125 inflammatory cells). Statistical analysis was performed with Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

All the experimental materials provoked moderate to severe inflammatory reactions after 7 days, which significantly differed from the control group (P < 0.05). At 14-day interval, WMTA with expiry date of 2008 and the control group elicited mild to moderate infiltration of inflammatory cells. However, WMTA with expiry dates of 2009 and 2011 provoked moderate to severe inflammatory reactions, which were significantly different from WMTA with expiry date of 2008 and the control group (P < 0.05). At 28- and 60-day intervals, the overall inflammation subsided in all the groups to mild to moderate infiltration of inflammatory cells without any significant differences (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It seems that the expiry date has less negative effects on the response of inflammatory cells. WMTA keeps its biocompatibility even after expiry date.

A new approach for locating the minor apical foramen using an artificial neural network

AIM

To develop a new approach for locating the minor apical foramen (AF) using feature-extracting procedures from radiographs and then processing data using an artificial neural network (ANN) as a decision-making system.

METHODOLOGY

Fifty straight single-rooted teeth were selected and placed in a socket within the alveolar bone of a dried skull. Access cavities were prepared and a file was place in the canals to determine the working length. A radiograph was taken to evaluate the location of the file in relation to the minor foramen and further checked after retrieving the tooth from the alveolar socket. The location of the file tip was categorized into: beyond the AF (long), within the root canal (short) and just at the minor AF (exact). Each radiograph was used to extract relevant features using K-means, Otsu method and Wavelet protocol. Thirty-six extracted features were used for training and the rest were used for evaluating the multi-layer Perceptron ANN model.

RESULTS

Analysis of the images from radiographs (test samples) by ANN showed that in 93% of the samples, the location of the AF had been determined correctly by false rejection and acceptation error methods.

CONCLUSION

Artificial neural networks can act as a second opinion to locate the AF on radiographs to enhance the accuracy of working length determination by radiography. In addition, ANN can function as a decision-making system in various similar clinical situations.

The impact of pH on cytotoxic effects of three root canal irrigants

AIM

Cytotoxicity of root canal irrigants is important due to their close contact with host tissues. This study was to assess the possible impact of pH on cytotoxic effects of MTAD, 17% EDTA, and 2.6% NaOCl on the human gingival fibroblasts using MTT assay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to the irrigants and their viability was assessed after 1, 6, and 12 h. The pH of the medium was measured in each interval. Light absorption values were measured for each culture medium using Elisa Reader device.

RESULTS

NaOCl had significantly less cytotoxicity than EDTA and MTAD. Also irrigants cytotoxicity decreased in 12, 1, and 6 h, respectively.

CONCLUSION

It seems that variation of the pH resulted in variation in the cytotoxicity of solutions; i.e., it follows the pattern of the pH variation.

Morphological behavior and attachment of p19 neural cells to root-end filling materials

Some techniques and instruments like stereomicroscopy and confocal microscopy used for observing neural cells are too complicated and dependent on preparation and cell fixation methods. This may question the results of these methods. Though, we have used scanning electron microscopy on replicated specimens to observe p19 neural cells and their cellular extensions. This manuscript has shown the feasibility of using replica (indirect) method instead of direct methods for observing morphological characteristics of this high sensitive cell line. As neural cells are very sensitive to fixation solutions and processes, we have used replica mode and observed neural cells with a novel indirect method. We have used replica mode in this study to indirectly and noninvasively evaluate the state of p19 neural cells and their cellular extensions.

Effect of interfacial variables on metal-porcelain bonding

While ceramic-to-metal bonding has been used in many applications, the actual chemical and physical factors leading to optimum bond strength are not well understood. In this work, several variables affecting the bonding between dental porcelain and a palladium alloy (85% Pd, 10% Cu, and 5% Ga) were investigated: 1) precoating the metal by sputtering various oxides before porcelaining; 2) peroxidation of the metal base before porcelaining; 3) porcelaining under reducing atmosphere; and 4) surface roughening at controlled levels before porcelaining. Using a modification of the push doughnut shear bond strength test to measure bond strength the following results were obtained. 1) Compared with standard "control" samples, the aluminum oxide precoated specimens showed a bond strength improvement of 46%, while the copper, manganese, and tin oxide precoatings exhibited smaller effects. 2) Preoxidation of the metal base led to pronounced bond strengthening (152%) by surface roughening as well as oxide formation. 3) Porcelaining under a reducing atmosphere severely reduced bond strength (88% lower than the controls) indicating the role of oxidation during the standard firing cycle. 4) Mechanical roughening of the surface by controlled amounts gave pronounced improvements with greater notch depth. Coarse roughening produced the highest bond strength improvements (486%).

Casting metals in dentistry: past--present--future

This article deals mainly with the development of dental casting techniques and formulation of the different groups of alloys used in the fabrication of ceramo-metal restorations.

It is recognized that in order for the quality of dental cast restorations to be improved, having alloys with the proper composition is not enough. Biocompatibility, good mechanical and physical properties, longevity of the restoration, compatibility with porcelain, and a simple manipulative technique are as important. Researchers have contributed to different aspects of dental castings and have made cast restorations what they are today. Unfortunately, much of the original basic research has been overlooked by present investigators, who have duplicated studies conducted in the past without realizing that the study had already been performed and the research had been published. The main reason for this is that abstracts of articles published prior to 1975 are not available through a library computer-search system. To obtain copies of articles published prior to 1975, one has to search the literature to know where they were published. This article provides references for much of the past work in this area. Also, dental libraries do not carry copies of U.S. patents. This places the majority of researchers located at dental schools at a disadvantage. They are not familiar with what the patents claim, what is taught, and why certain elements are added or eliminated from alloys and investment materials. This article also provides the numbers of many U.S. patents. By having the patent number, one can obtain the text of the patent from the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, DC.

Since esthetics plays an important role in today's society, emphasis will be given only to alloys designed for fabrication of ceramo-metal restorations. Many ceramo-metal alloys are available today, and they are classified differently by different individuals. In this article, classification will be based on the major components of these alloys, as well as on a chronological introduction of one group leading to the development of the next group. Based on this, one can classify these alloys into six major groups. Chemical composition, properties, and the developers of these alloys, along with their U.S. patents, are given.

Recently, two types of all-ceramic restorations have been introduced. The main advantage of the all-ceramic restoration is its superior esthetic quality compared with that of ceramo-metal restorations. Their main disadvantages are low strength and ductility. Their strength, however, is sufficient for single-unit restorations, but not for bridgework. The use of titanium for dental restorations has also been studied, and it has been found to be suitable.

Future Studies - Future work should be devoted to the following: (1) the development of stronger and more ductile ceramic materials: (2) further study of the promising palladium alloys from the noble metal group and titanium alloys from the base metal group; (3) the development of easier and less-time-consuming techniques for the fabrication of dental appliances; (4) the development of a powder technique rather than a cast technique for future fabrication methods; and (5) the development of new laboratory equipment, e.g., a single sintering oven capable of sintering both ceramic and metallic particles, which would be accepted if the powder technique is developed.

In vivo wear. Part I: The Michigan computer-graphic measuring system

Three-dimensional coordinate measuring machines for examining the quality of industrial castings were reviewed. The concept was modified and successfully converted to examine the minute geometric configurations of the surfaces of dental materials. The wear of composites has undoubtedly precipitated this perceptive, thorough study.

Effects of brackets and ties on stiffness of an arch wire

Beam theory was used to evaluate the stiffness of a simulated orthodontic model as affected by the type of bracket, interbracket distance, type of ligature tie, and size of segment. For a given deflection, the model generated greater force (increased stiffness) as the beam constant (N) increased. N increased as interbracket distance increased. Metal ties were as rigid or more rigid than o-rings. Four bracket segments were more rigid than two-bracket segments when tied with o-rings but not metal ligatures. Values of N of Lewis and narrow twin brackets with metal ties were similar and greater than the N of wide twin and medium single brackets. Wide twin brackets were more rigid than others with o-rings.

Tensile strength comparison of presoldered and postsoldered joints

Twenty half-dumbbell shaped rods were cast in a silverless gold-palladium alloy that contained a minimum of 42% fresh alloy and the rest once-melted alloy. Each pair of half-dumbbells was assembled and either presoldered or postsoldered using a vacuum-oven and a torch-soldering technique. There was no significant difference in the ultimate tensile strength values between the presoldered and postsoldered joints within the same technique group, but the torch-soldered joints for the same solder were significantly stronger (p less than .01). It was believed that slow heating and cooling has deleterious effects on the ultimate tensile strength joints (UTS) possibly because of the microstructural changes and the highly oxidizable content of the postsolder used. Another 15 samples cast using once, twice, and three-times remelted parent alloy were presoldered and postsoldered with the torch only. In each of these groups, specimens joined by presolder showed significantly higher strength than those joined by postsolder (p less than .02). Remelting the parent alloy affected the strength differences between the presoldered and postsoldered joints. It was assumed that on remelting, the nature of the parent alloy is changed because some original elements are volatilized and newly formed oxides dissolved into it. Because it contains copper, the postsolder is more affected by this contamination than presolder. The UTS of the parent alloy, as well as that of the presolder and postsolder, were also determined. As expected, the parent alloy possessed the highest strength and the postsolder, the lowest.

Castability of crown and bridge alloys

A special saucer-shaped wax pattern was designed to evaluate the castability of five casting machines and four casting alloys. The casting machines used included one broken arm unit, one induction unit, one resistance unit, and two vacuum air pressure units. The alloys included one base metal alloy, two high-fusing noble metal alloys, and one type III gold alloy. Results of analysis of variance showed that at the 95% confidence level there was a significant difference among casting machines and alloys, the casting machines had a stronger effect on castability. No attempt was made to evaluate the fit quality of the castings with regard to surface roughness or porosity.

Measurement of resistance of amalgam mixes to condensation

A method was designed to evaluate the resistance of amalgam mixes to condensation forces. For the purpose of classification with respect to the plasticity of amalgam, the optimum test condition was to apply 40 or 50 lb of static load at 30 sec after trituration.

Tarnish and corrosion of noble metal alloys

A factorially designed experiment was chosen to form alloys of a gold-palladium-silver-copper quaternary system. A total of 81 alloys for three levels of concentration of each of the four elements were made and tested for the degree of tarnish in in vivo and in vitro environments. The following conclusions may be drawn: 1. In both the in vitro and in vivo experiments, increasing the gold levels of concentration within an alloy decreased the degree of tarnish. 2. In both the in vitro and in vivo experiments, increasing the palladium levels of concentration within an alloy decreased the degree of tarnish with an influence greater than that produced by the gold content. 3. In the in vitro environment of 2% sodium sulfide solution, the degree of tarnish increased as the levels of concentration of silver to copper were increased. 4. In both the in vitro and in vivo experiments, the effect of the interaction of the four elements on the degree of tarnish and corrosion is directly related not only to the concentration of each element within the alloy, but also to their ratios.

Mechanical properties of orthodontic wires in tension, bending, and torsion

The mechanical properties of three sizes of stainless steel (SS), nickel-titanium (NT), and titanium-molybdenum (TM) orthodontic wires were studied in tension, bending, and torsion. The wires (0.016 inch, 0.017 by 0.025 inch, and 0.019 by 0.025 inch) were tested in the as-received condition. Tensile testing and stiffness testing machines along with a torsional instrument were used. Mean values and standard deviations of properties were computed. The data were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance using a factorial design. Means were ranked by a Tukey interval calculated at the 95 percent level of confidence. In tension, the stainless steel wires had the least maximum elastic strain or springback, whereas the titanium-molybdenum wires had the most. Higher values of springback indicate the capacity for an increased range of activation clinically. In bending and torsion, the stainless steel wires had the least stored energy at a fixed moment, whereas the nickel-titanium wires had the most. Spring rates in bending and torsion, however, were highest for stainless steel wires and lowest for nickel-titanium wires. A titanium-molybdenum teardrop closing loop delivered less than one half the force of a comparable stainless steel loop for similar activations.

Inner surface roughness of complete cast crowns made by centrifugal casting machines

Six variables that could affect the surface roughness of a casting were investigated. The variables were (1) type of alloy, (2) mold temperature, (3) metal casting temperature, (4) casting machine, (5) sandblasting, and (6) location of each section. It was determined that the training portion of a complete cast crown had rougher surfaces than the leading portion. Higher mold and casting temperatures produced rougher castings, and this effect was more pronounced in the case of the base metal alloy. Sandblasting reduced the roughness, but produced scratched surfaces. Sandblasting had a more pronounced affect on the surface roughness of the base metal alloy cast either at a higher mold temperature or metal casting temperature. The morphology and the roughness profile of the original cast surface differed considerably with the type of alloy used.

X-ray diffraction analysis of gamma 2 (Sn-Hg) phase in higher copper amalgams of varying mercury content

Microstructures of high copper commercial amalgams containing varying amounts of mercury, ranging from 20% above to 25% below recommended values, were primarily investigated by x-ray diffraction. Mechanisms relating to the absence or presence of gamma 2 (Sn-Hg) phase in these amalgams were discussed in relation to the presence of copper and tin elements in their original alloys. The optimum mercury concentration in some amalgams was determined in order to keep them free of the gamma 2 (Sn-Hg) phase.

The influence of heat treatments on several types of base-metal removable partial denture alloys

Four removable partial denture alloys, Vitallium (Co-Cr alloy), Dentillium P.D. (Fe-Cr alloy), Durallium L.G. (Co-Cr-Ni alloy), and Ticonium 100 (Ni-Cr alloy), were evaluated in the as-cast condition and after heat treatment for 15 minutes at 1,300 degrees, 1,600 degrees, 1,900 degrees, and 2,200 degrees F followed by quenching in water. The following properties were determined and compared for each alloy at each heat treatment condition: the yield strengths at 0.01%, 0.1%, and 0.2% offsets, the ultimate tensile strength, the percent elongation, the modulus of elasticity, and the Knoop microhardness. The results were statistically analyzed. Photomicrographs were examined for each alloy and test condition. The following conclusions were made: 1. The "highest values" were exhibited by the as-cast alloy. 2. Heat treatment of the partial denture alloys tested resulted in reductions in strength, while the elongations varied. This study demonstrates that, in practice, one should avoid (a) prolonged "heat-soaking" while soldering and (b) grinding or polishing of the casting until the alloy is "red hot". 3. Durallium L.G. was the least affected by the various heat treatment conditions. 4. Conventional reporting of the yield strength at 0.2% offset, the ultimate tensile strength, and percent elongation are not adequate to completely describe and compare the mechanical behavior of alloys. The reporting of the yield strength at 0.01% offset, in addition to the other reported properties, will provide a more complete description of the behavior of the dental alloys.

Bond strength of three cements determined by centrifugal testing

1. Each tooth preparation and crown should be used to test only one cement, since recementation will alter the bond strength associated with the second trial. 2. Recementation of a restoration should include a thorough cleaning of the preparation and the restoration. 3. Although zinc polycarboxylate cement possessed the highest bond strength, there were no statistically significant differences among the cements tested. 4. No correlation was found between bond strength and any individual property of compressive strength, tensile strength, or film thickness. 5. Values of ADA film thickness predicted the order of values of film thickness determined by a simulated clinical method.

Microscopic observations of amalgams carved by different methods and subsequently polished

Occlusal amalgam restorations placed in extracted deciduous molars were studied using an electron microscope. The fillings were carved only or both carved and burnished, and all were subsequently polished. Observations were made before and after polishing, and the results emphasized the effects of carving, burnishing, and polishing on the surface texture and marginal integrity of amalgam fillings.

Physical properties of dental silver-tin amalgams with high and low copper contents

Newly developed amalgams such as Tytin, Sybraloy, and Dispersalloy had low static creep, high compressive strength, and similar values for both diametral tensile strength and dimensional change in comparison with conventional amalgams such as Kerr Spheraloy, Caulk Spherical, Shofu Spherical, and Caulk 20th Century Micro Cut. The data for physical properties were evaluated statistically, and the amalgams were ranked according to the numerical position assigned to each property.

Microstructure of dental amalgams containing high and low copper contents

Microstructure of commercial dental alloys and their amalgams were studied primarily by x-ray diffraction, optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction revealed more phases than normally reported in these materials. Presence of new phase was discussed and their formation mechanism understood. Some phases having interacting 2 theta degrees values with others were properly identified. Both new and conventional dental alloys and their amalgams, namely Tytin, Sybraloy, Dispersalloy, Kerr Spheraloy, Caulk Spherical, Shofu Spherical, and Caulk 20th Century Microcut were used to complete the investigation.

Evaluation of alternative alloys to type III gold for use in fixed prosthodontics

A study was done to evaluate the fit of castings made from commercially available alloys promoted by their manufacturers as cheaper alternatives to type III gold for use in fixed prosthodontics. Two nickel-chromium alloys, two silver-palladium alloys, two gold-silver-palladium alloys, a 50% gold alloy, and a type III conventional gold alloy (used as a basis of comparison) were evaluated. After optimum conditions for waxing, investing, and casting were determined experimentally, four crowns (two full crowns and two three quarter crowns) were cast from each alloy. The castings were cleaned by pickling or sandblasting and placed on their respective dies. Only one casting was made from each die. Ten judges were asked to evaluate the marginal fit and completeness of each casting on its die. The judges rated each casting and the ratings were converted into rankings. Type III gold and Forticast tied and were ranked first; Paliney CB was ranked second; Alborium and Albacast tied and ranked third; Aurolite CB was ranked fourth; and Jelenko Experimental and Howmedica III tied and ranked fifth. It was found that the nickel-chromium alloys produced castings that had a tight fit and showed marginal discrepancies even under conditions designed to yield maximum expansion of the investment. These nonprecious metal castings were judged inferior in terms of fit when compared with castings made from noble metal-and precious metal-containing alloys. Existing investments and techniques were adequate for all castings except those made from the nonprecious alloys. It was concluded that low (approximately lambda 50%) gold alloys and palladium-silver-gold alloys that are commerically available can be used as substitutes for type III gold alloy without any loss inthe quality of casting fit.

Characterization of porosity of isostatically pressed and sintered nickel-base powdered metal

Characterization of the pore structure of compacted and sintered parts made from a nickel-base powder was accomplished using the mercury porosimetry method. The theoretical density values for the sintered specimens varied from 56.3 to 96.7% which corresponds to a porosity of 43.7 to 3.3%. A maximum interconnecting median pore diameter of 21 mum resulted from a -80/+200 mesh powder compacted at 138 MN/m2 and sintered for 2 h at 1250 degrees C. Photomicrographs of the same sample showed that it had a maximum pore diameter of 200 mum. The interconnected pore volume decreased with decreasing particle size of the powder, increasing compaction pressure, and increasing sintering temperature. Mechanical properties of tensile strength, yield strength, elastic modulus and percentage elongation were correlated with the pore structure. Proper selection of particle size, compaction pressure, sintering times and sintering temperatures should permit parts with controlled porosity characteristics to be produced that possess adequate mechanical properties for application as implants.

Initiation of cracks in dental amalgam

The force required to initiate cracks in dental amalgam beams was measured and related to the microstructure. The force measured was dependent on age and on the distribution of phases on the tension side of the beam. The Ag-Cu phase is most resistant to failure in Dispersalloy and an experimental alloy.

Modified hygroscopic gold casting technique

A modified hygrosopic gold casting technique has been described. It utilizes a dual-wax pattern with controlled amounts of water added to the setting investment to better influence both the location and amount of investment expansion. This technique has been used since 1970 with excellent clinical results.

Some effects on the phases of amalgam induced by corrosion

"Aged" amalgam restorations were analyzed using X-ray spectrometry with the SEM and the electron microprobe. The results indicated that the corrosion process penetrates throughout the amalgam mass. The tin of the γ2 phase consistently was associated with nonmetals, particularly chlorine, in areas of high corrosion. Other nonmetals were associated with tin within the interfacial corrosion layer and, to a lesser degree, within the amalgam bulk.

Effect of tantalum additions to a cobalt-chromium-nickel base alloy

An investigation by electron diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis has shown that Ta additions to a 40-30-30 Co-Cr-Ni-base alloy strengthen by ordering and by formation of coherent α-Co3Ta precipitate. However, increasing Ta content increases the proportion of the hexagonal phase and decreases ductility.