Effects of experimental bleaching agents on the mineral content of sound and demineralized enamels

Abstract High concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can cause adverse effects on composition and structure of teeth. However, the addition of calcium and fluoride in bleaching agents may reduce enamel demineralization. Objective: To evaluate chemical changes of sound and demineralized enamels submitted to high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide containing fluoride (F) or calcium (Ca). Material and Methods: Enamel blocks of bovine incisors with standard dimensions were obtained and half of them were submitted to pH-cycling to promote initial enamel caries lesions. Sound and demineralized enamel samples were divided into (n=10): (C) Control (no whitening treatment); (HP) 35% hydrogen peroxide; and two experimental groups: (HPF) 35% HP+0.2% F and (HPC) 35% HP+0.2% Ca. Experimental groups were submitted to two in-office bleaching sessions and agents were applied 3 times for 15 min to each session. The control group was kept in remineralizing solution at 37°C during the bleaching treatment. The surface mineral content of sound and demineralized enamels was determined through Fourier Transform Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman), Energy dispersive Micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μ-EDXRF); and the subsurface, through cross-sectional microhardness (CSMH). In addition, polarized light microscopy (PLM) images of enamel subsurface were observed. Results: According to three-way (FT-Raman and μ-EDXRF analyses) or two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (CSMH) and Tukey test (α=5%), the calcium or fluoride added to high-concentrated bleaching agents increased phosphate and carbonate concentrations on sound and demineralized enamels (p<0.05). However, HPC and HPF were unable to completely reverse the subsurface mineral loss promoted by bleaching on sound and demineralized enamels. The calcium/ phosphate (Ca/P) ratio of sound enamel decreased after HP treatment (p<0.001). Conclusion: Even though experimental bleaching agents with Ca or F reduced mineral loss for both sound and demineralized enamel surfaces, these agents were unable to reverse the enamel subsurface demineralization.

Alveolar bone repair with strontium- containing nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate bone repair in rat dental sockets after implanting nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite/sodium alginate (CHA) and nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite/sodium alginate containing 5% strontium microspheres (SrCHA) as bone substitute materials. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups: CHA and SrCHA (n=5/period/group). After one and 6 weeks of extraction of the right maxillary central incisor and biomaterial implantation, 5 μm bone blocks were obtained for histomorphometric evaluation. The parameters evaluated were remaining biomaterial, loose connective tissue and newly formed bone in a standard area. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann-Withney and and Wilcoxon tests at 95% level of significance. Results: The histomorphometric results showed that the microspheres showed similar fragmentation and bio-absorbation (p>0.05). We observed the formation of new bones in both groups during the same experimental periods; however, the new bone formation differed significantly between the weeks 1 and 6 (p=0.0039) in both groups. Conclusion: The CHA and SrCHA biomaterials were biocompatible, osteoconductive and bioabsorbable, indicating their great potential for clinical use as bone substitutes.

Cytotoxicity of polycarbonate orthodontic brackets

Aim: To assess the cytotoxicity of polycarbonate orthodontic brackets. Methods: Polycarbonate brackets from two different manufacturers, namely, Composite bracket (Morelli™) and Silkon Plus bracket (American Orthodontics™), were assessed. In addition to these two experimental groups, other three control groups were included: Positive Control Group (C+) consisting of amalgam cylinders, Negative Control Group (C-) consisting of glass rods, and Cell Control Group (CC) consisting of cells not exposed to any material. All brackets were previously sterilized under ultra-violet light (UV) and, then, immersed in Eagle’s minimum essential media (MEM) for 24 hours, after which the supernatants were removed and placed into contact with L929 fibroblast cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated at 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours. After contact with MEM, the cells were further incubated at 37oC for 24 hours and 100 mL of 0.01% neutral red dye were added. The cells were incubated again at 37ºC for three hours to incorporate the dye. After this period, the cells were fixed and viable cell counting was performed by spectrophotometry at 492 nm wavelength. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the experimental groups (1 and 2) and the negative and cell control groups (p > 0.05). The Positive Control Group exhibited high cytotoxicity throughout experimental period are differed significantly from the other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Polycarbonate orthodontic brackets were found not to be cytotoxic within the evaluated experimental period.

Estudo sobre o shelf life da soluçäo de Dakin / Study on the shelf life of Dakin solution

Foi estudado por meio da titulometria a perda do teor de cloro da soluçäo de Dakin quando estocada em vidro ambar, mantida à temperatura ambiente, exposta à luz solar e na geladeira (9-C). Verificou-se que a soluçäo de Dakin quando exposta à luz solar perdeu 79,11 por cento do teor de cloro ativo em 122 dias, à temperatura ambiente a perda teor de cloro foi de 62,69 por cento e quando armazenada na geladeira, ou seja, a 9 graus centígrados a perda foi somente de 22,39 por cento no mesmo período