Effect of alpha-humulene incorporation on the properties of experimental light-cured periodontal dressings.

The objective of this study was to formulate an experimental light-cured periodontal dressing containing alpha-humulene and to compare its physical, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties with commercial gold standards (Barricaid® and Periobond®). Two periodontal dressing formulations were developed (a and b). The formulations were divided into 5 groups according to the alpha-humulene concentration as follows: Ea - control group, Ea1 - 1%, Ea5 - 5%, Ea10 - 10%, and Ea20 - 20%; Eb - control group, Eb1 - 1%, Eb5 - 5%, Eb10 - 10%, and Eb20 - 20%. Materials characterization was performed using the degree of conversion, cohesive strength, sorption, and solubility assays. Antimicrobial assay was performed using the modified direct contact test against E. faecalis and S. aureus. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the cell viability experiment using L929 fibroblasts. In general, the cohesive strength values of materials decreased as the alpha-humulene concentration increased. All the experimental dressings showed antimicrobial activity against both bacteria tested. Cell viability results for the Ea, Ea1, Eb, and Eb1 groups showed moderate cytotoxic effect. The formulations containing alpha-humulene showed similar behavior to the commercial references. Thus, formulations containing alpha-humulene have potential to be used as periodontal dressing.

Effect of alpha-humulene incorporation on the properties of experimental light-cured periodontal dressings

Abstract The objective of this study was to formulate an experimental light-cured periodontal dressing containing alpha-humulene and to compare its physical, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties with commercial gold standards (Barricaid® and Periobond®). Two periodontal dressing formulations were developed (a and b). The formulations were divided into 5 groups according to the alpha-humulene concentration as follows: Ea - control group, Ea1 - 1%, Ea5 - 5%, Ea10 - 10%, and Ea20 - 20%; Eb - control group, Eb1 - 1%, Eb5 - 5%, Eb10 - 10%, and Eb20 - 20%. Materials characterization was performed using the degree of conversion, cohesive strength, sorption, and solubility assays. Antimicrobial assay was performed using the modified direct contact test against E. faecalis and S. aureus. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the cell viability experiment using L929 fibroblasts. In general, the cohesive strength values of materials decreased as the alpha-humulene concentration increased. All the experimental dressings showed antimicrobial activity against both bacteria tested. Cell viability results for the Ea, Ea1, Eb, and Eb1 groups showed moderate cytotoxic effect. The formulations containing alpha-humulene showed similar behavior to the commercial references. Thus, formulations containing alpha-humulene have potential to be used as periodontal dressing.

Evaluation of physical and biological properties of conventional glass ionomer cements / Avaliação das propriedades físicas e biológicas de cimentos de ionômero de vidro convencionais

Objetivo: avaliar as propriedades físicas e biológicas dos cimentos de ionômero de vidro convencionais (CIVs). Metodologia: foram avaliados os seguintes CIVs: Fuji IX (GC Europe, Bélgica), Ketac Molar (3M ESPE, Estados Unidos), Maxxion R (FGM, Brasil) e Vitro Molar (Nova DFL, Brasil). O tempo de presa, a alteração dimensional, a radiopacidade, a sorção e a solubilidade em água foram avaliados para todos os materiais. A resistência à compressão foi analisada em intervalos de 1h, 24h, 7 dias e 28 dias; e liberação de íons fluoreto em 3h, 24h e 72h. A viabilidade celular foi avaliada após 24 e 48 horas com células de fibroblastos. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do software SigmaPlot 12 (Systat Inc, San Jose, CA, EUA), com nível de significância estabelecido em α = 0,05. Resultado: apenas o Fuji IX teve um tempo de presa dentro da faixa recomendada pela Especificação Padrão da ADA 96 (2012), não superior a 6 minutos. Vitro Molar e Maxxion R apresentaram radiopacidade que não estava de acordo com a especificação ADA 96 (2012). Maxxion R e Vitro Molar mostraram uma alteração dimensional estatisticamente semelhante. Quanto às propriedades mecânicas, o Fuji IX foi o único CIV que apresentou aumento da resistência à compressão durante o período de avaliação de 28 dias. O Ketac Molar apresentou a maior viabilidade celular, enquanto o Maxxion R apresentou citotoxicidade severa e o maior valor cumulativo de liberação de flúor. Conclusão: Fuji IX e Ketac Molar apresentaram as propriedades físicas e biológicas mais adequadas entre os CIVs avaliados.(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the physical and biological properties of conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs). Methodology: the following GICs were evaluated: Fuji IX (GC Europe, Belgium), Ketac Molar (3M ESPE, United States), Maxxion R (FGM, Brazil) and Vitro Molar (Nova DFL, Brazil). Setting time, dimensional change, radiopacity, water solubility and water absorption were evaluated for all materials. Compressive strength was analyzed after intervals of 1h, 24h, 7 days and 28 days; and release of fluoride ions at 3 am, 24 am and 72 am. Cell viability was assessed after 24 and 48 hours with fibroblast cells. Statistical analysis was performed using SigmaPlot 12 software (Systat Inc, San Jose, CA, USA), with a significance level set at α = 0.05. Result: only the Fuji IX had an adjustment time within the range recommended by the Standard Specification of ADA 96 (2012) of not exceeding 6 minutes. Vitro Molar and Maxxion R had radiopacity that was not in accordance with the ADA 96 (2012) specification. Maxxion R and Vitro Molar showed a statistically similar dimensional change. As for mechanical properties, Fuji IX was the only GIC that showed an increase in compressive strength during the evaluation period of 28 days. Ketac Molar showed the highest cell viability, while Maxxion R showed severe cytotoxicity and the highest cumulative fluoride release value. Conclusion: Fuji IX and Ketac Molar showed the most appropriate physical and biological properties among the evaluated GICs.(AU)

Cytotoxicity of Chelating Agents Used In Endodontics and Their Influence on MMPs of Cell Membranes.

This study evaluated the cytotoxic effect and the ability to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) of 0.2% chitosan (CH) and 1% acetic acid (AA) compared with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Cell viability assay was performed according to ISO 10993-5 with mouse fibroblasts (L929). The culture was exposed to 0.2% CH, 1% AA, and 17% EDTA. The chelating agents were evaluated immediately after contact with the cells and after 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h of incubation. Cell viability was analyzed using the 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Inhibition of the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was evaluated by gelatin zymography. Different concentrations of CH were evaluated: 50 mM, 5 mM, 0.5 mM, and 0.05 mM. EDTA (0.5 mM) was used as a positive control. The results demonstrated that CH and AA had an initial cytotoxic effect, which decreased after 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h, being statistically similar to EDTA (P > 0.05). Additionally, CH at concentrations of 50 mM, 5 mM, and 0.5 mM had an inhibitory effect on MMP-2 and MMP-9, similar to that of the control with EDTA. The chelating agents had no cytotoxic effects after 24 h. MMP-2 and MMP-9 were inhibited by the experimental solutions.

Evaluation of dentin hypersensitivity treatment with glass ionomer cements: A randomized clinical trial.

A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial was performed compared the desensitizing efficacy of the resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC) ClinproTM XT (3M ESPE, Minnesota, USA) and the conventional GIC Vidrion R (SS White, Gloucester, UK) in a 6-month follow-up. Subjects were required to have at least two teeth with dentin hypersensitivity. Teeth were divided at random into 2 groups, one group received Clinpro XT and the other conventional GIC Vidrion R. Treatments were assessed by tactile and air blast tests using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline, after 20 minutes, and at 7, 15, 21, 30, 90 and 180 days post-treatment. Twenty subjects (152 teeth) were included. Both tests (tactile and air blast) showed a significant reduction of dentin hypersensitivity immediately after the application of Vidrion R and Clinpro XT (20 min). VAS scores obtained along the 6-month follow-up were statistically lower when compared to initial rates (p < 0.05). Both GIC were able to reduce dentin hypersensitivity up to 6-month post-treatment period without statistically significant differences among them (p > 0.05). Both cements provided satisfactory results in long-term dental sensitivity reduction.

Evaluation of dentin hypersensitivity treatment with glass ionomer cements: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial was performed compared the desensitizing efficacy of the resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC) ClinproTM XT (3M ESPE, Minnesota, USA) and the conventional GIC Vidrion R (SS White, Gloucester, UK) in a 6-month follow-up. Subjects were required to have at least two teeth with dentin hypersensitivity. Teeth were divided at random into 2 groups, one group received Clinpro XT and the other conventional GIC Vidrion R. Treatments were assessed by tactile and air blast tests using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline, after 20 minutes, and at 7, 15, 21, 30, 90 and 180 days post-treatment. Twenty subjects (152 teeth) were included. Both tests (tactile and air blast) showed a significant reduction of dentin hypersensitivity immediately after the application of Vidrion R and Clinpro XT (20 min). VAS scores obtained along the 6-month follow-up were statistically lower when compared to initial rates (p < 0.05). Both GIC were able to reduce dentin hypersensitivity up to 6-month post-treatment period without statistically significant differences among them (p > 0.05). Both cements provided satisfactory results in long-term dental sensitivity reduction.

Immunohistochemical Expression of TGF-ß1 and Osteonectin in engineered and Ca(OH)2-repaired human pulp tissues.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and osteonectin (ON) in pulp-like tissues developed by tissue engineering and to compare it with the expression of these proteins in pulps treated with Ca(OH)2 therapy. Tooth slices were obtained from non-carious human third molars under sterile procedures. The residual periodontal and pulp soft tissues were removed. Empty pulp spaces of the tooth slice were filled with sodium chloride particles (250-425 µm). PLLA solubilized in 5% chloroform was applied over the salt particles. The tooth slice/scaffold (TS/S) set was stored overnight and then rinsed thoroughly to wash out the salt. Scaffolds were previously sterilized with ethanol (100-70°) and washed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). TS/S was treated with 10% EDTA and seeded with dental pulp stem cells (DPSC). Then, TS/S was implanted into the dorsum of immunodeficient mice for 28 days. Human third molars previously treated with Ca(OH)2 for 90 days were also evaluated. Samples were prepared and submitted to histological and immunohistochemical (with anti-TGF-ß1, 1:100 and anti-ON, 1:350) analyses. After 28 days, TS/S showed morphological characteristics similar to those observed in dental pulp treated with Ca(OH)2. Ca(OH)2-treated pulps showed the usual repaired pulp characteristics. In TS/S, newly formed tissues and pre-dentin was colored, which elucidated the expression of TGF-ß1 and ON. Immunohistochemistry staining of Ca(OH)2-treated pulps showed the same expression patterns. The extracellular matrix displayed a fibrillar pattern under both conditions. Regenerative events in the pulp seem to follow a similar pattern of TGF-ß1 and ON expression as the repair processes.

Immunohistochemical expression of TGF-ß1 and osteonectin in engineered and Ca(OH)2-repaired human pulp tissues

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and osteonectin (ON) in pulp-like tissues developed by tissue engineering and to compare it with the expression of these proteins in pulps treated with Ca(OH)2 therapy. Tooth slices were obtained from non-carious human third molars under sterile procedures. The residual periodontal and pulp soft tissues were removed. Empty pulp spaces of the tooth slice were filled with sodium chloride particles (250-425 µm). PLLA solubilized in 5% chloroform was applied over the salt particles. The tooth slice/scaffold (TS/S) set was stored overnight and then rinsed thoroughly to wash out the salt. Scaffolds were previously sterilized with ethanol (100-70°) and washed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). TS/S was treated with 10% EDTA and seeded with dental pulp stem cells (DPSC). Then, TS/S was implanted into the dorsum of immunodeficient mice for 28 days. Human third molars previously treated with Ca(OH)2 for 90 days were also evaluated. Samples were prepared and submitted to histological and immunohistochemical (with anti-TGF-β1, 1:100 and anti-ON, 1:350) analyses. After 28 days, TS/S showed morphological characteristics similar to those observed in dental pulp treated with Ca(OH)2. Ca(OH)2-treated pulps showed the usual repaired pulp characteristics. In TS/S, newly formed tissues and pre-dentin was colored, which elucidated the expression of TGF-β1 and ON. Immunohistochemistry staining of Ca(OH)2-treated pulps showed the same expression patterns. The extracellular matrix displayed a fibrillar pattern under both conditions. Regenerative events in the pulp seem to follow a similar pattern of TGF-β1 and ON expression as the repair processes.

A systematic review about antibacterial monomers used in dental adhesive systems: Current status and further prospects.

OBJECTIVES: This study systematically review the literature to assess the effectiveness of antibacterial monomers incorporated into dental adhesive systems against major oral bacteria; as well as the research advances and the future prospects of this technology. METHODS: The following seven databases were screened: MedLine (PubMed), Lilacs, Ibecs, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, and The Cochrane Library. Furthermore, the online system Questel Orbit (Paris, France) was accessed to obtain patent data. The inclusion criteria were articles and patents that investigated the antimicrobial activity of antibacterial monomers in dental adhesive systems. Only documents written in English, Spanish or Portuguese were included. RESULTS: After screening, 33 studies and eight patents fulfilled all the criteria and were included. Antibacterial agents, such as QA, MDPB, DMAHM and DMADDM were found in patents, which claimed their incorporation into adhesive compositions, dental cements, composite resins. MDPB was the only antimicrobial monomer incorporated into a commercially available adhesive system, Clearfil Protect Bond™ (Kuraray Co. Ltd., Japan). All studies reported the inclusion of antimicrobial monomers in adhesive systems to be an effective dental treatment strategy. SIGNIFICANCE: There are potential areas to be explored with antibacterial monomers for dentistry, and their use could have important implications for future more conservative dental treatments. Although there is evidence of antibacterial activity from in vitro studies, clinical studies must be conducted to confirm the effectiveness of these materials in the prevention of dental pathologies.

Bond strength of universal adhesives: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: A systematic review was conducted to determine whether the etch-and-rinse or self-etching mode is the best protocol for dentin and enamel adhesion by universal adhesives. DATA: This report followed the PRISMA Statement. A total of 10 articles were included in the meta-analysis. SOURCES: Two reviewers performed a literature search up to October 2014 in eight databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, BBO, SciELO, LILACS, IBECS and The Cochrane Library. STUDY SELECTION: In vitro studies evaluating the bond strength of universal adhesives to dentin and/or enamel by the etch-and-rinse and self-etch strategies were eligible to be selected. Statistical analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.1 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark). A global comparison was performed with random-effects models at a significance level of p<0.05. RESULTS: The analysis of dentin micro-tensile bond strength showed no statistically significant difference between the etch-and-rinse and self-etch strategies for mild universal adhesives (p≥0.05). However, for the ultra-mild All-Bond Universal adhesive, the etch-and-rinse strategy was significantly different than the self-etch mode in terms of dentin micro-tensile bond strength, as well as in the global analysis of enamel micro-tensile and micro-shear bond strength (p≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The enamel bond strength of universal adhesives is improved with prior phosphoric acid etching. However, this effect was not evident for dentin with the use of mild universal adhesives with the etch-and-rinse strategy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Selective enamel etching prior to the application of a mild universal adhesive is an advisable strategy for optimizing bonding.

Light-activated bleaching: effects on surface mineral change on enamel.

AIM: This study evaluated the in vitro effect of 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) on surface enamel change when activated with different light curing units (LCUs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enamel blocks (4 × 4 × 2 mm) were obtained from bovine incisors. The initial microhardness of the enamel was determined for each specimen. After this enamel blocks were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) and treated as follows: Control, no bleaching procedure performed; HP - LCU, application of 35% HP gel without light activation; HP + QTH, application of 35% HP gel and light activation with a Quartz Tungsten-Halogen (QTH); and HP + Light Emitting Diode, application of 35% HP gel and light-activation with a LED. New microhardness measurements were obtained, immediately, 7 and 14 days after treatment. The percentage of surface mineral change was calculated according to the baseline and post-treatment microhardness values. Additionally, six samples from each group were randomly selected and prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization. The data were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) to detect differences between the three time periods, and an ANOVA and Tukey's test with a confidence level of 95%. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the initial hardness values and hardness values after treatment in any of the groups or time periods (p > 0.05). No major surface alterations were detected with SEM when comparing control groups to those undergoing bleaching treatments. CONCLUSION: The use of 35% HP in combination to QTH or LED light curing units LCU does not have detrimental effect on the enamel surface topography or in the mineral content, when compared with unbleached enamel or enamel submitted to 35% HP treatment alone.

Clinical evaluation of two desensitizing treatments in southern Brazil: A 3-month follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two treatments for dentin hypersensitivity in vivo during 90 days of follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 117 teeth (13 patients) that were divided into three groups: control with carbomer 940 gel (n = 32) (placebo treatment), 2% sodium fluoride gel (n = 31) and low-level infrared diode laser (n = 54). Prior to the desensitizing treatment, the dentin hypersensitivity status of each tooth was assessed by an evaporative stimulus; the patient's response was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and by counting the Exposure Time to Air Blast (ETAB) with a dental air syringe. Re-evaluations of the treatments occurred after 5 min, 7, 15, 30 and 90 days. The statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Friedman test, one-way ANOVA, Tukey's test and Spearman's rank correlation (α = 5%). RESULTS: No significant differences were observed among the low-level laser, 2% topical fluoride and carbomer 940 gel applications. When the methods of evaluation (VAS and ETAB) were compared, there was no difference among the groups with respect to the values for every period of evaluation (p < 0.001), verifying that the scores obtained with the VAS decreased at the same proportion as the remaining time of ETAB increased. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that both tested therapies were efficacious in controlling painful symptoms associated with dentin hypersensitivity over the entire 90-day follow-up period. The treatments were able to reduce the painful symptoms caused by dentin hypersensitivity, including placebo.

Tenascin and fibronectin expression after pulp capping with different hemostatic agents: a preliminary study.

This study investigated the expression of extracellular matrix glycoproteins tenascin (TN) and fibronectin (FN) in pulp repair after capping with calcium hydroxide (CH), following different hemostasis protocols. Class I cavities with a pulp exposure were prepared in 42 human third molars scheduled for extraction. Different hemostatic agents (0.9% saline solution, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine digluconate) were used and pulps were capped with CH cement. After 7, 30 or 90 days, teeth were extracted, formalin-fixed, and prepared for immunohistochemical technique. Hemostatic agents did not influence the expression of TN and FN. Both glycoproteins were found in the entire the pulp tissue and around collagen fibers, but were absent in the mineralized tissues. In the predentin, TN showed positive immunostaining and FN had a variable expression. Within 7 days post-treatment, a slightly more pronounced immunostaining on the pulp exposure site was observed. Within 30 days, TN and FN demonstrated a positive expression around the dentin barrier and at 90 days, a thin and linear expression of TN and FN was delimitating the reparative dentin. In conclusion, hemostatic agents did not influence TN and FN expression. Immunostaining for TN and FN was seen in different regions and periods, demonstrating their role in pulp repair.

Tenascin and Fibronectin Expression after Pulp Capping with Different Hemostatic Agents: A Preliminary Study

This study investigated the expression of extracellular matrix glycoproteins tenascin (TN) and fibronectin (FN) in pulp repair after capping with calcium hydroxide (CH), following different hemostasis protocols. Class I cavities with a pulp exposure were prepared in 42 human third molars scheduled for extraction. Different hemostatic agents (0.9% saline solution, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine digluconate) were used and pulps were capped with CH cement. After 7, 30 or 90 days, teeth were extracted, formalin-fixed, and prepared for immunohistochemical technique. Hemostatic agents did not influence the expression of TN and FN. Both glycoproteins were found in the entire the pulp tissue and around collagen fibers, but were absent in the mineralized tissues. In the predentin, TN showed positive immunostaining and FN had a variable expression. Within 7 days post-treatment, a slightly more pronounced immunostaining on the pulp exposure site was observed. Within 30 days, TN and FN demonstrated a positive expression around the dentin barrier and at 90 days, a thin and linear expression of TN and FN was delimitating the reparative dentin. In conclusion, hemostatic agents did not influence TN and FN expression. Immunostaining for TN and FN was seen in different regions and periods, demonstrating their role in pulp repair.

Este estudo investigou a expressão das glicoproteínas Tenascina (TN) e Fibronectina (FN) da matriz extracelular no reparo pulpar após capeamento com hidróxido de cálcio (HC), seguindo diferentes protocolos de hemostasia. Cavidades de classe I com exposição pulpar foram preparadas em 42 terceiros molares humanos indicados para extração. Diferentes agentes hemostáticos (solução salina a 0,9%, hipoclorito de sódio a 5,25% e clorexidina a 2%) foram usados e as polpas foram capeadas com cimento de HC. Após 7, 30 ou 90 dias, os dentes foram extraídos, fixados em formalina e preparados para análise imunoistoquímica. Os agentes hemostáticos não influenciaram a expressão de TN e FN. Ambas glicoproteínas foram encontradas em todo tecido pulpar, ao redor das fibras colágenas e estiveram ausentes nos tecidos mineralizados. Na pré-dentina, a TN mostrou forte imunoexpressão e a FN teve uma expressão variável. Após 7 dias, foi observada uma expressão levemente mais pronunciada no lugar da exposição pulpar. Aos 30 dias, a TN e a FN demonstraram uma expressão mais forte sob a barreira dentinária e aos 90 dias, uma expressão fina e linear da TN e FN apresentava-se delimitando a dentina reparativa. Em conclusão, os agentes hemostáticos não influenciaram e expressão da TN e da FN. A imunoexpressão da TN e FN foi observada em diferentes regiões e períodos, demonstrando o seu papel no reparo pulpar.

Surface roughness of orthodontic band cements with different compositions.

OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluated comparatively the surface roughness of four orthodontic band cements after storage in various solutions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight standardized cylinders were made from 4 materials: zinc phosphate cement (ZP), compomer (C), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and resin cement (RC). Specimens were stored for 24 h in deionized water and immersed in saline (pH 7.0) or 0.1 M lactic acid solution (pH 4.0) for 15 days. Surface roughness readings were taken with a profilometer (Surfcorder SE1200) before and after the storage period. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (comparison among cements and storage solutions) or paired t-test (comparison before and after the storage period) at 5% significance level. RESULTS: The values for average surface roughness were statistically different (p<0.001) among cements at both baseline and after storage. The roughness values of cements in a decreasing order were ZP>RMGIC>C>R (p<0.001). After 15 days, immersion in lactic acid solution resulted in the highest surface roughness for all cements (p<0.05), except for the RC group (p>0.05). Compared to the current threshold (0.2 µm) related to biofilm accumulation, both RC and C remained below the threshold, even after acidic challenge by immersion in lactic acid solution. CONCLUSIONS: Storage time and immersion in lactic acid solution increased the surface roughness of the majority of the tested cements. RC presented the smoothest surface and it was not influenced by storage conditions.

Surface roughness of orthodontic band cements with different compositions

OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluated comparatively the surface roughness of four orthodontic band cements after storage in various solutions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight standardized cylinders were made from 4 materials: zinc phosphate cement (ZP), compomer (C), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and resin cement (RC). Specimens were stored for 24 h in deionized water and immersed in saline (pH 7.0) or 0.1 M lactic acid solution (pH 4.0) for 15 days. Surface roughness readings were taken with a profilometer (Surfcorder SE1200) before and after the storage period. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (comparison among cements and storage solutions) or paired t-test (comparison before and after the storage period) at 5 percent significance level. RESULTS: The values for average surface roughness were statistically different (p<0.001) among cements at both baseline and after storage. The roughness values of cements in a decreasing order were ZP>RMGIC>C>R (p<0.001). After 15 days, immersion in lactic acid solution resulted in the highest surface roughness for all cements (p<0.05), except for the RC group (p>0.05). Compared to the current threshold (0.2 µm) related to biofilm accumulation, both RC and C remained below the threshold, even after acidic challenge by immersion in lactic acid solution. CONCLUSIONS: Storage time and immersion in lactic acid solution increased the surface roughness of the majority of the tested cements. RC presented the smoothest surface and it was not influenced by storage conditions.

Oral lichenoid lesions associated with amalgam restorations: report of two cases / Lesões liquenóides bucais associadas a restaurações de amálgama: relatos de dois casos

PURPOSE: Dental amalgam has been used as a dental restoration for more than 165 years. However, some patients with these restorations may present oral lichenoid lesions (OLL). OLL are chronic oral mucosal contact reactions to dental amalgam. Their diagnosis usually is based on the direct contact of the affected mucosa with the amalgam restorations, clinical appearance, and lack of migrations. A patch-test for mercury can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Thus, the objective this work was to discuss the occurrence of this disease and your possibilities of existing differential diagnostic. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two clinical cases were diagnosed as related to OLL. In both cases, the patients complained of a burning sensation in the oral mucosa adjacent to the amalgam restorations. The treatment involved replacing the amalgam restorations by composite. A complete remission of the painful symptoms was observed after 17 days in one case and after one month in the other, although the lesions in the oral mucosa did not disappear completely. CONCLUSION: Dentists should be aware of OLL occurrence close to amalgam restorations and should be able to diagnose it and recommend the best treatment option.

OBJETIVO: O amálgama dentário tem servido como restaurador dentário a mais de 165 anos. Entretanto, alguns pacientes com estas restaurações têm demonstrado a ocorrência de lesões liquenóides orais (LLO). As LLO são reações de contato da mucosa oral crônicas ao amálgama dentário. Geralmente, o diagnóstico da lesão é feito pelo contato direto da mucosa afeta com a restauração de amalgama, pela aparência clínica, e a ausência de migrações. Um teste de contato para o mercúrio pode ser realizado para confirmar o diagnóstico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi discutir a ocorrência desta doença e suas possibilidades de diagnóstico diferencial existentes. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Dois casos clínicos foram diagnosticados como LLO. Em ambos os casos, os pacientes relataram sofrer de sensação de queimação na mucosa oral adjacente às restaurações de amálgama. Para ambos pacientes, os tratamentos envolveram a substituição das restaurações de amálgama. Completa remissão da sintomatologia dolorosa foi observada após 17 dias em um caso e após 30 dias em outro, embora as lesões na mucosa intrabucal não tenham desaparecido completamente. CONCLUSÃO: Os cirurgiões-dentistas devem estar cientes da ocorrência da LLO relacionadas a restaurações de amálgama e devem saber como fazer o diagnóstico correto para assim recomendar a melhor forma de tratamento.

Commercial swine model: an alternative for direct pulp capping studies / Modelo de suíno comercial: uma alternativa para estudos de capeamento pulpar direto

Purpose: To test the use of commercial swine as an in vivo model for studying pulp healing in response to direct capping agents. Methods: Six swine sus scrofa domesticus (Landrace X Large White) were used in the experiment. Under anesthesia, class V cavities were prepared with a pulp exposure, which was directly capped with hard-setting calcium hydroxide (Dycal®, Dentsply, Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Restorations were performed with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Vitremer® 3M Espe St Paul, MN, USA). After 7 or 70 days (n = 6), the animals were died; the teeth were extracted, formalin-fixed and prepared for histological evaluation. The biological response was categorized using the following criteria: inflammatory response, soft tissue organization, reactionary and, reparative dentin formations. Results: After seven days pulp in most specimens inflammatory response was present and after 70 days reparative dentin was formed at the pulp exposure area in almost all the animals. These responses were similar to those previously reported in human in similar periods of evaluation. In addition, the swine model showed another advantages: easy handling and economical feasibility compared to other animal models. Conclusion: The commercial swine model seems to be an adequate animal model to test pulp biocompatibility.

Objetivo: O objetivo do estufo foi analisar o uso de suínos industriais como modelo para a avaliação da resposta pulpar a procedimentos de capeamento direto. Metodologia: Em 6 suínos sus scrofa domesticus foram realizados preparos cavitários classe V até expor o tecido pulpar. Após a hemorragia ter sido controlada, o local exposto foi capeado com cimento de hidróxido de cálcio (Dycal®, Dentsply, Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) e na sequência os dentes foram restaurados com cimento de ionômero de vidro (Vitremer® 3M Espe St Paul, MN, USA). As respostas teciduais foram analisadas após 7 (n = 6) e 70 (n = 6) dias. Os animais foram abatidos, os dentes extraídos e, posteriormente, processados para análise morfológica descritiva quanto aos seguintes critérios: resposta inflamatória, organização do tecido pulpar, dentina reacional e reparativa. Resultados: Após 7 dias observou-se a presença de infiltrado inflamatório e decorridos 70 dias, dentina reparativa foi formada na área de exposição em quase todos os espécimes, sendo estes achados similares aos achados previamente reportados em capeamentos realizados em humanos. Além disso, o modelo demonstrou outras vantagens, tais como a viabilidade econômica (baixo custo comparado a outros modelos animais) e facilidade de manuseio. Conclusão: O uso de suínos de raças comerciais pode ser considerado como alternativa para os testes de biocompatibilidade dentino-pulpar.