Pre-Sealing of Endodontic Access Cavities for the Preservation of Anterior Teeth Fracture Resistance.

OBJECTIVE: Sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCl) is an effective canal irrigant but interferes with the mechanical features of dentin and the bonding capability of adhesives when restoring endodontically treated teeth. This study evaluated whether access cavity resin sealing before using canal irrigant would augment the resistance of endodontically treated anterior teeth against fracture. METHODS: Sixty maxillary incisors underwent endodontic treatment in five groups (n = 12). Irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was performed in all groups except for Group 5. After root canal obturation, in Group 1, the access cavity was kept unrestored. In Group 2, immediate restoration after obturation was achieved. For Group 3, delayed restoration after 1 week was provided. In Group 4 (pre-sealed), before canal irrigation, the dentin surface of access cavities was sealed using self-adhesive composite resin (Vertise Flow) and then restored after obturation. In Group 5, which was saline irrigated, immediate restoration was performed. After storage and thermal cycling for 5000 cycles at 5°C-55°C with a dwell time of 15 s and a transfer time of 5 s, teeth were statically loaded by a universal testing machine until a fracture occurred. Data were collected as the fracture resistance (FR) and analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's tests. RESULTS: FR significantly differed between all groups (p < 0.001). The lowest FR was recorded in the unrestored group (284 ± 86 N), which was not statistically different from the immediately restored group (p = 0.065). The pre-sealed group exhibited the highest FR value (810 ± 127 N, p ≤ 0.02 vs. other groups). The FR of the saline-irrigated and delayed restored groups was almost similar (p = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: NaOCl/EDTA irrigation resulted in an adverse effect on FR. Delayed restoration could reduce this adverse effect. Access cavity pre-sealing with flowable composites led to a higher FR than conventional methods and may be considered an effective step during treatment procedures.

Effect of a cross-linking antioxidant agent on the bond strength of adhesive resin to irradiated dentin.

It has been shown that irradiation can cause structural changes in dentin that may reduce the bond strength of adhesives to dentin. Applying cross-linking or antioxidant agents may help reverse this detrimental effect and improve adhesion to dentin. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) pretreatment and the time of adhesive bonding (24 hours vs 1 month) on the shear bond strength (SBS) of All-Bond Universal (ABU) to irradiated dentin using etch-and-rinse (ER) and self-etching (SE) modes. Flat dentin surfaces prepared from 96 extracted intact human molars were divided into 8 groups (n = 12) and bonded with ABU. In the control (CO) groups (CO/ER and CO/SE), bonding was performed on nonirradiated dentin; in the irradiated (IR) groups (IR/ER and IR/SE), bonding was performed on irradiated dentin; in the irradiated pretreated groups (IR/EGCG/ER and IR/EGCG/SE), irradiated dentin received a 0.1% EGCG pretreatment before bonding; and in the irradiated delayed bonding (DL) groups (IR/DL/ER and IR/DL/SE), bonding on irradiated dentin was performed 1 month after completion of radiotherapy. The irradiation protocol consisted of a total dose of 60 Gy with 2-Gy exposure applied 5 days per week for a period of 6 weeks. After bonding procedures were completed, the specimens were stored in 100% humidity at 37°C for 24 hours and then the SBS was tested in a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests. There was a statistically significant difference among the 8 groups (P < 0.001). Irradiation diminished the SBS in the IR/ER and IR/SE groups compared with their controls (P < 0.001). Pretreatment with EGCG significantly increased the SBS in the IR/EGCG/ER group only (P < 0.001). The difference between the IR/ER and IR/DL/ER groups was not statistically significant, and the difference between the IR/SE and IR/DL/SE groups was marginally significant (P = 0.056). Pretreatment with EGCG after acid etching restored the SBS of ABU to irradiated dentin, resulting in an adhesive performance equivalent to that observed with nonirradiated dentin. A 1-month delay between irradiation and bonding did not improve the SBS.

Effect of natural antioxidants on bond strength recovery of resin-modified glass ionomers to the NaOCl-affected pulp chamber dentin.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of two natural antioxidants on the compromised bond strength of a resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) to the sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)-affected pulp chamber dentin. METHODS: Forty-two sound third molars were split into halves. The exposed pulp chamber dentin was ground to provide the flat dentin surfaces and divided into seven groups (n = 12), according to the solutions used for immersion: (1) Control, distilled water; (2) NaOCl, 5.25% NaOCl for 20 min; (3) NaOCl/Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); 5.25% NaOCl for 20 min + 17% EDTA for 1 min; (4) NaOCl/TA, 5.25% NaOCl + 10% tanic acid (TA) for 5 min; (5) NaOCl/EDTA/TA, 5.25% NaOCl + 17% EDTA + 10% TA for 5 min; (6) NaOCl/PA, 5.25% NaOCl+ 10% proanthocyanidin for 5 min; and (7) NaOCl/EDTA/PA, 5.25% NaOCl+ 17% EDTA + 10% PA for 5 min. The RMGI was bonded on the treated dentin using a Tygon tube. After 24 h of storage, microshear bond strength (µSBS) was tested. Data in MPa were submitted to one-way analysis of variance and Tamhane test. RESULTS: NaOCl significantly decreased the µSBS; NaOCl/EDTA and NaOCl/TA significantly increased the µSBS, higher than the control group (p < .05); and in the NaOCl/EDTA/TA group, the increased bond strength was at the level of the control group (p > .05). NaOCl/PA and NaOCl/EDTA/PA and NaOCl groups had comparable µSBS. CONCLUSION: TA could be suggested to provide effective bonding of RMGI and immediate sealing of the pulp chamber dentin after NaOCl irrigation.

Reconstruction of Natural Smile and Splinting with Natural Tooth Pontic Fiber-Reinforced Composite Bridge.

Teeth replacement is challenging in old patients with severe periodontal disease, limiting prosthetics treatment options. Here, we report a fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) resin bridge using natural tooth pontic in a patient with severe periodontitis. A 60-year-old lady complaining of teeth mobility was diagnosed with severe periodontitis, recession, bone loss, and crowding in the anterior maxillary teeth. Due to a hopeless periodontal prognosis, lateral incisors were extracted and sectioned using a cylindrical diamond bur. The pulp chamber was debrided and filled with self-adhesive flowable composite resin. After three weeks, the pontics were fixed in proximal contact areas, and the FRC bridge was fabricated directly using the resin fiber strip followed by occlusion adjustment, finishing, and polishing. Esthetic, occlusion, and periodontal status were re-evaluated after six months. Here, FRC using natural pontic could successfully reconstruct a natural smile, splint the adjacent teeth, eliminate crowding, and provide stable occlusion. Therefore, this method may be considered for similar cases.

Evaluating the shear bond strength and remineralization effect of calcium silicate-based and conventional self-adhesive resin cements to caries-affected dentin.

OBJECTIVE: Given the importance of preserving caries-affected dentin (CAD) in conservative dentistry, the shear bond strength (SBS) of different resin cements to CAD has been investigated. Here, we aimed to compare the SBS and remineralizing effect of a calcium silicate (TheraCem) and conventional self-adhesive cement (Panavia SA) on the SBS of CAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight extracted third molars (24 sound and 24 CAD) were used. In each group, 12 teeth were prepared for bonding to TheraCem or Panavia SA. After removal of the enamel and caries, resin composite cylinders were luted on the prepared dentin. After 28 days of storage in the artificial saliva, SBS was measured and the failure mode analysis was investigated. The images of fractured sections were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray to evaluate the Ca/P weight ratio. RESULTS: SBS of CAD and sound dentin was not different when cemented with TheraCem (9.56 ± 4.51 vs. 9.17 ± 2.76, p = .806), but the CAD showed significantly lower SBS to Panavia SA (9.4 ± 2.36 vs. 7.39 ± 2.18, p = .015). The Ca/P ratio in CAD was significantly higher when bonded to both TheraCem and Panavia-SA than that of the controls (p = .001); however, this ratio was not different for those bonded to TheraCem compared to Panavia SA. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, TheraCem as a calcium silicate cement shows better SBS to attach the restoration to CAD as compared to Panavia SA. Obliteration and mineralization of the dentinal tubules in TheraCem were also higher than in Panavia SA. However, their ability to improve the amount of the Ca/P ratio in CAD was similar.

The effect of bleaching on the optical and physical properties of externally stained monolithic zirconia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of bleaching on the color, translucency, surface roughness, and surface hardness of monolithic zirconia with external stainin . METHODS: In this experimental study, 32 specimens of monolithic zirconia (1 × 1 mm; shade A2) were divided into two groups based on random permuted blocks. Overglaze and staining procedures were performed with a yellow stain or a value stain (GC Stain). Baseline color, translucency, roughness, and surface hardness were measured. The specimens were then randomly bleached with hydrogen peroxide (HP) 40% (20 min, twice with a 1-week interval in between) as office bleaching or carbamide peroxide (CP) 20% (4 h per day for 14 days) as home bleaching. Finally, the color, translucency, surface roughness, and surface hardness were measured again. RESULTS: Bleaching with CP and HP caused a perceptible change in the color of the specimens (ΔE > 2), although this change was within the clinically acceptable range (ΔE < 3.3). HP significantly reduced the surface hardness of the specimens (p = 0.043). Changes in surface roughness of the specimens were neither statistically nor clinically significant (p = 0.19 and p = 0.25 for office and home bleaching, respectively). CONCLUSION: The effects of home and office bleaching on the surface characteristics of monolithic zirconia were almost the same. It is not necessary to exchange or even to polish the surfaces of zirconia restorations after exposure to bleaching agents. Further studies are recommended to confirm the color stability of externally stained monolithic zirconia.

Differential expression of drug resistance genes in CD146 positive dental pulp derived stem cells and CD146 negative fibroblasts.

INTRODUCTION: The stem cell portion of the dental pulp derived cultures (DPSCs) showed a higher resistance to cytotoxic effect of restorative dental materials compared to pulpal fibroblasts (DPFs). Here, we aimed to compare the expression of some drug resistant genes between these cells. METHODS AND MATERIALS: To separate DPSCs from DPFs, we used magnetic cell sorting technique based on CD146 expression. To assess the stem cell properties, the positive and negative portions underwent colony forming assays and were induced to be differentiated into the adipocytes, osteoblasts, hepatocytes, and neural cells. Cell surface antigen panels were checked using immune fluorescence and flow-cytometry techniques. The mRNA expression of 14 ABC transporters including ABCA2, ABCB1, ABCB11, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC3, ABCC4, ABCC5-2, ABCC5-4,ABCC5-13, ABCC6, ABCC10, ABCC11, and ABCG2 genes was assessed, using quantitative RT-PCR technique. RESULTS: Only the CD146 positive portion could be differentiated into the desired fates, and they formed higher colonies (16.7 ± 3.32 vs. 1.7 ± 1.67, p < .001). The cell surface antigen panels were the same, except for CD146 and STRO-1 markers which were expressed only in the positive portion. Among the ABC transporter genes studied, the positive portion showed a higher expression (approximately two-fold) of ABCA2, ABCC5-13, and ABCC5-2 genes. CONCLUSION: Dental pulp stem cells which can be separated from dental pulp fibroblasts based on CD146 expression, express higher levels of some drug resistance genes which probably accounts for their features of more resistance to cytotoxic effects of some dental materials. This needs to be more validated in future.

Purification of Stem Cells from Oral Pyogenic Granuloma Tissue.

INTRODUCTION: The isolation of stem cells from pathologically damaged dental tissues has been examined only by a few studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of isolation of stem cells from pyogenic granuloma. METHODS: Pyogenic granuloma tissues were enzymatically digested and the resulting single cells were cultured. Then, the cultured cells differentiated into adipocytes and osteoblasts cells. Flow cytometry analyses were performed on markers such as CD 90, CD 73, CD105, CD 45 and CD14. Other features were also analyzed including the effect of colony formation and potentials of differentiation into adipocytes and osteoblasts. RESULTS: The cells derived from pyogenic granuloma tissue formed higher colonies similar to typical spindle-shaped fibroblasts. The cells were positive for mesenchymal markers such as CD 44, CD 271, CD 90, and CD 73, and negative for surface molecules such as CD 14, CD 34 and CD 45. Moreover, they successfully differentiated into adipocytes and osteoblasts. CONCLUSION: The cells isolated from pyogenic granuloma could form CFU fibroblastic units expressing an appropriate marker panel of the cell surface antigen and adequate differentiation potential, all of which met the Cell Therapy International Association criteria for the definition of mesenchymal stromal cells. Pyogenic granuloma contains cells with stem cell properties.

Influence of beverages and surface roughness on the color change of resin composites.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the degree of surface staining and roughness of resin composites (RC) after finishing and polishing with different methods and immersion in three soft drinks. METHODS: A microhybrid, a nanohybrid, and a hybrid composite were selected. The specimens were prepared and divided into three groups of 36 after 24 hours, and designated as either unpolished or polished using Sof-Lex discs or Enhance point. Each group was further divided into three subgroups, immersed in distilled water, coffee, or cola for 1 week (N = 12). Color change (∆E) was measured by a spectrophotometer after each treatment. The ∆E was calculated using the following formula: ∆E = ([∆L]2+[∆a]2+[∆b]2)1/2. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured after 24 hours and 1 week. To observe the Ra, a scanning electron microscope was used. RESULTS: A moderate correlation between Ra and ∆E was determined. Only coffee caused perceptible ∆E. The effect of Ra on staining was statistically significant (P < .05), but immersion in solutions for 7 days did not increase the Ra of RC. CONCLUSIONS: The highest Ra values were obtained from hybrid RC. The Enhance point created the greatest roughness. Coffee was associated with the greatest ∆E for all materials and polishing methods.

Comparison of Microleakage of Class V Cavities restored with the Embrace WetBond Class V Composite Resin and Conventional Opallis Composite Resin.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to compare the micro-leakage of class V cavities restored with the newly introduced Embrace WetBond class V (EWC) composite resin and conventional Opallis composite resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, class V cavities were prepared on 30 extracted bovine incisors, with the gingival floor and the coronal margin of the cavities 1 mm apical and coronal to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) respectively. The cavities measured 3 mm in length, 2 mm in width, and 1.5 mm in depth. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups. In group I, the cavities were restored with Opallis composite resin in association with ExciTE adhesive system (total-etch); in group II, the EWC composite resin was used for restorations. After 500 thermocycling procedures, the teeth were immersed in 0.5% fuchsin solution for 24 hours. Then, the samples were placed within a polyester model and sectioned in the buccolingual direction. The samples were evaluated under a stereomicroscope at ×30 for the penetration of dye. The enamel and dentin margins were evaluated separately. To test ordinal results, we used nonparametric statistical methods. To find out whether each independent composite groups I and II came from the same populations, we used Mann-Whitney U test and to compare two related samples' coronal margin and gingival margin, Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used. RESULTS: There was significantly more microleakage in group II at both the enamel and dentin margins (coronal margin: p = 0.04; gingival margin: p = 0.21). In both groups, microleakage at gingival margins was significantly higher than that at coronal margins (group I: p = 0.008; group II: p = 0.26). CONCLUSION: Despite the high speed and the short process of restoration with Embrace WetBond, it is not a reliable restorative material for class V cavities due to its inadequate marginal seal.

Role of CD146 Enrichment in Purification of Stem Cells Derived from Dental Pulp Polyp.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperplastic pulpitis (pulp polyp) tissues contains cells with stem cell properties similar to that of the dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). It has also been shown that CD146 enrichment can homogenize the cultures of DPSCs and enhance the colony forming potentials of their cultures. This study determines whether CD146 enrichment can help purifying the stem cells from heterogeneous cultures of the pulp polyp derived stem cells (PPSCs). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Healthy dental pulps and pulp polyp tissues were enzymatically digested and the harvested single cells were sorted according to the presence of CD146 marker. The sorted cells were seeded directly for colony forming unit (CFU) assays of the negative and positive portions. Flowcytometric antigen panel and differentiation assays were used to see if these cells conform with mesenchymal stems cells (MSCs) definition. Differences between the between groups was assessed using independent t-test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Normal pulp tissue derived cells formed higher colonies (42.5±16.8 per 104 cells) than the pulp polyp (17.75±8.9 per 104 cells) (P=0.015). The CD146 positive portion of the polyp derived cells formed an average of 91.5±29.7 per 104 cells per CFU. On the other hand, CD146 negative portion did not show any colonies (P<0.001). Both resources showed cells with flowcytometric antigen panel and differentiation potentials conforming to MSC definition. CONCLUSION: The entire CFU of PPSCs were formed within CD146 enriched portion. It seems that CD146 enrichment may reduce the number of possible fibroblasts of the pulp polyps and may further homogenize the culture of the PPSCs.

A Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage of Two Low-Shrinkage Composites with a Conventional Resin Composite: an In Vitro Assessment.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Polymerization shrinkage stress in composite restorations may lead to microleakage. Clinical methods such as using low-shrinkage composites have been suggested to overcome this problem; however, there are controversies about their efficiency in decreasing the microleakage. PURPOSE: This in vitro study was conducted to compare the microleakage of two low-shrinkage resin composites with a conventional one. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifty class V cavities of 2.5×3×2 mm (depth× length× width) were prepared in the buccal surfaces of intact bovine incisor teeth with the incisal margin on the enamel and gingival margin on the cementum. The teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups. In group 1, Clearfil APX (conventional) with SE Bond was used in 2 layers (Kuraray; Japan). In group 2, GC Kalore (low -shrinkage) with GC UniFil Bond was applied in one layer (GC Company). In group 3, the material of group 2 was applied in two layers. In group 4, FiltekP90 (low -shrinkage) with P90 System adhesive was applied in one layer (3M ESPE). In group 5, the materials of group 4 were applied in two layers. The samples were thermocycled and immersed in 0.5% fuchsin solution for 24h. The restorations were sectioned in buccolingual direction. Then they were evaluated for microleakage by using a stereomicroscope and scored as 0, 1, 2, and 3 and then Kruskal-Wallis test was used (p< 0.05). RESULTS: The groups were not significantly different regarding the microleakage in the coronal and cervical margins (p< 0.423 and p< 0.212, respectively); however, the Filtek P90 yielded the best results. In all groups, except group 5 (p= 0.018), the cervical margins had greater microleakage than the coronal margins. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that low-shrinkage resin composites may not reduce the marginal microleakage. The proper use of conventional resin composites may offer comparable clinical results.

Identification of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Marker STRO-1 in Oral Reactive Lesions by Immunofluorescence Method.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Stem cells are considered as new implement for tissue regeneration. Several niches in adult human body are colonized by multipotent stem cells but access to these potential reservoirs is often limited. Although human dental pulp stem cells isolated from healthy teeth have been extensively characterized, it is still unknown whether stem cells also exist in reactive lesions of oral cavity such as pyogenic granuloma and peripheral ossifying fibroma which are deliberated as inflammatory proliferation of different cell families. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore for clues to see whether pyogenic granuloma or peripheral ossifying fibroma contain dental mesenchymal stem cell (DMSC). MATERIALS AND METHOD: Four pyogenic granuloma and four peripheral ossifying fibroma specimens were collected by excisional biopsy and preserved in PBS-EDTA at -86 °C. Then we cut them in 5µm diameter using Cryostat. Having been rinsed with PBS, the samples were stained with a primary mouse anti-human STRO-1 monoclonal IgM antibody. Afterward, a secondary goat anti-mouse IgM-FITC antibody was applied to detect STRO-1+ cells as probable stem cells by immunofluorescence technique. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed presence of STRO-1+ cells in these lesions, particularly localized on perivascular zone. The negative control group was not glowing. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, it was found that reactive lesions of pyogenic granuloma and peripheral ossifying fibroma have STRO-1 positive cells, which raises the possibility that these cells may be DMSCs.

Translucency and masking ability of various composite resins at different thicknesses.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Optical properties of the composite resins, concerning their translucency and thickness, are affected by discolored tooth structure or inherent darkness of the oral cavity. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the translucency parameter (TP) of five different composite resins in different thicknesses and to evaluate their masking ability in black backgrounds. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Five brands of composite resins; Gradia (GC) and Crystalline (Confi-dental) in opaque A2 (OA2), Vit-l-escence (Ultradent) in opaque snow (OS), Herculite XRV (Kerr) and Opallis (FGM) in dentin A2 (DA2) shades were selected to enroll the study. Color coordinates of each composite were determined at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mm thicknesses on a white backing, the backing of material itself and a black backing were calculated by using a spectrophotometer to evaluate the translucency parameter (TP) of the study materials. The masking ability was also calculated from the specimens on the material itself and on black backing. The values under 2 were estimated as imperceptible. One-way ANOVA, T-test and Tukey HSD were employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The masking ability values, recorded for the 1.5 mm-thick specimens, were in the range of imperceptible except for the Herculite. There was no difference in TP values of the materials at 1.5 mm thickness. Opaque snow shade of Vit-l-escence and opaque A2 shade of Gradia showed lower TP values in comparison with the other 1 and 0.5 mm-thick materials and this difference was statistically significant (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: In relatively thin thicknesses (≤1mm), these opaque/dentin shade composite resins could not mask the black background color.

Fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary premolars restored by silorane-based composite with or without fiber or nano-ionomer.

PURPOSE: This in vitro study investigated the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars restored using silorane- or methacrylate-based composite along with or without fiber or nano-ionomer base. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six intact maxillary premolars were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 12). G1 (negative control) was the intact teeth. In Groups 2-8, root canal treatment with mesio-occlusodistal preparation was performed. G2 (positive control) was kept unrestored. The other groups were restored using composite resin as follows: G3, methacrylate-based composite (Z250); G4, methacrylate composite (Z250) with polyethylene fiber; G5 and G6, silorane-based composite (Filtek P90) without and with the fiber, respectively; G7 and G8, methacrylate- and silorane-based composite with nano-ionomer base, respectively. After aging period and thermocycling for 1000 cycles, fracture strength was tested and fracture patterns were inspected. The results were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: Mean fracture resistance for the eight groups (in Newton) were G1: 1200 ± 169(a), G2: 360 ± 93(b), G3: 632 ± 196(c), G4: 692 ± 195(c), G5: 917 ± 159(d), G6: 1013 ± 125(ad), G7: 959 ± 148(d), G8: 947 ± 105(d) (different superscript letters revealed significant difference among groups). Most of the fractures in all the groups were restorable, except Group 3. CONCLUSION: Silorane-based composite revealed significantly higher strength of the restored premolars compared to that of methacrylate one. Fiber insertion demonstrated no additional effect on the strength of both composite restorations; however, it increased the prevalence of restorable fracture of methacrylate-based composite restored teeth. Using nano-ionomer base under methacrylate-based composite had a positive effect on fracture resistance and pattern. Only fiber-reinforced silorane composite restoration resulted in a strength similar to that of the intact teeth.

Characterization of stem cells from the pulp of unerupted third molar tooth.

CONTEXT: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are the most diagnosed type of stem cells isolated from dental tissues. Previous studies demonstrate that tissues in earlier stages of development could be better stem cell resources for tissue engineering. AIMS: In this study, aiming at finding younger stem cell resources, we chose the pulp of human unerupted third molar teeth when the crown was completely formed and the roots had not begun their development, Nolla's 6 th developmental stage (N6 th ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgical removal of the third molar was performed by aseptic technique with minimal trauma. The tissues were digested enzymatically and the resulted single cells were cultured. Immunophenotypic characterization of the cells was done via immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry assays. Adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential of these cells was examined and confirmed by histochemical staining and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: This study is descriptive. RESULTS: N6 th -unerupted dental pulp cultured cells expressed DPSC markers: Vimentin, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD166, CD44, CD146, and STRO-1, but did not express hematopoietic cell markers: CD14, CD34, CD45, HLA-DR and were also negative for dentin sialoprotein negative showing an undifferentiated preodontogenic state. Adipocytes differentiated from N6 th -DPSCs were positively stained with Oil-Red-O and expressed both early and late adipocyte specific genes. Formation of Alizarin-red positive condensed calcium-phosphate nodules accompanied by strong expression of two osteogenic mRNAs, exhibited osteogenic differentiation. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, we suggest that N6 th -DMSCs are a viable choice for cryo-banking and future usage in regenerative therapies; however, more investigations are necessary before clinical application can commence.

Dental pulp polyps contain stem cells comparable to the normal dental pulps.

OBJECTIVES: Few studies investigated the isolation of stem cells from pathologically injured dental tissues. The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of isolation of stem cells from pulp polyps (chronic hyperplastic pulpitis), a pathological tissue produced in an inflammatory proliferative response within a tooth. STUDY DESIGN: Pulp polyp tissues were enzymatically digested and the harvested single cells were cultured. Cultured cells underwent differentiation to adipocytes and osteoblasts as well as flowcytometric analysis for markers such as: CD90, CD73, CD105, CD45, and CD14. In addition we tried to compare other characteristics (including colonigenic efficacy, population doubling time and the cell surface antigen panels) of these cells to that of healthy dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). RESULTS: Cells isolated from pulp polyps displayed spindle shape morphology and differentiated into adipocytes and osteoblasts successfully. These cells expressed CD90, CD73, and CD105 while were negative for CD45, CD14. Number of colonies among 104 tissue cells was higher in the normal pulp tissue derived cells than the pulp polyps (P=0.016); but as polyp tissues are larger and contain more cells (P=0.004), the total number of the stem cell in a sample tissue was higher in polyps but not significantly (P=0.073). CONCLUSIONS: The cells isolated from pulp polyps fulfill minimal criteria needed for MSC definition; hence, it can be concluded that pulp polyps contain stem cells. Although pulp polyps are rare tissues in daily practice but when they are present, may serve as a possible new non-invasively acquired tissue resource of stem cells for affected patients. List of abbreviations: APC = allophycocyanin, BM = Bone Marrow, CFU-F = Colony Forming Unit Fibroblast, DPSC = Dental Pulp Stem Cell, FITC = fluorescein isothiocyanate, MNC = mononuclear cells, MSC = Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cell, PE = Phycoerythrin, PerCP = Peridinin chlorophyll protein, PPSC = Pulp Polyp Stem Cell. Key words:Adult stem cell, chronic hyperplastic pulpitis, dental pulp stem cell, pulp polyp.

Cytotoxic effect of silorane and methacrylate based composites on the human dental pulp stem cells and fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the cytotoxic effect of a methacrylate-based and a silorane-based composite on the human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) versus human dental pulp fibroblasts (DPFs). STUDY DESIGN: Samples of the Filtek Z250 and P90 were polymerized and immersed in the culture medium to obtain extracts after incubation for one, seven and 14 days. Magnetic cell sorting based on the CD146 expression was performed to purify DPSCs and DPFs. After incubation of both cells with the extracts, cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT test. RESULTS: For the extracts of first and seventh day, both composites showed significantly lower cytotoxicity on DPSCs than DPFs (p=0.003). In addition, there was a significant difference in the time-group interaction of both materials indicating different cytotoxic behaviours (p=0.014). In contrast to Z250, exposure to the 14th day extract of P90 resulted in higher cell viability compared to that of day seven. CONCLUSIONS: DPSCs are less susceptible to the cytotoxic effect of the composites than DPFs. Compared to Z250, the cytotoxic effect of silorane-based composite decreases as the time passes on. This difference should be considered, particularly in deep cavities, in order to preserve the regenerative capacity of the pulp.

Effect of different decontamination procedures from a saliva-contaminated cured bonding system (Single Bond).

BACKGROUND: A few studies have investigated the effect of saliva contamination of cured or uncured adhesive systems. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different decontamination methods on the shear bond strength of composite to enamel and dentin using an adhesive contaminated after light activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro experimental study, 80 extracted sound human teeth, 40 premolars and 40 central incisors were selected for dentin and enamel specimen preparation. Within each of the two test groups, the teeth were randomly subdivided into five groups. The materials used consisted of single bond (3M) and Z250 (3M). Except group 1 (Control), in Groups 2-5, cured adhesive was contaminated with saliva (20 s). Decontaminating procedures were rinsing, blot-drying, rebonding (Group 2), rinsing, air-drying, rebonding (Group 3), etching, rinsing, blot-drying, rebonding (Group 4) and etching, rinsing, blot-drying (Group 5). Then, composite resin was inserted on the treated surfaces and cured. The results were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) tests. RESULTS: Group 5 (etching, rinsing, blot drying) resulted in significantly lower bond strength to both enamel and dentin surfaces in comparison with the other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: When the adhesive was re-applied, all decontamination methods in this study seemed sufficient to decrease the adverse effect of saliva.