Effect of microslit retention on the bond strength of zirconia to dental materials.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of microslits formed by Nd:YVO4 laser beam machining on the bond strength between two types of zirconia, yttria-partially stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) and ceria-partially stabilized zirconia/alumina nanocomposite (Ce-TZP/A), and porcelain or two types of resin. Zirconia disks were divided into three groups: 1) non-treated (NT); 2) blasted with alumina particles (AB); 3) microslits fabricated on a zirconia surface by laser beam machining (MS). After veneering porcelain or resins on zirconia specimens, halves of the resin specimens were thermocycled up to 20,000 cycles. The shear bond strength between porcelain and both types of zirconia was not improved by the microslits. Before and after thermocycling, the bond strength between an indirect composite resin or acrylic resin and Y-TZP with microslits was the highest. It was concluded that the microslits on Y-TZP enabled micromechanical interlocking and improved the bond strength and durability of the resins.

Influence of various airborne-particle abrasion conditions on bonding between zirconia ceramics and an indirect composite resin material.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Indirect composite resins (ICRs) have been suggested as veneering materials for implant-supported zirconia-based fixed dental prostheses; however, obtaining a durable bond between the zirconia ceramic and the ICR is a challenge. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of airborne-particle abrasion conditions on the bond strength between 2 kinds of zirconia (yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal [Y-TZP] and ceria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia/alumina nanocomposite [Ce-TZP/A]) and an ICR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Zirconia disks were prepared by using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) systems. Specimens were airborne-particle abraded with different particle sizes (25, 50, 90, 125 µm) and jet pressures (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 MPa). The control group (CO) was not subjected to airborne-particle abrasion. The surface roughness (Ra) of the specimens was measured. Subsequently, the specimens were treated with a primer and bonded with a light-activated composite resin, and the shear bond strength (SBS) was tested. The obtained data were analyzed by using multivariate analysis of variance, the Spearman rank-order correlation, and the Mann-Whitney U test (α=.05). After the SBS test, the interface failure modes were observed by scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the chemical changes of the zirconia surface. RESULTS: The Ra values increased significantly (P<.05) after airborne-particle abrasion with a positive correlation with both particle size and jet pressure. The airborne-particle abraded specimens exhibited significantly higher bond strength after thermocycling (P<.05) than the CO. Nevertheless, the bond strength was not significantly different among different airborne-particle abrasion treatments (P>.05). Additionally, Y-TZP had higher mean bond strength values than Ce-TZP/A. The XPS results revealed that after airborne-particle abrasion, the alumina particles mechanically adhered to the zirconia surface. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, airborne-particle abrasion improved the bond strength between zirconia and ICR; however, particle size or jet pressure were not influencing factors.

Fatigue resistance of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal clasps for removable partial dentures.

With the rapid development of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, the application of zirconia in removable partial dentures is expected to expand. Clasps composed of zirconia should improve esthetics without inducing the risk of metal allergy. The aim of this study was to examine the fatigue resistance of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) clasps for removable partial dentures. Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal and cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy were prepared using CAD/CAM systems. Specimens were either of the semicircular type or of the flat type, with cross-sectional areas of taper ratios of 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00. All specimens were tested using the cantilever test and the constant displacement fatigue test, and data were analyzed using ANOVA. During the cantilever test, the maximum displacement prior to fracture was greater than the required undercut, and the semicircular-type specimen exhibited a higher fracture load than the flat type. None of the specimens displayed permanent deformation and showed almost the same degree of deformation after fatigue testing. A lower taper ratio was associated with lower average load values and greater displacement. Within the limitations of this study, it was possible to conclude that Y-TZP provides the required undercut and adequate retentive force for removable partial denture clasps. Additionally, Y-TZP and Co-Cr alloy had almost the same degree of deformation even after the simulated lifespan of removable partial dentures.

Formation of chemical bonds on zirconia surfaces with acidic functional monomers.

We investigated the chemical interaction between zirconia surfaces and functional monomers using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Two types of zirconia disks cleaned with piranha solution were treated with one of two phosphate primers (Alloy Primer, Clearfil Ceramic Primer) or a carboxylic primer (Super-Bond C&B Monomer), and rinsed 3 times with acetone. XPS analysis revealed that phosphorus was incorporated into zirconia when the surface was treated with a primer containing phosphate monomer (10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate; MDP). However, the S 2p peak of a triazine dithiol monomer (6-[N-(4-vinylbenzyl)-n-propylamino]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithione; VTD) and Si 2p peak of silane (3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate; TMSPMA) were not detected in the spectra of the primed surface. The [C]/[Zr] ratio for the surface treated with a carboxylic anhydride (4-methacryloyloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride; 4-META) primer was smaller than that treated with MDP. These results demonstrated that 4-META and MDP adsorbed to zirconia, whereas the VTD and TMSPMA did not.

Influence of air-abrasion and subsequent heat treatment on bonding between zirconia framework material and indirect composites.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of air-abrasion and subsequent heat treatment on the shear bond strength of the bond between indirect composites and a zirconia material. Four surface preparations were employed; ground flat, then heated to regenerate the crystal phase (C); air-abraded with alumina for 10 s (S10), for 20 s (S20), and air-abraded for 10 s and heated (H). Disks were primed with Alloy Primer and bonded either with Estenia or with Gradia composite. XRD analysis suggested that the monoclinic zirconia content was increased by air-abrasion, and decreased by heating. The surface roughness of S10, S20 and H disks was similar. Nevertheless, H groups showed lower bond strengths than the S10 and S20 groups both before and after thermal cycling. Although alumina air-abrasion considerably enhanced bonding between zirconia and indirect composites, subsequent heat treatment had a negative effect on the durability of bond strength.

Bovine milk fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus L8020 decreases the oral carriage of mutans streptococci and the burden of periodontal pathogens.

AIM: The aim of this study was to find the oral isolate of lactobacilli, which has the potential to inhibit either periodontal, cariogenic, or fungal pathogens in vitro, and to examine the effects of bovine milk fermented with the isolate on the oral carriage of cariogenic and periodontal pathogens. METHODS: The inhibitory effects of the supernatant of Man-Rogosa-Sharpe broth, in which each of 42 oral isolates of lactobacilli grown, was examined. One isolate, Lactobacillus rhamnosus L8020, that showed the potential to inhibit either periodontal, cariogenic, or fungal pathogens in vitro, was used to examine the effects of fermented milk on the oral carriage of cariogenic and periodontal pathogens, which was examined by a placebo-controlled and cohort trial using 50 participants. RESULTS: Edible yogurt containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus L8020 significantly reduced the oral carriage of mutans streptococci (P < 0.01) and four periodontal pathogens examined: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium spp. (P < 0.01), but the phenomenon were not observed with the placebo yogurt (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that yogurt with Lactobacillus rhamnosus L8020 could reduce the risk of dental caries and periodontal disease.

Evaluation of single liquid primers with organic sulfur compound for bonding between indirect composite material and silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of primers on bonding between a silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy and an indirect composite material. Cast disks were air-abraded with alumina, conditioned with one of five primers (Alloy Primer, Luna-Wing Primer, Metal Primer II, Metaltite, M.L. Primer), and bonded with a light-activated indirect composite. Shear bond strengths were determined after 20,000 times of thermocycling. The results showed that four of the primers, except the Luna-Wing Primer, were effective in enhancing the bond strength as compared with the unprimed control group. Of these four primers, Alloy Primer, Metal Primer II, and M.L. Primer exhibited significantly greater bond strengths. It can be concluded that the effectiveness of primers varies considerably according to the organic sulfur compounds added to the solvent, and that care must be taken in selecting priming agents for bonding the composite material and the silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy.

[Functional model of the middle ear ossicles].

In students' dissection practice, it is very difficult to teach students the structures and functions of the middle ear ossicles. The middle ear ossicles are too small to explain their structures and functions. Models are useful in explaining these points, but there have been no models that accurately explain the movements of the middle ear ossicles and the functions of the muscles in the middle ear. This time, we have made a model of middle ear ossicles. Our ear ossicles are made of paper-mache with metal in it. The incudomalleolar and incudostapedial articulations are made of rubber. The tensor tympani and the stapedius muscles are made of wire and the two wires can be fixed by cord stoppers. Our model explains clearly the following mechanisms of the middle ear ossicles. 1. The mechanism of sound conduction system. When the sound vibrates the tympanic membrane, malleus and incus rotate together. The long process of the incus pushes the head of the stapes. The sound is amplified by leverage. 2. Attenuation of sound by contractions of tensor tympani and stapedius muscles. When a loud sound is transmitted through the ossicular system, the tensor tympani muscle pulls the malleus inward while the stapedius muscle pulls the stapes outward. These two forces oppose each other and increase rigidity of the ossicular system, thus reducing the ossicular conduction. 3. The mechanism of how paralysis of stapedius muscle, caused by an injury to the facial nerve, results in hyperacusis. 4. This model also suggests a possible reason why the pars lucida of the tympanic membrane exists.

[Model for the functional instruction of swallowing].

It is difficult to teach students about the mechanism of swallowing. There are three phases of swallowing; oral phase, pharyngeal phase and esophageal phase. The bolus of food is propelled to back of mouth by the tongue and the swallowing reflex happens. After nasopharynx and mouth closure, the glottal closure occurs, then hyoid and larynx are lifted by the contractions of suprahyoid and thyrohyoid muscles. As for the epiglottis, it is compressed by the tongue and inclines downward. As the larynx is lifted upward and anteriorly, slight vacuum is caused in the lower pharynx and upper esophagus at the same time, and pharyngeal constrictor compress bolus, therefore, the bolus passes the piriform fossa, and is inhaled into the esophagus. This time, we made a model in order to explain this complicated mechanism. The mandible is made of paper clay by using a metallic plate in it. The tongue, the soft palate, and the epiglottis are made by using the EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) sheet. Styloglossus, suprahyoid, thyrohyoid muscles are made with the wire. Moreover, a movable wooden chip represents the contraction of the pharyngeal constrictor muscles. The spring is put in the trachea in order to lift the larynx. The upper part of esophageal constrictor is made with spring plates.

Immobilization of octadecyl ammonium chloride on the surface of titanium and its effect on microbial colonization in vitro.

The aim of our study was twofold: to immobilize an organosilicon quaternary ammonium salt (3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyldimethyl-octadecyl ammonium chloride, Si-QAC) on the surface of pure titanium and to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Si-QAC-immobilized titanium against microbial adherence and biofilm formation. The results of ToF-SIMS analysis of Si-QAC-titanium suggested the possibility of immobilizing Si-QAC on titanium surface through Ti-O-Si coupling, and that Si-QAC treatment significantly reduced both the adherence and colonization of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans isolates. The antimicrobial activity was achieved through at least two mechanisms: the first was attributed to the octadecyl alkyl chain which inhibited initial adherence, and the second was attributed to the quaternary ammonium salt which killed initial adherent cells as well as retarded or inhibited subsequent microbial growth. Further, thermocycling did not significantly reduce the antimicrobial activity of Si-QAC-titanium, and no significant cytotoxicity of Si-QAC-titanium was observed in either cell viability test or proinflammatory cytokine production test using human gingival fibroblasts. These results, taken together, favorably suggested that Si-QAC treatment would be a helpful means to inhibit dental plaque or denture plaque formation.

Administration of MK-801 decreases c-Fos expression in the trigeminal sensory nuclear complex but increases it in the midbrain during experimental movement of rat molars.

Various studies reported c-Fos expression in the neurons in the trigeminal sensory nuclear complex (TSNC) following experimental tooth movement, which implies pain transmission to the central nervous system. Meanwhile, MK-801, a noncompetitive antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, was shown to markedly reduce the expression of c-Fos in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) following noxious stimulation but to enhance c-Fos expression markedly in other brain regions, i.e., the neocortex, dorsal raphe and thalamic nuclei. In the present study, we examined the nature of c-Fos expression in the brainstem including the TSNC and midbrain following administration of MK-801 and/or experimental movement of the rat molars. Twelve hours after the beginning of experimental tooth movement, c-Fos was expressed bilaterally in the superficial laminae of Vc (Vc I/II), dorsomedial areas of the trigeminal subnucleus oralis (Vodm) and rostro-dorsomedial areas of the trigeminal subnucleus oralis (Vor) with the ipsilaterally dominant distribution, but hardly in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) and Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EW). Intraperitoneal administration of MK-801 (0.03, 0.3 and 3.0 mg/kg) prior to the onset of experimental tooth movement reduced c-Fos in the TSNC (Vc I/II, Vodm and Vor) but increased it in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), ventrolateral PAG (vl PAG), DR and EW. These results highly emphasize that during experimental tooth movement, a blockade of NMDA receptors induces neuronal suppression in the TSNC but increases neuronal activity in the descending antinociceptive system including the NRM, vl PAG, DR and EW.

[A model for the embryological instruction of the branchial arteries].

It is difficult to teach students about the embryological transformation of the branchial arteries. In mammals, six pairs of branchial arteries develop, but all are not present at the same embryological stage. The first, second, fifth and a part of right sixth branchial artery disappear early in embryological development. The remaining third, fourth and sixth branchial arteries mainly constitute the arterial system of the breast. The aorta and pulmonary trunk are derived from the truncus arteriosus. Because of the complexity of this developmental process, we have devised a user-friendly model in order to assist with educational presentations. In this model, the shrinkage of a vessel has been represented by inserting a wire inside of the hose representing the artery. Degenerated or disappearing parts of the vessel are removable by using hooks and Velcro tape. Branchial arteries, truncus arteriosus, aortic sac and dorsal arteries are represented by different colors. The descent of the heart is represented by the relational change between larynx and heart. Additionally we represented the vagus nerve and recurrent laryngeal nerve by using strings. The right vagus nerve can move dorsally and the left ventrally by rotating the digestive tract. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve can move superiorly to hook around the right subclavian artery, and left recurrent laryngeal nerve can hook around the ductus arteriosus formed by the left sixth branchial artery.

The sites of origin of projection fibers from the cerebral cortex to the jaw region of the striatum of the rat.

Electrical microstimulation of the jaw region of the rat striatum (SJR) has been reported to provoke clear electromyographic activity in the anterior digastric muscle but not in the masseter muscle (Neurosci. Lett., 252 (1998) 79-82). Thus, in the present study, we examined the sites of origin of cortico-SJR fibers by the retrograde labeling. The SJR, identified by electrical microstimulation, was injected electrophoretically with cholera toxin B subunit. In the cerebral cortex ipsilateral to the injection, there existed two foci of retrograde labeling: One focus was centered on the lateral part of the sensorimotor area, while the other on the insular cortical area around the middle cerebral artery. These foci appeared to correspond to the reported two cortical areas, where two different types of rhythmical jaw movements were induced by repetitive electrical stimulation (Jap. J. Oral Biol., 32 (1990) 57-68).