Assessment of multispecies biofilm growth on root canal dentin under different radiation therapy regimens.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the growth of a multispecies biofilm on root canal dentin under different radiotherapy regimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three human root dentin cylinders were distributed into six groups. In three groups, no biofilm was formed (n = 3): NoRT) non-irradiated dentin; RT55) 55 Gy; and RT70) 70 Gy. In the other three groups (n = 18), a 21-day multispecies biofilm (Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans) was formed in the canal: NoRT + Bio) non-irradiated + biofilm; RT55 + Bio) 55 Gy + biofilm; and RT70 + Bio) 70 Gy + biofilm. The biofilm was quantified (CFUs/mL). Biofilm microstructure was assessed under SEM. Microbial penetration into dentinal tubules was assessed under CLSM. For the biofilm biomass and dentin microhardness pre- and after biofilm growth assessments, 45 bovine dentin specimens were distributed into three groups (n = 15): NoRT) non-irradiated + biofilm; RT55 + Bio) 55 Gy + biofilm; and RT70 + Bio) 70 Gy + biofilm. RESULTS: Irradiated specimens (70 Gy) had higher quantity of microorganisms than non-irradiated (p = .010). There was gradual increase in biofilm biomass from non-irradiated to 55 Gy and 70 Gy (p < .001). Irradiated specimens had greater reduction in microhardness after biofilm growth. Irradiated dentin led to the growth of a more complex and irregular biofilm. There was microbial penetration into the dentinal tubules, regardless of the radiation regimen. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy increased the number of microorganisms and biofilm biomass and reduced dentin microhardness. Microbial penetration into dentinal tubules was noticeable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cumulative and potentially irreversible side effects of radiotherapy affect biofilm growth on root dentin. These changes could compromise the success of endodontic treatment in oncological patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy.

Tetracycline staining of the dentition: a review of the literature and report of a clinical case.

The present article reviews the literature regarding tetracycline staining of the dentition and its esthetic management. A total of 49 articles were identified in the initial search, and 22 articles met the eligibility criteria of this narrative literature review. Tetracycline staining results from its use in children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years, when tooth crowns are formed; the effects are dependent on the dosage, duration of treatment, stage of tooth mineralization, and activity of the mineralization process. Tooth bleaching is always the first treatment option for low-grade cases of tetracycline staining. Restorative procedures are indicated for severe staining. The article also describes the treatment of severe staining affecting the maxillary anterior dentition of a 48-year-old man who reported the systemic administration of tetracycline during childhood. Direct composite resin laminate veneers were proposed to achieve immediate, highly esthetic restorations. A combination of different resinous materials in different shades was applied to meet the needs of the patient. The use of direct composite resin laminate veneers satisfied the functional and esthetic demands of the patient at a lower cost than ceramic materials.

Do Ultraconservative Access Cavities Hinder Endodontic Reintervention in Mandibular Incisors? A Laboratory Investigation.

This study assessed the influence of the type of endodontic access cavity on endodontic reintervention. Twenty mandibular central incisors were distributed into two groups (n = 10): TradAC group-traditional access cavities and UltraAC.Inc group-ultraconservative access cavities. After endodontic access, the root canals were prepared and obturated by the single cone technique. The filling material was removed with the Reciproc R25 instrument, followed by reinstrumentation with the R40 instrument. Images acquisition of each root canal hemisection was performed in a stereomicroscope to quantify the amount of remaining filling material. The amount of remaining filling material attached to the root canal walls was expressed in square millimeter (mm2). Data were statistically analyzed (one-way ANOVA and post hoc Student's t-tests). There was no statistically significant difference between TradAC and UltraAC.Inc groups (p > 0.05). None of the tested endodontics' access showed root canal walls completely free of filling material. Ultraconservative access cavities in mandibular incisors had no negative impact on the filling material removal.

Tip and taper compatibility of accessory gutta-percha points with rotary and reciprocating instruments.

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the tip and taper compatibility of accessory gutta-percha points (AGPs) with various rotary and reciprocating instruments. Materials and Methods: Using a profile analyzer, tip and taper measurements were taken of 10 AGPs of each of the 14 models available from Odous de Deus and the 4 models available from Dentsply-Maillefer. Diameter measurements were taken at 1-mm intervals, from 3 mm from the tip (D3) to 16 mm. Results: Based on the mean values obtained, 3-dimensional (3D) models of the AGPs were drawn in Autodesk Fusion 360 and superimposed on 3D models of each instrument selected (Mtwo, Reciproc, RaCe, K3, and ProDesign Logic) to determine the compatibility between the instrument and the AGP. Data corresponding to the tips and tapers of the various AGPs, as well as the tip and taper differences between the AGPs and the instruments, were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The tapers of the AGPs were subject to the American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association No. 57 standard. The Odous de Deus extra-long medium and extra-long extra-medium AGPs were shown to be compatible with Mtwo, K3, and ProDesign Logic instruments with taper 0.06 and tip sizes 25 and 30, while the Dentsply fine and fine medium cones were compatible with Mtwo, RaCe, and K3 instruments with conicity of 0.04 and tip sizes 35 and 40. Conclusions: Both the Odous de Deus and Dentsply commercial brands included 2 AGP models with tip (D3) and taper compatibility with Mtwo, RaCe, K3, and/or Prodesign Logic instruments.

Efficacy of disinfection procedures performed prior to regenerative endodontic therapy: An integrative review.

The aim of this integrative review was to identify whether the disinfection procedures performed prior to regenerative endodontic treatment were effective on biofilm removal from the root canals. The research was based on PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases. Four articles were selected; one of the studies was in vivo and the others ex vivo. Different disinfection procedures were studied, characterised mainly by the use of intracanal medication, highlighting the double antibiotic paste, triple antibiotic paste and calcium hydroxide paste. Disinfection ability was evaluated against Enterococcus faecalis and multispecies biofilms by using the fluorescence technique and colony forming unit counting, for 7 to 21 days. Double antibiotic paste and triple antibiotic paste demonstrated excellent antibiofilm activity, unlike CH paste that showed limited disinfection, even when associated with different antimicrobial agents. Triple antibiotic paste was the most effective medication against biofilm.

Recent Updates on Microbial Biofilms in Periodontitis: An Analysis of In Vitro Biofilm Models.

The development of oral biofilm models has been extremely important to study the specific role of most microbial species at the early stages of periodontitis. The current knowledge on monospecies or multispecies biofilms originates mainly from the observation of in vitro dynamic or static biofilm model systems, which were engineered to mimic clinical oral conditions. In the last few decades, mounting evidence has confirmed that biofilms are the major form of bacterial lifestyle, and more importantly, that microorganisms dwelling in sessile mixed-species aggregates display completely different phenotypes and physiological characteristics than when living in planktonic pure cultures. Interspecies interactions within these communities, mediated by chemical communication systems, have been shown to affect biofilm physiology and increase antimicrobial resistance by up to 1000 fold. These aspects reinforce the importance of developing multispecies biofilm models to better understand and control biofilms. Literature reports demonstrate that while monospecies models are still most commonly used in caries research, authors have used different multispecies models to study periodontal diseases. Periodontitis is a polymicrobial biofilm-dependent disease mainly associated with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. Interestingly, these species hardly adhere to substrates commonly used for biofilm formation, which makes multispecies models essential for an accurate analysis of periodontitis-related biofilms. The multispecies models currently available are generally composed of 6-10 species, but a more recent 34-species model was developed to better examine the dynamics within oral biofilms. The complexity of such polymicrobial biofilm models mimics more consistently the oral microbiome and different aspects of the oral environment. Collectively, the evidence on multispecies biofilm models described herein may support future studies on the use of antimicrobials for biofilm control as well as provide research opportunities to expand the current knowledge on interspecies interactions. The present manuscript reviews the most recent updates on in vitro biofilm model systems for periodontitis.

Comparison of results from two different leakage models to evaluate the apical sealing of endodontic materials

Introduction: The methods used to evaluate the apical sealing of root canal filling materials have some limitations and great variability of results can be observed. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare, in an ex vivo apexification model, the results from bacterial and glucose leakage tests, which were applied in mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apical plugs. Materials and Methods: Sixty root segments (12mm) were randomly divided into 2 experimental groups (n=30): G1) MTA; G2) MTA + phosphate-buffered saline intracanal. Half of the specimens in each group were submitted to bacterial leakage test with E. faecalis for 70 days. The other half was submitted to the glucose leakage test under pressure (103KPa) for 60 min. The results from the two tests were compared based on the number of specimens presenting leakage. Data were analyzed by Fisher's test (p < 0.05). Results: There was no significant difference between tests for both groups analyzed (p > 0.05).Conclusion: The results of the present ex vivo study demonstrated that there was no difference between glucose and bacteria leakage evaluation methods, within the parameters of the present study and regardless

EVALUATION OF ENDODONTIC FILES USED BY UNDERGRADUATED STUDENTS' CONTAMINATION, AFTER CLEANING AND STERILIZATION

Introduction: A thorough endodontic files decontamination protocol, prior to sterilization, is extremely important. Retentions existing in the files active part hinder asepsis, and inadequate cleaning interferes with the sterilization process. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the endodontic files contamination used by undergraduate students from the University Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), after cleaning and sterilization process. Materials and Methods: Dentistry undergraduate students from the 6th to the 10th period at Unisul, Pedra Branca unit, participated in the research. Endodontic files, caliber # 40, # 45 or # 50, were collected from the sterile metal box and then incubated in a broth culture medium, at 37ºC, in aerobiosis. After 48 hours, the culture medium was evaluated for turbidity, which would indicate the instrument contamination. The total number of contaminated samples for each period was computed and the data statistically analyzed by the chi-square test (α = 5%). Results: A total of 98.46% of the files were sterile. Only 1 file, from a 10th period student, showed contamination. There was no association between the contamination presence and course period (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The endodontic files cleaning and sterilization process is being carried out effectively by dentistry undergraduate students from the 6th to the 10th period at Unisul, Pedra

A novel antimicrobial-containing nanocellulose scaffold for regenerative endodontics.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) membranes incorporated with antimicrobial agents regarding cytotoxicity in fibroblasts of the periodontal ligament (PDLF), antimicrobial activity, and inhibition of multispecies biofilm formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tested BNC membranes were BNC + 1% clindamycin (BNC/CLI); BNC + 0.12% chlorhexidine (BNC/CHX); BNC + nitric oxide (BNC/NO); and conventional BNC (BNC; control). After PDLF culture, the BNC membranes were positioned in the wells and maintained for 24 hours. Cell viability was then evaluated using the MTS calorimetric test. Antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis) was evaluated using the agar diffusion test. To assess the antibiofilm activity, BNC membranes were exposed for 24 hours to the mixed culture. After sonicating the BNC membranes to remove the remaining biofilm and plating the suspension on agar, the number of colony-forming units (CFU)/mL was determined. Data were analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance and the Tukey, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn tests (α = 5%). RESULTS: PDLF metabolic activity after contact with BNC/CHX, BNC/CLI, and BNC/NO was 35%, 61% and 97%, respectively, compared to BNC. BNC/NO showed biocompatibility similar to that of BNC (p = 0.78). BNC/CLI showed the largest inhibition halos, and was superior to the other BNC membranes against S. sanguinis (p < 0.05). The experimental BNC membranes inhibited biofilm formation, with about a 3-fold log CFU reduction compared to BNC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BNC/NO showed excellent biocompatibility and inhibited multispecies biofilm formation, similarly to BNC/CLI and BNC/CHX.

Development of a multispecies periodontal biofilm model within a stirred bioreactor.

The objective of this work was to develop a subgingival biofilm model using a stirred bioreactor. Discs of bovine teeth were adapted to a stirred bioreactor filled with a culture medium containing bacterial species associated with periodontal health or disease. After anaerobic incubation, the biofilms growing on the substratum surfaces were collected and analyzed. The mean number of Colony-forming Units (CFUs) varied, but with no difference between 3 and 7 days of biofilm formation (p > 0.05). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showed a uniform biofilm layer covering the cement layer of the root surface containing bacteria with diverse morphology. In checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization, bacterial species were identified in both biofilms. In conclusion, a subgingival biofilm model was developed using a stirred bioreactor, allowing the in vitro reproduction of complex microbial communities. This is an advanced model that may be useful to mimic complex clinical periodontal biofilms.

Scanning electron microscopy evaluation of dentin ultrastructure after surface demineralization.

CONTEXT: Knowledge about dentin microstructure is essential for execution of clinical procedures which require adhesion of materials to dentin. AIMS: To evaluate by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the dentin ultrastructure after demineralization with 6 M and 12 M hydrochloric acid (HCl). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty dentin segments were immersed in fixative solution and dehydrated in ethanol. After 24 h, segments were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 10), demineralized with 6 M HCl (G6M) and 12 M HCl (G12M), and prepared for SEM analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Based on photomicrographs and chemical composition (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) of dentin, a descriptive analysis was conducted. RESULTS: G6M samples revealed a demineralized surface with peritubular dentin exposure and small magnification of the dentinal tubules openings. The intertubular dentin was partially demineralized. Demineralization of G12M samples was more aggressive and at different depths, promoting erosion and "detachment" of dentin layers. Peritubular dentin was observed on the dentin surface. There was a large magnification of the dentinal tubules openings. In both groups, tubular structures showed a similar chemical composition to the intertubular dentin. Lamina limitans was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Dentin demineralization is dependent on the HCl molarity and promotes exposure of peritubular dentin.

Success rate of endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students of the university of southern santa catarina

Introduction: Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the periradicular tissues caused by microbial (re)contamination of the root canal system. Due to its direct relationship to the quality of endodontic treatment, it is extremely important to carry out longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, following-up treatments carried out in universities. Aim: To evaluate the success rate of endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students of the University of Southern Santa Catarina - UNISUL, Pedra Branca, between August 2015 and July 2017. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty-four patients with endodontic treatment were contacted. Of these, only 27 attended for treatment follow-up, adding up to a total of 32 treatments analyzed. All teeth were clinically and radiographically evaluated, and the potential indicators related to endodontic treatment success or failure were analyzed. The frequencies of each criterion were calculated, and the data analyzed using the Chi-Square test (α = 5%). Results: 9 cases (28.13%) were considered failure, either because they were associated with symptoms or because there was a periapical alteration. In addition, 88.88% of the failure cases had temporary restorative material. Association was observed only between the number of root canals and symptoms (P = 0.049). Two of the 3 treated teeth with multiple root canals showed symptoms at the follow-up. The endodontic success rate was 71.87%. Conclusion: The success rate of the 32 endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students from UNISUL was 71.87%.

Effectiveness of nanoparticles solutions and conventional endodontic irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm.

CONTEXT: To overcome the challenge imposed by the presence of biofilm and reach significant bacterial reduction of the root canals, many irrigants have been indicated during endodontic treatment, among them nanoparticles solutions. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of experimental solutions containing silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Np) and conventional endodontic irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm, in root canals. METHODS: Seventy-six extracted human teeth were biomechanically prepared and sterilized. The root canal surface was exposed to E. faecalis suspension to form a 7-day-old biofilm. Four teeth were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to confirm the presence of biofilm. The remaining teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 12) and treated with passive ultrasonic irrigation and different solutions: G1 - 0.85% saline (control); G2 - 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX); G3 - 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G4 - 1% NaOCl; G5 - 1% silver nanoparticles (Ag Np) solution; and G6 - 26% ZnO Np solution. The susceptibility of E. faecalis biofilms to disinfecting solutions (n = 10) was determined by quantification of colony-forming units. SEM analysis was also carried out to examine the biofilm structure after treatments (n = 2). Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post hoc tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: All tested solutions showed superior effectiveness compared to 0.85% saline (P < 0.05). Overall, 2% CHX presented the most effective action against E. faecalis biofilm, followed by 5% NaOCl, 1% Ag Np, 26% ZnO Np, and 1% NaOCl. CONCLUSIONS:: 1% Ag Np and 26% ZnO Np were effective against E. faecalis biofilm similarly to conventional endodontic irrigants.

Analysis of sealing ability of endodontic cements apical plugs.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether the bioactivity of Biodentine characterized by the precipitation of hydroxyapatite and formation of tags into the dentinal tubules improve its sealing ability as an apical plug. Aim: To evaluate the sealing ability provided by Biodentine and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apical plugs, with or without phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) intracanal dressing, using a glucose leakage method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The space of the canal of 100 root segments with about 12 mm long was shaped using Gates-Glidden. After created an apical retrograde cavity, the root segments were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 25): G1 - Biodentine; G2 - Biodentine + PBS intracanal dressing; G3 - MTA and G4 - MTA + PBS intracanal dressing. All access openings were filled with temporary cement and all root segments were introduced in floral foams moistened with PBS. After 2 months, all root segments were prepared to evaluate the glucose leakage. The amount of glucose leakage was quantified by a spectrophotometer and the data were analyzed using chi-square test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Traces of the glucose were observed in a higher of samples that received Biodentine apical plug (p<0.05). The exposure to intracanal PBS did not influence the sealing provided by Biodentine and MTA. CONCLUSIONS: The Biodentine had lower sealing ability than MTA. The interaction with PBS intracanal dressing did not improve the sealing ability provided by sealers. Key words:Apexification, dental cements, dental leakage, glucose, pressure.

Influence of Infected Root Dentin on the Bond Strength of a Self-adhesive Resin Cement.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the bond strength (BS) of a self-adhesive resin cement to the contaminated root dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The crown and apical third of twenty single-rooted teeth were removed. The root canals were flared and 1-mm-thick root sections were obtained. The sections were rinsed, dried, and sterilized. The control group (n=20) was composed of one section of each third, which remained immersed in sterile trypticase soy broth (TSB) for 2 months. The other sections comprised the experimental group (n = 40) and were immersed in a suspension of Enterococcus faecalis. The culture medium was changed at every 4 days for 2 months. The sections were rinsed with distilled water, dried, and the root canal space was filled with the self-adhesive resin cement RelyX™ U200. After 24 h, the push-out test was performed and the types of interface failure were observed on a stereo microscope. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were statistically analyzed by the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test (α=5%). RESULTS: A significant reduction was observed in the BS of resin cement to the contaminated dentin compared to the healthy dentin, for both thirds analyzed (P < 0.05). The BS was significantly greater at the cervical third compared to the middle third for specimens in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Adhesive and mixed failures were observed more frequently in specimens contaminated with E. faecalis. CONCLUSION: Bacterial contamination negatively infl uenced the BS of the self-adhesive resin cement to the root dentin, and there was a predominance of adhesive and mixed failures.

Effects of three γ-alkylidene-γ-lactams on the formation of multispecies biofilms.

This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of lactams on Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida glabrata multispecies biofilm formation. γ-Alkylidene-γ-lactams 1, 2, and 3 [solubilized in 3.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)] were tested. Glass coverslips were conditioned with either the lactams or 3.5% DMSO (control) for 1 h, inoculated with microbial cultures, and incubated for 48 h. To assess the effect of the lactams on biofilm formation, the following parameters were determined: the biofilm biomass (by both crystal violet staining and protein determination); the amount of insoluble polysaccharides of the extracellular matrix; and the number of viable and total cells [by both colony-forming unit counting and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR)]. Data were analysed using one-way anova and post-hoc Tukey tests. Lactams 1, 2, and 3 promoted a statistically significant reduction in the amount of biofilm biomass, but only lactam 3 resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the number of attached viable E. faecalis. Both total protein content and the amount of extracellular polysaccharides decreased significantly. The effects of γ-alkylidene-γ-lactams 1, 2, and 3 on the inhibition of multispecies biofilm formation were evident by their ability to reduce the amount of protein and extracellular polysaccharides.

Calcium hydroxide induces mineralized tissue neoformation: a case report

Trauma in the anterior teeth is a relatively common occurrence during childhood, having as main consequence teeth with incomplete root development and open apices. Patient, male, leucoderma, 10 years old, attended the Dental Clinic of the Southern University of the State of Santa Catarina, reporting as main complaint fracture in the crown of element 11. After clinical and radiographic examination, it was possible to identify the incomplete apexogenesis of this tooth and the presence of necrotic pulp. Aiming to stimulate neoformation of mineralized tissue at the dental apex, the calcium hydroxide based dressing was used. He remained for eight months, always with radiographic control. Apexification was observed radiographically and proved through the use of an instrument introduced inside the canal. The use of calcium hydroxide as intracanal medication for eight months stimulated mineralized tissue neoformation in the apical region of element 11 and allowed endodontic treatment.

Effectiveness of EDTA and Modified Salt Solution to Detach and Kill Cells from Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm.

INTRODUCTION: Disruption of the matrix of endodontic biofilms will aid in their removal from a root canal. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of EDTA and a modified salt solution (MSS) to detach bacteria from biofilms. METHODS: Forty-eight-hour-old Enterococcus faecalis biofilms were grown on glass coverslips and then treated for 1 hour by immersion in 17% EDTA or MSS. Phosphate-buffered saline served as a negative control. Then, residual biofilm cells on the substrate and the detached cells in the supernatant were collected. Viability was verified by the colony-forming unit (CFU) counting method. Propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment in conjunction with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was also performed to detect the presence of E. faecalis 16S ribonucleic RNA genes. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. The Pearson R test evaluated the correlation between results from CFU and PMA (α = 5%). RESULTS: qPCR showed that EDTA detached 99% of biofilm cells, and MSS detached 94% of biofilm cells (both P < .001). In contrast to EDTA, MSS was highly antimicrobial. The treatment promoted an ample log 7 reduction of the attached cells (P < .001), and almost no live cells were detected in the supernatant (P < .001). Positive correlations between CFU and qPCR with PMA were observed (r = 0.959 and r = 0.729). CONCLUSIONS: EDTA detached cells in biofilms with a minor antimicrobial effect. Besides a great antimicrobial effect, MSS also detached biofilm cells. These dispersals of biofilms give insights into new endodontic biofilm removal strategies.

A laboratory assessment of bacterial leakage in MTA apical plugs exposed to phosphate-buffered saline.

This study evaluated the influence of the exposure of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) - with and without calcium chloride (CaCl2) -to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) on apical microleakage. Sixty root segments were divided into 4 experimental groups (n=15). Apical cavities were filled with MTA with or without CaCl2, and the root canals dressed with a moistened cotton pellet or PBS: 1) MTA/cotton pellet; 2) MTA/PBS; 3) MTA+ 10%CaCl2/cotton pellet; 4) MTA+10%CaCl2/PBS. After 2 months, E. faecalis penetration was analyzed along the apical plugs. Samples were observed weekly for 70 days, and leakage was detected by turbidity of the medium in contact with the root segment. Teeth in the control groups (n=2) were either made completely impermeable or kept without an apical plug. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze survival and the Logrank test was used to compare the survival curves (p<0.05). All specimens in the positive control group showed evidence of leakage within 24h, while none in the negative control group showed leakage up to 70 days. There was no statistically significant difference among the experimental groups (p=0.102). The use of PBS as intracanal dressing may improve MTA sealing ability, but cannot prevent bacterial leakage. The addition of CaCl2 to the MTA did not improve MTA sealing ability.

Effects of surface treatment of provisional crowns on the shear bond strength of brackets.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the adhesive resistance of metallic brackets bonded to temporary crowns made of acrylic resin after different surface treatments. METHODS: 180 specimens were made of Duralay and randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 30) according to surface treatment and bonding material: G1 - surface roughening with Soflex and bonding with Duralay; G2 - roughening with aluminum oxide blasting and bonding with Duralay; G3 - application of monomer and bonding with Duralay; G4 - roughening with Soflex and bonding with Transbond XT; G5 - roughening with aluminum oxide blasting and bonding with Transbond XT and G6 - application of monomer and bonding with Transbond. The results were statistically assessed by ANOVA/Games-Howell. RESULTS: The means (MPa) were: G1= 18.04, G2= 22.64, G3= 22.4, G4= 9.71, G5= 11.23, G6= 9.67. The Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) ranged between 2 and 3 on G1, G2 and G3 whereas in G4, G5 and G6 it ranged from 0 to 1, showing that only the material affects the pattern of adhesive flaw. CONCLUSIONS: The surface treatment and the material influenced adhesive resistance of brackets bonded to temporary crowns. Roughening by aluminum blasting increased bond strength when compared to Soflex, in the group bonded with Duralay. The bond strength of Duralay acrylic resin was superior to that of Transbond XT composite resin.