Intranuclear Delivery of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B p65 in a Rat Model of Tooth Replantation.

After avulsion and replantation, teeth are at risk of bone and root resorption. The present study aimed to demonstrate that the intra-nuclear transducible form of transcription modulation domain of p65 (nt-p65-TMD) can suppress osteoclast differentiation in vitro, and reduce bone resorption in a rat model of tooth replantation. Cell viability and nitric oxide release were evaluated in RAW264.7 cells using CCK-8 assay and Griess reaction kit. Osteoclast differentiation was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Thirty-two maxillary rat molars were extracted and stored in saline (n = 10) or 10 µM nt-p65-TMD solution (n = 22) before replantation. After 4 weeks, specimens were scored according to the inflammatory pattern using micro-computed tomography (CT) imaging and histological analyses. nt-p65-TMD treatment resulted in significant reduction of nitric oxide release and osteoclast differentiation as studied using PCR and TRAP staining. Further, micro-CT analysis revealed a significant decrease in bone resorption in the nt-p65-TMD treatment group (p < 0.05). Histological analysis of nt-p65-TMD treatment group showed that not only bone and root resorption, but also inflammation of the periodontal ligament and epithelial insertion was significantly reduced. These findings suggest that nt-p65-TMD has the unique capabilities of regulating bone remodeling after tooth replantation.

Dental and Dental Hygiene Students' Knowledge and Perception on Fluoride Use in Dentistry.

AIM: The 75th anniversary of community water fluoridation in the United States was celebrated in 2020. However, there are studies that stimulate polarized discussion over the use of fluoride in dentistry. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental and dental hygiene students' knowledge and perception of fluoride use in dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted to gauge participant's knowledge and perception of fluoride and their opinion on the need for developing viable alternatives to fluoride. An Institutional Review Board (IRB# 5190496) application was filed and approved. A hard copy survey was distributed to all student classes at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (U.S.) between January 13, 2020, and February 5, 2020. Descriptive data were compiled and analyzed. Knowledge-based questions were compared using Kruskal-Wallis procedure to evaluate correct percentage among different classes. Perception questions were analyzed using a Likert scale and also a Chi-squared test. All tests were two-sided with α at 0.05. RESULTS: Out of 482 students, 282 students responded (58.5%). The mean of correct responses for knowledge ranged from 49 to 69%. There was a statistically significant difference among the classes. Overall the perception of the use of fluoride in dentistry was positive, and it changed with exposure to lectures on fluoride over the years. CONCLUSION: There was a correlation between knowledge and the perception of the use of fluoride in dentistry, indicating the importance of adequate delivery of didactic teaching on knowledge of fluoride to dental and dental hygiene students. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The oral healthcare provider plays a pivotal role in communicating pertinent information on the benefits of fluoride in preventing dental caries to the general public, prompting adequate delivery of didactic teaching on this topic in dental education.

Enamel wear and aging of translucent zirconias: In vitro and clinical studies.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Zirconia is a widely used restorative material. However, phase transformation on clinical application of zirconia has not yet been studied. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the wear, surface roughness, and aging associated with polished translucent zirconia in both in vitro and clinical experiments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In vitro experiments were performed with Rainbow and Katana zirconia blocks and natural tooth enamel as the control. They were subjected to 100 000 loading cycles with a maxillary premolar antagonist. All specimens were analyzed for wear, and the zirconia specimens were evaluated for surface roughness and monoclinic phase (m-phase) transformation by X-ray diffractometry before and after cyclic loading. The clinical study included participants who required single-crown implant-supported restorations replacing the first or second molar. The participants received Rainbow or Katana zirconia prostheses (n=15, each). For wear analysis, impressions of each prosthesis, antagonist, and adjacent tooth were made at 1 week and 6 months after crown delivery. The occlusal relationship of the crowns in maximum intercuspation was evaluated by using the T-Scan 8 occlusal diagnostic system. The degree of transformation of zirconia to the m-phase was measured by using X-ray diffractometry of the crowns after 6 months of use. RESULTS: Zirconia induced significantly greater enamel wear than the natural tooth control. Katana specimens exhibited significantly greater wear and surface roughness than the Rainbow specimens. The degrees of antagonistic wear and zirconia phase transformation in the clinical experiment were significantly greater than those in the in vitro experiment. The Katana groups showed significantly higher m-phase levels than the Rainbow groups. CONCLUSIONS: Phase transformation of zirconia occurs within 6 months of clinical use, and the wear and degrees of phase transformation varied according to the zirconia product used.

HIF1A overexpression using cell-penetrating DNA-binding protein induces angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1A) is an important transcription factor for angiogenesis. Recent studies have used the protein transduction domain (PTD) to deliver genes, but the PTD has not been used to induce the expression of HIF1A. This study aimed at using a novel PTD (Hph-1-GAL4; ARVRRRGPRR) to overexpress the HIF1A and identify the effects on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of HIF1A was induced using Hph-1-GAL4 in human umbilical vein/vascular endothelium cells (HUVEC). The expression levels of genes were analyzed by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) after 2 and 4 days, respectively. An in vitro tube formation was performed using Diff-Quik staining. HIF1A and Hph-1-GAL4 were injected subcutaneously into the ventral area of each 5-week-old mouse. All of the plugs were retrieved after 1 week, and the gene expression levels were evaluated by qPCR. Each Matrigel plug was evaluated using the hemoglobin assay and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The expression levels of HIF1A and HIF1A target genes were significantly higher in HIF1A-transfected HUVEC than in control HUVEC in vitro. In the in vivo Matrigel plug assay, the amount of hemoglobin was significantly higher in the HIF1A-treatment group than in the PBS-treatment group. Blood vessels were identified in the HIF1A-treatment group. The expression levels of HIF1A, vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf), and Cd31 were significantly higher in the HIF1A-treatment group than in the PBS-treatment group. These findings suggest that using Hph-1-G4D to overexpress HIF1A might be useful for transferring genes and regenerating tissues.

Precision and trueness of dental models manufactured with different 3-dimensional printing techniques.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we assessed the precision and trueness of dental models printed with 3-dimensional (3D) printers via different printing techniques. METHODS: Digital reference models were printed 5 times using stereolithography apparatus (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), fused filament fabrication (FFF), and the PolyJet technique. The 3D printed models were scanned and evaluated for tooth, arch, and occlusion measurements. Precision and trueness were analyzed with root mean squares (RMS) for the differences in each measurement. Differences in measurement variables among the 3D printing techniques were analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Except in trueness of occlusion measurements, there were significant differences in all measurements among the 4 techniques (P <0.001). For overall tooth measurements, the DLP (76 ± 14 µm) and PolyJet (68 ± 9 µm) techniques exhibited significantly different mean RMS values of precision than the SLA (88 ± 14 µm) and FFF (99 ± 14 µm) techniques (P <0.05). For overall arch measurements, the SLA (176 ± 73 µm) had significantly different RMS values than the DLP (74 ± 34 µm), FFF (89 ± 34 µm), and PolyJet (69 ± 18 µm) techniques (P <0.05). For overall occlusion measurements, the FFF (170 ± 55 µm) exhibited significantly different RMS values than the SLA (94 ± 33 µm), DLP (120 ± 28 µm), and PolyJet (96 ± 33 µm) techniques (P <0.05). There were significant differences in mean RMS values of trueness of overall tooth measurements among all 4 techniques: SLA (107 ± 11 µm), DLP (143 ± 8 µm), FFF (188 ± 14 µm), and PolyJet (78 ± 9 µm) (P <0.05). For overall arch measurements, the SLA (141 ± 35 µm) and PolyJet (86 ± 17 µm) techniques exhibited significantly different mean RMS values of trueness than DLP (469 ± 49 µm) and FFF (409 ± 36 µm) (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 3D printing techniques showed significant differences in precision of all measurements and in trueness of tooth and arch measurements. The PolyJet and DLP techniques were more precise than the FFF and SLA techniques, with the PolyJet technique having the highest accuracy.

Accuracy of intraoral digital impressions using an artificial landmark.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Intraoral scanners have been reported to have limited accuracy in edentulous areas. Large amounts of mobile tissue and the lack of obvious anatomic landmarks make it difficult to acquire a precise digital impression of an edentulous area with an intraoral scanner. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of an artificial landmark on a long edentulous space on the accuracy outcomes of intraoral digital impressions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A mandibular model containing 4 prepared teeth and an edentulous space of 26 mm in length was used. A blue-light light-emitting diode tabletop scanner was used as a control scanner, and 3 intraoral scanners were used as experimental groups. Five scans were made using each intraoral scanner without an artificial landmark, and another 5 scans were performed after application of an artificial landmark (a 4×3 mm alumina material) on the edentulous area. The obtained datasets were used to evaluate trueness and precision. RESULTS: Without an artificial landmark on the edentulous area, the mean trueness for the intraoral scanner ranged from 36.1 to 38.8 µm and the mean precision ranged from 13.0 to 43.6 µm. With an artificial landmark on the edentulous area, accuracy was improved significantly: the mean trueness was 26.7 to 31.8 µm, and the mean precision was 9.2 to 12.4 µm. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an alumina artificial landmark in an edentulous space improved the trueness and precision of the intraoral scanners tested.

Evaluation of the marginal and internal discrepancies of CAD-CAM endocrowns with different cavity depths: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The marginal and internal discrepancies of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) endocrowns are unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the marginal and internal discrepancies of endocrowns with different cavity depths by measuring them with microcomputed tomography (µCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Endocrowns (n=48) of 2 different cavity depths (2 mm and 4 mm) were fabricated in 2 different chairside CAD-CAM systems (CEREC AC and E4D). A µCT scan was made before and after cementation. For analysis of the marginal and internal discrepancies, reference points were selected in 2-dimensional views of 3 buccolingual cross-sections and 3 mesiodistal cross-sections. To calculate the total discrepancy volume, the µCT sections were reconstructed 3-dimensional views, and changes in volume and surface area were examined. Statistical analysis was performed using 2-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction (α=.05). RESULTS: An endocrown with a 4-mm cavity showed a larger marginal and internal volume than one with a 2-mm cavity. Cementation did not show significant differences in total discrepancy thickness. Discrepancies on the pulpal floor were largest in other sites. Both chairside CAD-CAM systems showed similar discrepancy in the endocrowns. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the present study, marginal and internal discrepancies increased depending on cavity depth. Cementation did not increase the dimension of the discrepancy between the restoration and the cavity wall. The discrepancy on the pulpal floor appeared to affect these results.

Characteristics of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) from intact cryopreserved deciduous teeth.

The aim of this study is to compare the characteristics of stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) from cryopreserved intact deciduous teeth with those of fresh SHED. In total, 20 exfoliated deciduous teeth were randomly divided into a fresh group (f-SHED; n = 11) and cryopreserved group (c-SHED; n = 9; stored for 1-8 months). Following thawing and separation of the pulp, the SHED cells were cultured, and the characteristics as mesenchymal stem cells were investigated using proliferation assays, cell-cycle analysis, colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) assays, and flow cytometry analyses. Furthermore, differentiation into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages was investigated in vitro as well as in vivo via transplantation in mice. We found no significant differences between the two groups in the proliferation analyses, in the expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers, or in the adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation in vitro (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the in vivo transplantation results showed no significant differences in the quantity of bone tissue that formed or in histochemistry performance (p < 0.05). In conclusion, cryopreservation of intact exfoliated deciduous teeth appears to be a useful method for preserving SHED.

Influence of preparation design on fit and ceramic thickness of CEREC 3 partial ceramic crowns after cementation.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the influence of preparation design on the marginal and internal gap and ceramic thickness of partial ceramic crowns (PCCs) fabricated with the CEREC 3 system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen extracted human mandibular molars were prepared according to two different preparation designs (n = 8): a retentive preparation design with traditional cusp capping (Group I) and a non-retentive preparation design with horizontal reduction of cusps (Group II). PCCs were fabricated from IPS Empress CAD with the CEREC 3 system. The parameters for luting space and minimum occlusal ceramic thickness were set to 30 µm and 1.5 mm, respectively. The fabricated PCCs were cemented to their corresponding teeth with self-adhesive resin cement and were then scanned by micro-computed tomography. The marginal and internal gaps were measured at pre-determined measuring points in five bucco-lingual and three mesio-distal cross-sectional images. The ceramic thicknesses of the PCCs were measured at the measuring points for cusp capping areas. RESULTS: Group II (167.4 ± 76.4 µm) had a smaller overall mean gap, which included the marginal and internal gap measurements, than that of Group I (184.8 ± 89.0 µm). The internal gaps were larger than the marginal gaps, regardless of preparation design. Group I presented a thinner ceramic thickness in the cusp capping areas than the minimum occlusal ceramic thickness parameter of 1.5 mm. CONCLUSION. Preparation design had an influence on fit, particularly the internal gap of the PCCs. Ceramic thickness could be thinner than the minimum ceramic thickness parameter.

Randomized clinical trial of pulpotomy using a premixed injectable calcium silicate cement on mature permanent teeth with reversible pulpitis.

The aim of this two-center randomized controlled trial was to assess the outcomes and relative factors associated with pulpotomies performed using a premixed injectable calcium silicate cement, as compared to mineral trioxide aggregate in mature permanent premolar and molar teeth with reversible pulpitis. Included teeth were randomly divided into two groups according to pulpotomy material (ProRoot MTA [PMTA] group, Endocem MTA Premixed [EPM] group). After pulp exposure, the superficial pulp was either removed to a depth of 2 mm (partial pulpotomy) or completely amputated to the level of the root canal orifice (full pulpotomy). A 3-mm layer of either material was randomly placed over the pulp wound, followed by the application of a thin layer of a light-cured glass ionomer composite liner. The restoration procedure was then carried out during the same visit. After one year of treatment, the pulpotomy success rate was 94.4% (67/71), with no significant difference between the PMTA and EPM groups. The success rate was 93.9% in the PMTA group and 97.1% in the EPM group. There were no significant factors related to the procedures. EPM is a viable alternative to PMTA for single-visit pulpotomies of permanent premolars and molars.

Influence of Post-Curing in Nitrogen-Saturated Condition on the Degree of Conversion and Color Stability of 3D-Printed Resin Crowns.

Post-curing is the process of applying extra light to complete the polymerization process of 3D printing. The mechanical properties of light-cured three-dimensional (3D) printed resin can be improved by decreasing the oxygen concentrations during post-curing, and nitrogen-saturated post-curing has been applied for this purpose. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the color stability of 3D-printed resin crowns that were post-cured in both normal air and nitrogen-saturated conditions. Crowns were fabricated with a 3D printer and post-cured in normal air (control group; air) or nitrogen-saturated conditions (experimental group; nitrogen). The specimens in each group were subdivided into four subgroups, each exposed to different discoloration agents: distilled water, coffee, wine, and curry. Post-immersion color changes were measured using a digital spectrophotometer and analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy evaluated the degree of conversion of resin over immersion times for both post-curing conditions. Upon comparing the effects of post-curing conditions, a significant difference between the control and experimental groups in terms of immersion time in the wine and curry subgroups was found. FT-IR analysis showed a significant difference in the degree of conversion between the air and nitrogen groups from 10 to 300 s. These findings suggest that nitrogen-saturated post-curing can potentially enhance the conversion rate of 3D-printed resin crowns, thereby improving their color stability.

Three-axis load analysis of high-speed handpiece on dental training teeth and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing blocks.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of dental training teeth with subtractive and additive computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials used to fabricate dental simulation models. Therefore, the three-axis load generated during cutting movements, including drilling and milling performed using a dental handpiece, was measured and compared. The samples were cut vertically downward by 1.5 mm, horizontally by 6 mm, and vertically upward at a constant speed (1 mm/s), while the rotational speed of the bur was maintained at 200,000 rotations per minute. A three-axis load cell was used to measure the X-, Y-, and Z-axis loads on the specimen. The median value of the X-, Y-, and Z-axis measurements and the resultant load during the vertical-downward, horizontal, and vertical-upward movements were compared using a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. For vertical downward movement, the drilling force of the dental training teeth was lower than that of Vita Enamic® and similar to that of Lava™ Ultimate. In contrast to subtractive CAD/CAM blocks, the drilling force of the dental training teeth was higher than that of 3D-printed resin blocks. Regarding horizontal movement, the milling force of dental training teeth was lower than that of Vita Enamic®. In contrast, the milling force of Nissin was similar to that of Lava™ Ultimate, while that of Frasaco was lower. Furthermore, compared to additive CAD/CAM blocks, the milling force of the dental training teeth was higher than that of 3D-printed resin blocks. Regarding vertical upward movement, the resultant loads of dental training teeth was lower than that of Vita Enamic®. Similarly, the resultant load of Nissin was similar to that of Lava™ Ultimate, while that of Frasaco was lower. Additionally, compared to additive CAD/CAM blocks, the resultant loads of the dental training teeth were similar to those of the 3D-printed resin blocks.

Effect of Adhesion Conditions on the Shear Bond Strength of 3D Printing Resins after Thermocycling Used for Definitive Prosthesis.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing polymers such as urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (Bis-EMA) are typically used in definitive prosthesis and require surface treatments before bonding. However, surface treatment and adhesion conditions often affect long-term use. Herein, polymers were divided into Groups 1 and 2 for the UDMA and Bis-EMA components, respectively. The shear bond strength (SBS) between two types of 3D printing resins and resin cements was measured using Rely X Ultimate Cement and Rely X U200, according to adhesion conditions such as single bond universal (SBU) and airborne-particle abrasion (APA) treatments. Thermocycling was performed to evaluate the long-term stability. Sample surface changes were observed using a scanning electron microscope and surface roughness measuring instrument. The effect of interaction between the resin material and adhesion conditions on the SBS was analyzed via a two-way analysis of variance. The optimal adhesion condition for Group 1 was achieved when U200 was used after APA and SBU, whereas Group 2 was not significantly affected by the adhesion conditions. After thermocycling, the SBS significantly decreased in Group 1 without APA treatment and in the entire Group 2. Additionally, porosity, along with increased roughness, was observed on both material surfaces after APA.

Biocompatibility and mineralization potential of new calcium silicate cements.

Background/purpose: As calcium silicate cements (CSCs) have been successfully used in various types of vital pulp therapy, many new CSC products have been developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibilities and mineralization potential of new CSC. The experimental materials were NeoMTA Plus and EndoSequence Root Repair Material-Fast Set Putty (ERRM-FS) which were compared to ProRoot MTA. Materials and methods: In vitro, the effects of the new CSC on stem cells were evaluated. Each CSC was prepared for cell viability testing, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, and calcium ion release assay. In vivo, the exposed pulp model was used for the partial pulpotomy procedure. Thirty-six teeth were treated with three materials: ProRoot MTA, NeoMTA Plus, or ERRM-FS. After four weeks, the teeth were extracted and processed for histologic analysis. Dentin bridge formation, pulp inflammation, and odontoblastic cell layer were evaluated and the area of newly formed calcific barrier of each group was measured. Results: Three CSCs demonstrated similar cell viability on stem cells and the levels of ALP and calcium release were not significantly different between tested materials. ProRoot MTA and ERRM-FS showed better tissue healing process than NeoMTA Plus after partial pulpotomy, in terms of quality of calcific barrier and pulp inflammation. The outcomes from measuring newly formed calcific area demonstrated no significant differences between the materials. Conclusion: NeoMTA Plus and ERRM-FS displayed similar biocompatibilities and mineralization potential compared to ProRoot MTA. Therefore, these new CSCs can be used as desirable alternatives to ProRoot MTA.

Assessment of Real-Time Active Noise Control Devices in Dental Treatment Conditions.

Dental clinics are exposed to various uncomfortable noises. The aim of this study was to quantify the effectiveness of active noise control devices in dental treatment conditions. Two types of commercial headsets (Airpods Pro, QC30) and two types of dental headsets (Alltalk, Quieton Dental) were used for the experiment. Three sounds (high-speed handpiece, low-speed handpiece, and suction system) were measured at three different distances from the dental teeth model, typodont. The distances of 10, 40, and 70 cm reflected the positions of the patient, assistant, and practitioner's ears, respectively. Sound analysis was performed, and the significance of differences in the maximum noise level using each device was determined with the Kruskal−Wallis test. Dental noise was characterized by the peak in sound pressure level (SPL) at 4−5 kHz and >15 kHz frequencies. The commercial headsets efficiently blocked 1 kHz and 10 kHz of noise. The dental headsets efficiently reduced 4−6 and >15 kHz noise. Quieton had the highest maximum SPL in all situations and positions among the four devices. For a better dental clinic, however, active noise control devices more suitable for the characteristics of dental noise should be developed.

Novel 3D Printed Resin Crowns for Primary Molars: In Vitro Study of Fracture Resistance, Biaxial Flexural Strength, and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis.

This study evaluated the fracture resistance, biaxial flexural strength (BFS), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of three-dimensional (3D) printing resins for the esthetic restoration of primary molars. Two 3D printing resins, Graphy (GP) and NextDent (NXT), and a prefabricated zirconia crown, NuSmile (NS), were tested. GP and NXT samples were 3D printed using the workflow recommended by each manufacturer. Data were collected and statistically analyzed. As a result of the fracture resistance test of 0.7-mm-thick 3D printed resin crowns with a thickness similar to that of the NS crown, there was no statistically significant difference among GP (1491.6 ± 394.6 N), NXT (1634.4 ± 289.3 N), and NS (1622.8 ± 323.9 N). The BFS of GP was higher for all thicknesses than that of NXT. Both resins showed high survival probabilities (more than 90%) when subjected to 50 and 150 MPa. Through DMA, the glass transition temperatures of GP and NXT were above 120 °C and the rheological behavior of GP and NXT according to temperature and frequency were analyzed. In conclusion, GP and NXT showed optimum strength to withstand bite forces in children, and 3D printed resin crowns could be an acceptable option for fixed prostheses of primary teeth.

Push-Out Bond Strength Evaluation of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Resin Post Cemented with Self-Adhesive Resin Cement Using Different Adhesive Bonding Systems.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the push-out bond strength of fiber-reinforced resin posts using self-adhesive cements with different adhesive systems. A total of 50 single-rooted human maxillary premolars with fully developed apices and 15-16 mm straight root canals were selected. The teeth were divided into 10 groups with coronal and apical parts according to the adhesive bonding system and luting material used: one universal adhesive with MDP-containing self-adhesive resin cement; another universal adhesive with MDP-containing self-adhesive resin cement; universal primer with MDP-containing self-adhesive resin cement; universal primer with dual-cure resin cement; MDP-containing self-adhesive resin cement only (Control). Each specimen was subjected to a fatigue load of 600,000 cycles using a chewing simulator with sliding movement and cut horizontally for push-out bond strength testing. Statistical evaluation consisted of a one-way ANOVA test using SPSS v23.0. The highest bond strength (7.05 MPa) was obtained in the coronal part of the Single Bond universal group treated with MDP-containing self-adhesive resin cement and the lowest strength (4.77 MPa) was observed in apical part of MDP-containing self-adhesive resin cement group (Control). However, the one-way ANOVA results showed no significant difference between all 10 groups (p > 0.05). The self-adhesive cement without adhesive bonding showed no statistically different value compared to self-adhesive cements with adhesive bonding.

The Role of Hydraulic Silicate Cements on Long-Term Properties and Biocompatibility of Partial Pulpotomy in Permanent Teeth.

The use of hydraulic silicate cements (HSCs) for vital pulp therapy has been found to release calcium and hydroxyl ions promoting pulp tissue healing and mineralized tissue formation. The present study investigated whether HSCs such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) affect their biological and antimicrobial properties when used as long-term pulp protection materials. The effect of variables on treatment outcomes of three HSCs (ProRoot MTA, OrthoMTA, and RetroMTA) was evaluated clinically and radiographically over a 48-78 month follow-up period. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Fisher's exact test and Cox regression analysis were used to determine hazard ratios of clinical variables. The overall success rate of MTA partial pulpotomy was 89.3%; Cumulative success rates of the three HSCs were not statistically different when analyzed by Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. None of the investigated clinical variables affected success rates significantly. These HSCs showed favorable biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties in partial pulpotomy of permanent teeth in long-term follow-up, with no statistical differences between clinical factors.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound attenuates replacement root resorption of avulsed teeth stored in dry condition in dogs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on replacement root resorption after replantation of avulsed teeth stored in a dry condition in dogs. A total of 73 premolar roots from four male mongrel dogs were intentionally avulsed with forceps and divided into four groups-HN, HL, DN, and DL-according to storage conditions and whether or not they received LIPUS treatment. Thirty-eight roots were kept in Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution for 30 min (HN and HL groups), whereas the remaining 35 roots were left to dry in the air for an hour (DN and DL groups) prior to replantation. Following replantation, the roots in the HL and DL groups (21 and 18 roots, respectively) received a 20-min daily LIPUS treatment for 2 weeks. The animals were euthanized 4 weeks after the operation. Micro-computed tomography images were acquired for each root and the amount of replacement root resorption was measured three-dimensionally. Histological assessments were also carried out. There was significantly less replacement root resorption for the roots in the DL group compared to the DN group (p < 0.01). Histological findings in the DN group demonstrated evident replacement root resorption, whereas the DL group revealed less severe resorption compared to the DN group. Within the limitations, these results suggest that LIPUS could attenuate the replacement resorption of avulsed teeth stored in a dry condition, thereby improving their prognosis.

Access opening guide produced using a 3D printer (AOG-3DP) as an effective tool in difficult cases for dental students.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using an access opening guide in teaching ideal access opening shape and preventing excessive tooth loss, with a focus on predoctoral dental students. METHODS: Ninety teeth that were mounted in a box just below the level of the cementoenamel junction using tray resin were randomly divided into two study groups. An access opening guide produced using a 3D printer (AOG-3DP) was designed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The AOG-3DP was applied in the test groups, while no aid was used in the control group. Access preparations in both groups performed by predoctoral dental students were scanned using CBCT to detect overpreparation. The preparation time and access cavity volume were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean times required for achieving access opening were 327.2 and 97.4 s in the control and AOG-3DP groups, respectively, for premolars, and 547.4 and 104.5 s for molars. The mean volumes for premolars and molars differed from the ideal cavities by 38.1 and 72.2 mm3 , respectively, in the control group, and by -2.0 and -8.7 mm3 the AOG-3DP group. CONCLUSIONS: Using the AOG-3DP significantly reduced the access opening time for premolars and molars. However, there is a limitation in that CBCT DICOM images must be converted to stereolithographic .stl files in order to be printed via 3D technology. This requires additional preclinical treatment time for imaging and subsequent printing. It could be considered that this can be a useful method in difficult cases.