24 hour polymerization shrinkage of resin composite core materials.

PURPOSE: The study's purpose was to evaluate the 24-hour polymerization shrinkage of resin composite core materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven resin composite core material samples (n = 12) were evaluated using a non-contact imaging device with measurements obtained over 24 h. Shrinkage values were determined corresponding to proposed times involved with CAD/CAM same-day treatment and at 24 h. Shrinkage data was statistically compared using Friedman/Dunn's test for intragroup analysis and Kruskal Wallis/Dunn's test for intergroup analysis, all at a 95% level of confidence (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Mean results identified a wide volumetric shrinkage range with considerable similarity overlap. Inconsistent shrinkage behavior was evident and all materials reached maximum values before 24 h. No significant difference was observed during proposed digital same day all ceramic crown procedures, but some differences were noted at 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Under this study's conditions results were material specific, at times inconsistent, with wide variation. Shrinkage consistently increased for all products and it is not known if the continued shrinkage magnitude may compromise the stability and fit of all-ceramic crowns at 24 h.

Bicuspid Axial Wall Height Effect on CAD/CAM Crown Fracture Mode on Preparations Containing Advanced Total Occlusal Convergence.

PURPOSE: To evaluate bicuspid axial wall height effect on the fracture mode of adhesively luted, all-ceramic CAD/CAM crowns with a 20° total occlusal convergence (TOC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Recently extracted premolars were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 12) with all-ceramic crown preparations accomplished using a high-speed handpiece inserted into a milling device. Specimens were prepared containing occlusogingival axial wall heights of 3, 2, and 1 mm as well as a group containing a flat preparation surface with no axial wall height. All preparations contained a 20° TOC. Completed preparation surface area was determined, and preparation features confirmed using a digital measuring microscope. Scanned preparations (CEREC) were fitted with milled and crystallized lithium disilicate full coverage restorations and luted with a self-etching adhesive resin cement after hydrofluoric acid etching and silanation. All manufacturer recommendations were followed. Specimens were stored at 37°C/98% humidity for 24 hours. Specimens were tested to failure at a 45° angle to the long axis of the tooth root on a universal testing machine. Failure load was converted to MPa using the available bonding surface area with mean data analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn's (p = 0.05) RESULTS: The 3 mm preparation height specimens were similar to the 2 mm specimens, and both demonstrated significantly stronger failure load than the 1 mm axial wall height and flat preparation specimens. The flat preparation and 1 mm axial wall height specimens all failed adhesively, while the 2 mm and 3 mm specimens failed largely due to tooth fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Further evidence is provided that CAD/CAM adhesive techniques may compensate for less than ideal preparation features. Under the conditions of this study, bicuspid preparations with a 20° TOC restored with adhesively luted, CAD/CAM e.max CAD crowns require at least 2 mm of axial wall height, but further planned fatigue studies are necessary before definitive recommendations can be made.

Selected physical properties of new resin-modified glass ionomer luting cements.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Two resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI)-based luting agents have been recently marketed without independent reports of their physical properties. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate selected physical properties of 2 newly marketed RMGI luting agents and compare the findings with traditional materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens (N=12) of Nexus RMGI, UltraCem, GC Fuji Cem 2, and RelyX Luting Plus were fabricated using standardized molds for flexural strength and fracture toughness according to manufacturer recommendations and stored in physiologic phosphate-buffered saline solution at 37°C until testing. Specimens were tested at 1 and 24 hours, 1 week, and 1 month. Mean values for flexural strength, flexural modulus, flexural toughness, and fracture toughness were determined. Additionally, film thickness (N=12) for each material was determined following Amerian National Standards Association/American Dental Association (ANSI/ADA) specifications. Mean results were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (α=.05). RESULTS: All luting agents exhibited a similar film thickness that met ANSI/ADA requirements for aqueous-based luting agents. Nexus RMGI surprisingly demonstrated significantly greater flexural strength and fracture toughness at 1 hour, which decreased significantly at 24 hours, making it similar to the other materials evaluated. All materials had similar flexural strength values at 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: Physical property performance was material dependent. Nexus RMGI demonstrated greater early physical properties that were significantly less at 24 hours. UltraCem, GC Fuji Cem 2, and RelyX Luting Plus demonstrated the increasing physical property development that is normally associated with polyalkenoate-based systems.

Early reaction kinetics of contemporary glass-ionomer restorative materials.

PURPOSE: To investigate polyalkenoate reaction rates in conventional glass-ionomer cement (GIC) and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) restorative materials using infrared spectroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine conventional GIC and six RMGI restorative materials were prepared according to manufacturer's directions and placed on a FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) diamond ATR (attenuated total reflectance) surface. FTIR spectra (700 to 1800 cm-1) were obtained each minute for 3 h. VLC specimens were light polymerized after 1 min; at 5 min, all samples were covered with gauze saturated with deionized water. Polyalkenoate reaction was determined by measuring area growth (Å/cm-1) between 1375 and 1500 cm-1. Mean peak areas were determined at 5, 15, 30, 90, and 180 min and compared using ANOVA (p = 0.05) RESULTS: For all RMGI materials, VLC polymerization inhibited the polyalkenoate reaction rate. Compared to conventional GIC, RMGI materials demonstrated less polyalkenoate reaction. Compared to dark curing, RMGI light polymerization significantly inhibited the polyalkenoate reaction rate. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of resin components to glass-ionomer products significantly retards and impedes the polyalkenoate reaction. The polyalkenoate reaction rate of RMGI products was significantly lower than that of self-curing GIC restorative materials. Furthermore, light activation of RMGI products further retards the polyalkenoate rate. When clinicians require the therapeutic benefit of a polyalkenoate product, perhaps a conventional GIC restorative product should be the first material of choice.

Electrochemical Properties of Nickel-Titanium Rotary Endodontic Instruments.

INTRODUCTION: Nickel-titanium rotary endodontic files have been commercially available for decades, but more recent innovations have introduced heat-treated and surface-treated files. This study investigated the corrosion properties of various nickel-titanium files in normal saline and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). METHODS: Ten different file brands of size 40 with a 0.04 taper were subjected to electrochemical testing in 0.9% NaCl (saline) and 5.25% NaOCl at room temperature. The Open Circuit Potential (OCP) was observed for 1 hour followed by a cyclic polarization test from -300 to 700 mV and back to -300 mV (vs OCP). Nonparametric ANOVA and a pairwise comparison (P < .05) were used for statistical analysis of the OCP at 1 hour and the corrosion current (Icorr) obtained via the cyclic polarization test. RESULTS: Significant differences (P < .05) were found between files with respect to OCP and Icorr in both solutions. Nine files exhibited significantly greater (P < .05) Icorrs in NaOCl than in saline. Conversely, pitting corrosion was observed in the saline solution but not NaOCl. Weak and/or moderate correlations existed between OCP and Icorr measures in the 2 solutions. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in electrochemical properties were observed among the 10 brands of files. Overall, there was not a clear trend between conventional, heat-treated, or surface-treated files among OCP or Icorr in either solution.

Volumetric wear of various orthotic appliance materials.

The purpose of this study was to compare the resistance to wear of six commonly used orthotic appliance materials. These materials were: SR Ivocap (Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc., Amherst, NY), Eclipse (Dentsply International, York, PA), ProBase (Ivoclar Vivadent), Valplast (Valplast International Corp., Oceanside, NY), Impak (CMP Industries LLC, Albany, NY), and Clearsplint (Astron Dental Corp., Lake Zurich, IL). Twelve cylindrical specimens of each material were fabricated per manufacturer instructions. Occlusal wear was simulated in a custom-made wear simulator with each specimen receiving four wear scars in a two-body wear simulation using a 1.5 mm tungsten-carbide tipped stylus at 40 newtons for 2500 cycles at 1 Hz, while immersed in 37 degrees C distilled water (n = 48). The specimens were evaluated before and after wear testing using a three-dimensional (3D) noncontact profilometer (Proscan 2000, Scantron Corp., Eagan, MN). A mean change in volume was determined for each orthotic material. Results found that Clearsplint material displayed the greatest amount of volume loss/wear, while SR Ivocap, Eclipse, and ProBase materials had the least amount of wear. Valplast and Impak performed more moderately. Based upon this wear knowledge, practitioners are able to more reliably choose the appliance material necessary for their various patients.

12-Month flexural mechanical properties of conventional and self-adhesive flowable resin composite materials.

The aim of this study was to investigate the 12-month flexural mechanical properties of 23 flowable resin-based composites (FRBC) that included 5 self-adhesive FRBC materials. Specimens were evaluated following ISO 4049:2019 guidelines, but additionally stored in physiologic 0.2M phosphate buffered saline solution being tested at 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, and at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months. While some deviation and degradation were noted at testing intervals, conventional FRBC materials overall demonstrated greater flexural strength than the self-adhesive and compomer materials. Three self-adhesive materials and the compomer were below recommended ISO 4049:2019 flexural strength values at 24 h with another after 6 months storage. Conventional FRBC materials, except at 1 month, overall demonstrated increased flexural modulus than the self-adhesive FRBC materials. Although results were material dependent, conventional FRBC materials demonstrated overall greater flexural mechanical properties as compared to the self-adhesive FRBC materials and the compomer evaluated.

Hydrostatic pulpal pressure effect upon microleakage.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if hydrostatic pulpal pressure plays a role in reducing microleakage. METHODS: Uniform Class 5 preparations were accomplished on human molars with one margin on root dentin. Prepared teeth were randomly placed in one of three groups: (1) Hydrostatic pressure simulation at 20 cm pulpal pressure; (2) Hydrostatic pressure simulation but no pressure applied (positive control); and (3) Conventional microleakage method. Specimens were subjected to 24 hours methylene blue dye, sectioned, and microleakage assessed as a function of microleakage length versus entire preparation wall length using a traveling microscope. RESULTS: Hydrostatic pressure specimens demonstrated less gingival wall microleakage than the control groups while no difference was found between occlusal preparation walls.

Effect of post-irradiation polymerization on selected mechanical properties of six direct resins.

This study evaluated the post-irradiation mechanical property development of six resin composite-based restorative materials from the same manufacturer starting at 1 h post irradiation, followed by 24 h, 1 week, and 1 month after fabrication. Samples were stored in 0.2M phosphate buffered saline until testing. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, flexural toughness, modulus of resiliency, fracture toughness, and surface microhardness were performed at each time interval. Mean data was analyzed by Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's post hoc testing at a 95% level of confidence (α=0.05). Results were material specific but overall, all resin composite material mechanical properties were found to be immature at 1 h after polymerization as compared to that observed at 24 h. It may be prudent that clinicians advise patients, especially those receiving complex posterior composite restorations, to guard against overly stressing these restorations during the first 24 h.

Dislodgement pushout resistance of five bioceramic root-end filling materials.

This study evaluated the dislodgement push-out resistance of five bioceramic materials. One hundred single-rooted teeth with one canal had the apical 3 mm and crown resected to create a 14 mm standardized length. The canals were instrumented to an apical size 80 with a 3 mm root-end preparation made with ultrasonic diamonds. The prepared roots were randomly divided into 5 root-end restorative groups (n=20). ProRoot MTA, Biodentine, EndoSequence Root Repair Material, EndoSequence Fast Set Putty, and EndoSequence BC Sealer with each material placed following manufacturer's instructions and stored at 100% humidity for 2 weeks. An apical-to-coronal static testing load with the identified dislodgement force converted into MPa with mean results analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post hoc tests (α=0.05). ProRoot MTA and Biodentine displayed similar push-out stress resistance and exhibited significantly greater stress resistance than the similar Endosequence materials. However, all materials failed cohesively and were not dislodged from the root canal surface.

Critical appraisal. Pulpal temperature changes during power bleaching procedures.

Bleaching procedures are commonly used to enhance patient esthetics, either as a treatment means by itself or as part of a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment plan. These three articles, two of which are outside the normally perused dental scientific literature, present different variations and results involved with in vitro pulpal temperature research. Interestingly, two of the articles include diode lasers, which have been suggested in other works to possibly reduce tissue inflammation.

Microtomographic porosity determination in alginate mixed with various methods.

PURPOSE: Mechanical spatulation of alginate impression materials reportedly produces fewer voids and superior casts than hand mixing. Two current methods of alginate mechanical preparation are a vacuum mixer Vac-U-Vestor, (Whip Mix Corp, Louisville, KY) and a semiautomated method that involves hand spatulation in a rotating bowl Alginator II (Cadco, Oxnard, CA). A new alginate-mixing machine has been introduced, TurboMax (Dentsply Raintree Essex, Sarasota, FL), with a centrifugal-spinning action that reportedly incorporates the alginate powder into the water more efficiently. The purpose of this study was to determine the number, percent, and volume distribution of porosities in alginate mixed with three mechanical-mixing methods using a nondestructive, microtomographic analysis method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Alginate was mixed by each of the three mechanical methods per respective manufacturer's guidelines, with the set alginate analyzed using a microtomography unit and proprietary software. A mean and standard deviation was determined per group and analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA/Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found between groups per each of the three testing parameters (number, percent, volume distribution of porosities). The vacuum mixer produced significantly less percent porosity and number of porosities than the centrifugal mixer and semiautomated hand mixer. Both the vacuum mixer and centrifugal mixer produced porosities of significantly smaller volume than the semiautomated hand mixer. CONCLUSION: Of the three mechanical mixing methods, the vacuum mixer had the best performance overall in reducing the number, percent, and volume of porosities in the mixed alginate.

The release of mercury from amalgam restorations and its health effects: a review.

Amalgam has successfully been used as a restorative material in dentistry for over a century. It has proven to be a cost-effective, wear-resistant material which, when properly placed, can provide many years of service. However, amalgam's popularity has decreased in recent years due, in part, to patient concerns about its potential for adversely affecting their health. Other reasons for its reduced use include the increased emphasis on more esthetic restorative materials and environmental concerns regarding the amount of mercury discharged into wastewater from dental offices. Controversy persists about amalgam's possible role in causing health problems due to its release of mercury. Although conclusive evidence is lacking that directly correlates amalgam with adverse health effects, clinicians should remain knowledgeable about mercury release from amalgam in order to intelligently address their patients' concerns. This article reviews the latest published scientific literature to provide this information.

Hardness of three resin-modified glass-ionomer restorative materials as a function of depth and time.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The polymerization of bulk-placed resin-modified glass-ionomer (RMGI) restoratives is compromised when penetration of the curing light is limited because of the materials' thickness. It is unknown if additional post light-curing resin polymerization and/or glass-ionomer setting occurs over time to ensure adequate polymerization. PURPOSE: The primary objective was to evaluate the depth of cure of various thicknesses of RMGI restorative products over 1 year using Knoop hardness (KH) testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials were placed in Delrin molds having an internal diameter of 5.0 mm and heights of 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm and were photopolymerized with a halogen light-curing unit. Five specimens of each depth were prepared for each time period evaluated. Specimens were stored in darkness at 37 +/- 2 degrees C and 98 +/- 2% humidity until being tested at 24 hours, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after fabrication. Mean KH values were calculated for the bottom and top surfaces of each thickness group and used to determine bottom/top hardness ratios. Data were compared using two-way analysis of variance (factors of time, thickness) at a 0.05 significance level with Scheffé's post hoc analysis, where required. RESULTS: The materials had relatively stable top surface KH, which permitted valid assessment of changes in bottom surface KH over time. The bottom surface KH of some RMGIs changed significantly over time (p < 0.001), but degrees of change were material dependent. Certain RMGIs demonstrated a potential for statistically significant post light-activation hardening; however, that too was material dependent. As compared with top surface KH, deeper layers of the thicker RMGI specimens consistently failed to achieve an adequate degree of polymerization. CONCLUSION: Although certain RMGI materials demonstrate a potential for post light-activation chemically initiated resin polymerization and/or polyalkenoate acid/base reaction, these reactions may not be sufficient to ensure that the material is adequately polymerized for long-term success. This is particularly true when RMGI materials are placed in thicker layers where curing light penetration may be compromised. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: RMGI materials should not be placed in bulk but photopolymerized in layers to ensure adequate light activation. The results of this study suggest that Photac-Fil Quick be placed in layers no thicker than 2 mm while Fuji II LC and Vitremer may be placed in layers up to 3 mm in thickness.

Film thicknesses of recently introduced luting cements.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A luting cement must maintain a minimum film thickness over a sufficient period of time to allow seating of indirect restorations. The performance of newer luting cements in this regard has not been evaluated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the film thicknesses of 6 luting cements, 2 resin-modified glass ionomer (FujiCEM and RelyX Luting Plus), 2 composite resin (Panavia 21 and RelyX ARC), and 2 self-adhesive resin (Maxcem and RelyX Unicem) cements, over 3 minutes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The film thickness (microm) of each cement (n=7) was determined at room temperature at 1, 2, and 3 minutes after the start of mixing, according to the testing method set forth in ISO Standard 9917. Means of all cements were compared at the 2-minute interval, and means at the 1- and 3-minute intervals for each were compared to the mean for the same cement at 2 minutes, using 1-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison tests (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Except for 1 resin-modified material at 3 minutes, a point beyond its specified working time, all materials produced film thicknesses under 30 microm at 3 minutes and under 26 microm at 2 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: All of the materials tested meet the ISO standard of 25-microm maximum film thickness for up to 2 minutes after mixing.

Metal-ceramic alloys in dentistry: a review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to review basic information about the alloys used for fabricating metal-ceramic restorations in dentistry. Their compositions, properties, advantages, and disadvantages are presented and compared. In addition to reviewing traditional noble-metal and base-metal metal-ceramic alloys, titanium and gold composite alloys are also discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A broad search of the published literature was performed using Medline to identify pertinent current articles on metal-ceramic alloys as well as articles providing a historical background about the development of these alloys. Textbooks, the internet, and manufacturers' literature were also used to supplement this information. RESULTS: The review discusses traditional as well as more recently-developed alloys and technologies used in dentistry for fabricating metal-ceramic restorations. Clear advantages and disadvantages for these alloy types are provided and discussed as well as the role that compositional variations have on the alloys' performance. This information should enable clinicians and technicians to easily identify the important physical properties of each type and their primary clinical indications. CONCLUSIONS: A number of alloys and metals are available for metal-ceramic use in dentistry. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, primarily based on its specific composition. Continuing research and development are resulting in the production of new technologies and products, giving clinicians even more choices in designing and fabricating metal-ceramic restorations.

Mineral trioxide aggregate material use in endodontic treatment: a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper was to review the composition, properties, biocompatibility, and the clinical results involving the use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) materials in endodontic treatment. METHODS: Electronic search of scientific papers from January 1990 to August 2006 was accomplished using PubMed and Scopus search engines (search terms: MTA, GMTA, WMTA, mineral AND trioxide AND aggregate). RESULTS: Selected exclusion criteria resulted in 156 citations from the scientific, peer-reviewed dental literature. MTA materials are derived from a Portland cement parent compound and have been demonstrated to be biocompatible endodontic repair materials, with its biocompatible nature strongly suggested by its ability to form hydroxyappatite when exposed to physiologic solutions. With some exceptions, MTA materials provide better microleakage protection than traditional endodontic repair materials using dye, fluid filtration, and bacterial penetration leakage models. In both animal and human studies, MTA materials have been shown to have excellent potential as pulp-capping and pulpotomy medicaments but studies with long-term follow-up are limited. Preliminary studies suggested a favorable MTA material use as apical and furcation restorative materials as well as medicaments for apexogenesis and apexification treatments; however, long-term clinical studies are needed in these areas. CONCLUSION: MTA materials have been shown to have a biocompatible nature and have excellent potential in endodontic use. MTA materials are a refined Portland cement material and the substitution of Portland cement for MTA products is presently discouraged. Existing human studies involving MTA materials are very promising, however, insufficient randomized, double-blind clinical studies of sufficient duration exist involving MTA for all of its clinical indications. Further clinical studies are needed in these areas.

Fracture resistance of amalgam/glass-polyalkenoate open sandwich Class II restorations: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of two glass-polyalkenoate restorative materials used as root-dentin replacements on the fracture strength of Class II amalgam restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class II slot preparations extending 2mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction were made in 30 teeth and randomly assigned to three groups. Group 1 (Control): restored entirely with amalgam (Tytin, Sybron Kerr, Orange, CA, USA). Group 2: The root-dentin area was restored with a viscous conventional glass-polyalkenoate restorative material (Fuji IX GP, GC America, Alsip, IL, USA), and the remainder of the preparation restored with amalgam. Group 3: The root-dentin area was restored with a resin-modified glass-polyalkenoate restorative material (Fuji II LC, GC America) and the remainder restored with amalgam. The amalgam restorations were loaded in compression to failure and the data analyzed using one-way ANOVA (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: No significant differences in fracture strength were found. CONCLUSION: Root-dentin replacement with the tested glass-polyalkenoate materials did not affect the fracture strength of Class II amalgam restorations.

Evaluation of field dental equipment in a deployment environment.

Dental officers and technicians must have reliable, durable, well-performing field dental equipment to enable them to provide dental care to deployed troops in operational environments. Unfortunately, no organized program exists to test such equipment before its purchase and use in the field. This article presents the results of a project conducted by the Naval Institute for Dental and Biomedical Research and the Air Force Dental Evaluation and Consultation Service to evaluate commercially available field dental equipment through laboratory testing and clinical-user evaluations in theater. The purpose of this 2-year project was to identify the best-performing and most cost-effective field dental equipment for possible future procurement. Initial laboratory testing was performed at the Naval Institute for Dental and Biomedical Research, and the equipment was then shipped to Kuwait for in-theater environmental and clinical-user testing. A seven-member scientific team of military dental officers and technicians was deployed for 1 month to perform in-theater testing under regional environmental conditions and to coordinate clinical-user evaluations. The testing provided beneficial results by identifying equipment that performed properly and equipment that exhibited shortcomings serious enough to render it inadequate for operational use. It is recommended that the project serve as a model for future testing and evaluation of medical/dental equipment by all of the military services.

Effect of surface treatments on the mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity of desiccated glass ionomers.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of various surface treatments on the mechanical properties and antibacterial activity of desiccated glass-ionomer (GI) and resin-modified glass-ionomer (RMGI) materials. METHODS: One hundred GI and RMGI specimens were fabricated in a mold, stored in 100% humidity for 24h, placed in air to desiccate for 24h, and then stored for one week in one of the five media [casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), chlorhexidine (CHX), sodium fluoride (NaF), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), or 100% humidity (control)]. Fifty GI and RMGI specimens were tested in flexure to determine flexural strength and modulus, with the fragments used for Knoop hardness testing. The remaining 50 GI and RMGI specimens were covered with a suspension of Streptococcus mutans and incubated for 24h. The bacterial suspension was removed and the specimens were washed. Sterile saline was added, vortex mixed, serially diluted, and plated. CFU/mLs were calculated after 3days of incubation. RESULTS: Compared to the 100% humidity control group, surface treatment of the desiccated GI and RMGI materials had a variable effect on the mechanical properties. In general, NaF provided the greatest improvement in flexural strength and modulus. Surface treatment of the desiccated GI or RMGI specimens with CHX or CPC resulted in no growth of the S. mutans. NaF resulted in significantly lower CFU/mL than CPP-ACP, which was significantly lower than the control group. SIGNIFICANCE: Surface treatment with 5% NaF provides improved antimicrobial and strength properties of desiccated GI or RMGI materials.