In Vitro Cartilage Regeneration with a Three-Dimensional Polyglycolic Acid (PGA) Implant in a Bovine Cartilage Punch Model.

Resorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) chondrocyte grafts are clinically established for human articular cartilage defects. Long-term implant performance was addressed in a standardized in vitro model. PGA implants (+/- bovine chondrocytes) were placed inside cartilage rings punched out of bovine femoral trochleas (outer Ø 6 mm; inner defect Ø 2 mm) and cultured for 84 days (12 weeks). Cartilage/PGA hybrids were subsequently analyzed by histology (hematoxylin/eosin; safranin O), immunohistochemistry (aggrecan, collagens 1 and 2), protein assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions, and implant push-out force measurements. Cartilage/PGA hybrids remained vital with intact matrix until 12 weeks, limited loss of proteoglycans from "host" cartilage or cartilage-PGA interface, and progressively diminishing release of proteoglycans into the supernatant. By contrast, the collagen 2 content in cartilage and cartilage-PGA interface remained approximately constant during culture (with only little collagen 1). Both implants (+/- cells) displayed implant colonization and progressively increased aggrecan and collagen 2 mRNA, but significantly decreased push-out forces over time. Cell-loaded PGA showed significantly accelerated cell colonization and significantly extended deposition of aggrecan. Augmented chondrogenic differentiation in PGA and cartilage/PGA-interface for up to 84 days suggests initial cartilage regeneration. Due to the PGA resorbability, however, the model exhibits limitations in assessing the "lateral implant bonding".

Influence of different laser-assisted retrograde cavity preparation techniques on bond strength of bioceramic-based material to root dentine.

The purposes of the study were to evaluate the bond strength of bioceramic TotalFill root repair material (RRM) in retrograde cavities prepared using Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser and steel bur, and to analyze failure modes. The root canals of 30 single-rooted teeth were endodontically treated, their root-ends were resected using a diamond bur, and the teeth were randomly divided into three groups (N = 10) according to the retrograde cavity preparation technique: (1) Er:YAG laser, (2) Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and (3) steel bur. All retrograde cavities were filled with the TotalFill RRM which was prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions. Push-out test was performed using universal testing machine, and failure mode was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, post hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction, and Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test (p < 0.05). In the Er:YAG-, Er,Cr:YSGG-, and steel bur-prepared cavities, mean bond strengths (MPa) were 12.76, 8.44, and 6.01, respectively. The bond strength of the TotalFill RRM to dentin was significantly higher in the Er:YAG laser compared with the steel bur-prepared cavities (p = 0.004). The bond strength was not significantly different between the Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG cavities (p = 0.074) and between the Er,Cr:YSGG and bur cavities (p = 0.648). In the cavities prepared by the Er,Cr:YSGG laser and bur, the failure mode of the TotalFill RRM was predominantly mixed, then adhesive and cohesive. In the Er:YAG laser-prepared cavities, the most common failure mode was adhesive, followed by mixed type and no cohesive failure. The bond strength of the TotalFill RRM to dentin was highest in the group of retrograde cavities prepared by the Er:YAG laser.

Push-out bond strength of three different calcium silicate-based root-end filling materials after ultrasonic retrograde cavity preparation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of three calcium silicate-based root-end filling materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The root canals of 30 single-rooted teeth were endodontically treated; their root ends were resected and root-end cavities were prepared using ultrasonic tip. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups according to the material: (1) Micro-Mega mineral trioxide aggregate (MM-MTA), (2) Biodentine, and (3) TotalFill root repair material (RRM). Push-out test was performed using universal testing machine, and failure mode was analyzed by stereomicroscope. The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Man-Whitney post hoc tests. All p values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: TotalFill RRM exhibited significantly higher bond strength (12.69 MPa) than Biodentine (9.34 MPa, p = 0.023) and MM-MTA (7.89 MPa, p = 0.002). The difference between Biodentine and MM-MTA was not significant (p = 0.447). Mixed failures were the most noted in all three groups. MM-MTA had more adhesive failures than Biodentine and TotalFill, and no cohesive failures, but without statistical significance (p = 0.591). CONCLUSION: The bond strength was the highest for TotalFill RRM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In order to provide a persistent apical seal, root-end filling materials should resist dislodgement under static conditions, during function and operative procedures. TotalFill RRM exhibited higher bond strength to dentin than MM-MTA and Biodentine.

Effect of intracanal medicaments used in endodontic regeneration on the push-out bond strength of a calcium-phosphate-silicate-based cement to dentin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of various endodontic regeneration agents on the push-out bond strength of Endosequence Root Repair Material (ERRM) to root-canal dentin. METHODS: Fifty single-rooted human teeth were selected and instrumented to obtain a standard internal diameter of 1.5 mm. Specimens were randomly divided into four experimental groups and treated with an intracanal medicament [calcium hydroxide (CH), double antibiotic paste (DAP), triple antibiotic paste (TAP), TAP with amoxicillin (mTAP)] and a non-treated control group. Medicaments were removed after three weeks, and ERRM was applied to all specimens. The coronal portion of each root was then sliced into 2-mm-thick parallel transverse sections (2 slices per tooth, n=20 slices per group), and a push-out test was used to measure the bond strength of ERRM to dentin. Data were analyzed using Bonferroni-corrected Mann-Whitney tests, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The push-out bond strength of the CH group was significantly higher than that of the TAP, DAP and mTAP groups (p< 0.005). Furthermore, the bond strength of the control group was higher than the bond strength of both the DAP and mTAP groups. CONCLUSION: The use of CH in clinical practice may help improve the adhesion of ERRM to dentin.

An in vitro Comparison of Bond Strength of Different Sealers/Obturation Systems to Root Dentin Using the Push-Out Test at 2 Weeks and 3 Months after Obturation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the push-out bond strength and failure modes of different sealers/obturation systems to intraradicular dentin at 2 weeks and 3 months after obturation compared to AH Plus®/gutta-percha. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 root slices from 60 single-canal anterior teeth were prepared and assigned to 5 experimental groups (n = 36 in each group), designated as G1 (AH Plus®/gutta-percha), G2 (TotalFill BC™ sealer/BC-coated gutta-percha), G3 (TotalFill BC™ sealer/gutta-percha), G4 (EndoREZ® sealer/EndoREZ®-coated gutta-percha), and G5 (EndoREZ® sealer/gutta-percha). Push-out bond strengths of 18 root slices in each group were assessed at 2 weeks and the other 18 at 3 months after obturation using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. An independent t test was used to compare the mean push-out bond strength for each group at 2 weeks and 3 months after obturation. RESULTS: The mean push-out bond strengths of G4 and G5 were significantly lower than those of G1, G2, and G3 (p < 0.05) at both 2 weeks (G1: 1.46 ± 0.29 MPa, G2: 1.74 ± 0.43 MPa, G3: 1.74 ± 0.43 MPa, G4: 0.66 ± 0.31 MPa, G5: 0.74 ± 0.47 MPa) and 3 months after obturation (G1: 1.70 ± 1.05 MPa, G2: 3.69 ± 1.20 MPa, G3: 2.84 ± 0.83 MPa, G4: 0.14 ± 0.05 MPa, G5: 0.24 ± 0.10 MPa). The mean push-out bond strengths of G2 (3.69 ± 1.20 MPa) and G3 (2.84 ± 0.83 MPa) were higher at 3 months compared to 2 weeks after obturation (G2: 1.74 ± 0.43 MPa, G3: 1.33 ± 0.29 MPa). CONCLUSION: The TotalFill BC™ obturation system (G2) and the TotalFill BC™ sealer/gutta-percha (G3) showed comparable bond strength to AH Plus®. Their bond strength increased over time, whereas the EndoREZ® obturation system (G4) and EndoREZ sealer (G5) had low push-out bond strength which decreased over time.

The effect of sodium hypochlorite and resin cement systems on push-out bond strength of cemented fiber posts.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of different endodontic irrigant solutions and resin cement systems on the bond strength of cemented fiber posts. METHODS: Sixty human single-rooted anterior teeth were sectioned transversely at 2 mm incisal to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). The roots were treated endodontically, and teeth were distributed into six groups: group A, includes 5.25%NaOCl irrigant with MultiCore Flow Core Build-Up material; group B, includes 5.25%NaOCl irrigant with RelyX-Unicem Self-Adhesive Universal Resin Cement; group C, includes 2.5% NaOCl irrigant with MultiCore Flow; group D, includes 2.5%NaOCl irrigant with RelyX-Unicem; group E, includes NaCl, irrigant with MultiCore Flow; and group F, includes NaCl irrigant with RelyX-Unicem. Universal tapered fiber posts (No. 3 RelyX Fiber Post) were cemented, and roots were sectioned into cervical and apical segments. Samples were then subjected to a push-out bond strength test and failure modes were examined. RESULTS: The mean push-out bond strength for group D showed the highest mean value (20.07 MPa), while the lowest value was found in group A. There was a significant difference between groups with regard to the irrigants used (p<0.001), however, no significant difference was found between groups with regard to resin systems (p>0.05). The total mean push-out bond strength of the cervical segments was found to be significantly higher than the apical segments (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The irrigant solution have a clear influence on the push-out bond strength of the fiber posts regardless of the cement used. Both adhesive resin systems showed similar bonding strength.

Thermocompaction decreases long-term push-out bond strength of methacrylate-based sealers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term bond strengths to root dentin of Epiphany/Resilon and AH Plus/gutta-percha fillings, after using either lateral condensation or Tagger's hybrid thermomechanical compaction techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty human single-rooted teeth were used. The root canals were prepared by means of hand crown-down technique up to a #45 K-file and irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite was performed. Samples were randomly divided into eight (n=10) experimental groups divided according to filling material (gutta-percha/AH Plus and Resilon/Epiphany), obturation technique (Lateral compaction and Tagger's hybrid thermomechanical compaction) and storage time (24 h and 6 months). During storage, the samples were kept at 37°C and 100% humidity. After the two experimental periods, each root was sectioned perpendicular to its long axis into three serial slices and push-out tests were carried out using a universal testing machine. Statistical significant differences were set by ANOVA and Tuckey post-hoc (p<0.05). RESULTS: Using thermocompaction technique, the samples filled with Epiphany/Resilon decreased significantly the bond strength after a 6 months storage-period (p<0.05) and the ones filled with AH Plus/gutta-percha presented a tendency to lower values of the push-out test, although not statistically significant. For both materials, dentin bond strength of the specimens filled by means of lateral condensation remained stable throughout the experimental periods. CONCLUSION: Under the limitations of the current study, it can be concluded that the thermocompaction technique and the storage time can influence push-out bond strength when used with methacrylate-based sealers.

Effects of dentin surface treatments including Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with different intensities on the push-out bond strength of the glass fiber posts to root dentin.

OBJECTIVE: Intra-canal post systems are commonly used to restore root-filled teeth. Bond strengths of the posts can be affected by various surface treatments of the post or the dentin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dentin surface treatments including erbium-chromium; yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation with different intensities on the push-out bond strength of the glass fiber posts to root dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty single-rooted human maxillary incisors were filled and post spaces were prepared. After these procedures, the specimens were divided randomly into four groups according to the dentin surface treatments, as follows: (i) untreated surface (control), (ii) 1W Er,Cr:YSGG laser application, (iii) 2W Er,Cr:YSGG laser application and (iv) 3W Er,Cr:YSGG laser application. Then the posts were cemented into the root canals using dual-cured resin cement. Bonded specimens were cut into 1-mm-thick slices and push-out tests were performed using a universal testing device. All specimens were loaded until fracture and the failure modes were evaluated with a stereomicroscope at 32× magnification. Representative specimens were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA, Tukey and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: The bond strength values ranged from 3.22-4.68 MPa. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups, regardless of the different levels. The coronal and middle levels of the post space had significantly higher bond strength values compared with the apical level (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with different intensities did not increase the bond strength of the fiber posts to the root canal dentin walls.

Effect of two resin cements and two fiber post surface treatments on push-out bond strength between fiber post and root dentin.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of fiber post surface treatments on push-out bond strength between fiber post and root dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty bovine mandibular teeth (N=60) were sectioned (16 mm), prepared (12 mm), embedded with acrylic resin and then allocated into six groups (n=10): Gr1- Silane coupling agent (Sil)+Conventional resin cement AllC em (Al C); Gr2- Sil+Conventional resin cement RelyX ARC (ARC); Gr3- tribochemical silica coating (TBS)+AlC; Gr4- TBS+ARC; Gr5- No treatment (NT)+AlC; Gr6- NT+ ARC. Specimens were sectioned in four slices (2 mm) and submitted to push-out test. Fracture analyses were executed at x200. The values of the push-out bond strength were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Resincement did not affect the bond strength values (p=0.9674), fiber post surface treatment affected the push-out bond strength (p=0.0353), interaction between factors did not affected the values (p=0.338). Tukey test did not show differences between the groups. Adhesive failure between cement and dentin was predominantly. CONCLUSION: The fiber post surface treatment appears have no Influence on bond strength between fiber post and root dentin. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The tested fiber posts surface treatment appears do not Influence the fiber post bond behavior.

Assessment of anodized titanium implants bioactivity.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to create nanostructured surface titanium implants by anodic oxidation process aiming to bring out bioactivity and to assess the resultant bioactivity both in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An economic protocol was used to apply anodic spark discharge and create surface nanoporosities on grade II commercially pure titanium (cpTi). The in vitro investigation included morphology, surface chemical analysis, roughness and crystalline structure of titanium oxide (TiO2) film prepared. Assessment of the bioactivity was carried out by immersing the specimens in simulate body fluid (SBF) and investigating the surface-deposited layer. The in vivo investigation was conducted by surgically placing the anodized implants into rabbits tibia for different healing periods. Then biomechanical evaluation was performed to verify the effect of treatments on the interface resistance to shear force. Routine histological analysis was performed to evaluate the bone tissue reactions to anodized implants. RESULTS: Anodization of titanium implants produced morphological changes, raised the percentage of oxygen in the TiO2 layer, increased surface area and roughness of implants remarkably, and modified the crystallinity of the film. The in vitro assessments of bioactivity showed that a layer of calcium phosphate was precipitated on the titanium surfaces 7 days after soaking into SBF. The implant-bone interface resistance to shear force was enhanced at 2-week healing period. This was confirmed by histological findings. CONCLUSION: Nanostructured surface titanium implants could be prepared by anodic oxidation with resultant accelerated bioactivity that may be recommended for early loading.

Shear Mechanism of a Novel SFCBs-Reinforced Composite Shear Connector: Experimental, Theoretical Investigations and Numerical Model.

Traditional stud and perfobond leiste (PBL) shear connectors are commonly used as load-transferring components in steel-concrete composite structures. Composite shear connectors fully utilize the advantages of traditional stud and PBL shear connectors. In order to maximize the advantages of composite shear connectors, a novel shear connector for complex environments was proposed. The steel-FRP composite bars (SFCBs) with excellent fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance were introduced to replace the steel bars. This study discussed the failure modes, load-slip curves, and load-strain curves of the composite shear connector. In addition, a finite element analysis (FEA) model was developed to analyze the influence of various factors on its shear behavior. Results showed that compared with traditional composite shear connectors, the introduction of SFCB resulted in a promotion of 7.85% in shear stiffness, and it also led to a significant increase of 63.61% in ductility, further enhancing the mechanical performance. Meanwhile, FEA models were well fitted to the test results, and parametric analysis showed variate effects on shear bearing capacity. In the end, an equation was established to calculate the shear capacity of composite shear connectors, which could provide a reference for further research and engineering applications.

Effect of Laser Treatment of Root Dentine on Retention of Dental Fiber Post in Endodontically Treated Teeth: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: The most common causes of fiber post-failure are inadequate restorations and dislodgement. This study aimed to evaluate fiber post-bond strength to dentin following Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation. Methods: A total of 65 human mandibular premolars with single roots were included. The 14 mm root length was instrumented with the rotary system using the crown-down technique. Gutta-percha was used for obturation, followed by conventional post space preparation. The samples were divided into two major groups: control (A) and Er,Cr:YSGG (2780 nm) laser group (B). The laser group was subdivided into (B1) 1.25 W, (B2) 1.5 W, and (B3) 1.75 W. All laser groups were set at 20 Hz, 10% and 30% water/air ratio. Fiber posts were cemented with selfadhesive cement. Each sample was divided horizontally into two slices, coronal and apical. The universal testing equipment was used to conduct a push-out test. All groups were examined by SEM and temperature changes. The statistical analysis was performed by using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. Results: SEM images of all laser groups revealed the elimination of the smear layer and opened dentinal tubules, which was particularly noticeable in the apical region with no thermal risk to the periodontal tissue. In the push-out test, all laser groups had highly significant (P<0.001) increases in the bond strength of fiber post to dentin. The failure mode of the control group was a predominantly adhesive failure, whereas the laser groups were a predominantly mixed type. Conclusion: The three laser protocols can be used safely in the surface treatment of the fiber post space of endodontically treated teeth. Laser help to increase the bond strength of fiber post to dentin, especially in the apical area.

Effects of Etching Time and Ethanol Wet Bonding on Bond Strength and Metalloproteinase Activity in Radicular Dentin.

(1) Background: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the impact of different etching times and ethanol pre-treatments on the immediate bond strength of a hydrophilic multi-mode universal adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick, Kuraray, UBQ) and on the consequent gelatinolytic activity of metalloproteinases (MMPs) on radicular dentin. (2) Methods: Sixty single-root teeth were selected and divided into four groups according to the adhesive protocol applied for fiber post cementation: (G1) 15 s H3PO4 application + UBQ; (G2) 30 s H3PO4 application + UBQ; (G3) 15 s H3PO4 application + ethanol pre-treatment + UBQ; (G4) 30 s H3PO4 + ethanol pre-treatment + UBQ. After adhesive procedures, fiber posts were luted into the post space with a dual-curing cement (DC Core, Kuraray) and light-cured for 40 s. To perform the push-out test and nanoleakage analyses for both coronal end apical areas, 1 mm slices were prepared, following a 24 h storage period in artificial saliva. Additionally, an in situ zymographic assay was conducted to explore endogenous MMP activity within the radicular layer. Results were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. (3) Result: ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in push-out bond strength related to the pre-treatment variable but did not highlight any significance of etching time. Specimens pre-treated with ethanol wet bond application showed higher bond strength (p < 0.01). In situ zymography quantification analyses revealed that all tested groups, independently of etching time end ethanol pre-treatment, activated MMP gelatinolytic activity. A significant increase in MMP activity was detected for the 30 s etching time. However, ETOH pre-treatment significantly reduced MMP activity within the adhesive interface (p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: The tested adhesive showed similar results regardless of the etching time protocol. The gelatinolytic activity of MMPs was observed in all the groups. Further investigations and extended follow-ups are required to validate the results of the present study in vivo.

"Effect of Heat Generated by Endodontic Obturation Techniques on Bond Strength of Bioceramic Sealers to Dentine".

INTRODUCTION: Gutta-percha combined with an endodontic sealer remains the most widely used obturation technique. Bioceramic sealers (BS) were developed for root canal obturation in combination with gutta-percha cones using the cold single-cone technique. Few studies have assessed the effect of thermal treatment on the performance of BS. The present study evaluated the effect of heat on BS adhesion to root dentine in the apical third of the root canal of extracted human lower premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three BS combined with a hydraulic condensation technique, a warm vertical compaction technique, and a carrier-based technique were evaluated. Sixty three lower premolars were prepared following the same surgical protocol to standardize root canal shape at the level of the apex, randomly assigned to one of nine groups, and obturated accordingly. One millimeter-thick sections were subjected to a push-out test using a universal testing machine and classified according to mode of failure. Two-way ANOVA was applied using SPSS software (IBM Corp). RESULTS: No significant differences in maximum load or failure mode were observed among BS, techniques, or when considering the interaction between sealers and techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The heat generated by the obturation techniques used here did not affect BS adhesion to the dentinal wall.

Adhesion of individually formed fiber post adhesively luted with flowable short fiber composite.

This laboratory study aimed to measure the push-out bond strength of individually formed fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post luted with flowable short fiber-reinforced composite (SFRC) and to evaluate the influence of post coating with light-cured adhesive. Post spaces (Ø 1.7 mm) were drilled into 20 single-rooted decoronated premolar teeth. Post spaces were etched and treated with light-cured universal adhesive (G-Premio Bond). Individually formed FRC posts (Ø 1.5 mm, everStick) were luted either with light-cured SFRC (everX Flow) or conventional particulate-filled (PFC) dual-cure luting cement (G-CEM LinkForce). Half of the posts from each group were treated with dimethacrylate adhesive resin (Stick Resin) for 5 min before luting. After storage in water for two days, the roots were sectioned into 2 mm thick disks (n = 10/per group). Then, a push-out test-setup was used in a universal testing machine to measure the bond strength between post and dentin. The interface between post and SFRC was inspected using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance ANOVA (p = .05). Higher bond strength values (p < .05) were obtained when flowable SFRC was used as a post luting material. Resin coating of a post showed no significant effect (p > .05) on bond strength values. Light microscope images showed the ability of discontinuous short fibers in SFRC to penetrate into FRC posts. The use of flowable SFRC as luting material with individually formed FRC posts proved to be a promising method to improve the interface adhesion.

Dentinal Tubule Penetrability and Bond Strength of Two Novel Calcium Silicate-Based Root Canal Sealers.

BACKGROUND: Once the chemo-mechanical preparation of root canals is finished, achieving a complete seal of the root canal system becomes crucial in determining the long-term success of endodontic treatment. The important goals of root canal obturation are to minimize leakage and achieve an adequate seal. Thus, a material that possesses satisfactory mechanical characteristics, is biocompatible, and has the ability to penetrate the dentine tubules adequately is needed. AIM: This study aimed to compare the penetrability and bond strength between two calcium silicate-based sealers and an epoxy resin-based sealer, as well as examine the relationship between penetrability and bond strength for the different sealers. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Thirty-nine recently extracted single-rooted human premolar teeth were instrumented and divided evenly into three groups (n = 13), according to the sealer used for obturation: AH Plus Jet, EndoSequence, and AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer. Three teeth (30 slices) were randomly selected out of each for analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy to assess penetrability. The remaining ten teeth (90 slices) in each group were subject to push-out tests using a universal testing machine. All teeth were sectioned into nine transverse slices of 0.9 mm thickness for their respective tests (apical, middle, coronal). RESULTS: AH Plus Jet exhibited significantly lower penetrability and significantly higher bond strength compared to EndoSequence BC sealer (p = 0.002) and AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference between EndoSequence BC sealer and AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer in terms of either penetrability or bond strength. No correlation was found between penetrability and bond strength. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this study and regardless of the location in the canal, the bioceramic based root canal sealers appeared to perform better than the epoxy resin-based sealer in terms of dentinal penetration rate. Further studies are required to compare other biomechanical properties of bioceramic sealers including setting characteristics and bacterial leakage.

Canal Drying Protocols to Use with Calcium Silicate-based Sealer: Effect on Bond Strength and Adhesive Interface.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence on bond strength and interface quality of different canal drying protocols in roots filled with Bio-C Sealer (BCS; Angelus, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil). METHODS: Ninety-six roots of upper canines were prepared with an R50 file (Reciproc; VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) and irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA under ultrasonic agitation. Roots were divided according to the drying protocol as follows: dry, the White Mac tip (Ultradent, Indaiatuba, SP, Brazil) for 5 seconds followed by aspiration with a capillary tip for 5 seconds and paper points; slightly moist, the White Mac tip followed by capillary aspiration without paper points; wet, the White Mac tip followed by a single paper point. The roots were filled with BCS or AH Plus (AHP; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) (n = 16) and sectioned for the push-out test after 3 months. Failure modes were assessed, and the interface morphology was analyzed under scanning electron microscopy. After 6 months, the other half of the roots were evaluated. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance/Tukey test at 5%. The chi-square test was used in the failure analysis and the Kruskal-Wallis/Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner for interface analysis. RESULTS: The AHP-filled roots had the highest bond strength when the canal was dried (P < .05). No difference was found for periods (P > .05). For BCS, the highest bond strength was found in the slightly moist canals (P < .05). A predominance of adhesive failures was observed. The dried canals filled with AHP had the highest percentage of good adaptation, whereas BCS had no difference. CONCLUSIONS: The best drying protocol for AHP is using the White Mac tip followed by capillary tip aspiration and paper points until complete dryness, and for BCS, it is using the White Mac tip followed by capillary aspiration without paper points.

Experimental Investigation on Interface Performance of UHPC-Strengthened NC Structure through Push-Out Tests.

Strengthening concrete structures with ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) can both improve the bearing capacity of the original normal concrete (NC) structure and prolong the service life of the structure due to the high strength and durability of UHPC. The key to the synergistic work of the UHPC-strengthened layer and the original NC structures lies in the reliable bonding of their interfaces. In this research study, the shear performance of the UHPC-NC interface was investigated by the direct shear (push-out test) test method. The effects of different interface preparation methods (smoothing, chiseling, and planting straight and hooked rebars) and different aspect ratios of planted rebars on the failure mode and shear performance of the pushed-out specimens were studied. Seven groups of push-out specimens were tested. The results show that the interface preparation method can significantly affect the failure mode of the UHPC-NC interface, which is specifically divided into interface failure, planted rebar pull-out, and NC shear failure. The critical aspect ratio for the pull-out or anchorage of planted rebars in UHPC is around 2. The interface shear strength of straight-planted rebar interface preparation is significantly improved compared with that of the chiseled and smoothened interfaces, and as the embedding length of the planted rebar becomes longer, it first increases greatly and then tends to be stable when the rebar planted in UHPC is fully anchored. The shear stiffness of UHPC-NC increases with the increase of the aspect ratio of planted rebars. A design recommendation based on the experimental results is proposed. This research study supplements the theoretical basis of the interface design of UHPC-strengthened NC structures.

Effect of different irrigating solutions and endodontic sealers on bond strength of the dentin-post interface with and without defects.

AIMS: To investigate how the interfacial shear strength of the dentin-post interface with and without defects changes for different combinations irrigant/sealer. METHODS: In forty human decoronated and instrumented teeth, fibreglass posts were inserted. The obtained root segments were randomly assigned to four different groups according to the irrigant adopted and the cement used to seal the root canal. The root segments were processed for metyl-methacrylate embedding. Serial sections were obtained and submitted to histomorphometric analyses in order to observe any defect of adhesion at the dentin-post interface and to measure the defects' dimension. The serial sections were also submitted to micro-push-out test. The measured shear strength values were subjected to statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA. The values of bond strength determined for the defective samples were correlated with the dimension of the defects. Finite element models were built to interpret and corroborate the experimental findings. RESULTS: ANOVA showed that the generic combination irrigant/sealer does not affect the interfacial shear strength values. The bond strength of the samples without defects was averagely twice as large as that of the defective samples. The defects occupying more than 12% of the total transverse section area of the endodontic cement layer led to a reduction of the bond strength of about 70%. The predictions of the finite element models were in agreement with the experimental results. CONCLUSION: Defects occupying less than 2% of the total transverse section area of the cement layer were shown to be acceptable as they have rather negligible effects on the shear strength values. Technologies/protocols should be developed to minimize the number and the size of the defects.

Does the bonding effectiveness of a fiber post/resin composite benefit from mechanical or chemical treatment? Seven methods for saliva-contaminated surfaces.

PURPOSE: This study examined four cleaning methods and three chemical treatments for artificial saliva-contaminated fiber posts in terms of bonding durability to resin composite core materials. METHODS: Non-contaminated fiber posts (Tokuyama FR Post, Tokuyama Dental) and those contaminated (GC Fiber Post, GC) with artificial saliva (Saliveht Aerosol, Teijin Pharma) were used. Washing and drying (WD), alcohol cleaning (AlC), H3PO4 etching (P/WD), alumina blasting (B/D) for decontamination and silanization (Clearfil Ceramic Primer Plus, Kuraray Noritake Dental, Si), resin priming (HC Primer, Shofu, MMA), and bonding resin application (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick, Kuraray Noritake Dental, BR) for chemical treatment were performed. The treated fiber post was planted inside a cylindrical tube and filled with resin composite (DC Core Automix ONE, Kuraray Noritake Dental). The specimen was sectioned, and a push-out test was performed after 24 h, 1 month, and 3 months. The fracture surface was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: Adhesion between the non-contaminated fiber post and resin composite did not improve by silanization and decreased by alumina blasting. SEM observations revealed a fractured glass fiber by alumina blasting. Saliva contamination decreased the bond strength between the fiber post and resin composite; however, recovery was achieved by WD, Alc, P/WD, and B/D. Compared to Si, BR (P = 0.009) was effective in restraining the long-term durability of bonding, whereas MMA (P = 0.99) was not. CONCLUSION: The application of bonding resin after alcohol cleaning is the most convenient and effective clinical procedure for fiber post surface treatment.