Influence of the geometry of the screwdriver-screw connection on the reverse torque of UCLA screws.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the geometry of the screwdriver-screw connection on the reverse torque of UCLA screws after repeated cycles of tightening and loosening in an implant-supported prosthesis. Thirty sets of external hex titanium implants, UCLA abutments, and UCLA abutment screws were divided into 3 experimental groups (n = 10). In the square group, the implant and UCLA abutment system were mounted in an upright position using a screw with a square screwdriver-screw connection. In the hexagonal group, the implant and UCLA abutment system were mounted in an upright position using a screw with a hexagonal screwdriver-screw connection. In the hexalobular group, the implant and UCLA abutment system were mounted at 70° using a dynamic UCLA abutment and screw with a hexalobular screwdriver-screw connection. Ten alternating torque-reverse torque cycles were applied to each screw using a screwdriver fixed at the end of a digital torque meter. The screws with a square connection resulted in less loss of reverse torque than the other types. Screws with a hexagonal connection showed a statistically significant loss of torque initially but remained constant for the remaining cycles. For the screws with a hexalobular connection, the loss of torque was greater, and substantial deformation of the plastic in the microstructure was noted. The screwdriver-screw connection geometry had a direct influence on the reverse torque of UCLA screws, and the initial reverse torque of the abutment screws with a square connection was greater than that of the hexagonal and hexalobular designs.

Pattern of Disinfection of Root Canal Dentin by Alternated Acid-Base Irrigating Regimen.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify Enterococcus faecalis density in root canal dentin after chemomechanical preparation (CMP) using alternated irrigating regimen. METHODOLOGY: Root canals (RC) were contaminated with E. faecalis (ATCC 19433) for 3 weeks and evident biofilms were obtained. After initial sampling (S1), the CMP was aided by irrigants: saline solution (control; n=12), a conventional regimen (CR) (group 1; n=12) using 5.25% NaOCl and a final rinse with 17% EDTA, and an alternating regimen (AR) of intercalated use of NaOCl and EDTA (group 2, n=12), followed by a second sampling (S2). After 2 weeks, S3 was obtained. Two roots were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Each root was divided into cervical, mild, and apical segments and sampling of the superficial (n=90) and deep (n=90) dentin layers was obtained using Gates-Glidden burs. The E. faecalis density (CFU/mg) in log10 was categorized as residual (0 > 0.2), moderate (0.2 ≥ 0.5), or elevated (> 0.5). The prevalence of positive samples in BHI and BHI-A was analyzed by Pearson's chi-square test. The data were normalized by a log10 transformation of CFU and were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. RESULTS: Biofilms were observed only in the control root canal walls. Topographically, the controls and CR showed similar distributions of E. faecalis in the dentin. Microbiologically positive root canals harbored much E. faecalis in the adjacent dentin (p < 0.05). Irrigating saline provided moderate density of E. faecalis in the dentin while CR and AR resulted in a residual density of microorganisms (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Enterococcus faecalis density in dentin was influenced by the irrigating regimen and the microbiological status of the root canal. The CMP aided by the alternating regimen interfered with the recolonization of the root canal and topographic distribution of Enterococcus in root dentin.

Effect of different endodontic sealers and time of cementation on push-out bond strength of fiber posts.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of different endodontic sealers (epoxy resin, eugenol, and bioceramic/calcium silicate-based) and the time of cementation (immediately or 7 days after canal obturation) on the bond strength of a fiberglass post cemented with RelyX™ ARC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-four premolars were instrumented and divided into groups (n = 12) according to the sealer and the time of post cementation: Endofill (EN), Endosequence BC Sealer (BC), and AH Plus (AH) had immediately fiber post cementation; EN7, BC7, and AH7 had post cementation after 7 days; and control group (C) had fiber post cementation without endodontic sealer. Each post space of the root was cut into slices and submitted to push-out test. Failure mode was assessed. Two-way ANOVA, Tukey's, and Dunnett's tests were used for statistical analysis (α = 5%). RESULTS: The type of endodontic sealer (p < 0.001), the time of post cementation (p = 0.038), and the interaction sealer time (p = 0.002) had negative influence on bond strength of fiberglass posts cemented with RelyX™ ARC. AH promoted the highest bond strength mean values (21.20 MPa immediately and 15.54 MPa at 7 days). EN (9.75 MPa immediately and 13.15 MPa at 7 days) and BC (10.43 MPa immediately and 5.73 MPa at 7 days) had lower bond strength than AH, regardless the time of cementation. CONCLUSIONS: AH was the best sealer to obturate the root canal when fiberglass cementation with resin-based cement is planned. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The correct choice of an endodontic sealer and the adequate time of post cementation may avoid post dislocation caused by low bond strength to dentin.

Clinical Efficiency of Two Sequences of Orthodontic Wires to Correct Crowding of the Lower Anterior Teeth.

This study compared time to correction of mandibular anterior crowding using two arch wire sequences, one with conventional nickel-titanium (NiTi) arch wires and the other with conventional and NiTi heat-activated arch wires. Twenty-two boys and girls (mean age: 16.68 ± 2.66) with moderate crowding (3-6 mm) were assigned randomly to one of two groups and followed up for five months (six assessments) when arch wires were changed. Time to crowding correction was analyzed statistically using the Kaplan-Meier method. Data were collected during the five-month follow-up, and time to correction was compared between groups using the log rank test. At the end of follow-up, mandibular crowding was corrected in 100% of the cases in the group treated with the sequence that included NiTi heat-activated arch wires, whereas about 30% of those treated with NiTi arch wires were not completely corrected. There was a significant difference in time to complete treatment between groups (log rank = 5.996; p < 0.05). In the group treated with the sequence that included heat-activated wires, alignment and leveling of mandibular anterior teeth were completed earlier than in the group treated only with conventional NiTi arch wires. Clinical trial registration is found at RBR-7g5zng.

In vitro evaluation of proximal carious lesions using digital radiographic systems.

The study aimed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of digital radiographic systems for the diagnosis of proximal carious lesions. Extracted human teeth (3 canines, 3 premolars, and 3 molars) were submitted to one of three types of proximal lesions (demineralized area, cavity affecting the enamel alone, and cavity affecting enamel and dentin). Bitewing radiographs were obtained from each system (Sirona, Kodak, and Schick) and evaluated by 12 raters (4 dental students, 4 radiology specialists, and 4 dentists). The chi-squared test was used to determine the frequency of correct diagnoses among the different systems, raters, teeth, and types of lesion. Sensitivity and specificity regarding demineralized areas were calculated for each system. The frequencies of correct diagnoses were found: Schick (70.8%), Kodak (63.9%), Sirona (59.0%), specialists (69.4%), students (62.5%), dentists (61.8%), premolars (70.1%), canines (65.3%), and molars (58.3%). No significant differences were found among the different systems, raters, or teeth (P > 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity were 0.64 and 0.47 (Schick), 0.56 and 0.50 (Sirona), and 0.48 and 0.58 (Kodak). The most correct diagnoses were achieved using the Schick digital system on premolars and evaluated by specialists in radiology. The systems demonstrated low sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of demineralized areas.

Shaping Ability of Reciproc, UnicOne, and Protaper Universal in Simulated Root Canals.

The study aimed to compare the shaping effects, preservation of the original curvature, and transportation of the apical foramen of Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany), UnicOne (Medin, Nové Mesto na Morave, Czech Republic), and Protaper Universal (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) in simulated root canals. Thirty resin blocks with simulated curved root canals were distributed into three groups (n = 10), and prepared using Reciproc (RCp), UnicOne (UnO) and the Protaper Universal (PTu). Standardized photographs were taken before and after the instrumentation, after which they were superimposed. Measurements were taken of the quantity of resin removed from the inner and outer walls of the curvature at 6 levels, the curvature angles before and after instrumentation, and the transportation of the apical foramen. RCp obtained the highest values for amount of resin removed from the inner wall while UnO demonstrated similar shaping on both the inner and outer walls. PTu produced the greatest transportation of foramen when compared to the reciprocating instruments. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the change in angle (P > 0.05). All the instruments were capable of maintaining the original curvature of the root canal; however, the UnO, which used reciprocating movement, produced more conservative shapes with lower foramen transportation.

Effectiveness of Oral Antiseptics on Tooth Biofilm: A Study in vivo.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of five different mouthwashes through measurement of the plaque index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty subjects took part in this blind study, randomized into blocks of five groups according to the active ingredient of the mouthwash: CHX group (0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate), essential oils (EO) group, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) group, Tri group (triclosan) and Hamamelis virginiana (HV) group. All subjects were evaluated for a reduction in the bacterial plaque index at 7, 14 and 21 days. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the mean plaque index during the period of evaluation (p < 0.01), and the reduction during the period of evaluation was different between mouthwashes (p < 0.01). The reduction in the plaque index at the end of 21 days was, in decreasing order, CHX > EO > CPC > Tri > HV. CONCLUSION: The reduction in the plaque index during the period of evaluation was different between the types of mouth-wash. The mouthwash containing the active ingredient chlorhexidine was the most effective, followed by the essential oil, cetylpyridinium chloride, triclosan and H. virginiana.

The efficacy of 2 different doses of dexamethasone to control postoperative swelling, trismus, and pain after third molar extractions.

This article addresses the effect of 2 different concentrations (4 and 12 mg) of dexamethasone to control pain, swelling, and trismus after third molar surgery. A clinical study was conducted with 27 male and female patients, all presenting with bilaterally displaced mandibular third molars. The treatment protocol required a surgical removal of each tooth in 2 separate operations. The patients were given a preoperative dose of dexamethasone-4 mg for one surgery, 12 mg for the other. The choice of which side would be operated on first and which dose of dexamethasone would be taken was performed randomly, under double-blind conditions. The trismus was assessed by measuring the interincisal distance. Pain intensity was measured both by the amount of painkillers (acetaminophen 750 mg) taken postsurgery and by the Visual Analogue Pain Scale. Data were collected 1 hour preoperative, then at 24 and 48 hours postoperative. A statistical analysis (student's t, Wilcoxon and Friedman tests) of the results showed no significant differences (α = 0.05) between the analyzed variables for the 2 doses of dexamethasone (4 and 12 mg).

Atraumatic extraction, implant placement and immediate provisionalization.

Front tooth extraction typically results in significant loss of hard and soft tissue volume, both in the vestibular-lingual and mesiodistal directions. As these changes can compromise the esthetic results of prosthetic rehabilitation, extraction techniques that cause minimal trauma to the remnant tissues are applied in combination with immediate implant placement to minimize such alterations. The case reported in the present article illustrates a therapeutic plan consisting of atraumatic extraction followed by immediate implant placement and provisionalization. When carefully indicated and planned, our results indicate that this technique may provide promising immediate results relative to the maintenance and stability of the peri-implanted tissues.

Filling Material Bond Strength to Dentin Is Positively Influenced by the Agitation of Endodontic Final Irrigating Solutions.

Introduction: The final step of irrigation has been considered to of increase the bonding strength of filling material to dentin. This study investigated the impact of three final-step irrigation methods on the endodontic sealer bond strength to dentin by using a micro push-out test. Materials and Methods: Palatal roots of human maxillary molars were cleaned and shaped and randomly divided in six groups (n=15) according to the final-step irrigation method and the type of root canal sealer used. The solutions used for the final-step irrigation were 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, which underwent three methods: 1) syringe-needle irrigation/conventional, 2) passive ultrasonic irrigation, and 3) XP-endo Finisher agitation. The root canal sealers used were: EndoSequence BC Sealer, and AH-Plus sealer. Roots were obturated with the single cone technique and then, cross-sectioned in 2-mm-thick slices (3 slices from each root). Push-out test was performed on the sliced specimens (cervical, middle, and apical thirds) with a universal testing machine. Bond strength values were recorded in megapascal (MPa). Subsequently, each specimen was longitudinally split to verify the type of failure. Data analysis was performed using Johnson transformation, three-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post-hoc tests, and the partial Eta squared test. Results: There were significant differences in bond strength between the sealers [AH: 4.46±2.24 and BC: 3.47±2.19 MPa (P<0.001)]; between final-step irrigation methods [passive ultrasonic irrigation: 4.52±2.25, XP-endo Finisher: 3.93±3.93 and syringe-needle irrigation/conventional: 3.37±2.51 MPa (P<0.001)], and between the root canal thirds represented by the sliced specimens [cervical: 5.45±2.39, middle: 4.14±1.99 and apical: 2.30±1.30 MPa (P<0.001)]. The interaction between the variables had no significance (P>0.05). Conclusion: Agitation of the final irrigating solution may improve the bonding of the sealer to canal walls. AH-Plus sealer had the highest bond strength. The bond strength reduced significantly towards the apical third.

One-year follow-up of microscopical and clinical behavior of bioactive self-etching resin sealant.

Background: The development of early carious lesions can be prevented with the use of sealants. This study aimed to evaluate the retention and sealant quality of conventional and bioactive self-etching sealants by direct (clinical) and indirect (microscopical) assessment. Materials and Methods: Sixty newly erupted mandibular second molars (International Caries Detection and Assessment System ≤2) from adolescents were selected for the split-mouth trial study. The tooth was randomized and treated with conventional Fluoroshield (FS) and BeautiSealant (BS) bioactive self-etching sealants. Molds were taken and cast with epoxy resin after treatment. Indirect and direct assessments of retention degree and sealant remnant quality were performed after baseline, 1 month, and 1 year. The Chi-square test, ordinal regression, reasons of chance, and Fleiss' kappa statistical test were employed. Results: After 1 month, greater total retention was observed for FS, but 1-year follow-up demonstrated no retention difference for FS and BS. The odds ratios showed an 86% greater chance of FS showing better marginal adaptation, after 1 month. At 1 year, the clinical assessment showed better anatomical shape and marginal adaptation scores for FS, but no microscopical difference was observed. A pour agreement between clinical and microscopical data was observed. Conclusions: The 1-year follow-up showed no significant difference in the degree of retention, and in the microscopic evaluation of the conventional sealant (FS) and the bioactive self-etching sealant (BS), but in the clinical evaluation, better marginal and anatomical adaptation scores for FS were observed.

Effect of Bioactive Filler Addition on the Mechanical and Biological Properties of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer.

The maintenance of affected dentin can promote the greater conservation of tooth structure. The development of materials that have properties capable of reducing the demineralizing potential and/or even helping in dental remineralization is important for conservative dentistry. This study aimed to evaluate, in vitro, the alkalizing potential, fluoride as well as calcium ion release ability, antimicrobial activity, and dentin remineralization properties of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) incorporated with a bioactive filler (niobium phosphate (NbG) and bioglass (45S5)). The study samples were grouped into RMGIC, NbG, and 45S5. The materials' alkalizing potential, ability to release calcium as well as fluoride ions, and antimicrobial properties concerning Streptococcus mutans UA159 biofilms were analyzed. The remineralization potential was evaluated using the Knoop microhardness test, which was performed at different depths. The alkalizing and fluoride release potential was higher for the 45S5 group (p < 0.001) over time. An increase in the microhardness of demineralized dentin was observed in the 45S5 and NbG groups (p < 0.001). No differences in biofilm formation were observed between the bioactive materials, although 45S5 exhibited lower biofilm acidogenicity at different time points (p < 0.001) and greater calcium ion release in the microbial environment. A resin-modified glass ionomer cement enriched with bioactive glasses, particularly 45S5, is a promising alternative for the treatment of demineralized dentin.

Tissue repair capacity of bioceramic endodontic sealers in rat subcutaneous tissue.

This study aimed to evaluate the tissue repair capacity of four bioceramic endodontic sealers by quantifying type I and III collagen fibers. The following sealers were tested: EndoSequence BC Sealer (Brasseler, Brasseler, Savannah, USA), Bio C Sealer (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil), Bioroot RCS (Septodont, Santa Catarina, Brazil), and Sealer Plus BC (MKLife, Porto Alegre, Brazil). Polyethylene tubes 1.5 mm in diameter and 1 cm in length containing the endodontic sealers were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of five rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar lineage). After 14 days, the animals were euthanized, and collagen fibers were quantified from the histological tissue sections. Given a non-normal distribution of the data, a gamma regression with log link function was employed and implemented through the generalized linear models module, was used to test whether there was a significant difference between the sealers. The pairwise comparison was performed using Least significant difference. There were significant differences between the sealers for type I (p=0.001), type III (p=0.023), and total collagen (p=0.002). Overall, Bioroot sealer was statistically superior to the other sealers, except in the analysis of type III collagen, in which there was no difference between the Bioroot sealer and Bio C Sealer sealer and the control group (p>0.05). Bioroot RCS bioceramic endodontic sealer stimulates a greater production of collagen.

The impact of post preparation on the residual dentin thickness of maxillary molars.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The oval-shaped palatal roots of maxillary molars usually have smaller cross-sectional diameter in the buccolingual direction. However, the effect of parallel-sided post preparation on the remaining dentin thickness of root canal walls is unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate, in vitro, the residual dentin thickness (RDT) of palatal roots in maxillary molars after various intracanal procedures for post placement, and to determine the risk of root canal perforation or weakening on different root canal walls at 2 levels, coronal and apical. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen extracted first maxillary molars exhibiting radiographic mesiodistal root canal widths ranging from 3.8 to 4.2 mm, measured at 5 mm from the apex, were selected from a pool of teeth. The teeth were horizontally sectioned at 2 levels, coronal and apical, after being embedded in acrylic resin with the aid of a metal index, allowing identical repositioning of the sectioned parts throughout the study. Each sectioned surface was photographed with a digital camera coupled to a microscope. The palatal roots were subsequently prepared for post placement as follows: endodontic preparation up to file K50, Largo 3 and 4 drills, and ParaPost 4.5 and 5.0. Cross-sections were rephotographed after each step. Image J software was used to measure the RDT of each root wall at both levels, and data were further analyzed with a 3-way ANOVA/General Linear Model (GLM) for repeated measures. The post-hoc Tukey's range test was used to calculate differences in RDT among the 4 root walls at each root level (α=.05). RESULTS: A significant difference was observed among the intracanal procedures (P<.001). At the apical level, RDT was significantly lower after ParaPost preparation than at the coronal level (P=.009). Buccal and palatal walls displayed significantly lower RDT than the mesial and distal walls at both levels (P=.004). CONCLUSIONS: Intracanal preparation up to ParaPost 5.0 increased the risk of perforation or weakening of the buccal and palatal walls, especially at the apical level.

Clinical effects of the exposure to red wine during at-home bleaching.

OBJECTIVES: This clinical trial evaluated the effects of red wine exposure on the effectiveness of at-home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide, degree of tooth sensitivity, and levels of periodontal inflammatory markers. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Eighty participants were assigned to two groups, namely, those who drank red wine (experimental group), and those who did not drink red wine (control group). The experimental group participants rinsed their mouths with 25 mL of red wine four times a day during the bleaching period. Shade evaluation was assessed visually by using the Vita Classical and Vita Easyshade techniques. Tooth sensitivity was evaluated by the numeric and visual analog scales, and the salivary and gingival crevicular fluids were collected for assessment of nitric oxide (NO) levels, a marker of inflammation. Differences in color change were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The absolute risks of tooth sensitivity were compared by the Fisher exact test. Tooth sensitivity intensity data sets for both the visual analog scale and the numeric rating scale were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test (α = .05). Repeated measures and two-way ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni test were used to assess time-course and differences between groups in NO production. RESULTS: The bleaching technique was effective regardless of wine consumption (P > .05). Tooth sensitivity was classified as mild, with no differences between groups (P > .05). Red wine reduced both the gingival crevicular fluid and salivary levels of NO (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Red wine does not interfere with the effectiveness and sensitivity of at-home teeth bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide and protects against bleaching-induced inflammation.

Effects of Exposure to Cola-Based Soft Drink on Bleaching Effectiveness and Tooth Sensitivity of In-Office Bleaching: A Blind Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this single-blind (evaluators) and parallel design study was to evaluate whether exposure to a cola-based soft drink during bleaching treatment with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) affects color change and bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with central incisors darker than A2 were selected. Participants who did not drink cola-based soft drinks were assigned to the control group (CG), while participants who drank a cola-based soft drink at least twice a day were assigned to the experimental group (EG). For the CG, foods with staining dyes were restricted. For the EG, there was no restriction on food and patients were asked to rinse their mouths with a cola-based soft drink for 30 s, 4 times daily. For both groups, 2 sessions with three 15 min applications of 35% HP were performed. Shade evaluation was assessed via subjective (VITA classical and VITA bleacheguide shade guides) and objective methods (Easyshade spectrophotometer) at baseline, during bleaching (first, second, and third weeks), and post bleaching (1 week and 1 month). Patients recorded their sensitivity perceptions using a numerical rating scale and 0-10 visual analog scales. Variation in shade guide units and the 2 colors (DE) were evaluated with a Student's t-test (α = 0.05) and Mann-Whitney test (α = 0.05). Absolute risk of tooth sensitivity and intensity of tooth sensitivity were evaluated by a Chi-square test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Effective bleaching was observed for both groups after 30 days, without statistical difference (p > 0.08). There was no significant difference in absolute risk of bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity between the 2 groups (p = 0.74). Higher and significant scores in pain scales were detected for the EG in comparison to the CG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Even that the cola-based soft drink exposure during in-office bleaching treatments did not affect the bleaching's effectiveness; patients reported a higher intensity in bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity.

Correlation between the Periapical Index and Lesion Volume in Cone-beam Computed Tomography Images.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to correlate the Periapical Index (PAI), obtained by way of periapical radiographs, with the volume of chronic periapical lesion, obtained through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), in the permanent teeth. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Radiographs and CBCT images were selected from 35 single-rooted permanent teeth, with fully formed apices, with a diagnosis of pulp necrosis and chronic apical periodontitis that was radiographically visible. Two independent raters evaluated the radiographs on two separate occasions and classified the periapical lesions in accordance with Ørstavik's PAI. The periapical lesion volume was calculated in the CBCT images. The correlation between the PAI and the lesion volume was calculated using Spearman's correlation test. RESULTS: There was a positive, moderate correlation between the PAI and the volume (rs=0.596; P<0.001) where rs2 is equal to 0.355, showing that only 35% of the PAI variation was dependent upon the variation in periapical lesion volume. CONCLUSION: The radiographic evaluation of the periapical lesion does not reflect the lesion's volumetric characteristics as the volume had a moderate effect on the choice of PAI score.

Tissue repair capacity of bioceramic endodontic sealers in rat subcutaneous tissue

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the tissue repair capacity of four bioceramic endodontic sealers by quantifying type I and III collagen fibers. The following sealers were tested: EndoSequence BC Sealer (Brasseler, Brasseler, Savannah, USA), Bio C Sealer (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil), Bioroot RCS (Septodont, Santa Catarina, Brazil), and Sealer Plus BC (MKLife, Porto Alegre, Brazil). Polyethylene tubes 1.5 mm in diameter and 1 cm in length containing the endodontic sealers were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of five rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar lineage). After 14 days, the animals were euthanized, and collagen fibers were quantified from the histological tissue sections. Given a non-normal distribution of the data, a gamma regression with log link function was employed and implemented through the generalized linear models module, was used to test whether there was a significant difference between the sealers. The pairwise comparison was performed using Least significant difference. There were significant differences between the sealers for type I (p=0.001), type III (p=0.023), and total collagen (p=0.002). Overall, Bioroot sealer was statistically superior to the other sealers, except in the analysis of type III collagen, in which there was no difference between the Bioroot sealer and Bio C Sealer sealer and the control group (p>0.05). Bioroot RCS bioceramic endodontic sealer stimulates a greater production of collagen.

Resumo Este estudo visou avaliar a capacidade de reparação de tecidos de quatro cimentos endodônticos biocerâmicos através da quantificação de fibras colágenas de tipo I e III. Foram testados os seguintes cimentos: EndoSequence BC Sealer (Brasseler, Brasseler, Savannah, EUA), Bio C Sealer (Angelus, Londrina, Brasil), Bioroot RCS (Septodont, Santa Catarina, Brasil), e Sealer Plus BC (MKLife, Porto Alegre, Brasil). Foram implantados tubos de polietileno de 1,5 mm de diâmetro e 1 cm de comprimento contendo os cimentos endodônticos no tecido subcutâneo de cinco ratos (Rattus norvegicus albinus, linhagem Wistar). Após 14 dias, os animais foram eutanasiados e as fibras colágenas foram quantificadas a partir de cortes histológicos do tecido. Diante de uma distribuição não-normal dos dados, uma regressão gama com função de ligação log, implementada por meio do módulo de modelos lineares generalizados, foi empregada para testar se havia diferença significativa entre os cimentos. A comparação dois a dois foi realizada utilizando Least significant difference. Houve diferença significativa entre os cimentos para os colágenos tipo I (p=0,001), tipo III (p=0,023) e colágeno total (p=0,002). No geral, o cimento Bioroot foi estatisticamente superior aos demais cimentos, com exceção na análise do colágeno tipo III na qual não houve diferença entre o cimento Bioroot e o cimento Bio C Sealer e o grupo controle (p>0,05). O cimento endodôntico biocerâmico Bioroot RCS foi capaz de estimular uma maior produção de colágeno.

Exploring different photodynamic therapy parameters to optimize elimination of Enterococcus faecalis in planktonic form.

BACKGROUND: The failure of endodontic treatment is linked to the presence of Enterococcus faecalis in the root canals. The scope of this study was to evaluate the influence of the energy dose and frequency of photodynamic therapy (PDT cycles), as well as the volume of bacterial suspensions (BS) in the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis in planktonic form. METHODS: In four successive assays BS of Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433 were irradiated with a diode laser (40 mW) using the photosensitizer (PS) methylene blue (MB) (0.005 µg/mL). Group 1 - Effect of energy dose: 100 µâ€¯L of BS and 100 µâ€¯L of PS were irradiated by 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 minute s. Group 2 - Effect of PDT cycles: The BS received 1, 2, 3 or 4 PDT cycles (in each cycle 100 m L of PS was added and irradiated by 2.5 minutes). Group 3 - Effect of energy dose and bacterial suspension volume: 10 µâ€¯L of BS and 10 µâ€¯L of PS were irradiated similar to group 1. Group 4 - Effect of energy dose, bacterial suspension volume and PDT cycles: 10 µâ€¯L of BS and 10 µL of PS were irradiated according to group 2. The laser source and MB isolated represented the controls. RESULTS: The mean log reduction after separate applying laser light and MB were 0.01 and 0.07, respectively. It was found that wells with 100 µâ€¯L of BS irradiated with 2.4 to 24 J of energy did not cause significant bacterial elimination (p > 0.05), on the other hand PDT cycles above 12 J increased significantly bacterial elimination (p < 0.05). In 10 µâ€¯L wells irradiation from 12 J of energy provided higher bacterial elimination (p < 0.05) which combined with PDT cycle resulted in the logarithmic elimination of E. faecalis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The energy dose, the volume of the bacterial suspension and, especially, the PDT cycles optimized the bacterial elimination of Enterococcus faecalis in planktonic form.

Effect of rewetting solutions on micropush-out dentin bond strength of new bioceramic endodontic material.

To evaluate the influence of rewetting solutions on bond strength to root dentin of conventional gutta-percha (GP) or niobium phosphate glass-based gutta-percha (GNb) associated with a bioceramic sealer. The root canals of 80 human mandibular premolars were prepared using nickel-titanium instruments and irrigation with sodium hypochlorite and EDTA. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups according to the gutta-percha used: GNb or GP associated with EndoSequence BC Sealer (BC) and the solution for rewetting dentin before filling (distilled water; phosphate buffer saline solution - PBS; simulated body fluid - SBF; or no solution). The root canals were filled with a single cone using warm vertical condensation. Micropush-out bond strengths associated with the filling materials in slices from middle root thirds was determined 30 days after root filling. The failure mode was analyzed with stereoscopic lens. The data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Holm-Sidak test (p < 0.05). There was significant difference in the types of gutta-percha (p < 0.001) and in the different rewetting solutions (p = 0.003). The interaction between gutta-percha and rewetting solutions was not significant (p = 0.53). The SBF solution provided an increase in bond strength for both gutta-percha solutions. The GNb+BC (3.42 MPa) association increased bond strength when compared with GP+BC (2.0 MPa). The use of SBF as a dentin rewetting solution increased bond strength in the groups studied. Association of GNb with bioceramic sealer was beneficial, increasing the bond strength to dentin when compared with the association with GP.