Experimental self-etching HEMA-free adhesive systems: cytotoxicity and degree of conversion.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) by methacrylate surfactant monomers on the cytotoxicity and degree of conversion of two-step self-etching dentin adhesive systems. Five HEMA-free adhesive systems were tested: Bis-EMA 10, Bis-EMA 30, PEG400, PEG400UDMA, PEG1000, and a HEMA group was used as positive control. The cytotoxicity of the experimental primers, with different monomer concentrations (2 or 20 wt%), and bond resins, containing 25 wt% surfactant, was assessed using murine fibroblast cell line 3T3 and the tetrazolium assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)). The degree of conversion of the bond resins was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The data were submitted to statistical analysis using level of significance set at P < 0.05. The PEG 1000 group obtained higher cell viability in comparison with HEMA in the 2 % primer. The cell survival rate using 20 % primer showed that PEG1000 and BIS-EMA 10 were less cytotoxic than HEMA. With regard to the eluate from bond resin, the data showed that the groups BIS-EMA 10, BIS-EMA 30 and PEG400UDMA were less cytotoxic than HEMA. No statistically significant difference was found among degrees of conversion of the experimental groups and HEMA. PEG 1000, BIS-EMA 10 and 30 monomers showed the biological potential for use in new adhesive system formulations since they showed lower cytotoxicity and similar degree of conversion when compared with the HEMA-containing group.

Replacing HEMA with alternative dimethacrylates in dental adhesive systems: evaluation of polymerization kinetics and physicochemical properties.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the mechanical and physical properties of experimental HEMA-containing and HEMA-free resin adhesives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental HEMA-free adhesives containing alternative dimethacrylates (bis-EMA 10 [B10], bis-EMA 30 [B30], PEG 400 [P400], PEG 1000 [P1000], PEG 400 UDMA [UP400]) were formulated and compared with a HEMA-containing adhesive (control). The adhesives were characterized by rheological analysis, polymerization kinetics (PK), water sorption (WS), and solubility (SL) tests. Flexural strength (FS) and flexural modulus (E) tests were performed under dry or wet conditions (distilled water or 70% ethanol solution). One-way and two-way ANOVA as well as Tukey's test were used to evaluate differences between groups (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The control group showed the lowest viscosity and was the only one with a degree of conversion lower than 50%. The control and the P1000 adhesive showed the statistically significantly highest WS (p < 0.05). The control and the UP400 adhesive showed the highest FS and E, and the dry-stored specimens showed more improved mechanical strength than did the wet-stored specimens (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The physicomechanical properties of some of the HEMA-free adhesives were substantially improved when compared with those of the control, indicating that they could be potential monomers for the development of HEMA-free adhesive systems.

Effects of long-term water storage on the microtensile bond strength of five experimental self-etching adhesives based on surfactants rather than HEMA.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the hypothesis that replacing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) for surfactant dimethacrylates (SD) does not affect the immediate and long-term microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of experimental two-step self-etch HEMA-free adhesive systems applied on dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five experimental HEMA-free two-step self-etching systems containing different SD (ethoxylated bisphenol A diglycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-EMA 10, B10), Bis-EMA 30 (B30), poly-ethyleneglycol (400) dimethacrylate (PEG 400, P400), PEG 1000 (P1000), and PEG 400 urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) (UP400)) and a HEMA-containing system (control) (HA) were formulated. Specimens were subjected to the µTBS test after 24 h and 6 and 12 months of storage. Data (in megapascals) were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Medians of the µTBS data after 24 h of storage are: HA = 57.2(A), B10 = 26.2(BC), B30 = 24.0(C), P400 = 32.6(BC), P1000 = 37.3(B), and UP400 = 57.9(A); after 6 months are: HA = 47.9(A), B10 = 18.5(B), B30 = 7.8(C), P400 = 16.1(B), P1000 = 14.6(BC), and UP400 = 51.6(A); and after 12 months are: HA = 31.2(A), B10 = 15.2(B), B30 = 9.0(B), P400 = 9.1(B), P1000 = 13.3(B), and UP400 = 35.7(A). Between the HEMA-free groups, the adhesive system formulated with PEG 400 UDMA produced similar µTBS to the HEMA-containing group. Also, the storage of specimens decreased the µTBS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Replacing HEMA for PEG 400 UDMA in an adhesive system formulation generated a satisfactory µTBS to dentin. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surfactant dimethacrylates have a potential use in the development of HEMA-free self-etching adhesive systems, which are more chemically stable.

Correlation between surface roughness and microhardness of experimental composites with varying filler concentration.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the surface roughness on the surface microhardness of experimental composites with varying filler concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental resin composites were formulated by mixing Bis-GMA and TEGDMA in a 50/50% weight ratio and CQ/EDAB were added to make the material photosensitive. Silanized glass particles were incorporated in the resin blend in two concentrations: C50 with 50% and C75 with 75% in weight ratio. The surface roughness and the surface microhardness measurements were determined after every three finishing procedures with #280-, #600- and #1200-grit wet sandpapers, respectively. The data were analyzed statistically by Two Way ANOVA and Tukey's test, and comparisons were conducted using the Spearman's correlation test (p > 0.05). RESULTS: The surface roughness and surface microhardness were negatively associated (r = - 0.68) and the finishing procedures of both composites resulted in harder and smoother surfaces than the initial ones. Additionally, in a smooth circumstance, the higher content of fillers has not resulted in a composite with better microhardness and smoothness. CONCLUSION: Finishing procedures decreased the surface roughness and consequently improved the surface microhardness of the composites evaluated. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Finishing and polishing procedures are effectives in reducing the surface roughness amplitude of composite materials and in improving their surface microhardness. Thus a microhardness test and any hardness evaluation must be conducted only after a properly finished and polished surface is achieved.

Effect of alpha-humulene incorporation on the properties of experimental light-cured periodontal dressings.

The objective of this study was to formulate an experimental light-cured periodontal dressing containing alpha-humulene and to compare its physical, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties with commercial gold standards (Barricaid® and Periobond®). Two periodontal dressing formulations were developed (a and b). The formulations were divided into 5 groups according to the alpha-humulene concentration as follows: Ea - control group, Ea1 - 1%, Ea5 - 5%, Ea10 - 10%, and Ea20 - 20%; Eb - control group, Eb1 - 1%, Eb5 - 5%, Eb10 - 10%, and Eb20 - 20%. Materials characterization was performed using the degree of conversion, cohesive strength, sorption, and solubility assays. Antimicrobial assay was performed using the modified direct contact test against E. faecalis and S. aureus. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the cell viability experiment using L929 fibroblasts. In general, the cohesive strength values of materials decreased as the alpha-humulene concentration increased. All the experimental dressings showed antimicrobial activity against both bacteria tested. Cell viability results for the Ea, Ea1, Eb, and Eb1 groups showed moderate cytotoxic effect. The formulations containing alpha-humulene showed similar behavior to the commercial references. Thus, formulations containing alpha-humulene have potential to be used as periodontal dressing.

Experimental resin-based dual-cured calcium aluminate and calcium titanate materials for vital pulp therapy.

This paper evaluates the physicochemical and biological properties of experimental resin-based dual-cured calcium aluminate (CA) and calcium titanate (CTi) materials for vital pulp therapy (VPT). The experimental dual-cured materials were obtained as two pastes: a) Bis-EMA 10, PEG 400, DHEPT, EDAB, camphorquinone, and butylated hydroxytoluene; and b) fluoride ytterbium, Bis-EMA 10, Bis-EMA 30, benzoyl peroxide, and butylated hydroxytoluene. The materials were divided into six groups based on the added calcium component: MTA (MTA®, Angelus); CLQ (Clinker-Fillapex®, Angelus); CA (calcined at ,1200°C in pastes a and b); CA800 (calcined at 800°C in paste a); CA1200 (calcined at 1,200°C in paste a); and CTi (paste a). The real-time degree of conversion and rate of polymerization (n = 3), diametral tensile strength (n = 10), hydrogen potential (n = 15), calcium ion release (n = 10), water sorption and solubility (n = 10), and cell viability (n = 6) were evaluated. One- and two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test were used in the analysis of the parametric data, and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's multiple tests were used to analyze the nonparametric data (α = 0.05). CLQ, CA800 and CA1200 had the highest diametral tensile strength. The water solubility of MTA was similar to that of CA800, CA1200 and CTi. CA800 and CA1200 resulted in cell viabilities similar to those of MTA and CLQ. The experimental dual-cured CA-based material that calcined at 800°C showed physicochemical and biological properties suitable for VPT, and similar to those of MTA.

Influence of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate concentration on polymer network of adhesive resin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of variations in 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) concentrations in an experimental comonomer blend on degree of conversion, water sorption, solubility, and ultimate tensile strength of adhesive resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of HEMA content (0, 15, 30, and 50%wt - control, G15, G30, and G50 groups, respectively) was tested in an experimental comonomer blend of bis-GMA, bis-EMA, TEG-DMA, and HEMA. The degree of conversion, polymerization rate, ultimate tensile strength, water sorption, and solubility of the adhesive resin blends were determined. RESULTS: At 40 s of light activation time, groups G30 and G50 showed a decrease of 30% and 61%, respectively, in degree of conversion compared to control. Water sorption and solubility differed for all groups, and was statistically higher in G50. For ultimate tensile strength, the control and G15 groups showed statistically higher values than the other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Higher HEMA content increases dental adhesive resin degradation.

Microtensile bond strength of two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive systems on sound and artificial caries-affected dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the microtensile bond strength of two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive systems on sound and artificial caries-affected dentin (CAD) produced by in vitro monoculture of Streptococcus mutans. METHODS: 10 recently extracted non-carious human third molars were ground to expose a flat dentin surface. Each tooth was sectioned through the long axis with a diamond saw to create two similar halves. One half was used as control (sound dentin - SD) while the other was submitted to caries lesion induction in vitro, using 40 mL of Brain Heart Infusion broth containing 1% sucrose and 40 microL of Streptococcus mutans UA159 inoculum (final bacterial concentration: 1-2 x 105 CFU/mL). The specimens were incubated at 37 degrees C for 4 weeks, and the culture medium was changed every 3 days for 4 weeks. Sound or CAD were alternatively restored as follow (n = 5): Single Bond 2/sound dentin (SB-SD); Single Bond 2/artificial caries-affected dentin (SB-CAD); Prime&Bond NT/sound dentin (PB-SD); and Prime&Bond NT/CAD (PB-CAD).The adhesives were applied to dentin according to manufacturers' instructions, and build-ups of resin composite (Filtek Z250) were prepared and polymerized with a LED light-curing unit (Radii). The restored teeth were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and thereafter sectioned perpendicular to the bonded interface with a refrigerated low-speed diamond saw, obtaining three slices per half-tooth (n = 15). The microtensile bond strength (microTBS) test was performed in a universal test machine with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. Bond strengths were calculated in MPa and analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls at a 0.05 level of significance. Failure patterns were examined with an optical microscope. RESULTS: SD produced significantly higher microTBS values than CAD for both adhesive systems. Furthermore, independently of the dentin condition, Single Bond 2 had higher values than Prime Bond NT (P < 0.05). Single Bond 2 showed higher microTBS than Prime Bond NT, in both substrates, and application to CAD reduced the adhesion.

Simple and Low-Cost Thermal Treatments on Direct Resin Composites for Indirect Use.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of three low-cost additional thermal treatments, available in the dental office, on the mechanical, chemical and optical properties of a light-cured resin composite indicated for direct restorations but used as indirect restorative. The direct resin composite TPH3 (Dentsply) was light-polymerized using a light-emitting diode curing unit and submitted to three experimental additional thermal treatments: dry heat at 170 °C for 5 min, autoclave at 121 °C for 6 min, or microwave oven at 450 W for 3 min. The resin composite without any thermal treatment was used as negative control group. An indirect resin composite (Vita CM LC, Vita Zahnfabrik) was tested as a reference. Flexural strength, elastic modulus, microhardness, degree of C=C conversion, roughness before and after simulated toothbrush abrasion, translucency parameter and color difference (ΔE00) were evaluated. Data were analyzed at α=0.05. The indirect resin composite presented lower C=C conversion and mechanical performance. The flexural strength was significantly higher in the dry oven group compared with the control. The roughness was not different among groups before or after brushing, but the thermal treatments caused an increase in C=C conversion, microhardness, and elastic modulus without affecting the translucency parameter or showing visible color alteration (ΔE00<1.8). These results suggest that the use of additional thermal methods of polymerization represents an economical and simple alternative to enhance the mechanical and chemical properties of direct resin composites when used as indirect restoratives.

Impact of shelf-life simulation on bonding performance of universal adhesive systems.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the micro-tensile bond strength to dentin (µTBS), the degree of conversion (DC) and nanoleakage expression (NL) of eight dental adhesives considering their expiry date (as-received, half-life and or end of shelf-life) after shelf-life simulation. METHODS: Five universal adhesives (Single Bond Universal, SBU; Tetric Bond Universal, TBU; OneCoat Universal, OCU; OptiBond Universal, OBU; and Prime&Bond Elect, P&B), two two-step self-etch adhesives (Clearfil SE, CSE; and AdheSE, ASE) and one two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (Adper Singlebond 2, ASB) were evaluated. Shelf-life was simulated by storing the materials in an acclimatization chamber for different periods of time. The µTBS was tested in accordance with ISO/TS 11,405. DC was evaluated by means of FTIR spectroscopy. NL was evaluated after ammoniacal silver challenge. The significance level of α=0.05 was used for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: The µTBS to dentin of TBU, P&B, ASE, and ASB adhesive systems remained stable throughout the shelf-life periods evaluated, while for SBU, OCU, OBU, and CSE, decreased significantly after evaluation in the 'half-life' or 'end of shelf-life' condition (p<0.05). Except for P&B, ASE and OBU, the degree of conversion significantly decreased after the shelf-life simulation (p<0.05). OCU, ASE, and CSE showed significantly increased percentage of silver deposition within the adhesive layer (p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Storing conditions and progressively longer storage time affect the performance of universal adhesives systems.

Addition of phosphates and chlorhexidine to resin-modified MTA materials.

To evaluate the properties of experimental mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) resin-modified materials for root-end filling procedures, varying their compositions regarding the addition of hydroxiapatite (HA) or dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, with or without chlorhexidine digluconate. White MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) was used as a reference material. Degree of conversion (DC) was evaluated by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIr) spectroscopy (n = 5). Flowability (n = 3) and radiopacity (n = 3) were evaluated following ISO 6876:2001 methods. For splitting tensile strength analysis, cylindrical samples (n = 10) were subjected to compressive load using a universal testing machine (Instron Corporation, Norwood, MA). Water sorption and solubility tests were performed according to ISO 4049:2009 methods. Calcium ion release and pH analysis (n = 10) were evaluated using a pH meter (Orion, Watsonville, CA). Cytotoxicity (n = 8) of materials extracts was evaluated as cell viability percentage. Statistical analysis was performed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov for normal distribution and data was subjected to one-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). Addition of chlorhexidine digluconate reduced DC mean values for experimental materials (<50%). White MTA demonstrated lower flowability (5.3 mm) and higher radiopacity (9.8 mm Al), splitting tensile strength (9.1 MPa), solubility (8.2 µg/mm3 ), calcium ion release (~26.5 ppm), cytotoxicity (55.2%), and pH mean values (10.8), when compared to experimental materials. All groups demonstrated a decrease in calcium release (<85%) and pH (<13%). Formulation containing HA demonstrated similar pH values after 28 days when compared to white MTA. Evaluated experimental resin-modified MTA based materials without chlorhexidine digluconate showed satisfactory results for all physico-chemical properties tested and cytotoxicity. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2195-2201, 2019.

Composite resin microhardness: the influence of light curing method, composite shade, and depth of cure.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of light curing method, composite shade, and depth of cure on composite microhardness. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-eight specimens with 4 mm of depth were prepared with a hybrid composite (Filtek Z-100, 3M ESPE); 24 with shade A1 and the remaining with shade C2. For each shade, two light curing units (LCUs) were used: a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) LCU (Optilight Plus - Gnatus) and a light emitting diode (LED) LCU (LEC 470 II - MM Optics). The LED LCU was tested using two exposure times (LED 40 seconds and LED 60 seconds). After 24-hour storage, three indentations were made at mm depth intervals using a Knoop indenter. Data were submitted to three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The three factors tested (light curing method, shade, and depth) had a significant influence on the composite microhardness (p<0.05). All groups presented similar hardness values in the first mm, except for composite shade C2 cured with LED for 40 seconds. The hardness decreased with depth, especially for shade C2 for 40 seconds. Increasing light-curing time with LED produced hardness values similar to the QTH. CONCLUSIONS: The light curing method including variations of time, the depth of cure, and the composite shade influence the composite microhardness. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians should avoid thicker increments when working with composite restorations. Extended light-curing time might be indicated depending on the composite shade and on the light-curing device.

Development of a dual-cure mineral trioxide aggregate-based cement: Biological, physical, and mechanical properties.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the physical, mechanical, and biocompatibility properties of a new dual-cure white mineral trioxide aggregate (D-W-MTA) and a commercial W-MTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diametral tensile strength (DTS), water sorption (WSp), and water solubility (WSl) tests were performed. Cytotoxicity was observed in primary culture of human pulp fibroblasts (HPFs) and mouse 3T3/NIH fibroblast lineage. Specimens of both materials were embedded in 1 mL of Dulbecco's modified essential medium for 24 h. Cells were incubated for 24 h with the eluates. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and genotoxicity by micronucleus (MN) formation. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests considering P < 0.05. RESULTS: D-MTA and W-MTA not showed cytotoxic effect on the two cell lines. However, D-MTA stimulated HPF growth. The MN count was similar to that of the control group for D-MTA and W-MTA. D-MTA presented lower DTS and WSl. Nevertheless, WSp was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that D-MTA is a promising material for pulp capping. Thus, in vivo tests should be performed to evaluate the performance of this material.

Pentaerythritol Tetrasalicylate in the Chemical Composition of Root Canal Sealers.

The aim of this study was to synthesize and evaluate physicochemical properties of a new salicylate derivative in experimental calcium-based root canal sealers. Two salicylate derivatives were synthesized for the transesterification reaction of methyl salicylate with two different alcohols (1,3-butylenoglicol disalicylate-BD and pentaerythritol tetrasalicylate -PT) in molar ratio 1:3 and 1:6, respectively. The products (BD and PT), were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (RMN). Calcium-based experimental sealers were prepared with the same catalyst paste (60% of MTA, 39% of n-ethyl-o-toluenesulfonamide, and 1% titanium dioxide) and four different concentrations of BD and PT in the base pastes (40/0 - control, 35/5, 30/10 and 20/20) with 60% of bismuth oxide. The experimental sealers were evaluated for setting time, solubility (24 h, 7, 14 and 30 days), diametral tensile strength and Young's Modulus. Data were analyzed by one- or two-way ANOVA with Tukey's test (p<0.05). The addition of PT reduced the materials setting time. After 24 h the sealer 40/0 and 35/5 had higher solubility, and after 14 and 28 days the sealer 20/20 showed the lowest solubility (p<0.05). After 7 days the sealer 20/20 stabilized its solubility. The sealer 40/0 presented the highest values and the 20/20 presented the lowest values of diametral tensile strength and Young's modulus (p<0.05). The addition of PT to calcium-based root canal sealers provides benefits to the setting time and solubility.

Composite veneering of complex amalgam restorations.

In large posterior cavities, indirect restorations could provide improved performance when compared to direct restorations, but with higher cost and removal of sound tooth structure. Improved mechanical properties have resulted in good clinical performance for amalgam in large cavities but without an esthetic appearance. Resin composites have become popular for posterior restorations, mainly because of good esthetic results. A restorative technique is presented that combines the esthetic properties of directly bonded resin composite and the wide range of indications for amalgam in stress-bearing areas.

Effect of alpha-humulene incorporation on the properties of experimental light-cured periodontal dressings

Abstract The objective of this study was to formulate an experimental light-cured periodontal dressing containing alpha-humulene and to compare its physical, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties with commercial gold standards (Barricaid® and Periobond®). Two periodontal dressing formulations were developed (a and b). The formulations were divided into 5 groups according to the alpha-humulene concentration as follows: Ea - control group, Ea1 - 1%, Ea5 - 5%, Ea10 - 10%, and Ea20 - 20%; Eb - control group, Eb1 - 1%, Eb5 - 5%, Eb10 - 10%, and Eb20 - 20%. Materials characterization was performed using the degree of conversion, cohesive strength, sorption, and solubility assays. Antimicrobial assay was performed using the modified direct contact test against E. faecalis and S. aureus. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the cell viability experiment using L929 fibroblasts. In general, the cohesive strength values of materials decreased as the alpha-humulene concentration increased. All the experimental dressings showed antimicrobial activity against both bacteria tested. Cell viability results for the Ea, Ea1, Eb, and Eb1 groups showed moderate cytotoxic effect. The formulations containing alpha-humulene showed similar behavior to the commercial references. Thus, formulations containing alpha-humulene have potential to be used as periodontal dressing.

Experimental resin-based dual-cured calcium aluminate and calcium titanate materials for vital pulp therapy

Abstract: This paper evaluates the physicochemical and biological properties of experimental resin-based dual-cured calcium aluminate (CA) and calcium titanate (CTi) materials for vital pulp therapy (VPT). The experimental dual-cured materials were obtained as two pastes: a) Bis-EMA 10, PEG 400, DHEPT, EDAB, camphorquinone, and butylated hydroxytoluene; and b) fluoride ytterbium, Bis-EMA 10, Bis-EMA 30, benzoyl peroxide, and butylated hydroxytoluene. The materials were divided into six groups based on the added calcium component: MTA (MTA®, Angelus); CLQ (Clinker-Fillapex®, Angelus); CA (calcined at ,1200°C in pastes a and b); CA800 (calcined at 800°C in paste a); CA1200 (calcined at 1,200°C in paste a); and CTi (paste a). The real-time degree of conversion and rate of polymerization (n = 3), diametral tensile strength (n = 10), hydrogen potential (n = 15), calcium ion release (n = 10), water sorption and solubility (n = 10), and cell viability (n = 6) were evaluated. One- and two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test were used in the analysis of the parametric data, and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's multiple tests were used to analyze the nonparametric data (α = 0.05). CLQ, CA800 and CA1200 had the highest diametral tensile strength. The water solubility of MTA was similar to that of CA800, CA1200 and CTi. CA800 and CA1200 resulted in cell viabilities similar to those of MTA and CLQ. The experimental dual-cured CA-based material that calcined at 800°C showed physicochemical and biological properties suitable for VPT, and similar to those of MTA.

Influence of 2% chlorhexidine on pH, calcium release and setting time of a resinous MTA-based root-end filling material.

The addition of chlorhexidine (CHX) to a resinous experimental Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (E-MTA) based root-end filling material is an alternative to boost its antimicrobial activity. However, the influence of chlorhexidine on the properties of this material is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of 2% chlorhexidine on the pH, calcium ion release and setting time of a Bisphenol A Ethoxylate Dimethacrylate/Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (Bis-EMA/MTA) based dual-cure experimental root-end filling material (E-MTA), in comparison with E-MTA without the addition of CHX and with conventional white MTA (W-MTA). The materials were placed in polyethylene tubes, and immersed in deionized water to determine pH (digital pH meter) and calcium ion release (atomic absorption spectrometry technique). The setting time of each material was analyzed using Gilmore needles. The data were statistically analyzed at a significance level of 5%. E-MTA + CHX showed an alkaline pH in the 3 h period of evaluation, the alkalinity of which decreased but remained as such for 15 days. The pH of E-MTA + CHX was higher than the other two materials after 7 days, and lower after 30 days (p < 0.05). All of the materials were found to release calcium ions throughout the 30 days of the study. The addition of CHX increased the calcium ion release of E-MTA to levels statistically similar to W-MTA. E-MTA showed shorter initial and final setting time, compared with W-MTA (p < 0.05). The addition of 2% CHX to MTA prevented setting of the material. The addition of CHX to E-MTA increased its pH and calcium ion release. However, it also prevented setting of the material.

Simple and low-cost thermal treatments on direct resin composites for indirect use

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of three low-cost additional thermal treatments, available in the dental office, on the mechanical, chemical and optical properties of a light-cured resin composite indicated for direct restorations but used as indirect restorative. The direct resin composite TPH3 (Dentsply) was light-polymerized using a light-emitting diode curing unit and submitted to three experimental additional thermal treatments: dry heat at 170 °C for 5 min, autoclave at 121 °C for 6 min, or microwave oven at 450 W for 3 min. The resin composite without any thermal treatment was used as negative control group. An indirect resin composite (Vita CM LC, Vita Zahnfabrik) was tested as a reference. Flexural strength, elastic modulus, microhardness, degree of C=C conversion, roughness before and after simulated toothbrush abrasion, translucency parameter and color difference (ΔE00) were evaluated. Data were analyzed at α=0.05. The indirect resin composite presented lower C=C conversion and mechanical performance. The flexural strength was significantly higher in the dry oven group compared with the control. The roughness was not different among groups before or after brushing, but the thermal treatments caused an increase in C=C conversion, microhardness, and elastic modulus without affecting the translucency parameter or showing visible color alteration (ΔE00<1.8). These results suggest that the use of additional thermal methods of polymerization represents an economical and simple alternative to enhance the mechanical and chemical properties of direct resin composites when used as indirect restoratives.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de três tratamentos térmicos adicionais de baixo custo, disponíveis no consultório dentário, nas propriedades mecânicas, químicas e ópticas de uma resina composta fotoativada indicada para restaurações diretas porém usada como restaurador indireto. A resina composta direta TPH3 (Dentsply) foi fotoativada usando um diodo emissor de luz e submetida a três tratamentos térmicos adicionais experimentais: forno seco a 170 °C por 5 min, autoclave a 121 °C por 6 min ou forno de micro-ondas a 450 W por 3 min. A resina composta sem qualquer tratamento térmico adicional foi usada como grupo controle negativo. Uma resina composta indireta (Vita CM LC, Vita Zahnfabrik) foi testada como referência comercial. Resistência à flexão, módulo de elasticidade, microdureza, grau de conversão de C=C, rugosidade antes e após abrasão por escovação simulada, parâmetro de translucidez e diferença de cor (ΔE00) foram avaliados. Os dados foram analisados considerando α=0.05. A resina composta indireta apresentou menor conversão de C=C e desempenho mecânico. A resistência à flexão foi significativamente mais alta no grupo forno seco comparado ao controle. A rugosidade não foi diferente entre os grupos antes ou após a escovação, porém os tratamentos térmicos adicionais causaram aumento na conversão de C=C, microdureza e módulo de elasticidade, sem afetar o parâmetro de translucidez ou mostrar alteração de cor visível (ΔE00<1,8). Estes resultados sugerem que o uso de métodos térmicos adicionais de polimerização representam alternativa econômica e simples para aprimorar as propriedades mecânicas e químicas de resinas compostas diretas quando utilizadas como restauradores indiretos.

Physical properties of MTA Fillapex sealer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare several physicochemical properties including working and setting times, flow, solubility, and water absorption of a recent calcium silicate-based sealer (MTA Fillapex; Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) and an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus; Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany). METHODS: The materials were handled following the manufacturer's instructions. The working time and flow were tested according to ISO 6876:2001 and the setting time according to American Society for Testing and Materials C266. For solubility and water absorption tests, the materials were placed into polyvinyl chloride molds (8 × 1.6 mm). The samples (n = 10 for each material and test) were placed in a cylindrical polystyrene-sealed container with 20 mL deionized water at 37°C. At 1, 7, 14, and 28 days, the samples were removed from the solutions and blotted dry for solubility and water absorption tests. The data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance with the Tukey test (P < .05). RESULTS: MTA Fillapex showed the lowest values of flow, working and setting times, solubility, and water absorption (P < .05). The solubility and water absorption increased significantly over time for both materials in a 1- to 28-day period (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: MTA Fillapex showed suitable physical properties to be used as an endodontic sealer.