Dental glass ionomer cement reinforced by cellulose microfibers and cellulose nanocrystals.

The aim of this work was to evaluate if the addition of cellulose microfibers (CmF) or cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) would improve the mechanical properties of a commercial dental glass ionomer cement (GIC). Different amounts of CmF and CNC were previously prepared and then added to reinforce the GIC matrix while it was being manipulated. Test specimens with various concentrations of CmF or CNC in their total masses were fabricated and submitted to mechanical tests (to evaluate their compressive and diametral tensile strength,modulus, surface microhardness and wear resistance) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The incorporation of CmF in the GIC matrix did not greatly improve the mechanical properties of GIC. However, the addition of a small amount of CNC in the GIC led to significant improvements in all of the mechanical properties evaluated: compressive strength (increased up to 110% compared with the control group), elastic modulus increased by 161%, diametral tensile strength increased by 53%, and the mass loss decreased from 10.95 to 3.87%. Because the composites presented a considerable increase in mechanical properties, the modification of the conventional GIC with CNC can represent a new and promising dental restorative material.

Treatment of perforating internal root resorption with MTA: a case report.

Endodontic treatment of teeth with perforating internal root resorption represents a clinical challenge. In most cases, extraction of the tooth and subsequent replacement with an osseointegrated implant is indicated. Presented herein is a case report of a maxillary lateral incisor with advanced perforating internal root resorption in the middle third of the root and the presence of a sinus tract. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) was used with the aid of a surgical microscope in order to fill the resorption area after conventional root canal therapy of the apical segment. At the follow-up after 11 years and 8 months, the patient was clinically asymptomatic and the sinus tract had disappeared. The radiographic examination and computerized tomography indicated periodontal bone repair.