An In Vitro Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties and Fluoride-releasing Ability of a New Self-cure Filling Material.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine and compare the flexural strength, shear bond strength, and fluoride-releasing ability of glass ionomer cement (GIC), Fuji IX GIC®, and a new alkasite filling material, Cention N®. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The materials were divided into two groups, Fuji IX GIC® (n = 30) and Cention N® (n = 30) and further divided (n = 10) to test three parameters, the fluoride releasing ability, flexural strength, and shear bond strength. Fluoride release was checked using fluoride ion-selective electrode, and flexural strength and shear bond strength were tested using universal testing machine (Intron 3366, UK). RESULTS: Fluoride release of Fuji IX GIC® was significantly higher compared to that of control Cention N® over a period of 21 days. Flexural strength of Cention N® was significantly higher compared to Fuji IX GIC® and there were no significant differences in shear bond strength of both the materials. CONCLUSION: From the results of the study, it can be concluded that Cention N® is an alkasite filling material for the complete and permanent replacement of tooth structure in posterior teeth and can be a good alternative when compared to GICs on the basis of their superior mechanical properties. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cention N® is an innovative filling material for the complete and permanent replacement of tooth structure in posterior teeth and can be a good alternative when compared to GICs on the basis of their superior mechanical properties.

The effect of acid concentration and etch time on morphology and tensile bond strength of primary dentin: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting results concerning the ideal time for etching primary dentin and its effect on the bond strength of adhesive restorative materials. AIM: To assess in vitro, the effect of varied acid concentration and etch time on the morphological features and tensile bond strength of primary dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty healthy primary molars were prepared by exposing the dentin of the occlusal surface, creating a smear layer. A 3 mm × 3 mm test indow was demarcated, and specimens were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 10): Group 1A 10% phosphoric acid, 7 s; Group 1B 10% phosphoric acid, 15 s; Group 2A 37% phosphoric acid, 7 s and Group 2B 37% phosphoric acid, 15 s. Surface analysis was done using atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope. For tensile bond strength evaluation, 24 specimens prepared as mentioned were mounted in acrylic blocks and allocated to four groups according to the prescribed etching protocol. Resin rods were bonded and tested in tension after 24 h (n = 6). Data were analyzed statistically using unpaired t-test. RESULTS: Etching of primary dentin using 37% phosphoric acid for 7 s produced the highest tensile bond strength of 9.51 ± 2.19 MPa. CONCLUSION: Etching time of 7 s may improve the adhesion of resin restorative materials with primary dentin.

Plaque Removal Efficiency of Chewable Toothbrushes among 10-12-yearold Children: A Randomized Control Trial.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Toothbrushing is one of the most important factors in controlling plaque accumulation and dental caries. There are vast varieties of toothbrushes available in the market. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of novel chewable toothbrushes as compared to manual toothbrushes in plaque removal among 10-12-year-old children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 healthy children aged between 10 and 12 years of age who were randomly assigned to either of the groups: Group I--Chewable Toothbrushes and Group II--Manual Toothbrushes. Following oral prophylaxis, baseline records of oral hygiene indices (Simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) in indexed teeth and Turesky modification of Quigley Hein plaque index (TMQHI) were taken. Baseline Saliva samples were collected and sent for Streptococcus mutans counts. Children were then instructed to use their respective toothbrush twice daily for a week. Oral hygiene indices and S. mutans counts were repeated after 1 week. RESULTS: Differences in pre-brushing and post-brushing plaque scores and salivary S. mutans counts were statistically significant when compared using paired-sample t test and independent-sample t test. There was a significant reduction in salivary S. mutans counts after using both chewable and manual toothbrushes. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Chewable toothbrushes are equally effective in plaque control when compared to manual toothbrushes. These can be a reliable alternative for children who lack manual dexterity.