An experimental intraradicular biofilm model in the pig for evaluating irrigation techniques.

BACKGROUND: We established an in vivo intraradicular biofilm model of apical periodontitis in pigs in which we compared the efficacy of different irrigant activation techniques for biofilm removal. METHODS: Twenty roots from the deciduous mandibular second premolar of 5 male pigs were used. After pulpectomy, canals were left open for 2 weeks and then sealed for 4 weeks to enable the development of an intracanal biofilm. The intraradicular biofilms was evaluated using SEM and bacterial 16S rRNA gene-sequencing. To investigate the efficacy of biofilm removal, root canal irrigations were performed using conventional needle, passive ultrasonic, subsonic, or laser-activated irrigation. Real-time PCR was conducted to quantitate the remaining biofilm components. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by a Tukey kramer post-hoc test with α = 0.05. RESULTS: The pulp exposure model was effective in inducing apical periodontitis and SEM analysis revealed a multi-layer biofilm formation inside the root canal. 16S rRNA sequence analysis identified Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria as the predominant bacterial phyla components, which is similar to the microbiome profile seen in humans. None of the tested irrigation techniques completely eradicated the biofilm components from the root canal, but the subsonic and laser-activated irrigation methods produced the lowest bacterial counts (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An experimental intraradicular biofilm model has been successfully established in pigs. Within the limitations of the study, subsonic or laser-activated irrigation demonstrated the best biofilm removal results in the pig system.

Texture of composite resins exposed to two- and three-body wear in vitro.

PURPOSE: To analyze on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures from eight composite resins, taken in the centers of the initial, the middle and the terminal thirds of in vitro produced wear tracks morphological features to explain causative mechanisms for the material wear observed under two- and three-body wear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro wear behavior of eight composite resins, three conventional and five nanofiller containing marketed products was evaluated using a custom-made Zr-ball-on-disk sliding device. The composite specimens were subjected to 50,000 one-way sliding cycles (1.2 Hz, 50 N load), either simulating two-body wear with water as the intermediate medium or three-body wear using aqueous suspensions of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads and poppy seeds, respectively. Volume loss of the materials was determined in previous study. Representative specimens were selected for inspection by scanning electron microscopy at 500-fold magnification. From each of the 24 wear tracks microphotographs were taken in the central deepest parts of the initial, middle and terminal thirds of the tracks. RESULTS: For most materials morphological differences were detected depending on the location within the wear track. As a rule, the surface deterioration found increased toward the final part of the wear scar. According to common classification in tribology abrasive wear and fatigue wear, or a combination of both mechanisms were found for all materials tested. Wear was dependent both on the testing mode and on the composition of the individual composite resin material. CONCLUSION: The morphological assessment of wear tracks refects the nature of the abrasive and reveals insight into the mechanism generating wear patterns. Morphological details confirmed abrasive and fatigue-related wear as main failure mechanisms. Selection of food-like slurries as third-body media, such as poppy seed suspension is mandatory to simulate wear of composite restorations in occlusal cavities where three-body wear is the dominating determinant of loss of substance and surface deterioration.

Effects of toothbrush hardness on in vitro wear and roughness of composite resins.

AIM: To investigate and compare the effects of toothbrushes with different hardness on abrasion and surface roughness of composite resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Toothbrushes (DENT. EX Slimhead II 33, Lion Dental Products Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) marked as soft, medium and hard, were used to brush 10 beam-shaped specimens of each of three composites resins (Venus [VEN], Venus Diamond [VED] and Venus Pearl [VEP]; HeraeusKulzer) with standardized calcium carbonate slurry in a multistation testing machine (2N load, 60 Hz). After each of five cycles with 10k brushing strokes the wear depth and surface roughness of the specimens were determined. After completion of 50k strokes representative samples were inspected by SEM. Data were treated with ANOVA and regression analyses (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Abrasion of the composite resins increased linearly with increasing number of brushing cycles (r² > 0.9). Highest wear was recorded for VEN, lowest for VED. Hard brushes produced significantly higher wear on VEN and VEP, whereas no difference in wear by toothbrush type was detected for VED. Significantly highest surface roughness was found on VED specimens (Ra > 1.5 µm), the lowest one on VEN (Ra < 0.3 µm). VEN specimens showed increased numbers of pinhole defects when brushed with hard toothbrushes, surfaces of VEP were uniformly abraded without level differences between the prepolymerized fillers and the glass filler-loaded matrix, VED showed large glass fillers protruding over the main filler-loaded matrix portion under each condition. CONCLUSION: Abrasion and surface roughness of composite resins produced by toothbrushing with dentifrice depend mainly on the type of restorative resin. Hardness grades of toothbrushes have minor effects only on abrasion and surface roughness of composite resins. No relationship was found between abrasion and surface roughness. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The grade of the toothbrush used has minor effect on wear, texture and roughness of the composite resin.

Irrigation with reduced sodium hypochlorite solution concentration using laser-induced cavitation is effective and safe in rat intraradicular biofilm model.

This study aimed to investigate the optimal sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCl) concentration to effectively remove the root canal biofilm without stimulating periradicular inflammation using coronal laser-activated irrigation (CLAI). To compare the efficacy of different NaOCl concentrations combined with CLAI in removing the biofilm, an in vivo intraradicular biofilm rat model was used. Root canals were irrigated using an Er:YAG laser with either 5% or 0.5% NaOCl. Biofilm removal efficacy of CLAI was compared to that of conventional needle irrigation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Histological observation of CLAI-associated periradicular inflammation was also conducted. In both the 5% and 0.5% CLAI groups, SEM observation showed the opening of the dentin tubules and biofilm removal. qPCR analysis indicated that the residual bacteria counts after cleaning were significantly lower in the 5% and 0.5% CLAI groups than in the conventional needle irrigation and positive control groups (Tukey test, p < 0.05), and no significant difference was observed between the 5% and 0.5% CLAI groups (p > 0.05). Periapical inflammation in the 5% CLAI group revealed the most severe, including significant neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration with abscess formation, while only mild vasodilation was observed in the 0.5% CLAI group. CLAI can remove the biofilm independently of chemical action, which avoids the risks associated with high NaOCl concentrations. Therefore, this root canal irrigation technique ensures safety and effectiveness, promising to contribute to new treatment strategies intended to remove intraradicular biofilm.

Effects of two topical desensitizing agents and placebo on dentin hypersensitivity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of two commercial desensitizing agents in subjects with moderate to severe dentin hypersensitivity for a period of 6 months and to compare the results with topical application of water as negative control. METHODS: BisBlock (BIS; oxalate) and Gluma Desensitizer PowerGel (GLU; glutaraldehyde/HEMA) were tested. 50 subjects, average age 32.4 years, with at least one cervical hypersensitive incisor, canine or premolar tooth area and pre-operative pain score > or = 6 on VAS from 0 to 10 in each of three quadrants were included. Prior to application of the desensitizing agents or placebo (PLA; water) the sensitive areas were cleaned with prophy paste. Desensitizers were applied according to manufacturers' instructions, the placebo was left for 60 seconds dwell, rinsed off and dried. Pain scores were determined using both evaporative and tactile stimuli immediately after treatment, after 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months. Statistical analyses of the findings were performed using ANOVA and pot-hoc tests with a significance set at P < or = 0.05. RESULTS: All subjects completed the trial. Both the two desensitizing agents and placebo showed significant reduction in sensitivity at baseline and throughout the 6-month evaluation. The effects of the three treatments were significantly different. Pain reduction with GLU was consistently highest, followed by PLA that was significantly greater than BIS. VAS scores for the evaporative stimulus were moderately, but significantly lower than for tactile stimulation.

Er:YAG laser-induced cavitation can activate irrigation for the removal of intraradicular biofilm.

We investigated the biofilm removal effects of laser activated irrigation (LAI) using a pig model, focusing on the impact of the fiber tip position, and used a high-speed camera to observe the occurrence and positioning of the cavitation associated with laser irradiation. A total of 16 roots of deciduous mandibular second premolars from 4 pigs were used. After a pulpectomy, the canals were left open for 2 weeks and sealed for 4 weeks to induce intraradicular biofilm. Root canal irrigation was then performed with Er:YAG laser activation. The fiber tip was inserted at two different positions, i.e., into the root canal in the intracanal LAI group and into the pulp chamber in the coronal LAI group. Intracanal needle irrigation with saline or 5% NaOCl was utilized in the positive control and conventional needle irrigation (CNI) groups. SEM and qPCR were carried out to evaluate treatment efficacy. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and a Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test for qPCR and with a Steel-Dwass test to compare the SEM scores, with α = 0.05. A high-speed camera was used to observe the generation of cavitation bubbles and the movement of the induced bubbles after laser irradiation. The intracanal and coronal LAI groups showed significantly lower amounts of bacteria than either the positive control or CNI groups. There was no significant difference found between the intracanal and coronal LAI groups. SEM images revealed opened dentinal tubules with the destruction of biofilm in both LAI groups. High-speed camera images demonstrated cavitation bubble production inside the root canal after a single pulse irradiation pulse. The generated bubbles moved throughout the entire internal multi-rooted tooth space. Coronal LAI can generate cavitation in the root canal with a simply placed fiber inside the pulp chamber, leading to effective biofilm removal. This method could thus contribute to the future development of endodontic treatments for refractory apical periodontitis caused by intraradicular biofilm.

Comparative evaluation of mechanical characteristics of nanofiller containing resin composites.

PURPOSE: To determine basic mechanical characteristics of six commercially available nanofiller containing resin composites compared to a microhybrid and a microfilled reference material. The tested hypothesis was that there are no differences in mechanical properties between the materials. METHODS: Durafill VS (DUR) and Filtek Z250 (Z250) were used as microfilled and microhybrid references. The nanofiller containing products were: Filtek Supreme XT (FIL), Grandio (GRA), Kalore (KAL), MI Flow (MIF), Tetric EvoCeram (TET), and Venus Diamond (VED). The following material characteristics were determined after 24 hours water storage (n = 6): Flexural strength and modulus (FM), yield stress (0.02%), tensile strength and modulus (TM), diametral tensile strength, Knoop hardness (KHN), and fracture toughness (KIC). RESULTS: The microfilled composite DUR consistently showed the lowest values for each property investigated. The group of nanofiller containing products could be subdivided into two groups: the nanohybrid products GRA and VED and the nanofilled FIL with higher values, on the one hand, and the flowable MIF, and the prepolymer containing composites KAL and TET, on the other. The mechanical performance of the microhybrid reference material Z250 was overall slightly better or in line with the nanohybrid and nanofilled materials. Stringent linear relationships were found between KHN and the moduli FM and TM, respectively (r > 0.95). Linear relations between the other materialvalues investigated were moderate to high.

Surface texture and roughness of polished nanofill and nanohybrid resin composites.

Nanofiller-containing resin composites have gained appreciable market share in dentistry due to their claims of high mechanical strength and low polymerization contraction. In this study, the polishability of one nanofill (Filtek Supreme XT/FIL) and three nanohybrid materials (Grandio/GRA, Tetric EvoCeram/TET, Venus Diamond/VED) was investigated using surface profilometry and SEM. After the specimens were cured under a Mylar strip or pre-ground with 600-grit SiC paper, three polishing systems were applied and their polishing effects compared: diamond polishing points, a diamond paste, and urethane-backed aluminum oxide disks. Except for the profilometry results obtained by glass filler-containing GRA and VED with one polishing system that comprised the consecutive application of diamond particles and a diamond polishing paste, the final roughness (Ra) of all other specimens were lower than the clinically acceptable 0.2 microm threshold. The surface textures of the polished nanofill FIL and nanohybrid TET were uniformly smooth, whereas relief polishing effects and filler extrusion of varying extents were seen on the nanohybrid composites GRA and VED.

Effect of desensitizing agents on dentin permeability.

PURPOSE: To investigate the in vitro efficacy of two dentin desensitizing products at reducing liquid permeability through human dentin discs. The tested hypothesis was that the products, in spite of different chemical mechanisms were not different at reducing or eliminating flow through dentin discs. METHODS: Dentin slices (1 mm thick) were prepared from 16 extracted human third molars and their permeability was indirectly recorded in a split chamber model, using a chemiluminescence technique, after EDTA treatment (control), after soaking with albumin, and after desensitizer application. Two products were studied: MS Coat, a self-curing resin-containing oxalate product, and Gluma Desensitizer, a glutaraldehyde/HEMA-based agent without initiator. The dentin slices were mounted between an upper chamber, filled with an aqueous solution of 1% potassium ferricyanide and 0.3% hydrogen peroxide, and a lower chamber filled with 1% sodium hydroxide solution and 0.02% luminol. The upper solution was pressurized, and upon contact with the luminol solution a photochemical signal was generated and recorded as a measure of permeability throughout two consecutive pressurizing cycles at 2.5 and 13 kPa (26 and 133 cm H2O), respectively. RESULTS: The permeability of the control and albumin-soaked samples was similarly high. After application of the desensitizing agents, dentin permeability was reduced to virtually zero at both pressure levels (P < 0.001).

Discoloration of coating resins exposed to staining solutions in vitro.

The purpose of this in vitro investigation was to study the effects of coffee and tea immersion on surface discoloration of one commercial temporary resin coating material, White Coat (WHC; Kuraray Medical Inc., Tokyo, Japan), and an experimental one, SI-R20209 (SIR; Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan). Disk-shaped specimens were prepared, their colors were determined at baseline, and after immersion in water (control), tea and coffee solutions for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Very little discoloration was found with the water-stored specimens. Staining response was most pronounced after coffee immersion for White Coat and after tea immersion for the experimental material, exceeding the clinically acceptable discoloration threshold value of deltaE=3.3. However, most of the resin shades tested are likely to be sufficiently safe against heavy discoloration when used for short-term restoration only.

Effects of opacity and oxygen inhibition of coating resin composites on bond strength to enamel.

The purpose of this in vitro investigation was to study the effects on bond strength to primed human enamel stemming from opacity and polymerization inhibition by oxygen due to two coating resins. The coating resins and primers used were White Coat and an experimental material, SIR. The bond strengths on fine-ground enamel were evaluated for three shades of each of these coating resins after 24-hour storage in water. In addition, their degrees of opacity and oxygen inhibition depths were measured. The mild self-etch primer solutions produced very shallow but distinct etching patterns for micromechanical retention of the coating resin. Significant linear relationships between bond strength on the one hand and opacity and oxygen inhibition depth on the other were found for the three shades of each coating resin. Generally, the bond strength mediated on enamel is sufficiently high when these resins are combined with their proprietary adhesives. Therefore, the decrease in bond strength with increasing opacity of the coating resin shades has to be taken into account during application and light-curing.

Resistance of nanofill and nanohybrid resin composites to toothbrush abrasion with calcium carbonate slurry.

The aim of this study was to investigate the wear of four nanofilled resin composites using simulated toothbrushing for 50,000 cycles with calcium carbonate slurry. The depth of abrasion and roughness (Ra) were measured after each 10,000 brushing cycle. The surface texture of the worn samples was examined by SEM.The wear depths of the nanofill Filtek Supreme XT (FIL), the nanohybrides Grandio (GRA), Tetric EvoCeram (TET), and Venus Diamond (VED) increased linearly with numbers of brushing cycles or approximately 80, 12, 600, and 60 mum, respectively after 50,000 strokes. Surface roughness showed virtually no change between 10,000 and 50,000 brushing cycles; the ranking order was TET < FIL < GRA < VED. FIL showed rather uniform abrasion with nanoclusters protruding from the surface. TET was very smoothly abraded without signs of debonding of the prepolymerized particles, whereas GRA and VED showed pronounced wear of the matrix polymer surrounding larger glass filler particles.

Detection of enamel subsurface lesions by swept-source optical coherence tomography.

This study aimed to non-destructively analyze the progression of subsurface enamel caries using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), a recently developed imaging analysis modality. Artificial enamel caries at various stages of demineralization were created in bovine tooth enamel using a modified lactic acid gel system. Untreated enamel served as a control. OCT images from cross-sections of enamel were collected. Mineral density, distribution, and histological changes were analyzed using an electron probe microanalyzer, scanning electron microscopy, and contact microradiography. The Raman spectrum and X-ray structural analysis of the enamel surfaces were determined. SS-OCT detected significant differences in mineral loss among the samples. A high-brightness image was confirmed, along with changes in the respective brightness graphs proportionate to the degree of demineralization. SS-OCT can potentially be used to evaluate the progression of incipient enamel carious lesions.

Effect of artificial saliva on permeability of dentin treated with phosphate containing desensitizer measured by digital flow meter.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of artificial saliva on permeability measured using a highly sensitive digital flow meter of dentin discs treated with a phosphate containing desensitizer compound (Teethmate desensitizer; TD). Four random groups (n=10) were treated either with TD or distilled water (DW), then stored in artificial saliva (AS) or DW for 1 day, 1 week and 1 month. Flow rates under 2 kPa pressure were calculated as percentage reduction (PR%) from the baseline. The PR% of TD/AS group was significantly lower after 1 day and 1 week, but the PR%s of 1 month groups among TD/AS, TD/DW and DW/AS were not significantly different. The SEM photograph of TD/AS group displayed that the dentin surface was densely covered with mineral deposits. Ca and phosphate ions from the artificial saliva could penetrate into the tubules and precipitate as hydroxyapatite, resulting in the reduction in permeability.

All-in-one self-etch model adhesives: HEMA-free and without phase separation.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to design HEMA-free all-in-one self-etch model adhesives without phase separation, and to investigate their efficiency on extracted human teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Compositions of adhesives in mass% (1): UDMA (25), 4-META (20), H(2)O (0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 35, and 45), balance of acetone or ethanol. (2): UDMA (35), 4-META or 4-MET (28), H(2)O (0, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8), balance of acetone. Phase separation was evaluated on samples exposed to ambient atmosphere. Conventional shear bond strengths (SBS, n=8) were determined on human enamel and dentin. Marginal adaptation (MGW, n=8) was assessed in cylindrical butt-joint dentin cavities. RESULTS: Solutions (1) and (2) with 5 and 8% or less water content, respectively, showed no phase separation. SBSs on enamel were not different within the acetone- or ethanol-group and between the adhesive groups (1). Water content of adhesives (2) was a significant determinant of enamel SBSs, groups with 4-META or 4-MET were not different (p>0.05). Dentin SBSs with adhesives (1) were not different (p>0.05) within solvent groups, yet higher for acetone-dissolved adhesives (p<0.05). Dentin SBSs with adhesives (2) were different by water content and functional monomer (p<0.05). MGW for solutions (1) were smaller with acetone-dissolved than with ethanol-dissolved adhesives (p<0.001). Acetone solutions between 2 and 45% water content produced almost perfect marginal adaptation. Marginal adaptation of adhesives (2) was almost perfect at 5 through 8% water content. CONCLUSIONS: Simplified HEMA-free self-etch adhesives without phase separation were prepared without compromises on bonding efficiency to enamel and dentin.

Shark fin test and impression quality: a correlation analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between the shark fin test and the dimensional accuracy of impressions, surface detail reproduction of impressions and rheological properties of impression materials within the manufacturer's recommended working time. METHODS: Four chemically different types of impression material (Flexitime: VPS; Fusion: Polyether/VPS blend; Impregum: classical Polyether; P2: new Polyether) were subjected to the shark fin test as well as three other test regimes. Dimensional accuracy was determined as being the discrepancy in diameter between a steel master cone and stone dies poured from impressions taken from the steel master cone at defined 30s intervals after mixing within the manufacturer's recommended working time. Surface detail reproduction was calculated as being the difference in average arithmetic roughness (Ra) between a ground dentin surface and the corresponding area of the impressions, taken at the same 30s intervals. Phase angle and storage modulus were measured using a rotational rheometer. Spearman's Rho was used for correlation analysis. RESULTS: With respect to the majority of impression materials used, significant correlations mainly exist between shark fin test data, phase angle and storage modulus. No correlation was found between the results of the shark fin test versus dimensional accuracy, respectively, surface detail reproduction. CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained from the shark fin test within the manufacturer's recommended working time do not allow predictions regarding the dimensional accuracy or surface detail reproduction of impressions as clinically relevant material characteristics.

Interactions of self-etch adhesives with resin composites.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the correlation of shear bond strength and marginal cavity adaptation, together with polymerization shrinkage and contraction stress, using the combination of four self-etch adhesives and three resin composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interactions were studied between one two-step and three one-step adhesives, and the hybrid-type resin composites, Beautifil (BEU, Shofu) and Venus (VEN, Heraeus), and an experimental nano-hybrid resin composite NEUN (NEU, Heraeus). For all 12 combinations shear bond strengths (SBS) were determined on human dentin. Marginal adaptation (MGW) was assessed in cylindrical butt-joint dentin cavities. Further, polymerization contraction and contraction stress of the resin restoratives were measured. RESULTS: Significant determinants of SBSs on dentin were time of testing (10min or 24h) and adhesives (p<0.001). Marginal adaptation was best for NEU, followed by VEN and BEU. Only the resin composite used was a highly significant determinant of cavity adaptation. Polymerization shrinkage after 5min was 2.58, 2.74, and 1.53% for BEU, VEN, and NEU, respectively. Polymerization contraction stresses were largest for BEU, less for VEN, and smallest for NEU (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No correlation was found between bond strength and marginal cavity adaptation. In contrast, reduced shrinkage and low polymerization contraction stress of resin composites were identified as important determinants of marginal cavity adaptation.

Effect of oxygen inhibition of self-etching adhesives on enamel-dentin polymer bond.

PURPOSE: To determine effects of light curing of self-etching adhesives under ambient air or nitrogen on inhibition depths, enamel and dentin bond strengths, and marginal adaptation in dentin cavities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The adhesives investigated were: AQ Bond (AQB, Sun Medical; Kyoto, Japan), iBond (IBO, Heraeus Kulzer; Hanau, Germany), One-Up Bond F II (OUB, Tokuyama; Tokyo, Japan), and Prompt L-Pop (PLP, 3M/ESPE; Seefeld, Germany). Inhibition layer thickness (ILT) was microscopically measured on 3 disk-shaped specimens each. Shear bond strengths (SBS) on enamel and dentin (n = 8) were determined after 10 min and 24 h water storage of bonded composite specimens (Venus, Heraeus Kulzer). The marginal adaptation of bonded Venus restorations in cylindrical dentin cavities was microscopically evaluated after 10 min of specimen storage (n = 8) in water. The data were statistically analyzed using parametric and nonparametric ANOVA and post-hoc tests at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Adhesive curing under air revealed significant ILT (microm) differences: IBO (4) < AQB (8) < PLP (12) < OUB (23). Upon curing in nitrogen atmosphere, no inhibition occurred with AQB, IBO, and PLP, and < 3 microm for OUB. SBSs on enamel after 10 min or 24 h did not differ according to curing atmospheres (p > 0.05). On dentin, SBSs were higher after curing under N2 (p < 0.05). Irrespective of the curing atmosphere, marginal adaptation was good for AQB and IBO and poor for PLP; OUB revealed significantly smaller gaps under N2 than under air curing. CONCLUSION: Oxygen inhibition of the four self-etching adhesives investigated had no or only moderate effects on bonding efficacy to enamel and dentin.

Does application of phase-separated self-etching adhesives affect bond strength?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether application of three all-in-one self-etching adhesives in a phase-separated stage has an adverse effect on bonding to enamel and dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The shear bond strengths (SBSs) on ground enamel and dentin of the adhesives G-Bond, Hybrid Bond, and iBond, combined with Venus composite, were determined. The adhesives were dispensed in a dish and applied either 1) immediately, 2) after 2 min, or 3) after 5 min dark storage under ambient conditions. The adhesives were shortly stirred with a microbrush and applied. Prior to light activation, the adhesives were air dried for 10 s with a strong air blast. Composite cylinders were produced in a cylindrical mold clamped on the treated surface. SBSs (n = 8) were determined in a universal testing machine at 1 mm/min crosshead speed after 24 h storage in 37 degrees C water. Data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and the Mann-Whitney U-Test (p < 0.05). The qualitative compositions of the separated phases were determined by FTIR spectroscopy. RESULTS: In the separated stage, the adhesives showed acidic monomer-rich phases, containing all components of the original adhesive composition, and water-rich phases with minor amounts of mainly functional monomers dissolved. The SBSs of the individual adhesives applied on enamel or dentin at the different times after dispensing were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Application of the adhesives tested either as homogeneous solution or in a phase-separated stage has no adverse effect on bonding strength to enamel or dentin when applied under the present study conditions.

Working time of elastomeric impression materials: relevance of rheological tests.

PURPOSE: To study possible relationships between rheological parameters of elastomeric impression materials and their dimensional accuracy at different stages during setting within the manufacturers' recommended working time. METHODS: Four chemically different impression material-types were tested. Impressions were taken of a master cone at 30-second intervals after mixing and up to 30 seconds beyond the recommended working time. Impression accuracy (deltad) was determined as the dimensional deviation of stone dies from the master cone. The phase angle delta(t) and storage modulus G'(t) were measured and the working time determined according to ISO 4823. Three operators assessed the latest point in time for uncompromised impression taking. Correlation analysis was performed using Spearman's Rho (P = 0.05). RESULTS: For most materials investigated, deltad(t) was constant within the manufacturers' recommended working time whereas delta(t) and G'(t) changed significantly. There was no correlation (P > 0.05) between deltad(t) versus delta(t) and G'(t), respectively. When determined according to ISO 4823, working time was longer than operator-assessed working time for all materials investigated.