Longevity of bond strength of resin cements to root dentine after radiation therapy.

AIM: To evaluate the bond strength and adhesive interface between several resin cements and root dentine immediately and 6 months after radiotherapy. METHODOLOGY: Sixty maxillary canines were selected and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 30): one group was not irradiated and the other one was subjected to a cumulative radiation dose of 60 Gy. The teeth were sectioned to obtain roots 16 mm long and the canals were prepared with the Reciproc system (R50) and filled using a lateral condensation technique with an epoxy resin sealer. Each group was divided into three subgroups (n = 10) according to the resin cement used for fibreglass fibre post cementation: RelyX-U200, Panavia-F2.0 and RelyX ARC. The posts were cemented in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Three 1-mm-thick dentine slices were then obtained from each root third. The first two slices in the crown-apex direction of each third were selected for the push-out test. The failure mode after debonding was determined with a stereo microscope. The third slice from each root third was selected for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses to examine the resin cement-dentine interface with 100, 1000, 2000 and 4000× magnification. Bond strength data were analysed by anova and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Significantly lower bond strength (P < 0.0001) was obtained after irradiation compared to nonirradiated teeth. RelyX-U200 cemented fibre posts had the higher bond strength (15.17 ± 5.89) compared with RelyX ARC (P < 0.001) and Panavia-F2.0 (P < 0.001). The evaluation after 6 months revealed lower bond strength values compared to the immediate values (P < 0.001) for irradiated and nonirradiated teeth. Cohesive failures occurred in the irradiated dentine. SEM revealed fractures, microfractures and fewer collagen fibres in irradiated root dentine. RelyX-U200 and Panavia-F2.0 were associated with a juxtaposed interface of the cement with the radicular dentine in irradiated and nonirradiated teeth, and for RelyX ARC, hybrid layer formation and tags were observed in both irradiated and nonirradiated teeth. CONCLUSION: Radiation was associated with a decrease in the push-out bond strength and with lower resin cement/root dentine interface adaptation. Self-adhesive resin cement was a better alternative for fibre post cementation in teeth subjected to radiation therapy. The bond strength decreased after 6 months.

Influence of therapeutic cancer radiation on the bond strength of an epoxy- or an MTA-based sealer to root dentine.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of radiation on root canal sealer push-out bond strength to dentine and sealer/dentine interface in teeth filled with AH Plus (Dentsply Ind. Com. Ltda, Petrópolis, RJ, Brazil) and MTA Fillapex (Angelus Ind. Prod. Odontológicos S/A, Londrina, PR, Brazil). METHODOLOGY: Thirty-two maxillary canines were selected and randomly assigned to 2 groups (n = 16): one group was not irradiated, and the other was subjected to a cumulative radiation dose of 60 Gy. Root canals were prepared with the Reciproc system (VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany), and each group was divided into 2 subgroups (n = 8) according to the sealer - AH Plus or MTA Fillapex - using the single-cone filling technique. Then, 1-mm-thick dentine slices were obtained from each root third for the push-out test to evaluate sealer bond strength to dentine and for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the sealer/dentine interface. Failure mode after debonding was determined with a stereomicroscope at ×25 magnification. Bond strength data were analysed by two-way anova with a split-plot design and post hoc Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Significantly lower bond strength (P < 0.0001) was obtained after irradiation (0.71 ± 0.20 versus 0.97 ± 0.29 MPa) and in specimens filled with MTA Fillapex (0.70 ± 0.18 MPa) compared with AH Plus (1.00 ± 0.27 MPa). Percentage of adhesive failures increased after radiation in all root thirds in the teeth filled with AH Plus. SEM revealed more gap-containing regions and fewer tags at the sealer/dentine interface in irradiated specimens, with more tag formation and fewer gaps with AH Plus sealer. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation was associated with a decrease in the push-out bond strength of sealers to intraradicular dentine and formation of more gaps and fewer tags at the sealer/dentine interface regardless of the sealer.

Comparison of hardness of three temporary filling materials cured by two light-curing devices.

AIM: Polymerization ability of light-curing devices can affect the light-cured material hardness. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the hardness of three temporary filling materials that had been light-cured by either a light emitting diode (LED) or a halogen light-curing unit. METHODS: The temporary filling materials, First Fill, Voco Clip and Bioplic, were placed in wells in a Teflon plate. The 24 specimens of each material were divided into two groups (N.=12/group) for photo-activation by either of the two light-curing units. The LED or halogen device was applied for 40s to the top surface of each specimen. A Knoop hardness test was performed on the top and bottom surface of each specimen, with five measurements per specimen. RESULTS: The highest hardness values for both the LED and halogen treated groups were observed for First Fill and the lowest values were for Voco Clip in top and bottom surfaces. The hardness obtained for the three materials with the halogen unit were significantly higher than the values obtained with the LED unit in both surfaces (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: First Fill light-cured temporary material exhibited the highest hardness values on the top and bottom surfaces than Voco Clip and Bioplic temporary materials. The hardness of light-cured temporary filling materials can be affected by the type of light-curing unit.

Effect of chemical and Er:YAG laser treatment on bond strength of root canal resin-based sealers.

Different treatments of dentin walls, as laser irradiation, prior to obturation can influence the adhesion ability of endodontic sealers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare in vitro the shear bond strength of four resin-based sealers to dentin treated with citric acid solution or erbium: yttrium, aluminum, garnet (Er:YAG) irradiation. A total of 240 slices with 1.6 mm of thickness were cut using middle third of 84 teeth. Each slice was widened using a #45 taper.06 rotary K3 instrument. The sample was divided into groups according to dentin pretreatment (15 % citric acid or Er:YAG laser) and sealer used (AH Plus, Acroseal, EndoREZ, or RealSeal). Shear bond strength was measured using a universal materials testing machine. As results, significant differences were found when comparing sealers between all groups (p < 0.05) by Kruskal-Wallis test, regardless of the pretreatment used. Comparing pretreatments, 15 % citric acid solution had better outcomes than Er:YAG laser, with significant differences in all groups, except for Acroseal groups (p < 0.05). It was concluded that RealSeal and 15 % citric acid solution achieved the best results regarding the sealer and pretreatment used, respectively.

Color stability of white mineral trioxide aggregate.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the color stability of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) after irradiation with three different curing lights and with a fluorescent lamp in an oxygen-free environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty samples of WMTA were divided into four experimental groups (three curing light and one fluorescent lamp) and one negative control group. The samples in the curing light groups were immersed in glycerine and were irradiated for 20, 60, and 120 s with a curing light. The samples in the fluorescent lamp group were immersed in glycerine and left on a laboratory shelf below a fluorescent lamp, whereas the negative control group was irradiated with a curing light without immersion in glycerine. A spectrophotometer was used to determine the color of each specimen before and after each light exposure and after 5 days. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Fisher's least significant difference test. RESULTS: All the groups showed discoloration except for the negative control group. At 20, 60, and 120 s, there were no significant differences between the Optilux and Bluephase groups (which were the darkest). The Demi group was the curing light experimental group that showed the lowest degree of discoloration (P = 0.0001). No differences were observed between the fluorescent lamp and the negative control groups. After 5 days, the fluorescent lamp group also showed darkening of the sample surface and there were no significant differences between this group and the other three experimental groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: WMTA showed dark discoloration after irradiation with a curing light or fluorescent lamp in an oxygen-free environment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: WMTA may cause tooth discoloration when it is used in a coronal position.

Comparison of halogen versus LED light-cured temporary endodontic filling materials for sealing.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the sealing ability of the three light-cured temporary restorative materials curing with two different light curing devices; halogen and LED. METHODS: After the preparation of standard endodontic access cavities, the canal systems were instrumented by using a step-back technique irrigated with sodium hypochlorite and EDTA. Light-cured temporary restorative materials; First fill, Bioplic, and Diatemp were applied and polymerized with either of the LED or Halogen light-curing devices. The specimens were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for four days in an incubator for the leakage assessment. RESULTS: The first fill presented the least microleakage values for both the LED (2.54±0.53) and halogen (2.84±0.48) treated groups whereas; Diatemp presented the highest microleakage values for both the LED (2.83±0.59) and halogen (3.28±0.56) groups. The leakage values of all light-cured temporary filling materials for the LED-treated groups were lower than the halogen treated ones. However, there were statistically no significant differences among the three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that light curing temporary filling materials can achieve a good and comparable sealing capacity when cured by both LED and halogen LCUs.

Quantification of fibrosis and mast cells in the tissue response of endodontic sealer irradiated by low-level laser therapy.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) accelerates tissue repair. Mast cells induce the proliferation of fibroblasts and the development of local fibrosis. The objective of this study was to quantify fibrosis rate and mast cells in connective tissue after endodontic sealer zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE) was implanted and submitted to LLLT, immediately after implant and again 24 h later. Sixty mice were distributed into three groups: GI, GII, and GIII (n = 20). In GI, the tubes filled with Endofill were implanted in the animals and were not irradiated with LLLT. In GII, the tubes containing Endofill were implanted in the animals and then irradiated with red LLLT (InGaAIP) 685-nm wavelength, D = 72 J/Cm(2), E = 2 J, T = 58 s, P = 35 mW, and in GIII, the tubes with Endofill were implanted and irradiated with infrared LLLT (AsGaAl) 830-nm wavelength, D = 70 J/Cm(2), E = 2 J, T = 40 s, P = 50 mW. After 7 days and 30 days, the animals were killed. A series of 6-µm-thick sections were obtained and stained with Toluidine Blue and Picrosirius and analyzed under a standard light microscope using a polarized light filter for the quantification of fibrosis. The statistics were qualitative and quantitative with a significance of 5%. The irradiation with LLLT did not offer improvement in the fibrosis rate, however, it provided a significant decrease in the concentration of independent mast cells for the period studied.

Influence of Nd:YAG laser on the penetration of a bioceramic root canal sealer into dentinal tubules: A confocal analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study, is to evaluate the penetration of a bioceramic root canal sealer into dentinal tubules at 3 mm and 5 mm from the apex after Nd:YAG laser irradiation. METHODS: Forty freshly extracted human mandibular premolars were prepared using Reciproc® and irrigated with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Teeth were divided into 4 groups: group 1, obturated with control sealer (AH Plus®); group 2, obturated with bioceramic sealer (Endosequence BC Sealer®); group 3, Nd:YAG laser + control sealer (AH Plus®); and group 4, Nd:YAG laser + bioceramic sealer (Endosequence BC Sealer®). The samples were transversely sectioned 3 mm and 5 mm from the apex and examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Two parameters were measured: 1) sealer penetration into dentinal tubules of the root canal and 2) sealer penetration into the perimeter of the root canal walls. RESULTS: Penetration analysis showed that bioceramic sealer had a higher penetration at depths of 3 and 5 mm than that of the control sealer, regardless of laser use (p <0.05). Perimeter analysis showed that there was no difference between both sealers at a depth of 3 mm (p <0.05), regardless of laser use. At a depth of 5 mm, bioceramic sealer and laser showed a greater perimeter of penetration (p <0.05) than the control sealer. CONCLUSION: The use of Nd:YAG laser did not compromise the penetration of bioceramic sealer into dentinal tubules of root canals at 3 mm and 5 mm from the apex.

How to improve root canal filling in teeth subjected to radiation therapy for cancer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of radiation therapy on root canal sealer push-out bond strength (BS) to dentin and the sealer/dentin interface after different final irrigation solutions (NaOCl, EDTA, and chitosan). Sixty-four maxillary canines were distributed into two groups (n=30): non-irradiated and irradiated with 60 Gy. Canals were prepared with Reciproc-R50 and subdivided (n=10) for final irrigation (NaOCl, EDTA, chitosan) and filled. Three dentin slices were obtained from each root third. The first slice of each third was selected for BS evaluation, and the failure mode was determined by stereomicroscopy. SEM analysis of the sealer-dentin interface was performed in the remaining slices. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α=0.05) were used. Lower BS (P<0.0001) was obtained after irradiation (2.07±0.79 MPa), regardless of the final irrigation solution used. The NaOCl group (P<0.001) had the lowest BS in the irradiated (1.68±0.72) and non-irradiated (2.39±0.89) groups, whereas the EDTA (irradiated: 2.14±0.77 and non-irradiated: 3.92±1.54) and chitosan (irradiated: 2.37±0.73 and non-irradiated: 3.51±1.47) groups demonstrated a higher BS (P<0.05). The highest values were observed in the coronal third (3.17±1.38) when compared to the middle (2.74±1.36) and apical ones (2.09±0.97)(P<0.0001). There were more cohesive failures and more gaps in irradiated specimens, regardless of the final solution. The present study showed that radiation was associated with a decrease in BS, regardless of the final solution used, whereas chitosan increased BS in teeth subjected to radiation therapy.

Regional push-out bond strength and coronal microleakage of Resilon after different light-curing methods.

The purpose of this study was to assess the push-out bond strength and coronal microleakage of the Epiphany (Pentron Clinical Technologies, Wallingford, CT) + Resilon (Resilon Research LLC, Madison, CT) obturation system with respect to different photoactivation methods used. Roots of human maxillary central incisors (n = 60) were prepared with 0.06 taper nickel-titanum rotary files to size 30. After application of the Epiphany sealer, the roots were obturated with Resilon cones. The specimens were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 10/group) according to the light-curing unit (LCU) used from the coronal aspect: (1) quartz-tungsten-halogen/40 seconds, (2) light-emitting diode/20 seconds, and (3) plasma arc/6 seconds. Thereafter, 2-mm thick horizontal sections (n = 3) were obtained from each specimen from the coronal to apical direction and subjected to push-out test at a crosshead-speed of 1mm/min. Failure modes were assessed quantitatively under a stereomicroscope and morphologically under a scanning electron microscope. The remaining 30 roots were used for the dye-leakage assessments. Both the type of LCU and the level of sectioning had significant effects on bond strength. The following statistical ranking was obtained for bond strength values: quartz-tungsten-halogen > light-emitting diode > plasma arc. Coronal microleakage of specimens cured with the plasma arc was significantly greater than those of other groups (p < 0.05).

Effect of Laser-Activated Irrigation on the Push-Out Bond Strength of ProRoot Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Biodentine in Furcal Perforations.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of erbium, chromium: yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser-activated irrigation (LAI) of NaOCl on the push-out bond strength of furcal perforations repaired with ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine. BACKGROUND DATA: Several studies investigated the adhesion of calcium silicate-based cements after exposure to endodontic irrigants, while effect of LAI on bond strength remains to be elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bur-cut furcal perforations with standard dimensions were created in 100 extracted human mandibular molars. Teeth were randomly distributed into two groups (n = 50/group) according to the repair material applied: (1) ProRoot MTA or (2) Biodentine. The specimens were further assigned into five subgroups according to the irrigation regimens used over the set materials: (a) distilled water with needle irrigation; (b) 5.25% NaOCl with needle irrigation; (c) distilled water with LAI; (d) 5.25% NaOCl with LAI; and (e) no irrigation (control). Bond strengths of the test materials were assessed by using push-out bond strength test. RESULTS: Biodentine showed significantly higher dislocation resistance than ProRoot MTA (p < 0.05). Laser activation of 5.25% NaOCl and distilled water did not significantly affect the push-out bond strength results (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Biodentine showed higher dislocation resistance than ProRoot MTA as a perforation repair material. Er,Cr:YSGG laser activation of irrigation aqueous solutions had no adverse effect on push-out bond strength of Biodentine and ProRoot MTA.

Setting times of Resilon and other sealers in aerobic and anaerobic environments.

Eleven sealers, including Resilon sealer, were mixed according to manufacturer's instructions. Setting times were determined in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. Two samples of each sealer were mixed and placed in the following conditions: (a) uncovered in an aerobic incubator; (b) covered with a glass cover-slip in the aerobic incubator; (c) covered with phosphate buffered saline in an aerobic incubator; (d) uncovered in an anaerobic incubator; (e) light cured and then placed in the aerobic incubator (Resilon only). All samples were tested for setting times with a Gillmore needle at 15, 30, and 60 minutes, then hourly up to 8 hours, then at 24, 48, and 72 hours, and then weekly up to 3 weeks. Ketac Endo and Kerr Tubliseal, were the fastest sealers to set in aerobic environments. Ketac Endo and Resilon were the fastest sealers to set in anaerobic environments. Roth 801 and Roth 811 were the slowest sealers to set, taking over 3 weeks to set in either anaerobic or aerobic environments. Resilon sealer set in 30 minutes in both anaerobic environments. However, in the presence of air, Resilon took a week to set and when placed in PBS, an uncured layer remained on the surface.

Material Properties of a Tricalcium Silicate-containing, a Mineral Trioxide Aggregate-containing, and an Epoxy Resin-based Root Canal Sealer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim was to compare the solubility, radiopacity, and setting times of a tricalcium silicate-containing (BioRoot RCS; Septodont, St Maur-des-Fossés, France) and a mineral trioxide aggregate-containing sealer (MTA Fillapex; Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) with an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus; Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany). METHODS: Solubility in distilled water, radiopacity, and setting time were evaluated in accordance with ISO 6876:2012. The solubility was also measured after soaking the materials in phosphate-buffered saline buffer (PBS). All data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: After immersion for 1 minute in distilled water, BioRoot RCS was significantly less soluble than AH Plus and MTA Fillapex (P < .05). At all other exposure times, AH Plus was significantly less soluble than BioRoot RCS, whereas BioRoot RCS was significantly more soluble than the other 2 sealers (P < .05). All sealers had the same solubility in PBS and distilled water, except for BioRoot RCS after 28 days. At this exposure time, BioRoot RCS was significantly less soluble in PBS than in distilled water and less soluble than MTA Fillapex (P < .05). All BioRoot RCS specimens immersed in PBS had a surface precipitate after 14 and 28 days. The radiopacity of all sealers was greater than 3 mm aluminum with no statistical significant difference between the sealers (P > .05). The final setting time was 324 (±1) minutes for BioRoot RCS and 612 (±4) minutes for AH Plus. The difference was statistically significant (P < .05). MTA Fillapex did not set completely even after 1 week. CONCLUSIONS: The solubility and radiopacity of the sealers were in accordance with ISO 6876:2012. PBS decreased the solubility of BioRoot RCS.

Color stability of mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium enriched mixture cement.

AIM: To assess the effect of light irradiation and different immersion media on discoloration of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and calcium enriched mixture (CEM) cement at different time intervals. METHODS: Enamel sections of 12 teeth were removed and six cavities were prepared in each tooth. The cavities were filled randomly either with WMTA or CEM and covered with transparent sealant. Half the specimens were irradiated for 160 sec (eight exposures of 20 sec each) and the remaining were irradiated for 40 sec (two exposures of 20 sec each); digital images were taken after each exposure. The teeth were stored in phosphate buffer saline, oxygen-rich medium and glycerin (n = 4). Digital images were obtained after 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. Commission Internationale de I'E'clairage (CIE) color space system and Photoshop CS5 software were used to evaluate the discoloration. The color change (ΔE) and lightness (ΔL) values was analyzed using repeated measures anova and Tukey's Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test. RESULTS: The materials tested showed significant discoloration over time (WMT > CEM; P < 0.001). ΔE increased significantly while ΔL decreased in three media over time (P < 0.001). Greater duration of light curing caused a significant decrease in ΔL and ΔE values in both materials (WMTA > CEM; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Color stability of WMTA was inferior to CEM samples after exposure to different duration of irradiation and media over time.

Removal of filling materials from oval-shaped canals using laser irradiation: a micro-computed tomographic study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of lasers in removing filling remnants from oval-shaped canals after retreatment procedures with rotary instruments using micro-computed tomographic imaging. METHODS: The root canals of 42 mandibular canines were prepared and obturated using the warm vertical compaction technique. Retreatment was performed with rotary instruments, and the specimens were distributed in 3 groups (n = 14) according to the laser device used in a later stage of retreatment procedure: Er:YAG, Er:YAG laser-based photon-induced photoacoustic streaming, and Nd:YAG. The specimens were scanned in a micro-computed tomographic device after root canal filling and each stage of retreatment at a resolution of 13.68 µm. The percentage differences of the remaining filling material before and after laser application within and between groups were statistically compared using the paired sample t test and 1-way analysis of variance test, respectively. Significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: Overall, filling residues were located mainly in the apical third and into canal irregularities after the retreatment procedures. After using rotary instruments, the mean percentage volume of the filling remnants ranged from 13%-16%, with no statistical significant difference between groups (P > .05). Within groups, additional laser application had a significant reduction in the amount of the remaining filling materials (P < .05). A comparison between groups showed that Er:YAG laser application after the use of rotary instruments had a significantly higher removal of filling remnants (~13%) than Er:YAG laser-based photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (~4%) and Nd:YAG (~3%) (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: None of the retreatment procedures completely removed the filling materials. The additional use of lasers improved the removal of filling material after the retreatment procedure with rotary instruments.

Antibacterial and Odontogenesis Efficacy of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Combined with CO2 Laser Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been successfully used in clinical applications in endodontics. Studies show that the antibacterial effects of CO2 laser irradiation are highly efficient when bacteria are embedded in biofilm because of a photothermal mechanism. The aim of this study was to confirm the effects of CO2 laser irradiation on MTA with regard to both material characterization and cell viability. METHODS: MTA was irradiated with a dental CO2 laser using directly mounted fiber optics in the wound healing mode with a spot area of 0.25 cm(2) and then stored in an incubator at 100% relative humidity and 37°C for 1 day to set. The human dental pulp cells cultured on MTA were analyzed along with their proliferation and odontogenic differentiation behaviors. RESULTS: The results indicate that the setting time of MTA after irradiation by the CO2 laser was significantly reduced to 118 minutes rather than the usual 143 minutes. The maximum diametral tensile strength and x-ray diffraction patterns were similar to those obtained without CO2 laser irradiation. However, the CO2 laser irradiation increased the amount of Ca and Si ions released from the MTA and regulated cell behavior. CO2 laser-irradiated MTA promoted odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs, with the increased formation of mineralized nodules on the substrate's surface. It also up-regulated the protein expression of multiple markers of odontogenic and the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein protein. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides new and important data about the effects of CO2 laser irradiation on MTA with regard to the decreased setting time and increased ion release. Taking cell functions into account, the Si concentration released from MTA with laser irradiation may be lower than a critical value, and this information could lead to the development of new regenerative therapies for dentin and periodontal tissue.

The evalution of the effects of different irrigating solutions and laser systems on adhesion of resin-based root canal sealers.

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND DATA: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different laser systems and different irrigating solutions on the adhesion of AH Plus and EndoREZ root canal sealers to human root canal dentin. Laser irradiation can be used to obtain morphological changes in dentin walls that could influence the adhesion values of endodontic sealers. METHODS: One hundred canine root canals were cleaned and shaped. The specimens were assigned to four groups (n=24). In group I 5% NaOCl (control), in group II 15% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) followed by 5% NaOCl, in group III Er:YAG laser with 2940 nm wavelength, and in group IV Nd:YAG laser with 1064 nm were used as a final procedure in root canals. In each group, half of the specimens were filled with AH Plus sealer and half with EndoREZ with gutta-percha, using cold lateral compaction. Specimens were sectioned to obtain three slices from each third using a precission saw. The first slice of 1 mm thick dentin disks from each third was subjected to the pushout test (MPa). Results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was reported between dentin surface treatments (Er:YAG and control groups). Control (1.60±0.99), EDTA (2.05±1.35), Er:YAG (2.25±1.64), and Nd:YAG (2.13±1.38). AH Plus adhesion values were increased significantly (p<0.05) when the root canal was irradiated with the Er:YAG laser. Nd:YAG laser irradiation increased EndoREZ adhesion values significantly when compared with Er:YAG laser irradiation (p<0.05). In the apical and coronal thirds, AH Plus showed better adhesion than did EndoREZ sealer (p<0.005). In the middle third, there was no statistical difference between AH Plus and EndoREZ. CONCLUSIONS: The use of EDTA and different laser systems influenced the bond strength of resin-based root canal sealers.

Study on detecting spatial distribution of neutrons and gamma rays using a multi-imaging plate system.

In order to measure the spatial distributions of neutrons and gamma rays separately using the imaging plate, the requirement for the converter to enhance specific component was investigated with the PHITS code. Consequently, enhancing fast neutrons using recoil protons from epoxy resin was not effective due to high sensitivity of the imaging plate to gamma rays. However, the converter of epoxy resin doped with (10)B was found to have potential for thermal and epithermal neutrons, and graphite for gamma rays.

Influence of ultrasonic activation of 4 root canal sealers on the filling quality.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of ultrasonic activation on the filling quality (intratubular sealer penetration, interfacial adaptation, and presence of voids) of 4 epoxy resin-based sealers. METHODS: Eighty-four extracted human canines were divided into 4 groups (n = 20) according to the sealer used to obturate the root canals instrumented with F5 ProTaper instruments (50/05) (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). The canals were filled by the lateral compaction technique. Previously, the sealers were labeled with rhodamine B dye to allow analysis under a confocal microscope. At the time of obturation, the specimens were divided again into 2 groups (n = 10) according to the ultrasonic activation of the sealers: ultrasonically activated and nonultrasonically activated groups. All samples were sectioned at 2, 4, and 6 mm from the apex. The percentages of voids, gaps, and dentinal sealer penetration segments of the canal were analyzed. RESULTS: Regarding the sealer penetration segments, there was a significant increase for the AH Plus (Dentsply Maillefer), Acroseal (Specialités Septodont, Saint Maur-des-Fossés, France), and Sealer 26 (Dentsply Maillefer) at the 4-mm level and the AH Plus and Sealer 26 at the 6-mm level with ultrasonic activation (P < .05). Concerning the gaps, the ultrasonic activation promoted a smaller presence for all sealers at the 4- and 6-mm levels (P < .05). No statistical significant differences were found for the percentages of voids (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of ultrasonic activation of an epoxy resin-based sealer promoted greater dentinal sealer penetration and less presence of gaps.

Investigation of the physical properties of tricalcium silicate cement-based root-end filling materials.

OBJECTIVE: Tricalcium silicate-based cements have been displayed as suitable root-end filling materials. The physical properties of prototype radiopacified tricalcium silicate cement, Bioaggregate and Biodentine were investigated. Intermediate restorative material was used as a control. METHODS: The physical properties of a prototype zirconium oxide replaced tricalcium silicate cement and two proprietary cements composed of tricalcium silicate namely Bioaggregate and Biodentine were investigated. Intermediate restorative material (IRM) was used as a control. Radiopacity assessment was undertaken and expressed in thickness of aluminum. In addition the anti-washout resistance was investigated using a novel basket-drop method and the fluid uptake, sorption and solubility were investigated using a gravimetric method. The setting time was assessed using an indentation technique and compressive strength and micro-hardness of the test materials were investigated. All the testing was performed with the test materials immersed in Hank's balanced salt solution. RESULTS: All the materials tested had a radiopacity value higher than 3mm thickness of aluminum. IRM exhibited the highest radiopacity. Biodentine demonstrated a high washout, low fluid uptake and sorption values, low setting time and superior mechanical properties. The fluid uptake and setting time was the highest for Bioaggregate. SIGNIFICANCE: The addition of admixtures to tricalcium silicate-based cements affects the physical properties of the materials.