Synthesis and application of triclosan methacrylate monomer in resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antibacterial activity, bacterial viability, cytotoxicity, and mechanical/physical properties of a novel methacrylate triclosan-derivative monomer (TM) incorporated in dental resin composite. METHODS: TM was synthesized by esterification and, after characterization by FT-IR, was added to an experimental composite. Samples were divided into two groups according to TM presence, i.e., C1 (control) and C2 (C1 + 14.4% TM). Microbiological properties: Specimens (C1 and C2) were prepared and placed on bacterial suspensions of Streptococcus mutans. Antibacterial activity, MTT, and live/dead bacterial viability were used to test the resin composites. All assays were performed in triplicates. Mechanical properties: Specimens underwent compression (CS) and flexural strength (FS) tests conducted in an Instron universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Physical properties: Specimens were assessed for Knoop hardness (KHN) and crosslink density (CD). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy allowed the degree of conversion (DC) to be evaluated. Data were subjected to appropriate statistical tests according to data distribution and assay (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Microbiological properties: C2 showed the lowest biofilm accumulation and the highest membrane-compromised bacteria in the biofilm. Mechanical/physical properties: For CS, FS, KHN, and DC, there was no significant difference between groups C1 and C2; however, significant difference was observed for the CD assay. CONCLUSIONS: The triclosan methacrylate reduces bacterial adhesion of S. mutans and decreased the formation of bacterial biofilm without affecting important polymer properties. The triclosan methacrylate incorporated in resin composite could greatly reduce the live bacterial adhesion of S. mutans and decrease the formation of bacterial biofilm without affecting important polymer properties. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The resin composites containing triclosan methacrylate could greatly reduce the bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. That might prevent the secondary caries round the margins of the restorations.

Clinical Time Required and Internal Adaptation in Cavities restored with Bulk-fill Composites.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the restorative time required and the internal adaptation after thermomechanical aging of class I restorations using either the conventional incremental technique or bulk-fill technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cavities (Class I) were prepared on the occlusal surface of human third molars. 40 teeth were divided into four experimental groups according to the restorative technique (n = 10): G1 = 3 mm increment of Surefill SDR Flow + 1 mm Filtek P60; G2 = 3 mm increment of Filtek Bulk-Fill + 1 mm Filtek P60; G3 = Filtek P60 inserted with incremental technique; G4 = 3 mm increment of Filtek Z350 Flow XT + 1 mm increment of Filtek P60. The required restorative clinical time for each technique was marked. Specimens were submitted to thermomechanical loading (20,000 mechanical cycles-80 N/thermal cycling-5/55°C for 30 seconds). After, samples were sectioned, ratio of internal gaps to interface length (%) was recorded using dye-staining-gap technique. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (95% significance). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in gap formation and none of the groups was completely gap-free. However, a significant reduction on required restorative clinical time was observed for G1 (167 ± 7 seconds), G2 (169 ± 4 seconds), and G4 (169 ± 8 seconds) when compared with G3 (204 ± 8 seconds). CONCLUSION: No significant difference in gap formation was found among bulk-fill and conventional incremental restorative technique tested; however, the use of a bulk-fill composite reduced 20% of the required restorative clinical time. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: None of the restorative techniques applied were able to prevent internal gap formation. The use of bulk-fill composite reduced the required clinical time to perform class I restorations.

Hydrolytic degradation of silorane- and methacrylate-based composite restorations: Evaluation of push-out strength and marginal adaptation.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the hydrolytic degradation of composite restorations based on methacrylate and silorane systems regarding bond strength and marginal adaptation. Materials and methods. Sixty bovine incisors were ground flat to obtain a 2-mm thick slice in which conical preparations were made. The specimens were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 15) according to the restorative system (silorane-Filtek LS/P90 adhesive; methacrylate-Filtek P60/Adper Easy Bond) and the degradation protocol (control: immediate evaluation; hydrolytic degradation: 6 months storage in water at 37°C). Marginal adaptation was evaluated using a dye staining technique. Digital images of the stained gaps were obtained to calculate the marginal gap (%), the ratio between the stained margins and the total length of the margin. Push-out bond strength test was conducted (0.5 mm/min). Marginal adaptation data was submitted to Kruskal-Wallis test and the bond strength data to two-way ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Results. The marginal adaptation was neither affected by the restorative system nor by the degradation protocol, although the number of perfect sealed reduced after 6 months. No significance was observed among the groups. No significance was noted between the silorane- and the methacrylate-based restorations for immediate bond strength. After the hydrolytic degradation, the silorane system showed higher bond strength then the methacrylate restorations. Conclusion. The silorane and methacrylate restorative systems produce restorations with similar immediate interfacial quality and 6 months of water storage does not cause significant bonding degradation for both systems. The silorane restorations show an increase in the bond strength after 6 months.

Effect of the curing method and composite volume on marginal and internal adaptation of composite restoratives.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of curing methods and composite volumes on the marginal and internal adaptation of composite restoratives. Two cavities with different volumes (Lower volume: 12.6 mm(3); Higher volume: 24.5 mm(3)) were prepared on the buccal surface of 60 bovine teeth and restored using Filtek Z250 in bulk filling. For each cavity, specimens were randomly assigned into three groups according to the curing method (n=10): 1) continuous light (CL: 27 seconds at 600 mW/cm(2)); 2) soft-start (SS: 10 seconds at 150 mW/cm(2)+24 seconds at 600 mW/cm(2)); and 3) pulse delay (PD: five seconds at 150 mW/cm(2)+three minutes with no light+25 seconds at 600 mW/cm(2)). The radiant exposure for all groups was 16 J/cm(2). Marginal adaptation was measured with the dye staining gap procedure, using Caries Detector. Outer margins were stained for five seconds and the gap percentage was determined using digital images on a computer measurement program (Image Tool). Then, specimens were sectioned in slices and stained for five seconds, and the internal gaps were measured using the same method. Data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (p<0.05). Composite volume had a significant influence on superficial and internal gap formation, depending on the curing method. For CL groups, restorations with higher volume showed higher marginal gap incidence than did the lower volume restorations. Additionally, the effect of the curing method depended on the volume. Regarding marginal adaptation, SS resulted in a significant reduction of gap formation, when compared to CL, for higher volume restorations. For lower volume restorations, there was no difference among the curing methods. For internal adaptation, the modulated curing methods SS and PD promoted a significant reduction of gap formation, when compared to CL, only for the lower volume restoration. Therefore, in similar conditions of the cavity configuration, the higher the volume of composite, the greater the gap formation. In addition, modulated curing methods (SS and PD) can improve the interfacial quality of composite restorations through the reduction of internal gaps in lower volume composite restoratives.

Reattachment of anterior fractured teeth: effect of materials and techniques on impact strength.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The reattachment of dental fragments, as a conservative treatment, should be the first choice to restore fractured teeth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different materials and reattachment techniques on impact strength of bovine incisors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Standardized fragments were obtained when 80 crowns were sectioned 12 mm from the incisal edge. Teeth were mounted in PVC rings, embedded in acrylic resin and polyether to simulate bone support and periodontal ligament. Specimens were distributed in nine groups (n = 10), according to the reattachment technique (Direct bonding or Circumferential chamfer); the adhesive system (Single Bond or Clearfil SE Bond); and the intermediated material (Filtek Z350 Flow or Rely X CRA). Sound teeth composed the control group. Circumferential chamfer was prepared after the bonding of the fragment by means of a spherical point and filled with the composite Filtek Z250. The impact strength was evaluated in a universal testing machine Instron. A compressive load was applied at a crosshead speed of 500 mm min(-1) on the buccal surface, 2 mm from the incisal edge. Data were submitted to anova and Ryan-Einot-Gabriel-Welsch Multiple Range test (5%). RESULTS: Mean value of impact strength for control group was 64.8 Kgf. The fragment reattachment using Circumferential chamfer was significantly superior to Direct Bonding. The use of Single Bond significantly increased the impact strength when compared to the use of Clearfil SE. There was no significant difference among Rely X and Filtek X350 Flow. CONCLUSION: No technique or material, when individually considered, was capable of achieving the mechanical strength of the sound teeth; however, the association of reattachment technique Circumferential chamfer with bonding system Single Bond could approximate the immediate impact strength of the restored teeth to that observed in the sound teeth.

Influence of a propolis-based irrigant solution on gap formation and bond strength of posts bonded to root canal dentin using different resin cements.

This study evaluated the influence of an aqueous propolis-based solution (PROP) on gap formation and bond strength of posts bonded to root canal dentin using resin cements. Endodontically-treated bovine incisors received different irrigation protocols: 1) 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)/17% EDTA/NaOCl; 2) saline solution (NaCl)/EDTA/0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX); 3) NaOCl/PROP/NaOCl; 4) NaCl/PROP/CHX; 5) NaCl/PROP/NaCl. Posts were then bonded with cements: RelyX ARC; Panavia F2.0; or RelyX U200 (n=10). The specimens were cross-sectioned. Gaps were assessed and performed the push-out bond strength test. Surface roughness of dentin fragments was also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed (5%). RelyX U200 exhibited greater gap-free interfaces. Bond strength varied as a function of cements and irrigation protocols. PROP irrigation had no negative effect on the bond strength (p>0.05). Roughness increased significantly after NaOCl/EDTA/NaOCl, but remained unaltered after PROP irrigation protocols. Propolis-based irrigation protocols do not interfere in the bonding performance of posts cemented to root canal dentin.

Hydrolytic degradation of different infiltrant compositions within different histological zones of enamel caries like-lesions.

This study evaluates the effects of resin infiltrant composition and caries histological zone on the hydrolytic degradation of resininfiltrated artificial bovine enamel caries (RI-AEC). Different resin infiltrants were tested (n=26 per group): Icon (G1); TEGDMA 60%, UDMA 20%, and HEMA 20% (TUH); TEGDMA 80% and HEMA 20% (TH); and TEGDMA 75% and Bis-EMA 25% (TB). Following caries infiltration, samples were cut perpendicularly, and transverse microhardness were analyzed (at two histological zones: surface layer and lesion body) before and after 21 days of water immersion. TB presented lower decrease in microhardness (due to hydrolytic degradation) than the other groups, with a large effect size (Hedge's G from 0.83 to 1.19) and high power (84 to 99%). Neither histological zone nor its interaction with resin infiltrant composition significantly affected the outcome. In conclusion, resin composition affected microhardness of RI-AEC upon water immersion, and TB was the least affected.

Degree of conversion and contraction stress development of a resin composite irradiated using halogen and LED at two C-factor levels.

This study verified the influence of curing methods and light sources on contraction stress, stress rate and degree of conversion (DC) of a restorative composite at two C-factor (CF) levels. For the stress test, composite (0.84 mm thick) was applied between two glass rods 5-mm in diameter mounted in a servohydraulic testing machine. Stress rates were calculated as the change in stress vs time at each second. DC was measured by micro-FTIR. Five curing methods were tested at two C-factor levels (1.5 and 3.0): High Intensity LED (LED HI), Continuous Light (QTH CL), Medium Intensity LED (LED MI), Low Intensity LED (LED LI) and Pulse Delay (QTH PD). The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). For the stress test at CF 1.5, QTH PD presented lower values than LED HI, QTH CL and LED LI. At CF 3.0, no difference was observed among the curing methods. For all curing methods, stress values at CF 3.0 were statistically higher than those at CF 1.5. LED HI presented the highest maximum stress rate, followed by QTH CL, LED MI, LED LI and QTH PD for both C-factors. In the DC test, no difference was observed among the methods and between the C-factor levels.

Effect of irradiance and light source on contraction stress, degree of conversion and push-out bond strength of composite restoratives.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of five curing methods on contraction stress, stress rate, and degree of conversion (DC) of a composite and on bond strength of composite restoratives. METHODS: For the stress test, composite was applied between two 5-mm diameter glass rods, mounted in a servohydraulic machine. Stress rates were calculated as the change in stress vs. time. DC was measured by FTIR. Bond strength testing was performed using a push-out test in bovine incisors. The C-factor was 3.0 for all tests. Five methods were evaluated: High Intensity LED (LED HI), Continuous Halogen Light (QTH CL), Medium Intensity LED (LED MI), Low Intensity LED (LED LI), and Pulse Delay Halogen Light (QTH PD). Results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: Stress values ranged from 9.25 MPa (QTH PD) to 10.46 MPa (LED MI). No statistical difference was observed among the methods. Bond strength values ranged from 24.6 MPa (LED HI) to 35.4 MPa (QTH PD), with the QTH PD presenting a statistically higher value compared to the other methods. Stress rate and bond strength presented an inverse linear correlation (r2 = 0.79). LED HI presented the highest maximum stress rate, followed by LED MI, QTH CL, LED LI, and QTH PD. The reduction in stress rate observed for the low intensity groups was associated with a general increase in bond strength, with no adverse effect on the degree of conversion of the restorative composite.

Influence of the incorporation of triclosan methacrylate on the physical properties and antibacterial activity of resin composite.

The incorporation of antimicrobials in the composites as an attempt to reduce bacterial adhesion without jeopardizing mechanical properties is a challenge for Dentistry. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the bacterial adhesion and physical properties of a composite containing the methacrylate triclosan- derivative monomer (TM). METHODOLOGY TM was synthesized and added to an experimental composite. Samples were divided into two groups: Control and TM (13.4 wt%). Antibacterial Activity: Three specimens of each material were prepared and placed on bacterial suspensions of Streptococcus mutans for 1, 5 and 10 days. After these periods the counting of the colonies (log10) was performed. Assays was performed in triplicate. Physical Properties: Three-body Abrasion (TBA): Ten specimens of each material were prepared and stored at 37°C/24 h. The surface roughness (Ra) and hardness (KHN) were analyzed. Next, the specimens were submitted to abrasive wear (30,000 cycles) and re-evaluated for Ra and KHN; Sorption/solubility (SS): cylindrical specimens (n=10) were prepared and weighted. The specimens were immersed in deionized water for 7 days at 37°C and then their weight was verified again. SS were calculated using accepted formulas; Diametral tensile strength (DTS): specimens (n=10) underwent test performed in an Instron universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Data were submitted to appropriate statistical tests according to data distribution and assay (p<0.05). RESULTS Bacterial Adhesion: TM showed a significant reduction on biofilm accumulation in the evaluated periods: 1 day (1.537±0.146); 5 days (2.183±0.138) and 10 days (4.469±0.155) when compared with Control: 1 day (4.954±0.249); 5 days (5.498±0.257) and 10 days (6.306±0.287). Physical Properties: For TBA, SS and DTS no significant difference was found between groups Control and TM. The incorporation of methacrylate triclosan-based monomer in the experimental composite reduce bacterial adhesion of S. mutans and did not affect important polymer properties.

Transdental photo-activation technique: hardness and marginal adaptation of composite restorations using different light sources.

This study investigated the influence of different light sources associated with a transdental photoactivation technique on the marginal adaptation and hardness of composite restorations. Cavities (3 mm wide x 3 mm long x 1.5 mm in deep) were prepared on flattened bovine dentin and filled with Z250 composite (3M ESPE). Nine groups (n=10) were defined according to the curing technique (direct; transdental--photo-activation through 1 mm of enamel and 2 mm of dentin; mixed--transdental + direct) and light source (QTH XL2500, 3M ESPE; PAC Apollo 95E, DMD; LED Ultrablue Is, DMC) combination. Marginal adaptation was evaluated using a dye staining method, and the percentage of stained margins was recorded. Knoop Hardness readings were made across the transversal section of the fillings. Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p< or =0.05). For margin analysis, although none of the curing conditions provided perfect adaptation, the mixed technique showed lower gap formation. No significant differences were detected between the transdental and other techniques, and no significant differences were detected among the light sources. For hardness, the direct technique showed slightly greater hardness than the mixed technique. Also, the mixed technique yielded greater hardness than the transdental technique. Among the light sources, the LED showed greater hardness than the PAC; whereas, no significant differences between the QTH and other sources were detected. The mixed technique might improve the marginal adaptation of restorations, while not being detrimental to composite hardness.

Marginal adaptation of pit and fissure sealants after thermal and chemical stress. A SEM study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vitro marginal adaptation (gap formation) in the fissure of different sealer materials (resin sealant, glass-ionomer cement, resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, and adhesive system) submitted to thermal and chemical stress, using scanning electron microscopy evaluation (SEM). METHODS: 80 impacted human third molars were randomly assigned to the following experimental groups (n = 10): FluroShield (F), Helioseal Clear Chroma (H), Vitremer (V), Fuji II-LC (FII), Ketac-Molar (KM), Fuji IX (FIX), Single Bond (SB), and Clearfil Protect Bond (CF). All groups were subjected to thermocycling and 14 days of pH cycling. A blinded and calibrated examiner performed SEM analysis. Gap formation was scored according to: 0 = no sealant marginal gaps; 1 = sealant marginal gaps present or total sealant loss. The score 0 was considered a success, while score 1 represented failure. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The success rates of SB (100%) and V (90%) were similar, but statistically superior to F (30%), H (20%), FIX (20%), and CF (0%) (P < 0.05). A tendency for similar behaviors of FII and KM to SB and V was observed and for similar behaviors of F, FIX and H to CF. The worst results were obtained for CF.

Effect of Camphorquinone Concentration in Physical-Mechanical Properties of Experimental Flowable Resin Composites.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of camphorquinone concentration in physical-mechanical properties of experimental flowable composites in order to find the concentration that results in maximum conversion, balanced mechanical strength, and minimum shrinkage stress. Model composites based on BISGMA/TEGDMA with 70% wt filler loading were prepared containing different concentrations of camphorquinone (CQ) on resin matrix (0.25%, 0.50%, 1%, 1.50%, and 2% by weight). Degree of conversion was determined by FTIR. Surface hardness was assessed before and after 24 h ethanol storage and softening rate was determined. Depth of cure was determined by Knoop hardness evaluation at different depths. Color was assessed by reflectance spectrophotometer, employing the CIE-Lab system. Flexural strength and elastic modulus were determined by a three-point bending test. Shrinkage stress was determined in a Universal Testing Machine in a high compliance system. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). The increase in CQ concentration caused a significant increase on flexural strength and luminosity of composites. Surface hardness was not affected by the concentration of CQ. Composite containing 0.25% wt CQ showed lower elastic modulus and shrinkage stress when compared to others. Depth of cure was 3 mm for composite containing 1% CQ and 2 mm for the other tested composites. Degree of conversion was inversely correlated with softening rate and directly correlated with elastic modulus and shrinkage stress. In conclusion, CQ concentration affects polymerization characteristics and mechanical strength of composites. The concentration of CQ in flowable composite for optimized polymerization and properties was 1% wt of the resin matrix, which allows adequate balance among degree of conversion, depth of cure, mechanical properties, and color characteristics of these materials.

Modulated photoactivation methods: Influence on contraction stress, degree of conversion and push-out bond strength of composite restoratives.

OBJECTIVES: Verify the influence of curing methods on contraction stress, stress rate, and degree of conversion (DC) of a restorative composite and on bond strength of composite restoratives. METHODS: For the stress test, composite (0.84 mm thick) was applied between two 5-mm diameter glass rods, mounted in a servohydraulic machine. Stress rate was taken by the value of stress/time at each second. DC was measured by micro-FTIR. Bond strength testing was performed using a push-out test. The C-factor in all tests was 3.0. Four curing methods were tested: continuous light (CL), soft-start (SS), and two pulse delay methods using different initial irradiances--150 mW/cm(2) (PD150) and 80 mW/cm(2) (PD80). Results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Stress values ranged from 7.9 MPa (PD80) to 10.3 MPa (CL). No statistical difference was verified among CL, SS, and PD150. PD80 presented statistically lower stress values compared to CL and SS. CL presented the highest maximum stress rate, followed by SS, PD150 and PD80. Mean DC values ranged from 54.2% (PD150) to 55.9% (PD80), with no difference observed among the methods. For the bond strength test, values ranged from 26.4 MPa (CL) to 35.5 MPa (PD150). PD150 and PD80 were both statistically superior to SS and CL. SS presented statistically higher bond strength compared to CL. CONCLUSIONS: Modulated curing methods were shown to be effective in reducing contraction stress rate and improving the strength of the bonded interface, and without compromising the DC of the restorative composite.

In vitro wear of primary and permanent enamel. Simultaneous erosion and abrasion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the wear differences between primary and permanent enamel caused by the association of abrasion and erosion. METHODS: Fragments of 40 human teeth (20 primary and 20 permanent) were cast in acrylic rings, polished to expose a flat enamel area, and evaluated with a 3D profiler. Antagonists were made from primary and permanent molars. The specimens were distributed into four groups (n = 10) according to type of substrate and slurry (neutral and acidic), and cycled 100,000 times in the OHSU oral wear simulator. Specimens were cleaned and re-profiled. Volume loss and maximum depth were determined on the polished specimens. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test. The area of the wear facet on the antagonist was measured. RESULTS: Primary enamel showed more wear than permanent enamel, regardless of the slurry type. The acidic environment increased the wear rate compared to the neutral slurry. The association of abrasion and erosion increased the wear rate for the primary teeth only. There was no significant difference among groups for cusp wear and no correlation between cusp wear and the enamel wear.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite on primary dentin--a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the alterations of etched deciduous dentin when submitted to different time and concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty deciduous anterior teeth were selected, cleaned and ground until expose a flat dentin area on the buccal surface. The specimens were randomly distributed into eight groups (n=5), according to dentin surface treatment (35% phosphoric acid etching for 7s--AE and/or NaOCl application), NaOCl solution concentration (5% or 10%), and time of application (0, 30, 60, and 120 s), as follows: G1: control (without AE and NaOCl); G2: only AE; G3, G4, and G5: AE+5% NaOCl for 30, 60, and 120 s, respectively; G6, G7, and G8: AE+10% NaOCl for 30, 60, and 120 s, respectively. All specimens were prepared for SEM analysis and the photomicrographs (three for each specimen) were classified according to a score as follow: 0: presence of smear layer (SL); 1: absence of SL+non-altered collagen fibrils; 2: absence of SL+collagen fibrils slightly altered; 3: absence of SL+collagen fibrils severely altered; and 4: absence of SL and absence of collagen fibrils. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: All groups treated with NaOCl solution were significant different from G1 and G2, and showed alterations on the collagen fibrils network. Collagen complete removal was only observed when a 5% NaOCl solution was applied for 120 s and 10% NaOCl solution for 30, 60, and 120 s. CONCLUSIONS: The NaOCl action produced significant changes in the etched deciduous dentin. The higher NaOCl concentration, the lower the time required to completely removing the collagen fibrils network in deciduous dentin.

Marginal adaptation of composite restorations photoactivated by LED, plasma arc, and QTH light using low-modulus resin liners.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of resin liners on the marginal adaptation to dentin of resin composite restorations photoactivated by a conventional quartz-tungsten halogen lamp (QTH), light emitting diodes (LED), and a plasma arc light (PAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The buccal surfaces of 120 bovine incisors were ground until a flat dentin area was obtained. A circular cavity (4 mm in diameter x 1.5 mm in depth) was prepared in this area. Scotchbond Multi Purpose was applied in the cavities following the manufacturer's instructions. The specimens were randomly assigned into 4 groups according to the lining technique: (1) control (1 adhesive layer); (2) three adhesive layers; (3) Filtek Flow; (4) Protect Liner F. Each group was further divided into 3 subgroups according to the light-curing method: (A) QTH; (B) LED; (C) PAC. All cavities were then restored with a single increment of Filtek Z250 restorative composite and polished. Caries Detector was applied to each specimen for 5 s. Images of dye-stained gaps were observed under a stereomicroscope and transferred to a computer measurement program. Gap values were obtained by dividing the dyed margin length by the total cavity length, then multiplying by 100. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: All the tested lining techniques significantly decreased marginal gap formation when compared with the control group only for the QTH light groups. There was no significant difference among the light-curing methods. CONCLUSION: The use of resin liners can effectively reduce the gap formation along dentin margins, but only when QTH light is used.

Evaluation of sorption/solubility, softening, flexural strength and elastic modulus of experimental resin blends with chlorhexidine.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate physical-chemical properties of experimental diacetate chlorhexidine (CHX)-added resin blends. METHODS: Blends were formulated: G1)TEGDMA; G2)TEGDMA/0.1%CHX; G3)TEGDMA/0.2%CHX; G4)TEGDMA/UDMA; G5)TEGDMA/UDMA/0.1%CHX; G6)TEGDMA/UDMA/0.2%CHX; G7)TEGDMA/BisEMA, G8)TEGDMA/BisEMA/0.1%CHX; G9)TEGDMA/BisEMA/0.2%CHX. Icon(®) was the control group. For sorption/solubility (SS), cylindrical specimens (n=5) were prepared and their weight obtained. The specimens were immersed in deionized water for 7days at 37°C and their weight was verified again. SS were calculated using accepted formulas. For softening, cylindrical specimens (n=10) were prepared and initial Knoop hardness number (KHN) obtained. The specimens were immersed in absolute ethanol for 24h at 37°C and final KHN accomplished. Softening values were calculated by KHN reduction percentage. For elastic modulus (EM) and flexural strength (FS) bar specimens were prepared (n=10) and values obtained with a universal device (three point, 5mm distance, 0.5mm/min, load of 50N). The data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α=5%). RESULTS: TEGDMA/BisEMA blends and Icon(®) showed the lowest sorption from blends (p>0.05), and Icon(®) was the most soluble material (p<0.01). TEGDMA/UDMA/0.1%CHX showed the highest softening, similar to Icon(®) (p>0.05). For EM, all blends were different than Icon(®) (p<0.01). For FS, TEGDMA blends were similar to Icon(®), showing the lowest averages (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Monomers chemical characteristics influenced the physical-chemical properties of experimental blends more than CHX. Between the blends tested, UDMA blends presented satisfactory results for assays evaluated. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Infiltrants CHX-added could arrest and reinforce initial caries lesions, and the antimicrobial effect could prevent new lesions in sound enamel adjacent to the infiltrated area.

Effect of monomer blend and chlorhexidine-adding on physical, mechanical and biological properties of experimental infiltrants.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate antimicrobial inhibition zone, degree of conversion (DC) and Knoop hardness (KH) of experimental infiltrants. Experimental low viscosity monomer blends were prepared and chlorhexidine diacetate salt (CHX) (0.1% or 0.2%) was added comprising the groups: G1) TEGDMA; G2) TEGDMA/0.1CHX; G3) TEGDMA/0.2CHX; G4) TEGDMA/UDMA; G5) TEGDMA/UDMA/0.1CHX; G6) TEGDMA/UDMA/0.2CHX; G7) TEGDMA/BISEMA; G8) TEGDMA/BISEMA/0.1CHX; G9) TEGDMA/BISEMA/0.2CHX. Icon® was used as control group. METHODS: Specimens of resin blends were made (n=9) to accomplished DC and KH. Pour plate was accomplished to evaluate antimicrobial groups' activity against Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA). Data obtained were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests for blends comparisons and Dunnett's test for comparisons between experimental infiltrants and Icon® (p<0.05). RESULTS: In relation to antimicrobial effect, uncured blends showed higher antibacterial activity than cured ones for the most of blends. After polymerization, G5 showed the highest inhibition zone against SM and, G3 and G6 against LA. Concerning KH, TEGDMA/UDMA-based blends showed the highest values of KH number and it was influenced by monomeric base, regardless CHX concentration. DC was not affected by monomer blend composition, neither for CHX concentration. The antimicrobial activity was affected by monomeric base, CHX concentration and polymerization. Experimental infiltrants presented similar or higher performance than Icon® for the properties evaluated. SIGNIFICANCE: White spot lesion infiltration with low viscosity monomer blends (infiltrants) is an alternative to stop initial caries lesions progression. The incorporation of an antimicrobial agent as chlorhexidine diacetate salt in infiltrants composition could enhance the performance of these materials.

Mechanical properties of composites as functions of the syringe storage temperature and energy dose.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanical properties of different classifications of composites indicated for posterior application as functions of the storage condition and of the energy dose. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens (8 x 2 x 2 mm) were obtained according to the factors: I) Composites (3M ESPE): Filtek P60, Filtek Z350XT, and Filtek Silorane; II) Syringe storage conditions: room temperature, aged, oven, refrigerator, and freezer; and III) Energy dose: 24 J/cm(2) and 48 J/cm(2). After photoactivation, the specimens were stored at 37 ºC for 24 h. After storage, a three-point bending test was carried out in a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. Flexural strength (S) and flexural modulus (E) were calculated. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Different storage conditions significantly affected the silorane composite for S; conversely, no effects were noted in terms of E. The accelerated aging protocol significantly increased the S of Filtek P60 and Filtek Silorane, whereas storage in the oven significantly decreased the S for all of the composites tested. Filtek P60 was the only composite not affected by the lower storage temperatures tested for S, whereas for the silorane this parameter was impacted at the same conditions. The factor "dose" was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The syringe storage at different temperature conditions proved to influence mostly the flexural strength, a clinically important characteristic considering the posterior indication of the materials tested. The silorane composite should not be stored at lower temperatures.