The influence of substrate surface conditioning and biofilm age on the composition of Enterococcus faecalis biofilms.

AIM: To investigate the null hypothesis that neither the surface conditioning (collagen, serum, saliva) of hydroxyapatite (HA) discs, nor the biofilm age (3 days vs. 21 days) has a significant effect on the cellular and matrix composition of biofilms, using Enterococcus faecalis as the model organism. METHODOLOGY: Sterile HA discs were conditioned with collagen, saliva or serum, and inoculated with E. faecalis to form 3-day and 21-day-old biofilms. Unconditioned discs served as controls. The biofilms were analysed using culture-dependent and independent (confocal microscopy and biochemical analysis) methods, to determine the colony-forming units and the biofilm matrix composition (polysaccharides and proteins), respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests (P = 0.05). RESULTS: Collagen conditioning significantly increased the number of CFUs in the 21-day biofilms, compared to the 3-day biofilms (P < 0.05). Although the biochemical analysis revealed that surface conditioning had no significant effect on the total carbohydrate content in the 21-day biofilms, confocal microscopic analysis revealed that collagen and saliva conditioning selectively increased the polysaccharide content of 21-day biofilms, compared to the 3-day biofilms (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study raise an important methodological concern that the substrate conditioning substances and biofilm age differentially influence the cellular and extracellular matrix components of E. faecalis biofilms.

Effect of root canal irrigation protocols on the dislocation resistance of mineral trioxide aggregate-based materials: A systematic review of laboratory studies.

The aim of this systematic review was to address the question: Do different irrigating protocols have an impact on the dislocation resistance of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based materials? The review was performed using a well-defined search strategy in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) to include laboratory studies performed between January 1995 and May 2017, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers analysed the papers, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data on teeth used, sample size, size of root canal preparation, type of MTA-based material, irrigants, canal filling method, storage method and duration, region of roots and the parameters of push-out testing (slice thickness, plunger dimensions and plunger loading direction), the main results and dislocation resistance values (in MPa). From 255 studies, 27 were included for full-text analysis. Eight papers that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. There was a wide variation in dislocation resistance due to differences in irrigation sequence, time and concentration of irrigants, storage method and duration, and the parameters of push-out bond strength testing. A meta-analysis was not done but qualitative synthesis of the included studies was performed. No definitive conclusion could be drawn to evaluate the effect of irrigation protocols on dislocation resistance of MTA-based materials. Recommendations have been provided for standardized testing methods and reporting of future studies, so as to obtain clinically relevant information and to understand the effects of irrigating protocols on root canal sealers and their interactions with the dentine walls of root canals.

In vitro evaluation of the influence of velocity on sliding resistance of stainless steel arch wires in a self-ligating orthodontic bracket.

INTRODUCTION: Of the variables used by in vitro studies of resistance to sliding (RS) in orthodontics, sliding velocity (SV) of the wire is often the one farthest from its clinical counterpart. We investigated whether velocity influences the RS at values approximating the orthodontic movement. METHODS: A SS self-ligating bracket with a NiTi clip was fixed onto a custom-made model. Different shaped orthodontic SS wires of four sizes and two types (round, 0.020″ and 0.022″; rectangular, 0.016″×0.022″ and 0.017″×0.025″) were tested using an Instron® testing machine. Wires were pulled at four velocities (1×10-2  mm/s, 1×10-3  mm/s, 1×10-4  mm/s, 1×10-5  mm/s). Shapiro-Wilk test was used to evaluate the normal distribution of the data; two-way ANOVA was performed to compare means in the RS with wire characteristics and SV. Significance level was set at P<.05. RESULTS: RS was higher for rectangular wires, and for those with larger diameters. Lower SV was associated with lower RS, with wire type and size having an interaction effect. The RS relatively to SV can be represented as: RS ∝ α[ln(SV)]+ß, where α and ß are constants. CONCLUSIONS: At very low SV and low normal forces, SV influences the RS of SS archwires in orthodontic brackets, and the proportionality is logarithmic. Although respecting these parameters in vitro is challenging, quantitative evaluations of RS should be carried out at clinically relevant velocities if aiming at translational application in the clinical scenario.

Potential of high-intensity focused ultrasound in resin-dentine bonding.

OBJECTIVE: This study introduced the potential and proof-of-concept of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology for dentin-surface treatment for resin-dentin bonding without acid-aided demineralization. This new strategy could provide a way to enhance interface-integrity and bond-durability by changing the nature of dentin-substrate; bonded-interface structure and properties; and minimizing denuded-collagen exposure. METHODS: The interaction between HIFU waves and dentin-surface in terms of structural, mechanical and chemical variations were investigated by SEM, TEM, AFM, nano-indentation and Raman-analysis. The bonding between HIFU-treated dentin and two-step, etch-and-rinse, adhesive was preliminary explored by characterizing dentin-bound proteases activities, resin-dentin interfacial morphology and bond-durability with HIFU exposure at different time-points of 60, 90 and 120 s compared to conventional acid-etching technique. RESULTS: With the increase in HIFU exposure-time from 60-to-120 s, HIFU waves were able to remove the smear-layer, expose dentinal-tubules and creating textured/rough dentin surface. In addition, dentin surfaces showed a pattern of interlocking ribbon-like minerals-coated collagen-fibrils protruding from the underlaying amorphous dentin-background with HIFU exposure for 90 s and 120 s. This characteristic pattern of dentin-surface showing inorganic-minerals associated/aligned with collagen-fibrils, with 90-to-120 s HIFU-treatment, was confirmed by the Raman-analysis. HIFU-treated specimens showed higher nano-indentation properties and lower concentrations of active MMP-2 and Cathepsin-K compared to the acid-etched specimens. The resin-dentin bonded interface revealed the partial/complete absence of the characteristic hybrid-layer formed with conventional etch-and-rinse bonding strategy. Additionally, resin-infiltration and resin-tags formation were enhanced with the increase in HIFU exposure-time to 120 s. Although, all groups showed significant decrease in bond-strength after 12 months compared to 24 h storage in artificial saliva, groups exposed to HIFU for 90 s and 120 s showed significantly higher µTBS compared to the control acid-etched group. SIGNIFICANCE: The implementation of HIFU-technology for dental hard-tissues treatment could be of potential significance in adhesive/restorative dentistry owing to its ability of controlled, selective and localised combined tissue alteration/ablation effects.

Dentine collagen cross-linking using tiopronin-protected Au/EDC nanoparticles formulations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate EDC-assisted collagen crosslinking effect with different concentrations of tiopronin-protected gold (TPAu) nanoparticles on demineralized dentine. METHODS: TPAu nanoparticles were fabricated from 0.31-g tetrachloroauric acid and 0.38-g of N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine (2.4-mmol). Then co-dissolved using 35-mL of 6:1 methanol/acetic acid and mixed using NaBH4. EDC (0.3-M) was conjugated to TPAu nanoparticles at TPAU/EDC-0.25:1, and TPAU/EDC-0.5:1 treatment formulations ratios. Dentin specimens treated with 0.3-M EDC solution alone or left untreated were used as control. Nanoparticles formulations were characterized in term of particles morphology and size, Zeta potential, thermogravimetric analysis and small-angle X-ray scattering. Dentin substrates were characterized in term of TEM investigation, dentin proteases characterization, hydroxyproline liberation, elastic modulus measurement, Raman analysis and confocal microscopy viewing. RESULTS: TEM evaluation of tiopronin protected gold nanoparticles dispersion revealed nano-clusters formations in both groups. However, based on our TEM measurements, the particle-size was ranging from ˜20 to 50 nm with spherical core-shape which were almost similar for both TPAu/EDC ratios (0.5:1 and 0.25:1). Zeta potential measurements indicate negative nanoparticles surface charge. SAXS profiles for both formulations, suggest a typical profile for uni-lamellar nanoparticles. Superior dentin collagen cross-linking effect was found with the TPAu/EDC nanoparticles formulations compared to the control and EDC treated groups. SIGNIFICANCE: Cross-linking of dentin collagen using TPAu coupled with EDC through TPAu/EDC nanoparticles formulations is of potential significance in improving the biodegradation resistance, proteases inhibition, mechanical and structural stability of demineralized dentin substrates. In addition, the cross-linking effect is dependent on TPAu/EDC ratio, whereas higher cross-linking effect was found at TPAu/EDC ratio of 0.5:1.

Synergistic effects of VE-TPGS and riboflavin in crosslinking of dentine.

OBJECTIVE: Effect of d-alpha-tocopheryl poly(ethyleneglycol)-1000-succinate (VE-TPGS) with riboflavin-5'-phosphate solution on crosslinking of dentine collagen was investigated to analyze collagen's structural integrity. METHODS: VE-TPGS was added to RF-solution, at RF/VE-TPGS (w/w) ratios of 0.125/0.250 and 0.125/0.500. Demineralized dentine beams were used (10wt.% phosphoric acid), rinsed using deionized-water and analysed using ELISA (Human MMP2 ELISA; Human CTSK/Cathepsin-K for MMP2 and Cathepsin K analysis). AFM of dentine collagen-fibrils structure was done before and after dentine specimens' placement in mineralization solution and tested after 14days in artificial saliva/collagenase (AS/Co) solution. The specimens were tested after 24h in mineralization solution for surface/bulk elastic modulus. Nano-indentation was carried out for each specimen on intertubular-dentine with lateral spacing of 400nm. Reduced elastic-modulus and nano-hardness were calculated and collagen content was determined using hydroxyproline-assay. Micro-Raman were performed. TEM was carried out to study structural variations of dentine-collagen in artificial-saliva (collagenase). Data were presented as mean±standard deviation and analyzed by SPSS v.15, by analysis of variance. RESULTS: Synergetic effect of VE-TPGS was observed with RF through higher structural integrity of dentine collagen-fibrils shown by TEM/AFM. Superior surface/bulk mechanical stability was shown by nano-indentation/mechanical testing. Improvement in collagenase degradation resistance for hydroxyproline release was observed and lower endogenous-protease release of MMP-2/Cathepsin-K. Raman-analysis analysed chemical interactions between RF and collagen confirming structural-integrity of collagen fibrils after crosslinking. After 24h mineralization, AFM showed mineral depositions in close association with dentine-collagen fibrils with RF/VE-TPGS formulations. SIGNIFICANCE: Potential synergetic effect of RF/VE-TPGS was observed by reflection of higher structural integrity and conformational-stability of dentine-collagen fibrils.

An in vitro study of a novel quaternary ammonium silane endodontic irrigant.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze effect of NaOCl+2% quaternary ammonium silane (QAS)-containing novel irrigant against bacteria impregnated inside the root canal system, and to evaluate its antimicrobial and mechanical potential of dentine substrate. METHODS: Root canal was prepared using stainless steel K-files™ and ProTaper™ and subjected to manual and ultrasonic irrigation using 6% NaOCl+2% CHX, 6% NaOCl+2% QAS and saline as control. For confocal-microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and SEM analysis before and after treatment, Enterococcus faecalis cultured for 7 days. Raman spectroscopy analysis was done across cut section of gutta percha/sealer-dentine to detect resin infiltration. Indentation of mechanical properties was evaluated using a Berkovich indenter. The contact angle of irrigants and surface free energy were evaluated. Mineralization nodules were detected through Alazarin red after 14 days. RESULTS: Control biofilms showed dense green colonies. Majority of E. faecalis bacteria were present in biofilm fluoresced red in NaOCl+2% QAS group. There was reduction of 484cm-1 Raman band and its intensity reached lowest with NaOCl+2% QAS. There was an increase in 1350-1420cm-1 intensity in the NaOCl+2% CHX groups. Gradual decrease in 1639cm-1 and 1609cm-1 Raman signal ratios were seen in the resin-depth region of 17µm>, 14.1µm> and 13.2µm for NaOCl+2% QAS, NaOCl+2% CHX and control groups respectively. All obturated groups showed an intact sealer/dentine interface with a few notable differences. 0.771 and 83.5% creep indentation distance for NaOCl+2% QAS ultrasonic groups were observed. Highest proportion of polar component was significantly found in the NaOCl+2% QAS groups which was significantly higher as compared to other groups. Mineralized nodules were increased in NaOCl+2% QAS. SIGNIFICANCE: Favorable antimicrobial and endodontic profile of the NaOCl+2% QAS solution might suggest clinical use for it for more predictable reduction of intracanal bacteria.

Effects of Salivary Mg on Head and Neck Carcinoma via TRPM7.

Magnesium (Mg) has been known to play vital roles in regulating growth and various metabolic processes. In recent years, the association between Mg and tumorigenesis has raised more and more attention. However, the effects of Mg on the progression of head and neck carcinoma (HNC), as well as the mechanism behind it, remain undefined. In this study, the roles of Mg in tumorigenic activities were tested in CAL27 and FaDu cells as well as in a xenograft tumor model in nude mice. We demonstrated that a moderate increase in extracellular Mg contributed to the proliferation, migration, and invasion of 2 HNC cell lines, while the addition of Mg in drinking water promoted the growth of xenograft tumors in mice without altering their serum Mg levels. Moreover, TRPM7, a major Mg transporter, was shown to be essential for the tumorigenic activities of HNC and the Mg-induced promotive effects on HNC cells and was further shown to be associated with the activation of AKT/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling. In a preliminary clinical study, we determined the Mg ion concentrations in the stimulated saliva from 72 patients with nasopharynx carcinoma and 12 healthy individuals. Our data revealed that the salivary Mg levels of subjects with nasopharynx carcinoma were significantly higher than those of the healthy controls. This is correlated with our finding showing TRPM7 to be overexpressed in tumor tissues harvested from 9 patients with HNC. Therefore, we can conclude that salivary Mg level, within a certain range, could act as a risk factor for the progression of HNC, which involves the activation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathways through the TRPM7 channel. The control of salivary Mg level and the intervention of TRPM7 should not be ignored during the study of HNC.

In vitro assessment of ribose modified two-step etch-and-rinse dentine adhesive.

OBJECTIVE: Collagen fibrils aid in anchoring resin composite restorations to the dentine substrate. The aim of the study was to investigate effect of non-enzymatic glycation on bond strength and durability of demineralized dentine specimens in a modified two-step etch-and-rinse dentine adhesive. METHODS: Dentine surfaces were etched with 37% phosphoric acid, bonded with respective in vitro ethanol and acetone adhesives modified with (m/m, 0, 1%, 2% and 3% ribose), restored with restorative composite-resin, and sectioned into resin-dentine slabs and beams to be stored for 24h or 12 months in artificial saliva. Bond-strength testing was performed with bond failure analysis. Pentosidine assay was performed on demineralized ribose modified dentine specimens with HPLC sensitive fluorescent detection. The structural variations of ribose-modified dentine were analysed using TEM and human dental pulpal cells were used for cell viability. Three-point bending test of ribose-modified dentine beams were performed and depth of penetration of adhesives evaluated with micro-Raman spectroscopy. The MMP-2 and cathepsin K activities in ribose-treated dentine powder were also quantified using ELISA. Bond strength data was expressed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. Paired T tests were used to analyse the specimens for pentosidine crosslinks. The modulus of elasticity and dentinal MMP-2 and cathepsin K concentrations was separately analyzed using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The incorporation of RB in the experimental two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive at 1% improved the adhesive bond strength without adversely affecting the degree of polymerisation. The newly developed adhesive increases the resistance of dentine collagen to degradation by inhibiting endogenous matrix metalloproteinases and cysteine cathepsins. The application of RB to acid-etched dentine helps maintain the mechanical properties. SIGNIFICANCE: The incorporation of 1%RB can be considered as a potential candidate stabilizing resin dentine bond.

Evaluation of five dental silanes on bonding a luting cement onto silica-coated titanium.

OBJECTIVES: Five commercial dental silanes were evaluated in vitro as adhesion promoters bonding a luting cement to silica-coated titanium surfaces. METHODS: Titanium slides (n=20) were cleaned with alumina sand and then silica-coated with a special sand consisting of alumina particles coated with silica. The bonding of a resin composite cement (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) to silica-coated and silanized titanium was evaluated by using the dental silane (RelyX Ceramic Primer) that belongs to the RelyX ARC cementing kit, and comparing it to four other dental silanes (Bisco Porcelain Primer, Cimara, ESPE Sil, and Pulpdent Silane Bond Enhancer). The resin composite cement stubs (n=8) were light-polymerized onto a silanized silica-coated titanium surface. The shear bond strength of the cement stubs was measured after dry storage and thermo-cycling 6000 times between 5 and 55 degrees C. The silanes and their reactions were chemically monitored by using Fourier transform infrared analysis. RESULTS: Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed that the brand of silanes and the types of storage condition differ significantly (p<0.005). The highest shear bond strength was obtained with RelyX ceramic silane in dry conditions (19.5+/-4.3 MPa), and after thermo-cycling (16.6+/-3.5 MPa). The lowest results were obtained using Pulpdent Silane Bond Enhancer, in dry conditions (7.8+/-2.2 MPa), and after thermocycling (5.3+/-2.4 MPa). The analysis showed that silanes had different pH values. Some differences were detected between the silanes and their reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Dental silanes provide different bonding strengths and have differences in their pH, solvent system and silane concentration.

The effect of three silane coupling agents and their blends with a cross-linker silane on bonding a bis-GMA resin to silicatized titanium (a novel silane system).

OBJECTIVES: Three activated organofunctional silane coupling agents alone and blended with a non-functional cross-linker silane were evaluated as adhesion promoters in an experiment where a bis-GMA (bis-phenol-A-diglycidyldimethacrylate) resin was bonded to silicatized titanium. The adhesive performances of the silanes were assessed as shear bond strength values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3-Methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine and [3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]urea were prepared as 1.0vol.% solutions in 95 vol.% ethanol. They were each also blended with 1.0 vol.% 1,2-bis-(triethoxysilyl)ethane solutions that were activated for 1 or 24 h. Titanium slides were cleaned, silicatized, distributed randomly to study groups and silanized with nine silane solutions. After silanization experimental bis-GMA resin stubs were photo-polymerized and post-polymerized in a light-curing unit. The shear bond strength was measured as 'dry samples' and after thermo-cycling (6000 cycles at 5-55 degrees C). RESULTS: The type of silane affected significantly the shear bond strength (p<0.001) and the use of cross-linker silane (p<0.005) according to the statistical analysis (ANOVA). It showed that the highest shear bond strength for thermo-cycled resin stub samples (n=8/group) was obtained with a blend of 1.0vol.% 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane+1.0 vol.% 1,2-bis-(triethoxysilyl)ethane blend (10.4+/-3.5 MPa). The lowest results were obtained with 1.0 vol.% [3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]urea (4.5+/-1.0 MPa), and with 1.0 vol.% N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine (4.5+/-1.4 MPa). CONCLUSIONS: Silanization with a blend of a functional silane and a cross-linker silane (a novel silane system) might improve the hydrolytic stability of a siloxane film between silicatized titanium and a bis-GMA resin.

The effect of a novel silane blend system on resin bond strength to silica-coated Ti substrate.

OBJECTIVES: The adhesive performance of 3-acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and a silane blend consisting of 3-acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane, adhering an experimental dendrimer-based resin to a silica-coated titanium surface, conditioned by CoJet method, was evaluated in vitro. METHODS: 3-Acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (1.0 vol%) and a blend of 3-acryloyloxy-propyltrimethoxysilane and 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (both 1.0 vol%) were prepared in acidified 95 vol% ethanol. A commercial 3-methcryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (ESPE Si) was used as control. The silanes were applied onto tribochemically silica-coated titanium surfaces. Fresh silane solution hydrolysis (activation) was monitored by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. Experimental dendrimer resin stubs were applied and photo-polymerized on titanium. The specimens were thermocycled (6000 cycles, 5-55 degrees C). Before measuring shear bond strength of the resin to titanium, surface imaging was carried out with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with elemental analysis applying energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA). RESULTS: Statistical analysis (ANOVA) showed that the highest shear bond was obtained with 1.0 vol% 3-acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane+1.0 vol% 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane blend (5.2+/-1.3 MPa), and the lowest result with fresh commercial 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, ESPE Sil (2.1+/-0.8 MPa). 3-Acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane yielded 4.1+/-1.0 MPa. The type of silane affected significantly the shear bond strength (ANOVA, p<0.001). All silanes were activated according to the infrared spectra. The SEM/EDXA analysis revealed an uneven distribution of titanium, silicon, and aluminum on silica-coated Ti surfaces. CONCLUSION: Silanization with 3-acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane might offer better bonding of a novel dendrimer resin to silica-coated titanium than using a pre-hydrolyzed 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane.

Isocyanato- and methacryloxysilanes promote Bis-GMA adhesion to titanium.

In dentistry, adhesion promotion with 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane is usually sufficient, but its hydrolytic stability is a continuous concern. The hydrolytic stability of an alternative, 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane, was compared with that of conventional 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. Two silanes, both in 0.1 and 1.0 vol-% in ethanol-water, were evaluated in the attachment of an experimental bis-phenol-A-diglycidyldimethacrylate (Bis-GMA) resin to grit-blasted (with two different systems) titanium. Silane hydrolysis was monitored by FTIR spectrometry. Bis-GMA resin was applied and photo-polymerized on titanium. The specimens were thermocycled (6000 cycles, 5-55 degrees C). Surface analysis was carried out with scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) showed that the highest shear bond was achieved with 0.1% 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane (12.5 MPa) with silica-coating, and the lowest with 1.0% 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (3.4 MPa) with alumina-coating. The silane, its concentration, and the grit-blasting method significantly affected the shear bond strength (p < 0.05). SEM images indicated cohesive failure of bonding, and, in conclusion, 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane is a potential coupling agent.

Initial adhesion of glass-fiber-reinforced composite to the surface of porcine calvarial bone.

The aim of this preliminary study was to compare the initial bond strength of the glass-fiber-reinforced composite veil to the surface of the porcine calvarial compact bone using different adhesives. Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) made of E-glass fiber veil with the BisGMA-PMMA resin system was used in the study. For the shear bond strength test, porcine calvarial bone cubes were mounted into resin matrix. FRC-veil discs were bonded to compact bone with different types of adhesives: (A) BisGMA-HEMA based (3M-ESPE Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Adhesive), (B) 4-META/UDMA/BisGMA based (Unifil Bond Bonding Agent) and MDP based (Clearfil Se Bond adhesive), (C) UDMA/BisGMA/PMMA-based experimental adhesive, and (D) silane-based (APS, ICS, MPS) experimental adhesives. The surface of the bone was mechanically roughened and was either used as such, treated with dental primers (Unifil Bond Self-etching Primer, Clearfil Se Bond Primer), or treated with an experimental silane mixture (APS, ICS, MPS), or with a mixture of the experimental silane liquid and Clearfil Se Bond Primer. The 3M-ESPE Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Adhesive and UDMA/BisGMA/PMMA experimental adhesive gave poor results in the shear bond test (0.58 and 0.40 MPa, respectively). Unifil Bond Bonding Agent and Clearfil Se Bond adhesive with respective primers markedly improved the shear bond strength; with Unifil the result was 3.40 MPa, and with Clearfil it was 6.19 MPa. When the bone surface was primed with a mixture of Clearfil Se Bond Primer and Clearfil Porcelain Bond Activator, the Clearfil Se Bond adhesive-impregnated FRC veil gave the best adhesion to the bone surface in this test: 9.50 MPa. The addition of bioactive glass granules between the veil and the bone lowered the shear bond strength in the test system described above to 6.72 MPa. The test systems with the silane mixture were also promising. In the SEM study, it was found that the mechanical treatment reveals the pores of the bone surface. Chemical treatments of the bone surface improved the adhesion of the FRC veil to the bone. The results showed that the adhesion of the FRC to the surface of the bone can be significantly improved with mechanical roughening and with special chemical treatments of the bone surface.

Long term water storage deteriorates bonding of composite resin to alumina and zirconia short communication.

Objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of long term water storage and ageing on the bond strength of resin composite cement to yttria-stabilized zirconium dioxide (zirconia) and dialuminium trioxide (alumina). Substrate specimens of alumina and zirconia were air particle abraded with dialuminium trioxide before priming and application of composite resin. Priming was made with gamma metharyloxy-trimethoxysilane or acryloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane monomer after which the intermediate dimethacrylate resin was applied and photopolymerized. This was followed by curing particulate composite resin cement (Relyx ARC) to the substrate as a resin stub. The ageing methods of the specimens (n=6) were: (1) they stored four years in 37±1ºC distilled water, (2) thermocycled 8000 times between 55±1ºC and 5±1ºC, (3) stored first in water for four years and then thermocycled. Specimens which were stored dry, were used as controls. Bonding of composite resin was measured by shear-bond strength test set-up. Both thermocycling and long-term water storage decreased significantly shear bond strength values compared to the control group (from the level of 20 MPa to 5 MPa) regardless of the used primer or the type of the substrate. Combination of four years water storage and thermocyling reduced the bond strength even more, to the level of two to three megapascals. In can be concluded that water storage and thermocycling itselves, and especially combination of water storage and thermocycling can cause considerable reduction in the bond strength of composite resin cement to alumina and zirconia.

Current perspectives: calcium phosphate nanocoatings and nanocomposite coatings in dentistry.

The purpose of coatings on implants is to achieve some or all of the improvements in biocompatibility, bioactivity, and increased protection from the release of harmful or unnecessary metal ions. During the last decade, there has been substantially increased interest in nanomaterials in biomedical science and dentistry. Nanocomposites can be described as a combination of two or more nanomaterials. By this approach, it is possible to manipulate mechanical properties, such as strength and modulus of the composites, to become closer to those of natural bone. This is feasible with the help of secondary substitution phases. Currently, the most common composite materials used for clinical applications are those selected from a handful of available and well-characterized biocompatible ceramics and natural and synthetic polymers. This approach is currently being explored in the development of a new generation of nanocomposite coatings with a wider range of oral and dental applications to promote osseointegration. The aim of this review is to give a brief introduction into the new advances in calcium phosphate nanocoatings and their composites, with a range of materials such as bioglass, carbon nanotubes, silica, ceramic oxide, and other nanoparticles being investigated or used in dentistry.

Silver compounds used in dentistry for caries management: a review.

OBJECTIVE: Silver compounds have been used for their medical properties for centuries and in dentistry for more than a century. The aim of this review is to examine the evidence supporting the therapeutic use of silver in dentistry and the outcomes from the clinical trials, as well as mode of action and biocompatibility. DATA SOURCES: Literature was searched using the PubMed database between the year 1966 and 2011, with principle key terms such as "Silver Nitrate", "Silver Fluoride", "Silver Diammine Fluoride", "Silver compounds" and "Dental caries". Hand searching was performed for relevant papers cited in the indices back to the year 1905. RESULTS: In vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence have demonstrated that silver compounds are viable agents for preventing and arresting caries both in the primary and permanent dentition; however they are associated with adverse tooth discolouration and some reports that pulp irritation may occur. Further research has investigated its effectiveness as a dentine desensitiser, root canal disinfectant and even in silver impregnated restorative materials. The mode of action of silver compounds on carious tooth tissues is thought to include inhibition of the demineralization process, as well as an anti-bacterial effect by interference of bacterial cell membranes, cytoplasmic enzymes and inhibition of bacterial DNA replication. CONCLUSION: Silver compounds have been shown to be an effective anti-caries agent; however, there is an incomplete understanding of how silver compounds prevent caries. Further research is required to help identify its most efficacious use and limitations.

Bonding of resin composites to etchable ceramic surfaces - an insight review of the chemical aspects on surface conditioning.

The longevity of silane promoted adhesion of the surface conditioned etchable ceramic materials is a continuous and costly concern in dentistry. Moreover, it poses a functional and aesthetic dilemma both for the dentist and the patient. Several methods for surface conditioning exist, however some of them are not any more widely in clinical use. Tribochemical silica-coating combined with silane application, compared in vitro and in vivo to some other silanization protocols, is according to the literature a clinically proved, relevant adhesion promotion method to enhance bonding of resin composites to etchable ceramics. The repair of fractured ceramic with tribochemical silica-coating and followed by a silane application is, according to the literature a relevant adhesion promotion method in prosthetic dentistry. Silica-coating is followed by a silane coupling agent application. The bonding is adequate for clinical use according to the literature study.