Effect of Nd:YAG (1064-nm) and Diode Laser (980-nm) EDTA Agitation on Root Dentin Ultrastructure Properties.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of agitation of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) with 1064 nm Nd:YAG and 980 nm diode laser on root dentin microhardness and superficial roughness (with confocal laser scanning microscopy [CLSM]). BACKGROUND DATA: Root canal irrigants are used in an attempt to minimize the negative effects of smear layer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five bovine roots were sectioned longitudinally and divided into five groups (n=10 each): (1) deionized water, (2) 17% EDTA, (3) 17% EDTA with 60 sec manual agitation, (4) 17% EDTA with 50 sec diode laser (2 W) agitation, and (5) 17% EDTA with 50 sec Nd:YAG (1.5 W) laser agitation. Microhardness and superficial roughness values were calculated before and after the procedures at the cervical, middle, and apical root thirds. Microhardness was statistically analyzed using two way ANOVA, paired t test, and Tukey's tests (α=0.05). Roughness was statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, paired t test, and Student-Newman-Keuls tests (α=0.05%). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in microhardness and roughness were observed between the deionized water group and others. EDTA with 1064 nm Nd:YAG or 980 nm diode laser presented the lowest microhardness and the highest roughness values and was significantly different from EDTA with manual agitation and EDTA only (p<0.05). However, there were no differences in microhardness or dentin roughness between the root thirds (p>0.05). CLSM analysis showed that the control samples exhibited smoother surfaces than that of the EDTA groups. CONCLUSIONS: Nd:YAG 1064 nm and 980-nm diode laser EDTA agitation caused greater reduction in microhardness and increased roughness of root dentin than EDTA only or EDTA with manual agitation.

Influence of Apical Enlargement in Cleaning of Curved Canals Using Negative Pressure System

This study aimed to evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the cleaning of canal walls with moderate curvature subjected to biomechanical preparation with different final diameters using apical negative pressure irrigation. Thirty-two mesiobuccal roots of molars were divided into 4 groups (n=8) according to the instrument's final diameter: GI: 30.02, GII: 35.02, GIII: 40.02 and GIV: 45.02. Irrigating procedure was performed at each change of instrument with 1% NaOCl using the Endovac system. Final irrigation was conducted with 17% EDTA for 5 min. The SEM photomicrographs were evaluated under 35× and 1000× magnification, by three calibrated examiners, in a double-blind design. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post hoc tests (α=0.05). Canals instrumented with 30.02 and 35.02 final diameters showed more debris, statistically different from the other groups (p<0.05). Comparing each root canal third, for the cervical and apical portions no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was found among the four groups. Regarding the presence of smear layer, canals with 30.02 final diameter showed the highest scores, statistically different from the 45.02 group (p<0.05) and similar to the 35.02 and the 40.02 groups (p>0.05). Although none of the studied diameters completely removed debris and smear layer, it may be concluded that instrumentation with higher final diameters was more effective in cleaning the root canals with moderate curvature.

Este estudo buscou avaliar, por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), a limpeza das paredes de canais com curvatura moderada, submetidos ao preparo biomecânico com diferentes diâmetros finais utilizando-se irrigação por pressão apical negativa. Trinta e duas raízes mésio-vestibulares de molares foram divididas em 4 grupos (n=8) de acordo com o diâmetro final dos instrumentos: GI: 30.02, GII: 35.02, GIII: 40.02 e GIV: 45.02. O procedimento de irrigação foi realizado a cada troca de instrumento com NAOCl 1% utilizando o sistema EndoVac. A irrigação final foi conduzida com EDTA 17% por 5 min. As microfotografias de MEV foram avaliadas sob aumentos de 35× e 1000×, por três examinadores calibrados, em estudo duplo-cego. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis e pós-teste de Dunn (=0,05). Os canais instrumentados com diâmetros finais de 30.02 e 35.02 demonstraram mais debris, estatisticamente diferente dos demais grupos (p<0,05). Comparando-se cada terço do canal radicular, para as porções cervical e apical não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante (p>0,05) entre os quatro grupos. Com relação à presença de smear layer, canais com diâmetro final de 30.02 demonstraram os maiores scores, estatisticamente diferente do grupo 45.02 (p<0,05) e similar aos grupos 35.02 e 40.02 (p>0,05). Apesar de nenhum dos diâmetros estudados ter removido completamente os debris e a smear layer, pode ser concluído que a instrumentação com diâmetros finais maiores foi mais efetiva na limpeza dos canais radiculares com curvatura moderada.

Fluoride plus CO2 laser against the progression of caries in root dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel combined with CO2 laser in protecting carious root dentin against further cariogenic challenges. METHODS: After a 7-day lead-in period, 12 volunteers wore an intraoral palatal device containing four carious root dentin slabs, treated with APF and APF+CO2 or placebo and placebo+CO2. After a 14-day wash-out period, volunteers were crossed-over to the other treatment arm. During both intraoral phases, specimens were submitted to cariogenic challenges and then evaluated for cross-sectional Knoop microhardness. RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA demonstrated that there was significant effect for both main factors: CO2 laser irradiation (P < 0.0001) and gel treatment (P < 0.0001), and that there was no interaction between them (P = 0.4706). Protection of carious root dentin against further cariogenic challenges may be provided by APF fluoride gel and CO2 laser, but no additive benefit was found by combining such strategies.

Flexural properties, morphology and bond strength of fiber-reinforced posts: influence of post pretreatment.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of surface pretreatments of fiber-reinforced posts on flexural strength (FS), modulus of elasticity (ME) and morphology of these posts, as well as the bond strength (BS) between posts and core material. Fifty-two fiber posts (smooth and serrated) were assigned to 4 groups (n=13): no treatment (control), 10% hydrogen peroxide (HP) for 10 min (HP-10), 24% HP for 1 min (HP-24) and airborne-particle abrasion (Al(2)O(3)). To evaluate FS and ME, a 3-point bending test was performed. Three posts of each group were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Composite resin was used as the core build-up and samples were sectioned to obtain microtensile sticks. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). For FS, significant differences were observed between posts type and surface pretreatment (p<0.05), with the highest means for the smooth posts. Al2O3 provided higher FS than HP-24. Al(2)O(3) promoted higher ME than HP-24 and control. SEM images revealed partial dissolution of the resin matrix in all treated groups. The smooth posts had higher BS and FS than serrated posts (p<0.05). Mechanical properties of the glass fiber posts and the bond strength between posts and composite material were not altered by the surface treatments, except for airborne-particle abrasion that increased the post elastic modulus.

Flexural properties, morphology and bond strength of fiber-reinforced posts: influence of post pretreatment

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of surface pretreatments of fiber-reinforced posts on flexural strength (FS), modulus of elasticity (ME) and morphology of these posts, as well as the bond strength (BS) between posts and core material. Fifty-two fiber posts (smooth and serrated) were assigned to 4 groups (n=13): no treatment (control), 10% hydrogen peroxide (HP) for 10 min (HP-10), 24% HP for 1 min (HP-24) and airborne-particle abrasion (Al2O3). To evaluate FS and ME, a 3-point bending test was performed. Three posts of each group were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Composite resin was used as the core build-up and samples were sectioned to obtain microtensile sticks. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). For FS, significant differences were observed between posts type and surface pretreatment (p<0.05), with the highest means for the smooth posts. Al2O3 provided higher FS than HP-24. Al2O3 promoted higher ME than HP-24 and control. SEM images revealed partial dissolution of the resin matrix in all treated groups. The smooth posts had higher BS and FS than serrated posts (p<0.05). Mechanical properties of the glass fiber posts and the bond strength between posts and composite material were not altered by the surface treatments, except for airborne-particle abrasion that increased the post elastic modulus.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do pré-tratamento de superfície dos pinos de fibra de vidro na resistência à flexão (RF), módulo de elasticidade (ME) e morfologia, bem como a resistência de união (RU) entre os pinos e o núcleo de preenchimento. Cinqüenta e dois pinos de fibra de vidro (lisos e serrilhados) foram divididos em 4 grupos (n=13): sem tratamento (controle), peróxido de hidrogênio a 10% por 10 min (HP-10), peróxido de hidrogênio 24% por 1 min (HP-24) e jato de óxido de alumínio (Al2O3). Para avaliar a RF e ME, o ensaio de flexão de 3 pontos foi realizado. Três pinos de cada grupo foram examinados em MEV. Resina composta foi utilizada como núcleo de preenchimento e as amostras foram seccionadas para obter palitos de microtração. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA e teste de Tukey (α=0,05). Na RF, observou-se diferença estatisticamente significante entre os pinos e tipo de pré-tratamento de superfície (p<0,05), com as maiores médias para os pinos lisos. Al2O3 proporcionou maior RF que HP-24. Al2O3 promoveu maior ME que HP-24 e grupo controle. MEV revelou dissolução parcial da matriz de resina em todos os grupos tratados. Os pinos lisos tiveram a maior RU (p<0,05). Os pinos lisos apresentaram RF e RU superior aos pinos serrilhados (p<0,05). As propriedades mecânicas dos pinos de fibra de vidro e a resistência de união entre os pinos e o material resinoso não foram alterados pelos tratamentos de superfície, com exceção do jato de óxido de alumínio que aumentou o módulo de elasticidade dos pinos.

Apical microleakage and SEM analysis of dentin surface after 980 nm diode laser irradiation.

This study evaluated the effect of 980-nm diode laser on apical microleakage and intraradicular dentin morphology. Roots of 110 mandibular incisors were used in the study: 92 for microleakage test and 18 for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Roots were randomly assigned to 3 groups according to the irrigating solution (water, NaOCl and NaOCl/EDTA) and were divided into 3 subgroups according to the laser irradiation protocol (without irradiation, irradiated at 1.5 W and irradiated at 3.0 W). Two specimens of each subgroup were prepared for SEM. The remaining roots were filled with AH Plus and gutta-percha. Apical leakage was assessed by ink penetration and data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey-Krammer test (α=0.05). SEM analysis showed intensification of changes with increase of laser power as well as variations according to the irrigating solution. Modified smear layer was observed in specimens treated with water and irradiated with laser. Roots irrigated with NaOCl/EDTA had lower levels of infiltration (0.17 ± 0.18 mm) differing significantly (p<0.05) from those of roots irrigated with water (0.34 ± 0.30 mm), but similar (p>0.05) to those irrigated with NaOCl (0.28 ± 0.29 mm). Non-irradiated roots had lower levels of infiltration (0.10 ± 0.14 mm), differing (p<0.05) from those irradiated at 1.5 W (0.32 ± 0.22 mm) and 3.0 W (0.37 ± 0.32 mm). The 980 nm diode laser modified dentin morphology and increased apical microleakage.

Apical microleakage and SEM analysis of dentin surface after 980 nm diode laser irradiation

This study evaluated the effect of 980-nm diode laser on apical microleakage and intraradicular dentin morphology. Roots of 110 mandibular incisors were used in the study: 92 for microleakage test and 18 for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Roots were randomly assigned to 3 groups according to the irrigating solution (water, NaOCl and NaOCl/EDTA) and were divided into 3 subgroups according to the laser irradiation protocol (without irradiation, irradiated at 1.5 W and irradiated at 3.0 W). Two specimens of each subgroup were prepared for SEM. The remaining roots were filled with AH Plus and gutta-percha. Apical leakage was assessed by ink penetration and data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey-Krammer test (α=0.05). SEM analysis showed intensification of changes with increase of laser power as well as variations according to the irrigating solution. Modified smear layer was observed in specimens treated with water and irradiated with laser. Roots irrigated with NaOCl/EDTA had lower levels of infiltration (0.17 ± 0.18 mm) differing significantly (p<0.05) from those of roots irrigated with water (0.34 ± 0.30 mm), but similar (p>0.05) to those irrigated with NaOCl (0.28 ± 0.29 mm). Non-irradiated roots had lower levels of infiltration (0.10 ± 0.14 mm), differing (p<0.05) from those irradiated at 1.5 W (0.32 ± 0.22 mm) and 3.0 W (0.37 ± 0.32 mm). The 980 nm diode laser modified dentin morphology and increased apical microleakage.

Este estudo avaliou o efeito do laser de diodo 980 nm na microinfiltração apical e na morfologia intrarradicular da dentina. Raízes de 110 incisivos inferiores foram utilizadas no estudo: 92 para o teste de microinfiltração e 18 para microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). As raízes foram divididas em 3 grupos de acordo com a solução irrigante (água, NaOCl e NaOCl/EDTA) e subdivididas em 3 de acordo com a irradiação laser (sem irradiação, irradiados com 1,5 W e irradiados com 3,0 W). Duas amostras de cada subgrupo foram preparadas para MEV. As raízes restantes foram preenchidas com AH Plus e guta percha. A infiltração apical foi avaliada nas raízes por meio da penetração do corante e os dados foram analisados por ANOVA e teste de Tukey-Krammer (α=0,05). Os resultados da MEV mostraram intensificação das mudanças quando se aumentou a potência do laser e variações de acordo com a solução irrigadora. Camada de smear modificada foi observada em espécimes tratados com água e irradiados com laser. Raízes irrigadas com NaOCl/EDTA tiveram níveis menores de infiltração (0,17 ± 0,18 mm) estatisticamente diferente (p<0,05) das raízes irrigadas com água (0,34 ± 0,30 mm), mas semelhante (p>0,05) aos irrigados com NaOCl (0,28 ± 0,29 mm). As raízes não irradiadas tiveram níveis menores de infiltração (0,10 ± 0,14 mm), diferente (p<0,05) de 1,5 W (0,32 ± 0,22 mm) e 3.0 W (0,37 ± 0,32 mm). O laser de diodo 980 nm alterou a morfologia da dentina e aumentou a infiltração marginal apical.