Physicochemical and biological characterization of silica-coated alumina particles.

OBJECTIVES: A tribochemical silica-coating (TSC) method has been developed to improve the adhesion of dental resin composites to various substrates. The method utilizes airborne-particle abrasion using particles having a silica surface and an alumina core. The impact of the TSC method has been extensively studied but less attention has been paid to the characterization of the silica-modified alumina particles. Due to the role of silicate ions in cell biology, e.g. osteoblast function and bone mineralization, silica-modified alumina particles could also be potentially used as a biomaterial in scaffolds of tissue regeneration. Thus, we carried out detailed physicochemical characterization of the silica-modified alumina particles. METHODS: Silica-modified alumina particles (Rocatec, 3 M-ESPE) of an average particle size of 30 µm were studied for the phase composition, spectroscopic properties, surface morphology, dissolution, and the capability to modify the pH of an immersion solution. The control material was alumina without silica modification. Pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were used to assess cell viability in the presence of the particles. Cell viability was tested at 1, 3, 7 and 10 days of culture with various particle quantities. Multivariate ANOVA was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Minor quantities of silica enrichment was verified on the surface of alumina particles and the silica did not evenly cover the alumina surface. In the dissolution test, no change in the pH of the immersion solution was observed in the presence of the particles. Minor quantities of silicate ions were dissolved from the particles to the cell culture medium but no major differences were observed in the viability of pre-osteoblastic cells, whether the cells were cultured with silica-modified or plain alumina particles. SIGNIFICANCE: Characterization of silica-modified alumina particles demonstrated differences in the particle surface structure compared to control alumina. Dissolution of silica layer in Tris buffer or SBF solution varied from that of cell culture medium: minor quantities of dissolved Si were observed in cell culture test medium. The cell viability test did not shown significant differences between control alumina and its silica-modified counterpart.

Effect of potassium hydrogen difluoride in zirconia-to-resin bonding.

The objective of this study was to compare potassium hydrogen difluoride (KHF2) etching for zirconia with commonly used surface roughening and chemical bonding methods (silane, MDP-monomer primer) for resin-based luting cement bonding to zirconia. Zirconia specimens were divided into six groups (n=10) according to surface treatment and bonding procedures, with and without thermocycling (6,000 cycles, 5-55ºC): 1) air-borne particle abrasion with alumina+MDP-monomer (ABP), 2) air-borne particle abrasion with silica-coated trialuminium trioxide+silane (ABPR-S) and 3) KHF2 etching+silane (ETC). Surface roughness and bond strength (SBS-test) for dry and thermocycled specimens were measured. SBS did not vary statistically between the dry groups, but thermocycling decreased the bond strengths of all the tested methods (p<0.05). After thermocycling, ABP had statistically significantly lower bond strength values compared to ABPR-S and ETC (p<0.05). Etching method with KHF2 did not provide better bonding capacity to previously introduced and commonly adopted bonding methods.

The effect of smear layer removal on E. faecalis leakage and bond strength of four resin-based root canal sealers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess bacterial sealability and bonding ability of methacrylate-based Resilon (RS, SybronEndo), Endo Rez (ER, Ultradent Products Inc), and epoxy-based AH Plus (AH, Dentsply/DeTrey), MTA Fill Apex (MTAF, Angelus Soluções Odontológicas) root canal sealers, and the effect of the smear layer removal on the sealability. METHODS: One hundred thirty root segments were instrumented up to apical size #60 and rinsed with 2.5% NaOCl. Half of the roots were rinsed with 5ml 17% EDTA to remove the smear layer. All the roots were filled with AH, ER, MTAF sealers and gutta-percha, or RS with Resilon cones. After storage at 37°C for 7 days the samples were mounted into bacterial leakage assay for 50 days. Another 100 roots were instrumented and rinsed as described above, split longitudinally, cut into the cervical, middle and apical parts. The sealers were injected through the plastic mould on the dentin surface. After 7 days of incubation at 37°C, bond strength was tested using a notched-edge test fixture (Crosshead, Ultradent Products Inc.) and a universal testing machine (Lloyd Instruments). RESULTS: AH revealed the longest mean time for bacterial resistance by 29.4 and 36.8 days (with and without smear layer, respectively) followed by RS (15.1 and 24.7 days, respectively). The difference between materials was significant (p<0.001). Bond strength values ranged from 0.2± 0.1 to 3.5± 0.7 MPa and increased from the apical to the cervical third. In the apical third, AH showed the highest mean (SD) bond values 1.4 (0.4) MPa and 1.7 (0.6) MPa (with and without smear, respectively, followed by RS, 0.5 (0.1) MPa and 0.8 (0.1) MPa, respectively. The difference between materials was significant (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The effect of the smear layer removal on the sealability was material-dependent.

Shear bond strength between alumina substrate and prosthodontic resin composites with various adhesive resin systems.

BACKGROUND: With the increase in demand for cosmetics and esthetics, resin composite restorations and all-ceramic restorations have become an important treatment alternative. Taking into consideration the large number of prosthodontic and adhesive resins currently available, the strength and durability of these materials needs to be evaluated. This laboratory study presents the shear bond strengths of a range of veneering resin composites bonded to all-ceramic core material using different adhesive resins. METHODS: Alumina ceramic specimens (Techceram Ltd, Shipley, UK) were assigned to three groups. Three types of commercially available prosthodontic resin composites [BelleGlass®, (BG, Kerr, CA, USA), Sinfony® (SF, 3 M ESPE, Dental Products, Germany), and GC Gradia® (GCG, GC Corp, Tokyo, Japan)] were bonded to the alumina substrate using four different adhesive resins. Half the specimens per group (N = 40) were stored dry for 24 hours, the remaining were stored for 30 days in water. The bonding strength, so-called shear bond strengths between composite resin and alumina substrate were measured. Data were analysed statistically and variations in bond strength within each group were additionally evaluated by calculating the Weibull modulus. RESULTS: Bond strengths were influenced by the brand of prosthodontic resin composites. Shear bond strengths of material combinations varied from 24.17 ± 3.72-10.15 ± 3.69 MPa and 21.20 ± 4.64-7.50 ± 4.22 at 24 h and 30 days, respectively. BG resin composite compared with the other resin composites provided the strongest bond with alumina substrate (p < 0.01). SF resin composite was found to have a lower bond strength than the other composites. The Weibull moduli were highest for BG, which was bonded by using Optibond Solo Plus adhesive resin at 24 h and 30 days. There was no effect of storage time and adhesive brand on bond strength. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the shear bond strengths of composite resins to alumina substrate are related to the composite resins.

Effect of surface modification on the bond strength between zirconia and resin cement.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the micro push-out (µ-PO) bond strength between zirconia and resin cement after addition of zirconia particles to increase the surface roughness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Y-TZP zirconia specimens in three experimental groups were subjected to Y-TZP particle deposition via dipping into the milling residue suspension at different times prior to the sintering process. The dipping procedure was repeated twice for each specimen in group B, six times in group C, and ten times in group D. The specimens subjected to airborne-particle abrasion (110 µm Al2 O3, Rocatec Pre) acted as the control group (group A). All of the specimens were then bonded using adhesive resin cement (RelyX Ultimate). A µ-PO test was used to determine the bond strength values. One-way ANOVA at a 5% confidence level was performed for data analysis. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to evaluate the failure modes and surface structure. RESULTS: Y-TZP particle deposition did not have a significant effect on the bond strength of the resin cement to zirconia specimens when compared to the control (p = 0.141). Higher bond strength values were observed in groups C and D than in control. The surface layer presented blister-like porosities with openings of various diameters ranging between 2 and 4 µm. CONCLUSION: Y-TZP particle deposition after dipping six and ten times did not improve the mean bond strength statistically but presented surface topography that may be favorable for increased micromechanical retention for adhesive resin cement. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Y-TZP particle deposition may create a more retentive surface than airborne-particle abrasion for adhesive bonding between zirconia surface and resin cement.

Effect of surface preparation on the bond strength of heat-polymerized denture base resin to commercially pure titanium and cobalt-chromium alloy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the bond durability of heat-polymerized denture base resin to cast CP Ti and Co-Cr alloy. The alloy specimens were divided into five groups: 1) airborne-particle abraded with 50 µm alumina (SAND), 2) Rocatec tribochemical silica coating system (RO), 3) air-abraded followed by application of Epricord Opaque Primer (EP), 4) air-abraded followed by application of Super Bond C&B liquid (SB), 5) air-abraded followed by application of Alloy Primer (AL). Heat-polymerized denture resin was applied to the bonding area and polymerized according to the manufacturer's instructions. The halves of all specimens were thermocycled up to 10,000 cycles. Before thermocycling SB and AL showed significantly higher shear bond strengths than SAND, RO, EP for both metals. The shear bond strength of AL group after thermocycling was significantly higher than that of the other groups.

Studies on mechanical strength, thermal expansion of layering porcelains to alumina and zirconia ceramic core materials.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and clarify the various mechanical properties and behavior of layering porcelains (Tokuyama Dental Ceramic, IPS Empress 2, Cerabien, Vitadura, Creation) used for veneering high-strength ceramic core materials. The layering porcelains studied exhibited the following range of mechanical properties: compressive strength at 586-1091 MPa, bending strength at 30-97 MPa, diametral tensile strength at 16-28 MPa, Vickers hardness at 481-647 Hv, and fracture toughness at 1.36-2.05 MPa x m1/2. Results of this study indicated that the mechanical shortcomings of conventional porcelain, such as brittleness and hardness, have been overcome by the enhanced mechanical properties of layering porcelain, resulting in improved fracture toughness.

Provisional repair of a zirconia fixed partial denture with fibre-reinforced restorative composite: a clinical report.

Although all-ceramic restorations have become popular, they present some biomechanical problems. Some technical failures can be repaired intraorally to help maintain the longevity of the restoration. This clinical report describes an intraoral method for repairing a fractured 4-unit posterior zirconia-based ceramic fixed partial denture using fibre-reinforced composite material.

Effect of operating air pressure on tribochemical silica-coating.

OBJECTIVE: Alumina and zirconia are inert to conventional etching and need to be initially conditioned with, for example, silicatization. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of operating air pressure of tribochemical silica-coating method on the shear bond strength of composite resin to ceramic substrates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Alumina (Procera Alumina, Nobel Biocare) and zirconia (LAVA; 3M ESPE and Procera Zirconia; Nobel Biocare) were airborne particle silica-coated (CoJet; 3M ESPE) using selected, clinically available air pressures of 150, 220, 300, and 450 kPa. The surfaces were silanized with silane coupling agent (ESPE Sil; 3M ESPE) and coated with adhesive resin (3M Multipurpose resin; 3M ESPE). Particulate filler resin composite (Z250; 3M ESPE) stubs (diameter 3.6 mm, height 4.0 mm) were added onto ceramics and light-cured for 40 s. The test specimens (n=18/group) were thermocycled (6000 x 5-55 degrees C) and shear bond strengths were measured with a cross-head speed of 1.0 mm/min. Fracture surfaces were examined with SEM, and an elemental analysis (EDS) was carried out to determine silica content on the substrate surface. RESULTS: The highest bond strengths were obtained with the highest pressures. ANOVA showed significant differences in bond strength between the ceramics (p<0.05) and between the specimens treated at various air pressures (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically, the operating air pressure of silicatization may have a significant effect on bond strength to non-etchable ceramics.

Load bearing capacity of bone anchored fiber-reinforced composite device.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the push-out load-bearing capacity of threaded fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) devices for use as bone-anchored devices. The purpose was also to evaluate the possibility to use bioactive glass (BAG) granules on the experimental FRC devices in terms the mechanical behavior. Three experimental FRC devices (n = 15) were fabricated for the study: (a) threaded device with smooth surface; (b) threaded device with BAG granules (S53P4, Vivoxid Ltd, Turku, Finland) and supplementary retention grooves, and (c) unthreaded device with BAG granules. Threaded titanium devices were used as controls. The FRC devices were prepared from a light-polymerized dimethacrylate resin reinforced with preimpregnated unidirectional and bidirectional E-glass fibers (EverStick, StickTech Ltd, Turku, Finland). Experimental and control devices were embedded into dental plaster to simulate bone before the mechanical push-out test was carried out. ANOVA and Weibull analysis were used for the statistical evaluation. Threaded FRC devices had significantly higher push-out strength than the threaded titanium device (p < .001). The push-out forces exceeding 2,500 N were measured for threaded FRC devices with supplementary grooves and BAG coating. No thread failures were observed in any FRC devices. The unthreaded FRC devices with BAG lost 70% of glass particles during the test, while no BAG particles were lost from threaded FRC devices. It can be concluded that threaded FRC devices can withstand high push-out forces in the dental plaster without a risk of thread failure under physiological load.

Evaluation of some properties of two fiber-reinforced composite materials.

OBJECTIVE: Water sorption, flexural properties, bonding properties, and elemental composition of photopolymerizable resin-impregnated fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) materials (everStick C&B and BR-100) (FPD) were evaluated in this study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bar-shaped specimens (2 x 2 x 25 mm) were prepared for water sorption and flexural strength testing. The specimens (n = 6) were polymerized either with a hand light-curing unit for 40 s or, additionally, in a light-curing oven for 20 min and stored in water for 30 days. Water sorption was measured during this time, followed by measurements of flexural strength and modulus. A shear bond strength test was performed to determine the bonding characteristics of polymerized FRC to composite resin luting cement (Panavia-F), (n = 15). The cement was bonded to the FRC substrate and the specimens were thermocycled 5000 times (5-55 degrees C) in water. SEM/EDS were analyzed to evaluate the elemental composition of the glass fibers and the fiber distribution in cross section. RESULTS: ANOVA showed significant differences in water sorption according to brand (p < 0.05). Water sorption of everStick C&B was 1.86 wt% (hand-unit polymerized) and 1.94 wt% (oven polymerized), whereas BR-100 was 1.07 wt% and 1.17 wt%, respectively. The flexural strength of everStick C&B after 30 days' water storage was 559 MPa (hand-unit polymerized) and 796 MPa (oven-polymerized); for BR-100, the values were 547 MPa and 689 MPa, respectively. Mean shear bond strength of composite resin cement to the FRC varied between 20.1 and 23.7 MPa, showing no statistical difference between the materials. SEM/EDS analysis revealed that fibers of both FRC materials consist of the same oxides (SiO2, CaO, and Al2O3) in ratios. The distribution of fibers in the cross section of specimens was more evenly distributed in everStick C&B than in BR-100. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that there are some differences in the tested properties of the FRC materials.

Release of silica, calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride from glass ionomer cement containing bioactive glass.

The aim of this study was to examine the release of silica (Si), calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), and fluoride (F) from conventional glass ionomer cement (GI) and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (LCGI), containing different quantities of bioactive glass (BAG). Further aim was to evaluate in vitro biomineralization of dentine. The release of Si increased with the increasing immersion time from the specimens containing BAG, whereas the amount of Ca and P decreased indicating in vitro bioactivity of the materials. LCGI with 30wt% of BAG showed highest bioactivity. It also showed CaP-like precipitation on both the surface of the test specimens and on the dentin discs immersed with the material. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that a dental restorative material consisting of glass ionomer cements and BAG is bioactive and initiates biomineralization on dentin surface in vitro.

Effect of surface conditioning methods on the bond strength of luting cement to ceramics.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effect of three different surface conditioning methods on the bond strength of a Bis-GMA based luting cement to six commercial dental ceramics. METHODS: Six disc shaped ceramic specimens (glass ceramics, glass infiltrated alumina, glass infiltrated zirconium dioxide reinforced alumina) were used for each test group yielding a total number of 216 specimens. The specimens in each group were randomly assigned to one of the each following treatment conditions: (1) hydrofluoric acid etching, (2) airborne particle abrasion, (3) tribochemical silica coating. The resin composite luting cement was bonded to the conditioned and silanized ceramics using polyethylene molds. All specimens were tested at dry and thermocycled (6.000, 5-55 degrees C, 30 s) conditions. The shear bond strength of luting cement to ceramics was measured in a universal testing machine (1 mm/min). RESULTS: In dry conditions, acid etched glass ceramics exhibited significantly higher results (26.4-29.4 MPa) than those of glass infiltrated alumina ceramics (5.3-18.1 MPa) or zirconium dioxide (8.1 MPa) (ANOVA, P<0.001). Silica coating with silanization increased the bond strength significantly for high-alumina ceramics (8.5-21.8 MPa) and glass infiltrated zirconium dioxide ceramic (17.4 MPa) compared to that of airborne particle abrasion (ANOVA, P<0.001). Thermocycling decreased the bond strengths significantly after all of the conditioning methods tested. SIGNIFICANCE: Bond strengths of the luting cement tested on the dental ceramics following surface conditioning methods varied in accordance with the ceramic types. Hydrofluoric acid gel was effective mostly on the ceramics having glassy matrix in their structures. Roughening the ceramic surfaces with air particle abrasion provided higher bond strengths for high-alumina ceramics and the values increased more significantly after silica coating/silanization.