Color stability and surface roughness of ormocer- versus methacrylate-based single shade composite in anterior restoration.

BACKGROUND: The blending ability of universal shade composites and their stability in the oral environment are of great concern in restoring anterior teeth. This study aims to evaluate and compare the color stability and surface roughness of two single-shade composite restorations, ormocer-based composite (OBC) and methacrylate resin-based composite (RBC), after storing them in different staining media. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, two universal shade composite restorative materials were tested: a nanohybrid OBC (Admira fusion X-tra, Voco) and a supra-nanofilled RBC (Omnichroma, Toukyama). In total, 60 cylindrical centralized cavities (diameter: 5 mm, depth: 2 mm) were prepared in sound extracted-human central incisors and divided into two equal groups according to the restorative material used (n = 30). According to the storage media, the teeth of each group were divided into three subgroups (n = 10): artificial saliva, black tea, and cola. The restoration color was evaluated for all teeth at baseline and after four weeks of storage. The color stability (∆E) was measured using a reflective spectrophotometer (X-Rite, model RM200QC, Neu-Isenburg, Germany). The surface roughness (Ra) was evaluated using three-dimensional optical profilometry (Wyko, Model NT 1100, Veeco, Tucson, USA). Additionally, the extracted data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), one-way ANOVA and Student's t-test. RESULTS: In the baseline evaluation, there were no statistically significant differences with respect to color matching or surface roughness results between the two studied restorative materials. However, the differences were statistically significant after storing them in different media. CONCLUSION: Universal composites showed satisfactory color matching with different teeth colors and accepted surface smoothness, whereas the aging procedure exerted a negative effect on their color stability and surface characteristics.

Do composite resin polishing systems damage enamel?

Finishing and polishing of composite resin restorations may cause damage to the bordering enamel. Although many studies have investigated the effect of polish on restorative materials, few have quantified the effect on bordering enamel. The objective of this study was to compare enamel loss surrounding composite restorations after finishing and polishing sequences. The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference in enamel loss between different finishing and polishing sequences. Class V preparations on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 15 extracted human molars were restored with a composite resin and assigned to 1 of 2 finishing and polishing sequences, so that each tooth underwent both sequences (n = 15 per sequence). In sequence 1, a tungsten carbide finishing bur and aluminum oxide polishing discs were used; in sequence 2, a diamond finishing bur, aluminum oxide-impregnated finishing cup, and diamond-impregnated polishing cup were used. Tooth surfaces were scanned with an optical scanner after preparation, finishing, initial polishing, and final polishing. The finishing and polishing scans were aligned to the preparation scan using Cumulus software. The depth of enamel surface loss was calculated and statistically analyzed (α = 0.05; paired t test). Most enamel loss (mean [SD]) resulted from the finishing step with the tungsten carbide bur (51.8 [21.3] µm) or diamond bur (43.3 [12.6] µm). Each polishing step increased mean enamel loss by only a few microns. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 finishing and polishing sequences. The majority of enamel damage during finishing and polishing of composite resin restorations resulted from the finishing burs. Little enamel was removed by either of the tested composite resin polishing systems.

Enfoque de Tratamiento de una Adolescente con Amelogénesis Imperfecta / Treatment Approach for an Adolescent with Amelogenesis Imperfecta

La amelogénesis imperfecta (AI) es un grupo de tras-tornos hereditarios, clínica y etiológicamente hete-rogéneos, derivados de mutaciones genéticas, que se caracterizan por anomalías cualitativas y cuanti-tativas del desarrollo del esmalte, pudiendo afectar la dentición primaria y/o permanente. El tratamiento del paciente con AI es complejo y multidiscliplinario; supone un desafío para el odontólogo, ya que por lo general están involucradas todas las piezas dentarias y afecta no solo la salud buco dental sino el aspecto emocional y psicológico de los pacientes. Con el obje-tivo de describir el tratamiento integral y rehabilita-dor realizado en una paciente con diagnóstico de AI tipo III, se reporta el caso de un adolescente de sexo femenino de 13 años, que concurrió en demanda de atención a la Cátedra de Odontología Integral Niños de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires (FOUBA), cuyo motivo de consulta fue la apariencia estética y la hipersensibilidad de sus pie-zas dentarias. Durante el examen clínico intraoral, se observó que todas las piezas dentarias presentaban un esmalte rugoso, blando, con irregularidades y una coloración amarronada, compatible con diagnóstico de Amelogénesis Imperfecta tipo III hipomineralizada. Conclusión: El tratamiento rehabilitador de la AI en los pacientes en crecimiento y desarrollo estará diri-gido a intervenir de manera integral y temprana para resolver la apariencia estética y funcional, evitar las repercusiones sociales y emocionales, y acompañar a los pacientes y sus familias (AU)

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a group of clinically and etiologically heterogeneous hereditary disorders, derived from genetic mutations, characterized by qualitative and quantitative anomalies of enamel development, which can affect primary and/or permanent dentition. The treatment of patients with AI is complex and multidisciplinary, it is a challenge for the dentist, since in general all the teeth are involved and it affects not only oral health but also the emotional and psychological aspect of the patients. Objective: To describe the comprehensive and rehabilitative treatment carried out in an adolescent patient with a diagnosis of type III AI. Case report: The case of a 13-year-old female patient, who required dental attention at the Department of Dentistry for Children of the School of Dentistry of the University of Buenos Aires, whose reason for consultation was esthetic appearance and hypersensitivity of her teeth. In the intraoral clinical examination, it was observed that all the teeth had rough, soft enamel, with irregularities and a brownish color, compatible with the diagnosis of type III hypomineralized Amelogenesis Imperfecta. Conclusion: Rehabilitative treatment of AI in growing and developing patients will be aimed at early and comprehensive intervention to resolve esthetic and functional appearance, avoid social and emotional repercussions and accompany patients and their families (AU)

Evaluación clínica de acondicionamiento dentinario y presentaciones de ionómeros fotoactivados en odontopediatría / Clinical evaluation of dentin conditioning and different presentations of light cured glass ionomer in primary dentition

Objetivo: Comparar clínicamente el comportamiento, el tiempo operatorio requerido, el costo y la dificultad de diferentes técnicas de restauración en piezas primarias, empleando ionómero vítreo fotoactivado (IVF) polvo/líquido, con y sin uso de acondicionamiento dentinario, y en cápsulas, con acondicionamiento. Materiales y métodos: El diseño de este estudio fue experimental y comparativo. Se realizaron, en 18 pacientes de 7±2 años, 33 restauraciones con IVF de una o más piezas primarias vitales con lesiones amelodentinarias en 1 o 2 superficies. Según su día de concurrencia a la Cátedra de Odontología Integral Niños, se empleó: A) IVF polvo/líquido, con acondicionamiento (3M™ VitremerTM); B) IVF polvo/líquido, sin acondicionamiento (3M™ VitremerTM); y C) IVF en cápsulas, con acondicionamiento (Riva Light Cure). Las restauraciones fueron evaluadas clínicamente al inicio y a los 12 meses según los siguientes criterios: pérdida total, pérdida total con caries, requerimiento de reemplazo por pérdida parcial, requerimiento de reemplazo por caries, aceptable con deterioro, en condiciones. El grado de dificultad se analizó utilizando una planilla diseñada para tal fin. El tiempo operatorio requerido se midió sin considerar el tiempo de inserción. Resultados: El tiempo operatorio requerido fue de 2 minutos, 15 segundos en A; 1 minuto, 25 segundos en B; y 1 minuto, 10 segundos en C, sin considerar el tiempo de inserción. El costo fue 61,11% mayor para C. La dificultad fue de 3,2±0,6 para A y B, y de 1,5±0,7 para C (ANOVA; P<0,001). El comportamiento clínico no registró diferencias significativas entre los grupos (Fisher; P=0,339). Conclusión: Los ionómeros de restauración fotoactivados encapsulados utilizados en este estudio presentaron menor dificultad de manipulación, mayor costo y similar comportamiento clínico a un año que las presentaciones polvo-líquido, con o sin uso de acondicionamiento previo en piezas primarias (AU)

Aim: To assess the clinical performance, operative time required, cost and technical difficulties of different restorative techniques in primary teeth, using light cured glass ionomers (LCG), powder/liquid, with and without dentin conditioning and light cured glass ionomer in capsules with conditioning. Materials and methods: The design of this study was experimental and comparative. 33 restorations with LCG were performed in 18 patients, 7 ± 2-years-old, in one or more vital primary teeth with carious lesions involving one or more tooth surfaces. Patients were assigned to one of the three groups according to the day of the week in which they attended to the Pediatric Department of the Dental School: A) LCG powder/liquid, with conditioning (3M™ VitremerTM); B) LCG powder/liquid without conditioning (3M™ VitremerTM); and C) LCG in capsules with conditioning (Riva Light Cure). The restorations were clinically evaluated at baseline and after 12 months according to the following criteria: complete loss of the restoration, complete loss with caries, need of replacement because of partial loss, need of replacement because of caries, good condition with some wear and good condition. Technical difficulties were analyzed using a data sheet designed for that purpose. The operative time required was evaluated without considering the insertion time. Results: Time operative time required was 2 minutes 15 seconds in A, 1 minute 25 seconds in B and 1 minute 10 seconds in C. Cost was 61.11% higher for C. Difficulty was 3.2±0.6 for A and B and 1.5±0.7 for C (ANOVA; P<0.001). No significant differences were observed among the three groups in relation to the clinical performance (Fisher; P=0.339). Conclusions: In these 12 months, study in primary teeth, the light cured glass ionomers used dispensed in capsules showed to be the easiest to handle, had higher cost and similar clinical performance than the powder liquid presentations with and without dentin conditioner (AU)

Alternativas de tratamiento para pacientes jóvenes con pérdida de estructura dentaria. Parte 1: caso clínico / Treatment alternatives for young patients with loss of dental structure. Part 1: a clinical Case

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una alternativa de tratamiento rehabilitador para pacientes jóvenes con gran pérdida de estructura dental vinculada a lesiones de origen no bacteriano. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 36 años de edad, con reflujo gastroesofágico crónico bajo tratamiento médico, que concurrió a la Cátedra de Odontología Integral Adultos de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires (FOUBA), en busca de un cambio estético en su sonrisa y relatando sensibilidad al calor, al frío y dolor al masticar. No manifestó sintomatología dolorosa a nivel muscular ni articular. En función de sus posibilidades económicas y de la etiología erosiva de las lesiones existentes en sus piezas dentarias, se llevó a cabo una rehabilitación oral adhesiva con resinas compuestas utilizando la sistematización de atención que sugiere la Cátedra. Las resinas compuestas actuales, en combinación con las técnicas y procedimientos desarrollados en este artículo han demostrado un adecuado comportamiento al ser utilizadas como restauraciones definitivas en pacientes que necesitan rehabilitación oral total debido a la gran pérdida de estructura dental por erosión ácida (AU)

Treatment of severely decayed anterior primary teeth with short-post technique (Mushroom Restorations) under general anesthesia.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluation the treatment success of the short post technique (mushroom restoration) using a composite resin in severely decayed primary anterior teeth after 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment. METHODS: Eighteen children aged 3-5 years with severely decayed primary maxillary anterior teeth (60 anterior maxillary primary teeth in total) were included. Patients were treated under general anesthesia (GA). After pulpectomy, a "mushroom shape" was formed in the root canals for the purpose of retention, and the root canals were filled with zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE), and the teeth were restored with composite resin. The status of treatment was evaluated clinically and radiographically for periapical radiolucency, pathological root resorption, marginal fracture, and loss of restoration for each treated tooth. All findings were recorded. RESULTS: As a result of the evaluation criteria, the success rates at 6, 12 and 18 months were 86%, 80%, and 71%, respectively. None of the teeth showed apical radiolucency or pathological root resorption at the end of the 18th month period. CONCLUSION: The short-post (mushroom restorations) technique is a clinically acceptable alternative method for restoration of severely decayed primary teeth. This study supports the feasibility of treatment with this technique for pediatric patients treated under GA.

Cross-infection control in clinical training: Development of a device for storing a composite resin in restorative dentistry.

This study presented a biosafety device for the hygienic storage of composite resin during restorative procedures in teaching clinics, RESTAURASAFE, and to compare the color stability, surface hardness, and degree of conversion of the composite resin made with the proposed device to those of conventionally made resins. Esthet-X HD composite was manipulated directly from the syringe, fractionated doses, dappen dish or RESTAURASAFE. Disc-shaped specimens were immersed in artificial saliva and coffee for 60 days and the color stability and the Vickers surface hardness were evaluated during 60 days. Degree of conversion was assessed after immersing specimens in saliva (baseline). The surface morphology analysis of composite resin has taken by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were evaluated statistically by repeated measures ANOVA (α=.05). No difference of color stability was observed for saliva and coffee regardless of storing devices. The resin manipulated directly from the syringe presented lower hardness, and fractionated doses presented lower degree of conversion than the RESTAURASAFE. SEM analysis showed that after artificial aging in coffee for 60 days, the specimens prepared with fractionated doses of resin displayed the fewest changes in surface morphology, followed by those prepared with the RESTAURASAFE. We conclude that RESTAURASAFE allows to obtain similar color stability, higher hardness, and degree of conversion of the composite in comparison to the other storing devices.

Effects of fabrication and shading technique on the color and translucency of new-generation translucent zirconia after coffee thermocycling.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The color stability and translucency of preshaded and externally shaded monolithic and veneered new generation translucent zirconia are not well known. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of fabrication (veneered or monolithic) and shading (preshaded or externally shaded) techniques on the color and relative translucency of translucent zirconia after coffee thermocycling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens of different thicknesses (0.5 mm for veneered and 1.5 mm for monolithic) were sectioned from preshaded and externally shaded translucent zirconia. Externally shaded specimens were colored by using the dipping technique. Externally shaded (Ext Mono) and preshaded (Pre Mono) monolithic zirconia specimens were sintered and glazed. Externally shaded (Ext Vene) and preshaded (Pre Vene) 0.5-mm-thick specimens were sintered, veneered with feldspathic porcelain (1 mm), and glazed. The color coordinates of specimens were measured with a spectroradiometer before and after 10 000 thermocycles in coffee solution. Color differences were calculated using CIEDE2000, and relative translucency parameter (RTP) values were calculated using the RTPCIEDE2000 formula. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the CIEDE2000 color differences and RTP values (α=.05). RESULTS: Shading technique had a significant effect on the color difference values (P=.018). For the translucency data, the 3-way ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between the fabrication technique and shading technique (P=.002). Each pair of material subgroups within each combination of fabrication technique and shading technique was found to have a significantly different RTP, except between Ext Vene and Pre Vene (P=.115). CONCLUSIONS: Externally shaded translucent zirconia had a greater color change in coffee than the preshaded translucent zirconia, either in monolithic or veneered form. Fabrication technique significantly affected the RTP, and the monolithic zirconia was more translucent than the veneered zirconia.

Photobiomodulation versus direct restoration in a patient presenting with dentinal hypersensitivity: a 6-month follow-up.

Despite nearly a century of research, the treatment of cervical dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) remains challenging. This case report discusses the indications for different approaches to the treatment of DH in a single patient; the chosen alternatives took into account the different degrees of tooth wear and levels of pain at different sites. A 31-year-old woman reported DH in the maxillary right canine and first premolar and the maxillary left lateral incisor and canine in response to thermal, tactile, and osmotic stimuli. Clinical examination revealed that the teeth on the right side presented noncarious cervical lesions deeper than 1 mm, while the teeth on the left side presented only minimal wear. Therefore, the right canine and premolar were restored with composite resin to create a mechanical barrier against stimuli and reestablish form, function, and esthetics. Prior to restoration, the teeth on the right side were irradiated with a low-power laser (808 nm, 100 mW, 1.1 J/point, 10 seconds), which was applied in a single session at 2 locations on each tooth. In contrast, the left lateral incisor and canine were irradiated in 3 sessions with the low-power laser, which reduces pain levels and depolarizes nerve fibers by means of cell biomodulation, and received no restorations. A visual analog scale (0.0-10.0) was used to record the patient's pain, and it was found that pain levels for the restored teeth decreased from 9.4 initially to 0.0 immediately after restoration, and pain levels for the irradiated teeth decreased from 5.4 initially to 2.0 after 3 sessions. After 6 months of clinical evaluation, both sets of teeth showed scores of 0.0 (no pain). Based on the results presented, it can be concluded that both treatments provided satisfactory outcomes when applied for the appropriate indication.

Influence of Surface Treatment on Composite Adhesion in Noncarious Cervical Lesions: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of dentin surface treatments on the retention rate of resin composite restorations in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). Seven randomized clinical trials were included in this review. Data regarding retention rate, type of surface treatment, and the main characteristics of studies were analyzed. Two reviewers performed a literature search up to December 2016 in eight databases: PubMed (Medline), Lilacs, Ibecs, Web of Science, BBO, Scopus, Scielo and The Cochrane Library. Only clinical trials evaluating dentin surface treatments in resin composite restoration in NCCLs were included. Noncontrolled clinical trials, reviews, editorial letters, case reports, case series and studies published in a language other than English, Portuguese, or Spanish were not included. The included studies evaluated different surface treatments, such as using an adhesive system with a frictional technique, drying the dentin, and removing sclerotic dentin by using a bur and applying EDTA before primer use. The analysis considering the mechanical removal of dentin surface with a bur and the application of an adhesive system in a frictional mode showed these treatments improved retention rates of the resin composite restorations in NCCLs ( p<0.05). There is evidence in the literature suggesting that the mechanical removal of dentin surface with a bur and the application of an adhesive system in a frictional mode could improve the retention rates of resin composite restorations in NCCLs. However, the studies showed high heterogeneity, and additional clinical trials are needed to determine the best dentin treatment option in NCCLs.

Outcomes of the conventional and biological treatment approaches for the management of caries in the primary dentition.

BACKGROUND: In the last few years, conventional restorations including complete removal of carious tissue (CT) with or without pulp therapy for the treatment of carious lesions (CL) in primary teeth have been challenged and a more biological approach has been suggested. This approach involves the use of less invasive techniques which alter the environment of the CL isolating it from the cariogenic biofilm and substrate. Two of these treatment approaches that are becoming increasingly widely accepted and used in paediatric dentistry are the Hall Technique and indirect pulp capping (IPC). AIM: To investigate the outcome of the conventional versus the biological approaches for the treatment of deep CL in the primary teeth in children, delivered in a specialist paediatric dentistry training environment. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of 246 children aged 4-9 years, treated with either approach, conventional and biological, in two UK specialist hospital settings. Data were extracted from clinical dental records and post-operative radiographs of patients treated during the period 2006-2012. The outcome of the treatment in this study was categorised into three main categories: clinical, radiographic, and final outcome. Clinical and final outcomes were further described as success, minor, and major failure. RESULTS: In total, 836 primary teeth were included. In the conventional approach, 324 teeth had complete CT removal and 104 teeth had a pulpotomy. In the biological approach, 388 teeth had Hall Technique preformed metal crowns (PMC) placed and 20 teeth received indirect pulp capping. PMC were the restoration of choice for most of the cases where a pulpotomy had been carried out, and resin composite was most frequently used restorative material for the complete CT removal group. The majority of the primary teeth treated with either approach remained asymptomatic after a follow-up period of up to 77 months, 95.3% in the conventional and 95.8% in the biological. No significant association was found between the final outcome and the approach used for treatment, age of the patient, gender and number of carious surfaces or tooth type. CONCLUSION: Both the conventional and biological treatment approaches had similar final outcomes and were equally successful for management of CL in the primary dentition.

Reabilitação do guia canino complementar ao tratamento harmônico e estético com prótese parcial fixa livre de metal / Rehabilitation of the canine guide complementary to the harmonic and aesthetic treatment with fixed partial denture of metal

Introdução: A reabilitação estética de dentes anteriores com próteses cerâmicas livres de metal proporciona excelência estética principalmente pela ausência da margem metálica. Pacientes que apresentam oclusão adequada e ausência de hábitos parafuncionais possuem menor chances de falhas catastróficas em movimentos excêntricos e bordejantes durante as excursões mandibulares. Objetivo: evidenciar, por meio de relato de um caso clínico, o reestabelecimento da estética e função de dentes anteriores, utilizando restaurações cerâmicas livres de metal. Conclusões: A utilização de cerâmicas livres de metal permitiu uma estética natural e funcional com ótimas propriedades ópticas, integrando as restaurações ao sorriso do paciente.(AU)

Introduction: The aesthetic rehabilitation of anterior teeth with metal-free ceramic prosthesis provides aesthetic excellence mainly due to the absence of metal margin. Patients with adequate occlusion and absence of parafunctional habits have a lower chance of catastrophic failure in eccentric movements and contours during mandibular excursions. Aim: to report, through a clinical case report, reestablishment of aesthetics and function of anterior teeth, using metal free ceramic restorations. Conclusions: The use of free metal ceramics allowed a natural and functional aesthetic with excellent optical properties, integrating the restorations to the patient's smile.(AU)

The "index cutback technique": a three-dimensional guided layering approach in direct class IV composite restorations.

One of the main difficulties encountered with conventional class IV direct composite restorations is the layering management in terms of three-dimensionality and shape control. The major concern is the predictability of the esthetic outcome, which is closely linked to the clinician's skills. This article presents a predictable approach to treat class IV direct composite restorations. The technique allows for the shape and thickness of different composite layers to be guided through transparent indexes that have been carried out previously on a planned wax-up. The final goal is to achieve a good esthetic outcome in an easy and fast way through a copy-and-paste approach. The "index cutback technique" is a complementary variant of the "index technique" for class IV direct restorations. After the casts have been generated, the technician creates a full wax-up of the tooth to be restored. A transparent silicone key of the full wax-up provides the full enamel index that is then cut with a blade along the incisal edge to achieve two enamel indexes, one palatal and one buccal. Then, the required amount of wax is removed from the full wax-up through a cutback step. The aim of this step is to remove a suitable amount of wax to leave a predetermined space for the composite enamel layers, both on the palatal and buccal surfaces. A second transparent silicone key is built on the cutback wax-up to achieve the cutback dentin index, which is then used to press the composite dentin onto the prepared tooth.

Educational strategies and atraumatic restorative treatment effect on salivary characteristics: A controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate educational strategies and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART)-restoration impact on salivary physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. DESIGN: Two groups of 6- to 7-year-old children were included: GART , with at least one decayed primary molar (n = 36), submitted to four sessions of oral health educational strategy (OHES) and ART restoration; GC , a paired caries-free group (n = 36), submitted to four sessions of OHES. Three evaluations were carried out: baseline, 1 week after OHES, and 1 month after OHES or ART, when biofilm and gingivitis frequencies, salivary flow, pH, buffer capacity, calcium and phosphorus concentrations were assessed. Total bacteria and Streptococcus mutans were quantified in unstimulated saliva (qPCR). RESULTS: Improvement in biofilm and gingivitis scores, salivary pH, and buffering capacity after OHES was observed in GC , with a decrease in total bacteria and S. mutans counts. GART also showed changes in salivary parameters, even before ART restoration was delivered, and total bacteria count remained lower than baseline 1 month after ART restoration, although a trend to increase the proportion of S. mutans was observed. CONCLUSION: Improvements in salivary physicochemical and microbiological characteristics were observed after educational strategies, thus reducing the caries risk of children with decayed teeth, although a trend to increase the S. mutans percentage was observed 1 month after ART restoration.

A new method for deep caries treatment in primary teeth using ozone: a retrospective study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a new protocol for deep caries treatment in deciduous teeth based on: 1) the incomplete removal of carious dentin tissue; 2) the use of new technology (ozone) for the disinfection of carious dentine; 3) the creation of a peripheral seal in healthy tissue for bonding procedures with rubber dam isolation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a personal database, authors selected 50 consecutive patients (28 males, 22 females; mean age 5.8 ± 1.7 years) in whom this new protocol was applied on posterior deciduous molars, for a total of 94 restorations. RESULTS: Regular follow- ups were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months by a second operator, who was asked to rate each restoration as success or failure. The success rate at 12 months was 93,62% (n. 88/94 restorations), similar to that reported in the literature for pulpotomy. CONCLUSION: The deciduous teeth considered for this study, if treated conventionally, would have probably been subjected to pulpotomy, because of the extension of the carious lesions. The proposed protocol, through the use of ozone, proved to be an excellent alternative, with the fundamental advantage of saving dental tissue and preventing the invasion of the pulp chamber.

Direct Resin Composite Restoration of Maxillary Central Incisors with Fractured Tooth Fragment Reattachment: Case Report.

This article presents a clinical protocol to reconstruct two accidentally damaged maxillary central incisors using composite resin material and a fractured tooth component. A patient was referred to the clinic with fracture of the two maxillary central incisors. Clinical examination revealed that both teeth were fractured in the middle third of the crown and that the fractures involved enamel and dentin with no pulp exposure. The patient had also suffered a lower lip laceration. When the lip was evaluated, a fractured fragment of the maxillary right central incisor was found inside the wound. The missing part of the tooth was replaced via adhesive attachment. Due to the damage of the fractured part of the maxillary left central incisor, direct composite restoration of this tooth was performed. With the advent of adhesive dentistry, the process of fragment reattachment has become simplified and more reliable. This procedure provides improved function, is faster to perform, and provides long-lasting effects, indicating that reattachment of a coronal fragment is a realistic alternative to placement of conventional resin composite restorations.

Effect of Bioactive Primers on Bacterial-Induced Secondary Caries at the Tooth-Resin Interface.

Secondary caries at the tooth-resin interface is the primary reason for replacement of resin composite restorations. The tooth-resin interface is formed by the interlocking of resin material with hydroxyapatite crystals in enamel and collagen mesh structure in dentin. Efforts to strengthen the tooth-resin interface have identified chemical agents with dentin collagen cross-linking potential and antimicrobial activities. The purpose of the present study was to assess protective effects of bioactive primer against secondary caries development around enamel and dentin margins of class V restorations, using an in vitro bacterial caries model. Class V composite restorations were prepared on 60 bovine teeth (n=15) with pretreatment of the cavity walls with control buffer solution, an enriched fraction of grape seed extract (e-GSE), 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl)-carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide, or chlorhexidine digluconate. After incubating specimens in a bacterial model with Streptococcus mutans for four days, dentin and enamel were assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Results revealed that only the naturally occurring product, e-GSE, significantly inhibited the development of secondary caries immediately adjacent to the dentin-resin interface, as indicated by the caries inhibition zone. No inhibitory effects were observed in enamel margins. The results suggest that the incorporation of e-GSE into components of the adhesive system may inhibit secondary caries and potentially contribute to the protection of highly vulnerable dentin-resin margins.

Outcome of Revascularization Procedure: A Retrospective Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this retrospective case series was to investigate the outcome of the revascularization procedure in necrotic immature teeth. METHODS: The residents and faculty members at the University of Pennsylvania endodontic department were invited to submit consecutive revascularization cases treated by them, irrespective of the outcome, during the time period of 2009 to 2012. Twenty-eight of 35 submitted necrotic immature teeth met the inclusion criteria. The treatment protocol included minimal instrumentation and irrigation with 3% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA. Triple antibiotic paste was placed for a minimum of 21 days. After blood clot induction, either EndoSequence Bioceramic Putty (Brasseler, Savannah, GA) or mineral trioxide aggregate was placed below the cementoenamel junction, and composite was used as a final restoration. The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 72 months. The outcome was assessed as complete healing (the absence of clinical signs and symptoms, complete resolution of periradicular radiolucency, increase in the root dentin thickness/length, and apical closure), incomplete healing (the absence of clinical signs and symptoms, the periapical lesion completely healed without any signs of root maturation or thickening, the periapical lesion either reduced in size or unchanged with/without radiographic signs of increasing root dentin thickness/length, or apical closure), and failure (persistent clinical signs and symptoms and/or increased size of the periradicular lesion). RESULTS: Twenty-one of 28 cases (75%) healed completely, 3 cases (10.7%) failed during the observation period and needed further treatment, and 4 cases (14%) presented with incomplete healing. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this study, the outcome of revascularization, wherein healing of periapical periodontitis and maturation of roots occurs, is fairly high, making it a viable treatment option in comparison with apexification.