Influence of blue and violet LED and infrared laser on the temperature of bleaching protocols in different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.

BACKGROUND: The photo-acceleration of bleaching gels by lights has been extensively researched. However, the induced temperature increase during this process needs to be further evaluated to prevent damage to the dental pulp. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the surface and intrapulpal temperature kinetics of different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (HP) gels photo-accelerated by blue or violet light and infrared laser. METHODS: The whitening gels at concentrations of HP35, HP15, and HP6 % were irradiated with blue and violet LED/laser on the surface of a human canine tooth. The surface temperature variation (∆Ts) was evaluated using a pH meter, while the intrapulpal temperature variation (∆Ti) was assessed using a digital thermometer at intervals of 1, 15, and 30 min. Statistical analysis was conducted using a Two-way repeated measures ANOVA test, and Bonferroni post-test was applied at a significance level of 5 %. RESULTS: All violet LED photo-accelerated groups showed a higher increase in ∆Ts compared to the blue LED/laser groups. However, there were no significant differences between the groups for ∆Ti. CONCLUSION: Although the photo-acceleration of HP35 and HP15 % gels with violet LED/laser has a greater increase in surface temperature compared to HP6 % gel, the different light systems do not significantly increase the intrapulpal temperature.

Effects of alpha-tocopherol antioxidant on fracture strength and adhesion of endodontically treated teeth restored after dental bleaching.

This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in gel form on fracture strength, hybrid layer formation, and microtensile bond strength of endodontically treated teeth bleached with 40% hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ). Sixty bovine incisors were randomized into one of six groups (n = 10 incisors per group) defined by the interventions carried out after endodontic treatment. In the control group, no additional intervention was carried out, while all teeth in the five intervention groups were bleached with 40% H2 O2 and subsequently treated with alpha-tocopherol at concentrations of 15% (15AT), 20% (20AT), or 25% (25AT), with 10% sodium ascorbate (10SA), or with nothing (40HP). Fracture strength was evaluated in a mechanical testing machine, hybrid layer formation was assessed using scanning electron microscopy, and bond strength was determined using microtensile bond-strength testing. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. No statistically significant difference regarding fracture strength was observed among groups. Hybrid layer formation was greater in the 15AT group than in groups 40HP and 10SA. Teeth in groups 15AT, 20AT, and 25AT demonstrated higher bond strength than teeth in groups 40HP and 10SA. Alpha-tocopherol, preferably at 15%, effectively reverses the deleterious effects, of bleaching, on hybrid layer formation and bond strength to dentin.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite-based formulations on the adhesion interface after fiber post cementation.

The study evaluated the persistence of residues, bond strength and tags formation of a cementation system after post-space irrigation with different sodium hypochlorite-based irrigants. The groups were divided according to the irrigation protocol (DW: distilled water; SHS: sodium hypochlorite solution; SHG: sodium hypochlorite gel; and, SHT: sodium hypochlorite with surfactant). Forty roots (n=10) were used to evaluate the persistence of residues by scanning electron microscopy. Other forty roots were used to the push-out bond strength test, failure mode and tag formation analyses. Non-parametric data were submitted to Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests, while parametric data were evaluated by one-way ANOVA. No difference was observed in the persistence of residues. DW showed the highest bond strength and tag formation. Type 2 failure mode was the most frequent in the experimental groups. Compared to control, SHT showed the best performance, since less negative effects on adhesive interface was observed.

Fracture strength and hybrid layer formation of endodontically-treated teeth after dental bleaching photoactivated with violet LED.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in vitro the effect of dental bleaching using high concentration hydrogen peroxide (HP) photoactivated with violet LED on fracture strength and hybrid layer formation. METHODS: forty endodontically-treated bovine teeth were randomized into four groups (n = 10): C - Control, HP - 35% hydrogen peroxide, HP-BL - 35% hydrogen peroxide photoactivated with blue LED, HP-VL - 35% hydrogen peroxide photoactivated with violet LED. Three bleaching sessions with an interval of 7 days between them were performed. After 10 days of the last bleaching session, the dental crowns were restored and submitted to the fracture strength test. Five specimens from each group were used to evaluate the hybrid layer formation by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for parametric and non-parametric data, respectively. Significance level of 5% was adopted to all the tests. RESULTS: No differences on fracture strength among the groups were observed (p > 0.05). HP and HP-BL showed alterations on hybrid layer formation compared to C group (p < 0.05), but not for HP-VL (p > 0.05). No differences on hybrid layer formation were observed among HP, HP-VL and HP-BL groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dental bleaching, photoactivated or not, did not affect the fracture strength of endodontically-treated teeth. Regardless of the protocol used, hydrogen peroxide altered the hybrid layer formation at some level when the restoration was placed after 10 days of the last bleaching session.

Using Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy with Ultrasound Devices and Bioactive Glasses as a Combined Approach for Treating Dentin Caries Lesions.

Novel approaches for caries lesion removal and treatment have been proposed. This study evaluates the combined use of an experimental ultrasound, aPDT (antimicrobial photodynamic therapy) and bioactive glasses on the removal, decontamination and remineralization of dentin caries lesions. A biological model created with a duo species biofilm (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus) was used for the development of a caries-like lesion over the dentin for 7 days. Bovine dentin specimens (4 × 4 × 2 mm) were randomized according to the following caries removal techniques: bur (BUR) or ultrasound (ULT), decontamination (with or without aPDT) and remineralization materials (45S5 or F18 bioactive glasses). The following different groups were investigated: caries lesion (control); sound dentin (control); BUR; BUR + aPDT; ULT; ULT + aPDT; BUR + 45S5, BUR + F18; ULT + 45S5; ULT + F18; BUR + aPDT + 45S5; BUR + aPDT + F18; ULT + aPDT + 45S5; and ULT + aPDT + F18. Transverse microradiography (TMR), cross-sectional microhardness (CSH), FT-Raman spectroscopy and confocal microscopy (CLSM) were performed. A two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test were used (α = 0.05). (3) Results: The TMR revealed a lesion depth of 213.9 ± 49.5 µm and a mineral loss of 4929.3% vol.µm. The CSH increases as a function of depth, regardless of the group (p < 0.05). Removal with BUR (24.40-63.03 KHN) has a greater CSH than ULT (20.01-47.53 KHN; p < 0.05). aPDT did not affect the CSH (p > 0.05). No difference was observed between 45S5 or F18 (p > 0.05), but a change was observed for ULT (p > 0.05). The FT-Raman shows no differences for the phosphate (p > 0.05), but a difference is observed for the carbonate and C-H bonds. The CLSM images show that aPDT effectively inactivates residual bacteria. A combination of ULT, aPDT and bioactive glasses can be a promising minimally invasive treatment.

Multidisciplinary management of a tooth with severe root dilaceration and enamel hypoplasia: a case report.

Dental trauma in primary teeth can cause irreversible changes in the development of permanent tooth germs, including enamel hypoplasia, crown dilaceration, and root dilaceration. This article discusses multidisciplinary treatment of enamel hypoplasia and root dilaceration in the maxillary left central incisor of an 11-year-old girl. A 10-year follow-up is reported to demonstrate the long-term clinical outcomes. At the initial presentation, the patient's mother reported that the child had an accident at the age of 2 years, resulting in intrusive luxation of the primary maxillary left central incisor. After the accident, the patient was monitored for eruption of the permanent successor tooth, and different approaches were proposed during each period of the patient's development on the basis of the clinical diagnosis of root dilaceration and enamel hypoplasia. The crown was restored with composite resin, and the root defect was restored with resin-modified glass ionomer cement. After 10 years, the clinical outcomes highlight that the multidisciplinary approach was successful in preserving the natural tooth with good periodontal health conditions.

Effect of antioxidants after post-space irrigation on the adhesive interface of glass fiber post cementation.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of antioxidants, 10% sodium ascorbate (SA) or 20% alpha-tocopherol (AT), after post-space irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite +17% EDTA (SH) or 1% peracetic acid (PA) on the adhesive interface after glass fiber post cementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty bovine roots were endodontically treated. After preparation, the post-space was irrigated with SH or PA followed or not by the use of antioxidants (SA or AT) (n = 10). Push-out bond strength test, failure mode, and dentin penetrability analysis using confocal laser microscope were performed in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds. Data from bond strength and dentinal penetrability were evaluated by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: SH showed the lowest bond strength regardless of the third (p < 0.05). In apical third, mixed failure was the most incident in all groups. Only in the cervical third of the post-space, SH-AT provided the greatest tag extension of the cementation system into dentin (p < 0.05). However, in the middle and apical thirds, SH-AT, SH-SA, and PA-SA provided the largest tag extensions (p < 0.05), but similar to each other (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of antioxidants only favored bond strength when SH was used and dentin penetrability of the adhesive and conventional resin cementation, regardless of the solution used to irrigate the post-space. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of antioxidants (10% sodium ascorbate and 20% alpha-tocopherol) after post-space irrigation with sodium hypochlorite appears to increase the bond strength favoring the glass fiber post-cementation.

Surface and intra-pulpal temperature variation during tooth whitening photoactivated with LED/laser.

This study evaluated the variation of surface and intra-pulpal temperature, during bleaching protocol, using LED/laser. The 35% (HP35), 15% (HP15) and 6% (HP6) gels were used associated with LED/laser applied every 1 min for 30 min in a human canine. The evaluation of surface temperature variation (∆Ts) was performed using a pHmeter and the intra-pulpal temperature variation (∆Ti) was performed using a digital thermometer, at times of 1-, 5-, 10- 15- and 30-min. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-way repeated measures ANOVA test and Bonferroni post-hoc test was used at a significance level of 5%. HP35 and HP15 showed greater temperature variation than HP6 up to 10 min of surface evaluation, showing no differences between them. In the intra-pulpal evaluation, no group showed differences throughout the procedure.

Microstructural effect of different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide photoactivated with LED/laser.

BACKGROUND: The use of different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (HP) photoactivated with LED/laser sources is common however, their influence on tooth structure is not yet fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the pH, microhardness and surface roughness of different bleaching protocols photoactivated with LED/laser. METHODS: Forty bovine incisors were sectioned (7 × 7 × 2 mm) and randomized into four groups for analysis of pH (n = 5), microhardness and roughness (n = 10): HP35, HP6_L, HP15_L, HP35_L. The pH analysis was performed in the initial and final minute of the bleaching protocol. Microhardness and roughness were evaluated before and 7 days after the last bleaching session. Results were obtained from two-way ANOVA for repeated measures and Bonferroni post-test at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: HP6_L showed higher pH and greater stability between the initial and final evaluations, while the other groups showed similar pH with reduced values in the intragroup evaluation. No differences between groups in microhardness and roughness evaluations were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although HP6_L showed higher alkalinity and pH stability, none of the protocols reduced the microhardness and surface roughness of bovine enamel.

Effect of non-vital tooth bleaching photoactivated with blue or violet LED on color and microhardness.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of dental bleaching protocols using 35% hydrogen peroxide photoactivated with violet LED on color and microhardness of endodontically treated teeth. METHODS: Forty specimens were selected and randomized into 4 groups (n = 10): C - Control, HP - 35% hydrogen peroxide, HP + BL - 35% hydrogen peroxide + blue LED, HP + VL - 35% hydrogen peroxide + violet LED. Three bleaching sessions were performed for each group. Color analysis was performed 7 days after each bleaching session. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA and Bonferroni test were used to evaluate the effect of different bleaching protocols and evaluation times on the dependent variables (∆E and ∆L). Dentin microhardness was measured 24 h after the third bleaching session. Data were evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey's test at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Differences on ∆E and ∆L were verified after the first and second bleaching sessions (p < 0.05) and showed stability after the third one, for all the groups. No differences were observed among HP, HP + BL, and HP + VL groups, regardless of the evaluation time (p > 0.05). HP and C showed the greatest and smallest reduction in dentin microhardness (p < 0.05), respectively. No difference between HP + BL and HP + VL protocols (P > 0.05) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: High concentration hydrogen peroxide (35%) photoactivated with violet LED bleached endodontically treated teeth effectively. However, the same protocol negatively affected the dentin microhardness, but not in the same level of 35% HP solely used.

Effect of aging and cementation systems on the bond strength to root dentin after fiber post cementation.

This study evaluated the effect of aging and cementation of fiber posts using glass ionomer and resin cements on push-out bond strength, failure mode, and resin tag formation. One hundred and twenty bovine incisors were used. After post-space preparation, the specimens were randomly allocated into 12 groups (n = 10) according to the cementation system used: GC - GC Gold Label Luting & Lining); RL - RelyX Luting 2; MC - MaxCem Elite; RU - RelyX U200 and the aging periods (24 hours, 6 months, and 12 months). Slices from the cervical, middle, and apical thirds were obtained and analyzed by push-out bond strength test and confocal laser scanning microscopy. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test was used at a significance level of 5%. For the push-out bond strength test, no differences among GC, RU, and MC in the cervical and middle thirds were observed, regardless of the period of storage (P > 0.05). In the apical third, GC and RU showed similar bond strength but higher than other groups (P > 0.05). After 12 months, GC showed the highest bond strength (P < 0.05). Bond strength to post-space dentin decreased over time, regardless of the cementation system used. Cohesive failure was the most frequent, regardless of the period of storage, cementation system, and post-space third. Tag formation was similar among all groups. After 12 months, GC showed the highest bond strength values.

Effectiveness and color stability of non-vital dental bleaching photoactivated by violet LED on blood-stained teeth.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the effect of violet LED irradiation associated or not with bleaching agents on blood-stained teeth. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the whitening efficacy and color stability of non-vital dental bleaching using 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) photoactivated with violet LED (VL) compared to 35% HP alone and 35% HP photoactivated with blue LED (BL). METHODS: Fifty bovine dental crowns were used to obtain specimens of 5 × 5 × 2 mm. After selection based on a previous colorimetric analysis, the specimens were blood-stained and randomly assigned into five groups (n = 10): control (no treatment); 35% HP, 35% HP/BL; 35% HP/VL; and VL. Three bleaching sessions were performed and the colorimetric analysis (∆Eab, ∆L, and ∆WID) was recorded after 7 days, 30 days, and 9 months of the last bleaching session. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test was used at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: 35% HP, 35% HP/BL, and 35% HP/VL showed higher values of ∆Eab, ∆L, e ∆WID (P < 0.05), without intra- and intergroup differences (P > 0.05). C and VL were similar in all the evaluation times (P > 0.05), showing lower values of ∆Eab, ∆L, and ∆WID (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 35% HP/VL can be a viable alternative for dental bleaching in endodontically-treated teeth, showing bleaching efficacy similar to 35% HP solely used, even after a 9-month follow-up. VL used alone was not effective to bleach blood-stained teeth.

Effect of aging and cementation systems on the bond strength to root dentin after fiber post cementation

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of aging and cementation of fiber posts using glass ionomer and resin cements on push-out bond strength, failure mode, and resin tag formation. One hundred and twenty bovine incisors were used. After post-space preparation, the specimens were randomly allocated into 12 groups (n = 10) according to the cementation system used: GC - GC Gold Label Luting & Lining); RL - RelyX Luting 2; MC - MaxCem Elite; RU - RelyX U200 and the aging periods (24 hours, 6 months, and 12 months). Slices from the cervical, middle, and apical thirds were obtained and analyzed by push-out bond strength test and confocal laser scanning microscopy. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test was used at a significance level of 5%. For the push-out bond strength test, no differences among GC, RU, and MC in the cervical and middle thirds were observed, regardless of the period of storage (P > 0.05). In the apical third, GC and RU showed similar bond strength but higher than other groups (P > 0.05). After 12 months, GC showed the highest bond strength (P < 0.05). Bond strength to post-space dentin decreased over time, regardless of the cementation system used. Cohesive failure was the most frequent, regardless of the period of storage, cementation system, and post-space third. Tag formation was similar among all groups. After 12 months, GC showed the highest bond strength values.

Resumo Avaliar o efeito do envelhecimento e sistemas de cimentação usando ionômero de vidro e cimentos resinosos na resistência de união à dentina após a cimentação do pino de fibra. Cento e vinte incisivos bovinos foram utilizados. Após o preparo do pós-espaço, os corpos de prova foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 12 grupos (n = 10) de acordo com o período de envelhecimento (24 horas, 6 meses e 12 meses) e o sistema de cimentação utilizado: GC - cimento de ionômero de vidro (GC Gold Label Cimentação e Revestimento); RL - RelyX Luting 2; MC - MaxCem Elite; RU - RelyX U200. Cortes dos terços cervical, médio e apical foram obtidos e analisados por teste de resistência de união push-out e microscopia confocal de varredura a laser. ANOVA one-way e teste de Tukey foi usado a um nível de significância de 5%. Para o teste de resistência de união, não foram observadas diferenças entre GC, RU e MC nos terços cervical e médio, independentemente do período de armazenamento (P > 0,05). No terço apical, GC e RU apresentaram resistência de união semelhante, porém superior aos demais grupos (P > 0,05). Após 12 meses, o GC apresentou a maior resistência de união (P < 0,05). A resistência de união à dentina no espaço para pino diminuiu ao longo do tempo, independentemente do sistema de cimentação utilizado. A formação de tags foi semelhante entre todos os grupos. Após 12 meses, o GC apresentou os maiores valores de resistência de união.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy mediated by methylene blue-loaded polymeric micelles against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans biofilms.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans can colonize the teeth, the oral cavity as biofilm and can cause oral infections. Thus, strategies to prevent and control oral biofilms are requested. The present study aims the development and characterization of methylene blue (MB)-loaded polymeric micelles for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans biofilms METHODS: MB-loaded polymeric micelles were produced and characterized by particle size, polydispersity index, morphology, zeta potential, stability, MB release profile, and antimicrobial effect against S. mutans and C. albicans biofilms. RESULTS: MB-loaded polymeric micelles showed a reduced particle size, moderate polydisperse profile, spherical and neutral shape, which demonstrated to be promising features to allow micelles penetration into biofilms. Antimicrobial effect against bacterial and yeast biofilms was demonstrated once MB was irradiated by light under 660 nm (aPDT). Furthermore, MB-loaded polymeric micelles showed significant inhibition of S. mutans and C. albicans biofilms. Furthermore, the treatment with MB-micelles incubated with high pre-incubation times (15 and 30 min) were more effective than 5 min. It can be explained by the time required for this nanosystem to penetrate the innermost layer of biofilms and release MB for aPDT. CONCLUSION: MB-loaded polymeric micelles can effectively decrease the bacteria and yeast viability and it may cause positive impacts in the clinical practice. Thus, the developed formulation showed potential in the treatment to remove oral biofilms, but clinical studies are needed to confirm its potential.

Direct Resin Composite Restoration in Anterior Tooth: 10 Years of Clinical Follow-Up

The emergence and development of resin-based materials, such as resin composites and adhesive systems, have shifted the restorative treatment of anterior teeth with caries lesions and/or fractures. Thus, based on the disadvantages of indirect restorations, direct esthetic restorations are restorative options even for anterior teeth with exten sive loss of hard tissues. This study aimed to describe and discuss the direct resin composite restoration performed to solve the esthetic and functional impairments of the upper anterior teeth with diastemas. The upper left central incisor received total crown preparation for indirect restoration. Clinical results after 10 years were recorded. Considering the clinical characteris tics of dental restorations, it is possible to conclude that direct resin composite restorations reestablished the esthetic and functional properties satisfactorily, even in a tooth with extensive coronal destruction. The success of the restorative treatm ent was dependent on factors related to the materials´ properties, oral habits of the patient, and mostly the clinical skills of th e dental clinician.

La aparición y el desarrollo de materiales con base de resina, como las resinas compuestas y los sistemas adhesivos, han cambiado el tratamiento restaurador de los dientes anteriores con lesiones de caries y/o fracturas. Por lo tanto, en base a las desventajas de las restauraciones indirectas, las restauraciones estéticas directas son opciones de restauración, incluso para los dientes anteriores con una gran pérdida de tejidos duros. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir y discutir la restauración directa con resina compuesta, realizada para solucionar las deficiencias estéticas y funcionales de los dientes anteriores superiores con diastemas. El incisivo central superior izquierdo recibió preparación de corona total para restauración indirecta. Se registraron los resultados clínicos después de 10 años. Considerando las características clínicas de las restauraciones dentales, es posible concluir que las restauraciones directas en resina compuesta restablecieron las propiedades estéticas y funcionales satisfactoriamente, incluso en un diente con destrucción coronal extensa. El éxito del tratamiento restaurador dependió de factores relacionados con las propiedades de los materiales, los hábitos bucales del paciente y, sobre todo, las habilidades clínicas del odontólogo.

Influence of Bleaching Agent Containing Bioactive Glass on Color and Microhardness of Bovine Enamel

To try to reduce the deleterious effects of tooth whitening, bioactive materials have been used. Forty enamel/dentin blocks were stained on dark tea and randomly assigned into four groups (n=10): control group (unbleached), HP35 % (35 % hydrogen peroxide), BG45S5 (Bioglass 45S5® incorporated into HP35 %), and BIO (Biosilicate® incorporated into HP35 %). Colorimetric analysis and microhardness evaluation was performed at baseline, 24 hours and 7 days after the final whitening session. Two-way ANOVA for repeated measures and Bonferroni test was used at a significance level of 5 %. All the coordinates (ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, ΔE00 and WID) showed a difference between the control group and the experimental ones (p0.05), which suggest a color stability over a week. In contrast, after 7 days, the WID showed that control and PH35 % were different than the other groups (p 0.05). The microhardness did not change over time (p>0.05), except for 35 % HP. In conclusion Bioglass 45S5® and Biosilicate® prevented enamel damage without negatively affect the whitening efficacy.

Para intentar reducir los efectos nocivos del aclaramiento dental, se han usado materiales bioactivos. Cuarenta bloques de esmalte/dentina se tiñeron con té oscuro y se asignaron al azar en cuatro grupos (n=10): grupo de control (sin blanquear), HP35% (peróxido de hidrógeno al 35 %), BG45S5 (Bioglass 45S5® incorporado en HP35%) y BIO (Biosilicato® incorporado a HP35%). El análisis colorimétrico y la evaluación de la microdureza se realizaron al inicio del estudio, 24 horas y 7 días después de la última sesión de blanqueamiento. Se utilizó ANOVA de dos vías para medidas repetidas y la prueba de Bonferroni a un nivel de significancia del 5 %. Todas las coordenadas (ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, ΔE00 y WID) mostraron diferencia entre el grupo control y el experimental (p0.05), lo que sugiere una estabilidad del color durante una semana. En cambio, a los 7 días, el WID mostró que el control y el PH35 % eran diferentes a los demás grupos (p 0.05). La microdureza no cambió con el tiempo (p>0.05), excepto para 35 % HP. En conclusión Bioglass 45S5® y Biosilicate® previnieron el daño del esmalte sin afectar negativamente la eficacia del blanqueamiento.

Clinical performance of resin composite restorations placed by dental students: a retrospective, cross-sectional, and observational study

Aim: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the performance of resin composite restorations placed by undergraduate dental students with 1 to 15 years of placement based on dental records. Methods: Four calibrated operators evaluated 498 restorations (anterior and posterior) of 120 patients according to Ryge's validated criteria (USPHS). Results: The criteria that showed the smallest changes between the types of failures were color matching, marginal discoloration and surface texture. Regarding the longevity, the surface texture showed an increase in the frequency of failures from the second time interval (3.1 to 6 years). Higher prevalence of failure was found in class II and III restorations, with secondary caries being the main reason. No significant differences were found for anatomic form, marginal adaptation, and color matching. Class V restorations showed a higher fracture rate with total displacement of the restoration, with no increase in the frequency of fracture over time. Conclusion: High rate of restoration failure was observed, possibly due to the lack of experience and skills of the students. This outcome highlight the need for continuous revision and improvements of teaching practice regarding the development of clinical competences and skills by dental students

Effect of Curing Modes on the Mechanical Properties of Commercial Dental Resin-Based Composites: Comparison between Different LEDs and Microwave Units.

Resin-based composites (RBCs) have transformed restorative dentistry and its procedures. However, the characteristics of RBCs have been modified over the years to enhance the physical and chemical properties of the materials. This context raises the need for studies that evaluate whether the properties of the RBCs that are commercially available are clinically adequate with different curing modes. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical behavior of commercial RBCs after undergoing different curing modes. Twenty-three RBCs of different classes were evaluated. For curing the specimens, a microwave (BMS45, Brastemp) (for 3 min at 450 W) and three LED units were used: an Emitter A Fit (Schuster (second generation)) (light-curing for 15 s with an irradiance of 1250 mW/cm2), VALO (Ultradent (third generation)) (light-curing for 15 s with an irradiance of 1100 mW/cm2), and Emitter Now Duo (Schuster (second generation)) (light-curing for 15 s with an irradiance of 1100 mW/cm2). A total of 670 RBC specimens of 8 mm in diameter and 1 mm in depth were obtained. Afterward, a biaxial flexure strength test was performed until the failure of the specimens, using a universal testing machine set at a speed of 0.5 mm/min. The same specimens were subjected to infrared spectroscopy for evaluating the degree of conversion. Tukey's test was used for multiple comparisons at a significance level of 5%. The light-curing mode did not affect the flexure strength of the RBCs (p > 0.05), but the type and shade of RBCs did so (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the type of RBC directly interferes with the mechanical behavior of the material. However, the curing modes within the same RBC did not change the mechanical properties.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as an adjunctive treatment to ultrasound for the dentin caries-like lesion removal.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in vitro the efficacy of ultrasound device to remove caries-like dentin and the curcumin-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) to decontaminate the affected dentin. METHODS: Bovine dentin specimens (n = 173) of 4 × 4 × 2 mm were first submitted to Knoop surface microhardness to standardize the specimens (29 ± 3 KHN). Artificial caries lesion was induced by Streptococcus mutans strain by biological model for 7 days. Infected dentin was removed (1 min) with the following techniques: dentin excavator, bur at low-speed rotation and ultrasound device. After that, aPDT application was performed using blue LED under 460 nm. Polarized light microscopy (PLM), removal rate (n = 10), cross-sectional microhardness (n = 10), colony forming units per milliliter (CFU) (n = 9) and confocal laser microscopy (CM) (n = 2) were performed. ANOVA with Welch correction, post-hoc Games-Howell and two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc tests were used. RESULTS: PLM confirmed the caries lesion formation with a depth of ∼147.9 µm. Groups treated with ultrasound showed lower removal rate (p = 0.001). Regardless of the treatment, the microhardness values increased as function of depth (p ≤ 0.05). Carbide bur showed the highest microhardness value, followed by ultrasound and excavator. CFU and CM showed a significant reduction in S. mutans after aPDT application. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound was efficient, since it removed infected dentin, preserving the affected dentin and aPDT can be used as a complementary therapy to decontaminate the affected dentin. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Ultrasound device may help the clinician to remove dentin caries-like lesions since it is a conservative technique and provided the removal of infected dentin, preserving the affected dentin. aPDT application may be used as a complimentary technique to promote antibacterial effect and possibly minimize the risk of secondary caries.

Cleaning and microstructural effects of amyl acetate on pulp chamber dentin impregnated with epoxy resin-based endodontic sealer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cleaning potential of 95% ethanol, acetone, and amyl acetate solutions used solely or in association, to remove epoxy resin-based sealer residues from pulp chamber dentin and their microstructural effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty bovine incisor specimens were divided into nine groups according to the cleaning protocol: ET (ethanol); AC (acetone); AA (amyl acetate); E1: AA+AC; E2: AA+ET; E3: AC+ET; E4: AA+AC+ET; PC (positive control), and NC (negative control). All groups were impregnated with epoxy resin-sealer, except NC. Ninety specimens were divided into groups (n = 10) for evaluation of persistence of residues and amount of open dentinal tubules by SEM analysis and evaluation of chemical compounds on the dentin surface after cleaning with electron dispersive spectroscopy. The others 90 specimens were submitted to Knoop microhardness evaluation. Persistence of residues data were submitted to the Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests (α = 0.05). Open dentinal tubules and microhardness data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Mann Whitney tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: AA and E4 protocols showed the lowest persistence of residues. E4 group had the highest incidence of open dentinal tubules. E3 and E4 groups showed no changes in the atomic ratio Ca/P, which was similar to NC group. E4 group did not present W, an element presents in all the other groups. ET and E4 protocols showed the smallest reduction in dentin microhardness. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of amyl acetate, acetone and ethanol is the most effective and safe protocol to remove epoxy sealer residues on pulp chamber dentin. Moreover, it has the lowest microhardness reduction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The combined use of amyl acetate, acetone, and ethanol enhanced the cleaning of pulp chamber dentin with minimal microstructural damage.