Technical note: Artificial Resynthesis Technology for the experimental formation of dental microwear textures.

Dental microwear formation on the posterior dentition is largely attributed to an organism's diet. However, some have suggested that dietary and environmental abrasives contribute more to the formation process than food, calling into question the applicability of dental microwear to the reconstruction of diet in the fossil record. Creating microwear under controlled conditions would benefit this debate, but requires accurately replicating the oral environment. This study tests the applicability of Artificial Resynthesis Technology (ART 5) to create microwear textures while mitigating the challenges of past research. ART 5 is a simulator that replicates the chewing cycle, responds to changes in food texture, and simulates the actions of the oral cavity. Surgically extracted, occluding pairs of third molars (n = 2 pairs) were used in two chewing experiments: one with dried beef and another with sand added to the dried beef. High-resolution molds were taken at 0, 50, 100, 2500, and 5000 simulated chewing cycles, which equates to approximately 1 week of chewing. Preliminary results show that ART 5 produces microwear textures. Meat alone may produce enamel prism rod exposure at 5000 cycles, although attrition cannot be ruled out. Meat with sand accelerates the wear formation process, with enamel prism rods quickly obliterated and "pit-and-scratch" microwear forming at approximately 2500 cycles. Future work with ART 5 will incorporate a more thorough experimental protocol with improved controls, pH of the simulated oral environment, and grit measurements; however, these results indicate the potential of ART 5 in untangling the complex variables of dental microwear formation.

Clinical and microbiologic investigation of an expedited peri-implantitis dog model: an animal study.

BACKGROUND: Animal studies are pivotal in allowing experimentation to identify efficacious treatment protocols for resolution of peri-implantitis. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize an expedited dog peri-implantitis model clinically, radiographically, and microbiologically. METHODS: Eight hound dogs underwent extractions (week 0) and implant (3.3 × 8.5 mm) placement with simultaneous surgical defect creation and ligature placement for induction of peri-implantitis (week 10). Ligatures were replaced at 6 weeks (week 16) and removed after 9 weeks (week 19) when supporting bone loss involved approximately 50% of the peri-implant bone. Microbial samples from the defects and healthy control implant sites collected at week 19 were analyzed utilizing a microarray. Clinical measures of inflammation were obtained and radiographic bone loss was measured from periapical radiographs. Radiographic depth and width measurements of bony defect were repeated at weeks 10 (baseline), 16, and 19. Canonical analysis of principal coordinates was used to visualize overall differences in microbial abundance between peri-implantitis and healthy implants. RESULTS: This accelerated disease protocol led to intrabony defect creation with a mean depth and width of 4.3 mm and 3.5 mm, respectively after 9 weeks of ligature placement. Microbial identification revealed 59 total bacteria in peri-implant sites, 21 of which were only present in peri-implant sites as compared to healthy controls. Overall microbial beta diversity (microbial between-sample compositional diversity) differed between peri-implantitis and healthy implants (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, this protocol led to expedited generation of peri-implant defects with a microbial profile indicative of a shift to disease and defect patterns conducive to regenerative treatment. However, the possibility of potential spontaneous resolution of lesions due to the lack of a chronicity interval as compared to chronic disease models need to be further clarified and considered during preclinical peri-implantitis model selection.

Comparison Between Cortical Drill and Cortical Tap and Their Influence on Primary Stability of Macro-Thread Tapered Implant in Thin Crestal Cortical Bone and Low-Density Bone.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different surgical techniques on primary stability, particularly in poor-quality bone with or without a crestal cortical bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three implant site preparation techniques-undersized drilling (UD), undersized drilling and coronal widening with a cortical drill (UD + CD), undersized drilling and coronal tapping with a cortical tap (UD + CT)-were compared in 2 different low-density polyurethane bone models either with or without the crestal cortical bone. Insertion torque values (ITVs) for each technique was recorded. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was observed for all 3 surgical techniques. In the presence of a crestal cortical bone, the peak ITV for UD was the highest, UD + CT the second, and UD + CD the lowest. All peak ITVs remained significantly lower in the absence of a crestal cortical bone. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that UD + CTmay be the most effective implant surgical technique to achieve an ideal primary stability in low-density bone with a thin crestal cortical bone layer. Also, this technique may prevent compression necrosis of the dense cortical bone.

Early loading of splinted implants supporting a two-unit fixed partial denture in the posterior maxilla: 13-month results from a randomized controlled clinical trial of two different implant systems.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate early-loaded implants supporting a two-unit fixed dental prosthesis in the posterior maxilla and to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of two different implant systems in terms of success rates, implant stability quotient (ISQ) values, and peri-implant parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with the unilateral loss of two consecutive maxillary posterior teeth were randomly assigned to two different implant systems: SLActive Bone level implant (Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) in the control group and CMI IS-II active implant (Neobiotech Co., Seoul, Korea) in the experimental group. The patients received provisional and definitive two-unit fixed prostheses at 4 weeks and 6 months after implant surgery, respectively. The peak insertion torque was recorded at surgery. The stability of each implant was evaluated during surgery and at 2, 3, and 4 weeks and 6 and 13 months after implant placement by means of ISQ values. In addition, periapical radiographs and peri-implant parameters were taken throughout the trial. RESULTS: Overall, comparable results were obtained between the control and experimental groups in terms of insertion torque, ISQ values, marginal bone loss, and peri-implant soft tissue parameters. All 60 implants had 100% of success rate. The average insertion torque was 36.83 ± 6.09 (control) and 35.33 ± 3.20 (test) Ncm. The ISQ values remained steady until 4 weeks and then increased with statistical significance during 4 weeks to 13 months after surgery. Both groups exhibited no stability dip during the early phase of healing. The average marginal bone loss from the baseline of implant placement for the control and experimental groups was 0.38 and 0.45 mm after 4 weeks and 0.98 and 0.61 mm after 13 months. All of the soft tissue parameters were within normal limits. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the concept of early loading at 4 weeks after placement in the posterior maxilla can be an effective treatment option, even in the areas of low bone density, when implants satisfy the inclusion criteria of minimum insertion torque and ISQ of 30 Ncm and 65, respectively.

Characterization and Pathogenicity of Flavobacterium psychrophilum Isolated from Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Korea.

Flavobacterium psychrophilum is the causative agent of bacterial cold-water disease in salmonids and rainbow trout fry syndrome. This pathogen has attained a global presence and can spread both horizontally and vertically. However, it was not documented in Korea before September 2018. In this study, the objectives were to characterize Flavobacterium psychrophilum strain FPRT1, isolated from diseased rainbow trout genotypically and phenotypically. We also conducted various investigations to better understand its impact and assess potential control measures. We acquired fifty rainbow trout (approximately 70 g in weight) and transferred them to a laboratory aquarium. During the initial acclimation period, we observed mortality and examined affected fish for clinical signs. We isolated the bacterium from the spleen of infected rainbow trout using tryptone yeast extract salts agar supplemented with glucose, naming this FPRT1. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out, and from the result, we selected enrofloxacin to administer to the trout orally to reduce mortality. To evaluate pathogenicity, we exposed the trout to FPRT1 at different water temperatures (8, 15, and 22 °C). Genomic analysis was conducted to identify the serotype and relatedness of FPRT1 to European strains. Affected fish displayed clinical signs, such as ulcerative lesions in the mandible, anemia with pale gills, exophthalmia, and increased mucus secretion. Internal symptoms included pale liver and enlarged spleen. FPRT1 was susceptible to erythromycin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, oxytetracycline, and gentamicin, but resistant to oxolinic acid and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. Oral administration of enrofloxacin resulted in a decrease in mortality from 28% to 6%. Pathogenicity tests revealed varying mortality rates due to FPRT1 at different temperatures. The highest rates were observed at 8 °C (ranging from 43% to 100%) for both intraperitoneal and intramuscular injections, and lower rates occurred at 22 °C (ranging from 0% to 30%), with intramuscular injections displaying higher susceptibility. Genomic analysis identified FPRT1 as serotype 2 and indicated its close genetic relationship with European strains based on the core genome and dispensable genome. The substantial genomic similarity between our strain and European strains suggests the possibility of bacterial spread through the importation of fertilized eggs from Europe. In conclusion, this study highlights the introduction of the previously undocumented pathogen (F. psychrophilum) into Korean rainbow trout populations. The detection of this pathogen and its pathogenicity assessment is not only important for understanding its impact on local aquaculture but also for establishing surveillance and control measures to prevent further transmission and outbreaks in the region.

Microhardness and polymerization shrinkage of flowable resins that are light cured using a blue laser.

This study evaluated the microhardness and polymerization shrinkage of flowable resins that are cured using different light sources. Seven flowable resins and two light sources (diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser (LAS) and Optilux 501 (OP)) were chosen for the study. To evaluate the microhardness, a mold (height: 2 mm, inner diameter: 4 mm) was filled with resin and then light cured. The microhardness was measured at the top and bottom surfaces after aging for 24 h. The level of polymerization shrinkage was evaluated for 130 s (during and after the light curing) by measuring the dimensions of the cylindrical shape resin filling. The light intensity of the LAS and OP was approximately 520 mW/cm(2) and 800 mW/cm(2), respectively. The data for the microhardness and polymerization shrinkage were analyzed statistically. The microhardness (Hv) of the specimens at the top and bottom surface ranged from 25.3 ± 0.6 to 55.3 ± 1.0 and 28.0 ± 2.6 to 63.0 ± 2.3, respectively. Admira flow, Grandio flow, and Filtek Z350 flow showed a slightly higher microhardness at the bottom surface than that at the top surface. The degree of polymerization shrinkage (µm) of the specimens ranged from 30.5 ± 1.3 to 45.9 ± 0.6 for LAS and from 35.1 ± 1.5 to 47.1 ± 1.0 for OP. The values obtained using LAS and OP showed a statistical difference, but in many cases, the difference between the absolute values was minor.

Differences in implant stability associated with various methods of preparation of the implant bed: an in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: It is difficult to achieve the primary stability necessary for immediate loading in the posterior maxilla because of thin cortical bone, low density trabecular bone, and inadequate bone height due to the presence of the maxillary sinus. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the primary stability of dental implants placed by using different methods of preparation for in vitro monocortical and bicortical models of the posterior maxilla. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty screw-shaped implants (4.0 × 10 mm) were inserted into solid rigid polyurethane blocks. The implants were divided into 6 groups (n=10) to test 2 variables: 1) location (monocortical or bicortical block) and 2) preparation method (standard preparation, underpreparation, or the osteotome technique). The insertion and removal torques were measured and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed to determine the primary stability of each implant. Insertion and removal torque data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA, followed by the post hoc Tukey HSD multiple comparison test. RFA data were analyzed by 2-way and 1-way ANOVAs and the Tukey HSD multiple comparison test (α=.05). The Pearson correlation analysis was also performed to examine correlations among the values. RESULTS: The preparation method had a significant effect on insertion torque, RFA value, and removal torque; however location had a significant effect only on the removal torque (P<.001). There was a significant interaction between location and preparation method for RFA values (P=.045) and a significant difference in standard preparation method according to the location (P=.039); however, there was no significant difference in underpreparation (P=1.00) and osteotome technique (P=1.00). Statistically significant correlations were found between insertion torque and RFA values (r=0.529, P< .001), insertion torque and removal torque values (r=0.517, P< .001), and removal torque and RFA values (r=0.481, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Underpreparation and bicortical fixation significantly increased implant stability and the osteotome technique decreased implant stability in synthetic bone models that mimicked the posterior maxillary region. The primary stability values had statistically significant correlations to each other.

A new method to test the fracture strength of endodontically-treated root dentin.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new method to test the fracture strength of endodontically-treated root dentin. METHOD: Bovine tooth roots were transversely cut into 2-mm thick sections and the root canals were enlarged with a taper of 0.06. An outer layer of resin composite was bonded to each section to make the root canal-to-outer radius ratio smaller than 1/3. The resulting discs were treated with irrigants at the inner surface and then fractured by inserting through the center a steel rod of the same taper attached to a universal test system. Fracture strength was calculated by using Lame's equations for thick-walled cylinders. Micro-indentation was performed to evaluate the depth of dentin affected by irrigation. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to verify the reasonableness of using resin composite to surround the dentin section as well as the analytical solution. RESULTS: The fracture strength of endodontically-treated root dentin based on the analytical solution for a homogeneous section was 139.69 ± 32.59 MPa. However, FEA that took into account root canal softening caused by the irrigants showed that this was overestimated by about 33.5%. The corrected fracture strength of treated dentin was 114.58 ± 26.74 MPa. By incorporating the layer of affected dentin into the analytical solution, the difference in the fracture-causing stress between the analytical and numerical solutions dropped to around 9.5%. SIGNIFICANCE: A relatively simple but clinically relevant method has been developed for measuring the fracture strength of endodontically-treated root dentin. The method could be applied to root dentin that is treated by conventional canal opening and irrigation.

Comparative analysis of human facial skin microbiome between topical sites compared to entire face.

BACKGROUND: Skin is an essential outer barrier and supports the growth of commensal microorganisms that protects a host from the offense of foreign toxic organisms. With the rapid development of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based applications, skin microbiome research for facial health care has reached industry growth, such as therapy and cosmetic product development. Despite the acceleration of skin microbiome research, experimental standardization protocol has not yet been established in the facial site and method of sampling. OBJECTIVE: Thus, we aimed to investigate the differences in microbial composition at each facial site (cheek, mouth, forehead, and entire face) using comprehensive microbiome analysis. METHODS: Twelve specimens from three men (four specimens per one person) were collected. The hypervariable regions (V3-V4) of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were targeted for 16S amplicon library construction and classification of bacterial taxonomy. Skin microbial composition for all specimens was investigated, and the differences site-by-site in skin microbial composition were analyzed and evaluated by the various statistical tests. RESULTS: We were able to validate the independent correlation between the skin microbiome composition and the facial sites. The cheek site showed the highest alpha-diversity in richness and evenness scores compared to the forehead and mouth. The cheek and mouth sites showed a positive correlation (R2 value > 0.93) with the entire face, while the forehead sites were negatively correlated (R2 value < 0.2). Given the relative abundance based on statistical correlation analysis, we estimated that the cheek site could be considered an optimal topical site to replace the entire face. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that skin microbiome profiling of four facial sites confirms that the cheek shows the most similar skin flora with the entire face. This study would be informative for preventing bias caused by sampling methods before researching and understanding skin cosmetics development or skin diseases.

Effect of hydrogen peroxide on microhardness and color change of resin nanocomposites.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of hydrogen peroxide on the microhardness and color change of resin composites containing nanofillers. METHODS: Three resin nanocomposites with three different shades and two different tooth whitening agents were used. The specimens were given a 3-week treatment with one of three protocols: (1) 7 hours/day treatment of carbamide peroxide (CP) + 17 hours/day immersion in distilled water (DW); (2) 1 hour/week treatment of hydrogen peroxide (HP) + immersion in DW for the rest of the week; and (3) immersion in DW for 24 hours/day. The microhardness and color changes were measured after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment with the whitening agents, there was an 8.1-10.7% decrease in the original microhardness. These values were similar to those obtained from the samples treated with distilled water. In the same resin product, the decrease was similar regardless of the test agents used. In most cases, the color change was only slight (deltaE*=0.5-1.4). Hydrogen peroxide enhanced the color change but the absolute color change values were similar in the same product and shade, regardless of the test agent used.

Influence of curing modes on the degree of conversion and mechanical parameters of dual-cured luting agents.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of different curing modes, including tack cure, on the degree of conversion (DC) and mechanical parameters of dual-cured luting agents for all-ceramic restorations. METHODS: Immediate light curing, intermittent light curing (2-s tack cure and a 1-min interval before the main cure), delayed light cuing (2-min delay) and chemical or no light curing were used to cure two dual-cured luting agents, RelyX Unicem and PermaCem 2.0, through a 1.5-mm thick lithium disilicate ceramic slide. DC (n=3), micro-hardness (n=5), shrinkage strain (n=4) and shrinkage stress (n=3) were measured under the aforementioned curing modes. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey HSD test, with the level of significance set at α=0.05. RESULTS: For both luting agents, all the light-curing modes produced similar final DC, but using chemical cure only could significantly reduce the DC. The mechanical parameters followed a similar pattern. There were positive but nonlinear correlations between DC and the other mechanical parameters, with the increase in these parameters with DC being slower initially. CONCLUSIONS: Provided adequate light curing is applied to a dual-cured luting agent, delaying the light curing or using a tack cure first to facilitate seating of a restoration may not have a significant impact on the luting agent's final degree of conversion. However, using chemical cure only may result in inadequate cure of the luting agent and is recommended only for highly opaque restorations.

Pegaspargase: A Review in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Pegaspargase (Oncaspar®), a pegylated form of native Escherichia coli-derived L-asparaginase (hereafter referred as E. coliL-asparaginase), is indicated in the USA and EU for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) as a component of multi-agent chemotherapy in paediatric and adult patients. Relative to E. coliL-asparaginase, pegaspargase has a prolonged circulation time, thereby offering less frequent administration. Moreover, pegylation of E. coliL-asparaginase may diminish the immunogenicity of the enzyme. Based on extensive evidence, intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) administration of pegaspargase as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapy is an effective first-line treatment for paediatric and adult patients with ALL, as well as for the treatment of paediatric and adult patients with ALL and hypersensitivity to E. coliL-asparaginase. Pegaspargase had a manageable tolerability profile in paediatric and adult patients with newly diagnosed ALL, with the most commonly occurring adverse events being generally consistent to that seen with E. coliL-asparaginase. Pegaspargase treatment in patients with relapsed ALL and hypersensitivity to E. coliL-asparaginase had a similar tolerability profile to that observed in patients with newly diagnosed ALL. Given the potentially reduced immunogenicity and more convenient dosage regimen over E. coliL-asparaginase, pegaspargase remains an important and effective treatment option for paediatric and adult patients with ALL, including those with hypersensitivity to E. coliL-asparaginase.

Optimized Dental Implant Fixture Design for the Desirable Stress Distribution in the Surrounding Bone Region: A Biomechanical Analysis.

The initial stability of a dental implant is known to be an indicator of osseointegration at immediate loading upon insertion. Implant designs have a fundamental role in the initial stability. Although new designs with advanced surface technology have been suggested for the initial stability of implant systems, verification is not simple because of various assessment factors. Our study focused on comparing the initial stability between two different implant systems via design aspects. A simulated model corresponding to the first molar derived from the mandibular bone was constructed. Biomechanical characteristics between the two models were compared by finite element analysis (FEA). Mechanical testing was also performed to derive the maximum loads for the two implant systems. CMI IS-III active (IS-III) had a more desirable stress distribution than CMI IS-II active (IS-II) in the surrounding bone region. Moreover, IS-III decreased the stress transfer to the nerve under the axial loading direction more than IS-II. Changes of implant design did not affect the maximum load. Our analyses suggest that the optimized design (IS-III), which has a bigger bone volume without loss of initial fixation, may minimize the bone damage during fixture insertion and we expect greater effectiveness in older patients.

Lisdexamfetamine: A Review in Binge Eating Disorder.

Oral lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse®; lisdexamfetamine), a prodrug of dextroamfetamine, is currently the only drug to be approved in the USA for the treatment of moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adult patients. Its approval was based on the results of two pivotal short-term (12 weeks) phase III studies, which showed a significantly greater reduction in binge eating days/week at the end of the study with lisdexamfetamine 50-70 mg/day than with placebo. The findings of these studies have been supported and extended by the results of longer-term (≤ 52 weeks) phase III studies, including one with a randomized 26-week withdrawal phase, which showed that lisdexamfetamine markedly reduced the risk of BED relapse relative to placebo. Lisdexamfetamine was generally well tolerated in clinical trials in patients with moderate to severe BED, with a tolerability profile similar to that observed in ADHD patients; most treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were of mild or moderate intensity. The most common TEAEs in phase III trials included dry mouth, headache and insomnia; TEAEs infrequently led to study drug discontinuation. In conclusion, lisdexamfetamine 50-70 mg/day is an effective and generally well tolerated option for treating moderate to severe BED in adults.

Accelerated fatigue testing of dentin-composite bond with continuously increasing load.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate an accelerated fatigue test method that used a continuously increasing load for testing the dentin-composite bond strength. METHODS: Dentin-composite disks (ϕ5mm×2mm) made from bovine incisor roots were subjected to cyclic diametral compression with a continuously increasingly load amplitude. Two different load profiles, linear and nonlinear with respect to the number of cycles, were considered. The data were then analyzed by using a probabilistic failure model based on the Weakest-Link Theory and the classical stress-life function, before being transformed to simulate clinical data of direct restorations. RESULTS: All the experimental data could be well fitted with a 2-parameter Weibull function. However, a calibration was required for the effective stress amplitude to account for the difference between static and cyclic loading. Good agreement was then obtained between theory and experiments for both load profiles. The in vitro model also successfully simulated the clinical data. SIGNIFICANCE: The method presented will allow tooth-composite interfacial fatigue parameters to be determined more efficiently. With suitable calibration, the in vitro model can also be used to assess composite systems in a more clinically relevant manner.

Surgical Treatment of Severe Peri-Implantitis Using a Round Titanium Brush for Implant Surface Decontamination: A Case Report With Clinical Reentry.

The most common cause of peri-implantitis is the accumulation of plaque and the formation of a biofilm on the implant surface. Terminating the development of the disease requires the biofilm to be removed from the implant surface. This paper describes 2 cases of severe peri-implantitis lesions treated through surgical approaches. Complete mechanical debridement with a round titanium brush was mainly performed to detoxify and modify the affected implant surface. A regenerative approach was then performed. In both cases, the surgical procedure was effective in arresting the peri-implantitis, and clinical reentry revealed uneventful healing of the existing bone defect. No further radiographic bone loss was observed over the 2-year follow-up period. This technique has the advantage of effective cleaning the contaminated implant surface, producing positive clinical and radiological results. However, further studies involving more cases are necessary to verify the reliability and validity of this technique.

Acoustic properties of interfacial debonding and their relationship with shrinkage stress in Class-I restorations.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To investigate the properties, and their correlations, of the acoustic emission (AE) from interfacial debonding of Class-I composite restorations during curing. (2) To establish the relationship between the theoretical shrinkage stress and the level of interfacial debonding in such restorations as determined by AE measurement. METHODS: An AE sensor was attached onto the surface of human molars with a Class-I composite restoration of 4mm (length)×3mm (width)×2mm (depth) to monitor their debonding from the tooth tissues during curing. Background signals were analyzed before curing to determine the threshold amplitude for noise filtering. Three groups (n=3) of composites with different levels of shrinkage were tested: (1) Z100™, (2) Filtek™ Z250, and (3) Filtek™ LS. All restorations were cured with an LED blue light operated at 1200mW/cm(2) for 40s. AE signals were recorded continuously from the start of curing for 10min, and their frequency, amplitude and duration were analyzed. Finally, the cumulative number of AE events was compared with the theoretical maximum shrinkage stress that could be generated by the composites. RESULTS: The amplitude of the background signals was below 30dB, which was chosen as the threshold for noise filtering. The amplitude of all debonding events ranged from 30 to 50dB, and their duration was below 100µs. The peak frequency had two main bands: 100-200kHz and 700-800kHz. The duration time increased with increasing amplitude, but no correlation was found between the peak frequency and the other two parameters. The cumulative number of AE events was 30.67±2.31, 14.00±7.81 and 5.67±3.06 for Z100, Z250 and LS, respectively, which corresponded well with the theoretical maximum shrinkage stress they could produce, i.e. 42.5, 97.5 and 182.5MPa. R(2)=0.9955 for the linear regression. The theoretical shrinkage stress below which no AE events were detected was about 14.3MPa. CONCLUSIONS: For the materials considered, the amount of interfacial debonding produced in a Class-I restoration during curing increased linearly with the theoretical maximum shrinkage stress of the composite. The theoretical stress below which no AE events were detected was similar to composite-dentin bond strength reported in the literature.

Determining the temporal development of dentin-composite bond strength during curing.

OBJECTIVES: As composite restorations cure a competition develops between bond formation and shrinkage stress at the composite-dentin interface. Thus, understanding the temporal development of tooth-composite bond strength should enable better assessment of tooth-composite debonding. METHODS: In this study, bond strengths of composite-dentin specimens obtained from tensile test at different curing times were used to determine the bond formation rate. By varying the composite thickness and output from the curing light, their effects on the rate of bond formation for two different materials (a conventional and a bulk-fill composite) were also investigated. The proportions of cohesive and adhesive failure were determined by analysis of electron micrographs of the fractured surfaces. RESULTS: The development of dentin-composite bond strength (S) with time (t) can be described by the equation: S=Smax(1-exp(-αt)), where Smax is the final bond strength (∼12MPa for both composites) and α the rate of bond formation. Using bulk-fill and thinner specimens gave faster bond formation. In fact, the higher the irradiance at the interface, the higher the rate of bond formation. However, α had a maximum value of ∼0.6s(-1) and the rule of reciprocity did not hold. A minimum dose of ∼2J/cm(2) was required to achieve adequate bond strength. The predominant failure mode changed from cohesive in the composite and adhesive to interfacial at the adhesive-dentin interface, indicating the latter to be the weakest link in the cured dentin-composite assemblies considered. SIGNIFICANCE: When combined with the temporal development of shrinkage stress, the current results will help determine the likelihood of tooth-composite debonding.

A Newly Designed Screw- and Cement-Retained Prosthesis and Its Abutments.

The degree of misfit between a prosthesis and its supporting implants is a major concern in screw-retained prostheses because it can lead to screw loosening or mechanical failure of implant components. On the other hand, the difficulty of removing subgingival excess cement and the irretrievability of the superstructure are major drawbacks to cement-retained prostheses. A newly designed screw- and cement-retained prosthesis (SCRP) may solve these problems with its passivity, retrievability, and ease in the complete removal of excess cement, giving it the advantages of both screw-retained and cement-retained prostheses. This prosthetic system is mainly composed of a cement-retained framework with screw holes on the occlusal surface and specially designed cementable abutments for multiunit prostheses. The principle and structure of the SCRP system is described in this article.

A study of polymerization shrinkage kinetics using digital image correlation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the polymerization shrinkage kinetics of dental resin composites by measuring in real time the full-field shrinkage strain using a novel technique based on digital image correlation (DIC). METHODS: Polymerization shrinkage in resin composite specimens (Filtek LS and Z100) was measured as a function of time and position. The main experimental setup included a CCD camera and an external shutter inversely synchronized to that of the camera. The specimens (2 mm × 4 mm × 5 mm) were irradiated for 40s at 1200 mW/cm(2), while alternating image acquisition and obstruction of the curing light occurred at 15 fps. The acquired images were processed using proprietary software to obtain the full-field strain maps as a function of time. RESULTS: Z100 showed a higher final shrinkage value and rate of development than LS. The final volumetric shrinkage for Z100 and LS were 1.99% and 1.19%, respectively. The shrinkage behavior followed an established shrinkage strain kinetics model. The corresponding characteristic time and reaction order exponent for LS and Z100 were calculated to be approximately 23s and 0.84, and 14s and 0.7, respectively, at a distance of 1.0mm from the irradiated surface, the position where maximum shrinkage strain occurred. Thermal expansion from the exothermic reaction could have affected the accuracy of these parameters. SIGNIFICANCE: The new DIC method using an inversely synchronized shutter provided realtime, full-field results that could aid in assessing the shrinkage strain kinetics of dental resin composites as a function of specimen depth. It could also help determine the optimal curing modes for dental resin composites.