Short-term and long-term effects of osteoporosis on incisor teeth and femoral bones evaluated by Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis in ovariectomized rats.

There are few published data on the relationship between loss of bone mass due to osteoporosis and poor tooth quality. This study analyzed the effects of osteoporosis on incisor teeth and femoral bones using optical techniques in rats. Twenty female Wistar rats aged 6 months (n = 20) were randomized into two groups: control group, non-ovariectomized rats (n = 10); ovariectomy group, ovariectomized rats to induce osteoporosis (n = 10). Each group was subdivided randomly into two groups containing five rats each as follows. Control group 1: non-ovariectomized rats euthanized at the age of 9 or 3 months post-ovariectomy (n = 5); Control group 2: non-ovariectomized rats euthanized at the age of 1 year or 6 months post-ovariectomy (n = 5); ovariectomy group 1: ovariectomized rats euthanized at the age of 9 months or 3 months post-ovariectomy (n = 5); ovariectomy group 2: ovariectomized rats euthanized at the age of 1 year or 6 months post-ovariectomy (n = 5). The incisor teeth and femoral bones of Wistar rats were removed to perform Raman spectroscopy using an excitation laser at 785 nm. In addition, an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer system was used to evaluate calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). The main findings included significant changes (p < 0.05) for phosphate and carbonate band areas for both incisor teeth and femur bones. In addition, there was significant negative correlation between the P concentration and phosphate/carbonate ratio (lower P content-larger ratio, p < 0.05) for incisor teeth and femoral bones. The proline and CH2 wag band areas were significantly reduced only for the incisor teeth (p < 0.05). Therefore, Raman spectroscopy assessed the compositional, physicochemical and structural changes in hard tissue. The current study also pointed out the possible action mechanisms of these changes, bone fracture risk and dental fragility. It is important to emphasize that poor dental quality may also occur due to osteoporosis.

In vitro effects of hydrogen peroxide combined with different activators for the in-office bleaching technique on enamel.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the alteration of human enamel bleached with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide associated with different activators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty enamel/dentin blocks (4 × 4 mm) were obtained from human third molars and randomized divided according to the bleaching procedure (n = 10): G1 = 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP - Whiteness HP Maxx); G2 = HP + Halogen lamp (HL); G3 = HP + 7% sodium bicarbonate (SB); G4 = HP + 20% sodium hydroxide (SH); and G5 = 38% hydrogen peroxide (OXB - Opalescence Xtra Boost). The bleaching treatments were performed in three sessions with a 7-day interval between them. The enamel content, before (baseline) and after bleaching, was determined using an FT-Raman spectrometer and was based on the concentration of phosphate, carbonate, and organic matrix. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey's test. RESULTS: The results showed no significant differences between time of analysis (p = 0.5175) for most treatments and peak areas analyzed; and among bleaching treatments (p = 0.4184). The comparisons during and after bleaching revealed a significant difference in the HP group for the peak areas of carbonate and organic matrix, and for the organic matrix in OXB and HP+SH groups. Tukey's analysis determined that the difference, peak areas, and the interaction among treatment, time and peak was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The association of activators with hydrogen peroxide was effective in the alteration of enamel, mainly with regards to the organic matrix.

FT-Raman spectroscopy study of organic matrix degradation in nanofilled resin composite.

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of light curing unit (LCU) type, mouthwashes, and soft drink on chemical degradation of a nanofilled resin composite. Samples (80) were divided into eight groups: halogen LCU, HS--saliva (control); HPT--Pepsi Twist®; HLC--Listerine®; HCP--Colgate Plax®; LED LCU, LS--saliva (control); LPT--Pepsi Twist®; LLC--Listerine®; LCP--Colgate Plax®. The degree of conversion analysis and the measure of the peak area at 2,930 cm-1 (organic matrix) of resin composite were done by Fourier-transform Raman spectroscopy (baseline, after 7 and 14 days). The data were subjected to multifactor analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 95% confidence followed by Tukey's HSD post-hoc test. The DC ranged from 58.0% (Halogen) to 59.3% (LED) without significance. Differences in the peak area between LCUs were found after 7 days of storage in S and PT. A marked increase in the peak intensity of HLC and LLC groups was found. The soft-start light-activation may influence the chemical degradation of organic matrix in resin composite. Ethanol contained in Listerine® Cool Mint mouthwash had the most significant degradation effect. Raman spectroscopy is shown to be a useful tool to investigate resin composite degradation.

Scanning electron microscopy and roughness study of dental composite degradation.

Our aim was to test the hypothesis that the use of mouthwashes, consumption of soft drinks, as well as the type of light curing unit (LCU), would change the surface roughness (Ra) and morphology of a nanofilled composite resin (Z350® 3M ESPE). Samples (80) were divided into eight groups: Halogen LCU, group 1, saliva (control); group 2, Pepsi Twist®; group 3, Listerine®; group 4, Colgate Plax®; LED LCU, group 5, saliva; group 6, Pepsi Twist®; group 7, Listerine®; group 8, Colgate Plax®. Ra values were measured at baseline, and after 7 and 14 days. One specimen of each group was prepared for scanning electron microscopy analysis after 14 days. The data were subjected to multifactor analysis of variance at a 95% confidence followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference post-hoc test. All the treatments resulted in morphological changes in composite resin surface, and the most significant change was in Pepsi Twist® groups. The samples of G6 had the greatest increase in Ra. The immersion of nanofilled resin in mouthwashes with alcohol and soft drink increases the surface roughness. Polymerization by halogen LCU (reduced light intensity) associated with alcohol contained mouthwash resulted in significant roughness on the composite.

Micro energy-dispersive X-ray fluoresence mapping of enamel and dental materials after chemical erosion.

Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence was employed to test the hypothesis that beverage consumption or mouthwash utilization will change the chemical properties of dental materials and enamel mineral content. Bovine enamel samples (n = 45) each received two cavity preparations (n = 90), each pair filled with one of three dental materials (R: nanofilled composite resin; GIC: glass-ionomer cement; RMGIC: resin-modified GIC). Furthermore, they were treated with three different solutions (S: saliva; E: erosion/Pepsi Twist®; or EM: erosion+mouthwash/Colgate Plax®). It was found that mineral loss in enamel was greater in GICE samples than in RE > RMGICE > RMGICEM > REM > GICEM. An increased percentage of Zr was found in REM indicating organic matrix degradation. Dental materials tested (R, GIC, and RMGIC) were not able to protect adjacent enamel from acid erosion by the soft drink tested. The use of mouthwash promoted protection of enamel after erosion by the soft drink. To avoid chemical dissolution by mouthwashes, protection by resin composites with surface sealants is recommended.

Effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation and manipulation treatments on dentin components, part 2: energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry study.

The effects of laser etching, decontamination, and storage treatments on dentin components were studied by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). Thirty bovine incisors were prepared to expose the dentin surface and then divided into two main groups based upon the decontamination process and storage procedure: autoclaved (group A, n=15) or stored in aqueous thymol solution (group B, n=15). The surfaces of the dentin slices were schematically divided into four areas, with each one corresponding to a treatment subgroup. The specimens were either etched with phosphoric acid (control subgroup) or irradiated with erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser (subgroups: I-80 mJ, II-120 mJ, and III-180 mJ). Samples were analyzed by micro-EDXRF, yielding three spectra for each area (before and after treatment). Surface mappings covering an area of 80x60 points with steps of 20 mum were also performed on selected specimens. The amount of Ca and P in group A specimens decreased significantly (P<0.05) after the acid etching and the CaP ratio increased (P<0.001). Er:YAG laser-etching using lower laser energies did not produce significant changes in dentin components. The mapping data support the hypothesis that acid etching on dentin produced a more chemically homogeneous surface and thus a more favorable surface for the diffusion of adhesive monomers.

Effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation and manipulation treatments on dentin components, part 1: Fourier transform-Raman study.

The effects of laser etching, decontamination, and storage treatments on dentin components were studied using Fourier transform (FT)-Raman spectroscopy. Thirty bovine incisors were prepared to expose the dentin surface and then divided in two main groups based upon the decontamination process and storage procedure: autoclaved (group A, n=15) or stored in thymol aqueous solution (group B, n=15). The surfaces of the dentin slices were schematically divided into four areas, with each one corresponding to a treatment subgroup. The specimens were either etched with phosphoric acid (control subgroup) or irradiated with erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser (subgroups: I-80 mJ, II-120 mJ, and III-180 mJ, and total energy of 12 J). Samples were analyzed by FT-Raman spectroscopy; we collected three spectra for each area (before and after treatment). The integrated areas of five Raman peaks were calculated to yield average spectra. The areas of the peaks associated with phosphate content (P<0.001), type I collagen, and organic C-H bonds (P<0.05) were reduced significantly in group A (control). Analyses of samples irradiated with reduced laser energies did not show significant changes in the dentin components. These results suggest that thymol storage treatment is advised for in vitro study; furthermore, 12 J of Er:YAG laser energy does not affect dentin components.

Effects of acidic primer/adhesives on primary and permanent dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the quality of primary and permanent dentin by Fourier transformed Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman), and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). METHODS: The middle dentin of crowns was reached by carbide bur abrading providing a uniform smear layer. Self-etching primers were applied in order to simulate the etching of self-etching adhesive systems. The groups were (n = 6): G1 (primary dentin smear layer); G2 (primary dentin etched by primer of Clearfil Protect Bond); G3 (primary dentin etched by Adper Prompt); G4 (permanent dentin smear layer); G5 (permanent dentin etched by primer of Clearfil Protect Bond); G6 (permanent dentin etched by Adper Prompt). SEM/EDS were made in order to obtain additional elemental data to complement FT-Raman. FT-Raman data were submitted to cluster analysis. RESULTS: Overall, FT-Raman showed differences between primary and permanent dentin concerning organic content, but not for inorganic content. FT-Raman showed differences in the organic content between primary and permanent dentin after self-etching primer use. HEMA usage caused molecular changes in the organic content, while phosphoric acidic ester caused molecular changes in the inorganic content of primary and permanent dentin. The SEM/EDS identified C, O, P, and Ca, which could not replace ions to change mineral molecular arrangement. Both organic and mineral content arrangements were similar after self-etching primers action. The organic content of dentin was modified by both Clearfil PB primer and Adper Prompt for primary dentin but only by Clearfil PB for permanent dentin. The inorganic content of primary middle dentin was similar to the inorganic content of permanent middle dentin, even when Adper Prompt is used.

NaOCl effects on primary and permanent pulp chamber dentin.

OBJECTIVES: The dentin quality of primary and permanent pulp chamber was inspected by Fourier-transformed Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fragments of pulp chamber dentin were obtained from 20 human molar crowns (primary and permanent). METHODS: The fragments were assigned to 8 groups (n=5)-Primary teeth: G1, pulp chamber dentin; G2, pulp chamber dentin irrigated with NaOCl 1% (30 min); G3, pulp chamber dentin irrigated with NaOCl 1% (30 min) and etched by 35% phosphoric acid; G4, pulp chamber dentin etched by 35% phosphoric acid. Permanent teeth: G5, pulp chamber dentin; G6, pulp chamber dentin irrigated with NaOCl 1% (30 min); G7, pulp chamber dentin irrigated with NaOCl 1% (30 min) and etched by 35% phosphoric acid; G8, pulp chamber dentin etched by 35% phosphoric acid. The spectra were subjected to the Cluster analysis. The SEM images were scored. RESULTS: Inorganic content: There was a difference between primary and permanent dentin. The groups treated with NaOCl were statistically similar between them, but differed from the groups not treated. Organic content: There was no difference between primary and permanent dentin. The groups became similar after NaOCl and phosphoric acid treatments. The microscopic images showed the presence of calcospherites on permanent dentin and their absence on primary dentin. CONCLUSIONS: The NaOCl changed the inorganic content in both dentitions; regardless of the following phosphoric acid etching. However, the chemical changes caused by NaOCl were not detected by SEM when it was followed by etching.

In vitro effects of alcohol-containing mouthwashes on human enamel and restorative materials.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effects, including surface morphological characteristics and chemical elemental properties, of different mouthwash formulations on enamel and dental restorative materials, simulating up to 6 months of daily use. Human enamel samples, hydroxyapatite, composite resin, and ceramic surfaces were exposed to 3 different mouthwashes according to label directions - Listerine® Cool Mint®, Listerine® Total Care, and Listerine® Whitening - versus control (hydroalcohol solution) to simulate daily use for up to 6 months. The samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectrophotometry (µ-Fourier transform infrared microscopy), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and color analysis before and after exposure. No relevant changes were observed in the morphological characteristics of the surfaces using SEM techniques. The physical and chemical aspects of the enamel surfaces were evaluated using mid-infrared spectroscopy, and EDX fluorescence was used to evaluate the elemental aspects of each surface. There was no variation in the relative concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in enamel, silicon and barium in composite resin, and silicon and aluminum in the ceramic material before and after treatment. No relevant changes were detected in the biochemical and color properties of any specimen, except with Listerine® Whitening mouthwash, which demonstrated a whitening effect on enamel surfaces. Long-term exposure to low pH, alcohol-containing, and peroxide-containing mouthwash formulations caused no ultra-structural or chemical elemental changes in human enamel or dental restorative materials in vitro.

Influence of fiber-post translucency on the degree of conversion of a dual-cured resin cement.

This study evaluated the degree of conversion of one dual-cured resin cement when used to lute fiber posts with different translucencies. To measure the degree of conversion, polyvinylsiloxane molds were prepared to simulate root canals. The posts, Aestheti-Post or Light-Post, were cemented in these molds and, after photoactivation, were removed to obtain the resin cement spectrum by FT-Raman spectroscopy. Spectra were acquired at three depths: superficial, medium, and deep. For Light-Post, the resin cement at deep depth showed the lowest degree of conversion and no significant difference in degree of conversion was found between the other depths. For Aestheti-Post, the superficial depth presented a higher degree of conversion values than those in the medium and deep depths, which were not significantly different from each other. Light-Post exhibited a higher degree of conversion than that of Aestheti-Post only at medium depth. Light-Post effectiveness regarding the degree of conversion is dependent on the depth.

Influence of coffee on reflectance and chemistry of resin composite protected by surface sealant.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of the light-curing unit type and whether or not it was worth using surface sealant protection on resin composite restorative materials stained by coffee. Another objective was to propose the monitoring of coffee staining by FT-Raman spectroscopy using carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds as reference to the composite matrix degradation. METHODS: Sixty cylindrical specimens of resin composite were prepared and divided into six groups: HC (control)--cured with a halogen light; LC (control) cured with a LED; HF--cured with a halogen light + Fortify Plus; LF--cured with a LED + Fortify Plus; HP--cured with a halogen light + PermaSeal; LP--cured with a LED + PermaSeal. After storage for 24 hours at 37% and 100% of relative humidity, the top surface was protected, and the other surfaces isolated. Polishing with paper discs was performed after 24 hours of curing and prior to FT-Raman spectroscopy and reflectance measurements. All specimens were submitted to coffee staining for 14 days and evaluated by both systems. Results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests. RESULTS: FT-Raman spectrum only showed significant changes in groups LC and LP (P< 0.05). Reflectance demonstrated that staining was present in all specimens protected by sealants. Sealant staining was larger in the HF (P < 0.001) group.

Effects of treatment for manipulation of teeth and Er:YAG laser irradiation on dentin: a Raman spectroscopy analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of Raman spectroscopy analysis as a research tool to study the effects of Er:YAG laser etching on dentin mineral and organic components. A secondary aim was to study the effects of the decontamination process and the storage procedure on dentin components. BACKGROUND DATA: There are no spectroscopy reports relating the effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation as an alternative to acid etching and the manipulation process on the dentin structure. METHODS: Twelve non-carious human third molars were divided in two main groups: stored in thymol solution (group A, n = 6) or autoclaved (group B, n = 6). The specimens were either etched with 37% phosphoric acid (control subgroup) or irradiated with Er:YAG laser. Irradiated samples were divided into the following subgroups: I, II, and III (80 mJ, 3 Hz, 30 sec; 120 mJ, 3 Hz, 30 sec; and 180 mJ, 3 Hz, 30 sec, respectively). Samples were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. RESULTS: The mineral and organic dentin contents were more affected in autoclaved teeth than in the specimens stored in thymol. Peak area reduction in group A specimens treated with phosphoric acid and pulse energy of 80 mJ were the most conservative surface treatments regarding changes in the peak area of organic and inorganic dentin components. CONCLUSION: The autoclaving process and pulse energies of 120 and 180 mJ produced greater reduction of organic and inorganic contents in dentin, associated with greater reduction in the areas of 968, 1077, 1460, and 1670 cm(1) Raman peaks.

Combined FT-Raman and SEM studies of the effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation on dentin.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the molecular and morphological changes on dentin elements after Er:YAG laser irradiation. BACKGROUND DATA: Spectroscopy studies reporting the effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation as an alternative to acid etching are needed to better understand the laser's effects. METHODS: The occlusal one-third of the crown of six human third molars was removed. The dentin surface was schematically divided into areas corresponding to four surface treatment groups: control (group C): 37% phosphoric acid etching; group I: Er:YAG laser 80 mJ; group II: Er:YAG laser 120 mJ; and group III: Er:YAG laser 180 mJ. The analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman) before and after the treatments. Raman data were submitted to ANOVA and Bonferroni tests. RESULTS: The SEM photomicrographs revealed open dentin tubules in the control group. The molars from groups I, II, and III showed partially open dentin tubules. SEM images showed that the laser-irradiated dentin surface was not favorable to the diffusion of monomers. A significant reduction of the spectra relative intensity was observed in group III specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Er:YAG laser irradiation with 180 mJ could produce chemical changes in proteins, phosphate, and carbonate in dentin.

Molecular and morphological surface analysis: effect of filling pastes and cleaning agents on root dentin.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of different filling pastes and cleaning agents on the root dentin of primary teeth using Fourier-transformed Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman), micro energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (µ-EDXRF) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty roots of primary teeth were endodontically prepared and distributed into 4 groups and filled according to the following filling pastes: Control-no filling (CP), Calen®+zinc oxide (CZ), Calcipex II® (CII), Vitapex® (V). After seven days, filling paste groups were distributed to 4 subgroups according to cleaning agents (n=5): Control-no cleaning (C), Ethanol (E), Tergenform® (T), 35% Phosphoric acid (PA). Then, the roots were sectioned and the dentin root sections were internally evaluated by FT-Raman, µ-EDXRF and SEM. Data was submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: Regarding filling pastes, there was no significant difference in organic content. CP provided the lowest calcium values and, calcium/phosphoric ratio (Ca/P), and the highest phosphoric values. For cleaning agents there was no difference in organic content when compared to the C; however, T showed significantly higher calcium and Ca/P than PA. All groups showed similar results for phosphorus. The dentin smear layer was present after use of the cleaning agents, except PA. CONCLUSION: The filling pastes changed the inorganic content, however they did not change the organic content. Cleaning agents did not alter the inorganic and organic content. PA cleaned and opened dentin tubules.

Fluorescence spectroscopy of teeth and bones of rats to assess demineralization: In vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies.

This study investigated the effects of demineralization on teeth and bones evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy and micro energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (µ-EDXRF) in rats. For in vitro study, 20 teeth of Wistar rats were removed and decalcified to evaluate fluorescence. For in vivo study, 10 female Wistar rats aged 6months were randomized into 2 groups: Control Group (C): non-ovariectomized rats; Ovariectomy Group (OV): ovariectomized rats to induce osteoporosis. The fluorescence spectroscopy of the teeth was performed for long-term (until 180days). For ex vivo study, the tooth and femur bone of the Wistar rats were removed at 180days to perform fluorescence spectroscopy using excitation laser at 408 and 532nm and µ-EDXRF for calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) analysis. There were no intergroup differences in fluorescence spectra with laser at 408nm (p≥0.05), but there were changes in the fluorescence spectra using laser at 532nm which led to both the wavelength shift and changes in the band area (p<0.05). The concentrations of P and Ca for the dentine and cortical bone, respectively, were significantly reduced in OV (p<0.05). Demineralization leading to loss of tissue quality may be assessed by fluorescence spectroscopy using 532nm laser. These findings corroborate those obtained by µ-EDXRF.

Monomer conversion, microhardness, internal marginal adaptation, and shrinkage stress of bulk-fill resin composites.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate degree of conversion (DC), Knoop microhardness (KHN), internal marginal adaptation (IA), and polymerization shrinkage stress (PS) of one conventional and four bulk-fill composites. METHODS: Bulk-fill composites tested were Surefil SDR (SDR), Filtek Bulk-Fill (FBF), Tetric EvoCeram Bulk-Fill (TEC), and EverX Posterior (EXP). The conventional composite Herculite Classic (HER) was tested using both incremental and bulk-fill insertion techniques. Standardized Class I preparations (4-mm-depth) were made in extracted molars and restored with each product system (N=5). After 1-week wet storage, restorations were cross-sectioned and DC and KHN were evaluated at four depths (1, 2, 3, and 4mm) using confocal Raman spectroscopy and KHN techniques, respectively. Epoxy resin replicas of restorations were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy for IA. PS was determined using composite bonded to acrylic rods attached to a universal testing machine (N=5). RESULTS: Within bulk-fill products, only SDR and FBF demonstrated similar DC at all depths, and KHN values did not statistically differ among depths, except for TEC. Neither placement method nor depth affected KHN or DC, except the DC of HER bulk-fill at 4mm. Incrementally layered HER, and bulk-fills SDR and TEC demonstrated the lowest proportion of internal gaps. Highest and lowest PS values were measured for EXP and TEC, respectively. SIGNIFICANCE: DC with depth was not uniform among all bulk-fill materials, although no difference in KHN was found. Higher PS correlated positively with higher proportion of interfacial gaps. The incremental technique using conventional composite showed reduced gap formation.

In Vitro and in Vivo Studies of Novel Poly(D,L-lactic acid), Superhydrophilic Carbon Nanotubes, and Nanohydroxyapatite Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration.

Poly(D,L-lactide acid, PDLLA) has been researched for scaffolds in bone regeneration. However, its hydrophobocity and smooth surface impedes its interaction with biological fluid and cell adhesion. To alter the surface characteristics, different surface modification techniques have been developed to facilitate biological application. The present study compared two different routes to produce PDLLA/superhydrophilic vertically aligned carbon nanotubes:nanohydroxyapatite (PDLLA/VACNT-O:nHAp) scaffolds. For this, we used electrodeposition and immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). Characterization by goniometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy confirmed the polymer modifications, the in vitro bioactivity, and biomineralization. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analyses showed that the inclusion of VACNT-O:nHA probably acts as a nucleating agent increasing the crystallization rate in the neat PDLLA without structural alteration. Our results showed the formation of a dense nHAp layer on all scaffolds after 14 days of immersion in SBF solution; the most intense carbonated nHAp peaks observed in the PDLLA/VACNT-O:nHAp samples suggest higher calcium precipitation compared to the PDLLA control. Both cell viability and alkaline phosphatase assays showed favorable results, because no cytotoxic effects were present and all produced scaffolds were able to induce detectable mineralization. Bone defects were used to evaluate the bone regeneration; the confocal Raman and histological results confirmed high potential for bone applications. In vivo study showed that the PDLLA/VACNT-O:nHAp scaffolds mimicked the immature bone and induced bone remodeling. These findings indicate surface improvement and the applicability of this new nanobiomaterial for bone regenerative medicine.

Effects of Bleaching Agents Combined with Regular and Whitening Toothpastes on Surface Roughness and Mineral Content of Enamel.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate surface roughness and changes in the composition of enamel submitted to different bleaching protocols and toothbrushing with regular and whitening toothpastes. BACKGROUND DATA: Bleaching treatment could promote morphological and chemical changes in enamel surface. METHODS: Enamel blocks were randomized into nine groups (n=10) according to the bleaching treatment (no bleaching, control group; 6% hydrogen peroxide, HP; or 10% carbamide peroxide, CP) and toothpaste used (placebo, PL; regular, R; or whitening dentifrice, W). Bleaching was performed according to manufacturers' instructions and all groups were submitted to 30,000 cycles of simulated toothbrushing with toothpaste (PL, R, or W). Mineral content evaluation and enamel roughness were evaluated initially (T1), after bleaching (T2), and after toothbrushing (T3), using an energy-dispersive micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and profilometry, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed with two way ANOVA, Tukey, and Dunnett tests (5%). RESULTS: Enamel surface roughness was influenced by bleaching and toothbrushing. Surface roughness increased for the groups that brushed with the placebo dentifrice (CP+PL, HP+PL, C+PL) and for the control group that brushed with whitening dentifrice (C+W). Enamel Ca/P ratio decreased after bleaching, but toothbrushing, regardless of the dentifrice used, did not reduce the enamel mineral content. CONCLUSIONS: The bleaching treatment resulted in a decrease of enamel mineral content, but the studied dentifrices did not contribute to surface mineral loss.

Vicker's hardness and Raman spectroscopy evaluation of a dental composite cured by an argon laser and a halogen lamp.

We present the results of the Vicker's hardness test and the use of near-infrared Raman spectroscopy (RS) to measure in vitro the degree of conversion (DC) of a bis(phenol)-A-glycidyl-dimethacrylate-based composite resin, photoactivated by both a halogen lamp (power density=478 mW/cm(2); 8-mm diameter spot) and an argon laser (power density=625 mW/cm(2); 7-mm diameter spot). The degree of conversion was estimated by analyzing the relative intensities between the aromatic C=C stretching Raman mode at 1610 cm(-1) and the methacrylate C=C stretching Raman mode (1640 cm(-1)) on top and bottom surfaces. For the hardness evaluation, the samples were embedded in polyester resin and three indentations with a 50-g load for 10 s were made on the top surface. The higher relative DC values achieved by the photoactivation of a composite resin by the argon laser suggest a better biocompatibility in the bottom surface. The correlation test showed that the higher Vicker's hardness number (VHN) values were associated with higher DC values. The derivative analysis showed a greater curing rate from 5 to 20 s of exposure. The comparison of VHN and DC values with both light sources at each curing time showed that a small change in conversion is related to a large change in hardness. Raman spectroscopy is more sensitive to changes in the first stages of curing reaction than later ones, and the Vicker's hardness assay is more sensitive to changes in the last stages.