Effect of different polishing systems and staining solution on surface roughness and color stability of bulk fill resin composites.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of polishing systems (discs or rubbers) on surface roughness (Ra) and color change (ΔE) of two bulk fill and one conventional resin composite after immersion in a dye solution. METHODS: 180 samples (10 mm x 2 mm) were separated into three groups: (1) Resin composite: Filtek One Bulk Fill (FO), Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill (TNC), Filtek Z350 XT (FXT) (n= 60); (2) polishing system: unpolished (control); aluminum oxide discs (Sof-Lex, AOD); cup-shaped abrasive rubber polishers (Astropol, CSA) (n= 20), and (3) immersion solutions: coffee or distilled water (n= 10). Immersion was under 5 mL of each solution for 3 hours daily, for 30 days. Measurement of Ra and ∆E was made considering two times: initial (after polishing) and final (after immersion), in addition to surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy at the end. Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Dunn (α= 0.05) was used. RESULTS: For the unpolished samples after immersion in coffee, TNC (P= 0.007) showed lower ΔE than FXT and FO. For polished samples with CSA and immersed in coffee, TNC followed by FXT showed lower ΔE than in the absence of polishing. Polishing with AOD and immersed in coffee: FO had smaller ΔE than when not polished. For Ra, TNC and FO had lower values after using AOD, whereas for FXT lower Ra was noted with CSA. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The roughness and color stability of resin composites are mediated by the polished material, polishing system and dye solution. The best results were found for Tetric N-Ceram polished with aluminum oxide discs.

At-home, in-office and combined dental bleaching techniques using hydrogen peroxide: Randomized clinical trial evaluation of effectiveness, clinical parameters and enamel mineral content.

PURPOSE: To conduct a clinical evaluation of dental bleaching techniques using hydrogen peroxide (HP), regarding tooth sensitivity, gingival irritation, subject's perception of color change, and calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) concentrations in enamel. METHODS: 75 volunteers were distributed according to the bleaching technique (n=25): (a) at-home: 10%HP (Opalescence GO) for 15 days of continuous use (1 hour per day); (b) in-office: 40%HP (Opalescence Boost) in three clinical sessions (40 minutes each session); (c) combined: one initial session with 40%HP, and the rest with 10%HP for 15 days of continuous use. Clinical evaluations and Ca and P concentration collections were obtained before, during bleaching treatment, and 15 days after conclusion of treatment. The generalized linear models were used to evaluate the data for VITA Classical scale, CIELAB, tooth sensitivity, degree of acceptability of the technique, Ca and P concentrations and to determine the ΔE variables and color change perception. Gingival irritation was analyzed by Fisher's Exact test. The total frequencies for each time interval (regardless of bleaching technique) were compared at 50% by the chi-square test. RESULTS: The in-office technique presented the lowest tooth sensitivity, but all techniques caused an increase in sensitivity over time (P< 0.0001). All techniques resulted in lower Ca and P concentrations in enamel at each time point, compared with the baseline concentrations. Calcium concentrations did not differ significantly among the treatments (P= 0.9360). Phosphorus concentration at the 8th day was higher for the in-office technique group (P< 0.05). All the bleaching techniques were effective in altering color, with ΔE values higher than 3.3, without any significant differences (P= 0.3255). Higher occurrence of gingival irritation was observed for at-home and combined techniques. The combined technique seemed to promote a color change faster than the other techniques. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: All the dental bleaching techniques proved equally effective in promoting tooth color change. These techniques may reduce calcium and phosphorous content in enamel. The at-home and the combined techniques may cause greater dental sensitivity than the in-office technique, and led to a higher prevalence of gingival irritation.

Chitosan incorporated in a total-etch adhesive system: antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of an experimental adhesive system containing chitosan (0.2% and 0.5%) against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei. Twenty-four extracted human third molars were used, and 4 cavities were prepared in each tooth. The teeth were contaminated with either S mutans (n = 12 teeth, 48 cavities) or L casei (n = 12 teeth, 48 cavities) microorganisms. One cavity in each tooth received 1 of the following treatments: negative control (no treatment [NC]), positive control (Adper Single Bond 2 [SB]), an experimental adhesive containing chitosan 0.2% (CHI2), or an experimental adhesive containing chitosan 0.5% (CHI5). After sealing of the cavities and an incubation period, dentin scrapings were collected from each cavity for microbiological evaluation. Analysis of variance and Tukey tests revealed no statistically significant differences among the SB, CHI2, and CHI5 groups (P > 0.05), but all 3 differed significantly from the NC group (P ≤ 0.05). The concentrations of chitosan did not influence the antimicrobial effect against S mutans and L casei, presenting a similar effect to that of a conventional 2-step adhesive system.

Effect of high- or low-concentration bleaching agents containing calcium and/or fluoride on enamel microhardness.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate enamel microhardness following bleaching treatments using either high- or low-concentration hydrogen peroxide (HP) agents containing calcium and/or fluoride. Sixty enamel blocks were bleached with 1 of 6 different bleaching agents (n = 10). The high-concentration HP agents were Whiteness HP Maxx (35% HP), Whiteness HP Blue (35% HP, 2% calcium gluconate), Pola Office+ (37.5% HP, 5% potassium nitrate), and Opalescence Boost (38% HP, 1.1% fluoride ion, 3% potassium nitrate). The low-concentration HP agents evaluated were Pola Day (9.5% HP) and White Class (10% HP, potassium nitrate, calcium, fluoride). High-concentration agents were applied in 3 sessions, whereas low-concentration agents were applied for 14 days. Knoop microhardness measurements were taken on the surface of the enamel before bleaching, at various timepoints during bleaching, and 14 days after the final bleaching treatment. The 2-way analysis of variance test showed that microhardness values were significantly influenced by the bleaching agent (P < 0.001) and application time (P < 0.001). The Tukey test showed that enamel bleached with Whiteness HP Maxx or White Class presented lower microhardness values than did the enamel treated with the remaining products. There was a reduction in micro-hardness values up to the end of the treatment. The results showed that the composition, concentration, and application protocol for each bleaching agent influenced the enamel microhardness values in that the microhardness decreased over time, regardless of the agent used or the addition of calcium and/or fluoride.

Toothpastes containing abrasive and chemical whitening agents: efficacy in reducing extrinsic dental staining.

This in vitro study evaluated the efficacy of toothpastes containing abrasive and chemical whitening agents in reducing the extrinsic discoloration of dental enamel. Sixty slabs of dentin from human teeth were sealed so that only the enamel surface was exposed. The enamel surfaces were photographed for initial color assessment. Staining was performed by immersing the dental slabs in 0.2% chlorhexidine solution for 2 minutes and then in black tea for 60 minutes. This process was repeated 15 times. Photographs were taken at the end of the staining process, and the slabs were divided into 5 groups (n = 12), 3 to be brushed with toothpastes containing chemical whitening agents (2 containing phosphate salts and 1 containing phosphate salts plus hydrogen peroxide) and 2 to represent control groups (ordinary/nonwhitening toothpaste and distilled water). The dental slabs were subjected to mechanical toothbrushing with toothpaste slurry or distilled water, according to each group's specifications. After brushing, more photographs were taken for color analysis. The results showed a significant reduction in luminosity after the staining process in addition to an increase in the colors red and yellow (P < 0.001). After brushing, there was a significant increase in luminosity and a reduction in both red and yellow (P < 0.001). However, there was no observed difference between the changes in color values in dental enamel slabs brushed with whitening toothpastes and the changes found in slabs brushed with ordinary toothpaste. The whitening toothpastes did not outperform an ordinary toothpaste in the removal of extrinsic staining.

Fracture load and failure mode of semi-direct resin composite occlusal veneers: Influence of design and mechanical cycling.

AIMS: To evaluate the influence of the type of preparation and mechanical cycling on the fracture load and failure mode of semi-direct posterior resin composite restorations. METHODS: In total, 70 healthy third molars were used; 10 belonging to the control group (C - unprepared teeth) and 60 teeth prepared and restored with nanoparticle resin composite, divided into 3 groups (n = 20): O - exclusively occlusal preparation (Table Top); OV - occlusal preparation with buccal extension (Veneerlay); OVP - Occlusal preparation with chamfer on the proximal and buccal-lingual/palatal surfaces (Overlay). The preparations were performed with diamond burs with a thickness of 1 mm. The restorations were made with nanoparticulate resin composite (Filtek Z350 XT) and subsequently received additional polymerization (thermoprocessing). Cementation was performed with the use of universal adhesive system (Single Bond Universal) on dental substrate and dual resin cement (RelyX ARC). Half of the teeth in each group (n = 10) were submitted to mechanical cycling, simulating 6 months of clinical service (5 × 105 fatigue cycles), under dynamic loading of 130 N, at a frequency of 2Hz. Fracture load tests were performed in a universal testing machine with a 200 kgf load cell. Failure mode was classified using scores. Generalized linear models and Fisher Exact tests were applied to the data (significance level of 5%). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the types of preparation (p = 0.9435), or relative to cycling (p = 0.3764). The Fisher Exact Test showed a significant association between the groups and the type of failure (p = 0.0006), with preparations O (with cycling) and OVP (with and without cycling) exhibiting most failures with restoration fractures without involvement of the dental remnant. CONCLUSIONS: Semi-direct restorations showed resistance to fracture load similar to that of healthy teeth and were capable of withstanding functional masticatory loads. The type of preparation influenced the failure mode of teeth. The Table Top and Overlay types of preparations were those had fewer catastrophic failures, suggesting that since they are more conservative preparations, they made it possible for the tooth to receive a new restorative procedure in the future in cases of failures.

Physicochemical evaluation of hydrogen peroxide bleaching gels containing titanium dioxide catalytic agent, and their influence on dental color change associated with violet LED.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was: 1) to analyze the physical-chemical properties of hydrogen peroxide (HP) agents at 7.5% (HP7) and 35% (HP35), and the association with or without TiO2 nanotubes; 2) to evaluate dental bleaching effectiveness by using HP7 and HP35 together with or without TiO2 nanotubes, and applied with or without violet LED (VL). METHODOLOGY: 80 bovine incisors were treated according to groups (n = 10): HP35; HP35 + VL; HP35T (HP35 + TiO2); HP35T + VL; HP7; HP7 + VL; HP7T (HP7 + TiO2); HP7T + VL. Bleaching effectiveness was measured at 4 time points according to the Vita Classical, CIEL*a*b*, CIEDE2000, and WID parameters. HP35, HP35T, HP7, and HP7T were evaluated for mass change, pH, mean particle size (P), polydispersity (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP), over 6 months of storage. RESULTS: The pH of HP35 thickener was higher when associated to TiO2. At baseline, both of the bleaching gels containing TiO2 had lower P, PDI, and PZ (p < 0.05). All groups showed a significant decrease in Vita Classical color scores (p = 0.0037). There was a higher L* value, and lower b* values for HP7 when associated to VL after the 3rd session. (p < 0.05). HP35T showed higher color change (ΔEab, ΔE00), and lower a* value in the presence of VL (p < 0.05). ΔWID presented lower values for both gels, when TiO2 was incorporated (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The incorporation of TiO2 to the bleaching gel showed good stability with minimal variations in physical-chemical properties. The color change in HP35 was more effective than in HP7, but the VL boosted the bleaching effectiveness of HP7, whereas TiO2 did not increase bleaching effectiveness.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide Dentin Pretreatments Do Not Improve Bonding of a Universal Adhesive in Etch-and-Rinse or Self-etch Modes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solutions used as dentin pretreatments on microtensile bond strength (µTBS), as well as the dentin/restoration interface micromorphology of a universal adhesive in etch-and-rinse or self-etch mode. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty blocks of dentin were submitted to acid conditioning with 35% phosphoric acid (etch-and-rinse), or not (self-etch), and distributed among the treatments (n = 10): CON: Scotchbond Universal/3M Oral Care; DMSO: pretreatment with DMSO; DMSO/water: pretreatment with DMSO in water (1:1); DMSO/ethanol: pretreatment with DMSO in ethanol (1:1). Microtensile bond strength and failure tests were performed after 24-h and 6-month storage. The tooth-restoration interface was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy to assess the hybrid layer formed. RESULTS: The interaction between treatments, storage time, and etching modes was not significant for µTBS (p = 0.2469). The DMSO, DMSO/water and DMSO/ethanol pretreatments did not affect µTBS values at either time point (p = 0.8732). Aging decreased µTBS over time only for the etch-and-rinse strategy, although the groups presented higher microtensile bond strengths in etch-and-rinse mode than in self-etch mode at both time points (p < 0.0001). The micromorphological images of the interface showed that different DMSO pretreatment solutions did not impair hybrid layer formation. CONCLUSION: The use of dentin pretreatments containing DMSO did not improve the bonding or the micromorphology of a universal adhesive in etch-and-rinse or self-etch modes.

Physicochemical characterization, water sorption and solubility of adhesive systems incorporated with titanium tetrafluoride, and its influence on dentin permeability.

Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) in an aqueous solution can decrease dentin permeability, but some effects of its incorporation into adhesive systems are not yet known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the physicochemical, water sorption (WS) and solubility (SL) properties of two adhesive systems (Clearfil SE Bond/C and Scotchbond Universal/S) incorporated with 0.0% (T0), 2.5% (T2) and 4.0% (T4) titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4), and determine dentin permeability (L) after application of these adhesive systems both immediately afterwards (baseline) and after 6 months of storage. The physicochemical analyses of the incorporated solutions were performed based on evaluating particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI) by dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential (ZP) by electrophoresis. WS and SL tests followed ISO 4049 standards, and used a 7-day water storage period. The L test was performed by analyzing human dentin discs before and after adhesive system application, and after storage. PS and PDI were higher for CT0 and ST4 (p < 0.0001; ANOVA, Tukey). ZP was lower for CT4, ST2 and ST4 (p < 0.0001; ANOVA, Tukey). A 4.0% TiF4 incorporation showed higher WS (p < 0.05; Mann Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, Dunn). Higher SL was observed for CT0 and ST4 (p < 0.05; Mann Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, Dunn). The L value at baseline was lower for ST4, but was not different from the CT4 groups after storage (p < 0.05; Mann Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, Dunn). It can be concluded that TiF4 affected the colloidal stability of Scotchbond, but did not alter the other properties. The 2.5% TiF4 did not affect the PDI, WS or L of the Clearfil, and can be considered an alternative for reducing hybrid layer degradation.

Color stability of a bulk-fill composite resin light-cured at different distances.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the color stability of a bulk-fill (Filtek One Bulk Fill, 3M ESPE) and a conventional (Filtek Z350 XT, 3M ESPE) composite resin light-cured at different distances, before and after being submitted to staining with a coffee solution. Sixty specimens of each composite resin were prepared and light-cured at distances of 0, 2 and 4 mm, using a LED light-curing unit (Valo, Ultradent). The specimens were separated (n = 10) for immersion in either distilled water or coffee solution (10 minutes a day for 8 days) to stimulate staining. Color evaluations were performed before and after immersion in the solutions, according to CIELab (△Eab), CIEDE2000 (△E00) and the Whiteness Index for Dentistry (△WID). Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests, Mann-Whitney tests and Wilcoxon test were applied (α = 5 %). The a* value for conventional composite resin showed a significant increase after immersion in coffee and distilled water (p < 0.05). Both composite resins showed greater b* values when immersed in coffee than in distilled water, with no significant difference among the light-activation distances (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference for L* among the light-activation distances; both resins showed significant decrease in L* after immersion in coffee (p < 0.05). Color change (△Eab, △E00) and difference in whiteness (△WID) were higher for conventional resin when immersed in the coffee solution at all the light-activation distances. Conventional composite resin presented a higher staining value than bulk-fill composite resin, regardless of the light-activation distance.

Titanium dioxide nanotubes incorporated into bleaching agents: physicochemical characterization and enamel color change.

OBJECTIVE: Titanium dioxide nanotubes are nanostructures that can accelerate the oxidation reaction of bleaching procedures and promote a more effective whitening effect. This study evaluated physicochemical properties of bleaching agents incorporated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes, and the effects on tooth color change at different periods. METHODOLOGY: 40 premolars were treated according to the following groups (n=10): CP - 10% carbamide peroxide (1 hour daily/21 days); CPN - CP incorporated into TiO2; HP - 40% hydrogen peroxide (three 40-minute sessions/7 days apart); HPN - HP incorporated into TiO2. Color shade was evaluated at five different periods (baseline, after 7, 14 and 21 days of bleaching, and 7 days after end of treatment) according to Vita Classical, CIELab and CIEDE2000 scales. Mean particle size (P), polydispersity (PO) and zeta potential (ZP) were evaluated using dynamic light scattering. Data on the different variables were analyzed by mixed model tests for measures repeated in time (ZP e L*), generalized linear models for measures repeated in time (P, PO, Vita Classical and b*), and Friedman and Mann-Whitney tests (a* and color change/ΔE and ΔE00). RESULTS: CP and CPN presented higher P, higher PO and lower ZP than HP and HPN (p≤0.05). All groups showed a significant decrease in Vita Classical color scores after 7 days of bleaching (p<0.05), and HPN presented a greater significant reduction than the other groups. L* increased in TiO2 presence, in all groups, without any differences (p>0.05) in bleaching time. A significant reduction occurred in the a* and b* values for all the groups, and HPN presented lower a* and b* values (p<0.05) than CPN. ΔE was clinically noticeable after 7 days, in all groups, and all groups resulted in a perceptible color change according to ΔE00. CONCLUSION: TiO2 did not influence physicochemical properties of the bleaching agents. HPN presented more effective tooth bleaching than CPN.

Long-term Evaluation of Dentin Matrix Stability and Gelatinolytic Activity after Dentin Pretreatment with Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester.

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term effect of 0.05% or 0.1% caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on dentin matrix stability and hybrid layer stability, using an etch-and-rinse (Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose/ASB) or a self-etch adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond/CSE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentin matrix specimens were assigned to five groups: 0.05% or 0.1% CAPE, green tea (GT), and the controls distilled water (DW) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Following immersion of specimens for 1 h, modulus of elasticity (ME) and dentin mass change (MG) were determined at 3 post-treatment time points: immediately afterwards and at 3 and 6 months. Collagen solubilization (CS) was estimated by hydroxyproline (HYP) quantification. Resin-dentin interfaces with both adhesives were assessed with in situ zymography tests to evaluate gelatinolytic activity (GA). The dentin pretreatments were actively applied for 60 s. The sealing ability of aged resin-bonded slices was assessed by nanoleakage tests. RESULTS: GT increased immediate ME, which decreased significantly after 3 months (p < 0.0001). The CAPE groups did not differ from the control groups. GT provided a significant increase in dentin matrix mass after treatment (p < 0.0001). No significant differences regarding MG were observed for CAPE 0.1%, CAPE 0.05%, DW, and DMSO groups after 3 and 6 months. Cumulative HYP release revealed that CAPE groups and GT were statistically similar to DW and DMSO; the GT group exhibited statistically significantly less HYP release than did CAPE groups (p = 0.0073). Treatment with 0.05% or 0.1% CAPE presented lower GA when applied to ASB before acid conditioning (p < 0.05), but no differences were detected when the CAPE groups were applied to CSE. CAPE at 0.1% significantly reduced nanoleakage for CSE, and 0.05% CAPE with CSE presented levels of nanoleakage similar to those of the CSE control group. CONCLUSION: CAPE at 0.05% or 0.01% did not influence ME, MG, or CS, but reduced GA when applied to ASB before acid conditioning. CAPE at 0.1% with CSE promoted adhesive layer integrity.

Remineralizing effect of commercial fluoride varnishes on artificial enamel lesions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate soluble and insoluble fluoride concentrations in commercial varnishes, and their remineralization effect on artificial caries enamel lesions using surface and cross-sectional microhardness evaluations. Forty bovine enamel blocks were separated into four groups (n=10): control (no treatment), Enamelast (Ultradent Products), Duraphat (Colgate-Palmolive) and Clinpro White Varnish (3M ESPE). Surface enamel microhardness evaluations were obtained, artificial enamel caries lesions were developed by dynamic pH-cycling, and the varnishes were then applied every 6 days, after which the enamel blocks were submitted to dynamic remineralization by pH cycles. After removal of the varnishes, the enamel surfaces were reassessed for microhardness. The blocks were sectioned longitudinally, and cross-sectional microhardness measurements were performed at different surface depths (up to 300 µm depth). Polarized light microscopy images (PLMI) were made to analyze subsurface caries lesions. The fluoride concentration in whole (soluble and insoluble fluoride) and centrifuged (soluble fluoride) varnishes was determined using an extraction method with acetone. The data were analyzed to evaluate the surface microhardness, making adjustments for generalized linear models. There was a significant decrease in enamel surface microhardness after performing all the treatments (p<0.0001). Enamelast and Duraphat showed significantly higher enamel microhardness values than the control and the Clinpro groups (p = 0.0002). Microhardness loss percentage was significantly lower for Enamelast (p = 0.071; One-way ANOVA). PLMI showed that subsurface caries lesions were not remineralized with the varnish treatments. No significant differences in the in-depth microhardness levels (p = 0.7536; ANOVA) were observed among the treatments. Enamelast presented higher soluble and insoluble fluoride concentrations than the other varnishes (p < 0.0001; Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests). Enamelast and Duraphat varnishes promoted enamel surface remineralization, but no varnish remineralized the subsurface lesion body. Although insoluble and soluble fluoride concentration values did not correspond to those declared by the manufacturer, Enamelast presented higher fluoride concentration than the others.

Does the combination of whitening toothpaste and hydrogen peroxide bleaching increase the surface roughness and change the morphology of a nanofilled composite?

Aim: To evaluate changes in the surface roughness and morphology of a nanofilled composite following toothbrushing with a whitening (WT) or regular toothpaste (RT), alone or combined with 35% hydrogen peroxide bleaching (HP). Methods: Seventy disc-shaped nanofilled composite (Filtek Z350XT) specimens were randomly divided into groups (n=10): WT, RT, TB (without toothpaste ­ control) or the combinations WT/ HP, RT/HP, TB/HP and HP. All groups underwent toothbrushing simulation (60,000 cycles) and bleaching treatment (4 sessions). Mean surface roughness (Ra, µm) was measured before (T0) and after treatments (TB). Surface morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at TB. Mean Ra was analyzed using general mixed models and multiple comparisons by the Tukey-Kramer test (α=5%). Results: HP caused no surface roughness changes on the nanofilled composite after treatment (p>0.05). RT toothbrushing, combined or not with HP, increased the surface roughness (p<0.05). WT and WT/ HP protocols had no effect on the surface roughness of the composite (p>0.05). The nanofilled composite submitted to RT toothbrushing combined with HP (RT/HP) presented substantial surface alterations under SEM, showing deep depressions and round-shaped defects. Toothbrushing with RT combined with the bleaching agent increased exposure of the inorganic fillers. Conclusion: WT toothbrushing, regardless of HP combination, or the single HP protocol had no effect on the surface roughness of the nanofilled composite. However, RT combined with HP negatively affected surface roughness and presented the most noticeable surface changes among groups

Stability of dentin matrix treated with caffeic acid phenethyl ester at different concentrations

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of pretreatment with ethanolic solutions of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) at varying concentrations on the dentin collagen matrix, specifically focusing on its biomodification potential. This was assessed through evaluations of the modulus of elasticity and changes in mass. Methods: Seventy dentin collagen matrices (demineralized sticks) were prepared to receive treatments with ethanolic solutions of CAPE at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, or 2.5%, or with control treatment solutions (distilled water or ethanol) for one hour. The dentin matrices were evaluated for modulus of elasticity and mass before (baseline), immediately after treatment (immediately), and after storage in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) for time intervals of 1 and 3 months. Results: Generalized linear models for repeated measures over time indicated no significant differences between groups (p=0.7530) or between different time points (p=0.4780) in terms of the modulus of elasticity. Regarding mass variation, no differences were observed in the time interval between 1 month and the immediate time (p=0.0935). However, at the 3-month mark compared to the immediate time, the 0.1% CAPE group exhibited less mass loss compared to the water group (p=0.0134). Conclusion: This study concludes that various concentrations of CAPE in an ethanolic solution did not affect the modulus of elasticity of dentin, suggesting that CAPE lacks biomodifying potential in this context. However, it was observed that 0.1% CAPE positively influenced the variation in mass over different evaluation time intervals

Influence of dentin pretreatment with 2.5% titanium tetrafluoride on inhibiting caries at the tooth-restoration interface in situ.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effects of dentin pretreatment with 2.5% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) aqueous solution followed by two-step self-etching (CLE/Clearfil SE Bond) and one-step self-etching adhesive systems (SBU/Single Bond Universal) on carious lesion inhibition at the tooth-restoration interface using an in situ model. DESIGN: Sixty-four cavities at the enamel-dentin junction of dental fragments were randomly distributed according to groups (n=16): 1) TiF4+CLE; 2) TiF4+SBU; 3) CLE; 4) SBU. Cavities were restored using resin composite, and placed in intraoral palatal devices used by 16 volunteers for 21days, to induce caries formation in situ. The fragments were then ground-flat to perform Knoop microhardness tests. Nine indentations were performed on each enamel and dentin substrate, subjacent to the restoration. Analysis of variance and Tukey's test were applied. RESULTS: Enamel: groups receiving TiF4 dentin pretreatment (regardless of adhesive system and tooth-restoration interface distance) presented higher hardness means at a depth of 25µm from the outer tooth surface (p<0.0001). Dentin: groups receiving CLE presented higher means when applying TiF4 pretreatment, whereas groups restored with SBU presented higher means without pretreatment (p=0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Dentin pretreatment with TiF4 inhibited demineralization of the enamel interface in situ, regardless of the adhesive, and TiF4 pretreatment followed by CLE application showed higher potential for inhibiting dentin demineralization at the interface.

Antifungal analysis of incorporation of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf into polymethyl methacrylate / Análise antifúngica da incorporação do óleo essencial de Cymbopogon citratus (d.c.) Stapf em polimetacrilato de metila

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluated the antifungal effect of the incorporation of different concentrations of the essential oil Cymbopogon citratus (capim santo), into polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) against Candida albicans. Methods: Fifty specimens were fabricated and divided into five groups: Group 1, PMMA + 10% essential oil (n=10); Group 2, PMMA + 15% essential oil (n=10); Group 3, PMMA + 20% essential oil (n=10); Group 4, PMMA + 25% essential oil (n=10); Group 5, PMMA (n=10). PMMA powder was mixed with the monomer and the mixture was placed in disc-shaped cavities measuring 15 mm in diameter, 2 mm thick. To evaluate the antifungal activity of the experimental specimens, the standard strain of Candida albicans was tested. After incubation, the colony count of each plate was performed using a digital colony counter, obtaining the number of colony forming units (CFU) and the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied. Results: There was statistically significant difference in the CFU count of Candida albicans as a consequence of the addition of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil to PMMA (p < 0.001) and values were significantly higher in comparison with those of all the other groups, when the essential oil was incorporated as incorporated into the PMMA in the concentration of 20%. In the other concentrations, no difference in values was observed in comparison with the Control Group without essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus. Conclusion: The acrylic resin with the essential oil incorporated into it in different concentrations provided no effect against development of the genus Candida.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito antifúngico da incorporação de diferentes concentrações do óleo essencial Cymbopogon citratus (capim santo), em polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) contra Candida albicans. Métodos: Cinquenta corpos de prova foram confeccionados e divididos em cinco grupos: Grupo 1, PMMA + 10% de óleo essencial (n=10); Grupo 2, PMMA + 15% de óleo essencial (n=10); Grupo 3, PMMA + 20% de óleo essencial (n=10); Grupo 4, PMMA + 25% de óleo essencial (n=10); Grupo 5, PMMA (n=10). O pó de PMMA foi misturado ao monômero e a mistura foi colocada em cavidades em forma de disco medindo 15 mm de diâmetro por 2 mm de espessura. Para avaliar a atividade antifúngica dos espécimes experimentais, foi testada a cepa padrão de Candida albicans. Após a incubação, foi realizada a contagem de colônias de cada placa por meio de um contador digital de colônias, obtendo-se o número de unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) e para isso foi aplicado o teste de Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na contagem de UFC de Candida albicans como consequência da adição do óleo essencial de Cymbopogon citratus ao PMMA (p < 0,001) e os valores foram significativamente maiores em comparação com todos os outros grupos, quando o essencial óleo foi incorporado como incorporado ao PMMA na concentração de 20%. Nas demais concentrações, não houve diferença nos valores em relação ao Grupo Controle sem óleo essencial de Cymbopogon citratus. Conclusão: A resina acrílica com o óleo essencial incorporado a ela em diferentes concentrações não apresentou efeito contra o desenvolvimento do gênero Candida.

Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester application on dentin MMP-2, stability of bond strength and failure mode of total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the long-term effect of dentin pretreatment with 0.05 or 0.1% caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on (1) bond strength of resin composite to dentin by a three-step etch-and-rinse (Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose/ ASB) or a two-step self-etch adhesive system (Clearfil SE Bond/ CSE), (2) their fracture mode, (3) the micromorphological features of the hybrid layer formed; and (4) the level of MMP-2 in dentin (after application, using a correlative immunoexpression/quantification approach). DESIGN: Composite resin blocks were fabricated on 48 third molars (n = 6), according to the type of adhesive and treatment (control, CAPE 0.05% and CAPE 0.1%). Slices were obtained for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation, and sticks were fabricated for microtensile tests (24 h and 1 year). Aliquots of dentin powder were distributed (n = 12) according to the treatment and the MMP-2 concentration was determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Tukey test showed that ASB groups presented higher BS in 24 h than CSE groups. ASB presented a reduction in BS values after 1-year. ASB and CSE presented no significant differences in BS after 1-year. CAPE had no effect on BS for both adhesive systems. The predominant failure mode for the ASB groups were adhesive; when 0.1% CAPE was applied there was a predominance of mixed fractures. Regarding the CSE group, 0.05% CAPE led to more adhesive failures, and the 0.1% concentration resulted in a higher number of cohesive failures in dentin. Higher MMP-2 concentrations were detected for the groups that did not undergo demineralization treatment, and the lowest values for the ASB groups treated with CAPE. SEM analysis showed no influence of pretreatment with CAPE. CONCLUSIONS: CAPE did not influence the BS of the adhesives tested, or the micromorphology of the hybrid layer, irrespective of concentration or storage time. CAPE affected the fracture pattern at 24 h, depending on the concentration and the adhesive system used. Immunoassay analysis showed that CAPE 0.1% reduced the MMP-2 concentration in the ASB adhesive without affecting bond strength to dentin.

Dentin permeability after pretreatment with titanium tetrafluoride and self-etching or universal adhesive systems

Aim: To evaluate dentin permeability after pretreatment with 2.5% aqueous solution of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4), followed by a self-etching universal adhesive system. Methods: Forty dentin discs (1.5 mm thick) were randomly divided into groups according to the application or non-application of a pretreatment, and the type of adhesive system to be tested (two-step self-etching/ Clearfil SE Bond/ Kuraray Medical, or universal adhesive system/ Single Bond Universal/ 3M ESPE). Both sides of the discs were conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid to remove the smear layer. The first hydraulic conductivity measurement (L1) was performed in a permeability machine, under 5 PSI pressure. The samples were sanded again to form a standardized smear layer. The teeth designated for pre-treatment with TiF4 received the TiF4 solutions applied actively for 60 seconds, and the adhesive systems were applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then, a new hydraulic conductivity measurement (L2) was performed for the purpose of calculating the hydraulic conductance at a later time, considering the water viscosity and the thickness of the specimen. The percentage (L) of dentin permeability after application of the adhesive system was obtained (L (%) = [(L1-L2) x100] / L1). The Mann-Whitney non-parametric test was applied. Results: There was no difference between the two adhesive systems, or between the groups with or without pretreatment, as regards dentin permeability (p>0.05). Conclusion: Pretreatment with 2.5% TiF4 did not influence dentin permeability, irrespective of the adhesive system used

Effect of thermocycling on internal microhardness of high and low viscosity bulk fill composite resins in class I cavities / Efeito da termociclagem na microdureza interna de resinas compostas bulk fill de alta e baixa viscosidade aplicadas em cavidades classe I

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of thermocycling on the Knoop internal microhardness of high- and low viscosity bulk fill resins applied in Class I cavities. Methods: Thirty third molars with Class I cavity preparations were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the restorative system: nanoparticulated composite resin (Filtek™ Z350 XT 3M ESPE) (oblique increments of 2mm); low viscosity bulk fill resin (Filtek™ Bulk fill Flow, 3M ESPE) (3mm increments covered with a 1-mm layer of nanoparticulated resin); high viscosity bulk fill resin (Filtek™ Bulk fill, 3M ESPE) (single 4-mm increment). After 24h, half of samples was submitted to thermocycling (1,000 cycles). All samples (n=5) were sectioned in half to measure the internal microhardness at bottom and top of restoration. Results: Analysis of variance indicated that, for nanoparticulated composite resin, without thermocycling, the microhardness at the top was statistically lower than at the bottom. After thermocycling, there was no difference in microhardness between the top and the bottom. For low viscosity bulk fill resin, without thermocycling, there was no significant difference in microhardness means between the top and the bottom. After thermocycling, significantly higher microhardness was found at the top than at the bottom (p <0.05). For high viscosity bulk fill resin there was no significant difference between the microhardness values at the top and bottom, regardless of thermocycling (p> 0.05). In all composite resins, an increase in microhardness was observed after thermocycling (p <0.05). Conclusion: Thermocycling increased the internal microhardness of resin restorations, and, for the low viscosity bulk fill resin, the microhardness at the top was higher than at the bottom after thermocycling.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da termociclagem na microdureza Knoop interna de resinas bulk fill de alta e baixa viscosidade aplicadas em cavidades classe I. Métodos: Trinta terceiros molares com cavidades Classe I foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos de acordo com o sistema restaurador: Resina composta nanoparticulada (Filtek™ Z350 XT 3M ESPE) (incrementos oblíquos de 2mm); resina bulk fill de baixa viscosidade (Filtek™ Bulk fill Flow, 3M ESPE) (incremento de 3mm mais 1mm de resina nanoparticulada); resina bulk fill de alta viscosidade (Filtek ™ Bulk fill, 3M ESPE) (único incremento de 4mm). Após 24h, metade das amostras foi submetida a termociclagem (1.000 ciclos). Todas as amostras (n=5) foram seccionadas ao meio para mensuração da microdureza interna na base e topo da restauração. Resultados: Análise de variância indicou que, para a resina composta nanoparticulada e antes da termociclagem, a microdureza no topo foi estatisticamente inferior do que na base (p<0,05). Após a termociclagem, não houve diferença entre topo e base. Já para a resina bulk fill de baixa viscosidade, antes da termociclagem, não se constatou diferença significativa nos valores de microdureza entre topo e base. Após termociclagem, valores significativamente mais elevados de microdureza foram encontrados no topo do que na base (p<0,05). Para resina bulk fill de alta viscosidade, não houve diferença significativa na microdureza entre topo e base, realizando-se ou não termociclagem (p>0,05). Em todas as resinas compostas foi verificado aumento de microdureza após termociclagem (p<0,05). Conclusão: A termociclagem aumentou a microdureza para todas as resinas compostas, sendo que para a resina bulk fill de baixa viscosidade a microdureza no topo foi maior do que na base após termociclagem.