Evaluation of flexural strength, degree of conversion, and demineralization-prevention properties in adjacent tooth structures of an experimental fissure sealant containing nano-calcium-phosphate compounds.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the flexural strength, degree of conversion, and demineralization-prevention ability of an experimental fissure sealant containing nano-calcium-phosphate compounds. METHODS: An experimental sealant was formulated using silica and nano hydroxyapatite filler particles. The control group consisted of the DENU Seal (n = 10, each group). The flexural bond strength was evaluated by UTM. DC was evaluated by FTIR. To evaluate the demineralization-prevention ability, Cl V cavities in 10 third molar teeth restored with two sealant products, followed by an acid challenge then the Vickers microhardness test was carried out. RESULTS: The mean flexural strength in the commercial group was higher than the experimental group. However, the mean flexural modulus was not significantly different between the two groups. In the experimental group, DC was significantly higher than the commercial group. Adjacent to the interface, the decrease in microhardness in the experimental group was significantly less than the commercial group. However, on the tooth surface, there were no significant differences between the two groups. In the experimental group, the decrease in microhardness at the interface was less than at the tooth surface, however the situation was opposite in the commercial group. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating hydroxyapatite into the sealant structure might prevent demineralization, without adverse effects on flexural modulus and degree of conversion.

Positive Predictive Value of Panoramic Radiography for Assessment of the Relationship of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars with the Mandibular Canal Based on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of the present study was to assess the positive predictive value (PPV) of panoramic radiographic signs in the assessment of the relationship between impacted mandibular third molars (IMTMs) and the mandibular canal (MC). This cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing 102 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiographs of patients with IMTMs and radiographic signs of the contact of the IMTMs with the MC on panoramic radiographs (i.e., root apex darkening and interference with the white line). A positive relationship of the IMTM roots with the MC based on CBCT findings was recorded as the gold standard. The PPV of panoramic radiographic signs was calculated for the detection of the relationship of the IMTM root with the MC. The IMTMs were in contact with the MC on CBCT scans in 90.1% of the cases. The PPV of root apex darkening and the interference with the white line was found to be 89.09% (95% CI: (77.75, 95.88)) and 91.48% (95% CI: (79.62, 97.63)), respectively. The MC had a buccal position in 63.7%, and a lingual position in 35.2%, of the cases. The contact of IMTMs with the MC was more commonly seen in patients with a lingual position (100% of the samples). The IMTM root apex darkening and interference with the white line of the MC on panoramic radiographs had a high PPV for determination of the contact of IMTMs with the MC. Thus, presence of the above-mentioned risk factors indicates the need for subsequent 3D radiographic assessments.