The mineralizing effect of zinc oxide-modified hydroxyapatite-based sealer on radicular dentin.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the remineralization ability of three endodontic sealer materials at different root dentin regions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cervical, medial, and apical root dentin surfaces were treated with two experimental hydroxyapatite-based cements, containing sodium hydroxide (calcypatite) or zinc oxide (oxipatite); an epoxy resin-based canal sealer, AH Plus; and gutta-percha. Remineralization, at the inner and outer zones of dentin disk surfaces, was studied by nanohardness (Hi) and Raman analysis. Nanoroughness and collagen fibrils width measurements were performed. Numerical data, at 24 h or 12 m, were analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls (p < 0.05). RESULTS: At the outer and inner zones of the cervical dentin treated with oxipatite, the highest Hi after 12 m of immersion was achieved. The same group showed the highest intensity of phosphate peak, markers for calcification and crystallinity. Nanoroughness was lower and fibril diameter was higher at the inner zone of the dentin treated with oxipatite. Dentin mineralization occurred in every region of the root dentin treated with oxipatite and calcypatite, especially at the inner zone of the dentin after 12 m. CONCLUSIONS: Oxipatite reinforced the inner root zone at any third of the radicular dentin, by increasing both nanohardness and remineralization. When using calcypatite, the highest nanohardness was found at the apical third of the inner root dentin, but the lowest mechanical performance was obtained at the cervical and the medial thirds of the roots. Therefore, application of oxipatite as sealing cement of root canals is recommended. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oxipatite, when used as an endodontic sealing material, strengthens radicular dentin.

Zn-containing polymer nanogels promote cervical dentin remineralization.

OBJECTIVE: Nanogels designing for effective treatment of eroded cervical dentin lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polymethylmetacrylate-based nanoparticles (NPs) were doxycycline (D), calcium, or zinc loaded. They were applied on eroded cervical dentin. Treated surfaces were characterized morphologically by atomic force and scanning electron microscopy, mechanically probed by a nanoindenter to test nanohardness and Young's modulus, and chemically analyzed by Raman spectroscopy at 24 h and 7 days of storage. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons tests. RESULTS: Dentin treated with Zn-NPs attained the highest nanomechanical properties, mineralization, and crystallinity among groups. Nanoroughness was lower in Zn-treated surfaces in comparison to dentin treated with undoped gels. Dentin treated with Ca-NPs created the minimal calcification at the surface and showed the lowest Young's modulus at peritubular dentin. Intertubular dentin appeared remineralized. Dentinal tubules were empty in samples treated with D-NPs, partially occluded in cervical dentin treated with undoped NPs and Ca-NPs, and mineral covered when specimens were treated with Zn-NPs. CONCLUSIONS: Zn-loaded NPs permit functional remineralization of eroded cervical dentin. Based on the tested nanomechanical and chemical properties, Zn-based nanogels are suitable for dentin remineralization. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ability of zinc-loaded nanogels to promote dentin mineralization may offer new strategies for regeneration of eroded cervical dentin and effective treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

Zinc and silica are active components to efficiently treat in vitro simulated eroded dentin.

OBJECTIVES: Biomaterials for treating dentin hypersensitivity and dentin wear were evaluated to efficiently occlude the dentinal tubules and to increase dentin resistance to abrasion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four dentin surfaces were treated with EDTA to expose dentinal tubules and were (1) non-brushed, (2) brushed with distilled water, or with pastes containing (3) monetite, (4) brushite, (5) Zn-monetite, (6) Zn-brushite, (7) Silica-brushite, and (8) NovaMin®. Topographical, nanomechanical, and chemical analysis were assessed on dentin surfaces (n = 3) after artificial saliva immersion for 24 h, and after citric acid challenge. Twenty-one further dentin specimens were created to evaluate dentin permeability after brushing, saliva storage, and acid application (n = 3). ANOVA, Student-Newman-Keuls (p < 0.05), and Student t test (p < 0.001) were used. RESULTS: Particles containing major proportion of silica attained intratubular occlusion by carbonate crystals (Raman carbonate peak heights 15.17 and 19.24 au; complex modulus 110 and 140 GPa, at intratubular dentin). When brushing with pastes containing higher proportion of silica or zinc, phosphate calcium compounds were encountered into tubules and over dentin surfaces (Raman intratubular phosphate peak heights 49 to 70 au, and at the intertubular dentin 78 to 92). The formed carbonated apatite and calcium phosphate layer were resistant to citric acid application. Zinc compounds drastically increased tubule occlusion, decreased dentin permeability (up to 30%), and augmented mechanical properties at the intertubular dentin (90-130 GPa); it was maintained after acid challenging. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc-containing pastes occluded dentinal tubules and improved dentin mechanical properties. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Using zinc as an active component to treat eroded dentin is encouraged.

Mild acids facilitate functional dentin remineralization under thermo-mechanical stimuli.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if mechanical and thermal cycling promote remineralization at the resin-dentin interface after bonding with three different adhesive approaches. METHODS: Dentin surfaces were subjected to three different treatments: demineralization (1) by 37% phosphoric acid followed by application of an etch-and-rinse dentin adhesive Single Bond (Adper Single Bond) (SB); (2) by 0.5 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) followed by SB; (3) application of a self-etch dentin adhesive: Clearfil-SEB (Clearfil SE Bond). Bonded interfaces were stored during 24 hours and then submitted for 3 months to: (1) storage at 37ºC, (2) load cycling, (3) thermocycling, and (4) thermo+load cycling. One section was extracted from each tooth, monthly. Resin-dentin interfaces were analyzed by AFM nano-indentation, Raman spectroscopy/cluster analysis and Masson's trichrome staining at 24 hours, 1, 2 and 3 months, to determine remineralization at the interface. RESULTS: Thermo+load cycling promoted the highest biomimetic remineralization at the hybrid layer formed with EDTA+SB and Clearfil-SEB, at the 1 month time point. A narrow mineral-depleted zone was observed after thermo+load cycling with EDTA+ SB, and at those specimens bonded with Clearfil-SEB. Thermo+load cycling remineralized the dentin interface treated with EDTA+SB and Clearfil-SEB, after 1 month of study period, providing bioactivity and maturity of formed minerals. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In vitro challenging (thermo+load cycling) favors dentin remineralization at the resin-dentin bonded interfaces promoted with mild conditioning acids.

Oral Function Improves Interfacial Integrity and Sealing Ability Between Conventional Glass Ionomer Cements and Dentin.

The aim of this study was to investigate if load cycling affects interfacial integrity of glass ionomer cements bonded to sound- or caries-affected dentin. A conventional glass ionomer, Ketac Bond, and a resin-modified glass ionomer (Vitrebond Plus), were applied to dentin. Half of the specimens were load cycled. The interfaces were submitted to dye-assisted confocal microscopy evaluation. The unloaded specimens of sound and carious dentin were deficiently hybridized when Ketac Bond was used. Ketac Bond samples showed an absorption layer and an adhesive layer that were scarcely affected by fluorescein penetration (nanoleakage), in sound dentin. Nevertheless, a higher degree of micropermeability was found in carious dentin. In Ketac Bond specimens, load cycling improves the sealing capability and remineralization at the cement-dentin interface as porosity and nanoleakage was reduced. In contrast, samples treated with Vitrebond Plus exhibited a Rhodamine B-labeled absorption layer with scarce nanoleakage in both sound and carious unloaded dentin. The adhesive layer was affected by dye sorption throughout the porous cement-dentin interface. Samples treated with Vitrebond Plus had significant increases in nanoleakage and cement-dye sorption after load cycling. Within the limitations of an in vitro study, it is expected that conventional glass ionomers will provide major clinical efficacy when applied to carious-affected or sound dentin.

Zinc-Containing Restorations Create Amorphous Biogenic Apatite at the Carious Dentin Interface: A X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Crystal Lattice Analysis.

The aim of this research was to assess the ability of amalgam restorations to induce amorphous mineral precipitation at the caries-affected dentin substrate. Sound and caries-affected dentin surfaces were subjected to both Zn-free and Zn-containing dental amalgam restorations. Specimens were submitted to thermocycling (100,000 cycles/5°C-55°C, 3 months). Dentin surfaces were studied by atomic force microscopy (nanoroughness), X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive analysis, for physical and morphological surface characterization. Zn-containing amalgam placement reduced crystallinity, crystallite size, and grain size of calcium phosphate crystallites at the dentin surface. Both microstrain and nanoroughness were augmented in caries-affected dentin restored with Zn-containing amalgams. Caries-affected dentin showed the shortest mineral crystallites (11.04 nm), when Zn-containing amalgams were used for restorations, probably leading to a decrease of mechanical properties which might favor crack propagation and deformation. Sound dentin restored with Zn-free amalgams exhibited a substantial increase in length of grain particles (12.44 nm) embedded into dentin crystallites. Zn-containing amalgam placement creates dentin mineralization and the resultant mineral was amorphous in nature. Amorphous calcium phosphate provides a local ion-rich environment, which is considered favorable for in situ generation of prenucleation clusters, promotong further dentin remineralization.

Phenological models to predict the main flowering phases of olive (Olea europaea L.) along a latitudinal and longitudinal gradient across the Mediterranean region.

The aim of the present study was to develop pheno-meteorological models to explain and forecast the main olive flowering phenological phases within the Mediterranean basin, across a latitudinal and longitudinal gradient that includes Tunisia, Spain, and Italy. To analyze the aerobiological sampling points, study periods from 13 years (1999-2011) to 19 years (1993-2011) were used. The forecasting models were constructed using partial least-squares regression, considering both the flowering start and full-flowering dates as dependent variables. The percentages of variance explained by the full-flowering models (mean 84 %) were greater than those explained by the flowering start models (mean 77 %). Moreover, given the time lag from the North African areas to the central Mediterranean areas in the main olive flowering dates, the regional full-flowering predictive models are proposed as the most useful to improve the knowledge of the influence of climate on the olive tree floral phenology. The meteorological parameters related to the previous autumn and both the winter and the spring seasons, and above all the temperatures, regulate the reproductive phenology of olive trees in the Mediterranean area. The mean anticipation of flowering start and full flowering for the future period from 2081 to 2100 was estimated at 10 and 12 days, respectively. One question can be raised: Will the olive trees located in the warmest areas be northward displaced or will they be able to adapt their physiology in response to the higher temperatures? The present study can be considered as an approach to design more detailed future bioclimate research.

Improved Sealing and Remineralization at the Resin-Dentin Interface After Phosphoric Acid Etching and Load Cycling.

The purpose of this study was to investigate micro-morphology of the resin-dentin inter-diffusion zone using two different single-bottle self-etching dentin adhesives with and without previous acid-etching, after in vitro mechanical loading stimuli. Extracted human third molars were sectioned to obtain dentin surfaces. Two different single-bottle self-etching dentin adhesives, Futurabond U and Experimental both from VOCO, were applied following the manufacturer's instructions or after 37% phosphoric acid application. Resin-dentin interfaces were analyzed with dye assisted confocal microscopy evaluation (CLSM), including the calcium-chelation technique, xylenol orange (CLSM-XO). CLSM revealed that resin-dentin interfaces of unloaded specimens were deficiently resin-hybridized, in general. These samples showed a Rhodamine B-labeled hybrid complex and adhesive layer completely affected by fluorescein penetration (nanoleakage) through the porous resin-dentin interface, but thicker after PA-etching. Load cycling promoted an improved sealing of the resin-dentin interface at dentin, a decrease of the hybrid complex porosity, and an increment of dentin mineralization. Load cycled specimens treated with the XO technique produced a clearly outlined fluorescence due to consistent Ca-mineral deposits within the bonding interface and inside the dentinal tubules, especially when the experimental adhesive was applied.

Bond strength and bioactivity of Zn-doped dental adhesives promoted by load cycling.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if mechanical loading influences bioactivity and bond strength at the resin-dentin interface after bonding with Zn-doped etch-and-rinse adhesives. Dentin surfaces were subjected to demineralization by 37% phosphoric acid (PA) or 0.5 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Single bond (SB) adhesive­3M ESPE­SB+ZnO particles 20 wt% and SB+ZnCl2 2 wt% were applied on treated dentin to create the groups PA+SB, SB+ZnO, SB+ZnCl2, EDTA+SB, EDTA+ZnO, and EDTA+ZnCl2. Bonded interfaces were stored in simulated body fluid for 24 h and tested or submitted to mechanical loading. Microtensile bond strength (MTBS) was assessed. Debonded dentin surfaces were studied by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Remineralization of the bonded interfaces was assessed by atomic force microscope imaging/nanoindentation, Raman spectroscopy/cluster analysis, and Masson's trichrome staining. Load cycling (LC) produced reduction in MTBS in all PA+SB, and no change was encountered in EDTA+SB specimens, regardless of zinc doping. LC increased the mineralization and crystallographic maturity at the interface; a higher effect was noticed when using ZnO. Trichrome staining reflected a narrow demineralized dentin matrix after loading of dentin surfaces that were treated with SB-doped adhesives. This correlates with an increase in mineral platforms or plate-like multilayered crystals in PA or EDTA-treated dentin surfaces, respectively.

Effect of zinc-doping in physicochemical properties of dental adhesives.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in the physicochemical properties, water sorption (WS), solubility (SO), modulus of elasticity (E), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and microhardness (MH) tests were undertaken in zinc-doped dental adhesives. METHODS: Two bonding resins, Adper Single Bond Plus (SB) and Clearfil SE Bond (SEB), were zinc-doped by mixing them with 5, 10 or 20 wt% of ZnO powder, or with 1 or 2 wt% ZnCl2. Resin disks were made of each adhesive blend for the evaluation of WS, SO, and MH, and dumbbell-shaped specimens were prepared for E and UTS testing. RESULTS: An increase in WS and SO was observed for adhesives doped with ZnCl2. A reduction in WS was observed for the adhesive blends containing 10% or 20 wt% ZnO, while the SO was not altered in any of the ZnO-doped adhesives. An increase in E values was observed only for the SB adhesive doped with ZnCl2. For SEB-blends, the incorporation of zinc compounds did not alter the E values. UTS values decreased when SEB was doped with ZnO. SB-blends doped with 20 wt% ZnO significantly increased their MH, and the addition of zinc to the SEB-blends augmented the MH values in all cases.

Heat accumulation period in the Mediterranean region: phenological response of the olive in different climate areas (Spain, Italy and Tunisia).

The main characteristics of the heat accumulation period and the possible existence of different types of biological response to the environment in different populations of olive through the Mediterranean region have been evaluated. Chilling curves to determine the start date of the heat accumulation period were constructed and evaluated. The results allow us to conclude that the northern olive populations have the greatest heat requirements for the development of their floral buds, and they need a period of time longer than olives in others areas to completely satisfy their biothermic requirements. The olive trees located in the warmest winter areas have a faster transition from endogenous to exogenous inhibition once the peak of chilling is met, and they show more rapid floral development. The lower heat requirements are due to better adaptation to warmer regions. Both the threshold temperature and the peak of flowering date are closely related to latitude. Different types of biological responses of olives to the environment were found. The adaptive capacity shown by the olive tree should be considered as a useful tool with which to study the effects of global climatic change on agro-ecosystems.

Microanalysis of thermal-induced changes at the resin-dentin interface.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of two dentin adhesive systems to induce remineralization in the bonded dentin interface after in vitro thermo-cycling. Dentin surfaces were treated with two different adhesive approaches: (1) 37% phosphoric acid (PA) plus an "etch-and-rinse" dentin adhesive (single bond, SB) (PA+SB) or (2) application of a "self-etch" dentin adhesive (Clearfil SE bond, SEB). Three groups were established: (i) 24 h or (ii) 3 m storage, and (iii) specimens submitted to thermal cycling (100,000 cy/5 and 55ºC). Atomic force microscopy imaging/nanoindentation, Raman spectroscopy/cluster analysis with dye-assisted confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) evaluation and Masson's trichrome staining assessments were implemented for characterization. Thermo-cycling increased nanohardness in PA+SB at the hybrid layer (HL) and in SEB at the bottom of the HL (BHL). Young's modulus increased at both the HL and BHL in SEB and at the HL in PA+SB, after thermal stress. Cluster analysis demonstrated an augmentation of the mineral-matrix ratio in thermo-cycled specimens. CLSM showed a decrease of both micropermeability and nanoleakage after thermo-cycling in PA+SB, and were completely absent in SEB. Trichrome staining reflected a scarce demineralized front in PA+SB after thermo-cycling and total remineralization in SEB.

Tunable polymer-peptide hybrids for dentin tissue repair.

OBJECTIVES: This study targets to assess the remineralization capability of conditioned dentin infiltrated with polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) doped with tideglusib (TDg) (TDg-NPs). METHODS: Dentin conditioned surfaces were infiltrated with NPs and TDg-NPs. Bonded interfaces were created, stored for 24 h and submitted to mechanical and thermal challenging. Resin-dentin interfaces were evaluated through nanohardness, Masson's trichrome staining microscopy, and Raman analysis. RESULTS: Dentin surfaces treated with TDg-NPs and load cycled produced higher nanohardness than the rest of the groups at the hybrid layer. At the bottom of the hybrid layer, all samples treated with TDg-NPs showed higher nanohardness than the rest of the groups. Active remineralization underneath the hybrid layer was detected in all groups after TDg application and load cycling, inducting new dentinal tubuli formation. After thermocycling, remineralization at the hybrid layer was not evidenced in the absence of NPs. Raman analysis showed increase mineralization, enriched carbonate apatite formation, and improved crosslinking and scaffolding of the collagen. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical loading on the specimens obtained after TDg-NPs dentin infiltration inducts an increase of mineralization at the resin/dentin interface, indicating remineralization of peritubular and intertubular dentin with augmented crystallographic maturity in crystals. Enriched collagen quality was produced, generating an adequate matrix organization to promote apatite nucleation, after tideglusib infiltration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: At the present research, it has been proved the creation of reparative dentin, at the resin-dentin interface, after tideglusib dentin infiltration. Chemical stability, to favor integrity of the resin-dentin interface, is warranted in the presence of the TDg-NPs in the demineralized dentin collagen.

Dentin remineralization using a stimuli-responsive engineered small molecule GSK3 antagonists-functionalized adhesive.

OBJECTIVES: Tideglusib has shown great performance in terms of dentin regenerative properties. This study aims to evaluate bonding ability, of demineralized dentin infiltrated with polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) doped with tideglusib (TG) (TG-NPs). METHODS: Dentin conditioned surfaces were infiltrated with NPs and TG-NPs. Bonded interfaces were created and stored for 24 h and then submitted to mechanical, chemical and thermal challenging. The resin-dentin interface was evaluated through a doubled dye fluorescent technique and a calcium chelator fluorophore under a confocal laser scanning microscopy, and by field emission scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Dentin surfaces treated with TG-NPs and load cycled produced higher bond strength than the rest of the groups. Immersion of dentin specimens treated with undoped-NPs in collagenase solution attained the lowest microtensile bond strength (MTBS) values. Both porosity and nanoleakage decreased when dentin was infiltrated with TG-NPs, that revealed strong signals of xylenol orange stain at both hybrid layer and dentinal tubules. The presence of NPs, in general, inducted the presence of mineralized interfaces after mechanical loading and thermocycling. CONCLUSIONS: Nanoparticles doped with tideglusib promoted the highest dentin bonding efficacy among groups, as they facilitated the maximum bond strength values with creation of mineral deposits at the hybrid layer and dentinal walls. Tideglusib enabled scarce porosity, nanoleakage and advanced sealing among dentin groups. SIGNIFICANCE: Doping hydrophilic polymeric NPs with tideglusib, infiltrated in etched dentin represents a reproducible technique to create reparative dentin at the resin-dentin interface, by inducing therapeutic bioactivity.

Dexamethasone-doped nanoparticles improve mineralization, crystallinity and collagen structure of human dentin.

OBJECTIVES: Bioactive materials have been used for functionalization of adhesives to promote dentin remineralization. This study aims to evaluate bonding ability and both mechanical and chemical behavior of demineralized dentin infiltrated with polymeric nanoparticles doped with dexamethasone (Dex-NPs). METHODS: Dentin conditioned surfaces were infiltrated with NPs, Dex-NPs or Dex-Zn-NPs. Bonded interfaces were also created and stored for 24 h or 21d, and then submitted to microtensile bond strength testing. Dentin remineralization was analyzed by Nanohardness, Young's modulus and Raman analysis. RESULTS: At 21d of storage, dentin treated with undoped-NPs attained the lowest nanohardness and Young's modulus. Dex-NPs and Zn-Dex-NPs increased dentin nanohardness and Young's modulus after 21d Raman analysis showed high remineralization, crystallinity, crosslinking and better structure of collagen when functionalized Dex-NPs were present at the dentin interface. CONCLUSIONS: Infiltration of dentin with Dex-NPs promoted functional remineralization as proved by nanomechanical and morpho-chemical evaluation tests. Dexamethasone in dentin facilitated crystallographic maturity, crystallinity and improved maturity and secondary structure of dentin collagen. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Using dexamethasone-functionalized NPs before resin infiltration is a clear option to obtain dentin remineralization, as these NPs produce the reinforcement of the dentin structure, which will lead to the improvement of the longevity of resin restorations.

Dexamethasone and zinc loaded polymeric nanoparticles reinforce and remineralize coronal dentin. A morpho-histological and dynamic-biomechanical study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of novel polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) doped with dexamethasone (Dex) on viscoelasticity, crystallinity and ultra-nanostructure of the formed hydroxyapatite after NPs dentin infiltration. METHODS: Undoped-NPs, Dex-doped NPs (Dex-NPs) and zinc-doped-Dex-NPs (Zn-Dex-NPs) were tested at dentin, after 24 h and 21 d. A control group without NPs was included. Coronal dentin surfaces were studied by nano-dynamic mechanical analysis measurements, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Mean and standard deviation were analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). RESULTS: At 21 d of storage time, both groups doped with Dex exhibited the highest complex, storage and loss moduli among groups. Zn-Dex-NPs and Dex-NPs promoted the highest and lowest tan delta values, respectively. Dex-NPs contributed to increase the fibril diameters of dentin collagen over time. Dentin surfaces treated with Zn-Dex-NPs attained the lowest nano-roughness values, provoked the highest crystallinity, and produced the longest and shortest crystallite and grain size. These new crystals organized with randomly oriented lattices. Dex-NPs induced the highest microstrain. Crystalline and amorphous matter was present in the mineral precipitates of all groups, but Zn and Dex loaded NPs helped to increase crystallinity. SIGNIFICANCE: Dentin treated with Zn-Dex-NPs improved crystallographic and atomic order, providing structural stability, high mechanical performance and tissue maturation. Amorphous content was also present, so high hydroxyapatite solubility, bioactivity and remineralizing activity due to the high ion-rich environment took place in the infiltrated dentin.

Resistance to degradation of resin-dentin bonds produced by one-step self-etch adhesives.

The objective of this article is to evaluate the resistance to degradation of resin-dentin bonds formed with three one-step adhesives. Flat, mid-coronal dentin surfaces were bonded with the self-etching adhesives [Tokuyama Bond Force (TBF), One Up Bond F Plus (OUB), and G-Bond (GB)]. The bonded teeth were subjected to fatigue loading, chemical degradation, and stored in distilled water for four time periods (up to 12 months). Specimens were tested for microtensile bond strength and microleakage. Fractographic analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy. Bonded interfaces were examined by light microscopy using Masson's trichrome staining. An atomic force microscope was employed to analyze phase separation and surface nanoroughness (Ra) at the polymers. Vickers microhardness and the degree of the conversion (DC) were also determined. ANOVA and multiple comparisons tests were performed. Bond strength significantly decreased after the chemical challenge, but not after load cycling. Aging decreased bond strength after 6 months in TBF and GB, in OUB after 12 months. An increase of the nonresin protected collagen zone occurred in all groups, after storing. TBF showed the highest roughness, microhardness, and DC values, and GB showed the lowest. Mild self-etch one-step adhesives (TBF/OUB) showed a higher degree of cure, lower hydrophilicity, and major resistance to degradation of resin-dentin bonds when compared to highly acidic self-etching adhesive (GB).

Wetting ability of an acetone/based etch&rinse adhesive after NaOCl-treatment.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) treatment on surface dentin roughness (Ra) and contact angle (CA) when using Prime&Bond NT adhesive (PB NT). STUDY DESIGN: Extracted human third molars were sectioned to expose flat, superficial and deep dentin surfaces. CA and Ra were measured (1) before and (2) after 35% H3PO4 etching, and (3) H3PO4 etching + 5% NaOCl treated for 2 minutes before the application of PB NT. CA was measured by the Axisymetric Drop Shape Analysis Technique using distilled and deionized water and PB NT. Roughness was evaluated with a profilometer, twelve radial measurements were performed in each treatment surface. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test procedures. RESULTS: CA values decreased after acid etching and even more after NaOCl treatment on deep dentin when water was tested. With resin, there were not differences on CA results after H3PO4 neither after NaOCl treatment, in both dentin surfaces. Etching and NaOCl treatment resulted in surface roughness increase. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the higher roughness after NaOCl treatment on superficial and deep dentin, the use of 5% NaOCl for 2 min after dentin demineralization when PB NT was employed did not improved the wettability of dentin, probably due to nanofiller content and/or hydrogen-bonding interactions with residues of the organic matrix on collagen-depleted dentin.

Bonding efficacy of an acetone/based etch-and-rinse adhesive after dentin deproteinization.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) treatment on dentin bonding by means of shear bond strength (SBS) measurements when using Prime&Bond NT (PB NT) adhesive. Ultrastructure of the interfaces was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). STUDY DESIGN: Extracted human third molars were sectioned and ground to expose flat surfaces of superficial or deep dentin. Specimens were randomly assigned to two equal groups, and bonded as follows: (1) according to the manufacturers' directions, after 35% H3PO4 etching, (2) 5% NaOCl treated for 2 minutes, after 35% H3PO4 etching. Each sample was embedded in a Watanabe shear test assembly for a single plane lap shear. After PB NT bonding, specimens were stored in water for 24 h at 37ºC and thermocycled (500x). Samples were tested in shear to failure using a universal testing machine at 0.75 mm/min. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test procedures. Two samples of each group were randomly selected to investigate the morphologic aspect of the resin/dentin interface with SEM. RESULTS: After etching and after aqueous sodium hypochlorite (NaOClaq) application, SBS values were similar on superficial than deep dentin (p>0.05). SEM findings shows for H3PO4 etching conditioned samples a detectable hybrid layer and long resin tags; for NaOCl treated specimens, it may be observed a non apparent hybrid layer, and the adhesive contact directly with the neck of the cylindrical resin tags. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 5% NaOCl for 2 min after dentin demineralization when PB NT was employed did not improve the bond strength to dentin, probably due to nanofiller content and/or oxidative changes on collagen-depleted dentin.

Determining efficacy of monitoring devices on ceramic bond to resin composite.

OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of 3D nanoroughness and 2D microroughness evaluations, by their correlation with contact angle measurements and shear bond strength test, in order to evaluate the effect of two different acids conditioning on the bonding efficacy of a leucite-based glass-ceramic to a composite resin. STUDY DESIGN: Ceramic (IPS Empress) blocks were treated as follows: 1) no treatment, 2) 37% phosphoric acid (H3PO4), 15 s, 3) 9% hydrofluoric acid (HF), 5 min. Micro- and nano-roughness were assessed with a profilometer and by means of an atomic force microscopy (AFM). Water contact angle (CA) measurements were determined to assess wettability of the ceramic surfaces with the asixymetric drop shape analysis contact diameter technique. Shear bond strength (SBS) was tested to a resin composite (Z100) with three different adhesive systems (Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus, Clearfil New Bond, ProBOND). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were performed. RESULTS: nanoroughness values assesed in 50x50 µm areas showed differences between groups did not found by profilometer. HF treatment created the nano- roughest surfaces and the smallest CA (p<0.05), producing the highest SBS to the composite resin with all tested adhesive systems (p<0.05). No differences existed between the SBS produced by the adhesive systems evaluated with any of the surface treatments tested. CONCLUSIONS: Nano-roughness obtained in a 50x50 µm scan size areas was the most reliable data to evaluate the topographical changes produced by the different acid treatments on ceramic surfaces.