Nanotopography and oral bacterial adhesion on titanium surfaces: in vitro and in vivo studies.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of titanium surface nanotopography on the initial bacterial adhesion process by in vivo and in vitro study models. Titanium disks were produced and characterized according to their surface topography: machined (Ti-M), microtopography (Ti-Micro), and nanotopography (Ti-Nano). For the in vivo study, 18 subjects wore oral acrylic splints containing 2 disks from each group for 24 h (n = 36). After this period, the disks were removed from the splints and evaluated by microbial culture method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and qPCR for quantification of Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Fusobacterium nucleatum, as well as total bacteria. For the in vitro study, adhesion tests were performed with the species S. oralis and A. naeslundii for 24 h. Data were compared by ANOVA, with Tukey's post-test. Regarding the in vivo study, both the total aerobic and total anaerobic bacteria counts were similar among groups (p > 0.05). In qPCR, there was no difference among groups of bacteria adhered to the disks (p > 0.05), except for A. naeslundii, which was found in lower proportions in the Ti-Nano group (p < 0.05). In the SEM analysis, the groups had a similar bacterial distribution, with a predominance of cocci and few bacilli. In the in vitro study, there was no difference in the adhesion profile for S. oralis and A. naeslundii after 24 h of biofilm formation (p > 0.05). Thus, we conclude that micro- and nanotopography do not affect bacterial adhesion, considering an initial period of biofilm formation.

Nanotopography and oral bacterial adhesion on titanium surfaces: in vitro and in vivo studies

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of titanium surface nanotopography on the initial bacterial adhesion process by in vivo and in vitro study models. Titanium disks were produced and characterized according to their surface topography: machined (Ti-M), microtopography (Ti-Micro), and nanotopography (Ti-Nano). For the in vivo study, 18 subjects wore oral acrylic splints containing 2 disks from each group for 24 h (n = 36). After this period, the disks were removed from the splints and evaluated by microbial culture method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and qPCR for quantification of Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Fusobacterium nucleatum, as well as total bacteria. For the in vitro study, adhesion tests were performed with the species S. oralis and A. naeslundii for 24 h. Data were compared by ANOVA, with Tukey's post-test. Regarding the in vivo study, both the total aerobic and total anaerobic bacteria counts were similar among groups (p > 0.05). In qPCR, there was no difference among groups of bacteria adhered to the disks (p > 0.05), except for A. naeslundii, which was found in lower proportions in the Ti-Nano group (p < 0.05). In the SEM analysis, the groups had a similar bacterial distribution, with a predominance of cocci and few bacilli. In the in vitro study, there was no difference in the adhesion profile for S. oralis and A. naeslundii after 24 h of biofilm formation (p > 0.05). Thus, we conclude that micro- and nanotopography do not affect bacterial adhesion, considering an initial period of biofilm formation.

Statins and oral biofilm: Simvastatin as a promising drug to control periodontal dysbiosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated antimicrobial activity of atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin against oral bacteria, and the interaction of simvastatin with standard antimicrobials (amoxicillin and metronidazole). METHODS: Minimal inhibitory concentration assays were performed with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus gordonii; checkerboard microdilution assays between simvastatin and standard antimicrobials; monospecies and multispecies biofilms. RESULTS: Simvastatin showed the best antimicrobial activity against most species (MIC range from 3.12 to 25 µg/ml), highlighting the sensitivity of P. gingivalis. In the checkerboard assay, synergistic interaction was found between simvastatin and amoxicillin against S. oralis and S. sanguinis. P. gingivalis biofilm was inhibited by simvastatin at 10 and 50× Minimal inhibitory concentration, with similar effects to metronidazole. For multispecies biofilm, SMV reduced the biofilm metabolic activity (79%) and total counts (87%), comparable to amoxicillin. Simvastatin also reduced bacterial counts of Veilonnella parvula, P. gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, P. intermedia, and Capnocytophaga ochracea in the multispecies biofilm. CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against oral bacteria and may contribute to the control of dysbiosis, and may be considered in clinical studies as an adjuvant in the treatment of periodontitis.

Electrografting of Carbon Surfaces with Aliphatic Chains and its Effect on the Rectification of Ferrocene as Redox Probe in Solution.

The mediated oxidation of acetate and octanoate ions in acetonitrile was used to covalently modify carbon surfaces with films bearing saturated aliphatic chains of different length. Film thickness increases proportionally with the length of the aliphatic chain within the carboxylate precursor. The thickest film was obtained from octanoate oxidation and rectification occurs when ferrocene is used as redox probe in acetonitrile solution. This effect increases with the bulky and hydrophobic nature of the supporting electrolyte cations; n-Hx4 N+ >n-Bu4 N+ >Me4 N+ . The combination of the bulky and hydrophobic properties of the supporting electrolyte ions as well as the hydrophobic properties of the electrografted films is the basis of rectification of ferrocene in cyclic voltammetry experiments. This phenomenon was simulated through a CEC mechanism in solution, where the mass transport inside the film channels was emulated through single chemical equilibria.

Antibacterial-containing dental adhesives' effects on oral pathogens and on Streptococcus mutans biofilm: Current perspectives.

PURPOSE: To describe the literature findings regarding commercially available antibacterial-containing dental adhesives and the futures perspectives of this field. RESULTS: High-risk caries patients could yield benefits from restorative materials containing antibacterial properties in order to reduce the recurrent caries formation. Dental adhesives with antibacterial agents may reduce restoration replacement, as recurrent caries is still one of the major reasons for replacing a resin restoration. Literature results of three commercially available adhesives: Gluma 2Bond, Clearfil SE Protect and Peak Universal Bond, containing glutaraldehyde, MDPB and chlorhexidine, respectively indicates that Clearfil SE Protect seems to have better results against oral pathogens and on Streptococcus mutans biofilm. Besides the promising findings, clinical studies are still necessary in order to validate the clinical efficacy when exposed to a more complex environment and the long-term effect of either commercially available materials, experimental antibacterial monomers or antibacterial incorporations. As a suggestion of this article and according to the current scientific trends in this specific field, future directions should focus on restorative materials with therapeutic components targeting the virulence factors of cariogenic biofilm with minimal toxicity and side effects, and long-term action. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Antibacterial-containing dental adhesives may have therapeutic effects, working as an additional source to reduce recurrent caries development in patients with high-risk of caries, and consequently the reduction in restoration replacements.

Do Growing Rods for Idiopathic Early Onset Scoliosis Improve Activity and Participation for Children?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether growing rod surgery for children with progressive idiopathic early onset scoliosis (EOS) effects activity and participation, and investigate factors that may affect this. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data on 60 children with idiopathic EOS and significant scoliosis (defined as a Cobb angle >40°). Thirty underwent brace treatment, and 30, growth rod surgery. Questionnaire and radiographic data were recorded at 1 year. The validated Activities Scale for Kids performance version (ASKp) questionnaire was used to measure activity and participation. RESULTS: In the brace group, Cobb angle increased from 60° to 68°. There was no change in ASKp score. In the operative group, Cobb angle decreased from 67° to 45°. ASKp decreased from 91 to 88 (P < .01). Presence of spinal pain correlated with greater reduction in activity and participation scores in both groups, as did occurrence of complications in the operative group (P < .05). Both treatments permitted growth of the immature spine. CONCLUSIONS: In children with significant idiopathic EOS (Cobb angle>40°), growth rod surgery was associated with a reduction in activity and participation and Cobb angle, whereas brace treatment was associated with an increase in Cobb angle and no change in activity and participation. Pain was the most important factor affecting activity and participation in both groups.

Dentine bond strength and antimicrobial activity evaluation of adhesive systems.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the dentine bond strength (BS) and the antibacterial activity (AA) of six adhesives against strict anaerobic and facultative bacteria. METHODS: Three adhesives containing antibacterial components (Gluma 2Bond (glutaraldehyde)/G2B, Clearfil SE Protect (MDPB)/CSP and Peak Universal Bond (PUB)/chlorhexidine) and the same adhesive versions without antibacterial agents (Gluma Comfort Bond/GCB, Clearfil SE Bond/CSB and Peak LC Bond/PLB) were tested. The AA of adhesives and control groups was evaluated by direct contact method against four strict anaerobic and four facultative bacteria. After incubation, according to the appropriate periods of time for each microorganism, the time to kill microorganisms was measured. For BS, the adhesives were applied according to manufacturers' recommendations and teeth restored with composite. Teeth (n=10) were sectioned to obtain bonded beams specimens, which were tested after artificial saliva storage for one week and one year. BS data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test. RESULTS: Saliva storage for one year reduces the BS only for GCB. In general G2B and GCB required at least 24h for killing microorganisms. PUB and PLB killed only strict anaerobic microorganisms after 24h. For CSP the average time to eliminate the Streptococcus mutans and strict anaerobic oral pathogens was 30 min. CSB showed no AA against facultative bacteria, but had AA against some strict anaerobic microorganisms. CONCLUSIONS: Storage time had no effect on the BS for most of the adhesives. The time required to kill bacteria depended on the type of adhesive and never was less than 10 min. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Most of the adhesives showed stable bond strength after one year and the Clearfil SE Protect may be a good alternative in restorative procedures performed on dentine, considering its adequate bond strength and better antibacterial activity.

1-Year clinical study of indirect resin composite restorations luted with a self-adhesive resin cement: effect of enamel etching.

In vitro studies have recommended enamel-etching before luting indirect restorations with self-adhesive resin cement. However, there is no scientific proof that this procedure has any clinical relevance. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of enamel-etching on the marginal quality of indirect composite resin restorations (inlay/onlay) using the self-adhesive cement RelyX Unicem clicker. Forty-two posterior teeth were selected from 25 patients that presented one or two teeth with large restorations in need of replacement. All teeth were prepared by the same operator and impressed with polyvinylsiloxane material. The composite resin restorations were built over plaster casts using the incremental technique with a LED device for light-curing the increments. The inlays/onlays were cemented according to one of the following protocols: 1. Etched group (ETR) - selective enamel phosphoric-acid etching + RelyX Unicem clicker; 2. Non-etched group (NER) - RelyX Unicem clicker alone. Each surface was light-cured for 60 s. Recalls occurred after 1 week (baseline), 6 and 12 months when the teeth were evaluated according to previously established scores (modified USPHS criteria). The clinical analysis showed little or no visible changes in the marginal quality after 1 year, even though a probe could detect all the restorations margins. Statistical analysis (Fisher's exact test, p<0.05) detected no differences between the groups after 12 months. No restorations failed and no secondary caries were found. Enamel acid etching had no clinical relevance on the marginal quality of indirect composite resin restorations luted with RelyX Unicem clicker after 1 year of follow up.

1-Year clinical study of indirect resin composite restorations luted with a self-adhesive resin cement: effect of enamel etching

In vitro studies have recommended enamel-etching before luting indirect restorations with self-adhesive resin cement. However, there is no scientific proof that this procedure has any clinical relevance. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of enamel-etching on the marginal quality of indirect composite resin restorations (inlay/onlay) using the self-adhesive cement RelyX Unicem clicker. Forty-two posterior teeth were selected from 25 patients that presented one or two teeth with large restorations in need of replacement. All teeth were prepared by the same operator and impressed with polyvinylsiloxane material. The composite resin restorations were built over plaster casts using the incremental technique with a LED device for light-curing the increments. The inlays/onlays were cemented according to one of the following protocols: 1. Etched group (ETR) - selective enamel phosphoric-acid etching + RelyX Unicem clicker; 2. Non-etched group (NER) - RelyX Unicem clicker alone. Each surface was light-cured for 60 s. Recalls occurred after 1 week (baseline), 6 and 12 months when the teeth were evaluated according to previously established scores (modified USPHS criteria). The clinical analysis showed little or no visible changes in the marginal quality after 1 year, even though a probe could detect all the restorations margins. Statistical analysis (Fisher’s exact test, p<0.05) detected no differences between the groups after 12 months. No restorations failed and no secondary caries were found. Enamel acid etching had no clinical relevance on the marginal quality of indirect composite resin restorations luted with RelyX Unicem clicker after 1 year of follow up.

Estudos in vitro têm recomendado condicionamento ácido do esmalte antes da cimentação de restaurações indiretas com cimento resinoso autoadesivo. Entretanto, não há nenhuma prova científica de que este procedimento tenha relevância clínica. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do condicionamento ácido do esmalte na qualidade marginal de restaurações indiretas de resina composta (inlay/onlay) usando o cimento autoadesivo RelyX Unicem clicker. Quarenta e dois dentes posteriores foram selecionados de 25 pacientes com 1 ou 2 restaurações amplas com necessidade de substituição. Todos os dentes foram preparados pelo mesmo operador e impressos com material à base de polivilsiloxano. As restaurações de resina composta foram construídas sobre troquel de gesso usando a técnica de colocação em camadas e polimerizadas usando aparelho de luz emitida por diodo (LED). Osinlays/onlays foram cimentados de acordo com um dos protocolos: 1. Grupo condicionado (ETR)- condicionamento seletivo do esmalte com ácido fosfórico + cimentação com RelyX Unicem clicker; 2. Grupo não condicionado (NER)- cimentação com RelyX Unicem clicker somente. Cada superfície foi fotoativada por 60 s. Os retornos para acompanhamento foram feitos após 1 semana (baseline), 6 e 12 meses onde os dentes foram avaliados de acordo com critérios previamente estabelecidos (USPHS Modificado). A análise clínica mostrou pouca ou nenhuma alteração visível na qualidade marginal após 1 ano, porém uma sonda clínica pode detectar todas as margens restauradoras. A análise estatística (Teste exato de Fisher, p<0,05) não detectou diferença entre os grupos após 12 meses. Nenhuma restauração falhou e nenhuma cárie secundária foi encontrada. O condicionamento ácido do esmalte não teve relevância clínica na qualidade marginal de restaurações indiretas de resina composta cimentadas com RelyX Unicem clicker após 1 ano de acompanhamento.

Restaurações estéticas de resina composta com intervenção cirurgica periodontal / Esthetic composite resin restorations with periodontal surgery intervention

Várias são as queixas estéticas relatadas pelos pacientes e as mais comuns são a presença de diastemas, do sorriso gengival, da ausência de papilas, do formato dental inadequado (como dentes conóides e caninos movimentados ortodonticamente na posição de incisivos laterais) e do escurecimento dental. Promover uma aparência gengival estética envolve o restabelecimento da saúde gengival e periodontal. Transformar caninos em incisivos laterais é um desafio, pois, na maioria dos casos, é necessária uma intervenção cirúrgica periodontal para alinhamento do contorno gengival e diminuição do volume cervical para produzir um melhor perfil de emergência. O objetivo deste artigo foi descrever um caso clínico, que envolveu as disciplinas da periodontia e da dentística restauradora no planejamento do caso. O sucesso do tratamento depende da perfeita integração entre tecidos moles e duros, que é derivada da abordagem multidisciplinar, fundamental para a obtenção dos resultados estéticos esperados.

Diastema between anterior teeth, "gummy smile", the loss of interdental papilla, inadequate dental proportions ("peg-shaped teeth" and maxillary canine transposed into the space left by the missing lateral incisor) and discoloration of anterior tooth cause great discomfort for the patient. The key to achieving pleasing gingival and oral health involve a careful examination of the smile line and in many cases, the treatment of periodontal disease. Composite resin material can be added to change the canine into the missing lateral incisor, however, this procedure is a hard task because in most of cases is necessary periodontal surgery intervention to improve the gingival contours, to reduce the cervical volume at buccal surface of canines, which result in better emergence profile. The present article describes a clinical case where there is an interdisciplinary correlation between Periodontal Surgery and the Restorative Dentistry. Adequate treatment planning, involving multidisciplinary approach applied to the smile reconstruction is required to ensure the development of appropriate esthetics.

Tensile bond strength of dual curing resin-based cements to commercially pure titanium.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the tensile bond strength of dual curing luting resin cements to commercially pure titanium at 10 min and 24h after removal of the oxide layer. METHODS: One hundred and twenty titanium discs were obtained by casting and polishing with silicon carbide papers. The titanium discs were sandblasted with 50 microm aluminum oxide, ultrasonic cleaned and bonded in pairs with the resin-based cements Panavia F and Rely X ARC at 10 min and 24h after the sandblasting. The tensile test was performed with a crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min in an Instron Universal testing machine. RESULTS: The Rely X ARC reached the highest tensile strength value at 24h after sandblasting (18.27 MPa), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two dual curing resin cements for both times tested. All specimens showed a mixture of cohesive fracture in the resin cement and adhesive failure. However, the predominant failure mode for Panavia F was cohesive in resin cement, and the Rely X ARC exhibited a greater proportion of specimens with adhesive failure between the alloy and resin luting cement at 10 min and 24h. SIGNIFICANCE: Both cements had, statistically, the same tensile bond strength. But in the fracture mode analysis, the adhesive predominant fracture mode of Rely X ARC cement indicates a premature clinical adhesive failure. On the other hand, the cohesive predominant fracture mode of Panavia F indicates a longer clinical adhesive bond with titanium.

SEM evaluation of contemporary self-etching primers applied to ground and unground enamel.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the etching effect of self-etching priming agents applied to intact and ground enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two human molars were used. Each tooth was divided into two halves. The buccal or lingual mid-coronal surface of 32 half-teeth was ground with 600-grit silicon carbide paper. The other half-teeth were left intact (control). Teeth were treated with Clearfil SE Bond (SE), Prompt L-Pop (PLP) or Adper (AD). Those in the control group were etched with 35% phosphoric acid. The etching effect of such systems on enamel surfaces was assessed by three different approaches using scanning electron microscopy: 1) in situ or direct morphological examination of the etched enamel; 2) indirect morphological examination, that is, evaluation of the etching pattern left on resin reproductions; 3) adhesive interface examination. RESULTS: SE exhibited the least aggressive dissolution of the intact and ground enamel, with many sites of the intact enamel remaining completely unetched. SE monomer infiltration into etched enamel was restricted to the superficial layer. PLP and AD produced equivalent etching patterns on intact and ground enamel, which resemble that produced by the phosphoric acid control group. PLP and AD monomer penetration extended along the porous subsurface enamel layer. CONCLUSION: SE produced mild morphological changes on intact and ground enamel surface, resulting in a very superficial resin infiltration particularly into intact enamel. No differences were evident among the etching and resin infiltration pattern produced by both all-in-one self-etching adhesives, PLP and AD, and the phosphoric acid system.

Effects of desensitizing agents on dentinal tubule occlusion

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características de obliteração dos túbulos dentinários de três agentes dessensibilizantes: produto a base de oxalato de potássio / Oxa-Gel (OX), produto a base de HEMA e glutaraldeído / Gluma Desensitizer (GD) e produto a base de flúor-fosfato acidulado / Nupro Gel (AF). A região vestibular e cervical de vinte e quatro terceiros molares humanos extraídos foi planificada e polida com lixas de SiC e pastas de diamante para simular superfícies vestibulares dentinárias cervicais com hipersensibilidade. Os dentes foram aleatoriamente divididos em quatro grupos (n=6), de acordo com os seguintes tratamentos superficiais da dentina: G1: sem tratamento; G2: OX; G3: GD; G4: AF. Os espécimes foram fraturados no sentido línguo-vestibular e preparados para microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). OX promoveu oclusão pela deposição de cristais no interior dos túbulos. Enquanto, GL criou uma camada delgada sobre a superfície da dentina, a aplicação do AF produziu a formação de precipitados que ocluíram os túbulos. De acordo com a análise em MEV, todos agentes dessensibilizantes testados foram capazes de obliterar túbulos dentinários.

Effects of desensitizing agents on dentinal tubule occlusion.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the features of dentinal tubules occlusion following application of three commercially available desensitizing agents: potassium oxalate-based / Oxa-Gel (OX), HEMA and glutaraldehyde-based / Gluma Desensitizer (GD) and acidulated phosphate fluoride-based / Nupro Gel (AF). Buccal cervical areas of twenty-four extracted human third molars were smoothed and wet-polished with SiC papers and diamond pastes, in order to simulate the clinical aspect of hypersensitive dentin cervical surfaces. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n=6), according to the dentin surface treatments: G1: untreated; G2: OX; G3: GD; G4: AF. Specimens were fractured in the lingual-buccal direction and prepared for SEM analysis. OX promoted tubule occlusion by crystal-like deposits in the lumen of the tubules. While GL created a thin layer over the dentin surface, AF application produced precipitates that occluded the tubules. According to the SEM analysis, all desensitizing agents were able to occlude the dentinal tubules.

Occluding effect of dentifrices on dentinal tubules.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the tubule occluding ability of three commercial available dentifrices (Sensodyne, Emoform and Sorriso) by Scanning Electron Microscopy. METHODS: Fifty cervical areas from buccal and lingual surfaces of sound third human molars were used. Cervical enamel was wet abraded to expose flat dentin surfaces and further polished with diamond pastes. Specimens were randomly divided into five groups (n=10): G1-no brushing; G2-brushing without dentifrice; G3-brushing with Sensodyne; G4-brushing with Emoform; G5-brushing with Sorriso. Brushed specimens were treated for 4 min per day, for 7 days in a toothbrushing machine. Specimens were prepared and observed under SEM for calculation of the percentage of occluded tubules. In addition, slurries of toothpastes were analyzed by X-ray microanalysis. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Means of occluded tubules in descending order were: G5-98.83+/-3.31% (a), G4-96.02+/-5.24% (a), G3-80.12+/-24.65% (a), G1-37.31+/-24.22% (b); G2-22.92+/-15.19% (b). The three tested dentifrices produced increased dentinal occlusion as compared to controls (p<0.05) but equivalent occlusion among each other. Calcium from calcium-carbonate abrasive was identified in all dentifrices. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that the use of all dentifrices occluded tubules more than no brushing and brushing without dentifrices groups. Thus, the tested dentifrices seem effective for desensitization by tubule occlusion.

Effect of etching and airborne particle abrasion on the microstructure of different dental ceramics.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The ceramic composition and microstructure surface of all-ceramic restorations are important components of an effective bonding substrate. Both hydrofluoric acid etching and airborne aluminum oxide particle abrasion produce irregular surfaces necessary for micromechanical bonding. Although surface treatments of feldspathic and leucite porcelains have been studied previously, the high alumina-containing and lithium disilicate ceramics have not been fully investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the surface topography of 6 different ceramics after treatment with either hydrofluoric acid etching or airborne aluminum oxide particle abrasion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five copings each of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2 (0.8 mm thick), Cergogold (0.7 mm thick), In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera (0.8 mm thick) were fabricated following the manufacturer's instructions. Each coping was longitudinally sectioned into 4 equal parts by a diamond disk. The resulting sections were then randomly divided into 3 groups depending on subsequent surface treatments: Group 1, specimens without additional surface treatments, as received from the laboratory (control); Group 2, specimens treated by use of airborne particle abrasion with 50-microm aluminum oxide; and Group 3, specimens treated with 10% hydrofluoric acid etching (20 seconds for IPS Empress 2; 60 seconds for IPS Empress and Cergogold; and 2 minutes for In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera). RESULTS: Airborne particle abrasion changed the morphologic surface of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2, and Cergogold ceramics. The surface topography of these ceramics exhibited shallow irregularities not evident in the control group. For Procera, the 50-microm aluminum oxide airborne particle abrasion produced a flattened surface. Airborne particle abrasion of In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia did not change the morphologic characteristics and the same shallows pits found in the control group remained. For IPS Empress 2, 10% hydrofluoric acid etching produced elongated crystals scattered with shallow irregularities. For IPS Empress and Cergogold, the morphologic characteristic was honeycomb-like on the ceramic surface. The surface treatment of In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera did not change their superficial structure. CONCLUSION: Hydrofluoric acid etching and airborne particle abrasion with 50-microm aluminum oxide increased the irregularities on the surface of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2, and Cergogold ceramics. Similar treatment of In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera did not change their morphologic microstructure.

Antibacterial and conventional self-etching primer system: morphological evaluation of intact primary enamel.

The aim of this study was to analyze the etching effect of a new dental adhesive system that uses an antibacterial and self-etching primer agent. Non-carious primary human molars were divided into three groups: 35% phosphoric acid etching (3M-ESPE), self-etching primer (Clearfil SE Bond--Kuraray) and antibacterial self-etching primer (ABF experimental system--Kuraray) for SEM evaluation of surface, resin replicas and interface. Both self-etching primers produced shallow grooves and no defined etching morphologies. Phosphoric acid produced definite etching patterns at the enamel surface.

The effects of filling techniques and a low-viscosity composite liner on bond strength to class II cavities.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the effects of filling technique, cavity configuration and use of a low-viscosity composite liner influence resin bond strength to the dentin of class II cavities gingival floor; and analyze the failure modes of fractured specimens. METHODS: Standardized class II cavities were prepared in the proximal surfaces of freshly extracted third molars, which were randomly assigned to 10 experimental groups. All prepared surfaces were acid-etched, bonded with Single Bond adhesive system and restored with TPH composite, according to each technique: G1 and G2-horizontal layering, G3 and G4-faciolingual layering, G5 and G6-oblique layering, G7 and G8-bulk filling, G9 and G10-control (flat dentin surfaces). Groups were tested, with or without a low-viscosity composite liner (Tetric Flow Chroma). After storage in water for 24h, teeth were vertically serially sectioned to yield a series of 0.8mm thick slabs. Each slab was trimmed into an hourglass shape of approximately 0.8mm(2) area at the gingival resin-dentin interface. Specimens were tested in tension at 0.5mm/min until failure. Fractured specimens were analyzed in an SEM to determine the failure modes. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between groups restored with and without a low-viscosity composite liner (p>0.05). Among filling techniques, the bulk filling groups presented the lowest bond strength values (p<0.05), while incremental filling groups did not differ from control (flat dentin surfaces). Failure modes varied significantly among groups restored with and without the low-viscosity composite liner. SIGNIFICANCE: Bond strengths were not improved when a low-viscosity composite liner was applied, but it remarkably influenced the failure modes. Incremental techniques improved bond strength.