The effect of ionizing radiation on properties of fluoride-releasing restorative materials.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ionizing radiation from high energy X-ray on fluoride release, surface roughness, flexural strength, and surface chemical composition of the materials. The study groups comprised five different restorative materials: Beautifil II, GCP Glass Fill, Amalgomer CR, Zirconomer, and Fuji IX GP. Twenty disk-shaped specimens (8x2 mm) for fluoride release and 20 bar-shaped specimens (25 x 2x 2 mm) for flexural strength were prepared from each material. Each material group was divided into two subgroups: irradiated (IR) and non-irradiated (Non-IR). The specimens from IR groups were irradiated with 1.8 Gy/day for 39 days (total IR = 70.2 Gy). The amount of fluoride released into deionized water was measured using a fluoride ion-selective electrode and ion analyzer after 24 hours and on days 2, 3, 7, 15, 21, 28, 35, and 39 (n = 10). The flexural strength was evaluated using the three-point bending test (n = 10). After the period of measurement of fluoride release, seven specimens (n = 7) from each group were randomly selected to evaluate surface roughness using AFM and one specimen was randomly selected for the SEM and EDS analyses. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p = 0.05). The irradiation significantly increased fluoride release and surface roughness for Amalgomer CR and Zirconomer groups (p < 0.05). No significant change in flexural strength of the materials was observed after irradiation (p > 0.05). The ionizing radiation altered the amount of fluoride release and surface roughness of only Amalgomer CR and Zirconomer. The effect could be related to the chemical compositions of materials.

The effect of ionizing radiation on properties of fluoride-releasing restorative materials

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ionizing radiation from high energy X-ray on fluoride release, surface roughness, flexural strength, and surface chemical composition of the materials. The study groups comprised five different restorative materials: Beautifil II, GCP Glass Fill, Amalgomer CR, Zirconomer, and Fuji IX GP. Twenty disk-shaped specimens (8x2 mm) for fluoride release and 20 bar-shaped specimens (25 x 2x 2 mm) for flexural strength were prepared from each material. Each material group was divided into two subgroups: irradiated (IR) and non-irradiated (Non-IR). The specimens from IR groups were irradiated with 1.8 Gy/day for 39 days (total IR = 70.2 Gy). The amount of fluoride released into deionized water was measured using a fluoride ion-selective electrode and ion analyzer after 24 hours and on days 2, 3, 7, 15, 21, 28, 35, and 39 (n = 10). The flexural strength was evaluated using the three-point bending test (n = 10). After the period of measurement of fluoride release, seven specimens (n = 7) from each group were randomly selected to evaluate surface roughness using AFM and one specimen was randomly selected for the SEM and EDS analyses. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p = 0.05). The irradiation significantly increased fluoride release and surface roughness for Amalgomer CR and Zirconomer groups (p < 0.05). No significant change in flexural strength of the materials was observed after irradiation (p > 0.05). The ionizing radiation altered the amount of fluoride release and surface roughness of only Amalgomer CR and Zirconomer. The effect could be related to the chemical compositions of materials.

Evaluation of Temperature and Roughness Alteration of Diode Laser Irradiation of Zirconia and Titanium for Peri-Implantitis Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of diode laser (gallium, aluminium, arsenide [GaAlAs]) irradiation with decontamination parameters on the temperature and roughness of yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP), titanium (TI), and sandblasted large grit acid-etched titanium (SLA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups (n = 10) of standardized disks with 5 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness were produced with Y-TZP obtained from computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM), machined TI and SLA. The diode laser single application (808 nm, 20 sec, 1 W, 50 Hz, t on = 100 ms, t off = 100 ms, energy density = 28.29 J/cm(2)) was performed in contact mode, on each disk. The temperature was measured by a thermosensor attached to a digital thermometer fixed to the opposite irradiated surface. The temperature gradient (ΔT) was calculated (ΔT = final temperature - initial temperature) for each group. The parameters Ra (in µm) and Sa (in µm(2)) were measured by white light confocal laser microscopy to express the surface roughness. Data of ΔT was statistically analyzed by one way ANOVA at the 95% confidence level and compared by Tukey post-hoc test (α = 0.05). Roughness data was analyzed by t test. RESULTS: The diode laser irradiation presented the following results (ΔT value): Y-TZP = 10.3°C(B); TI = 38.6°C(A), and SLA = 26.7°C(A). The ΔT values ((°)C) of the titanium groups were higher than for the Y-TZP group. For both roughness parameters (Ra and Sa), data did not show statistical significant differences to "irradiation" factor (p > 0.05) to Y-TZP and SLA. The Ra results (in µm) were: Y-TZP (control) = 0.73 (0.55); Y-TZP (irradiated) = 0.45 (0.27); SLA (control) = 0.74 (0.23); and SLA (irradiated) = 0.99 (0.33). The Sa results (in µm(2)) were: Y-TZP (control) = 1.39 (1.05); Y-TZP (irradiated) = 0.73 (0.41); SLA (control) = 0.85 (0.08); and SLA (irradiated) = 1.27 (0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser irradiation for peri-implantitis treatment increased both zirconia and TI temperature without surface roughness alterations.

Surface alterations of zirconia and titanium substrates after Er,Cr:YSGG irradiation.

This study investigated changes in the roughness parameters (Sa in µm(2) and Ra in µm) of yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) and large-grit sandblasted acid-etched (SLA) titanium (TI) materials after decontamination by erbium chromium-doped:yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation. Twenty disks were analyzed in this study: 10 disks of Y-TZP (5 mm in diameter and 3 mm in height), standardized with CAD-CAM procedures, and 10 disks of SLA TI (5 mm in diameter and 4 mm in thickness). Disks were randomized into four groups (n = 5), according to whether laser irradiation was performed: Y-TZP_G1 and TI_G1 were not treated by laser (control groups), whereas Y-TZP_G2 and TI_G2 were irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1.5 W/20 Hz, air-water cooling proportion of 80%/25%). The surface topography of the disks was analyzed by confocal light microscopy. The mean Sa and Ra values were calculated from five profiles from each group. The results were statistically analyzed by t-test at the 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). For Y-TZP, the Sa results (in mean ± SD) for Y-TZP_G1 and Y-TZP_G2 were 2.60 ± 1.1 and 0.80 ± 0.17 µm(2), respectively, and the Ra results were 2.01 ± 0.71 and 0.18 ± 0.15 µm, respectively (both p < .05). For SLA TI, the Sa results for TI_G1 and TI_G2 were 1.99 ± 0.5 and 3.37 ± 0.75 µm(2), respectively, and the Ra results were 1.78 ± 0.53 and 3.84 ± 0.63 µm, respectively (both p < .05). Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation alters the surface roughness of zirconia and SLA TI.

Analysis of the microstructure and mechanical performance of composite resins after accelerated artificial aging.

AIM: Researches that assess the behavior of dental materials are important for scientific and industrial development especially when they are tested under conditions that simulate the oral environment, so this work analyzed the compressive strength and microstructure of three composite resins subjected to accelerated artificial aging (AAA). METHODS: Three composites resins of 3M (P90, P60 and Z100) were analyzed and were obtained 16 specimens for each type (N.=48). Half of each type were subjected to UV-C system AAA and then were analyzed the surfaces of three aged specimens and three not aged of each type through the scanning electron microscope (SEM). After, eight specimens of each resin, aged and not aged, were subjected to compression test. RESULTS: After statistical analysis of compressive strength values, it was found that there was difference between groups (α <0.05). The resin specimens aged P60 presented lower values of compressive strength statistically significant when compared to the not subject to the AAA. For the other composite resins, there was no difference, regardless of aging, a fact confirmed by SEM. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the AAA influenced the compressive strength of the resin aged P60; confirmed by surface analysis by SEM, which showed greater structural disarrangement on surface material.

Production optimization of 99Mo/99mTc zirconium molybate gel generators at semi-automatic device: DISIGEG.

DISIGEG is a synthesis installation of zirconium (99)Mo-molybdate gels for (99)Mo/(99m)Tc generator production, which has been designed, built and installed at the ININ. The device consists of a synthesis reactor and five systems controlled via keyboard: (1) raw material access, (2) chemical air stirring, (3) gel dried by air and infrared heating, (4) moisture removal and (5) gel extraction. DISIGEG operation is described and dried condition effects of zirconium (99)Mo- molybdate gels on (99)Mo/(99m)Tc generator performance were evaluated as well as some physical-chemical properties of these gels. The results reveal that temperature, time and air flow applied during the drying process directly affects zirconium (99)Mo-molybdate gel generator performance. All gels prepared have a similar chemical structure probably constituted by three-dimensional network, based on zirconium pentagonal bipyramids and molybdenum octahedral. Basic structural variations cause a change in gel porosity and permeability, favouring or inhibiting (99m)TcO(4)(-) diffusion into the matrix. The (99m)TcO(4)(-) eluates produced by (99)Mo/(99m)Tc zirconium (99)Mo-molybdate gel generators prepared in DISIGEG, air dried at 80°C for 5h and using an air flow of 90mm, satisfied all the Pharmacopoeias regulations: (99m)Tc yield between 70-75%, (99)Mo breakthrough less than 3×10(-3)%, radiochemical purities about 97% sterile and pyrogen-free eluates with a pH of 6.

Assessment of the polymerization contraction stress of composites photoactivated by halogen light and light-emitting diode.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the polymerization contraction stress of composites photoactivated by two light sources: quartz tungsten halogen light (QTH) and light emitting diode (LED). METHODS: Glass rods were fabricated (5.0 mm X 5.0 cm) and one of the surfaces was air abraded with aluminum oxide. An adhesive was applied to this surface and photoactivated by LED. The glass rods were assembled to a Universal Testing machine (Instron - 5565) and the composite were applied to the lower rod using a manual instrument. The upper rod was placed closer, at 2 mm, and an extensometer was attached to the rods. The twenty composites were polymerized by either by QTH (N.=10) or LED (N.=10). Polymerization was carried out using two apparatuses positioned in opposite sides, which were simultaneously activated for 30 seconds. Contraction stress was analyzed twice: shortly after polymerization (t30s) and 30 minutes later (t30min). RESULTS: The contraction stress for all composites was higher at t30min than at t30s, regardless of the activation source. Z100 showed lower contraction stress values (P<0.05) compared to the other composites. Regarding to Charisma and TPH, the photoactivation source had no influence on contraction stress, except for Z100 at t30min. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that composite composition is the factor that most influence the polymerization contraction stress.

Effect of light-curing units and activation mode on polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress of composite resins.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress of composites polymerized with a LED and a quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light sources. The LED was used in a conventional mode (CM) and the QTH was used in both conventional and pulse-delay modes (PD). The composite resins used were Z100, A110, SureFil and Bisfil 2B (chemical-cured). Composite deformation upon polymerization was measured by the strain gauge method. The shrinkage stress was measured by photoelastic analysis. The polymerization shrinkage data were analyzed statistically using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p < or = 0.05), and the stress data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < or = 0.05). Shrinkage and stress means of Bisfil 2B were statistically significant lower than those of Z100, A110 and SureFil. In general, the PD mode reduced the contraction and the stress values when compared to CM. LED generated the same stress as QTH in conventional mode. Regardless of the activation mode, SureFil produced lower contraction and stress values than the other light-cured resins. Conversely, Z100 and A110 produced the greatest contraction and stress values. As expected, the chemically cured resin generated lower shrinkage and stress than the light-cured resins. In conclusion, The PD mode effectively decreased contraction stress for Z100 and A110. Development of stress in light-cured resins depended on the shrinkage value.

Composite resin microhardness: the influence of light curing method, composite shade, and depth of cure.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of light curing method, composite shade, and depth of cure on composite microhardness. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-eight specimens with 4 mm of depth were prepared with a hybrid composite (Filtek Z-100, 3M ESPE); 24 with shade A1 and the remaining with shade C2. For each shade, two light curing units (LCUs) were used: a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) LCU (Optilight Plus - Gnatus) and a light emitting diode (LED) LCU (LEC 470 II - MM Optics). The LED LCU was tested using two exposure times (LED 40 seconds and LED 60 seconds). After 24-hour storage, three indentations were made at mm depth intervals using a Knoop indenter. Data were submitted to three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The three factors tested (light curing method, shade, and depth) had a significant influence on the composite microhardness (p<0.05). All groups presented similar hardness values in the first mm, except for composite shade C2 cured with LED for 40 seconds. The hardness decreased with depth, especially for shade C2 for 40 seconds. Increasing light-curing time with LED produced hardness values similar to the QTH. CONCLUSIONS: The light curing method including variations of time, the depth of cure, and the composite shade influence the composite microhardness. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians should avoid thicker increments when working with composite restorations. Extended light-curing time might be indicated depending on the composite shade and on the light-curing device.

Effect of light-curing units and activation mode on polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress of composite resins

The aim of this study was to evaluate the polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress of composites polymerized with a LED and a quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light sources. The LED was used in a conventional mode (CM) and the QTH was used in both conventional and pulse-delay modes (PD). The composite resins used were Z100, A110, SureFil and Bisfil 2B (chemical-cured). Composite deformation upon polymerization was measured by the strain gauge method. The shrinkage stress was measured by photoelastic analysis. The polymerization shrinkage data were analyzed statistically using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05), and the stress data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Shrinkage and stress means of Bisfil 2B were statistically significant lower than those of Z100, A110 and SureFil. In general, the PD mode reduced the contraction and the stress values when compared to CM. LED generated the same stress as QTH in conventional mode. Regardless of the activation mode, SureFil produced lower contraction and stress values than the other light-cured resins. Conversely, Z100 and A110 produced the greatest contraction and stress values. As expected, the chemically cured resin generated lower shrinkage and stress than the light-cured resins. In conclusion, The PD mode effectively decreased contraction stress for Z100 and A110. Development of stress in light-cured resins depended on the shrinkage value.

Cross-link density evaluation through softening tests: effect of ethanol concentration.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the ethanol concentration used would influence the outcomes obtained through softening tests when comparing light-activation modes. METHODS: Disc specimens (n=20) of Filtek Z250 and Filtek Z100 (3M ESPE) were light activated by standard (S) and pulse-delay (PD) modes. Initial Knoop hardness (KHN) measurements were performed 24h after dry storage at 37 degrees C. Half of the specimens (n=10) of each resin-composite were stored in absolute ethanol (100%) and the other half in 75% ethanol solution, for 24h at room temperature, and KHN was determined anew. Initial hardness data were submitted to Student's t-test (p=0.05). Percentages of hardness decrease were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by pairwise Tukey's test (p=0.05). The statistical analyses were performed separately for each resin-composite. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between standard and pulse-delay modes for initial Knoop hardness values. After storage in 75% ethanol solution, KHN was decreased in all cases but no significant differences were detected between light-activation modes (Filtek Z250: PD=12.6%, S=13.5%; Filtek Z100: PD=13.5%, S=11.8%) regardless of the resin-composite tested. After absolute ethanol storage, higher decrease in KHN were observed. Samples light-activated by the PD mode (Filtek Z250=20.4% and Filtek Z100=16.9%) exhibited significantly higher percentage decrease of KHN than specimens light-activated by the standard mode (Filtek Z250=14.1% and Filtek Z100=8.8%), regardless of the resin-composite tested. CONCLUSION: The ethanol concentration affected the outcomes of the softening test.

Light transmission on dental resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study was: (1) to examine the light transmittance characteristics of two light-cured resin composites, for different thickness, (2) to correlate the light transmittance through the resin composites and the filler contents, and (3) to determine the penetration depth of the light as a function of the wavelength. METHODS: Two resin composites (Filtek Z250, shade A2 and Filtek Supreme XT, shade A2E) were used. Specimens of six different thicknesses (0.15, 0.25, 0.30, 0.36, 0.47 and 0.75 mm) were prepared (n=3). The transmittance at wavelengths from 400 to 800 nm was measured using a UV-visible spectrophotometer, before and after light polymerization. RESULTS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Significant differences were found in the wavelength dependence of transmittance between the two materials, and between the unpolymerized and polymerized stages of each resin composite. At lower wavelengths, the light transmittance of the Filtek Supreme XT resin composite was lower than the Filtek Z250. At the higher wavelengths, however, Filtek Supreme XT presented higher light transmittance. For both resin composites, the penetration depth was higher after polymerization. However, Filtek Supreme XT showed a higher gain in transmittance at the 0.15 mm thickness. The difference in light transmittance characteristics of the resin composites may affect their depth of polymerization.

Increases in intrapulpal temperature during polymerization of composite resin.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The polymerization of dental composite resins can generate increases in intrapulpal temperature that may damage the pulp. The development of new polymerization devices such as the argon laser makes the assessment of these temperatures important. PURPOSE: This study compared increases in temperature generated by argon laser and halogen light when polymerizing a bonding system and a composite resin, and also sought to determine whether both types of polymerization lights generate temperature increases below the safe limit of 5.5 degrees C. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thermocouples linked to a temperature reading system were positioned in the pulp chamber of 10 extracted bovine incisors. Class V cavities were prepared, etched, and filled with a 1-bottle bonding system (Single Bond) and composite resin (Z-100). The test groups were as follows (n = 5 for all groups): halogen light for bonding system (HB); halogen light for composite resin (HC); argon laser for bonding system (LB), and argon laser for composite resin (LC). The polymerization parameters were halogen light operated at 600 mW/cm2 for 40 seconds, which served as control, and argon laser operated at 200 mW for 10 seconds. Data were analyzed by a 2-way (light versus material) analysis of variance (ANOVA) (alpha = .05). RESULTS: The average temperature increases were 2.35 degrees C (HB), 2.69 degrees C (HC), 1.25 degrees C (LB), and 1.5 degrees C (LC). Significant differences between halogen light and argon laser (P = .002), but not between composite and bonding system, were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The argon laser produced significantly lower increases in pulpal temperature than the halogen light, independent of the thickness of the polymerized material.

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

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

Effect of light curing method on volumetric polymerization shrinkage of resin composites.

Volumetric polymerization shrinkage of three resin composites (Suprafil, Z100 and Filtek P60) was determined using four light curing methods: method 1: continuous output with conventional intensity light; method 2: continuous output with higher intensity light; method 3: ramp output and method 4: pulse-delay output. Five disc-shaped specimens were prepared from each material for each curing method. Specimen weight was determined with an analytical electronic hydrostatic balance in air and in water before and after curing. Specific gravity values were then determined. Volumetric polymerization shrinkage was calculated using mathematical formulas. Mean volumetric polymerization shrinkage ranged from 1.882 (.015)% to 2.169 (.028)%. ANOVA indicated significant differences among the materials (p<.05). Light curing methods had no effect on volumetric polymerization shrinkage except for Z-100, where method 2 resulted in significantly higher shrinkage than methods 1 and 4. Suprafil shrunk significantly less than the other two materials in all curing methods.

Effects of light-curing time on the cytotoxicity of a restorative resin composite applied to an immortalized odontoblast-cell line.

This in vitro study evaluated the cytotoxic effects of a restorative resin composite applied to an immortalized odontoblast-cell line (MDPC-23). Seventy-two round resin discs (2-mm thick and 4 mm in diameter) were light-cured for 20 or 40 seconds and rinsed, or not, with PBS and culture medium. The resin discs were divided into four experimental groups: Group 1: Z-100/20 seconds; Group 2: Z-100/20 seconds/rinsed; Group 3: Z-100/40 seconds; Group 4: Z-100/40 seconds/rinsed. Circular filter paper was used as a control material (Group 5). The round resin discs and filter papers were placed in the bottom of wells of four 24-well dishes (18 wells for each experimental and control group). MDPC-23 cells (30,000 cells/cm2) were plated in the wells and allowed to incubate for 72 hours. The zone of inhibition around the resin discs was measured under inverted light microscopy; the MTT assay was carried out for mitochondrial respiration and cell morphology was measured under SEM. The scores obtained from inhibition zone and MTT assay were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunnett tests. In Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, the thickness of the inhibition zone was 1,593 +/- 12.82 microm, 403 +/- 15.49 microm, 1,516 +/- 9.81 microm and 313 +/- 13.56 microm, respectively. There was statistically significant difference among the experimental and control groups at the 0.05 level of significance. The MTT assay demonstrated that the resin discs of the experimental groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 reduced the cell metabolism by 83%, 40.1%, 75.5% and 24.5%. Only between the Groups 2 and 4 was there no statistically significant difference for mitochondrial respiration. Close to the resin discs, the MDPC-23 cells exhibited rounded shapes, with only a few cellular processes keeping the cells attached to the substrate or, even disruption of plasma membrane. Adjacent to the inhibition zone, the cultured cells exhibited multiple fine cellular processes on the cytoplasmic membrane organized in epithelioid nodules, similar to the morphology observed to the control group. Based on the results, the authors may conclude that the Z-100 resin composite light cured for 20 seconds was more cytopathic to MDPC-23 cells than Z-100 light cured for 40 seconds. The cytotoxic effects of the resin discs decreased after rinsing them with PBS and culture medium. This was confirmed by MTT assay and upon evaluation of the inhibition zone, which was narrower following rinsing of the resin discs.

Thermoluminescent response of ZrO2 + PTFE prepared in Mexico to 90Sr/90Y beta particles.

Results of studying the thermoluminescent response of undoped ZrO2 + PTFE pellets irradiated with 90Sr/90Y beta particles are presented. Previously, TL characteristics of ZrO2 films doped with rare earths were studied. Phosphor powder was obtained by evaporating a solution of zirconium nitrate in ethanol. In order to stabilise the traps in ZrO2 this phosphor was submitted to different thermal treatments. Optimal thermal treatment consisted in heating at 1100 degrees C for 24 h. With this powder. pressing at room temperature a mixture (2:1) of ZrO2 and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), pellets of 5 mm diameter and 0.8 mm thickness were made. The glow curve of ZrO2 + PTFE pellets exhibited two peaks at 200 and 250 degrees C: its TL response as a function of beta particles dose was linear in the range from 2 to 60 Gy. Repeatability over 10 cycles was 1.8%. Fading at room temperature was 3.8% per month.

Influence of resin composite polymerization techniques on microleakage and microhardness.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal microleakage and the extent of polymerization in Class II resin composite restorations prepared with two restorative techniques and two polymerization systems. METHOD AND MATERIALS One hundred twenty Class II cavities were prepared in bovine teeth and randomly divided into four groups: Bulk placement and conventional polymerization (Conv 1); buccolingual increments and conventional polymerization (Conv 3); bulk placement and soft-start polymerization (Soft 1); buccolingual increments and soft-start polymerization (Soft 3). All cavities were restored with the Z100/Single Bond system. After thermocycling, the specimens were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution and then evaluated for microleakage. Half of the samples were embedded in polyester resin and polished. The Knoop microhardness of the restorations was measured. RESULTS: There was no dye penetration in 54.44% of Conv 1, 70.11% of Conv 3, 42.53% of Soft 1, and 63.22% of Soft 3 specimens. There were statistically significant differences in microleakage among groups. There were no statistically significant differences in microhardness among any groups at any depth. CONCLUSION: The incremental placement technique resulted in less microleakage. The soft-start system provided adequate polymerization but could not improve marginal sealing.

Effect of photopolymerization variables on composite hardness.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Variations in light-polymerizing parameters, such as light intensity and light-to-material distance, may affect the physical characteristics of polymerized resin. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the relation between total light energy and the final hardness of 4 composites polymerized under varying conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four commercial composite restorative resins (Z100, Filtek A110, Tetric Ceram, and Tetric Flow) were used to prepare 4 disk-shaped specimens (6 x 2 mm) for each experimental condition. Photoactivation was carried out with a light device and energy of 22.6, 15.7, 9.0, or 6.7 J/cm(2). Either the light-to-material distance (0, 5, 10, 15 mm) or activation time (40, 28, 16, 12 seconds) was varied. Immediately after polymerization, Barcol hardness was determined on the specimen surface that had been exposed to the light. Analysis of variance (P<.05) and regression analysis were used to examine the data. RESULTS: No significance (P>.05) was found for the overall effect of the experimental variables (polymerization time and distance), but significant differences (P<.01) were found among materials and energy levels. Regression equations for each product and polymerization condition were calculated for hardness as a function of energy. No significant differences were found for slopes within each material. Hardness values were 3.0 to 3.5 for Tetric Ceram, Tetric Flow, and Filtek A110 and approximately 4.9 for Z100. CONCLUSION: The hardness of the products analyzed was related to the total energy used for activation. The effect was independent of the manner in which the amount of energy was modified (light-to-material distance or activation time).