Evaluation of surface tensions and root-dentin surface contact angles of different endodontic irrigation solutions.

BACKGROUND: Surface tension and contact angle properties, which play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of irrigation solutions in penetrating dentin surfaces and dentin tubules, are highly important for the development of new irrigation solutions and their preferences. The aim of the current study was to compare the surface tension and contact angle properties of different irrigation solutions used in endodontics, both on the dentin surface and within dentin tubules. METHODS: In this study, the contact angles and surface tensions of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 5% boric acid (BA), 0.02% hypochlorous acid (HOCl), 0.2% chlorine dioxide (ClO2), Biopure MTAD, QMix solutions, and distilled water (control group) were measured. Measurements were conducted using a goniometer device (Attension Theta Lite Tensiometer, Biolin Scientific, USA), employing the sessile drop method for contact angle measurements on pre-prepared dentin surfaces, and the pendant drop method for surface tension. RESULTS: Contact angle measurements revealed no statistically significant differences between the contact angle values of MTAD, ClO2, and CHX or between NaOCl, QMix, BA, and HOCl (p > 0.05). However, EDTA exhibited a significantly greater contact angle than did MTAD, ClO2, CHX, NaOCl, QMix, BA, and HOCl (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the contact angle of dentin with distilled water was greater than that with all other solutions tested (p < 0.05). Surface tension measurements revealed that the surface tension values of QMix and MTAD were statistically similar (p > 0.05). CHX exhibited lower surface tension than distilled water and HOCl (p < 0.05), and it also had lower surface tension than ClO2, NaOCl, and BA (p < 0.05). Additionally, the surface tension of the samples treated with EDTA was greater than that of all other solutions tested (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The direct linear relationship between the surface tension of liquids and contact angles on different surfaces may not always hold true, and these values should be considered independently for each solution on various surfaces. Considering the contact angles and surface tension properties of irrigation solutions with root canal dentin, it can be suggested for clinical use that ClO2 could be recommended over NaOCl, and similarly, BA could be recommended over EDTA.

Comparison of Surface Roughness and Color Stability of Different Denture Characterizing Composite Resins: The Effect of Different Surface Treatments.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of surface treatment and type of composite resin material on the color stability and surface roughness of different denture characterizing composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two nanohybrids [Gradia Plus Gum, (GP) and SR Nexco Paste Gingiva, (SR)] and one microhybrid gingiva-colored composite resin [Amaris Gingiva, (AG)] were investigated. A total of 120 disk-shaped samples were prepared, 40 of each material. Samples were divided into two groups (n = 20) for each material according to the surface treatment applied: conventional polishing (control) and coated with a sealant in addition to the surface polishing. All groups were thermocycled. The surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer after thermal cycling. The samples were then divided into 2 subgroups (n = 10) and stored for 7 days in distilled water or coffee solution. Color differences (ΔE00 ) were calculated with a spectrophotometer. Results were evaluated with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U statistical analysis. RESULTS: The type of denture characterizing composite material and surface treatment method revealed statistically significant differences for the ΔE00 (after immersion both in coffee and distilled water) and the Ra values of denture characterizing composite (p < 0.001 for both). All sealed groups showed significantly higher Ra than the all polished groups. Both in the polished groups and the sealant applied groups, the GP had the highest mean Ra values (0.29 ±0.05 µm and 0.47 ±0.09 µm, respectively). It was followed by SR (0.23 ±0.06 µm and 0.41 ±0.10 µm, respectively), and AG groups (0.20 ±0.06 µm and 0.39 ±0.09 µm, respectively). According to the mean ΔE00 results, all composite groups showed significantly higher ΔE00 values immersed in coffee solutions compared to distilled water. In coffee solutions, the highest ΔE00 was observed in the polished GP (1.90 ±0.40), and the lowest ΔE00 was observed in the polished SR (0.97 ±0.36). The sealed groups showed higher ΔE00 than the polished groups, except for GP. CONCLUSIONS: The surface roughness value of sealant applied groups were significantly higher than those of the polished groups. The surface sealant application significantly increased the staining of all composite groups compared to conventional polishing, except for GP.

Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Analysis of Mixtures of Chlorhexidine with Different Oxidizing Agents Activated by Photon-Induced Photoacoustic Streaming for Root Canal Irrigation.

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the possible interactions between photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS™)-activated oxidizing agents and 2% chlorhexidine digluconate. Background data: There is no information about the safety of laser-activated oxidizing agents in combination usage with chlorhexidine gluconate. Materials and methods: Groups were designed as follows G1: 98% para-chloroaniline (PCA); G2: 2% chlorhexidine (CHX); G3: 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) +2% CHX; G4: 5.25% NaOCl (30 sec PIPS activated) +2% CHX; G5: 5.25% NaOCl (60 sec PIPS activated) +2% CHX; G6: 3.5% chlorine dioxide (ClO2) + 2% CHX; G7: 3.5% (ClO2) (30 sec PIPS activated) +2% CHX; G8: 3.5% (ClO2) (60 sec PIPS activated) +2% CHX. The laser-irrigation protocol was performed with an erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser with a wavelength of 2940 nm equipped with a 140 mm long endodontic fiber tip (PIPS) using 10 mJ at 15 Hz (0.15 W), per pulse operating outputs. Groups were analyzed with proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, using PCA as an internal standard. Results: No free PCA was formed in any groups of mixtures or after PIPS activation. Conclusions: Mixing of 3.5% ClO2 and 2% CHX does not form bulky precipitates, unlike the mixture NaOCl + CHX. PIPS activation does not cause changes in reactions of oxidizing agents.