Does ultrasonic activation improve the bond strength and root canal filling quality of endodontic sealers?

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasonic activation (UA) of three endodontic sealers on the bond strength to root dentin and root canal filling quality. Ninety six bovine incisors were instrumented and root canal filling was carried out using AH Plus (AP), Sealer Plus (SP), or Sealer Plus BC (BC), with or without UA (n=16/group). Two 1.5-mm slices were obtained from each root third. The first slice was subjected to push-out testing and failure mode analysis, while the second was observed under a stereomicroscope for filling quality assessment. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Friedman tests (α=0.05). SP showed higher bond strength and fewer voids than BC in the apical third and when root thirds data were pooled. SP also had higher bond strength compared with AH Plus in the apical third. UA improved the bond strength when BC was used but did not affect the filling quality of any sealer. There were no significant differences between the ultrasonically activated sealers regarding bond strength and filling quality. When root thirds were compared, the bond strength was similar along the root, but there was a tendency to worsen filling quality, with more voids, in the apical segment. In conclusion, UA was effective in increasing the bond strength of the calcium silicate-based sealer but did not improve its filling quality. For the epoxy resin-based sealers, these properties were not affected by UA.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o efeito da ativação ultrassônica de três cimentos endodônticos na resistência de união à dentina radicular e na qualidade da obturação do canal radicular. Noventa e seis incisivos bovinos foram instrumentados e a obturação dos canais radiculares foi realizada com AH Plus (AP), Sealer Plus (SP) ou Sealer Plus BC (BC), com ou sem AU (n=16/grupo). Duas fatias de 1,5 mm foram obtidas de cada terço radicular. A primeira fatia foi submetida ao teste push-out e análise de modo de falha, enquanto a segunda foi observada em um estereomicroscópio para avaliação da qualidade da obturação. Os dados foram analisados ​​por testes de Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney e Friedman (α=0,05). SP mostrou maior resistência de união e menos espaços vazios na massa obturadora do que BC no terço apical e quando os dados dos terços radiculares foram agrupados. SP também apresentou maior resistência de união em comparação ao AH Plus no terço apical. A AU melhorou a resistência de união quando BC foi usado, mas não afetou a qualidade da obturação de nenhum dos cimentos. Não houve diferença significante entre os cimentos ativados por ultrassom em relação à resistência de união e qualidade da obturação. Quando comparados os terços radiculares, a resistência de união foi semelhante ao longo da raiz, mas houve uma tendência de pior qualidade no preenchimento, com mais vazios, no terço apical. Concluindo, a AU foi eficaz em aumentar a resistência de união do cimento à base de silicato de cálcio, mas não melhorou a qualidade da obturação. Para os cimentos à base de resina epóxi, essas propriedades não foram afetadas pela AU.

Does ultrasonic activation improve the bond strength and root canal filling quality of endodontic sealers?

This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasonic activation (UA) of three endodontic sealers on the bond strength to root dentin and root canal filling quality. Ninety six bovine incisors were instrumented and root canal filling was carried out using AH Plus (AP), Sealer Plus (SP), or Sealer Plus BC (BC), with or without UA (n=16/group). Two 1.5-mm slices were obtained from each root third. The first slice was subjected to push-out testing and failure mode analysis, while the second was observed under a stereomicroscope for filling quality assessment. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Friedman tests (α=0.05). SP showed higher bond strength and fewer voids than BC in the apical third and when root thirds data were pooled. SP also had higher bond strength compared with AH Plus in the apical third. UA improved the bond strength when BC was used but did not affect the filling quality of any sealer. There were no significant differences between the ultrasonically activated sealers regarding bond strength and filling quality. When root thirds were compared, the bond strength was similar along the root, but there was a tendency to worsen filling quality, with more voids, in the apical segment. In conclusion, UA was effective in increasing the bond strength of the calcium silicate-based sealer but did not improve its filling quality. For the epoxy resin-based sealers, these properties were not affected by UA.

Step-stress vs. staircase fatigue tests to evaluate the effect of intaglio adjustment on the fatigue behavior of simplified lithium disilicate glass-ceramic restorations.

The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes for the fatigue mechanical behavior of bonded simplified lithium disilicate restorations, with and without an internal adjustment by grinding with diamond bur in running two fatigue tests: Staircase and Step-stress testing approaches. Ceramic discs (IPS e.max CAD) were prepared (Ø = 10 mm; thickness = 1.0 mm), submitted to an in-lab simulation of CAD/CAM milling (#60 SiC paper) and allocated into 2 groups according to the internal adjustment by grinding of the cementation surface: no adjustment (CTRL); or grinding with a coarse diamond bur (GR). Adhesive cementation (Multilink N) was performed onto epoxy resin discs (Ø = 10 mm; thickness = 2 mm) after ceramic/epoxy surface treatments. The cemented assemblies of each group were randomly assigned into 2 subgroups considering two fatigue tests (n = 15): Staircase - SC (250,000 cycles; 20 Hz), or Step-stress - SS (10,000 cycles per step; 20 Hz). Roughness, topographic and fractographic analyses were additionally performed. Statistical analyses were carried out using the Dixon and Mood method for Staircase data, and Kaplan-Meier and Mantel-Cox (log-rank) tests for Step-stress data. Ceramic restorations having its intaglio surface ground (GR group: SC test = 306.67 N; SS test = 646.67 N) presented lower fatigue failure load (FFL) values than the CTRL group (SC test = 879.28 N; SS test = 1090.00 N), regardless of the fatigue testing approach. The percentage of mean FFL decrease comparing the CTRL to GR group was higher for SC (65.1%) than the SS (40.7%) approach. However, a different total number of cycles was applied for each method. Both fatigue tests were able to detect the negative effect of internal adjustments of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic simplified restorations on their mechanical behavior. Therefore, both methods can be applied for similar evaluations (fatigue testing for ceramic restorations).

Endodontic sealers and post-endodontic waiting time affect the bond strength of the fiber posts / Cimentos endodônticos e tempo de espera após endodontia afeta a resistência de união de pinos de fibra

Introduction: The resistance adhesive of a fiber post can be affected by several factors, such as the endodontic sealer and post-endodontic waiting time. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different endodontic sealers and two different post-endodontic waiting times on the bond strength of fiber posts. Material and method: Seventy-two bovine teeth were endodontically treated and filled using three endodontic sealers: eugenol-based, epoxy resin-based, or mineral trioxide aggregate-based. The specimens were stored at 37°C for 24 hours or for 30 months. After the respective storage times, the root canals were prepared for luting fiber posts using RelyX U200. Push-out tests and analysis of failures were performed. The push-out data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance to compare the effects of the endodontic sealer and with the t-test to compare the effects of post-endodontic waiting time. Result: The AH Plus sealer yielded the highest bond strength values at 30 months post-endodontics (11.26 Mpa) (p < 0.05), however no had difference with Endofill sealer at the same time. Endofill and MTA Fillapex sealers did not differ significantly in their effects, irrespective of the post-endodontic waiting time. Conclusion: In conclusion, the endodontic sealer used and post-endodontic waiting time affect the adhesive resistance of fiber posts. The adhesion increases significantly when the fiber post is cemented 30 months after the root canal filling, while the adhesion is reduced when cementing immediately after root canal treatment, in particular for eugenol-based endodontic sealers.

Introdução: A resistência de união de um pino de fibra pode ser afetada por vários fatores, como o cimento endodôntico e o tempo de espera pós-endodontia. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de diferentes cimentos endodônticos e dois tempos de espera pós-endodontia na resistência de união de pinos de fibra. Material e método: Setenta e dois dentes bovinos foram tratados endodonticamente e obturados usando três cimentos endodônticos: à base de eugenol, à base de resina epóxia ou à base de mineral trióxido agregado. Os espécimes foram armazenados a 37 ° C por 24 horas ou por 30 meses. Após, os canais radiculares foram preparados para cimentação dos pinos de fibra usando o RelyX U200. Foram realizados testes de push-out e análise de falhas. Os dados foram analisados por análise de variância bidirecional e com o teste t. Resultado: O cimento AH Plus obteve os maiores valores de resistência de união aos 30 meses pós-endodontia (11,26 Mpa) (p <0,05), no entanto, não houve diferença com o cimento Endofill no mesmo tempo. Os cimentos Endofill e MTA Fillapex não diferiram significativamente em seus efeitos, independentemente do tempo de espera pós-endodontia. Conclusão: O cimento endodôntico utilizado e o tempo de espera pós-endodontia afetam a resistência adesiva dos pinos de fibra. A adesão aumenta significativamente quando o pino de fibra é cimentado 30 meses após a obturação do canal radicular, enquanto a adesão é reduzida ao cimentar imediatamente após o tratamento do canal radicular, principalmente para cimentos endodônticos à base de eugenol.

Influência do polimento e tipo de solução extrínseca na pigmentação de restaurações de resina composta / Influence of the dental polishing and type of extrinsic solution in the pigmentation of composite resin restorations

Objetivo: avaliar a pigmentação de restaurações de resina composta (RC) submetidas a diferentes métodos de polimento. Materiais e método: foram realizadas restaurações de RC classe V em 80 dentes bovinos, corpos de prova, divididos em dois grupos experimentais: G1, polimento com Ultra-Gloss, e G2, polimento com um sistema que utiliza uma ponta siliconada impregnada com abrasivo, Enhance. Após, todos os grupos experimentais foram submetidos a soluções pigmentantes de café, chimarrão e refrigerante, 2 vezes ao dia, por 5 minutos, num período de 15 dias. Os corpos de prova foram analisados pela coloração da RC através de um colorímetro utilizando o sistema CIE-Lab. Aplicou-se a análise de variância seguida do método de comparação múltipla de Tukey, quando observada diferença significativa entre os corpos de prova. Resultados: os resultados mostraram que houve diferença estatística nos valores de médios (valor-p < 0,05), sugerindo o café com variação mais elevada; também para as variações entre a condição experimental (valor-p < 0,05), com exceção de delta a (valor-p = 0,817). Conclusão: o tipo de método para polimento de restaurações em RC não apresenta associação significativa com a pigmentação do material, sendo que esta está relacionada com o tipo da solução corante e com o tempo de exposição do compósito às pigmentações. (AU)

Objective: to evaluate the pigmentation of composite resin restorations submitted to different polishing methods. Materials and method: Class V composite resin restorations were performed on 80 bovine teeth, specimens, and divided into two experimental groups: G1-polishing with Ultra-Gloss and G2-polishing with a system using a silicon tip impregnated with abrasive, Enhance. Afterwards, all the experimental groups were submitted to pigmenting solutions of coffee, chimarrão and refrigerante, 2 times a day, for 5 minutes, in a period of 15 days. The specimens were analyzed by coloring the composite resin using a colorimeter using the CIE-Lab system. The analysis of variance was applied followed by Tukey's multiple comparison method when a significant difference was observed between the test specimens. Results: The results showed that there was statistical difference in the mean values (p-value <0.05), suggesting coffee with the highest variation; (p-value <0.05), with the exception of delta a (p-value = 0.817). Conclusion: The type of method for polishing restorations in composite resin does not present a significant association with the pigmentation of the material, which is related to the type of the dye solution and the time of exposure of the composite to pigmentation. (AU)

Can Endodontic Irrigating Solutions Influence the Bond Strength of Adhesives to Coronal Dental Substrates? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of In Vitro Studies.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature to analyze the influence of endodontic irrigating solutions on the bond strength of adhesives to coronal enamel or dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and Scopus electronic databases were used to select laboratory studies related to the research question, without publication year or language limits. From 2461 potentially eligible studies, 2451 were selected for full-text analysis, and 97 were included in the systematic review. Two authors independently selected the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. Pooling bond strength data were calculated using RevMan5.1 with random effects model (α = 0.05), comparing control (no endodontic irrigating solution) and experimental groups (one or more endodontic solutions). RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the control and experimental groups (p = 0.12) in the overall meta-analysis and in the meta-analysis excluding chlorhexidine (p = 0.06). High heterogeneity was found in the meta-analyses. Most included studies in the systematic review were scored as having a high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: The different endodontic irrigating solutions evaluated showed no negative influence on the bond strength of dental adhesives to coronal dental substrates.

Endodontic Sealers Affect the Bond Strength of Fiber Posts and the Degree of Conversion of Two Resin Cements.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of two endodontic sealers on the push-out bond strength between fiber posts and root canal wall after different storage times and verify the influence of the endodontic sealers on the degree of conversion of composite cements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 bovine teeth were endodontically treated using two endodontic sealers, eugenol-based (Endofill, Dentsply Maillefer) or epoxy resin-based (AH Plus, Dentsply Maillefer). Subsequently, the specimens were stored in 100% relative humidity at 37°C for 24 h, 6 or 12 months. After the respective storage times, the root canals were prepared for fiber post cementation using two composite cements, RelyX U200 (3M) or Multilink Automix (Ivoclar Vivadent). The push-out test and the failure analysis were performed. Degree of conversion was analyzed using a Raman microscope, for which samples were prepared using composite cement only or composite cement plus endodontic sealer. Finally, the push-out data were subjected to statistical analysis and the degree of conversion in percent was calculated. RESULTS: AH Plus sealer obtained the highest push-out bond strengths at 24 h and 6 months. There was no difference between the push-out bond strengths of AH Plus and Endofill sealer at 1 year (p < 0.05). Moreover, the degree of conversion was affected by the Endofill sealer. CONCLUSION: The use of a eugenol-based sealer is not recommended because it affects the push-out bond strength of fiber posts. AH Plus sealer and a post-endodontic waiting time of 24 h is recommended.

The effect of immediate and delayed polishing on the color stability of a composite resin.

Polishing techniques are known to enhance the longevity and appearance of composite resin restorations. However, the influence of the timing of polishing on the final results of a restoration is not well documented. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of immediate and delayed polishing on the color stability of a composite resin. Sixty composite resin specimens were fabricated and randomly divided into 2 groups according to immersion solutions: group 1, deionized water (control); and group 2, coffee (as staining solution). The groups were further divided according to polishing time periods (immediate, 1 day, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days). The polishing was performed by 1 calibrated operator using a sequence of aluminum oxide discs with different granulations. Color measurements were assessed at baseline and after a 48-hour immersion in the assigned medium by a reflection spectrophotometer, according to CIE L*a*b* parameters. The data were submitted to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the post hoc Tukey test at a significance level of 0.05. The ANOVA showed that the immersion solutions had a statistically significant difference (α = 0.05) on color stability. The composite resin color stability was not influenced by the timing of polishing, and all subgroups showed clinically unacceptable discoloration after exposure to coffee. Thus, with regard to color stability, the timing of final polishing may be established according to the preferences of the clinician.