Effects of natural products-based dentifrices on acrylic resin for denture bases: A simulated period of 4 years.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of dentifrices based on Malva sylvestris and propolis and the effect on the acrylic resin. METHODS: The inhibitory effect against Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans was determined. The specimens of resin were divided into groups: Control (brushing with distilled water); brushing with Colgate; brushing with Protex; brushing with Malvatricin, brushing with Proporalcare Dental Gel and brushing with Green Propolis Dental Gel. Brushing was carried out in a brushing machine. Roughness and color were assessed. The data were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by the Bonferroni post test (α= 0.05). RESULTS: The products evaluated showed antimicrobial activity against all microorganisms (P< 0.05), except Proporalcare Dental Gel, which was not effective against E. faecalis. Greater roughness (P< 0.05) was observed in the samples treated with Colgate. The samples from control and Protex groups showed the lowest color variation and the highest luminosity, with a difference in relation to the others (P< 0.05), which showed higher values, although clinically acceptable. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The dentifrices based on natural products can be indicated for cleaning prostheses, since they showed antimicrobial activity and did not cause perceptible color changes of the resin tested. The dentifrices did not produce adverse effects on the surface of the resin or did so less than the conventional dentifrice.

Laser irradiation prevents root caries: Microhardness and scanning electron microscopy analysis.

Context: A promising option for the prevention of dental caries is the use of laser irradiation. Aims: Evaluate the effects of Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, and CO2 laser irradiation, associated or not to 2% sodium fluoride (2% NaF), on root caries prevention. Material and Methods: One hundred and four human root dentin samples were divided in eight groups (n = 13). A 9-mm2-area on each dentin sample was delimited and treated as follows: G1: no treatment (control); G2: 2% NaF; G3: Er:YAG; G4: 2% NaF + Er:YAG; G5: Nd:YAG; G6: 2% NaF + Nd:YAG; G7: CO2; G8: 2% NaF + CO2. When used, the 2% NaF was applied before irradiation for 4 min. The samples were subjected to a 2-week cariogenic challenge, consisted of daily immersion in de-remineralizing solutions for 6 h and 18 h, respectively. Knoop hardness (KHN) were evaluated (10 g and 20 s) at different depths from the dentin surface. The samples (n = 3) were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microhardness data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher's test (α = 5%). Results: The Er:YAG laser group (KHN = 41.30) promoted an increase in acid resistance of the dentin (P < 0.05) when compared to all groups. There was no synergism between laser irradiation and 2% NaF application. Morphological changes were observed after irradiation with all lasers; carbonization and cracks were also observed, except when Er:YAG were used. Conclusions: Er:YAG laser irradiation can safely increase the acid resistance of the dentin surface of the root, since it promoted a significant increase in surface hardness. The application of 2% NaF did not result in a synergistic effect.

Effect of conventional and rolled cigarette smoke on the colour of artificial teeth and effectiveness of hygiene protocols in removing pigmentation - An in vitro study.

Context: Artificial teeth are widely used in oral rehabilitation. Despite the benefits, they are more susceptible to colour changes, causing aesthetic problems. Aims: To evaluate the effect of conventional cigarette and straw smoke on the colour of artificial teeth and the effectiveness of hygiene protocols in removing pigmentation. Material and Methods: Acrylic resin incisors were divided into two groups (n = 50): Exposed to conventional cigarette and straw smoke. Regarding the effectiveness of hygiene protocols, the teeth were divided into ten subgroups with predetermined immersion times. The colour was measured with a colorimeter. The CIE values L* a* b* were recorded before and after exposure to smoke and after hygiene protocols. Statistical analysis used T-test of independent samples and two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-test (α = 0.05). Results: Conventional (16.16 ± 1.65) and straw (16.29 ± 1.95) cigarettes provided clinically unacceptable ΔE values, with no significant difference between them (P = 0.719). Conventional cigarettes promoted less luminosity (ΔL = -12.68 ± 1.28) (P < 0.001) and straw greater tendency to yellow (Δb = 11.00 ± 1.46) (P < 0.001). The hygiene protocols influenced the ΔE, ΔL, and Δb of the samples, depending on the type of smoke (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The conventional and rolled cigarette smoke promote an unacceptable colour change in artificial teeth. Hygiene protocols with the use of brushing, in isolation or in association with chemical solutions are more effective in removing pigmentation caused by both types of cigarettes compared to only the chemical solution.

Influence of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on dentin acid resistance after erosive challenge.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser with or without the 5% fluoride varnish on the acid resistance of dentin after erosive challenge. METHODS: 36 incisors were selected and sectioned, obtaining 72 specimens of 4 mm × 4 mm and randomly divided into eight groups (n = 9). In G1: application of Er,Cr:YSGG (0.1W; 5Hz, air 55%); G2: laser (0.25W; 5Hz, air 55%); G3: fluoride varnish + laser (0.1W; 5Hz, air 55%); G4: fluoride varnish + laser (0.25W, 5Hz, air 55%); G5: fluoride varnish + laser (0.1W; 5Hz, without air); G6: fluoride varnish + laser (0.25W, 5Hz, without air); G7: fluoride varnish and G8: no treatment. When used, the laser was irradiated without water cooling, scanning mode during 10 seconds. The surface roughness data were subjected to ANOVA. For wear profile, we used Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn post-hoc, all with α= 0.05. RESULTS: The results showed no statistically significant difference when comparing the groups as regards to the surface roughness (P> 0.05). Regarding the percentage of lost volume, the G5 and G6 groups presented the best results (G5 = 7.8% and G6 = 8.5%), with the lowest loss of dentin volume compared to other groups (P< 0.05). The G8 group (no treatment) had the highest lost volume (G8 = 39.1% followed by the G7 group (fluoride varnish), which had 25.9%. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of Er,Cr:YSGG laser and fluoride varnish can be an effective method to increase the acid resistance of dentin after erosive challenges, and limit problems related to hypersensitivity.

Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Bacterial Adhesion on Tooth Enamel Irradiated With High Intensity Lasers.

The aim was to evaluate the surface roughness and bacterial adhesion on enamel irradiated with high intensity lasers, associated or not to a fluoride varnish. Eighty fragments of bovine enamel were equally divided in 8 groups (n=10). Group 1 was not treated and Group 2 received only a 5% fluoride varnish application. The other groups were irradiated with an Er:Cr:YSGG (8.92 J/cm2), an Nd:YAG (84.9 J/cm2) and a diode laser (199.04 J/cm2), associated or not to a 5% fluoride varnish. The surface roughness was measured before and after treatments. Afterward, all samples were incubated in a suspension of S. mutans at 37 °C for 24 h. The colony-forming units (CFU) were counted by a stereoscope and the results were expressed in CFU/mm2. One-way ANOVA and the Tukey´s test compared the roughness data and the Student´s test compared the results obtained in the bacterial adhesion test (a=5%). The results showed that the irradiated samples without varnish presented the same roughness and the same bacterial adhesion that the non-irradiated samples. However, samples irradiated in the presence of fluoride varnish showed higher surface roughness and higher bacterial adhesion than the non-irradiated samples and those irradiated without varnish. Presence of pigments in the varnish increased the lasers' action on the enamel surface, which produced ablation in this hard tissue and significantly increased its surface roughness. For this reason, the enamel's susceptibility to bacterial adhesion was higher when the irradiation of the samples was made in presence of fluoride varnish.

Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Bacterial Adhesion on Tooth Enamel Irradiated With High Intensity Lasers

Abstract The aim was to evaluate the surface roughness and bacterial adhesion on enamel irradiated with high intensity lasers, associated or not to a fluoride varnish. Eighty fragments of bovine enamel were equally divided in 8 groups (n=10). Group 1 was not treated and Group 2 received only a 5% fluoride varnish application. The other groups were irradiated with an Er:Cr:YSGG (8.92 J/cm2), an Nd:YAG (84.9 J/cm2) and a diode laser (199.04 J/cm2), associated or not to a 5% fluoride varnish. The surface roughness was measured before and after treatments. Afterward, all samples were incubated in a suspension of S. mutans at 37 °C for 24 h. The colony-forming units (CFU) were counted by a stereoscope and the results were expressed in CFU/mm2. One-way ANOVA and the Tukey´s test compared the roughness data and the Student´s test compared the results obtained in the bacterial adhesion test (a=5%). The results showed that the irradiated samples without varnish presented the same roughness and the same bacterial adhesion that the non-irradiated samples. However, samples irradiated in the presence of fluoride varnish showed higher surface roughness and higher bacterial adhesion than the non-irradiated samples and those irradiated without varnish. Presence of pigments in the varnish increased the lasers’ action on the enamel surface, which produced ablation in this hard tissue and significantly increased its surface roughness. For this reason, the enamel’s susceptibility to bacterial adhesion was higher when the irradiation of the samples was made in presence of fluoride varnish.

Resumo O objetivo foi avaliar a rugosidade superficial e adesão bacteriana no esmalte dental irradiado com lasers de alta intensidade, associados ou não a um verniz fluoretado. Oitenta fragmentos de esmalte foram igualmente divididos em 8 grupos (n= 10). O grupo 1 não recebeu tratamento e o grupo 2 recebeu aplicação de verniz fluoretado a 5%. Os outros grupos foram irradiados com os lasers Er,Cr:YSGG (8,92 J/cm2), Nd:YAG (84,9 J/cm2) e um laser de diodo (199,04 J/cm2), associados ou não ao verniz fluoretado. A rugosidade superficial foi medida antes e após os tratamentos. Depois, todas as amostras foram imersas em suspensão de S. mutans a 37 °C durante 24 h. As unidades formadoras de colônia (UFC) foram contadas utilizando uma lupa estereoscópica, e os resultados foram expressos em UFC/mm2. Os resultados de rugosidade foram analisados por ANOVA e pelo teste de Tukey, e a adesão bacteriana foi analisada pelo teste de Student (a=5%). As amostras irradiadas sem verniz apresentaram a mesma rugosidade superficial e a mesma adesão bacteriana que as amostras não irradiadas. No entanto, as amostras irradiadas na presença do verniz fluoretado apresentaram maior rugosidade superficial e aderência bacteriana do que as amostras não irradiadas e daquelas irradiadas sem o verniz. A presença de pigmentos no verniz aumentou a ação dos lasers na superfície do esmalte, promovendo a ablação do tecido duro e aumentando significativamente a sua rugosidade superficial. Por isso, a adesão bacteriana no esmalte foi maior quando a irradiação foi realizada na presença do verniz fluoretado.

In vitro assessment of the acid resistance of demineralized enamel irradiated with Er, Cr:YSGG and Nd:YAG lasers.

PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to evaluate the acid resistance of demineralized enamel irradiated with high-intensity lasers. METHODS: Enamel fragments were demineralized and treated as follows (N=10): Group 1-no treatment; Group 2-five percent sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish; Group 3-Er, Cr:YSGG laser (8.92 J/cm2, 0.5 W, 20 Hz, 30 seconds); Group 4-NaF and Er, Cr:YSGG laser; Group 5-Er, Cr:YSGG laser and NaF; Group 6-Nd:YAG laser (84.9 J/cm2, 0.5 W, 10 Hz, 30 seconds); Group 7-NaF and Nd:YAG laser; and Group 8-Nd:YAG laser and NaF. The samples were subjected to pH-cycling and assessed by microhardness (analysis of variance; α equals five percent) at different depths from the outer enamel surface. Samples were observed using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the experimental groups in any of the subsurface layers evaluated. PLM observation revealed that the extent of demineralization of the irradiated samples was similar to the samples for Group 1 (control). SEM observation showed that irradiated surfaces were ablated and presented areas of melting. CONCLUSIONS: Laser irradiation, with or without applying five percent sodium fluoride, was not capable of increasing the enamel white spot lesions' acid resistance.

Effect of different root caries treatments on the sealing ability of conventional glass ionomer cement restorations.

In this study we compared the microleakage of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorations following the use of different methods of root caries removal. In vitro root caries were induced in 75 human root dentin samples that were divided in five groups of 15 each according to the method used for caries removal: in group 1 spherical carbide burs at low speed were used, in group 2 a hand-held excavator was used, and in groups 3 to 5 an Er,Cr:YSGG laser was used at 2.25 W, 40.18 J/cm(2) (group 3), 2.50 W, 44.64 J/cm(2) (group 4) and 2.75 W, 49.11 J/cm(2) (group 5). The air/water cooling during irradiation was set to 55%/65% respectively. All cavities were filled with GIC. Five samples from each group were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the other ten samples were thermocycled and submitted to a microleakage test. The data obtained were compared by ANOVA followed by Fisher's test (p≤0.05). Group 4 showed the lowest microleakage index (56.65 6.30; p<0.05). There were no significant differences among the other groups. On SEM images samples of groups 1 and 2 showed a more regular interface than the irradiated samples. Demineralized dentin below the restoration was observed, that was probably affected dentin. Group 4 showed the lowest microleakage values compared to the other experimental groups, so under the conditions of the present study the method that provided the lowest microleakage was the Er,Cr:YSGG laser with a power output of 2.5 W yielding an energy density of 44.64 J/cm(2).