Thermal effect of light irradiation time on the setting time of mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium-enriched mixture cements.

This study aimed to assess the thermal effect of different light irradiation times on the setting time of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cements. This in vitro experimental study evaluated 40 hydraulic cement specimens, including 20 MTA and 20 CEM specimens, according to the manufacturers'instructions. For each cement, the specimens were divided into 3 test groups light cured with a halogen light-curing unit (n = 5 per group) and 1 control group (n = 5) that was not exposed to irradiation. The specimens in the MTA test groups were light cured for 20, 40, or 60 seconds, and the specimens in the CEM test groups were light cured for 60, 90, or 120 seconds. All test and control groups had 60 seconds of rest time. Setting of the cements was assessed at different timepoints using a Gillmore needle weighing 113.4 g with a 12.2-mm diameter according to ASTM C266-03 standards. The data were analyzed with the Fisher exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test (α = 0.05). The setting of MTA specimens after different curing times was significantly different (P < 0.05). The setting time of MTA control specimens was significantly longer than that of test specimens (P = 0.008). The setting of CEM specimens after different curing times was not significantly different (P > 0.05). However, the setting time for CEM control specimens was significantly longer than that for test specimens (P = 0.008). Light curing with a halogen light-curing unit can significantly decrease the setting time for MTA and CEM cements.

Physiochemical Properties of Experimental Nano-hybrid MTA.

Introduction:The development of new pulp capping agents has paved the way towards the preservation of pulp vitality, which is an important goal in restorative dentistry. This study sought to assess the calcium ion release, pH and setting of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus, an experimental formulation of nano-hybrid MTA containing nano-SiO2, nano-Al2O3 and nano-TiO2 and MTA Angelus plus nano-oxides. Methods:In this experimental study, five specimens from each material were placed in polypropylene tubes and immersed in a flask containing deionized distilled water. The amount of calcium ions released into the solution from each material was measured at 15 minutes, one hour and 24 hours using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The pH of the solutions was measured using a pH meter at the respective time points. Setting time was also assessed using a Gilmore needle. Data were analyzed using the repeated measures ANOVA. Results:The amount of released calcium ions was not significantly different among the groups (P=0.060). All materials were alkaline and the pH at 24 hours was significantly higher than the other two time points in all groups (P<0.001). The experimental group had the shortest and MTA Angelus had the longest setting time. All materials were alkaline and capable of releasing calcium. Addition of nanoparticles to MTA Angelus significantly decreased the setting time but had no effect on the release of calcium ions or pH. Abbreviations: mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), vital pulp therapy (VPT).

Hygroscopic expansion of bulk fill composites: A three-month report / Expansão higroscópica de compósitos "bulk fill": um relato de três meses

Polymer networks are considered to be largely affected by water and chemical absorption from environment. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hygroscopic expansion of bulk-fill composite. Material and Methods: Fifteen disks (5 in each group) with different thickness(4mm/2mm) of Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill composite(TB) and Tetric N-Ceram composite(TN) were made according to the manufacturer's instruction and stored in deionized water. The length of each specimen was recorded using a digital micrometer at baseline and at the end of 24 h, 1, 2, 4, 12 weeks intervals. Repeated measure ANOVA and Tukey HSD were used to determine the effect of variables. At 12 weeks, the mean hygroscopic expansion after water immersion ranged between 0. 33±0.09mm for TN to 0.41±0.07mm for TB with 2mm thickness. Repeated measure ANOVA revealed a significant increase in hygroscopic expansion over time (P <0.05). Results: The results indicated that at 24hours and 2weeks there was a significant difference among TN and TB with 4mm thickness (p=0.007 and p=0.023, respectively). The other differences were not significant. Hygroscopic expansion affected by the type of composite and the passing of time. Conclusion: The results showed that the time taken to reach stabilization in hygroscopic expansion was shorter for TN in comparison with TB. For 2mm thickness equilibrium was attained earlier. (AU)

Considera-se que as redes de ligações intrínsecas de polímeros são amplamente afetadas pela absorção de água e produtos químicos do meio ambiente. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a expansão higroscópica do compósito bulk-fill. Material e Métodos: Quinze discos (5 em cada grupo) com diferentes espessuras (4mm / 2mm) de compósito Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill (TB) e Tetric N-Ceram (TN) foram confeccionados de acordo com as instruções do fabricante e armazenados em água deionizada. O comprimento de cada espécime foi registrado usando um micrômetro digital no início e no final de 24 h, 1, 2, 4, 12 semanas de intervalo. O teste de medidas repetidas ANOVA e Tukey foram usados para determinar o efeito das variáveis. Às 12 semanas, a expansão higroscópica média após imersão em água variou entre 0,33 ± 0,09mm para NT a 0,41 ± 0,07mm para TB com 2mm de espessura. ANOVA revelou um aumento significativo na expansão higroscópica ao longo do tempo (P <0,05). Resultados: Os resultados indicaram que às 24h e 2 semanas houve diferença significativa entre TN e TB com 4mm de espessura (p=0,007 e p=0,023, respectivamente). As outras diferenças não foram significativas. A expansão higroscópica foi afetada pelo tipo de compósito e pelo tempo. Conclusão: Os resultados mostraram que o tempo necessário para alcançar a estabilização na expansão higroscópica foi menor para TN em comparação com TB. Para 2 mm de espessura o equilíbrio foi atingido mais cedo. (AU)

Color Stability of the Bulk-Fill Composite Resins with Different Thickness in Response to Coffee/Water Immersion.

We aimed to evaluate the color stability of bulk-fill and conventional composite resin with respect to thickness and storage media. Twenty specimens of a conventional composite resin (6 mm diameter and 2 mm thick) and 40 specimens of the bulk-fill Tetric EvoCeram composite resin at two different thicknesses (6 mm diameter and 2 mm thick or 4 mm thick, n = 20) were prepared. The specimens were stored in distilled water during the study period (28 d). Half of the specimens were remained in distilled water and the other half were immersed in coffee solution 20 min/d and kept in distilled water between the cycles. Color changes (ΔE) were measured using the CIE L (⁎) a (⁎) b (⁎) color space and a digital imaging system at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days of storage. Data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test (P < 0.05). Composite resins showed significant increase in color changes by time (bulk-fill > conventional; P < 0.001). Coffee exhibited significantly more staining susceptibility than that of distilled water (P < 0.001). There was greater color changes with increasing the increment thickness, which was significant at 14 (P < 0.001) and 28 d (P < 0.01). Color change of bulk-fill composite resin was greater than that of the conventional one after coffee staining and is also a function of increment thicknesses.