High throughput automated characterization of enamel microstructure using synchrotron tomography and optical flow imaging.

The remarkable damage-tolerance of enamel has been attributed to its hierarchical microstructure and the organized bands of decussated rods. A thorough characterization of the microscale rod evolution within the enamel is needed to elucidate this complex structure. While prior efforts in this area have made use of single particle tracking to track a single rod evolution to various degrees of success, such a process can be both computationally and labor intensive, limited to the evolution path of a single rod, and is therefore prone to error from potentially tracking outliers. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is a well-established algorithm to derive field information from image sequences for processes that are time-dependent, such as fluid flows and structural deformation. In this work, we demonstrate the use of PIV in extracting the full-field microstructural distribution of rods within the enamel. Enamel samples from a wild African lion were analyzed using high-energy synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography. Results from the PIV analysis provide sufficient full-field information to reconstruct the growth of individual rods that can potentially enable rapid analysis of complex microstructures from high resolution synchrotron datasets. Such information can serve as a template for designing damage-tolerant bioinspired structures for advanced manufacturing. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Thorough characterization and analysis of biological microstructures (viz. dental enamel) allows us to understand the basis of their excellent mechanical properties. Prior efforts have successfully replicated these microstructures via single particle tracking, but the process is computationally and labor intensive. In this work, optical flow imaging algorithms were used to extract full-field microstructural distribution of enamel rods from synchrotron X-ray computed tomography datasets, and a field method was used to reconstruct the growth of individual rods. Such high throughput information allows for the rapid production/prototyping and advanced manufacturing of damage-tolerant bioinspired structures for specific engineering applications. Furthermore, the algorithms used herein are freely available and open source to broaden the availability of the proposed workflow to the general scientific community.

Characterizing the microstructures of mammalian enamel by synchrotron phase contrast microCT.

The enamel of mammalian teeth is a highly mineralized tissue that must endure a lifetime of cyclic contact and is inspiring the development of next-generation engineering materials. Attempts to implement enamel-inspired structures in synthetic materials have had limited success, largely due to the absence of a detailed understanding of its microstructure. The present work used synchrotron phase-contrast microCT imaging to evaluate the three-dimensional microstructure of enamel from four mammals including Lion, Gray Wolf, Snow Leopard, and Black Bear. Quantitative results of image analysis revealed that the decussation pattern of enamel consists of discrete diazone (D) and parazone (P) bands of rods organized with stacking arrangement of D+/P/D-/P in all mammals evaluated; the D+ and D- refer to distinct diazone bands with juxtaposed rod orientations from the reference plane. Furthermore, the rod orientations in the bands can be described in terms of two principal angles, defined here as the pitch and yaw. While the pitch angle increases from the outer enamel to a maximum (up to ≈ 40°) near the dentin enamel junction, minimal spatial variations are observed in yaw across the enamel thickness. There are clear differences in the decussation parameters of enamel across species that are interpreted here with respect to the structural demands placed on their teeth. The rod pitch and band width of enamel are identified as important design parameters and appear to be correlated with the bite force quotient of the four mammals evaluated. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The multi-functionality of tooth enamel requires both hardness and resistance to fracture, properties that are generally mutually exclusive. Ubiquitous to all mammalian teeth, the enamel is expected to have undergone adaptations in microstructure to accommodate the differences in diet, body size and bite force across animals. For the first time, we compare the complex three-dimensional microstructure of enamel from teeth of multiple mammalian species using synchrotron micro-computed tomography. The findings provide new understanding of the "design" of mammalian enamel microstructures, as well as how specific parameters associated with the decussation of rods appear to be engineered to modulate its fracture resistance.

Ceramic Inlay Bonded Interfaces in Minimally Invasive Preparations: Damage and Contributing Mechanisms in Sliding Contact.

BACKGROUND: In the preparation of inlay cavities, a choice must be made between conventional standard and minimally invasive preparation designs; in the long run, this choice can affect the integrity of the bonded interface. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of minimally invasive cavity preparation designs on the extent and contributing mechanisms of damage to ceramic inlay bonded interfaces. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Tooth blocks with 90°, 120° and 75° marginal angles were prepared, representing tooth cavities with conventional standard and minimally invasive preparations with large divergence and convergence angles and bonded to monolithic ceramic (IPS e.max CAD). Vickers indentations were placed at various distances from the bonded interface. The indentation morphology and crack length were observed. Reciprocating wear tests were performed on the bonded interface with a 20-newton (N) vertical load. The wear depth and wear-scar morphology were characterized after increments of cyclic sliding contact. RESULTS: The 120° group exhibited longer indentation cracks in the ceramic, whereas the 75° group showed larger indentations in the enamel when compared to the 90° group (p<0.001). Consistent with the weaker edge crack resistance, the 120° group experienced the greatest wear (p=0.008), and the wear depth in the enamel of the 75° group exceeded that of the 90° group (p<0.001) in the early stage (5×102 cycles). However, no significant difference in the wear depth (p>0.147) and morphology were found at the later wear stage among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, minimally invasive preparations with 120° and 75° marginal angles can result in early sever damage at the ceramic inlay bonded interface but show comparable wear behaviors to the conventional 90° group at the later stage.

Mammalian enamel: A universal tissue and diverse source of inspiration.

The natural armors and weapons of the animal kingdom are serving as inspiration in the development of next-generation engineering materials. In this pursuit, seldom considered are the variations in properties across taxa that have evolved to meet their unique functional demands. Here, teeth from six different mammalian species were acquired and categorized according to their bite force quotient (BFQ), which accounts for the allometric scaling between bite force and body size. Selected chemical, microstructural, and mechanical properties of the enamel were quantified across the enamel thickness using spectroscopy and indentation techniques. Results showed that the chemical composition of enamel was significantly (P <  0.05) different between the Low and High BFQ groups, whereas the apatite crystallinity was not. The enamel of all animals exhibited a spatial gradient in mechanical properties that was consistent when evaluated using a normalized framework. Although the elastic modulus, hardness and indentation brittleness were significantly lower in the High BFQ group, the fracture resistance of enamel was significantly higher in this group, potentially reflective of bite force requirements related to diet and predation. Enamel rod decussation was present in all teeth, but there were differences in specific microstructural features. Overall, these results highlight that the diversity of tooth enamel across species should be considered in the pursuit of nature-inspired structural materials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Natural weapons are serving as inspiration in the development of next-generation engineering materials. Tooth enamel is a viable candidate, but variations in the structure and properties of enamel across taxa have not been explored. Here, teeth from six different mammalian species were categorized according to their bite force quotient (BFQ), and the enamel was compared in terms of selected chemical, microstructural, and mechanical properties. We show that specific aspects of the chemical composition and properties of the Low and High BFQ groups are unique, which appears reflective of bite forces associated with diet and predation. Overall, the results highlight that the diversity of tooth enamel across species should be considered in the pursuit of nature-inspired structural materials.

Root fractures in seniors: Consequences of acute embrittlement of dentin.

Dentin undergoes irreversible changes in microstructure with aging that involve gradual filling of the tubule lumens with mineral. Known as dental sclerosis, this process begins at the root apex, progresses coronally, and is associated with a degradation in the resistance to fracture of dentin. OBJECTIVE: To determine i) age-related changes of intertubular dentin with aging, particularly within the root, and ii) the differences in age-related degradation between vital and pulpless (i.e. non-vital) teeth. METHODS: We performed nanoscopic dynamic mechanical analysis (nanoDMA) in scanning mode on the intertubular and peritubular dentin of teeth from young and old adults. The complex, loss and storage moduli, as well as the tan delta parameter were evaluated for teeth with no restorations and teeth with root canal treatment (non-vital). RESULTS: There were significant changes in the dynamic moduli of intertubular dentin with age, which were most substantial in the apical third of the root. The storage modulus of the intertubular dentin, which quantifies the purely elastic resistance to deformation, was significantly (p < 0.0005) larger for both the old vital and non-vital teeth than that of the young teeth, over the entire root length. However, the tan delta parameter, which quantifies the relative capacity for viscous deformation, was significantly lower in these two groups (p < 0.005). SIGNIFICANCE: Radicular dentin undergoes an embrittlement with aging, involving reduced capacity for viscous deformation. The extent of degradation is largest in the apical third. Removal of the pulp appears to accelerate the aging process or compound the extent of degradation.

On the regeneration of fish scales: structure and mechanical behavior.

Fish scales serve as a dermal armor that provides protection from physical injury. Owing to a number of outstanding properties, fish scales are inspiring new concepts for layered engineered materials and next-generation flexible armors. Although past efforts have primarily focused on the structure and mechanical behavior of ontogenetic scales, the structure-property relationships of regenerated scales have received limited attention. In the present study, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) acquired from the wild were held live in an aquatic laboratory at 10°C and 20°C. Ontogenetic scales were extracted from the fish for analysis, as well as regenerated scales after approximately 1 year of development and growth. Their microstructure was characterized using microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, and the mechanical properties were evaluated in uniaxial tension to failure under hydrated conditions. The strength, strain to fracture and toughness of the regenerated scales were significantly lower than those of ontogenetic scales from the same fish, regardless of the water temperature. Scales that regenerated at 20°C exhibited significantly higher strength, strain to fracture and toughness than those regenerated at 10°C. The regenerated scales exhibited a highly mineralized outer layer, but no distinct limiting layer or external elasmodine; they also possessed a significantly lower number of plies in the basal layer than the ontogenetic scales. The results suggest that a mineralized layer develops preferentially during scale regeneration with the topology needed for protection, prior to the development of other qualities.

Contributions of intermolecular bonding and lubrication to the mechanical behavior of a natural armor.

Among many dermal armors, fish scales have become a source of inspiration in the pursuit of "next-generation" structural materials. Although fish scales function in a hydrated environment, the role of water and intermolecular hydrogen bonding to their unique structural behavior has not been elucidated. Water molecules reside within and adjacent to the interpeptide locations of the collagen fibrils of the elasmodine and provide lubrication to the protein molecules during deformation. We evaluated the contributions of this lubrication and the intermolecular bonding to the mechanical behavior of elasmodine scales from the Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus). Scales were exposed to polar solvents, followed by axial loading to failure and the deformation mechanisms were characterized via optical mechanics. Displacement of intermolecular water molecules by liquid polar solvents caused significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in stiffness, strength and toughness of the scales. Removal of this lubrication decreased the capacity for non-linear deformation and toughness, which results from the increased resistance to fibril rotations and sliding caused by molecular friction. The intermolecular lubrication is a key component of the "protecto-flexibility" of scales and these natural armors as a system; it can serve as an important component of biomimetic-driven designs for flexible armor systems. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The natural armor of fish has become a topic of substantial scientific interest. Hydration is important to these materials as water molecules reside within the interpeptide locations of the collagen fibrils of the elasmodine and provide lubrication to the protein molecules during deformation. We explored the opportunity for tuning the mechanical behavior of scales as a model for next-generation engineering materials by adjusting the extent of hydrogen bonding with polar solvents and the corresponding interpeptide molecular lubrication. Removal of this lubrication decreased the capacity for non-linear deformation and toughness due to an increase in resistance to fibril rotations and sliding as imparted by molecular friction. We show that intermolecular lubrication is a key component of the "protecto-flexibility" of natural armors and it is an essential element of biomimetic approaches to develop flexible armor systems.

Contribution of biomimetic collagen-ligand interaction to intrafibrillar mineralization.

Contemporary models of intrafibrillar mineralization mechanisms are established using collagen fibrils as templates without considering the contribution from collagen-bound apatite nucleation inhibitors. However, collagen matrices destined for mineralization in vertebrates contain bound matrix proteins for intrafibrillar mineralization. Negatively charged, high-molecular weight polycarboxylic acid is cross-linked to reconstituted collagen to create a model for examining the contribution of collagen-ligand interaction to intrafibrillar mineralization. Cryogenic electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulation show that, after cross-linking to collagen, the bound polyelectrolyte caches prenucleation cluster singlets into chain-like aggregates along the fibrillar surface to increase the pool of mineralization precursors available for intrafibrillar mineralization. Higher-quality mineralized scaffolds with better biomechanical properties are achieved compared with mineralization of unmodified scaffolds in polyelectrolyte-stabilized mineralization solution. Collagen-ligand interaction provides insights on the genesis of heterogeneously mineralized tissues and the potential causes of ectopic calcification in nonmineralized body tissues.

Interfibril hydrogen bonding improves the strain-rate response of natural armour.

Fish scales are laminated composites that consist of plies of unidirectional collagen fibrils with twisted-plywood stacking arrangement. Owing to their composition, the toughness of scales is dependent on the intermolecular bonding within and between the collagen fibrils. Adjusting the extent of this bonding with an appropriate stimulus has implications for the design of next-generation bioinspired flexible armours. In this investigation, scales were exposed to environments of water or a polar solvent (i.e. ethanol) to influence the extent of intermolecular bonding, and their mechanical behaviour was evaluated in uniaxial tension and transverse puncture. Results showed that the resistance to failure of the scales increased with loading rate in both tension and puncture and that the polar solvent treatment increased both the strength and toughness through interpeptide bonding; the largest increase occurred in the puncture resistance of scales from the tail region (a factor of nearly 7×). The increase in strength and damage tolerance with stronger intermolecular bonding is uncommon for structural materials and is a unique characteristic of the low mineral content. Scales from regions of the body with higher mineral content underwent less strengthening, which is most likely the result of interference posed by the mineral crystals to intermolecular bonding. Overall, the results showed that flexible bioinspired composite materials for puncture resistance should enrol constituents and complementary processing that capitalize on interfibril bonds.

Designed for resistance to puncture: The dynamic response of fish scales.

Natural dermal armors are serving as a source of inspiration in the pursuit of "next-generation" structural materials. Although the dynamic strain response of these materials is arguably the most relevant to their performance as armors, limited work has been performed in this area. Here, uniaxial tension and transverse puncture tests were performed on specimens obtained from the scales of Asian carp over strain rates spanning seven decades, from 10-4 to 103 s-1. The importance of anatomical variations was explored by comparing the performance of scales from the head, middle and tail regions. In both loading orientations, the scales exhibited a significant increase in the resistance to failure with loading rate. The rate sensitivity was substantially higher for transverse loading than for in-plane tension, with average strain rate sensitivity exponents for measures of the toughness of 0.35 and 0.08, respectively. Spatial variations in the properties were largest in the puncture responses, and scales from the head region exhibited the greatest resistance to puncture overall. The results suggest that the layered microstructure of fish scales is most effective at resisting puncture, rather than in-plane tension, and its effectiveness increases with rate of loading. X-ray microCT showed that delamination of plies in the internal elasmodine and stretching of the fibrils were key mechanisms of energy dissipation in response to puncture loading. Understanding contributions from the microstructure to this behavior could guide the development of flexible engineered laminates for penetration resistance and other related applications.

Effect of cryopreservation of teeth on the structural integrity of dentin.

The autotransplantation of teeth after cryopreservation has become an increasingly viable method for whole tooth replacement. While the immediate success rates are quite high, damage introduced by cryopreservation within the dentin or enamel could be detrimental to the durability of these teeth. OBJECTIVE: to determine whether cryopreservation alters the microstructure of dentin or causes a reduction of its resistance to mechanical failures. METHODS: Third molars were obtained from young donors (18≤age≤30yrs) and subjected to a cryopreservation protocol involving storage for 10days in cryoprotectant solution at -196°C. After treatment, the mid-coronal dentin was characterized in terms of its elastic modulus, strength and fatigue behavior. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to evaluate the microstructure and integrity of collagen after cryopreservation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the elastic modulus or flexural strength between dentin from the cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved (control) teeth. However, the cryopreservation treatment caused a significant decrease in the fatigue strength of dentin with respect to the controls, with average reduction of nearly 20%. While there were no differences apparent in the collagen matrix or fracture surfaces between the cryopreserved and control groups, the microstructure of dentin from the cryopreserved teeth exhibited unique features and damage that appear to have caused the decrease in durability. SIGNIFICANCE: Autotransplantation of cryopreserved teeth may be a viable option for whole tooth restorations, but hidden damage within the dentin could render these teeth more susceptible to mechanical failures by fatigue and fracture.

The limiting layer of fish scales: Structure and properties.

Fish scales serve as a flexible natural armor that have received increasing attention across the materials community. Most efforts in this area have focused on the composite structure of the predominately organic elasmodine, and limited work addresses the highly mineralized external portion known as the Limiting Layer (LL). This coating serves as the first barrier to external threats and plays an important role in resisting puncture. In this investigation the structure, composition and mechanical behavior of the LL were explored for three different fish, including the arapaima (Arapaima gigas), the tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) and the carp (Cyprinus carpio). The scales of these three fish have received the most attention within the materials community. Features of the LL were evaluated with respect to anatomical position to distinguish site-specific functional differences. Results show that there are significant differences in the surface morphology of the LL from posterior and anterior regions in the scales, and between the three fish species. The calcium to phosphorus ratio and the mineral to collagen ratios of the LL are not equivalent among the three fish. Results from nanoindentation showed that the LL of tarpon scales is the hardest, followed by the carp and the arapaima and the differences in hardness are related to the apatite structure, possibly induced by the growth rate and environment of each fish. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The natural armor of fish, turtles and other animals, has become a topic of substantial scientific interest. The majority of investigations have focused on the more highly organic layer known as the elasmodine. The present study addresses the highly mineralized external portion known as the Limiting Layer (LL). Specifically, the structure, composition and mechanical behavior of the LL were explored for three different fish, including the arapaima (Arapaima gigas), the tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) and the carp (Cyprinus carpio). Results show that there are significant differences in the surface morphology of the LL from posterior and anterior regions in the scales, and between the three species. In addition, the composition of the LL is also unique among the three fish. Results from nanoindentation showed that the LL of tarpon scales is the hardest, followed by the carp and the arapaima and the differences in hardness are related to the apatite structure, possibly induced by the growth rate and environment of each fish. In addition, a new feature was indentified in the LL, which has not been discussed before. As such, we feel this work is unique and makes a significant contribution to the field.

Time dependent deformation behavior of dentin.

OBJECTIVE: The viscoelastic behavior of dentin and its ability to undergo time dependent deformation are considered to be important to oral functions and its capacity to resist fracture. There are spatial variations in the microstructure of dentin within the crown, which could be important to the viscous behavior. However, a spatially resolved description for the viscoelastic behavior of coronal dentin has not been reported. METHODS: In this investigation spherical indentations were made in three regions of coronal dentin including the outer, middle and inner regions. Power law relations were developed to quantitatively describe the stress-strain responses of the tissue. RESULTS: Results showed that the deformation behavior was strongly dependent on the composition (mineral to collagen ratio) and microstructure (tubule density), which contributed to an increase in the rate of viscous deformation with increasing proximity to the pulp. CONCLUSIONS: A model accounting for spatial variations in composition and microstructure was developed to describe the steady-state time dependent deformation behavior of coronal dentin, and a good agreement was found with the experimental results.

The natural armors of fish: A comparison of the lamination pattern and structure of scales.

Fish scales exhibit a unique balance of flexibility, strength and toughness, which is essential to provide protection without encumbering locomotion. Although the mechanical behavior and structure of this natural armor are of recent interest, a comparison of these qualities from scales of different fish species has not been reported. In this investigation the armor of fish with different locomotion, size and protection needs were analyzed. Scales from the Arapaima gigas, the tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) and the carp (Cyprinus carpio) were compared in terms of the stacking sequence of individual plies and their microstructure. The scales were also compared with respect to anatomical position to distinguish site-specific functional differences. Results show that the lamination sequence of plies for the carp and tarpon exhibit a Bouligand structure with relative rotation of 75° between consecutive plies. The arapaima scales exhibit a cross-ply structure, with 90° rotation between adjacent plies. In addition, results indicate that the volume fraction of reinforcement, the number of plies and the variations in thickness with anatomical position are unique amongst the three fish. These characteristics should be considered in evaluations focused on the mechanical behavior.

Importance of tubule density to the fracture toughness of dentin.

OBJECTIVE: The fracture toughness of dentin is critical to the prevention of tooth fracture. Within the tooth crown, the mechanical properties of dentin are influenced by spatial variations in the density and diameter of the dentin tubules with distance from the pulp. There are also relevant changes to the microstructure of dentin with age. In this investigation the importance of tubule density to the fracture toughness of dentin was evaluated in "young" and "old" age groups. METHODS: The variations in microstructure (density and diameter of tubules) from young and old donor teeth were studied by means of optical microscopy. RESULTS: A reduction in the density and diameter of tubules was identified to occur with aging. An approach previously proposed to study the mechanical behavior of porous materials was used to model the fracture toughness of coronal dentin in terms of the tubule characteristics. Results were then compared with published results from previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: The model predictions were consistent with experimental results for the fracture toughness of dentin from young donor teeth, but overestimated the values that have been reported for "old" dentin.

Contact fatigue of human enamel: Experiments, mechanisms and modeling.

Cyclic contact between natural tooth structure and engineered ceramics is increasingly common. Fatigue of the enamel due to cyclic contact is rarely considered. The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate the fatigue behavior of human enamel by cyclic contact, and to assess the extent of damage over clinically relevant conditions. Cyclic contact experiments were conducted using the crowns of caries-free molars obtained from young donors. The cuspal locations were polished flat and subjected to cyclic contact with a spherical indenter of alumina at 2Hz. The progression of damage was monitored through the evolution in contact displacement, changes in the contact hysteresis and characteristics of the fracture pattern. The contact fatigue life diagram exhibited a decrease in cycles to failure with increasing cyclic load magnitude. Two distinct trends were identified, which corresponded to the development and propagation of a combination of cylindrical and radial cracks. Under contact loads of less than 400N, enamel rod decussation resisted the growth of subsurface cracks. However, at greater loads the damage progressed rapidly and accelerated fatigue failure. Overall, cyclic contact between ceramic appliances and natural tooth structure causes fatigue of the enamel. The extent of damage is dependent on the magnitude of cyclic stress and the ability of the decussation to arrest the fatigue damage.

Effects of polar solvents on the mechanical behavior of fish scales.

Fish scales are unique structural materials that serve as a form of natural armor. In this investigation the mechanical behavior of scales from the Cyprinus carpio was evaluated after exposure to a polar solvent. Uniaxial tensile and tear tests were conducted on specimens prepared from the scales of multiple fish extracted from near the head, middle and tail regions, and after exposure to ethanol for periods from 0 to 24h. Submersion in ethanol caused instantaneous changes in the tensile properties regardless of anatomical site, with increases in the elastic modulus, strength and modulus of toughness exceeding 100%. The largest increase in properties overall occurred in the elastic modulus of scales from the tail region and exceeded 200%. Although ethanol treatment had significant effect on the tensile properties, it had limited influence on the tear resistance. The contribution of ethanol to the mechanical behavior appears to be derived from an increase in the degree of interpeptide hydrogen-bonding of the collagen molecules. Spatial variations in the effects of ethanol exposure on the mechanical behavior arise from the differences in degree of mineralization and lower mineral content in scales of the tail region.

Effect of chemical composition and microstructure on the mechanical behavior of fish scales from Megalops Atlanticus.

This paper presents an experimental study of the composition, microstructure and mechanical behavior of scales from the Megalops Atlanticus (Atlantic tarpon). The microstructure and composition were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and RAMAN spectroscopy, respectively. The mechanical properties were evaluated in uniaxial tension as a function of position along the length of the fish (head, mid-length and tail). Results showed that the scales are composed of collagen and hydroxyapatite, and these constituents are distributed within three well-defined layers from the bottom to the top of the scale. The proportion of these layers with respect to the total scale thickness varies radially. The collagen fibers are arranged in plies with different orientations and with preferred orientation in the longitudinal direction of the fish. Results from the tensile tests showed that scales from Megalops Atlanticus exhibit variations in the elastic modulus as a function of body position. Additional testing performed with and without the highly mineralized top layers of the scale revealed that the mechanical behavior is anisotropic and that the highest strength was exhibited along the fish length. Furthermore, removing the top mineralized layers resulted in an increase in the tensile strength of the scale.

Degradation in the fatigue strength of dentin by diamond bur preparations: Importance of cutting direction.

The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate the degradation in fatigue strength of dentin by diamond bur preparations and to identify the importance of cutting direction. Three groups of coronal dentin specimens were prepared from unrestored third molars, including a flaw free "control," and two groups that received a diamond bur cutting treatment performed parallel or perpendicular to the specimen length. The specimens were subjected to static or cyclic flexural loading to failure and the results were compared with data for carbide bur cutting. Under static loading diamond bur cutting resulted in significantly lower flexure strength (p ≤ 0.05) than the control for both cutting directions (from 154 to ∼124 MPa). However, there was no significant difference in the strength between the control and carbide bur treated specimens. Similarly, the fatigue strength of the diamond bur treated specimens was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.0001) than that of the control for both cutting directions. Cutting in the perpendicular direction resulted in nearly 60% reduction to the endurance limit (from 44 to 19 MPa). Based on the results, diamond bur cutting of cavity preparations causes a reduction in the fatigue strength of dentin, regardless of the cutting direction. To maintain the durability of dentin, cavity preparations introduced using diamond burs must be performed with appropriate cutting direction and followed by a finishing pass.

Effect of aging on the microstructure, hardness and chemical composition of dentin.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the effects of biological aging on human tissues has been a topic of extensive research. With the increase in healthy seniors and quality of life that topic is becoming increasingly important. In this investigation the effects of aging on the microstructure, chemical composition and hardness of human coronal dentin was studied from a comparison of teeth within "young" and "old" age groups. METHODS: The microstructure of dentin within three regions (i.e., inner, middle and outer) was analyzed using electron and optical microscopy. The mineral-to-collagen ratio in these three regions was estimated using Raman spectroscopy and the hardness was evaluated using microindentation. RESULTS: Results showed that there were significant differences in tubule density, tubule diameter and peritubular cuff diameter with depth. Although there was no difference in tubule density and diameter of the tubules between the age groups, there was a significant difference in the occlusion ratio. A significant increase in hardness between young and old patients was found for middle and outer dentin. An increase in mineral-to-collagen ratio from inner to outer dentin was also found for both groups. In old patients, an increase in mineral content was found in outer coronal dentin as a consequence of tubule occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in occlusion ratio, hardness, and mineral content was found in the dentin of adult patients with age. This increase is most evident in the outer coronal dentin.