In Vitro Studies concerning Selected Properties of a Composite Material Blended with Nanofluoroapatite Crystals.

The aim of the paper was to determine the potential for fluorine release from an original composite material blended with nanofluoroapatite (FAp). The level of fluoride ion emission into deionized water and saline was studied over a period of 12 weeks. Values were recorded after 1, 3, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h and then weekly for a period of 12 weeks. There were statistically significant differences in the periods of fluoride ion release from 5%FAp and 2%FAp materials into saline solution as well as into deionized water. The highest fluorine release from 5%FAp + polymer was observed in the 10th and 11th week of incubation (for saline solution) and in the 9th, 10th, and 11th week (for deionized water). The highest fluorine release from 2%FAp + polymer was observed in the 9th, 11th, and 12th week of incubation for both environments. Total fluoride ion release from 5%FAp + polymer and mean fluoride release levels were similar in 5%FAp and 2%FAp in both environments. Both tested materials (5%FAp and 2%FAp) show the ability to release fluoride ions over a long time in the experimental environment.

Assessment of Microstructure and Release of Fluoride Ions from Selected Fissure Sealants: An In Vitro Study.

The aim of this study was to compare fluoride release from four selected fissure sealants: fissure sealant manufactured by Arkona, Helioseal F, Helioseal F Plus, and Conseal. Tested parameters included emission of fluoride ions into saline (0.9% NaCl) and deionized water over a period of 2 weeks. Values were recorded after 1, 3, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, and then after 1 and 2 weeks. All sealants were characterized by a constant fluoride release level. The highest fluoride release level was noted for Conseal (0.0169 ppm/mg), while the lowest was noted for fissure sealant manufactured by Arkona (0.063 ppm/mg). Fissure sealants, which contain fluoride, release it not only during polymerization, but also for several days after application. The use of fissure sealants whose composition includes fluoride is an effective method of preventing tooth decay.

Modulating effect of selected pharmaceuticals on bone in female rats exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

This paper discusses the problems connected with the influence of TCDD on the mechanical properties and structure of the bone tissue in female rats treated with the dioxin. Moreover an analysis of the protective role of tocopherol, acetylsalicylic acid, dexamethazone and levamisol was performed. Rat tibiae were assessed by mechanical testing, and histological and trace element analysis. It was proved that TCDD has negative effect on bone mechanical properties, histological microstructure and trace element content. The results indicate that usage of both steroid and non-steroid anti-inflammatory medicaments, along with tocopherol and levamisol, modulating their activity, can reduce the negative effect of dioxin activity on the bone tissue of female rats intoxicated with TCDD.

Long-term release of fluoride from fissure sealants-In vitro study.

The intensity of the cariostatic activity of fluoride ions can be attributed to their multidirectional influence on the caries process. They are an irreplaceable factor that helps sustain mineral balance of dental tissues, simultaneously demonstrating antibacterial properties. As a consequence, many manufacturers of fissure sealants include fluoride ions in their products. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine long-term fluoride release from four fissure sealants (Conseal F, Fissurit FX, Delton Fs+, Admira Seal). During a 14-week-long observation, all the materials showed a relatively constant level of F- release; however, it is crucial to mention that within the first 48h, the most significant increase in fluoride release was found for Fissurit and Delton sealants. Based on the overall assessment, the highest total amount of the released fluoride ions was observed for Delton, and the lowest level was reported for Admira Seal.

Assessment of Heat Hazard during the Polymerization of Selected Light-Sensitive Dental Materials.

Introduction. Polymerization of light-cured dental materials used for restoration of hard tooth tissue may lead to an increase in temperature that may have negative consequence for pulp vitality. Aim. The aim of this study was to determine maximum temperatures reached during the polymerization of selected dental materials, as well as the time that is needed for samples of sizes similar to those used in clinical practice to reach these temperatures. Materials and Methods. The study involved four composite restorative materials, one lining material and a dentine bonding agent. The polymerization was conducted with the use of a diode light-curing unit. The measurements of the external surface temperature of the samples were carried out using the Thermovision®550 thermal camera. Results. The examined materials significantly differed in terms of the maximum temperatures values they reached, as well as the time required for reaching the temperatures. A statistically significant positive correlation of the maximum temperature and the sample weight was observed. Conclusions. In clinical practice, it is crucial to bear in mind the risk of thermal damage involved in the application of light-cured materials. It can be reduced by using thin increments of composite materials.

The Impact of Selected Fluoridated Toothpastes on Dental Erosion in Profilometric Measurement.

BACKGROUND: Some fluoridated toothpastes, available commercially, are described to have a protective effect against dental erosion. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of the selected marketed toothpastes on the human enamel exposed to acid beverages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Enamel specimens from extracted human teeth were prepared (n = 40). Specimens were randomly divided into 10 experimental groups, 4 specimens each, which were subjected to acid challenge for 10 min using orange juice (pH 3.79) or Pepsi Cola (pH 2.58) and then immersed for 2 min into a slurry of five marketed toothpastes with distilled water (1 : 3 w/w). The tested toothpastes contained 1450 or 5000 ppm fluoride, CPP-ACP with 900 ppm fluoride, 1450 ppm fluoride with potassium nitrate 5%, all of them as sodium fluoride, and 700 ppm fluoride as amine and sodium fluoride with 3500 ppm SnCl2. Enamel roughness (Ra parameter) by contact profilometer at baseline and after exposure onto soft drinks and slurry was measured. RESULTS: Exposure to both beverages caused a similar increase of enamel surface roughness. After the specimens immersion into slurries of toothpastes with 1450 or 5000 ppm fluoride, 1450 ppm fluoride with potassium nitrate 5% and CPP-ACP with 900 ppm fluoride the significant decrease of Ra values were found, reaching the baseline values. However, toothpaste with 700 ppm fluoride and 3500 ppm SnCl2 did not cause any fall in Ra value, probably due to other mechanism of action. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of the study we can conclude that the sodium fluoride toothpastes are able to restore the surface profile of enamel exposed shortly to acidic soft drinks.

Infrared Thermographic Assessment of Cooling Effectiveness in Selected Dental Implant Systems.

The excessive temperature fluctuations during dental implant site preparation may affect the process of bone-implant osseointegration. In the presented studies, we aimed to assess the quality of cooling during the use of 3 different dental implant systems (BEGO®, NEO BIOTECH®, and BIOMET 3i®). The swine rib was chosen as a study model. The preparation of dental implant site was performed with the use of 3 different speeds of rotation (800, 1,200, and 1,500 rpm) and three types of cooling: with saline solution at room temperature, with saline solution cooled down to 3°C, and without cooling. A statistically significant difference in temperature fluctuations was observed between BEGO and NEO BIOTECH dental systems when cooling with saline solution at 3°C was used (22.3°C versus 21.8°C). In case of all three evaluated dental implant systems, the highest temperature fluctuations occurred when pilot drills were used for implant site preparation. The critical temperature, defined in the available literature, was exceeded only in case of pilot drills (of all 3 systems) used at rotation speed of 1,500 rpm without cooling.

[Currently Recommended Restorative Materials in Modern Conservative Dentistry]. / Aktualnie zalecane materialy odtwórcze w nowoczesnej stomatologii zachowawczej.

Conservative treatment which restores the function, aesthetics and protects remaining tooth structure, and what is the most important, the viability of the tooth pulp, is still needed. Dental fillings replace specialized tissues of the tooth that have been lost due to caries or injury. Any decision concerning the use of a particular restorative material should be individualized and based on the competence regarding the composition, properties and characteristics of the specific restorative material. This requires continuous updating of knowledge about available dental materials as well as education of patients who, according to actual models of dental care, should be active partners in the therapeutic process. The selection of restorative materials is often related to financial abilities of the patients, and more generally to the economic model of organized health care in a particular country. Nowadays, amalgam is increasingly dislodged by adhesive materials which permit to save more tooth structure and allow to preserve natural teeth for a longer time. In the nearest future we can expect further development of minimally invasive techniques and improvements of restorative materials, especially their mechanical properties like strength and wear resistance as well as biocompatibility. The article presents restorative materials used in modern dentistry.

The use of infrared thermography as a rapid, quantitative, and noninvasive method for evaluation of inflammation response in different anatomical regions of rats.

PURPOSE: Thermographic assessment of temperature distribution within the examined tissues allows a quick, noncontact, noninvasive measurement of their temperature. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of digital infrared imaging in monitoring experimental inflammation of pleura (PL), lower lip (LL), and left paw (LP) and right paw (RP) of lower limbs in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inflammatory reaction was induced by injection of 1% carrageenin solution into pleural cavity, lip, or paws. With the use of digital infrared imaging temperature measurement was conducted at 0 to 72 hours of the inflammatory reaction. RESULTS: The temperature decrease was observed at the site of injection directly afterwards. Next, it was gradually increasing and it reached the maximum on the third day of the inflammatory reaction. Statistically significant changes were observed after 48-hour period in PL and LL regions, as well as after 72-hour period in LP and RP regions (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: It was found that thermographic examination allows for indicating the presence of inflammatory reaction within examined tissues and determining the dynamics of this process. This method could be used as alternative procedure that allows using fewer animals for experiments.

[Humoral-circulatory response in the somato-vegetative reflex caused by pain factors]. / Odpowiedz krazeniowo-humoralna w odruchu somatyczno-wegetatywnym wywolanym przez czynniki bólowe.

The somato-vegetative reflex is an organism's answer to physical stress, resulting from the action of miscellaneous stimuli on extero- and proprioreceptors. It is realized in two types of responses of alarm groups: Response to a stressor with superiority of the parasympathetic system. This is not often present and manifests as decrease in pulse, heart stroke volume and pressure. An adrenergic response to a stressor, realized sequntionally in time periods. The neurogenic phase and humoral phase connected with the ejection of amine from the core of the suprarenal gland are separately distingiushed in this type of response. Significant increase in blood pressure, vascular resistance, augmentation of flow of blood in the aorta and tachycardia were observed in these two phases to a considerable extent. An important role in this reflex is performed by the limbic system, whose activation causes a circulation of stimulation in the Papez emotive district, which lies at the basis of the appearance of vegetative symptoms of emotions. Knowledge of the mechanism of this reflex is important, as it may play an important role, without the participation of the consciousness (anesthesia) in diagnosing pain in miscellaneous surgical and dental procedures and sharp pain syndromes, as well as the prevention of the occurrence of this reflex and its hemodynamic repercussion.

[Fluoride levels in saliva after tooth-brushing using fluoride toothpastes with and without rinsing of oral cavity]. / Poziom fluoru w slinie po szczotkowaniu zebów pastami fluorkowymi z i bez plukania woda.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine salivary fluoride concentrations after tooth-brushing with fluoride toothpastes with and without rinsing of oral cavity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fluoride levels in the supernatant of unstimulated mixed saliva were measured after tooth-brushing with Elmex (amine fluoride, 0.125% F) and Meridol (amine fluoride, stannous(II) fluoride, 0.14% F) toothpaste with and without rinsing. Fluoride concentration was measured using a fluoride ion-specific electrode (Orion 96 09BN) connected to a CPI-551 computer. The study was done in 120 subjects from whom salivary samples were taken before and after 15 and 30 min. from tooth-brushing with and without rinsing. RESULTS: Fluoride levels in saliva correlated with time from tooth-brushing and with oral cavity rinsing. Toothbrushing with rinsing led to similar increase/decrease in fluoride level in saliva for both toothpastes. The use of toothpaste without rinsing vs rinsing produced a two-fold increase in the level of salivary fluoride in the case of Elmex and a three-fold increase in the case of Meridol toothpaste. Fluoride content in saliva 30 minutes after brushing was higher than baseline. CONCLUSION: Significantly higher fluoride levels in saliva after tooth-brushing with fluoride toothpastes were noted when tooth-brushing was not followed by oral cavity rinsing.