Photodynamic Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells with Low Curcumin Concentrations.

Objective: Curcumin is known for its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic qualities at concentrations ranging from 3.7µg/ml to 55µg/ml. Therefore it is pre-destined for tumour therapy. Due to high oral doses that have to be administered and the low bioavailability of curcumin new therapy concepts have to be developed. One of these therapy concepts is the combination of low curcumin concentrations and UVA or visible light. Aim of our study was to investigate the influence of this treatment regime on oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Materials and Methods: A human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (HN) was pre-incubated with low curcumin concentrations (0.01µg/ml to 1µg/ml). Thereafter cell cultures were either left un-irradiated or were irradiated either with 1J/cm2 UVA or for 5min with visible light. Quantitative analysis of proliferation, membrane integrity, oxidative potential and DNA fragmentation were done. Results: It could be shown that low curcumin concentrations neither influenced proliferation, nor cell morphology, nor cell integrity nor apoptosis. When combining these curcumin concentrations with UVA or visible light irradiation cell proliferation as well as development of reactive oxygen species was reduced whereas DNA fragmentation was increased. Concentration as well as light entity specific effects could be observed. Conclusions: The present findings substantiate the potential of the combination of low curcumin concentrations and light as a new therapeutic concept to increase the efficacy of curcumin in the treatment of cancer of the oral mucosa.

Influence of Biodentine® - A Dentine Substitute - On Collagen Type I Synthesis in Pulp Fibroblasts In Vitro.

Preserving a patient's own teeth-even in a difficult situation-is nowadays preferable to surgical intervention and therefore promotes development of suitable dental repair materials. Biodentine®, a mineral trioxide aggregate substitute, has been used to replace dentine in a bioactive and biocompatible manner in both the dental crown and the root. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of Biodentine® on pulp fibroblasts in vitro. For this study, one to five Biodentine® discs with a diameter of 5.1mm were incubated in DMEM. To obtain Biodentine® suspensions the media were collected and replaced with fresh medium every 24h for 4 days. Primary pulp cells were isolated from freshly extracted wisdom teeth of 20-23 year old patients and incubated with the Biodentine® suspensions. Proliferation, cell morphology, cell integrity and cell viability were monitored. To evaluate the effect of Biodentine® on collagen type I synthesis, the secretion of the N-terminal domain of pro-collagen type I (P1NP) and the release of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) were quantified. None of the Biodentine® suspensions tested influenced cell morphology, proliferation or cell integrity. The cell viability varied slightly depending on the suspension used. However, the concentrations of P1NP of all pulp fibroblast cultures treated for 24h with the moderate to high Biodentine® concentration containing suspensions of day 1 were reduced to 5% of the control. Furthermore, a significant TGF-ß1 reduction was observed after treatment with these suspensions. It could be shown that Biodentine® is biocompatible. However, dissolved particles of the moderate to high concentrated Biodentine® suspensions 24h after mixing induce a significant reduction of TGF-ß1 release and reduce the secretion of collagen type I of primary pulp fibroblasts.

Zirconia Dental Implants: Investigation of Clinical Parameters, Patient Satisfaction, and Microbial Contamination.

PURPOSE: In recent years, dental implants made from zirconia have been further developed and are considered a reliable treatment method for replacing missing teeth. The aim of this study was to analyze dental implants made from zirconia regarding their clinical performance compared with natural teeth (control). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred six zirconia implants in 38 adults were analyzed in a clinical study after 1 year of loading. The plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), and creeping or recession (CR/REC) of the gingiva were detected and compared with natural control teeth (CT). Furthermore, the papilla index (PAP), Periotest values (PTV), microbial colonization of the implant/dental sulcus fluid, and patient satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: The survival rate was 100%. No statistical significance was observed between implants and teeth regarding BOP, PPD, and PAL. A statistical significance was detected regarding PI and CR/REC with significantly less plaque accumulation and recession in the study group. Mean PAP was 1.76 ± 0.55, whereas the mean PTV was -1.31 ± 2.24 (range from -5 to +6). A non-statistically significant higher colonization of periodontitis/peri-implantitis bacteria was observed in the implant group. The questionnaire showed that the majority of the patients were satisfied with the overall treatment. CONCLUSION: One-piece zirconia dental implants exhibited similar clinical results (BOP, PPD, and PAL) compared with natural teeth in regard to adhesion of plaque (PI) and creeping attachment (CR/REC); zirconia implants performed even better. The favorable results for PAL and CR/REC reflect the comparable low affinity of zirconia for plaque adhesion. Patient satisfaction indicated a high level of acceptance for zirconia implants. However, a long-term follow-up is needed to support these findings.

Fracture resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated teeth restored using ceramic onlays with or without fiber posts-an ex vivo study.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the fracture resistance and fracture modes of ceramic onlay restorations with or without fiber posts in endodontically treated premolars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty extracted human premolars with similar anatomic features were used in this study. Four groups (n = 10) were treated endodontically. Onlay cavities extended to the buccal and palatal cusps and reached out the endodontic accesses were prepared. Ceramic onlay restorations with or without fiber posts were categorized as Group CO (ceramic onlays without posts), Group COQF (ceramic onlays and quartz fiber posts), and Group COGF (ceramic onlays and glass fiber posts). Positive control group was left as non-restored (Group NR). Ten intact teeth were stored as negative control group (Group IT). Fracture resistance was measured using a universal load-testing machine applying compressive load at a crosshead speed of 1 mm min(-1) until fracture. Fracture resistance and modes were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: Ceramic onlay restorations (Groups CO, COQF, COGF) increased the fracture resistance significantly, when compared with non-restored teeth (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in the groups with fiber posts in terms of fracture resistance (P > 0.05). Negative control group (IT) had significantly higher fracture resistance than all others (P < 0.05). Fracture types had significant differences among the groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this ex-vivo study, partial coverage with ceramic onlays resulted in a significant improvement of the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars. However, insertion of glass or quartz fibers did not increase the fracture resistance significantly.

Vertical root fracture: prevalence, etiology, and diagnosis.

A vertical root fracture (VRF) is a frustrating complication that may occur following root canal treatment, and in almost every case leads to the extraction of the affected tooth. This type of fracture is usually diagnosed by secondary symptoms that develop some time after primary treatment, often when prosthodontic restoration has already been completed. The fracture line itself is often not directly visible, and therefore clinical and radiographic signs and symptoms indicate the diagnosis indirectly. Knowledge of the condition and pathogenesis of VRF is required in order to avoid hopeless trials of periodontal and/or endodontic therapy. Several etiologic factors are discussed that make teeth susceptible to VRF, such as the loss of substance due to restorative and endodontic therapy and stress factors associated with root canal debridement, and filling.

Syntheses and characterization of salts with the [Al(D)4F2]+ cation (D = pyridine or water).

Our approach for preparation of tetrakis-(pyridine)-difluoro-aluminum chloride was successfully deployed for the synthesis of corresponding Br and I compounds, respectively. By reacting AlX(3)·3Py (X = Cl, Br, I) with Me(3)SiF in pyridine, two of the three halogens X were substituted by fluorine atoms forming the "aluminum mixed halide" complexes AlF(2)X·4Py with the ionic solid-state structures [Al(Py)(4)F(2)]X. Whereas the (27)Al solid state NMR spectra of AlX(3)·3Py (X = Cl, Br) confirmed the existence of the expected singular σ(6)λ(3)-Al centers in their structures, the corresponding spectrum of AlI(3)·3Py does not contain any signal that belongs to a 6-fold coordinated Al atom. The elemental analysis data strongly support the 1:2-stoichiometry of the complex (AlI(3)·2Py), which in accord to the (27)Al MAS NMR spectra possessed only one σ(4)λ(3)-Al side as in the ionic structure [Al(Py)(2)I(2)]I. AlBr(3)·3Py was also transformed by pyridine into the ionic complex [Al(Py)(4)Br(2)]Br. The later was isolated from pyridine solutions, and its structure was determined by X-ray single crystal analysis. On the basis of our results, solvated [Al(Py)(n)X(2)](+) cations are most probably the dominating species in pyridine solutions of AlX(3). Thus, only two Al-X covalent bonds underwent X/F- exchange and the halogen exchange reactions were terminated at " [Al(Py)(4)F(2)](+) stage". The hydrolysis of [Al(Py)(4)F(2)]Cl by very diluted hydrochloric acid in methanol proceeded smoothly under preservation of the Al-F bonds and displacement of pyridine by water. The formation of the stable helical trans-octahedron [Al(H(2)O)(4)F(2)](+) cation was confirmed by single-crystal XRD analysis. By reacting [Al(Py)(4)F(2)]Cl with the cyclo-n-propyl-phosphonic acid anhydride [CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)-PO(2)](3), an unexpected F-migration from Al- to P- atoms was observed.

Influence of femtosecond laser treatment on shear bond strength of composite resin bonding to human dentin under simulated pulpal pressure.

This in vitro study evaluated the influence of femtosecond laser (fs-laser)-generated patterns on shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin bonded to human dentin under simulated pulpal pressure. Laser treatment was used to produce two different patterns on dentin surfaces. Three test groups and a control group without laser treatment under pulpal pressure were investigated. Dentin discs of 800 nm thickness were cut from 60 extracted caries-free human molars. Using a perfusion machine, the discs were exposed to Ringer solution on their basal surfaces. Clearfil SE Bond/Herculite XRV system was used. The samples were stored in distilled water and thermocycled. Bonding failures caused by a test set-up to challenge SBS were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). An 80 µm-sized cube-shaped pattern caused more cohesive failures in dentin or resin compared with the 160 µm-sized cube-shaped pattern. Weibull statistics demonstrated a significant difference between the two laser patterns, but only the test group with small-sized laser pattern was significantly different from the control group. The Weibull moduli ranged from 4.3 to 9.6 (control group). The 160 µm-sized pattern enhanced the bonding quality and avoided dentin weakening. It was concluded that fs-laser treatment in a 160 µm-sized cube-shaped pattern enabled a simplified bonding procedure by dispensing the primer without affecting SBS, compared with the control group.

Repair versus replacement of defective composite restorations in dental schools in Germany.

The aim of this paper was to review the current teaching of repairs to direct composite restorations in dental schools in Germany, last surveyed ten years ago. Based on an 83% response rate, the findings indicate that most, but not all, dental schools included teaching of repair techniques; however marked variations were found to exist regarding clinical indications and repair techniques of the teaching. It is suggested that certain aspects of the existing teaching in some schools should be reviewed, specifically the lack of use of a bonding agent and the issue of flowable composites to complete repairs.

Structure of (NH4)3GaF6 investigated by multinuclear magic-angle spinning NMR spectroscopy in comparison with rietveld refinement.

The structure of ammonium gallium cryolite (NH(4))(3)GaF(6) was investigated by (19)F and (69,71)Ga magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR in comparison with X-ray powder diffraction followed by Rietveld refinement. In agreement with previous thermodynamic measurements, NMR experiments on (NH(4))(3)GaF(6) support the model of rigid GaF(6) octahedra. At high spinning speeds (30 kHz), the scalar coupling between the six equivalent (19)F nuclei and (69,71)Ga can be directly observed in the powder spectra. The coupling constants are J(19)F(69)Ga = 197 Hz and J(19)F(71)Ga = 264 Hz. To explain the (71)Ga spectra recorded at 3 kHz a small distribution of quadrupolar frequencies has to be included. The spread of the spinning sidebands hints to a largest nu(Q) value of 28 kHz for (71)Ga. This can be explained by the occurrence of highly symmetric GaF(6) octahedra, which are tilted against the surrounding atoms. In addition, the incomplete motional excitation does not average out the quadrupolar effects. NMR findings are in discrepancy to those of Rietveld refinement. As result it appears that X-ray diffraction is not sensitive enough to deliver proper results.

F/Cl-exchange on AlCl(3)-pyridine adducts: synthesis and characterization of trans-difluoro-tetrakis-pyridine-aluminum-chloride, [AlF2(Py)4]+Cl-.

Whereas liquid CCl3F reacts with solid AlCl3 exothermically under chlorine-fluorine-exchange already above -20 degrees C, no reaction takes place between CCl3F and the pyridine complexes of AlCl3 (AlCl3.Py, AlCl3.2Py, or AlCl3.3Py) up to 100 degrees C. The desired chlorine by fluorine substitution on the monomer AlCl3-pyridine adducts occurs, however, easily using Me3SiF as fluorinating agent. By reacting AlCl3.3Py with Me3SiF (even up to 10-fold stoichiometric excess) in pyridine as a solvent, only two of the three Cl atoms can be substituted by fluorine, leading in good yield to the new "mixed aluminum halide", AlF2Cl.4Py. Actually, it represents the first example of a stable solid donor-acceptor adduct of an aluminum-III halide with two different halogens of defined stoichiometry. It was characterized by multinuclear solid-state NMR (27Al and 19F), IR spectroscopy, as well as single-crystal structure analysis. The new compound has an ionic solid-state structure with helical trans-octahedral [(Py)4AlF2]+ cations and isolated Cl- anions. The comparison of its 27Al MAS solid-state NMR spectra with those of a compound bearing the analogous [(Py)4AlCl2]+ cation reveals an extreme increase in the quadrupolar coupling constants, from 0.24 MHz in case of the chlorine cation to about 16 MHz in case of the new [(Py)4AlF2]+ cation.

The value of examination aids in victim identification: a retrospective study of an airplane crash in Nepal in 2002.

After the crash of an airplane in Nepal in the year 2002, the dental status of the 14 European victims was examined at autopsy as well as after additional removal of the soft tissue and compared with antemortem findings which were available in 11 cases. Re-examination of all jaws showed that nine composite fillings and seven root fillings as well as one parapulpal pin could not be detected during autopsy. Because tooth-coloured restorations may be overseen even by an experienced expert, the findings underline the necessity of performing a full resection of both jaws and removal of the soft tissue. Furthermore, X-ray analysis of the jaws and the use of phosphoric acid or ultra violet radiation for recognizing tooth-coloured restorations are recommended.

Defective direct composite restorations--replace or repair? A survey of teaching in Scandinavian dental schools.

A questionnaire based survey was undertaken in Scandinavian dental schools to investigate aspects of the teaching of the repair of failing direct composite restorations, as a conservative alternative to total restoration replacement. The findings indicate that all undergraduate students in Scandinavian schools are taught and gain clinical experience in the repair of direct composite restorations. Although the findings reveal general agreement in relation to the teaching of reasons and operative procedures for the repair of direct composite restorations, variations were found in relation to the teaching of indications for, and the expected longevities of such repairs.

Comparison of microleakage on one composite etched with phosphoric acid or a combination of phosphoric and hydrofluoric acids and bonded with several different systems.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There are no data available on whether or to what extent hydrofluoric acid affects the marginal integrity of dentin-bonded composite restorations when it is used instead of phosphoric acid in the total-etch technique. PURPOSE: This in vitro study examined the etching effects of phosphoric acid versus a combination of phosphoric and hydrofluoric acid by evaluation of microleakage in a composite restoration bonded with different dentin adhesive systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Extracted teeth (n = 90) containing 2 class II preparations, mesial occlusal (MO) and distal occlusal (DO) standarized (cervical margins in dentin) were perfused with Ringer solution and etched in 1 of 2 ways: with phosphoric acid only or with phosphoric combined with hydrofluoric acid. Different dentin bonding agents were then applied (Etch & Prime 3.0, Optibond Solo, Prime & Bond NT, Scotchbond 1, Syntac Single Component, or Syntac Sprint; (n = 15 for each etching material)). The preparations were restored with a hybrid composite (Herculite XRV) and submitted to 5000 thermocycles (5 degrees C to 55 degrees C) to simulate the in vivo situation. Microleakage was assessed with 2% methylene blue diffusion for 24 hours. Dye penetration was calculated as a percentage of the total length of the gingival margins of the preparation with light microscopy at original magnification x 32. The results were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis multiple comparison z-value assay (alpha = .05). RESULTS: Differences in dye penetration were significant, both as a function of the dentin adhesive and the conditioning mode applied. In the specimen groups conditioned with phosphoric acid, Optibond Solo (54% +/- 44%) and Syntac Sprint (74% +/- 39%) demonstrated the lowest penetration values. Higher values were obtained for Prime & Bond NT (81% +/- 34%), Scotchbond 1 (83% +/- 31%), Etch & Prime 3.0 (85% +/- 33%), and Syntac Single Component (95% +/- 16%), with no significant differences (alpha=.05) between specimen groups. The best results were obtained for Syntac Sprint (24% +/- 26% dye penetration) after conditioning with a mixture of phosphoric and hydrofluoric acid. The least favorable result was obtained for Optibond Solo (65% +/- 31%). It was significantly different from Prime & Bond NT (76% +/- 37%), Scotchbond 1 (85% +/- 29%), and Etch & Prime 3.0 (88% +/- 24%). Syntac Single Component (75% +/- 32%) was significantly different from Syntac Sprint. Syntac Single Component and Syntac Sprint exhibited significantly better results when conditioned with a combination of phosphoric acid and hydrofluoric acid than with phosphoric acid only. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, total-etching water-based (Syntac Single Component) and acetone-based (Syntac Sprint) bonding agents with a combination of phosphoric acid and hydrofluoric acid led to significant reductions (alpha=.05) in dye penetration compared to phosphoric acid conditioning only. Ethanol-based dentin bonding agents (Etch & Prime 3.0, Optibond Solo, and Scotchbond 1) were not significantly influenced by the type of conditioner used.

Effect of the silicone disclosing procedure on the shear bond strength of composite cements to ceramic restorations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There is no evidence-based information on how ceramic restorations with an adhesive bond between restoration material and composite cement may be influenced by a silicone disclosing agent. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the silicone disclosing procedure on the shear bond strength of composite cements in the luting of industrial sintered and laboratory sintered ceramic restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty standardized (15 x 10 x 9 mm) prefabricated ceramic specimens (Groups 1, 3, 5) and 30 standardized (15 x10 x 9 mm) conventionally sintered ceramic specimens (Groups 2, 4, 6) were roughened with sandpaper (800-grit). Each group contained 10 specimens. Groups 3 and 4 were conditioned with hydrofluoric acid and primed with silane solution after the use of a silicone disclosing procedure. Groups 1 and 2 served as the control groups, where no silicone disclosing procedure was performed. Groups 5 and 6 were insulated with glycerine before the silicone disclosing procedure. A glass tube (4.5 mm in diameter) was used to apply a cylinder of dual-polymerized composite cement to the conditioned surfaces. All specimens were submitted to 5000 thermocycles (5 degrees to 55 degrees C) to simulate the in vivo situation. The specimens were subjected to a shear-pull test at a constant crosshead speed of 5 mm/min with a universal testing machine. The comparative shear bond strengths were analyzed by use of Duncan's test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Shear bond strength values for Groups 1 (9.86 +/- 4.97 MPa) and 2 (9.56 +/- 4.47 Mpa) were obtained with no significant differences. Lower but significantly undifferent values were obtained for Groups 3 (7.49 +/- 4.67 MPa) and 4 (7.62 +/- 3.49 MPa) after the use of a silicone disclosing procedure. In Groups 5 (8.21 +/- 4.75 MPa) and 6 (8.22 +/- 3.59 MPa), including insulation with glycerine before the silicone disclosing procedure, no significant differences were obtained. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the use of silicone disclosing procedures before conditioning the ceramic surface did not lead to a significant reduction of the shear bond strength between ceramic and composite cement. The ceramic materials used (industrial-sintered versus laboratory-sintered ceramic) had no significant influence on adhesion.

In vitro cytotoxicity of medicated and nonmedicated gutta-percha points in cultures of gingival fibroblasts.

This investigation was designed to test the cellular toxicity of two medicated (Roeko activ point and Roeko Calcium Hydroxide) and four nonmedicated brands of gutta-percha (GP) points (Antaeos, DeTrey White, Roeko color, and Roeko Top color). The test points were transferred into a culture medium including the GP-point material with a concentration of 6 mg/ml, and eluates were obtained after 72 h. Five milliliters of each eluate were pipetted onto fibroblast cultures, incubated, and subsequently stained. Mitotic rates, cell densities, and the distribution of normal cells, pathologically altered and dead cells were determined and correlated with control cell cultures. Roeko activ point (containing chlorhexidine) resulted in the highest number of dead cells. The difference was statistically significant in comparison with all other materials. Concerning all parameters mentioned, the cytotoxicity of the points containing calcium hydroxide (Roeko Calcium Hydroxide) was not significantly different from all other points tested, with the exception of those containing chlorhexidine. All tested gutta-percha materials caused cytotoxic reactions in varying extents. Taking into consideration the limitations of an in vitro experiment, points containing calcium hydroxide and nonmedicated points seem to be the most recommendable products for clinical use.

Cytotoxicity of modern dentin adhesives--in vitro testing on gingival fibroblasts.

The present investigation was designed to test cellular toxicity of modern dentin adhesives. With the use of the products Ariston Liner, Etch & Prime 3.0, Optibond Solo, Prime & Bond NT, Scotchbond 1, and Syntac Sprint, test specimens were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions and transferred into a culture medium. Eluates were obtained and pipetted onto fibroblast cultures, incubated, and subsequently stained. The respective cell densities and the numbers of normal, altered, and dead cells were determined and compared with control cell cultures. Statistical analysis of the data showed that all materials caused cytotoxic effects. Scotchbond 1 displayed the highest number of dead cells. The difference was statistically significant compared to Etch" 3.0, Optibond Solo, Prime&Bond NT, and the control. The lowest cell density was found for Scotchbond 1 and Ariston Liner. The difference was also statistically significant in comparison with Etch" 3.0, Optibond Solo, Prime&Bond NT, and the control. To conclude, all tested dentin adhesives caused cytotoxic reactions. Taking the limitations of an in vitro experiment into consideration, Prime&Bond NT, Optibond Solo, and Etch" 3.0 appear to be the most recommendable products, and Scotchbond 1 and Ariston Liner the least.

Repair versus replacement of defective direct composite restorations in teaching programmes in United Kingdom and Irish Dental Schools.

The teaching of the repair of direct composite restorations has been surveyed in United Kingdom and Irish dental schools. Based on a 100% response rate, the findings indicate that the vast majority of undergraduate students in United Kingdom and Irish dental schools are taught and gain clinical experience in the repair of direct composite restorations. There is general conformity with respect to the teaching in relation to operative techniques and materials used.