HEMA release and degree of conversion from a resin-modified glass ionomer cement after various delays of light activation.

OBJECTIVE: The setting of resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGIC) involves the acid-base reaction and the polymerization of HEMA monomers. Each setting mechanism may compete with the other. The aim of this study was to determine an optimum polymerization after various delays of light-activation, to minimize the release of free HEMA and to better understand the setting mechanism of RMGICs. The null hypothesis tested was: increasing the delay before light-activation of an RMGIC has no effect on HEMA release and on its degree of conversion (DC). METHODS: Five groups were investigated: (a) control group with no light-curing; (b) light-curing delayed 1 min after mixing; (c) delayed 5 min; (d) delayed 10 min; (e) delayed 15 min. For each, HEMA release was analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography at 1 h, 6 h, 24 h, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days and the DC was tested by ATR-FTIR spectrometer. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Scheffe multiple mean comparisons. RESULTS: A delay in light-activation caused a significant increase in the cumulative HEMA release. The highest release was determined for the group without light-curing. The DC increased significantly when the delay was increased, until a maximum value for 10 min delay, then decreased when the delay was more extended, with a minimum value for the group without light-curing. SIGNIFICANCE: A short delay before light-curing could limit the HEMA release and could be more biocompatible. The results highlighted the competition between the acid-base and the polymerization reactions. They also showed there is no correlation between the monomer release and the DC.

Aging of monolithic zirconia dental prostheses: Protocol for a 5-year prospective clinical study using ex vivo analyses.

BACKGROUND: Recent introduction of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) monolithic zirconia dental prostheses raises the issue of material low thermal degradation (LTD), a well-known problem with zirconia hip prostheses. This phenomenon could be accentuated by masticatory mechanical stress. Until now zirconia LTD process has only been studied in vitro. This work introduces an original protocol to evaluate LTD process of monolithic zirconia prostheses in the oral environment and to study their general clinical behavior, notably in terms of wear. METHODS/DESIGN: 101 posterior monolithic zirconia tooth elements (molars and premolars) are included in a 5-year prospective clinical trial. On each element, several areas between 1 and 2 mm2 (6 on molars, 4 on premolars) are determined on restoration surface: areas submitted or non-submitted to mastication mechanical stress, glazed or non-glazed. Before prosthesis placement, ex vivo analyses regarding LTD and wear are performed using Raman spectroscopy, SEM imagery and 3D laser profilometry. After placement, restorations are clinically evaluated following criteria of the World Dental Federation (FDI), complemented by the analysis of fracture clinical risk factors. Two independent examiners perform the evaluations. Clinical evaluation and ex vivo analyses are carried out after 6 months and then each year for up to 5 years. DISCUSSION: For clinicians and patients, the results of this trial will justify the use of monolithic zirconia restorations in dental practice. For researchers, the originality of a clinical study including ex vivo analyses of material aging will provide important data regarding zirconia properties.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02150226.

High-temperature high-pressure polymerized urethane dimethacrylate-mechanical properties and monomer release.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine selected mechanical/physical properties of and monomer release from high-temperature high-pressure (HT/HP) polymerized urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA). METHODS: Flexural strength (σf), hardness, fracture toughness (KIC), and density (ρ) were determined for five UDMA resin blocks produced via different polymerization protocols. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine monomer release from the five polymers. One way ANOVA, Scheffé multiple means comparisons (α=0.05), and Weibull statistics (for σf) were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: The results showed that HT/HP polymerization resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in σf and ρ, along with an increase in Weibull modulus. No significant differences were found in hardness and KIC between the two HT/HP polymerized materials. A significantly lower (p<0.05) monomer release was detected for the HT/HP polymerized groups. SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this study suggest that HT/HP polymerization affects the network structure and leads to UDMA polymers with improved mechanical/physical properties and with dramatically reduced monomer release. The low elution of monomers from HT/HP and HP polymerized materials suggests the achievement of a higher degree of conversion and a lesser degree of inhomogeneity with regards to microgel domains. The results, however, cannot fully explain the dramatic increase in mechanical/physical properties reported previously for RCB, improvements that may be due to a better filler-matrix interaction afforded by HT/HP polymerization.