Evaluation of the shear bond strength of a tricalcium silicate-based material to four self-adhering glass ionomer materials: an in vitro study.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of EQUIA Forte HT with that of other restorative materials, including EQUIA Forte, glass ionomer cement (GIC), and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) when bonded to NeoMTA 2. Materials and methods: A total of 120 holes were created in Teflon molds and filled with NeoMTA 2. The restorative materials were immediately applied using customized silicone molds. The samples were randomly divided into two main groups: one to measure the immediate SBS and the other to measure the delayed SBS. These two main groups were further divided into four subgroups based on the restorative material used: EQUIA Forte HT, EQUIA Forte, GIC, and RMGIC. Results: The study groups showed statistically significant differences in the mean SBS (p < 0.0001). The immediate SBS of the RMGIC group (mean ± SD: 5.43 ± 1.22) was significantly higher than those of the GIC and EQUIA Forte groups, with no significant difference found compared to the SBS of EQUIA Forte HT. In the delayed SBS, both the RMGIC and EQUIA Forte HT groups (4.98 ± 0.67 and 4.93 ± 0.60, respectively) demonstrated significantly higher bond strengths than the GIC and EQUIA Forte groups (3.81 ± 0.57 and 4.2 ± 0.63, respectively). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the RMGIC and EQUIA Forte HT groups or between the GIC and EQUIA Forte groups. Conclusion: Based on our findings, EQUIA Forte HT has shown promising outcomes when used as a restorative material following pulpotomies, with results comparable to those of RMGIC.

Evaluation of fissure sealant retention rates using Isolite in comparison with rubber dam and cotton roll isolation techniques: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies comparing retention rates of pit and fissure sealants placed under Isolite, rubber dam, and cotton roll combined have not been conducted until now. AIM: To evaluate the retention rate of pit and fissure sealants (PFS) placed under three different isolation techniques (Isolite system [IS], rubber dam isolation [RDI], and cotton roll isolation [CRI]). DESIGN: One hundred and forty-four teeth from 48 children aged 6-15 years attending paediatric dental clinics at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia were randomized to receive three PFS using three isolation techniques. The children that met the inclusion criteria were randomized by a simple block random allocation method. All PFS were placed by an operator and evaluated by a blinded evaluator. The evaluation scores were recorded at baseline and followed up over a period of 12-22 months. RESULTS: The children's mean age was 8.58 ± 1.93 years. Seven patients were lost to follow-up. A total of 123 teeth were clinically evaluated; of these teeth, 22% had completely retained sealants, whereas approximately 66% had a partial loss of sealants, and approximately 12% had a complete loss of sealants. There were, however, no significant differences between the three isolation techniques on the retention rate of pit and fissure sealant. CONCLUSION: The types of isolation had no impact on the retention rate of pit and fissure sealant.

Comparison of Fissure Sealant Chair Time and Patients' Preference Using Three Different Isolation Techniques.

This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the patient's preference and chair time needed during pit and fissure sealant placement under three isolation techniques (Isolite system, rubber dam isolation, and cotton roll isolation). Participants, aged 6-15 years and requiring four sealants on the first or second permanent molars, attending the pediatric dental clinics at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia were enrolled according to the inclusion criteria. Each participant received sealants on three random first or second permanent molars using three isolation techniques. The time required for sealant placement was recorded for each technique. Following sealant placement, an interview-based questionnaire was administered to the participants to evaluate their preference regarding the isolation techniques. Forty-eight children (23 male and 25 female) with a mean age of 8.58 ± 1.93 years participated in this study. The mean chair times were 248.14, 255.89, and 243.29 s for the Isolite system, rubber dam isolation, and cotton roll isolation, respectively. Approximately 79% of participants considered cotton roll isolation to be the most comfortable, whereas approximately 71% were significantly less likely to use rubber dam isolation again. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in sealant placement time among the three isolation techniques. However, cotton roll isolation was the technique that was most preferred by the participants.

Effect of Aging on the Microhardness of Different Resin-based Fluoride-releasing Fissure Sealants: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of aging on the microhardness score [Vickers hardness number (VHN)] of different resin-based fluoride-releasing sealants compared to non-fluoride resin-based sealants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 extracted sound molars that were sectioned mesiodistally were used. In the current study, four types of sealants were compared: Group A, a resin-based non-fluoride-releasing pit and fissure sealant (Eco-S sealant) served as a control. Groups B, C, and D received resin-based fluoride-releasing pit and fissure sealants Helioseal F, Fissurit F, and Embrace™ WetBond, respectively. Subsequently, each group was further divided into immediate and aged subgroups. The samples had been evaluated regarding their microhardness using a pyramidal diamond indenter of a Vickers hardness test at two-time intervals: Immediately and after the aging process through thermocycling. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between mean VHN and material types (p = 0.72). Aging appeared to significantly increase the mean VHN (p = 0.001). The interaction model between material type and time factor showed that the effect of aging differs by the material type, where the VHN of the Embrace™ group increased significantly after aging from 24.33 ± 5.60 to 31.70 ± 3.59 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: While there were no significant differences in the microhardness of commonly used fluoride-releasing fissure sealants, time appears to significantly increase the mean microhardness score (VHN), especially in the Embrace™ group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Embrace™ WetBond fissure sealant showed a significant improvement in the mean microhardness score (VHN) with time. However, clinical studies with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm our results.

Patient's Perception on the Esthetic Outcome of Anterior Fixed Prosthetic Treatment.

OVERVIEW: Patient's perception to the esthetic result of the treatment received can be different from a dentist opinion. Understanding patient's opinion, demand and expectation is part of successful treatment procedure. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate patient's opinion about the esthetic result of the fixed prosthetic treatment received in upper anterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 90 volunteer subjects, 58 males and 32 females were given a self-evaluation questionnaire with 11 questions to respond as Yes or No. The questions regarded the esthetic result of a fixed prosthodontic treatment received for their upper anterior teeth. The same questioner was completed for each subject by three clinicians through clinical photographs for different views of subject's smile. Agreement between patients and clinicians was calculated for all subjects to evaluate patient's perception to their esthetic results. RESULTS: An agreement of 47.8 to 72.2% was observed between patients and clinicians, and the average agreement was 53.64 to 60%. The highest agreement was related to satisfaction with the color of the crown and/or bridge margin while the least agreement was related to the satisfaction with the natural looking of the restoration. CONCLUSION: There was variability in the agreement between the patients and the dentists with the satisfaction of the esthetic result of anterior restoration. Factor, such as gender, age and educational level may affect the results of the agreement.