Irrigation with reduced sodium hypochlorite solution concentration using laser-induced cavitation is effective and safe in rat intraradicular biofilm model.

This study aimed to investigate the optimal sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCl) concentration to effectively remove the root canal biofilm without stimulating periradicular inflammation using coronal laser-activated irrigation (CLAI). To compare the efficacy of different NaOCl concentrations combined with CLAI in removing the biofilm, an in vivo intraradicular biofilm rat model was used. Root canals were irrigated using an Er:YAG laser with either 5% or 0.5% NaOCl. Biofilm removal efficacy of CLAI was compared to that of conventional needle irrigation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Histological observation of CLAI-associated periradicular inflammation was also conducted. In both the 5% and 0.5% CLAI groups, SEM observation showed the opening of the dentin tubules and biofilm removal. qPCR analysis indicated that the residual bacteria counts after cleaning were significantly lower in the 5% and 0.5% CLAI groups than in the conventional needle irrigation and positive control groups (Tukey test, p < 0.05), and no significant difference was observed between the 5% and 0.5% CLAI groups (p > 0.05). Periapical inflammation in the 5% CLAI group revealed the most severe, including significant neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration with abscess formation, while only mild vasodilation was observed in the 0.5% CLAI group. CLAI can remove the biofilm independently of chemical action, which avoids the risks associated with high NaOCl concentrations. Therefore, this root canal irrigation technique ensures safety and effectiveness, promising to contribute to new treatment strategies intended to remove intraradicular biofilm.

Er:YAG laser-induced cavitation can activate irrigation for the removal of intraradicular biofilm.

We investigated the biofilm removal effects of laser activated irrigation (LAI) using a pig model, focusing on the impact of the fiber tip position, and used a high-speed camera to observe the occurrence and positioning of the cavitation associated with laser irradiation. A total of 16 roots of deciduous mandibular second premolars from 4 pigs were used. After a pulpectomy, the canals were left open for 2 weeks and sealed for 4 weeks to induce intraradicular biofilm. Root canal irrigation was then performed with Er:YAG laser activation. The fiber tip was inserted at two different positions, i.e., into the root canal in the intracanal LAI group and into the pulp chamber in the coronal LAI group. Intracanal needle irrigation with saline or 5% NaOCl was utilized in the positive control and conventional needle irrigation (CNI) groups. SEM and qPCR were carried out to evaluate treatment efficacy. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and a Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test for qPCR and with a Steel-Dwass test to compare the SEM scores, with α = 0.05. A high-speed camera was used to observe the generation of cavitation bubbles and the movement of the induced bubbles after laser irradiation. The intracanal and coronal LAI groups showed significantly lower amounts of bacteria than either the positive control or CNI groups. There was no significant difference found between the intracanal and coronal LAI groups. SEM images revealed opened dentinal tubules with the destruction of biofilm in both LAI groups. High-speed camera images demonstrated cavitation bubble production inside the root canal after a single pulse irradiation pulse. The generated bubbles moved throughout the entire internal multi-rooted tooth space. Coronal LAI can generate cavitation in the root canal with a simply placed fiber inside the pulp chamber, leading to effective biofilm removal. This method could thus contribute to the future development of endodontic treatments for refractory apical periodontitis caused by intraradicular biofilm.

An experimental intraradicular biofilm model in the pig for evaluating irrigation techniques.

BACKGROUND: We established an in vivo intraradicular biofilm model of apical periodontitis in pigs in which we compared the efficacy of different irrigant activation techniques for biofilm removal. METHODS: Twenty roots from the deciduous mandibular second premolar of 5 male pigs were used. After pulpectomy, canals were left open for 2 weeks and then sealed for 4 weeks to enable the development of an intracanal biofilm. The intraradicular biofilms was evaluated using SEM and bacterial 16S rRNA gene-sequencing. To investigate the efficacy of biofilm removal, root canal irrigations were performed using conventional needle, passive ultrasonic, subsonic, or laser-activated irrigation. Real-time PCR was conducted to quantitate the remaining biofilm components. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by a Tukey kramer post-hoc test with α = 0.05. RESULTS: The pulp exposure model was effective in inducing apical periodontitis and SEM analysis revealed a multi-layer biofilm formation inside the root canal. 16S rRNA sequence analysis identified Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria as the predominant bacterial phyla components, which is similar to the microbiome profile seen in humans. None of the tested irrigation techniques completely eradicated the biofilm components from the root canal, but the subsonic and laser-activated irrigation methods produced the lowest bacterial counts (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An experimental intraradicular biofilm model has been successfully established in pigs. Within the limitations of the study, subsonic or laser-activated irrigation demonstrated the best biofilm removal results in the pig system.

Effect of artificial saliva on permeability of dentin treated with phosphate containing desensitizer measured by digital flow meter.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of artificial saliva on permeability measured using a highly sensitive digital flow meter of dentin discs treated with a phosphate containing desensitizer compound (Teethmate desensitizer; TD). Four random groups (n=10) were treated either with TD or distilled water (DW), then stored in artificial saliva (AS) or DW for 1 day, 1 week and 1 month. Flow rates under 2 kPa pressure were calculated as percentage reduction (PR%) from the baseline. The PR% of TD/AS group was significantly lower after 1 day and 1 week, but the PR%s of 1 month groups among TD/AS, TD/DW and DW/AS were not significantly different. The SEM photograph of TD/AS group displayed that the dentin surface was densely covered with mineral deposits. Ca and phosphate ions from the artificial saliva could penetrate into the tubules and precipitate as hydroxyapatite, resulting in the reduction in permeability.

Detection of enamel subsurface lesions by swept-source optical coherence tomography.

This study aimed to non-destructively analyze the progression of subsurface enamel caries using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), a recently developed imaging analysis modality. Artificial enamel caries at various stages of demineralization were created in bovine tooth enamel using a modified lactic acid gel system. Untreated enamel served as a control. OCT images from cross-sections of enamel were collected. Mineral density, distribution, and histological changes were analyzed using an electron probe microanalyzer, scanning electron microscopy, and contact microradiography. The Raman spectrum and X-ray structural analysis of the enamel surfaces were determined. SS-OCT detected significant differences in mineral loss among the samples. A high-brightness image was confirmed, along with changes in the respective brightness graphs proportionate to the degree of demineralization. SS-OCT can potentially be used to evaluate the progression of incipient enamel carious lesions.

Effect of two desensitizing agents on dentin permeability in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of two desensitizing agents and water on hydraulic conductance in human dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: GLUMA Desensitizer PowerGel (GLU) contains glutaraldehyde (GA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and Teethmate Desensitizer (TD) is a powder comprising tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) that is mixed with water. Deionized water was used as a negative control (CTR). Thirty discs with a thickness of 1.2 mm were cut from the coronal dentin of the third molars and cleaned with 0.5 M EDTA (pH 7.4). After being mounted in a split-chamber device, the discs were pressurized with water at 1 kPa and 3 kPa in order to measure flow rates with a highly sensitive micro-flow sensor and to calculate hydraulic conductance as a baseline value (BL). Following the application of GLU, TD, and CTR (n=10), hydraulic conductance was remeasured with intermittent storage in water after 15 min, 1 d, 1 w, and 1 m. Reduction in permeability (PR%) was calculated from hydraulic conductance. Data were statistically analyzed using nonparametric methods (α<0.05). Representative discs were inspected by SEM. RESULTS: PR% for GLU and TD were 30-50% 15 min and 1 m after their application. Post hoc tests indicated that PR% of CTR was significantly greater than those of GLU and TD at all time points tested. The PR% of GLU and TD were not significantly different. SEM examinations showed noncollapsed collagen meshes at the tubular entrances after GLU, and crystalline precipitates occluding the tubular orifices after TD, whereas CTR specimens showed typical patterns of etched dentin. CONCLUSIONS: The present study on hydraulic conductance in dentin discs treated with two chemically different desensitizing agents and water as a control demonstrated that both products may be characterized as effective.

Effect of two desensitizing agents on dentin permeability in vitro

Abstract Objective The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of two desensitizing agents and water on hydraulic conductance in human dentin. Material and Methods GLUMA Desensitizer PowerGel (GLU) contains glutaraldehyde (GA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and Teethmate Desensitizer (TD) is a powder comprising tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) that is mixed with water. Deionized water was used as a negative control (CTR). Thirty discs with a thickness of 1.2 mm were cut from the coronal dentin of the third molars and cleaned with 0.5 M EDTA (pH 7.4). After being mounted in a split-chamber device, the discs were pressurized with water at 1 kPa and 3 kPa in order to measure flow rates with a highly sensitive micro-flow sensor and to calculate hydraulic conductance as a baseline value (BL). Following the application of GLU, TD, and CTR (n=10), hydraulic conductance was remeasured with intermittent storage in water after 15 min, 1 d, 1 w, and 1 m. Reduction in permeability (PR%) was calculated from hydraulic conductance. Data were statistically analyzed using nonparametric methods (α<0.05). Representative discs were inspected by SEM. Results PR% for GLU and TD were 30-50% 15 min and 1 m after their application. Post hoc tests indicated that PR% of CTR was significantly greater than those of GLU and TD at all time points tested. The PR% of GLU and TD were not significantly different. SEM examinations showed noncollapsed collagen meshes at the tubular entrances after GLU, and crystalline precipitates occluding the tubular orifices after TD, whereas CTR specimens showed typical patterns of etched dentin. Conclusions The present study on hydraulic conductance in dentin discs treated with two chemically different desensitizing agents and water as a control demonstrated that both products may be characterized as effective.

Metal ions from S-PRG filler have the potential to prevent periodontal disease.

The surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) filler, a component of composite resin, is capable of releasing metal ions that possess antibacterial activity against caries and periodontal pathogens. Although S-PRG has been suggested to be involved in oral disease prevention, no reports have been published regarding its preventive effect on periodontal disease in vivo. The present study investigated whether the eluate from S-PRG (S-PRG eluate) has a suppressive effect on tissue destruction induced in a mouse model of ligature-induced periodontal disease. Twenty-seven C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups of nine animals each, no ligature group (Lig(-)), ligature group (Lig(+)S-PRG(-)) and ligature with S-PRG eluate group (Lig(+)S-PRG(+)). Alveolar bone loss was evaluated using micro-computed tomography scanning. Histologic changes were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The infiltration of inflammatory cells was assessed by Ly6G and F4/80 staining immunohistochemically. The distribution of metal ions was detected by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. S-PRG eluate clearly inhibited alveolar bone loss and bone density. The histological analysis revealed that S-PRG eluate reduced destruction of the collagen bundle in the periodontal ligament and the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the S-PRG eluate significantly suppressed the number of infiltrating neutrophils and macrophages. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis revealed that more boron ions were present in the Lig(+)S-PRG(+) group than in the Lig(+)S-PRG(-) group. Our results suggest that the S-PRG eluate has a preventive effect against tissue destruction in periodontal disease through its anti-inflammatory effects in vivo.

In vitro evaluation of the wear resistance of composite resin blocks for CAD/CAM.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to investigate two- and three-body wear of CAD/CAM blocks. Four composite resins, one hybrid ceramic and one feldspar ceramic block material were examined. Six specimens each were tested in a ball-on-disc wear device fitted with a zirconia ball (50 N load, 1.2 Hz, 50 k cycles) in water for two-body and in poppy seed slurry for three-body wear evaluation. Volume loss after each 10 k cycle was quantified using a digital CCD microscope. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons (α=0.05). Two-body wear for composite resin blocks was small, hybrid ceramic and ceramic blocks showed larger volume loss. Threebody wear was very low for all materials. All CAD/CAM block materials investigated displayed low wear compared to previous data for direct posterior composites carrying out the same wear test. The block materials are considered suitable for fabrication of single full crown restorations on premolar teeth.

Polishing and toothbrushing alters the surface roughness and gloss of composite resins.

This study aimed to investigate the surface roughness and gloss of composite resins after using two polishing systems and toothbrushing. Six composite resins (Durafill VS, Filtek Z250, Filtek Z350 XT, Kalore, Venus Diamond, and Venus Pearl) were evaluated after polishing with two polishing systems (Sof-Lex, Venus Supra) and after toothbrushing up to 40,000 cycles. Surface roughness (Ra) and gloss were determined for each composite resin group (n=6) after silicon carbide paper grinding, polishing, and toothbrushing. Two-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in both Ra and gloss between measuring stages for the composite resins tested, except Venus Pearl, which showed significant differences only in gloss. After polishing, the Filtek Z350 XT, Kalore, and Venus Diamond showed significant increases in Ra, while all composite resin groups except the Filtek Z350 XT and Durafill VS with Sof-Lex showed increases in gloss. After toothbrushing, all composite resin demonstrated increases in Ra and decreases in gloss.

Texture of composite resins exposed to two- and three-body wear in vitro.

PURPOSE: To analyze on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures from eight composite resins, taken in the centers of the initial, the middle and the terminal thirds of in vitro produced wear tracks morphological features to explain causative mechanisms for the material wear observed under two- and three-body wear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro wear behavior of eight composite resins, three conventional and five nanofiller containing marketed products was evaluated using a custom-made Zr-ball-on-disk sliding device. The composite specimens were subjected to 50,000 one-way sliding cycles (1.2 Hz, 50 N load), either simulating two-body wear with water as the intermediate medium or three-body wear using aqueous suspensions of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads and poppy seeds, respectively. Volume loss of the materials was determined in previous study. Representative specimens were selected for inspection by scanning electron microscopy at 500-fold magnification. From each of the 24 wear tracks microphotographs were taken in the central deepest parts of the initial, middle and terminal thirds of the tracks. RESULTS: For most materials morphological differences were detected depending on the location within the wear track. As a rule, the surface deterioration found increased toward the final part of the wear scar. According to common classification in tribology abrasive wear and fatigue wear, or a combination of both mechanisms were found for all materials tested. Wear was dependent both on the testing mode and on the composition of the individual composite resin material. CONCLUSION: The morphological assessment of wear tracks refects the nature of the abrasive and reveals insight into the mechanism generating wear patterns. Morphological details confirmed abrasive and fatigue-related wear as main failure mechanisms. Selection of food-like slurries as third-body media, such as poppy seed suspension is mandatory to simulate wear of composite restorations in occlusal cavities where three-body wear is the dominating determinant of loss of substance and surface deterioration.

Quantitative wear and wear damage analysis of composite resins in vitro.

The aim of this study was to investigate volume loss and worn surfaces' morphologies of eight composite resins: Durafill VS (DUR), Clearfil AP-X (APX), Filtek Z250 (Z250), Filtek Supreme XT (FIL), Kalore (KAL), MI Flow (MFL), Venus Diamond (VED) and Venus Pearl (VEP). Disc-shaped specimens were fabricated and mounted in a ball-on-disc wear testing machine and abraded in water or with the third-body media, poppy seed slurry and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) slurry. Volume loss (n=5) was determined after 50k sliding cycles, and analyzed using two-way ANOVA (α=0.05). The worn surfaces were examined with SEM. Two-way ANOVA suggested significant interaction between composite and wear condition. DUR, KAL and MFL showed low wear in water. DUR, Z250 and FIL showed moderate wear with PMMA slurry, whereas APX, KAL and MFL were deeper abraded. Under the action of poppy seed slurry DUR proved high volume loss. SEM showed that Z250, FIL and MFL were uniformly abraded in water. KAL and MFL with poppy seed were heavily destructed, whereas VED and VEP appeared very smooth. KAL and MFL abraded with PMMA slurry showed many cracks, but VEP remained crack-free and smooth. Volume loss and worn surfaces' morphologies varied with type of composite and third-body media used.

Effects of toothbrush hardness on in vitro wear and roughness of composite resins.

AIM: To investigate and compare the effects of toothbrushes with different hardness on abrasion and surface roughness of composite resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Toothbrushes (DENT. EX Slimhead II 33, Lion Dental Products Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) marked as soft, medium and hard, were used to brush 10 beam-shaped specimens of each of three composites resins (Venus [VEN], Venus Diamond [VED] and Venus Pearl [VEP]; HeraeusKulzer) with standardized calcium carbonate slurry in a multistation testing machine (2N load, 60 Hz). After each of five cycles with 10k brushing strokes the wear depth and surface roughness of the specimens were determined. After completion of 50k strokes representative samples were inspected by SEM. Data were treated with ANOVA and regression analyses (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Abrasion of the composite resins increased linearly with increasing number of brushing cycles (r² > 0.9). Highest wear was recorded for VEN, lowest for VED. Hard brushes produced significantly higher wear on VEN and VEP, whereas no difference in wear by toothbrush type was detected for VED. Significantly highest surface roughness was found on VED specimens (Ra > 1.5 µm), the lowest one on VEN (Ra < 0.3 µm). VEN specimens showed increased numbers of pinhole defects when brushed with hard toothbrushes, surfaces of VEP were uniformly abraded without level differences between the prepolymerized fillers and the glass filler-loaded matrix, VED showed large glass fillers protruding over the main filler-loaded matrix portion under each condition. CONCLUSION: Abrasion and surface roughness of composite resins produced by toothbrushing with dentifrice depend mainly on the type of restorative resin. Hardness grades of toothbrushes have minor effects only on abrasion and surface roughness of composite resins. No relationship was found between abrasion and surface roughness. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The grade of the toothbrush used has minor effect on wear, texture and roughness of the composite resin.

Effects of two topical desensitizing agents and placebo on dentin hypersensitivity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of two commercial desensitizing agents in subjects with moderate to severe dentin hypersensitivity for a period of 6 months and to compare the results with topical application of water as negative control. METHODS: BisBlock (BIS; oxalate) and Gluma Desensitizer PowerGel (GLU; glutaraldehyde/HEMA) were tested. 50 subjects, average age 32.4 years, with at least one cervical hypersensitive incisor, canine or premolar tooth area and pre-operative pain score > or = 6 on VAS from 0 to 10 in each of three quadrants were included. Prior to application of the desensitizing agents or placebo (PLA; water) the sensitive areas were cleaned with prophy paste. Desensitizers were applied according to manufacturers' instructions, the placebo was left for 60 seconds dwell, rinsed off and dried. Pain scores were determined using both evaporative and tactile stimuli immediately after treatment, after 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months. Statistical analyses of the findings were performed using ANOVA and pot-hoc tests with a significance set at P < or = 0.05. RESULTS: All subjects completed the trial. Both the two desensitizing agents and placebo showed significant reduction in sensitivity at baseline and throughout the 6-month evaluation. The effects of the three treatments were significantly different. Pain reduction with GLU was consistently highest, followed by PLA that was significantly greater than BIS. VAS scores for the evaporative stimulus were moderately, but significantly lower than for tactile stimulation.

Two- and three-body wear of composite resins.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate two- and three-body wear of microfilled, micro-hybrid and nano-hybrid composite resins using a ball-on-disc sliding device. METHODS: One microfilled (Durafill VS), one micro-hybrid (Filtek Z250), one hybrid (Clearfil AP-X), one nanofilled (Filtek Supreme XT), and two nano-hybrid (MI Flow, Venus Diamond) composite resins were examined. The composites were filled in a cylindrical cavity, and light polymerized. After storage in 37°C distilled water for 7days, all specimens were tested with a custom-made ball-on-disc sliding device with a zirconia ball as antagonist (50N loads, 1.2Hz, 10,000 cycles) immersed in water, poppy seed slurry and polymethyl methacrylate slurry, respectively. Maximum wear depth and volume loss of worn surfaces were quantified by a digital CCD microscope and analyzed with two-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The interactions between composite resin and condition of their maximum wear depth and volume loss were significant (p<0.01). The abrasive wear produced at three-body loading with poppy seed slurry was very large for the microfilled composite, and small for all other composites tested. In contrast, two-body wear of the microfilled composite, and one nano-hybrid composite was very low. SIGNIFICANCE: The ball-on-disc sliding device used is considered suitable to simulate sliding of an antagonist cusp on an opposing occlusal composite restoration, either in the two- or the three-body wear mode. All tested materials except for the microfilled composite showed low surface wear when exposed to poppy seed as the third-body medium.

Quantification of in vitro produced wear sites on composite resins using contact profilometry and CCD microscopy: a methodological investigation.

BACKGROUND: Although attritive and abrasive wear of recent composite resins has been substantially reduced, in vitro wear testing with reasonably simulating devices and quantitative determination of resulting wear is still needed. Three-dimensional scanning methods are frequently used for this purpose. The aim of this trial was to compare maximum depth of wear and volume loss of composite samples, evaluated with a contact profilometer and a non-contact CCD camera imaging system, respectively. METHOD: Twenty-three random composite specimens with wear traces produced in a ball-on-disc sliding device, using poppy seed slurry and PMMA suspension as third-body media, were evaluated with the contact profilometer (TalyScan 150, Taylor Hobson LTD, Leicester, UK) and with the digital CCD microscope (VHX1000, KEYENCE, Osaka, Japan). The target parameters were maximum depth of the wear and volume loss.Results - The individual time of measurement needed with the non-contact CCD method was almost three hours less than that with the contact method. Both, maximum depth of wear and volume loss data, recorded with the two methods were linearly correlated (r(2) > 0.97; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The contact scanning method and the non-contact CCD method are equally suitable for determination of maximum depth of wear and volume loss of abraded composite resins.

Comparative evaluation of mechanical characteristics of nanofiller containing resin composites.

PURPOSE: To determine basic mechanical characteristics of six commercially available nanofiller containing resin composites compared to a microhybrid and a microfilled reference material. The tested hypothesis was that there are no differences in mechanical properties between the materials. METHODS: Durafill VS (DUR) and Filtek Z250 (Z250) were used as microfilled and microhybrid references. The nanofiller containing products were: Filtek Supreme XT (FIL), Grandio (GRA), Kalore (KAL), MI Flow (MIF), Tetric EvoCeram (TET), and Venus Diamond (VED). The following material characteristics were determined after 24 hours water storage (n = 6): Flexural strength and modulus (FM), yield stress (0.02%), tensile strength and modulus (TM), diametral tensile strength, Knoop hardness (KHN), and fracture toughness (KIC). RESULTS: The microfilled composite DUR consistently showed the lowest values for each property investigated. The group of nanofiller containing products could be subdivided into two groups: the nanohybrid products GRA and VED and the nanofilled FIL with higher values, on the one hand, and the flowable MIF, and the prepolymer containing composites KAL and TET, on the other. The mechanical performance of the microhybrid reference material Z250 was overall slightly better or in line with the nanohybrid and nanofilled materials. Stringent linear relationships were found between KHN and the moduli FM and TM, respectively (r > 0.95). Linear relations between the other materialvalues investigated were moderate to high.

In vitro dentin permeability after application of Gluma® desensitizer as aqueous solution or aqueous fumed silica dispersion.

OBJECTIVES: To assess and to compare the effects of Gluma® Desensitizer (GDL) with an experimental glutaraldehyde and HEMA containing fumed silica dispersion (GDG) on dentin permeability using a chemiluminous tracer penetration test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty disc-shaped dentin specimens were dissected from extracted human third molars. The dentin specimens were mounted in a split chamber device for determination of permeability under liquid pressure using a photochemical method. Ten specimens were randomly selected and allocated to the evaluation groups Gluma® Desensitizer as aqueous solution and glutaraldehyde/HEMA as fumed silica dispersion, respectively. Dentin disc permeability was determined at two pressure levels after removal of smear with EDTA, after albumin soaking, and after application of the desensitizing agents. Two desensitizer-treated and rinsed specimens of each group were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface remnants. RESULTS: Comparatively large standard deviations of the mean EDTA reference and albumin soaked samples permeability values reflected the differences of the dentin substrates. The mean chemiluminescence values of specimen treated with GDL and GDG, respectively, were significantly reduced after topical application of the desensitizing agents on albumin-soaked dentin. The effects of GDL and GDG on permeability were not significantly different. Treated specimens showed no surface remnants after rinsing. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental desensitizer gel formulation reduced dentin permeability as effectively as the original Gluma® Desensitizer solution.

In vitro dentin permeability after application of Gluma® desensitizer as aqueous solution or aqueous fumed silica dispersion

OBJECTIVES: To assess and to compare the effects of Gluma® Desensitizer (GDL) with an experimental glutaraldehyde and HEMA containing fumed silica dispersion (GDG) on dentin permeability using a chemiluminous tracer penetration test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty disc-shaped dentin specimens were dissected from extracted human third molars. The dentin specimens were mounted in a split chamber device for determination of permeability under liquid pressure using a photochemical method. Ten specimens were randomly selected and allocated to the evaluation groups Gluma® Desensitizer as aqueous solution and glutaraldehyde/HEMA as fumed silica dispersion, respectively. Dentin disc permeability was determined at two pressure levels after removal of smear with EDTA, after albumin soaking, and after application of the desensitizing agents. Two desensitizer-treated and rinsed specimens of each group were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface remnants. RESULTS: Comparatively large standard deviations of the mean EDTA reference and albumin soaked samples permeability values refected the differences of the dentin substrates. The mean chemiluminescence values of specimen treated with GDL and GDG, respectively, were signifcantly reduced after topical application of the desensitizing agents on albumin-soaked dentin. The effects of GDL and GDG on permeability were not signifcantly different. Treated specimens showed no surface remnants after rinsing. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental desensitizer gel formulation reduced dentin permeability as effectively as the original Gluma® Desensitizer solution.

Surface texture and roughness of polished nanofill and nanohybrid resin composites.

Nanofiller-containing resin composites have gained appreciable market share in dentistry due to their claims of high mechanical strength and low polymerization contraction. In this study, the polishability of one nanofill (Filtek Supreme XT/FIL) and three nanohybrid materials (Grandio/GRA, Tetric EvoCeram/TET, Venus Diamond/VED) was investigated using surface profilometry and SEM. After the specimens were cured under a Mylar strip or pre-ground with 600-grit SiC paper, three polishing systems were applied and their polishing effects compared: diamond polishing points, a diamond paste, and urethane-backed aluminum oxide disks. Except for the profilometry results obtained by glass filler-containing GRA and VED with one polishing system that comprised the consecutive application of diamond particles and a diamond polishing paste, the final roughness (Ra) of all other specimens were lower than the clinically acceptable 0.2 microm threshold. The surface textures of the polished nanofill FIL and nanohybrid TET were uniformly smooth, whereas relief polishing effects and filler extrusion of varying extents were seen on the nanohybrid composites GRA and VED.