TiO2 nanotube-based nanotechnology applied to high-viscosity conventional glass-ionomer cement: ultrastructural analyses and physicochemical characterization.

This study characterized TiO2 nanotube (TiO2-nt) ultrastructure and morphology, and the physicochemical impact on high-viscosity conventional glass-ionomer cement (GIC). TiO2-nt was synthesized by the alkaline method (n = 3), assessed by scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), and was added (3%, 5%, 7%-in weight) to KM (Ketac Molar EasyMix™). Analyses included: SEM; Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS); Raman spectroscopy (RAMAN); Setting time with Gillmore needles (ST); Color (Co); Radiopacity (XR); Water sorption (WS); and solubility (SO). Quantitative data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's tests (chr = 0.05). External and internal TiO2-nt diameters were 11 ± 2 nm and 6 ± 0 nm, respectively. Data analyses showed: (i) TiO2-nt present into KM matrix, with a concentration-dependent increase of Ti levels into KM, (ii) physical interaction between KM and TiO2-nt, (iii) longer initial ST for the 7% group compared to KM and 3% groups (p ≤ 0.01), (iv) decreased luminosity and yellowness for the 5% and 7% groups, (v) 36% greater radiopacity for the 5% group compared to enamel, dentin, and KM, and (vi) lower SO values for the 5% group, with no significant differences on WS across the groups. TiO2-nt displayed physical interaction with KM matrix, and also modified SO, XR and Co, without affecting ST. This study provides information on the potential impact of TiO2-nt on GIC performance. TiO2-nt may be proposed to boost confidence among dental surgeons in terms of GIC's handling characteristics, success rate and differential diagnostic.

Percepção e conhecimento de odontopediatras sobre o uso de coroas pré-fabricadas de aço e zircônia na reabilitação de dentes decíduos / Perception and knowledge of pediatric dentists about the use of prefabricated steel and zirconia crowns in the rehabilitation of deciduous teeth

Objetivo: O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento dos odontopediatras e suas percepções, conhecendo as dificuldades que estes encontram frente ao desafio da reabilitação de dentes decíduos. Métodos: A pesquisa foi realizada por meio da aplicação de questionários on-line e a análise estatística foi descritiva e comparativa, com tabelas de frequência para as variáveis quantitativas. O teste não paramétrico de Qui-quadrado foi utilizado para estimar a associação entre as diferentes categorias dos dados e em todo o estudo, estipulou-se o nível de significância em 5%. Resultados: Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que a maioria dos entrevistados conhecem as coroas pré-fabricadas de aço, porém sua aplicação em atendimentos de crianças com extensas destruições coronárias limita-se a 34,1% destes profissionais, sendo que a baixa utilização se deve à dificuldade de aquisição do material e falta de habilidade técnica. Já com relação às coroas pré-fabricadas de zircônia, 82,4% das odontopediatras as conhecem, mas a grande maioria não as utiliza devido à dificuldade de aquisição, falta de habilidade técnica e o seu alto custo. Não foi encontrada associação entre a dificuldade de planejamento dos casos e a consideração estética e o âmbito de trabalho do entrevistado, bem como o fato de conhecer as coroas pré-fabricadas e utilizá-las. Conclusão: Conclui-se que os materiais reabilitadores, como coroas pré-fabricadas de aço e de zircônia, são de certa forma bem conhecidos pelos odontopediatras, mas sua utilização em reabilitação de dentes decíduos ainda é limitada.

Aim: The present study aims to evaluate the knowledge of pediatric dentists and their perceptions, knowing the difficulties they face in the challenge to rehabilitate deciduous teeth. Methods: This study was carried out through the application of online questionnaires. The statistical analysis was descriptive and comparative, with frequency tables for the quantitative variables. The non-parametric chi-square test was used to estimate the association between the different categories of data, and the significance level was set at 5%. Results:The survey results showed that most respondents know about prefabricated steel crowns, but their application in the care of children with extensive coronary destruction is limited to 34.1% of these professionals. The low use is due to the difficulty of acquiring the material and the lack of technical skills. It was found that 82.4% of the pediatric dentists have knowledge about prefabricated zirconia crowns, but the vast majority do not use them due to the difficulty of acquisition, their lack of technical skills, and the product's high cost. No association was found between the difficulty of planning the cases and the esthetic consideration and sphere of work of the interviewee, nor regarding the fact of their having knowledge about the prefabricated crowns and using them. Conclusion: It can therefore be concluded that rehabilitation materials, such as prefabricated steel and zirconia crowns, are well-known by pediatric dentists, but their use in the rehabilitation of deciduous teeth is still limited.