Comparison of coronal sealing of flowable composite, resin-modified glass ionomer, and mineral trioxide aggregate in endodontically treated teeth: An in-vitro study.

Background: Coronal seal is one of the essential factors that affects the success of endodontic treatment and reinforces the apical seal. The intra-orifice barrier is an efficient alternative approach to decrease coronal leakage in endodontically treated teeth and various materials have been used for this purpose. This study aimed to compare the coronal sealing of flowable composite, resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in endodontically treated teeth. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 35 single-canal canine teeth were divided into five groups, including flowable composite, RMGI, MTA, positive control, and negative control groups. The teeth were filled with restorative materials according to the factory's instructions. Afterward, the samples were immersed in 2% methylene blue dye solution for 1 week at 37°C and 100% humidity condition. Finally, the teeth were sectioned longitudinally and dye penetration was measured using a stereomicroscope with ×10. Data were analyzed with Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α = 0.05). Results: The positive control group showed the highest amount of dye penetration compared to other groups (12.34 ± 0.46). Dye penetration in the MTA group was significantly lower (4.25 ± 0.31) compared to the RMGI group (5.94 ± 0.24) (P = 0.02). Moreover, while the dye penetration in the MTA group was lower than in the flowable composite group (5.65 ± 0.26), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). Conclusion: MTA reduces the coronal leakage and provides an acceptable coronal seal in endodontically treated teeth, especially compared to RMGI, and therefore, using MTA as an intra-orifice barrier increases the endodontic treatment success rate.

Methodologies used for testing the sealability of endodontic temporary fillings in vitro: A narrative review.

Introduction: The ability of the temporary filling to seal endodontic access cavities may be crucial for the success of endodontic treatment. Numerous in vitro studies have investigated the sealability of the temporary fillings used in endodontic treatments. However, in vitro sealability studies have been criticized for their inconsistent results and questionable clinical relevance. Some journals have imposed moratoriums on publishing such studies to encourage researchers to test their validity and clinical relevance. Since the implementation of this moratorium, little progress has been made in this field. To further encourage researchers to investigate the reliability of these studies, this review presents an overview of the methodologies of studies that examine the ability of temporary filling materials to seal the endodontic access cavity in vitro and discusses the criticisms of these studies in detail. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase electronic databases were searched to identify studies that tested in vitro the ability of temporary filling materials to seal endodontic access cavities. Only original articles published in English between 01/01/1970 and 28/02/2022 were included. Results: The search yielded 551 results. After removing duplicates and excluding studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria, 94 studies were included in this review. Conclusion: Although clinical studies may be the best way to test the performance of temporary fillings, the ethical importance of conducting preliminary in vitro studies is undeniable. It seems that questioning the reliability of in vitro sealability studies is not based on sufficient scientific evidence and that the inconsistencies in the results of these studies may be due to differences in the methodological and clinically relevant variables between them, rather than due to their unreliability.

Evaluation of Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers on intraradicular bonding using modified glass fiber tips.

The aim of this study was to determine whether erbium laser irradiation emitted by modified glass-fiber tips would improve the intraradicular bonding of fiber posts. Forty human canines were endodontically treated and prepared for fiber-post placement. Roots were divided into five groups (n=8); according to the laser-tip combinations (2,940 nm Er:YAG and 2,780 nm Er,Cr:YSGG). Non-irradiated root canals served as control. Posts were cemented with self-adhesive resin cement and subjected to push-out test. Failure modes were characterized, and intraradicular bonded interfaces were analyzed by SEM and submitted to nanoleakage evaluation. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α=0.05). No significant differences were observed in cervical and middle sections (p>0.05), while significantly higher bond strengths were observed in apical sections (p<0.05). Laser irradiation reduced adhesive failures, cement-dentin gap formation, and nanoleakage apically. Laser-irradiation protocols employing end- or radial-firing tips improved bonding to apical intraradicular dentin contributing to more uniform bonded interfaces.

Investigating the impact of flowable composite liner on the fracture strength and microleakage of large composite resin restorations of primary anterior teeth.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of pre-cured and co-cured flowable composite liner on fracture strength and microleakage of primary anterior teeth with extended composite resin restorations. METHODS: In the current in vitro experimental study, the crowns of 54 extracted primary canine teeth were cut 1 mm above the CEJ, and a pulpectomy procedure was performed. The samples were randomly divided into three groups to restore the coronal part up to 4 mm above the CEJ. In group 1, the samples were built up with Filtek Z250 packable composite resin. In group 2 (pre-cure), first, 1 mm of Filtek Z350 XT flowable liner was applied to the sample, and after curing, the restoration process continued using packable composite resin. In group 3 (co-cure), the flowable composite liner was cured while the first layer of packable composite resin was applied; then, the same restorative procedure similar to the other groups was followed. The samples' cross-sectional area in the fracture strength test was calculated by AutoCAD software. Subsequently, the samples were subjected to a force in a universal testing machine. The samples related to the microleakage experiment were cut vertically, and then, the dye penetration percentage (10% methylene blue) was measured under a stereomicroscope. ANOVA was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Mean fracture strength in group 2 was significantly higher than in group 1 (P = 0.016). The microleakage mean in group 3 was significantly lower than in groups 1 (P = 0.000) and 2 (P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: The flowable composite liner and its relevant separate curing increased the fracture strength of composite resin restorations. However, less microleakage was reported in the group where the liner was applied as a co-cure.

In vitro microleakage at the enamel and dentin margins of class II cavities of primary molars restored with a bulk-fill and a conventional composite.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the enamel and dentin margin microleakage of class II cavities of primary molars restored with a bulk-fill and a conventional composite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro, experimental study, standard class II cavities were created in the proximal surfaces of 60 extracted primary molars. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups, and restored with SonicFill bulk-fill and Filtek Z250 conventional composite along with Single Bond 2 adhesive. The teeth were coated with two layers of nail varnish to 1 mm around the restoration margins, and the apices were sealed with wax. The teeth underwent 1500 thermal cycles and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. They were then immersed in 1 M silver nitrate in the dark, rinsed with water, immersed in developing solution for 12 h, and exposed to fluorescent light. Next, they were mesiodistally sectioned, and digitally photographed under a stereomicroscope at ×10 magnification. The dye penetration depth was measured by a blind observer, and analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test (α = .05). RESULTS: No significant difference existed in microleakage between the two composite groups at the enamel (p = .76) or dentin (p = .16) margins. In both composite groups, microleakage at the dentin margins was significantly greater than that at the enamel margins (p = .000). CONCLUSION: Considering the absence of a significant difference in microleakage, SonicFill bulk-fill composite can be used as an alternative to Filtek Z250 conventional composite for restoration of primary molars to benefit from its advantages such as simpler and faster application.

A self-etch bonding system with potential to eliminate selective etching and resist proteolytic degradation.

OBJECTIVES: Bonded restorations using self-etch (SE) systems exhibit a limited lifespan due to their susceptibility to hydrolytic, enzymatic or fatigue degradation and poor performance on enamel. This study was conducted to develop and assess the performance of a two-step SE system using a functional monomer bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phosphate (BMEP) and demonstrate a strategy to enhance stability of bonded resin composite restorations to both enamel and dentine. METHODS: A two-step SE system was formulated with a primer containing BMEP, with an adhesive with or without BMEP, and compared to a commercial 10-MDP-containing system, ClearfilTM SE Bond 2 (CFSE). The systems were evaluated on enamel for surface roughness and microshear bond strength (µSBS) and on dentine for microtensile bond strength (µTBS), nanoleakage, MMP inhibition and cyclic flexural fatigue. RESULTS: Whilst all bonding systems resulted in statistically similar µSBS, BMEP-based primers yielded greater enamel surface roughness than the CFSE primer. The BMEP-free adhesives resulted in statistically similar or higher µTBS and lower nanoleakage compared to CFSE. In situ zymography revealed minimal to no MMP activity within the hybrid layer of BMEP-based systems. The BMEP-free adhesive exhibited flexural strength and fatigue resistance statistically similar to CFSE. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of BMEP in the primer led to satisfactory bond strengths with both enamel and dentine, potentially eliminating the need for selective enamel etching. Combined with an adhesive formulation that is solvent-free and hydrophobic, and confining the acidic functional monomer in the primer resulted in minimal interfacial leakage, and resistance to proteolytic degradation and the cyclic nature of chewing. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The SE bonding system containing BMEP combines the potent etching of phosphoric acid with the therapeutic function of the phosphate-based monomer in creating a homogenous hybrid layer with protection against endogenous proteolytic enzymes. This strategy may overcome current challenges that arise during selective enamel etching.

Are universal adhesives in etch-and-rinse mode better than old 2-step etch-and-rinse adhesives? One-year evaluation of bonding properties to dentin.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the bonding properties of dentin of three 2-step etch-and-rinse adhesives (2-ERAs) to those of three universal adhesives (UAs) applied with an etch-and-rinse strategy (ER), immediately and after 1 year of water storage. METHODS: Sixty caries-free molars were divided into 6 groups according to the adhesive systems used (n = 10). The 2-ERA systems included were: 1) Adper Single Bond 2 (SB), 2) Tetric N-Bond (TB), and 3) Ambar (AM); and the UAs systems were: 4) Single Bond Universal (SBU) 5) Tetric N-Bond Universal (TBU), and 6) Ambar Universal (AMU). The occlusal third of each tooth was removed and the adhesives were applied. After the composite build-up, specimens were sectioned and tested for microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and nanoleakage (NL) immediately and after 1 year of water storage. In situ degree of conversion (DC) was only evaluated in the immediate time. For water sorption (WS), solubility (SO), and mass change (MC) tests, 48 disk-shaped specimens were prepared (n = 8) and assessed according to ISO 4049:2009. RESULTS: UAs showed higher µTBS and lower NL values than 2-ERAs did after 1 year of water storage (p = 0.001). Regarding DC, 2-ERAs showed higher DC values than UAs (p = 0.001). Regarding WS, 2-ERAs showed higher WS values than those of UAs (p = 0.00001), except for AM and AMU. Lower WS was observed for AM than for other 2-ERAs (p = 0.00001). CONCLUSION: The use of UAs applied with the ER strategy seems to be a more effective technique for maintaining adhesion to dentin substrate than 2-ERAS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study may support clinicians in selecting the most adequate adhesive system to be used in ER strategy in dentin, demonstrating that UAs were more effective, considering the longevity of the resin restorations.

Effect of at-home and in-office bleaching on microleakage of class V composite resin restorations using different types of universal adhesives: An in vitro study.

Background: When bleaching agents contact dental structures, they act on restorative materials and adhesive interfaces. This study investigated the effect of "at-home" and "in-office" bleaching on the microleakage of composite resin restorations performed with different universal adhesives in self-etch and etch-and-rinse modes. Methods: Class V cavities were prepared in 132 premolars. The samples were divided into four groups (n=33). All Bond Universal adhesive was used in the first and second groups, and G-Premio Bond adhesive was used in the third and fourth groups. The total-etch mode was used in the first and third groups, and the self-etch mode was used in the second and fourth groups. The samples were divided into three subgroups (n=11). In the first subgroup, home bleaching was used, and in the second subgroup, office bleaching was used. In the third subgroup, bleaching was not performed. The specimens were examined under a stereomicroscope for microleakage. Ordinal regression analysis was applied (P<0.05). Results: The adhesive type, application method, and margin type significantly affected microleakage (P<0.05). The amount of microleakage in All Bond Universal adhesive was significantly higher than in G-Premio Bond adhesive. The chance of microleakage in the self-etch mode was almost twice as high as in the etch-and-rinse mode. The bleaching method did not significantly affect microleakage (P>0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of the microleakage test, bleaching after composite resin restorations did not significantly affect the microleakage of Class V restorations.

Bacterial microleakage in endodontically treated teeth following two methods of postspace preparation at two-time intervals: An in vitro study.

Aims: The goal of this study was to analyze the bacterial microleakage following two methods (heat vs. rotary) of postspace preparation after two-time intervals (immediate vs. 1 week later). Setting and Design: In vitro-comparative study. Materials and Methods: Eighty-two single-rooted teeth were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction. Root canals were prepared using rotary files. After root canal obturation, specimens were randomly allocated to 4 experimental groups based on the method of postspace preparation (heat or peeso reamer) and time interval (immediate or 1 week later) (n = 18). Group 1: Peeso reamer-immediate, Group 2: Heat-immediate, Group 3: Peeso reamer-1 week later, Group 4: Heat-1 week later. 10 specimens were considered as positive and negative controls (n = 5 each). Custom-made dual-chamber devices were used to appraise the bacterial microleakage for 60 days. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed with Chi-Square and Log-Rank tests and Cox regression. Results: All through the experimental period, there was no significant difference (P = 0.41) between the studied groups. Groups 2 and 4 had the highest microleakage and the lowest survival rate (55.56% ± 11.71%). Group 1 showed the lowest microleakage and the highest survival rate (77.8% ± 9.80%). Conclusions: The applied techniques for postspace preparation and the time intervals (neither independently nor simultaneously) showed no significant difference in the field of bacterial leakage.

Effects of Rinsing Water Temperature and Preheated Composites on Microleakage of Composite Restorations with Two Bonding Agents.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rinsing water temperature and preheated composites on microleakage of class V restorations with two different bonding agents. Materials and Methods: Eighty class V cavities were prepared in the buccal and lingual surfaces of 40 molars. Single Bond and Prime and Bond NT bonding agents were used. The teeth were divided into four groups of 10. G1: After acid etching, cavities were rinsed with 23˚C water and filled with 23˚C composite resin. G2: Rinsing water and composite resin had 55˚C temperature. G3: Rinsing water had 55˚C and composite resin had 23˚C temperature. G4: Rinsing water had 23˚C and composite resin had 55˚C temperature. The specimens were immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsine dye. Microleakage scores were analysed with the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests. Results: There were significant differences in microleakage of specimens prepared with Single Bond and Prime and Bond NT only in group 1 (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the microleakage of groups rinsed with different water temperatures (P>0.05). There were significant differences between the unheated and preheated composite groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Preheating of composite is a valuable method to increase its adaptability and decrease microleakage of composite restorations.

Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage of Flowable Composite Resin Using Etch and Rinse, Self-Etch Adhesive Systems, and Self-Adhesive Flowable Composite Resin in Class V Cavities: Confocal Laser Microscopic Study.

The essential factor in determining the preservation of restoration is the marginal seal. Restoring cervical lesions with a resin composite has always been a challenge. Composite resins with various viscosities and different bonding systems are being researched to reduce the microleakage. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is the latest non-destructive technique for visualizing the microleakage. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the microleakage of Universal Flo composite resin (G-aenial) using etch and rinse adhesive system ER-2 steps (Adper Single Bond 2), self-etch adhesive system SE-1 step (G-Bond), and self-adhesive flowable composite resin (Constic) in Class V cavities using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Materials and Method: Class V cavities were prepared on 27 caries-free human extracted premolar teeth on the buccal and lingual surfaces with standardized dimensions of 2 mm height, width 4 mm, and a depth of 2 mm. After the cavity preparation, all teeth were randomly divided into three groups, namely Group-I: G-aenial Universal Flo with Single Bond 2 (n = 9 teeth); Group-II: G- aenial Universal Flo with G-Bond (n = 9 teeth), and Group-III: Constic (n = 9 teeth). The prepared and restored specimens were then subjected to thermocycling for 500 cycles in a water bath at 5 °C and 55 °C with a dwelling time of 30 s. The specimens were placed in 0.6% aqueous rhodamine dye for 48 h. Sectioning was carried out bucco-lingually and specimens were evaluated for microleakage under a confocal laser scanning microscope. Results: There was a significant difference (p = 0.009) in microleakage when comparing total etch and rinse, specifically between Adper Single Bond 2 ER-2 steps (fifth generation) and self-adhesive flowable composite resin, which is Constic. There was more microleakage in the self-etch bonding agent, particularly G-Bond, SE-1 step (seventh generation), when compared to ER-2 steps (fifth generation bonding agent); however, the results were not statistically significant (p = 0.468). The self-adhesive flowable composite resin showed more microleakage than SE-1 step and ER-2 steps. Conclusions: None of the adhesive systems tested were free from microleakage. However, less microleakage was observed in the total etch and rinse, especially Adper Single Bond 2 (ER-2 steps), than the self-etch adhesive system SE-1 step and self-adhesive flowable composite resin. Clinical significance: Constant research and technological advancements are taking place in dentin adhesives to improve the marginal seal. This has led to the evolution of total acid-etching dentin bonding agents termed as etch and rinse (ER)-2 steps (fifth generation dentin bonding agents) and self-etching (SE) 2 steps, and SE-1 step dentin bonding agents termed as the sixth and seventh generation bonding agents, respectively.

Effect of Fluoride Recharge on the Microleakage of Fluoride-Releasing Restorative Materials: An Ex Vivo Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Study.

Context: Success or failure of a restoration depends on its ability to bond to the tooth structure, to reduce microleakage, and to inhibit secondary caries. Fluoride-releasing materials have the inherent potential to release fluoride and are also capable of recharging themselves with topical agents. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the effect of fluoride recharge on microleakage of different restorative materials. Materials and Methods: Eighty extracted teeth were collected and split mesiodistally into 160 specimens. Class V cavities were prepared on buccal and lingual surfaces. Specimens were divided into four groups of 40 each based on the restorative material. Group I: Glass ionomer; Group II: Resin composite; Group III: Giomer; and Group IV: Alkasite. The restored teeth were stored in artificial saliva. Each group was divided into four subgroups for fluoride recharge and subsequent confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) examination: (A) no fluoride recharge and CLSM examination after 24 h, (B) no fluoride recharge and CLSM examination after 3 weeks, (C) fluoride recharge once at third week followed by CLSM examination at 6 weeks, and (D) fluoride recharge twice at third week and sixth week followed by CLSM examination at 9 weeks. Statistical Analysis: Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to analyze the obtained data. Results: A significant difference in microleakage was noted among resin composite and other groups except Cention-N, whereas no significant difference was noted pre- and post-fluoride recharge. Conclusion: Increased microleakage was noted post-fluoride recharge, although statistically not significant.

Marginal microleakage and modified microtensile bond strength of Activa Bioactive, in comparison with conventional restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the enamel and dentin marginal microleakage and dentin microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of ACTIVA BioACTIVE Restorative with and without a bonding agent compared with conventional restorative materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For enamel and dentin microleakage, Class II boxes were prepared in the mesial (1 mm under the cementoenamel junction) and distal (1 mm above the cementoenamel junction) surfaces of 90 extracted human third molars. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups (n = 18): Group Z (G-Premio Bond + Filtek Z250 XT), Group X (G-Premio Bond + X-tra fil bulk-fill), Group AA (G-Premio Bond + Activa Bioactive restorative), Group A (Activa Bioactive restorative), and Group G (dentin conditioner + Fuji II LC Improve). The teeth were thermocycled, and their microleakage was quantified using the dye penetration test under a stereomicroscope. For dentin µTBS measurement, 12 specimens were fabricated in metal molds (1 × 1 × 12 mm³) for each group mentioned above, and a universal testing machine measured their µTBS. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple comparisons tests. RESULTS: Significant differences were noted among the groups in marginal microleakage and µTBS (p < .001). The highest mean microleakage scores at the enamel and dentin margins were noted in Group A, which had significant differences with other groups (p < .001). The highest µTBS was found in Group X, with significant differences with Group G and Group A (p < .05). The lowest µTBS was noted in Group A, with significant differences with Groups X, Group AA, and Group Z (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Activa Bioactive without a bonding agent showed significantly lower µTBS to dentin, and higher microleakage at the enamel and dentin margins. Application of adhesive resin with Activa Bioactive provided a dentine bond strength and marginal seal comparable to other restorative materials.

The Effect of Dental Adhesive Composition and Etching Mode on Microleakage of Bonding Agents in Primary Molar Teeth.

Statement of the Problem: The dilemma of microleakage at the composite-tooth interface is still a major challenge in operative dental practice. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the microleakage of universal adhesive with self-etch and total-etch bonding strategies for restoration of class-II primary molar cavities. Materials and Method: This in vitro, experimental study was conducted on 75 extracted primary molars. Class-II cavities were prepared in mesial or distal surfaces. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups of Adper Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE; St Paul, MN, USA), Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray Noritake, Osaka, Japan), G-Bond (GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan), G-Premio Bond (GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan) with total-etch mode and G-Premio Bond with self-etch mode. Cavities were also restored with Nano-hybrid resin composite (Grandio, VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany) and incubated for 24 hours, followed by thermocycling at 1500× between 5-55°C within a dwell time of 20 seconds. Later, the cavities were placed in 1M silver nitrate solution and evaluated under a stereomicroscope. Finally, microleakage was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. One tooth in each group was prepared and evaluated under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc test and Chi-square test (p< 0.05). Results: The microleakage values were significantly different in the study groups (p< 0.05). The highest level of microleakage was noted in G-Bond and the lowest in G-Premio Bond with total etching. There was a significant correlation between the qualitative and quantitative measurements of microleakage. Conclusion: The G-Premio Bond yielded acceptable results in terms of microleakage in total-etch and self-etch modes. However, additional etching is recommended to improve the quality of bonding.

Evaluation of Microleakage at the Junction Between Combined Amalgam/Composite Resin Restorations Using Different Bonding Systems in Class II Cavities

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the microleakage at the junction between amalgam-composite resin restorations using different bonding systems. Material and Methods: In this in-vitro study, standard class II cavities were prepared on 40 human maxillary premolars. The axial and gingival floor depths of the cavities were 2 mm and 1 mm below (cementoenamel junction), respectively. The samples were divided into 4 groups (n = 10). In all groups, a layer of 1-mm thick amalgam was used as a coating for the initial part of the gingival floor. In group 1, no bonding system was used for amalgam restoration. In group 2, G-Premio Bond was applied. G-Premio bond + alloy primer and single bond + alloy primer were used in group 3 and group 4, respectively. The rest of the cavities in all groups were then repaired using FiltekZ250 composite. The samples were thermocycled at 500 rpm and immersed in 1% methylene blue solution for 24 hours to allow dye penetration. Once cut, the samples were placed under a stereomicroscope (40X) to determine the microleakage rate. Data analysis was carried out using post-hoc and Chi-square tests (p<0.05). Results: The highest and lowest microleakage rate was related to groups 1 and 3, respectively. There was a significant difference between groups (1,2) and (1,3), and (1,4), and groups (2,3) (p<0.05). Conclusion: The use of alloy primer and bonding could reduce the microleakage between the two restorations (AU).

Comparison of Microleakage of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Apical Plug Applied by the Manual Technique and Indirect Use of Ultrasonic with Different Powers.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: A mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apical plug is commonly applied prior to endodontic treatment of open-apex teeth. However, difficult application and condensation of MTA in the apical region is a drawback of this technique. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the microleakage of MTA apical plug applied by the manual technique and indirect use of ultrasonic with different powers. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this in vitro, experimental study, divergent open apices were created in 48 single-rooted, single-canal teeth using ProFile. The teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n=10). All groups received 5-mm thick MTA apical plug at the apical region using one of the following methods. In group 1, MTA was manually condensed while in groups 2-4, indirect ultrasonic energy with minimum, medium, and maximum power levels was used for MTA plug condensation. After setting of MTA, the apical microleakage of the MTA plug was quantified using the fluid filtration method. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p< 0.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were noted in microleakage of MTA plug between the manual group and ultrasonic groups with medium (p= 0.043) and maximum (p= 0.029) power levels. No significant difference was noted in microleakage of other groups (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering the current results, it seems that application of MTA with indirect ultrasonic energy at medium or high power level would decrease the microleakage of MTA plug in open-apex root canals.

Influence of laser deproteinization of acid-etched dentin on marginal microleakage of class V composite restoration

Aim: Recent reports indicate that deproteinization of acid-etched dentin surface can extend penetration depth of adhesive agents. The main goal of the present research was to investigate the deproteinization effect of Nd:YAG and diode 940 lasers on acid-etched dentin and microleakage grade in class V composite restorations. Methods: 36 extracted human premolar teeth were selected to make standard buccal and lingual class V cavities. These samples were randomly split into three sub-groups: 1.Control group, in which composite was applied for restoration after etch and bonding process without deproteinization; 2.Nd:YAG laser group, in which the teeth were deproteinized with Nd:YAG laser after etching and painting internal surfaces of cavities with Van Geison stain and then composite restorations applied just as control group; 3.Diode laser group, in which the process was similar to Nd:YAG laser group, but instead, diode 940 laser was irradiated. The teeth were bisected into two equal longitudinal buccal and lingual halves. Marginal microleakage of samples was scored by using a stereomicroscope. Kruskal- Wallis, Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's statistical tests were employed for analysis of the obtained data. Results: A significant reduction in marginal microleakage was observed for both groups treated with laser (Nd:YAG and diode 940)compared to control (p=0.001 & p=0.047). There was no significant difference in marginal microleakage between Nd:YAG laser and diode 940groups (P = 0.333). Conclusion: Nd:YAG and diode 940 laser deproteinization of acid-etched dentin decreased the marginal microleakage of in-vitro class V resin composite restorations

Comparison of microleakage of an alkasite restorative material, a composite resin and a resin-modified glass ionomer

Aim: To compare the microleakage of Cention N, a subgroup of composite resins with a resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) and a composite resin. Methods: Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 46 extracted human molars. The teeth were randomly assigned to four groups. Group A: Tetric N-Bond etch-and-rinse adhesive and Tetric N-Ceram nanohybrid composite resin, group B: Cention N without adhesive, group C: Cention N with adhesive, and group D: Fuji II LC RMGI. The teeth were thermocycled between 5°-55°C (×10,000). The teeth were coated with two layers of nail vanish except for 1 mm around the restoration margins, and immersed in 2% methylene blue (37°C, 24 h) before buccolingual sectioning to evaluate dye penetration under a stereomicroscope (×20). The data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests (α=0.05). Results: Type of material and restoration margin had significant effects on the microleakage (p<0.05). Dentin margins showed a higher leakage score in all groups. Cention N and RMGI groups showed significant differences at the enamel margin (p=0.025, p=0.011), and for the latter group the scores were higher. No significant difference was found at the dentin margins between the materials except between Cention N with adhesive and RMGI (p=0.031). Conclusion: Microleakage was evident in all three restorative materials. Cention N groups showed similar microleakage scores to the composite resin and displayed lower microleakage scores compared with RMGI

Evaluation of microleakage in Class II composite restorations: Bonded-base and bulk-fill techniques.

BACKGROUND: This study compared microleakage of Class II cavities restored using bonded-base and bulk-fill techniques with different bases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, in 60 extracted human molars, standardized (4 mm × 2 mm × 8 mm) Class II cavities were prepared, such that the gingival floor was located 1 mm below the CEJ. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups and filled with: (1) Fuji II LC + x-tra fil, (2) Ionoseal + x-tra fil, (3) x-tra base + x-tra fil, (4) Grandio Flow + x-tra fil, and (5) x-tra fil only [control group]; in open-sandwich technique, the base thickness was 1 mm. The bases were coated all gingival floor. Except for the first group, where dentin conditioner was used, the Clearfil SE bond was applied before application of the bases and restorative materials as a bonding agent. After 500 thermocycles between 5°C and 55°C, the specimens were immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsine solution for 24 h. The restored teeth were sectioned, and the dye penetration in gingival floor was observed by a stereomicroscope at ×32. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests in SPSS software. The significance was determined at 0.05 confidence interval. RESULTS: The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in microleakage among the study groups (P < 0.001). The Ionoseal group followed by the control group (x-tra fil composite) had the greatest microleakage. Except for the Ionoseal group, all other groups had significantly less microleakage than the control group. CONCLUSION: The use of bonded-base techniques could reduce microleakage, including those in bulk-fill composite restorations.

Apical Sealing Ability of Two Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers Using a Radioactive Isotope Method: An In Vitro Apexification Model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the sealing ability of two calcium silicate-based sealers (TotalFill BC RRM Fast Set Putty and White ProRoot MTA) when used as apical plugs in immature teeth through nuclear medicine. Single-rooted extracted teeth (n = 34) had their crowns and root tip sectioned to obtain 14 mm long root segments to simulate an in vitro apexification model. Were created two experimental groups, namely MTA (n = 12) and BC (n = 12), and two control groups, PG (positive group, n = 5) and NG (negative group, n = 5). On the 4th day after placing the respective apical plug, the apical portions of the teeth were submerged in a solution of sodium pertechnetate (99mTcNaO4) for 3 h. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the MTA group and the controls (p < 0.05). The BC group had a significant difference regarding the negative control (p < 0.001) but showed no statistical significance regarding the positive control (p = 0.168). There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.009) between the BC group (7335.8 ± 2755.5) and the MTA group (4059.1 ± 1231.1), where the last showed less infiltration. Within the limitations of this study, White ProRoot MTA had a significantly better sealing ability than TotalFill BC RRM Fast Set Putty.