Subjective versus objective, polymer bur-based selective carious tissue removal: 1-year interim analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

We aimed to compare subjective (S) vs. objective (O) selective carious tissue removal using hand-excavation versus a self-limiting polymer bur, respectively. A community-based single-blind cluster-randomized controlled superiority trial was performed. This is a 1-year-interim analysis. 115 children (age 7-8 years) with ≥1 vital primary molar with a deep dentin lesion (>1/2 dentin depth) were included (60 S/55 O). The cluster was the child, with eligible molars being treated identically (91 S/86 O). Cavities were prepared and carious tissue on pulpo-proximal walls selectively removed using hand instruments (S), or a self-limiting polymer bur (Polybur P1, Komet). Cavities were restored using glass-hybrid material (Equia Forte, GC). Treatment times and children's satisfaction were recorded. Generalized-linear models (GLM) and multi-level Cox-regression analysis were applied. Initial treatment times were not significantly different between protocols (mean; 95%CI S: 433; 404-462 sec; O: 412; 382-441 sec; p = 0.378/GLM). There was no significant difference in patients' satisfaction (p = 0.164). No pulpal exposures occurred. 113 children were re-examined. Failures occurred in 22/84 O-molars (26.2%) and 26/90 S-molars (28.9%). Pulpal complications occurred in 5(6%) O and 2(2.2%) S molars, respectively. Risk of failure was not significantly associated with the removal protocol, age, sex, dental arch or tooth type (p > 0.05/Cox), but was nearly 5-times higher in multi-surface than single-surface restorations (HR: 4.60; 95% CI: 1.70-12.4). Within the limitations of this interim analysis, there was no significant difference in treatment time, satisfaction and risk of failure between O and S.

Assessment of Marginal Adaptation Before and After Thermo-Mechanical Loading and Volumetric Shrinkage: Bulk Fill versus Conventional Composite / Evaluación de la Adaptación Marginal Antes y Después de la Carga Termomecánica y la Contracción Volumétrica: Relleno Bulk-Fill- versus Compuesto Convencional

ABSTRACT: The objective of the study was to evaluate marginal adaptation of Class II mesial-occlusal-distal (MOD) restorations before and after thermo-mechanical loading and volumetric shrinkage of the bulk-fill vs conventional composite resin. For marginal adaptation assessment, 24 Class II MOD cavities with cervical margins extending 1.0 mm below (distal) and 1.0 mm beyond (mesial) the cement-enamel junction were prepared in extracted human molars. The teeth were filled as follows: Group A - bulk-fill with SureFil SDR flow (first increment, 4 mm; second increment, 2 mm); Group B - bulk-fill with SureFil SDR flow as a base (first increment, 4 mm) and covered with the conventional nanohybrid composite Esthet-X HD (second increment, 2 mm); and Group C - incrementally filled with Esthet-X HD. Marginal adaptation was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy before and after thermomechanical loading (240,000 loading cycles and simultaneous 600 thermal cycles). To evaluate volumetric polymerization shrinkage, a semi-spherical mold was filled with the tested composites and placed in an AccuVol device after light curing. Both before and after loading, marginal adaptation in cervical dentin was superior (p < 0.05) for Groups A and B compared with Group C. In cervical enamel, Group B showed better marginal adaptation than Group C, and Group A presented intermediary results, between Groups B and C. Furthermore, bulk-fill flow resulted in greater shrinkage than Esthet-X HD. A significant improvement of marginal adaptation was observed when bulkfill flow was used instead of conventional composite resin both before and after thermomechanical loading. However, the bulk-fill flow presented higher volumetric polymerization shrinkage than the conventional composite.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en evaluar la adaptación marginal de las restauraciones mesiales-oclusales-distales (MOD) de Clase II antes y después de la carga termo-mecánica y la contracción volumétrica de la carga compuesta de resina "bulk-fill" en comparación con resina convencional. Para la evaluación de adaptación, se prepararon 24 cavidades MOD de Clase II en molares humanos extraídos, los que se restauraron de la siguiente manera: Grupo A: restaurado con resina fluida Bulk-Fill SureFilSDR (primer incremento, 4 mm; segundo incremento, 2 mm); Grupo B: restaurado con resina fluida Bulk-Fill SureFil SDR (primer incremento, 4 mm) y cubierto con resina compuesta nanohíbrida Esthet-X HD (segundo incremento, 2 mm); y Grupo C - rellenado incrementalmente con Esthet-X HD. La adaptación marginal se evaluó mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido antes y después de la carga termomecánica (240.000 ciclos de carga y 600 ciclos térmicos simultáneos). Para evaluar la contracción volumétrica de la polimerización, se llenó un molde semiesférico con los compuestos probados y se colocó en un dispositivo AccuVol después del fotopolimerización. Tanto antes como después de la carga, la adaptación marginal en la dentina cervical fue superior (p <0,05) para los grupos A y B en comparación con el grupo C. En el esmalte cervical, el grupo B mostró una mejor adaptación marginal que el grupo C, y el grupo A presentó resultados intermedios, entre Grupos B y C. Se observó una mejora significativa de la adaptación marginal al utilizar la resina fluida Bulk-Fill en lugar de resina compuesta convencional tanto antes como después de la carga termomecánica. Sin embargo, la resina fluida 'Bulk-Fill' presentó una mayor contracción volumétrica de polimerización que el compuesto convencional.

Marginal quality of ceramic inlays after three different instrumental cavity preparation methods of the proximal boxes.

OBJECTIVES: The marginal quality of ceramic inlays was evaluated after the use of three different instrumental finishing methods in mesio-occluso-distal (mod) cavity boxes in vitro after hydrothermal loading (HTL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Caries-free human molars were divided into three groups. Mod-cavities were conventionally prepared. Box finishing was performed in every group with rotating (RI), sonic (SI), or ultrasonic (USI) instruments. Surface roughness was examined. Twelve mod-cavities remained untreated. Continuous margin quality was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ceramic inlays were cemented into cavities. After HTL microleakage, marginal and absolute marginal gaps were examined. All data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Significant differences were found, between cavity surface roughness of RI and SI groups, the RI and USI groups, but not between microleakage, marginal, absolute marginal gaps after HTL and in proximal marginal quality. No correlations between microleakage and marginal gaps nor between microleakage and surface roughness were found. CONCLUSION: Mod-cavity proximal box finishing with SI or USI resulted in a higher surface roughness than the use of RI. The type of the finishing method did not influence the marginal quality of ceramic inlays. For the mod-cavity finishing, the use of SI and USI could be an alternative instrumental method to conventional RI methods with a lower risk of iatrogenic damage of the adjacent teeth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study allows the practitioner to better determine the proper indications and limitations of the sonic and ultrasonic instruments for mod-cavity proximal box finishing.

Selective carious tissue removal using subjective criteria or polymer bur: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (SelecCT).

INTRODUCTION: Selective (incomplete/partial) carious tissue removal is suitable for treating deep carious lesions in teeth with vital, asymptomatic pulps. In the periphery of a cavity, removal to hard dentin is performed, while in pulpo-proximal areas, leathery or soft dentin is left to avoid pulp exposure. As the decision of what contains 'soft' or 'leathery' dentin is subjective, using self-limiting burs which help to standardise the hardness of the remaining dentin, has been suggested to increase the reliability of carious tissue removal. The trial compares subjectively measured selective carious tissue removal in deep lesions in primary teeth with objectively measured selective removal with a self-limiting bur (Polybur, Komet). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A community-based single-blind clustered randomised controlled superiority trial nested into a larger evaluation is performed. Recruitment for this trial has been concluded. We have recruited 115 children aged 6-8 years with ≥1 vital primary molar with a deep dentin lesion. The unit of randomisation was the child, with all eligible molars per child treated identically. Treatment was performed in a mobile dental unit. Subjective and objective carious tissue removal was performed at random. Teeth were restored using glass ionomer cement (Equia Forte, GC). Our primary outcome will be the time until complications occur, evaluated via multilevel survival analysis. Secondary outcomes will be the time until extraction is needed, subjective satisfaction of the child with the treatment (measured using a Likert scale) and cost-effectiveness. Re-examination will be performed after 12, 24 and 36 months (the final examination is expected in 2020). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Health Sciences of the University of Brasília (CAAE 51310415.0.0000.0030). Trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented on conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02754466.

Comparison of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser Handpieces for Class II Preparation and Microleakage of Silorane- or Methacrylate-Based Composite Restorations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cavity preparation with different Er,Cr:YSGG laser handpieces on microleakage of different posterior composite restorations. METHODS: Fifty-four extracted intact human premolars were randomly assigned to three groups according to cavity preparation method: Bur Group: high-speed diamond bur (Diatech), MD Group: Er,Cr:YSGG laser Waterlase MD handpiece (Biolase Millennium II), and Turbo Group: Er,Cr:YSGG laser Waterlase MD TURBO handpiece (Biolase Millennium II). One hundred eight Class II slot cavities were prepared on the mesial and distal proximal surfaces of each tooth, and the cavity preparation times required were determined. The groups were then subdivided according to the restorative systems used (n = 12): a conventional methacrylate-based microhybrid composite (Filtek P60+Adper Single Bond 2/3M); a silorane-based resin composite (Filtek Silorane+Silorane System Adhesive/3M); and a nanohybrid methacrylate-based composite (Kalore+G-Bond/GC). The restorative systems were applied according to the manufacturers' recommendations. Following thermocycling (X5000; 5°C-55°C), the teeth were coated with nail varnish except the restoration margins, immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin dye solution, and sectioned in a mesiodistal direction. Dye penetration was evaluated under a light microscope for occlusal and cervical margins. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The cavity preparation time (mean ± SD) required for Bur, MD, and Turbo group was 31.25 ± 3.82, 222.94 ± 15.85, and 92.5 ± 7.42 sec, respectively, and the differences among the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Comparing the occlusal and cervical microleakage scores, no statistically significant differences were found among the groups and subgroups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Er;Cr:YSGG laser cavity preparation with the Turbo handpiece needed shorter time than the MD handpiece, although it needed longer time than the conventional diamond bur. The use of different handpieces of Er,Cr:YSGG laser did not differ from conventional preparation with diamond bur in terms of microleakage with the tested methacrylate- and silorane-based posterior composite restorative systems.

Self-Limiting versus Conventional Caries Removal: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

A single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial in patients with deep caries and symptoms of reversible pulpitis compared outcomes from a self-limiting excavation protocol using chemomechanical Carisolv gel/operating microscope (self-limiting) versus selective removal to leathery dentin using rotary burs (control). This was followed by pulp protection with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and restoration with glass ionomer cement and resin composite, all in a single visit. The pulp sensibility and periapical health of teeth were assessed after 12 mo, in addition to the differences in bacterial tissue concentration postexcavation. Apical radiolucencies were assessed using cone beam computed tomography/periapical radiographs (CBCT/PAs) taken at baseline 0 mo (M0) and 12 mo (M12). In total, 101 restorations in 86 patients were placed and paired subsurface, and deep (postexcavation) dentin samples were obtained. DNA was extracted and bacteria-specific 16S ribosomal RNA gene quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed. No significant difference was found in bacterial copy numbers normalized to mass of dentin ("bacterial tissue concentration") between the self-limiting (96.3% reduction) and control protocols (97.1%, P = 0.33). The probability of 12-mo success was 4 times (odds ratio [OR] = 4.33; confidence interval [CI], 1.2-15.6; P = 0.025) higher in the self-limiting protocol compared to the control (conventional excavation technique), with pulp survival rates of 73.3% and 90%, respectively ( P = 0.049). Molars had a 4 times higher probability of success compared to premolars (OR, 4.17; CI, 1.17-14.9; P = 0.028), and symptom severity did not statistically predict outcome (OR, 0.41; CI, 0.12-13.9, P = 0.153). CBCT detected significantly more periapical (PA) lesions than PA radiographs at the baseline visit ( P < 0.001). In conclusion, the self-limiting caries excavation protocol under magnification increased pulp survival rate compared to rotary bur excavation ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03071588).

Comparative Study on the Cutting Effectiveness and Heat Generation of Rotary Instruments Versus Piezoelectric Surgery Tips Using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Thermal Analysis.

PURPOSE: The search for optimizing rehabilitation results with the use of osseointegrated implants has led oral surgeons to look for other technologies that can provide better predictability for treatments; however, effectiveness must be considered as well. This study aimed to compare temperature variation during preparation of implant surgical beds using conventional rotary implant burs versus ultrasonic tips and to study perforation effectiveness by analyzing the functional wear of both systems and the influence of such wear on the overheating of cortical bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This evaluation was made using thermocouples placed in fresh bovine cortical bone (femur) and connected to a data collector so that the recorded temperatures could provide the thermal behavior of both systems after repeated use of the burs and piezoelectric tips, to compare the wear and the loss of cutting efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to compare the topography of both systems' perforations. Biostatistics assays were performed comparing both techniques as well. RESULTS: The collected data and images showed that the wear of the burs and tips did not significantly influence the temperature variation, and the greatest variation occurred in the piezoelectric system for preparations of 13-mm depth. The SEM images show a different surface topography between both systems. While the burs cut the bone, showing a smooth surface, the piezoelectric tips condense the bone and present a rough surface. CONCLUSION: The use of either rotatory burs or piezoelectric tips generates a temperature that does not affect the tissue healing. Burs create a smooth surface, and piezoelectric tips show a more rough and condensed bone surface. The wear of both systems does not have a relevant increase in temperature after the preparation of 30 surgical beds.

Effect of Erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser on bond strength of a total-etch adhesive system to caries-affected dentin on gingival wall.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of the erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser on bond strength of a total-etch adhesive system to the caries-affected dentin on the gingival wall. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten human molars with proximal carious lesions were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, the carious dentin was removed with a bur, whereas in the second group it was removed with the Er:YAG laser. Carious lesions were excavated with one of these two techniques until laser fluorescence values decreased to 15 in the center of the lesions. The teeth were then restored with a total-etch adhesive system (Adper Single Bond 2) and composite resin (Filtek Z250). Five teeth from each group were sectioned to obtain 1 mm2 stick-shaped microtensile specimens from each tooth. Twenty-five specimens were obtained for each group with using this technique. The data were analyzed in independent-samples t-test (α = 0.05). For each removal technique, one sample was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the bond strength of the Er:YAG laser and the bur-treated groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Er:YAG laser treatment did not negatively affect the bonding performance of the total-etch adhesive system to caries-affected dentin on the gingival wall.

Comparison of efficacy of caries removal using polymer bur and chemomechanical caries removal agent: A clinical and microbiological assessment - An in vivo study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Conservative caries removal has become an integral part of minimally invasive dentistry (MID). Polymer burs and chemomechanical caries removal are two feasible methods of MID. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the efficacy of polymer bur and chemomechanical caries removal agent clinically and microbiologically for selective removal of infected dentin. METHODS: A total of fifty primary second molars with occlusal decay involving dentin were selected from 25 patients aged between 5 and 9 years. They were randomly allocated to Group A (polymer bur group) and Group B (Carie-Care group) for caries removal. Completeness of caries excavation was assessed clinically with the application of caries detector dye. Dentinal samples were collected before and after caries removal and cultured in Luria-Bertani Agar, and total viable count was assessed. All the teeth after caries excavation were restored with Type 2 glass ionomer cement. The data obtained was tabulated and statistically analyzed using paired t-test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in the mean microbial count before and after treatment in polymer bur group and Carie-Care group. The reduction in mean microbial count was found significantly higher in polymer bur group compared to Carie-Care group. There was no significant association was observed between the two groups when efficacy was assessed clinically. CONCLUSIONS: Both polymer bur and Carie-Care were efficient caries removal agents when assessed clinically and microbiologically. Polymer bur was found to be more effective than Carie-Care when assessed microbiologically.

In vitro performance of ultrasound enamel preparation compared with classical bur preparation on pit and fissure sealing.

AIM: Fissure sealants are effective in preventing caries. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of two different enamel surface preparation techniques for pit and fissure sealing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted sound third molars were used. For each tooth, the mesial half of the occlusal fissures was treated with ultrasound diamond tip T1 mounted on an ultrasonic handpiece, while the distal half with conventional diamond bur. The teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 30/each). Group 1 samples were stored in distilled water at 4 °C. For group 2 samples, sealing of occlusal fissures was performed according to standard procedures. Bucco-lingual cuts parallel to the long axis of the tooth were made in order to separate the two different types of preparations. The effects of the executed procedures were assessed with SEM. RESULTS: Surfaces prepared with ultrasound system showed the presence of residual debris and appeared more irregular than surfaces prepared with traditional bur system. Furthermore, images showed the presence of cracks on the bottom and on the walls of the ultrasound prepared fissures. CONCLUSION: Conventional bur surface treatment showed a better performance when compared to ultrasound preparation and could probably ensure superior sealant retention.

Técnicas para reduzir os efeitos da contração de polimerização das resinas compostas fotoativadas / Techniques for reducing the effects of polymerization shrinkage of composites photoactivated resins

Introdução: uma complicação inerente a todas as resinas compostas é o stress gerado pela contração de polimerização. As resinas compostas da atualidade, após a polimerização, perdem entre 2% a 3% de todo o seu volume. Essa perda pode acarretar em alterações fortemente comprometedoras a nível micro e macroscópico. Objetivo: abordar a importância do uso de técnicas e manobras clínicas, que visam diminuir a contração de polimerização das resinas compostas, reduzindo seus efeitos na cavidade, para que se tenha um procedimento restaurador com elevado índice de sucesso clínico e boa aceitação pelos pacientes. Material e Métodos: foi realizada uma revisão da literatura por meio de uma busca bibliográfica nas seguintes bases de pesquisa online: PUBMED/MEDLINE, LILACS, BBO e SCIENCE DIRECT, através do rastreio de artigos relevantes publicados entre o período de 2000 a 2015. Resultados: comparando as formas de ativação dos compósitos, os compósitos fotopolimerizáveis possuem um menor escoamento e maior stress de contração se comparados a compósitos com ativação química, isso se dá devido à fotoativação que se destaca por ser uma reação rápida quando comparada a outros métodos, não dispondo de tempo para a resina se acomodar na cavidade e ter uma boa interação com o sistema adesivo previamente aplicado, levando a grande parte dos problemas clínicos das restaurações. Conclusão: questionamentos sobre os efeitos da contração de polimerização, ainda não foram completamente elucidados no meio científico, por isso algumas técnicas como a escolha de fotopolimerizadores a LED, manutenção da fase pré gel, manutenção do Fator C e técnica de inserção incremental, podem ser usadas para minimizar os efeitos dessa contração nas restaurações feitas com resina, afim de reduzir insucessos como, sensibilidade pós operatória, infiltração marginal e riscos de agressão pulpar levando a uma maior longevidade dos procedimentos restauradores com materiais resinosos. (AU)

Introduction: a complication inherent in all composite resins is the stress generated by the polymerization contraction. The present composite resins, after polymerization, lose between 2% and 3% of their entire volume. This loss can lead to strongly compromising micro and macroscopic changes. Objective: to address the importance of using technical and clinical maneuvers, which aim to reduce polymerization shrinkage of composite resins, reducing its effects in the cavity, in order to have a restorative procedure with high clinical success rate and good patient acceptance. Material and Methods: a review of the literature through a literature search in the following search online databases was performed: PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, BBO and SCIENCE DIRECT, through the screening of relevant articles published between 2000 to 2015. Results: comparing both activation of composites, the dental composites have a lower flow and higher stress of contraction compared to composites with chemical activation, this is the due to photoactivation that stands out for being a quick reaction when compared to other methods, not providing time for the resin to settle in well and have a good interaction with the previously applied adhesive system, leading to much of the clinical problems of restorations. Conclusion: questions about the effects of polymerization shrinkage have not been fully elucidated in the scientific community, so some techniques such as the choice of curing lights to LED, the pre gel phase maintenance, maintenance of Factor C and incremental insertion technique can It is used to minimize the effects of this contraction in restorations made with resin in order to reduce failures as post-operative sensitivity, microleakage and pulp assault risks leading to increased longevity of restorative procedures with resinous materials. (AU)

Impacts of Contracted Endodontic Cavities on Instrumentation Efficacy and Biomechanical Responses in Maxillary Molars.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, we reported that in mandibular molars contracted endodontic cavities (CECs) improved fracture strength compared with traditional endodontic cavities (TECs) but compromised instrumentation efficacy in distal canals. This study assessed the impacts of CECs on instrumentation efficacy and axial strain responses in maxillary molars. METHODS: Eighteen extracted intact maxillary molars were imaged with micro-computed tomographic imaging (12-µm voxel), assigned to CEC or TEC groups (n = 9/group), and accessed accordingly. Canals were instrumented (V-Taper2H; SSWhite Dental, Lakewood, NJ) with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite irrigation, reimaged, and the proportion of the modified canal wall determined. Cavities were restored with bonded composite resin (TPH-Spectra-LV; Dentsply International, York, PA). Another 28 similar molars (n = 14/group) with linear strain gauges (Showa Measuring Instruments, Tokyo, Japan) attached to mesiobuccal and palatal roots were subjected to load cycles (50-150 N) in the Instron Universal Testing machine (Instron, Canton, MA), and the axial microstrain was recorded before access and after restoration. These 28 molars and additional 11 intact molars (control) were cyclically fatigued (1 million cycles, 5-50 N, 15 Hz) and subsequently loaded to failure. Data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon rank sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The overall mean proportion of the modified canal wall did not differ significantly between CECs (49.7% ± 12.0%) and TECs (44.7% ± 9.0%). Relative changes in axial microstrain responses to load varied in both groups. The mean load at failure for CECs (1703 ± 558 N) did not differ significantly from TECs (1384 ± 377 N) and was significantly lower (P < .005) for both groups compared with intact molars (2457 ± 941 N). CONCLUSIONS: In maxillary molars tested in vitro, CECs did not impact instrumentation efficacy and biomechanical responses compared with TECs.

Dentin Topographic Features following Chemomechanical Caries Removal in Primary Teeth.

AIM: Study the topographic features of dentin after caries removal with a chemomechanical agent (Papacarie) compared with the conventional drilling method. STUDY DESIGN: The sample included 7 exfoliated and extracted primary teeth with carious dentin lesions, not reaching the pulp. Each tooth was sectioned longitudinally through the center of the carious lesions into two halves. The teeth were then divided into two groups according to the method of caries removal. Following caries removal, dentin topography and the cut section were examined using the scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Papacarie produced an irregular, porous, rough and globular dentin appearance. The dentin surfaces were generally free of smear layer, visible bacteria and the dentinal tubules were opened. The dentin cut surfaces showed patent dentinal tubules with open orifices. The drilling method created a smooth and amorphous surface with a continuous smear layer occluding the dentinal tubules. Numerous bacteria were also observed. The cut dentin surfaces showed patent dentinal tubules with their orifices plugged with smear layer. CONCLUSIONS: Papacarie produced a rough and porous surface with partial or complete removal of the smear layer and opened dentinal tubules, while the drill produced a smooth surface with uniform smear layer occluding the dentinal tubules.

A Comparative Study of Microleakage on Dental Surfaces Bonded with Three Self-Etch Adhesive Systems Treated with the Er:YAG Laser and Bur.

Aim. This study sought to compare the microleakage of three adhesive systems in the context of Erbium-YAG laser and diamond bur cavity procedures. Cavities were restored with composite resin. Materials and Methods. Standardized Class V cavities were performed in 72 extracted human teeth by means of diamond burs or Er-YAG laser. The samples were randomly divided into six groups of 12, testing three adhesive systems (Clearfil s(3) Bond Plus, Xeno® Select, and Futurabond U) for each method used. Cavities were restored with composite resin before thermocycling (methylene blue 2%, 24 h). The slices were prepared using a microtome. Optical microscope photography was employed to measure the penetration. Results. No statistically significant differences in microleakage were found in the use of bur or laser, nor between adhesive systems. Only statistically significant values were observed comparing enamel with cervical walls (p < 0.001). Conclusion. It can be concluded that the Er:YAG laser is as efficient as diamond bur concerning microleakage values in adhesive restoration procedures, thus constituting an alternative tool for tooth preparation.

Ablative Potential of Er:YAG Laser in Dentin: Quantum Versus Variable Square Pulse.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to compare the dentin ablation volume and ablation rate of quantum square pulse (QSP), using two different pulse energy settings plus a new digitally controlled dental laser handpiece (X-Runner), with those of variable square pulse (VSP), using three different pulse durations. The secondary objective was to examine, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the surface effects of ablation with the different Er:YAG laser modes on the dentin surfaces. BACKGROUND DATA: The available literature has limited data on the efficiency of different operating modes, pulse durations, and the new digitally controlled handpiece of the Er:YAG laser on human dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Freshly extracted human molars (n = 72) were divided into two experimental groups (n = 36 each): (1) QSP group, and (2) VSP group. Each group was randomly divided into three subgroups (n = 12 each). In the QSP group, preparations in dentin were performed using 250 and 500 mJ of pulse energy with the conventional handpiece, and with the X-Runner handpiece set at 250 mJ pulse energy. In the VSP group, cavity preparations were performed using three pulse variables: super short pulse (SSP), micro short pulse (MSP), and short pulse (SP). Cavity preparations were made in dentin at time intervals of 1, 2, and 5 sec. A laser triangulation profilometer was used to determine cavity volumes. Surface analysis of the ablated dentin specimens was performed by SEM. RESULTS: For time intervals of 1 and 2 sec, ablated volume and ablation rate for QSP-500 mJ were significantly higher than for all other groups (p < 0.0001). For the 5-sec time interval, X-Runner and QSP-500 mJ were the most efficient in dentin ablation (p < 0.0001). Dentin surfaces were free of smear layer in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The most efficient modes of dentin ablation in the study were the QSP-500 mJ and X-Runner groups. Dentin surfaces were free of smear layer in all groups.

Clinical Efficiency of Three Caries Removal Systems: Rotary Excavation, Carisolv, and Papacarie.

PURPOSE: The removal of dentinal caries using the rotary method of excavation is most often associated with pain and anxiety in children. Chemo-mechanical caries removal may eliminate some of the drawbacks of the rotary technique and improve patient comfort. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of the rotary, Carisolv, and Papacarie methods for caries removal in primary teeth, length of time needed, influence on child behavior, pain perception, and treatment preference of the child. METHODS: This controlled, split-mouth study with a cross-over design compared three caries removal methods in the primary molars of 50 five- to 12-year-old children. RESULTS: The rotary method was the most efficient and least time-consuming (P<0.001). Pain perception, however, was highest with this method (P<0.05). Papacarie exhibited a higher efficiency and required fewer applications than Carisolv (P<0.01). The Papacarie method was the most preferred, and the rotary method the least-preferred (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chemo-mechanical caries removal may be a promising alternative treatment procedure, particularly for anxious young patients.

Depth and distribution of the cure in a resin-based composite cured in a simulated Class II cavity.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect that a stainless steel (SS) matrix band has on the depth and distribution of cure of a resin-based composite (RBC) in a simulated Class II cavity. METHODS: RBC was cured for 20 seconds in a simulated Class II cavity with and without a SS matrix band, and after 24 hours the specimens were scraped back and ground to expose a vertical central plane where Knoop micro-hardness (KHN) mapping was conducted from 0.05-1.5 mm from the band and in 0.5 mm intervals from the top of the specimens. The effect of different angles of the light guide on the distribution of hardness was also examined. RESULTS: KHN values near the SS matrix band were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than within the bulk of the specimen and were lower than those found without the matrix band. Angles of incidence for the curing light-guide produced changes in the distribution of KHN within the specimens, but particularly near the matrix band, and with a 35° angle of incidence, the depth of cure was significantly different from that of normal incidence of the light.

Preparing and Restoring Composite Resin Restorations. The Advantage of High Magnification Loupes or the Dental Surgical Operating Microscope.

Use of magnification, such as 6x to 8x binocular surgical loupes or the surgical operating microscope, combined with co-axial illumination, may facilitate the creation of stable composite resin restorations that are less likely to develop caries, cracks or margin stains over years of service. Microscopes facilitate observation of clinically relevant microscopic visual details, such as microscopic amounts of demineralization or caries at preparation margins; microscopic areas of soft, decayed tooth structure; microscopic amounts of moisture contamination of the preparation during bonding; or microscopic marginal gaps in the composite. Preventing microscope-level errors in composite fabrication can result in a composite restoration that, at initial placement, appears perfect when viewed under 6x to 8x magnification and which also is free of secondary caries, marginal staining or cracks at multi-year follow-up visits.