Influence of laser irradiation on the push-out bond strength between a glass fiber post and root dentin.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A major issue related to the failure of endodontically treated teeth restored with an intraradicular post is gradual debonding of the glass fiber post, resin cement, and dentin. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of laser irradiation on the push-out bond strength of glass fiber posts to radicular dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two mandibular bovine incisors were endodontically treated and divided into 4 groups according to the surface treatment of the post: silane control (GC); irradiation with Er:YAG (GYAG); irradiation with Er,Cr:YSGG (GCR); and 980-nm diode laser (GDI) application. After surface treatment, the glass fiber posts were cemented with dual adhesive resin cement. To evaluate bond strength, the specimens were subjected to a push-out test at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min using a universal testing machine. Failure mode was analyzed using stereomicroscopy. The surface morphology was evaluated qualitatively after surface treatment by using confocal laser microscopy. The push-out test data (MPa) were analyzed using a linear mixed effects model and the Bonferroni test (α=.05). RESULTS: At the cervical third, no significant differences were observed between the GC and GCR groups (P=1.00), and both of the groups exhibited higher bond strength. At the middle and apical thirds, the GCR group revealed higher bond strength, which was significantly different from that observed in all other groups (P<.05). No statistical differences were observed among the other tested protocols (GC, GYAG, and GDI groups; P=1.00). Adhesive failure was predominant in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Irradiation with Er,Cr:YSGG improved the bond strength of the cement-post-dentin interfaces.

Effect of a 12-methacryloyloxy-dodecyl-pyridinium-bromide-containing adhesive with different post types on the long-term bond strength to dentin.

The use of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) inhibitors, such as 12-methacryloyloxy-dodecyl-pyridinium-bromide (MDPB), might improve the adhesion of glass-fiber (GF) and polyfiber (PF) posts to root dentine. This study assessed the effect of an MDPB-containing adhesive on the long-term bond strength of GF or PF posts to bovine dentine. Bovine endodontically treated roots were randomly divided into six groups, according to the post type and adhesive system used, as follows: GF serrated post + MDBP-free adhesive; GF serrated post + MDPB-containing adhesive; GF smooth post + MDBP-free adhesive; GF smooth post + MDPB-containing adhesive; PF post + MDBP-free adhesive; PF post + MDPB-containing adhesive. Specimens were stored in water for 6 months, thermocycled (500 cycles wk-1 ), and submitted to the pull-out test and failure pattern analysis. The cement-dentin interface was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The pull-out data were analyzed using anova and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). No significant interaction between the type of post and the adhesive system was found. Polyfiber posts showed lower bond strength than GF posts, whether serrated or smooth, and the bond strength of the serrated and smooth GF posts was not significantly different. Adhesive failures were predominant in all groups. The type of retainer influenced the bond strength, and MDPB-containing adhesive did not improve the long-term bond strength of posts to dentine.

Effect of Er:Yag laser on dentin demineralization around restorations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cavity preparation with Er:YAG laser on dentin adjacent to restorations submitted to cariogenic challenge in situ, by subsuperficial microhardness analysis. Bovine incisors were sectioned, flattened, and polished, resulting in 40 dentin slabs. The slabs were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10), according to the cavity preparation method: I-high-speed handpiece (control); II-Er:YAG laser (160 mJ; 3 Hz); III-Er:YAG laser (260 mJ; 3 Hz); IV-Er:YAG laser (300 mJ; 3Hz). Cavities were restored with composite resin, and the specimens were fixed in intra-oral appliances, which were worn by 10 volunteers for 14 days for simulating cariogenic challenge in situ. During the experimental period, 20% sucrose solution was dripped over each specimen 6 times a day. Samples were removed, sectioned, and examined for subsuperficial Knoop microhardness at 100, 200, and 300 µm from the restoration and at 30 µm from dentin surface. Split-plot analysis of variance showed no significant difference among the cavity preparation techniques (p = 0.1129), among distances (p = 0.9030), as well as no difference in the interaction between the main factors (p = 0.7338). It was concluded that the cavity preparation with Er:YAG laser did not influence on dentin microhardness submitted to cariogenic challenge in situ.

Effect of Er:YAG laser on enamel demineralization around restorations.

This study evaluates in situ the effect of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser parameters on the development of caries-like lesions adjacent to dental restorations. One hundred fifty bovine enamel slabs were randomly allocated among 15 volunteers. The specimens were subdivided into ten groups: nine experimental groups prepared with Er:YAG laser (300 mJ output, frequency of 2, 4 or 6 Hz, water flow rate of 2.0, 5.0, or 8.0 mL/min) and one control group (high-speed handpiece). The prepared cavity was restored with a composite resin, and the slabs were mounted on palatal appliance to be installed in the volunteers to the cariogenic challenge. After this, the specimens were sectioned to the longitudinal microhardness measurements. Data were submitted to Friedman and Wilcoxon paired tests. All groups prepared with Er:YAG laser demonstrated microhardness values higher than those prepared with high-speed handpiece, which showed the lowest microhardness values (24.86). The group prepared with Er:YAG laser (2 Hz-2.0 mL/min) showed the highest microhardness values (152.43), followed by those prepared with Er:YAG laser (2 Hz-5.0 mL/min) (133.08) and Er:YAG laser (2 Hz-8.0 mL/min) (91.61), respectively. The groups Er:YAG laser with 4 and 6 Hz of frequency and water flow rates of 2.0, 5.0, and 8.0 mL/min showed microhardness values lower than the groups cited above and showed statistical similarity among them. The Er:YAG laser parameters employed to cavity preparation influenced the acid resistance of the irradiated substrate, and the Er:YAG laser was capable to control the development of caries-like lesions around composite resin restorations.

Influence of long-term water storage and thermocycling on shear bond strength of glass-ionomer cement to Er:YAG laser-prepared dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of long-term water storage and thermocycling on the shear bond strength of a glass-ionomer cement to Er:YAG-irradiated and bur-prepared dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen bovine incisors were selected and the roots removed. Crowns were sectioned into four pieces, resulting in 60 samples that were individually embedded in polyester resin (n = 15) and ground to plane the enamel and expose the dentin. The bonding site was delimited and samples were randomly assigned according to the method of cavity preparation: Er:YAG laser (250 mJ/4 Hz) or high-speed handpiece (diamond bur #2096). Samples were fixed to a metallic device, where glass-ionomer cement (GIC) cylinders were prepared. Subsequently, they were subdivided according to the duration of water storage (WS) and number of thermocycles (TCs) - 24 h WS/no TCs and 6 months WS/12,000 TCs - and subjected to a shear bond strength test (500 N at 0.5 mm/min). RESULTS: The duration of water storage and number of thermocycles tested had no statistically significant effect on the shear bond strength to laser-irradiated dentin (p > 0.05). For bur-prepared substrate, the long-term degradation process promoted a decrease in shear bond strength values (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Long-term water storage and thermocycling did not affect shear bond strength of glass-ionomer cement bonded to Er:YAG laser-prepared dentin.

Permeability of eroded enamel following application of different fluoride gels and CO2 laser.

This study evaluated the combined effect of fluoride compounds and CO(2) laser in controlling the permeability of eroded enamel. Bovine enamel slabs (3 × 2 mm) were cycled twice through an alternating erosion and remineralization regimen. Slabs were immersed in 20 ml of orange juice (pH 3.84) for 5 min under agitation, rinsed with deionized water, and stored in artificial saliva for 4 h to form erosive lesions. Specimens were then divided into four groups (n = 10), which were treated for 1 min with either a control or with one of the following gels: amine fluoride (AmF), titanium tetrafluoride (TiF(4)), or sodium fluoride (NaF). Half of the specimens were irradiated with a CO(2) laser (λ = 10.6 µm; 2.0 W). Specimens were cycled two more times through the aforementioned erosion-remineralization regimen and were subjected to permeability assessment. ANOVA demonstrated a significant interaction between fluoride and laser treatment (p = 0.0152). Tukey's test showed that when fluoride was applied alone, TiF(4) resulted in lower enamel permeability than that observed after application of the placebo gel. Intermediate permeability values were noted after NaF and AmF had been used. A significant reduction in enamel permeability was obtained when fluoride was combined with CO(2) laser treatment, with no difference between fluoride gels. Permeability of eroded enamel may be reduced by combining the application of fluoride gels with CO(2) laser irradiation.

Fluoride plus CO2 laser against the progression of caries in root dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel combined with CO2 laser in protecting carious root dentin against further cariogenic challenges. METHODS: After a 7-day lead-in period, 12 volunteers wore an intraoral palatal device containing four carious root dentin slabs, treated with APF and APF+CO2 or placebo and placebo+CO2. After a 14-day wash-out period, volunteers were crossed-over to the other treatment arm. During both intraoral phases, specimens were submitted to cariogenic challenges and then evaluated for cross-sectional Knoop microhardness. RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA demonstrated that there was significant effect for both main factors: CO2 laser irradiation (P < 0.0001) and gel treatment (P < 0.0001), and that there was no interaction between them (P = 0.4706). Protection of carious root dentin against further cariogenic challenges may be provided by APF fluoride gel and CO2 laser, but no additive benefit was found by combining such strategies.

Effects of water flow on ablation rate and morphological changes in human enamel and dentin after Er:YAG laser irradiation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the laboratory effect of Er:YAG laser on ablation rate and morphological changes in human enamel and dentin with varying water flow. METHODS: 23 human third molars were sectioned in mesio-distal and buccal-lingual directions. The slabs were flattened and weighted on an analytical laboratory balance (control). A 4-mm2 area was demarcated and the samples were randomly assigned into three groups according to water flow employed during the laser irradiation (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mL/minute). An Er:YAG laser was used to ablate enamel (80.22-J/cm2, 300 mJ/4Hz) and dentin (96.26-J/cm2, 250 mJ/4Hz). After irradiation, the samples were immersed in distilled water for 1 hour and then weighted again. The final mass was obtained and laser-irradiated substrate mass loss was calculated by the difference between the initial and final mass. Afterwards, specimens were prepared for SEM. RESULTS: Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). It was observed that the 2.0 mL/minute resulted in a higher mass loss, 1.0 mL/minute showed a lower mass loss, and 1.5 mL/minute demonstrated intermediate results (P < 0.05). The increase of water flow promoted less melting areas and cracks. Furthermore, dentin was more ablated than enamel. It may be concluded that the water flow of Er:YAG laser and the substrates affected the ablation rate. Among the tested parameters, 2.0 mL/minute improved the ability of ablation in enamel and dentin, with less morphologic surface alteration.

Is the Er:YAG laser affect the surface characteristics and bond strength of Y-TZP?

This study evaluated the surface characteristics and bond strength of Y-TZP treated with Er:YAG laser at different focal distances. 120 Y-TZP blocks were divided into five groups (n=24), according to the surface treatment: no treatment (C-); sandblasting with silica-coated aluminum oxide particles (C+); and Er:YAG laser application at focal distances of 1mm (Er:YAG-1), 4mm (Er:YAG-4), and 7mm (Er:YAG-7). Surface characteristics were analyzed using Vickers microhardness, confocal laser microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). For the bond strength test, 100 Y-TZP blocks were subdivided into two subgroups (n=10), according to the resin cement used: with (MDP+) or without 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP-). The Vickers microhardness and surface roughness were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and bond strength by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test for both (α=0.05). Vickers microhardness differences were not observed between the groups (p>0.05); C+ showed higher surface roughness values. SEM images showed micromorphological differences between the groups. The XRD data detected tetragonal crystals for C- and, for the other groups, tetragonal and monoclinic peaks. For bond strength, no statistically difference significance were observed among the cements with or without MDP (p>0.05) but showed significant difference between the surface treatments (C+ > C- = Er:YAG1 > Er:YAG4 = Er:YAG7) (p<0.05). Suggested that the Er:YAG laser cannot replace conventional treatment with aluminum oxide particles and the presence of MDP in the resin cement had no influence on the bond strength.

Water flow on erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser irradiation: effects on dental tissues.

Since lasers were introduced in dentistry, there has been considerable advancement in technology. Several wavelengths have been investigated as substitutes for high-speed air turbine. Owing to its high absorbability in water and hydroxyapatite, the erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser has been of great interest among dental practitioners and scientists. In spite of its great potential for hard tissue ablation, Er:YAG laser effectiveness and safety is directly related to an adequate setting of the working patterns. It is assumed that the ablation rate is influenced by certain conditions, such as water content of the target tissue, and laser parameters. It has been shown that Er:YAG irradiation with water coolant attenuates temperature rise and, hence, minimizes the risk of thermally induced pulp injury. It also increases ablation efficiency and enhances adhesion to the lased dental tissue. The aim of this review was to obtain insights into the ablation process and to discuss the effects of water flow on dental tissue ablation using Er:YAG laser.

Influence of NaHCO3 powder on translucency of microfilled composite resin immersed in different mouthrinses.

UNLABELLED: The regular use of mouthrinses, particularly when combined with the use of air-powder polishing, could affect the appearance of tooth-colored restorations. The current study sought to evaluate the effect of NaHCO(3) powder on translucency of a microfilled composite resin immersed in different mouthrinses, at distinct evaluation periods. Eighty disk-shaped specimens of composite resin (Durafill VS, Heraeus Kulzer GmbH & Co. KG, Hanau, Germany) were prepared. The composite specimens were then randomly allocated into two groups according to the surface treatment: exposure to NaHCO3 powder (10 seconds) or nonexposure, and they were randomly assigned into four subgroups, according to the mouthrinses employed (N = 10): Periogard (Colgate/Palmolive, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil), Cepacol (Aventis Pharma, São Paulo, SP, Brazil), Plax (Colgate/Palmolive), and distilled water (control group). The samples were immersed for 2 minutes daily, 5 days per week, over a 4-month test period. Translucency was measured with a transmission densitometer at seven evaluation periods. Statistical analyses (analysis of variance and Tukey's test) revealed that: distilled water presented higher translucency values (86.72%); Periogard demonstrated the lowest translucency values (72.70%); and Plax (74.05%) and Cepacol (73.32%) showed intermediate translucency values, which were statistically similar between them (p > 0.01). NaHCO3 air-powder polishing increased the changes in translucency associated with the mouthrinses. Air-powder polishing alone had no effect on material translucency. Translucency percent was gradually decreased from 1 week of immersion up to 4 months. It may be concluded that the NaHCO3 powder and the tested mouthrinses have affected the translucency of microfilled composite resin, according to the tested time. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: During the last decade, the demand for composite resin restorations has grown considerably, however, controversy persists regarding the effect of surface roughness on color stability.

Adhesion to Er:YAG laser-prepared dentin after long-term water storage and thermocycling.

This in vitro study evaluated the microtensile bond strength of a resin composite to Er:YAG-prepared dentin after long-term storage and thermocycling. Eighty bovine incisors were selected and their roots removed. The crowns were ground to expose superficial dentin. The samples were randomly divided according to cavity preparation method (I-Er:YAG laser and II-carbide bur). Subsequently, an etch & rinse adhesive system was applied and the samples were restored with a resin composite. The samples were subdivided according to time of water storage (WS)/number of thermocycles (TC) performed: A) 24 hours WS/no TC; B) 7 days WS/500 TC; C) 1 month WS/2,000 TC; D) 6 months WS/12,000 TC. The teeth were sectioned in sticks with a cross-sectional area of 1.0-mm2, which were loaded in tension in a universal testing machine. The data were subjected to two-way ANOVA, Scheffé and Fisher's tests at a 5% level. In general, the bur-prepared group displayed higher microtensile bond strength values than the laser-treated group. Based on one-month water stbrage and 2,000 thermocycles, the performance of the tested adhesive system to Er:YAG-laser irradiated dentin was negatively affected (Group IC), while adhesion of the bur-prepared group decreased only within six months of water storage combined with 12,000 thermocycles (Group IID). It may be concluded that adhesion to the Er:YAG laser cavity preparation was more affected by the methods used for simulating degradation of the adhesive interface.

Influence of water flow rate on shear bond strength of resin composite to Er:YAG cavity preparation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in vitro the influence of water flow rate on shear bond strength of a resin composite to enamel and dentin after Er:YAG cavity preparation. METHODS: Ten bovine incisors were selected and roots removed. Crowns were sectioned in four pieces, resulting in 40 samples that were individually embedded in polyester resin (n = 10), and ground to plane the enamel and expose the dentin. The bonding site was delimited and samples were randomly assigned according to cavity preparation: (1) Er:YAG/1.0 mL/minute; (2) Er:YAG/1.5 mL/minute; (3) Er:YAG/2.0 mL/minute and (4) High speed handpiece/bur (control group). Samples were fixed to a metallic device, where composite resin cylinders were prepared. Subsequently, they were stored for 24 hours and subjected to a shear bond strength test (500N at 0.5 mm/minute). RESULTS: Means (MPa) were: enamel: 1: 12.8; 2: 16.8; 3: 17.5; 4: 36.0 and Dentin: 1: 13.6; 2: 18.7; 3: 12.1; 4: 21.3. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test. Adhesion to enamel was more efficient than for dentin. The cavities prepared with conventional bur (control) presented higher statistically significant bond strength values (P < 0.05) than for Er:YAG laser for both enamel and dentin. No significant differences were observed between water flow rates employed during enamel ablation. For dentin, the shear bond strength of 2.0 mL/minute water flow rate was lower than for 1.5 mL/minute and 1.0 mL/minute rates. The Er:YAG laser adversely affected shear bond strength of resin composite to both enamel and dentin, regardless of the water flow rate used.

Non-contact profilometry of eroded and abraded enamel irradiated with an Er:YAG laser.

Literature has reported positive results regarding the use of lasers in the control of erosive lesions; however, evaluating whether they are effective in the control of the progression of erosive/abrasive lesions is important. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Er:YAG laser irradiation in controlling the progression of erosion associated with abrasive lesions in enamel. Material and methods Bovine incisors were sectioned, flattened and polished. Forty-eight enamel slabs were subjected to treatment in an intraoral phase. Twelve volunteers used an intraoral appliance containing one slab that was irradiated with an Er:YAG laser (5.2 J/cm2, 85 mJ, 2 Hz) and another non-irradiated slab on each side of the appliance, during one phase of 5 d, under a split-mouth design. Devices were subjected to erosive challenges (1% citric acid, 5 min, 3 times a day) and abrasive challenges one h after (brushing force of 1.5 N for 15 s) randomly and independently on each side of the device. Measurements of enamel loss were performed via 3D optical profilometry (µm). We analyzed data using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests and morphological characteristics via scanning electron microscopy. Results Following erosive and abrasive challenges, the group that was irradiated with the Er:YAG laser presented less loss of structure than the non-irradiated group. The group that underwent erosion and irradiation did not exhibit a significant difference from the non-irradiated group. Conclusion Irradiation with the Er:YAG laser did not control the loss of structure of enamel subjected to erosion but did control abrasion after erosion.

Chlorhexidine and proanthocyanidin enhance the long-term bond strength of resin-based endodontic sealer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of proanthocyanidin (PA) and chlorhexidine (CHX) on the bond strength (BS), failure pattern, and resin-dentin interface morphology of the endodontic sealers EndoREZ and AH Plus after 24 h and 6 months of water storage. A total of 120 prepared bovine roots were divided into six groups: AH Plus, CHX+AH Plus, PA+AH Plus, EndoREZ, CHX+EndoREZ, and PA+EndoREZ. Dentin was treated for 1 or 5 min with 2% CHX or 15% PA, respectively. Roots were filled and stored in water for 24 h or 6 months (n = 10). Root slices were subjected to push-out test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were compared using two-way ANOVA and student's t-test (α = 5%). BS decreased over time for AH Plus and untreated EndoREZ (p < 0.05). At 24 h, AH Plus had higher BS than EndoREZ (p < 0.001), with no differences among treatments for both sealers (p > 0.05). At 6 months, EndoREZ had higher BS values for CHX and PA than control (p < 0.05). AH Plus had higher BS than EndoREZ (p < 0.001), while with CHX or PA, similar BS was observed in both sealers (p > 0.05). Cohesive and mixed failures were observed in all groups. SEM revealed sealer tags in the root dentin. In conclusion, BS decreased with time and AH Plus had higher BS than EndoREZ in untreated dentin; however, CHX or PA enhanced long-term BS of EndoREZ. Overall, dentin treatment affected failure pattern and resin-dentin interface morphology, particularly for EndoREZ.

Bonding Effectiveness of Universal Adhesive to Intracoronal Bleached Dentin Treated with Sodium Ascorbate.

This study evaluated the effect of restorative protocol with sodium ascorbate on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a universal adhesive to intracoronal bleached dentin. One hundred-and-twenty bovine dentin fragments were randomly divided into 12 groups (n=10), according to the bleaching procedure (unbleached and bleached) and restorative protocol (no treatment, 10% sodium ascorbate -10SA, 35% sodium ascorbate -35SA and two-step etch-and-rinse -ER or one-step self-etch -SE Scotchbond universal adhesive approaches). Four whitening sessions were performed using 35% hydrogen peroxide. The samples from control groups were kept in relative humidity at 37 °C. Immediately after bleaching procedures, the assigned antioxidant solution was applied on dentin and restorative procedures were performed following either the ER or the SE approach. After 24 h, the specimens were subjected to SBS test. Data (MPa) were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (?=0.05). Lower SBS values were found for bleached specimens (8.54 MPa) compared with those unbleached (12.13 MPa) (p<0.05). The bond strength of the sodium ascorbate-treated groups was higher than those untreated, regardless of the strategy employed (p<0.05). Groups restored without sodium ascorbate showed lower bond strength values for both ER (8.32 MPa) and SE (8.28 MPa) adhesive strategies. The group treated with 10SA submitted to ER approach (10.14 MPa) was similar to untreated groups (p>0.05). It may be concluded that bond strength of composite resin to intracoronal dentin was affected by restorative protocol and reduced by bleaching.

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber Posts Subjected to Laser Surface Treatments.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of laser irradiation on flexural strength, elastic modulus, and surface roughness and morphology of glass fiber posts (GFPs). BACKGROUND DATA: Laser treatment of GFPs has been introduced to improve its adhesion properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 GFPs were divided into 4 groups according to the irradiation protocol: GC-no irradiation, GYAG-irradiation with erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet [Er:YAG], GCR-irradiation with erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG), and GDI-irradiation with diode laser. The GFP roughness and morphology were evaluated through laser confocal microscopy before and after surface treatment. Three-point bending flexural test measured flexural strength and elastic modulus. Data about elastic modulus and flexural strength were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test (p < 0.05). The effect of roughness was evaluated using the linear mixed effects model and Bonferroni test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Laser treatment changed surface roughness in the groups GCR (p = 0.000) and GDI (p = 0.007). The mean flexural strength in GYAG (995.22 MPa) was similar to that in GC (980.48 MPa) (p = 1.000) but different from that in GCR (746.83 MPa) and that in GDI (691.34 MPa) (p = 0.000). No difference was found between the groups GCR and GDI (p = 0.86). For elastic modulus: GYAG (24.47 GPa) was similar to GC (25.92 GPa) (p = 1.000) but different from GCR (19.88 GPa) (p = 0.002) and GDI (17.20 GPa) (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The different types of lasers, especially Er,Cr:YSGG and 980 ηm diode, influenced the mechanical properties of GFPs.

Combined effect of fluoride varnish to Er:YAG or Nd:YAG laser on permeability of eroded root dentine.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the combined effect of fluoride varnish to Er:YAG or Nd:YAG laser on permeability of eroded root dentine. DESIGN: Sixty slabs of bovine root dentine (2×2×2mm) were eroded with citric acid 0.3% (pH 3.2) during 2h and then kept in artificial saliva during 24h. Specimens were randomly assigned in 6 groups (n=10), to receive the following treatments: fluoride varnish; fluoride varnish+Er:YAG laser; fluoride varnish+Nd:YAG laser; non-fluoride varnish; non-fluoride varnish+Er:YAG laser; non-fluoride varnish+Nd:YAG laser. The Er:YAG (100mJ, 3Hz) and Nd:YAG (70mJ, 15Hz) were applied for 10s. Specimens were subjected to further erosive challenges with citric acid 0.3% 4×/day, during 1min, for 5 days, remaining in artificial saliva between cycles. Dentin permeability was then assessed. Two-way ANOVA demonstrated no significant interaction between laser and varnish (p=0.858). RESULTS: No effect was also detected for the main factor varnish (p=0.768), while permeability of eroded root dentin was significantly lower when such substrate was laser-irradiated, no matter the laser source (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers can be employed to control the permeability of eroded root dentin, regardless of fluoride varnish application.

Fracture Strength of Weakened Anterior Teeth Associated to Different Reconstructive Techniques.

This study evaluated the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth submitted to reconstructive techniques through dynamic and static tests. Forty human anterior teeth were divided into 4 groups (n=10): GNW (non-weakened) - root restored with glass fiber post (GFP), GW - weakened root restored with GFP, GDA - weakened root restored with direct anatomic GFP, and GIA - weakened root restored with indirect anatomic GFP. The teeth were endodontically treated considering that experimental groups (GW, GDA and GIA) simulated weakened roots for restoration with GFP using different techniques. The GFP was luted with resin cement and the coronal portion was restored with composite resin and metallic crowns. All samples were submitted to chewing simulation at 60 cycles/min in a total of 300,000 cycles. The survival samples were further exposed to compressive loading at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min in a universal testing machine. The load was applied at 135° to the long axis of the tooth until failure. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (a=0.05). After chewing simulation were observed: GNW: 100% of survival roots; GW: 70% of survival roots, and GDA and GIA: 80% of survival roots. The mean fracture strength values (N) were 280.6 (GNW), 239.0 (GW), 221.3 (GDA), and 234.1 (GIA) without significant difference among the groups (p=0.7476). The results suggested similar fracture strength in both weakened and non-weakened teeth regardless the reconstructive technique of root internal wall. Higher incidence of catastrophic fracture was observed in weakened teeth without restoration of the root internal wall.

Is the Er:YAG laser affect the surface characteristics and bond strength of Y-TZP?

Abstract This study evaluated the surface characteristics and bond strength of Y-TZP treated with Er:YAG laser at different focal distances. 120 Y-TZP blocks were divided into five groups (n=24), according to the surface treatment: no treatment (C-); sandblasting with silica-coated aluminum oxide particles (C+); and Er:YAG laser application at focal distances of 1mm (Er:YAG-1), 4mm (Er:YAG-4), and 7mm (Er:YAG-7). Surface characteristics were analyzed using Vickers microhardness, confocal laser microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). For the bond strength test, 100 Y-TZP blocks were subdivided into two subgroups (n=10), according to the resin cement used: with (MDP+) or without 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP-). The Vickers microhardness and surface roughness were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and bond strength by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test for both (α=0.05). Vickers microhardness differences were not observed between the groups (p>0.05); C+ showed higher surface roughness values. SEM images showed micromorphological differences between the groups. The XRD data detected tetragonal crystals for C- and, for the other groups, tetragonal and monoclinic peaks. For bond strength, no statistically difference significance were observed among the cements with or without MDP (p>0.05) but showed significant difference between the surface treatments (C+ > C- = Er:YAG1 > Er:YAG4 = Er:YAG7) (p<0.05). Suggested that the Er:YAG laser cannot replace conventional treatment with aluminum oxide particles and the presence of MDP in the resin cement had no influence on the bond strength.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou as características de superfície e resistência de união de Y-TZP tratado com laser de Er: YAG em diferentes distâncias focais. Cento e vinte blocos de Y-TZP foram divididos em cinco grupos (n=24), de acordo com a superfície de tratamento: sem tratamento (C-); asperização com partículas de óxido de alumínio revestidas por sílica (C +); e aplicação de laser Er: YAG a distâncias focais de 1 mm (Er: YAG-1), 4 mm (Er: YAG-4) e 7 mm (Er: YAG-7). As características de superfície foram analisadas por meio de microdureza Vickers, microscópio confocal a laser, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e difratômetro de raios-X (DRX). Para o ensaio de resistência de união, cem blocos de Y-TZP foram subdivididos em 2 subgrupos (n=10) de acordo com o cimento resinoso utilizado (n=12): com 10-metacriloiloxidecil dihidrogenofosfato (MDP+) ou sem (MDP-). Microdureza Vickers e rugosidade de superfície foram analisadas por ANOVA a 1 fator e a resistência de união por ANOVA a 2 fatores e ambos seguidos de teste complementar de Tukey (α=0,05). Não foram observadas diferenças de microdureza Vickers entre os grupos; C+ apresentou maiores valores de rugosidade superficial. Imagens de MEV mostraram diferenças micromorfológicas entre os grupos. Os dados de DRX detectaram apenas cristais tetragonais para C- e, para os outros grupos, picos de zircônia nas fases tetragonal e monoclínica. Para a resistência de união, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significante entre os cimentos com e sem MDP (p>0.05), mas foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos de superfície (C+ > C- = Er:YAG1 > Er:YAG4 = Er:YAG7) (p<0.05). Sugere-se que o laser de Er: YAG não pode substituir o tratamento convencional com partículas de óxido de alumínio e a presença de MDP no cimento resinoso não influenciou na resistência de união.