Surface treatment effects on bond strength of CAD/CAM fabricated posts to root canal dentin.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of different surface treatments on the bond strength of CAD/CAM fabricated resin-based and prefabricated fiber posts to root canal dentin. METHODS: 160 single-rooted human teeth were selected and received endodontic treatment. The teeth were divided into four groups according to the post material used: (1) Prefabricated fiber-reinforced composite post (Snowpost), (2) CAD/CAM nanoceramic (Cerasmart), (3) CAD/CAM polymer infiltrated ceramic (Vita Enamic) and (4) CAD/CAM resin nanoceramic (Lava Ultimate). Then the posts were randomly assigned into four sub-groups according to the surface treatment method used: (1) Control (no treatment), (2) Laser (Er,Cr:YSGG laser device, Waterlase), (3) Hydrofluoric acid treatment [ 9.6% HF (Pulpdent) for 2 minutes], and (4) Sandblasting (50 µm Al2O3). Following post space preparation, posts were cemented with dual-cure resin cement (Panavia SA cement plus). From each root, five 1 mm-thick slices were obtained. The micropush-out bond strength test was performed for each slice. Data were analyzed by using two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. The fracture modes were evaluated under a stereomicroscope. Representative specimens were analyzed with SEM following surface treatments. RESULTS: Micropush-out bond strength of posts to dentin was significantly affected by the type of post material (P< 0.05), but not by the surface treatment (P= 0.397). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Posts manufactured by CAD/CAM could be suitable options for restoration of severely affected endodontically-treated teeth.

Light Transmission of Novel CAD/CAM Materials and Their Influence on the Degree of Conversion of a Dual-curing Resin Cement.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the light transmission characteristics of different types, shades, and thicknesses of novel CAD/CAM materials and their effect on the degree of conversion (DC) of a dual-curing resin cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Square specimens (12 × 12 mm2) of three CAD/CAM materials - GC Cerasmart, Lava Ultimate, Vita Enamic - of different thicknesses (1.00, 1.50, and 2.00 mm, n = 5 per thickness) were irradiated with an LED unit. The amount of transmitted light was quantified. Thereafter, the DC% of the dual-curing resin cement (RelyX Ultimate) was recorded after 15 min using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey's HSD post-hoc test at a significance level of p < 0.05. Regression analysis was performed to investigate the correlation between the DC and radiant energy, and the DC and thickness. RESULTS: Although the type and shade of CAD/CAM material significantly affect transmitted light irradiation (p < 0.0001), degrees of conversion are similar when the CAD/CAM material or material shade were taken into consideration (p > 0.05). Conversely, material thickness significantly affected light transmission (p < 0.0001) and DC (p < 0.0001). Multiple effects of material, shade, and thickness did not significantly affect the evaluated parameters (p = 0.638 for light irradiation; p = 0.637 for DC). Linear regression analysis showed a correlation between delivered energy and DC% results of the Vita Enamic (R²â€¯= 0.4169, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Reduced light transmission in 2-mm-thick specimens of all CAD/CAM materials indicates that proper curing of the cement beneath CAD/CAM materials should be ensured.

Implant-Supported Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Patient with Localized Severe Attrition: A Clinical Report.

Patients usually adapt to their existing occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). It is essential to resolve each of the problems associated with decreased vertical dimension as a result of attrition. This report describes the multidisciplinary dental treatment of a 40-year-old male patient who had severe tooth wear, resulting in reduced vertical dimension. After clinical evaluations, extraoral examination showed a reduction of the lower facial height, drooping, and overclosed commissures. Ten dental implants were placed into the maxillary and mandibular alveolar processes. During the osseointegration period, an interim removable partial denture was made at increased OVD to use in the first stage of rehabilitation. It was used for 3 months as a guide for preparing the definitive restorations. The patient's adaptation to the increased OVD was evaluated. During this period, he was asymptomatic. Following the evaluation period, the provisional fixed restoration was used for 3 months. Then, full-mouth definitive prostheses supported by a combination of implants and teeth were fabricated to upper and lower jaws. Osseointegration of the implants, peri-implant mucosa health, prosthesis function, and esthetics were assessed after 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months. After 3 years of follow-up, no functional or esthetic difficulties with the implants and restorations were noted.

Effect of bioactive glass particles on mechanical and adhesion properties of resin cements.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the mechanical and adhesive properties of three different resin cements with bioactive glass (BAG) incorporated in two different ratios. METHODS: BAG was added to different resin cements (3M Rely-X Ultimate, GC Link Ace, and GC Link Force) in different ratios (5% and 10% by weight). The three-point flexural strength, microhardness, and bond strength properties were evaluated. The fracture types of the groups were then analyzed using a stereo microscope. The data were analyzed using a multifactorial analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc tests (α < 0.05). RESULTS: The addition of BAG reduced the flexural strength of the resin cements (P < 0.05).The effect of BAG addition on the Vickers microhardness value was significantly different for each cement group (P < 0.05). In addition, with the exception of the GC link force group (10% BAG addition), the BAG addition decreased the bond strength of cements to dentin in all the groups (P = 0.171). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirmed that different resin cements comprising different ratios of BAG exhibited different flexural strength, hardness, and bond-strength properties. Since the bond strength values increased with the addition of 10% BAG in the GC Link Force cement group, the effects of different BAG compositions could be worth investigating in future studies.

Functional and esthetic rehabilitation of a patient with amelogenesis imperfecta.

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a hereditary disorder that causes developmental alterations in the structure of enamel. In addition, tooth sensitivity, missing or impacted teeth, taurodontism, altered dental esthetics and anterior open bite can also be associated with AI. This clinical report presents the diagnosis, treatment planning and prosthetic rehabilitation of a 19-year-old female patient with AI associated with a group of dental anomalies. Following clinical and radiographic examination, histologic evaluation of the teeth confirmed the diagnosis of rough pattern hypoplastic AI. The patient was rehabilitated with full-mouth zirconium oxide ceramic fixed bridges. Adaptation of the temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles to the bridges was carefully observed over 3 years. At the end of this follow-up period, the patient was satisfied with the esthetics, function and phonation of her prostheses.

Micro-shear bond strength of resin cement to dentin after application of desensitizing toothpastes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of three desensitizing toothpastes on bonding of resin cements to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The occlusal surfaces of 72 maxillary third molars were ground to obtain flat dentin surfaces and then divided into three groups according to three desensitizing toothpastes used: Sensodyne Rapid Relief (GlaxoSmithKline, SmithKline Beecham Ltd., Slough, UK), Signal Sensitive Expert (Unilever Sanayi ve Ticaret Türk A.S., Ümraniye, Istanbul, Turkey) and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief (Colgate Palmolive, New York, NY). Following bonding of the resin cement (Clearfil™ SA Cement, Kuraray Co, Osaka, Japan) to dentin, the specimens were light cured for 40 s with a LED (Elipar S10, 3M Espe, St. Paul, MN). The strength measurements were accomplished with a micro-shear testing machine (Bisco, Schaumburg, IL) at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min until the failure occurs. Failure modes were examined using a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. The data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: ANOVA revealed that the application of desensitizing toothpastes had significant effects on bond strength of the resin cement tested to dentin (p < 0.05). Mixed failures were observed in all of the groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of a desensitizing toothpaste before cementation might alter the bond strength of adhesively luted restorations.

Influence of cement thickness on the bond strength of tooth-colored posts to root dentin after thermal cycling.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different resin cement thickness on the push-out bond strength of different posts (CAD/CAM zirconia post (ZR post)) and an individually formed glass fiber reinforced composite post (IPN post) prior to and after thermal cycling (TC). METHODS: Post spaces with a height of 9 mm and a diameter of 1.5 mm were drilled in 80 mandibular premolar teeth. Two groups (n = 40) were formed according to the posts used (IPN posts or ZR posts). Then the specimens were randomly assigned into two sub-groups according to the post diameter: (1) 1.5 mm in diameter and (2) 1.2 mm in diameter (n = 20/per group). All posts were luted with a self-adhesive luting agent according to the manufacturer's instructions by using endo tips. Half of the samples (n = 10) were submitted to thermal cycling (5000 cycles, 5-55 °C). Thereafter, four 2-mm thick horizontal sections were obtained and subjected to push-out test. Failure modes were assessed quantitatively and morphologically. The data were statistically analyzed with a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p < 0.05). Statistical differences in failure modes were investigated by chi-square tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULT: Push-out bond strengths were significantly influenced both by the post diameter and thermal cycling. Larger (1.5 mm) diameter post results were statistically higher than 1.2 mm results (p < 0.05). Moreover, TC significantly increased the bond strength results (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between ZR and IPN posts (p = 0.219). CONCLUSION: The bond strengths of ZR and IPN posts were significantly decreased when the resin cement layer was thick. In addition, thermal cycling drastically influenced bond strengths of the tested post materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The fit between tooth-colored endodontic posts and post spaces should be as tight as possible.

Bond strength of self-adhesive resin cements to dentin after antibacterial and chelating solution treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tetracycline HCl, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate (HEBP) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) on micro push-out (µ-PO) bond strengths of two self-adhesive resin cements on dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty discs of 1.25 mm thickness (middle dentin) were prepared from human molars perpendicular to the tooth axis. Two standardized occlusal cavities of 2.20 mm occlusal diameter and 1.25 mm cervical diameter were prepared in each disc. The cavities were divided into three groups in accordance with the surface treatment (50 mg/ml tetracycline HCl, 18% HEBP and 2% CHX solutions). Following the treatment of the discs for 5 min, cavities were filled with two different self-adhesive resin cements (Clearfil(™) SA Cement and RelyX(™) Unicem). After light polymerization of cements, µ-PO bond strength tests were performed. Failure modes were examined and dentin morphologic assessments were done. Statistical significance was determined by a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) followed by Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05). Additionally, a paired-samples T-test was used to compare the µ-PO bond strengths of self-adhesive resin cements (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Paired-samples T-test revealed that there was no significant difference between tested self-adhesive resin cements (p = 0.612). No significant two-factor interaction was observed between Clearfil(™) SA Cement and chemical agents (p = 0.457). Similarly, tetracycline HCl and CHX did not have a significant effect on the bond strength of RelyX(™) Unicem (p > 0.05). However, HEBP significantly decreased the bond strength of RelyX(™) Unicem when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The tetracycline HCl and CHX solutions do not have beneficial effects on µ-PO bond strengths of self-adhesive resin cements. Additionally, the results of this study do not justify the use of self-adhesive resin cements, following HEBP treatment of dentin. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The application of topical HEBP solution treatment to dentin could have adverse effects on the µ-PO bond strengths of RelyX(™) Unicem.

Light transmittance of zirconia as a function of thickness and microhardness of resin cements under different thicknesses of zirconia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare microhardness of resin cements under different thicknesses of zirconia and the light transmittance of zirconia as a function of thickness. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 126 disc-shaped specimens (2 mm in height and 5 mm in diameter) were prepared from dual-cured resin cements (RelyX Unicem, Panavia F and Clearfil SA cement). Photoactivation was performed by using quartz tungsten halogen and light emitting diode light curing units under different thicknesses of zirconia. Then the specimens (n=7/per group) were stored in dry conditions in total dark at 37°C for 24 h. The Vicker's hardness test was performed on the resin cement layer with a microhardness tester. Statistical significance was determined using multifactorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) (alpha=.05). Light transmittance of different thicknesses of zirconia (0.3, 0.5 and 0.8 mm) was measured using a hand-held radiometer (Demetron, Kerr). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: ANOVA revealed that resin cement and light curing unit had significant effects on microhardness (p < 0.001). Additionally, greater zirconia thickness resulted in lower transmittance. There was no correlation between the amount of light transmitted and microhardness of dual-cured resin cements (r = 0.073, p = 0.295). CONCLUSION: Although different zirconia thicknesses might result in insufficient light transmission, dual-cured resin cements under zirconia restorations could have adequate microhardness.

Effect of surface modification on the bond strength between zirconia and resin cement.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the micro push-out (µ-PO) bond strength between zirconia and resin cement after addition of zirconia particles to increase the surface roughness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Y-TZP zirconia specimens in three experimental groups were subjected to Y-TZP particle deposition via dipping into the milling residue suspension at different times prior to the sintering process. The dipping procedure was repeated twice for each specimen in group B, six times in group C, and ten times in group D. The specimens subjected to airborne-particle abrasion (110 µm Al2 O3, Rocatec Pre) acted as the control group (group A). All of the specimens were then bonded using adhesive resin cement (RelyX Ultimate). A µ-PO test was used to determine the bond strength values. One-way ANOVA at a 5% confidence level was performed for data analysis. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to evaluate the failure modes and surface structure. RESULTS: Y-TZP particle deposition did not have a significant effect on the bond strength of the resin cement to zirconia specimens when compared to the control (p = 0.141). Higher bond strength values were observed in groups C and D than in control. The surface layer presented blister-like porosities with openings of various diameters ranging between 2 and 4 µm. CONCLUSION: Y-TZP particle deposition after dipping six and ten times did not improve the mean bond strength statistically but presented surface topography that may be favorable for increased micromechanical retention for adhesive resin cement. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Y-TZP particle deposition may create a more retentive surface than airborne-particle abrasion for adhesive bonding between zirconia surface and resin cement.

The Effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on shear bond strength of orthodontic lingual brackets to CAD/CAM ceramic systems.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the bond strength of lingual brackets bonded to resin-matrix and lithium disilicate based-ceramic crowns following various surface treatments. Materials and methods: Sixty ceramic crowns (IPS Emax and Cerasmart) were fabricated by CAD/CAM. Er,Cr:YSGG laser, sandblasting with aluminium oxide and hydrofluoric acid treatment effects on ceramics was tested (n=10/group). A light-cure orthodontic adhesive was used to bond lingual brackets to the ceramic surfaces. Bond strengths of the brackets to ceramics were assessed by shear bond test. The remnant adhesive on bracket and ceramic surfaces was inspected with a light microscope and adhesive remnant index scores were recorded. The data were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: Cerasmart ceramic specimens showed lower shear bond strength values than IPS Emax ceramic specimens (p<0.05). The statistical analysis of the surface treatment groups regarding bond strength were ranked as follows: Laser ≤ Hydrofluoric acid ≤ Sandblasting (p=0.058). While laser-treated Cerasmart ceramic group displayed the lowest SBS (9.39 MPa), hydrofluoric acid-treated IPS Emax group had the highest (16.8 MPa) bond strength value. Conclusion: The use of Er,Cr:YSGG lasers for etching of CAD-CAM ceramics could be a promising alternative to "conventional techniques", to improve bond strength of lingual brackets to IPS Emax and Cerasmart ceramics.

Estimation of the surface gloss of dental nano composites as a function of color measuring geometry.

PURPOSE: To estimate the surface gloss of various dental nano composites by using the correlation between deltaE* specular component excluded (SCE) - specular component included (SCI) and surface roughness (Ra). METHODS: Two brands of commercial and two experimental light-cured resin composites were used. Resin composite discs were prepared 10 mm in diameter and 3 mm in thickness. 56 subgroups (n=5) were designed according to two different curing conditions (hand light curing and additional post-heat curing) and seven different polishing methods (Mylar, 4000-, 2400-, 1200- and 320- SiC paper, rubber-based silicone, three-step polishing kit). deltaE*SCE-SCI and Ra measurements were done. Two specimens in each subgroup were analyzed by SEM. Multifactorial ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test were applied for the evaluation of the deltaE*SCE-SCI and Ra data (P<0.05). Moreover, Spearman's rank correlation test was used to determine the correlation between deltaE*SCE-SCI and Ra results (P<0.01). RESULTS: A strong correlation was found between deltaE*(SCE-SCI) and Ra results indicating the surface gloss of the tested composite resin materials after different curing and surface polishing methods. A three-factor interaction was found between curing conditions, surface polishing methods and resin composites (P<0.05) in deltaE*SCE-SCI and Ra results. Additionally, significant differences were found between composites and between polishing methods (P<0.05). Furthermore, there were significant differences between curing conditions in Ra results (P<0.05).

Implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with nonsyndromic oligodontia: a clinical report.

Oligodontia is defined as the absence of 6 or more permanent teeth due to the hypodevelopment of tooth germs. This familial abnormality is attributable to various mutations or polymorphisms of genes and associated with malformative syndromes. This clinical report presents the multidisciplinary dental treatment planning for a 27-year-old woman who exhibited oligodontia. After radiographic and clinical evaluations, 7 retained primary teeth and 2 mandibular third molars were extracted. Three dental implants were placed into the maxillary alveolar process. After the osseointegration period, complete-arch fixed prostheses in both maxilla and mandible, supported by a combination of implants and teeth, were fabricated. Osseointegration of the implants, peri-implant mucosa health, and prosthesis function were assessed every 6 months. At the end of the 3-year clinical follow-up, the patient was satisfied with the esthetics, function, and phonation of her prosthesis. To attain the best esthetic and biological results, an interdisciplinary approach could be used to synergistically combine surgery and restorative dentistry for the restoration of maximal esthetics and function.

The cytotoxicity of resin composites cured with three light curing units at different curing distances.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of light curing distance on the cytotoxicity of five resin composites cured with three high-power light curing units. STUDY DESIGN: Seven cylindrical discs of each material (Grandio®, Voco; Filtek™ Z250, 3M ESPE; Clearfil™ AP-X, Kuraray Co. Ltd.; Aelite™ LS, Bisco Inc. and Simile®, Pentron) were cured. For curing, soft-up mode of quartz-tungsten-halogen, exponential mode of light emitting diode for 20 s, and ramp-curing mode of plasma arc light curing units for 6 s were used. The curing tip distances were determined as 2 and 9 mm and controlled via the use of metal rings. After ageing the samples for 24 and 72 hours in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/Ham's F12 (DMEM/F12), cytotoxicity of the extracts to cultured fibroblasts (L 929) was measured by using MTT (tetrazolium salt 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The degree of cytotoxicity for each sample was determined according to the reference value represented by the cells in a pure culture medium. Statistical significance was determined using multifactorial analysis of variance. RESULTS: The type of resin composite (p <0.05), light curing unit (p <0.05), curing tip distance (p <0.05) and evaluation period factor (p <0.05) had statistically significant cytotoxic effects on L-929 mouse fibroblast cells. However, when the tested materials polymerized at both distances (2 mm and 9 mm) in both evaluation periods (24 h and 72 h), there was no significant difference in the mean CSR% values obtained when the quartz-tungsten-halogen, light emitting diode and plasma arc light curing units were used (p=0.184, F=1.448). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the light curing units and resin composites should be harmonized to one another and the curing distance between the tip of the light curing unit and the restoration surface should be as close as possible in order to achieve maximal biocompatibility.

Biomechanical behavior of cavity configuration on micropush-out test: a finite-element-study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to simulate the micropush-out bond strength test from a biomechanical point of view. For this purpose, stress analysis using finite element (FE) method was performed. STUDY DESIGN: Three different occlusal cavity shapes were simulated in disc specimens (model A: 1.5 mm cervical, 2 mm occlusal diameter; model B: 1.5 mm cervical, 1.75 mm occlusal diameter; model C: 1.5 mm cervical, 1.5 mm occlusal diameter). Quarter sizes of 3D FE specimen models of 4.0 x 4.0 x 1.25 mm3 were constructed. In order to avoid quantitative differences in the stress value in the models, models were derived from a single mapping mesh pattern that generated 47.182 elements and 66.853 nodes. The materials that were used were resin composite (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE), bonding agent (Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, 3M ESPE) and dentin as an isotropic material. Loading conditions consisted of subjecting a press of 4 MPa to the top of the resin composite discs. The postprocessing files allowed the calculation of the maximum principal stress, minimum principal stress and displacement within the disc specimens and stresses at the bonding layer. FE model construction and analysis were performed on PC workstation (Precision Work Station 670, Dell Inc.) using FE analysis program (ANSYS 10 Sp, ANSYS Inc.). RESULTS: Compressive stress concentrations were observed equally in the bottom interface edge of dentin. Tensile stresses were observed on the top area of dentin and at the half of lower side of composite under the loading point in all of the FE models. CONCLUSIONS: The FE model revealed differences in displacement and stress between different cavity shaped disc specimens. As the slope of the cavity was increased, the maximum displacement, compressive and tensile stresses also increased.

The effects of adding fluorescent carbon nanoparticles on various mechanical properties of denture liners.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (FCNs) on the hardness, tear, and tensile bond strength of an acrylic-based tissue conditioner and a silicone-based soft denture liner. FCNs added to an acrylic-based tissue conditioner (Viscogel, Dentsply; Group V) and a silicone-based soft denture liner (Ufigel P, Voco; Group U) were divided into subgroups according to the concentrations (Group 0: no water, Group 1: with only water, Group 2: 0.5% FCNs, Group 3: 1% FCNs and Group 4: 10% FCNs) (n=10/per group). Shore A hardness, tear, and tensile bond strength tests were performed. Significant decreases occurred in Groups U2, U3, and U4 compared to the control groups (Groups U0 and U1) in the tear and tensile bond strength test parameters (p<0.025). However, in both types of the tested materials, there were no statistically significant differences among the shore A hardness test results (p>0.025).

The effect of light curing units and modes on cytotoxicity of resin-core systems.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the cytotoxic effects of various resin-based core materials that were cured with three light curing units (LCUs) in different modes on L-929 mouse fibroblast cells over 24 h and 72 h periods. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-four cylindrical discs (2 mm in thickness and 6 mm in diameter) of each material (Rebilda, Voco; Build-It FR, Pentron; Clearfil DC Core, Kuraray and Bis-core, Bisco) were cured by QTH LCU (soft-up and high-power modes), LED LCU (exponential and standard modes) and PAC LCU (normal and ramp-curing modes). Then the samples were aged for 24 and 72 hours in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/Ham's F12 (DMEM/F12). After each ageing interval, cytotoxicity of the extracts to cultured fibroblasts (L 929) was measured by MTT assay. The degree of cytotoxicity for each sample was determined according to the reference value represented by the cells with a pure culture medium. Statistical significance was determined by a multifactorial analysis of variance followed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test or independent t tests. RESULTS: Data showed that there are significant differences among resin based core materials, LCUs, curing modes and time factors (p<0.001). The test materials cured with the QTH and LED demonstrated statistically higher cell survival rates when compared with those cured with the PAC (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Differential toxic effects of the resin-based core materials cured with QTH, LED and PAC on the fibroblast cells may prove to be very important when suitable resin-core systems, LCUs and curing modes are used for operative restorations.

Effect of Short-Term Aging on the Flexural Strength of a Novel Experimental CAD/CAM Fiber-Reinforced Composite Material: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the three-point flexural strength of a novel CAD/CAM fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) material following different aging conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens were randomly assigned to one of five groups based on aging condition: (1) control (no treatment); (2) short-term water storage; (3) thermal degradation with autoclaving; (4) chemical degradation with hydrochloric acid; and (5) chemical degradation with citric acid (n = 10 per group). The specimens in the control group received no treatment. Following each treatment protocol, the three-point bending test was used to calculate the flexural strength. Data were statistically analyzed (α = .05), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the specimens was conducted. RESULTS: No significant differences in flexural strength were observed among the groups (P = .199). In addition, no distinct morphologic differences were detected in the SEM images of the specimens. CONCLUSION: The flexural strength of this novel CAD/CAM FRC material was unaffected by different aging methods.

Physical characteristics of ceramic/glass-polymer based CAD/CAM materials: Effect of finishing and polishing techniques.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different finishing and polishing techniques on water absorption, water solubility, and microhardness of ceramic or glass-polymer based computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials following thermocycling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 150 disc-shaped specimens were prepared from three different hybrid materials and divided into five subgroups according to the applied surface polishing techniques. All specimens were subjected up to #4000 grit SiC paper grinding. No additional polishing has been done to the control group (Group I). Other polishing procedures were as follows: Group II: two-stage diamond impregnated polishing discs; Group III: yellow colored rubber based silicone discs; Group IV: diamond polishing paste; and Group V: Aluminum oxide polishing discs. Subsequently, 5000-cycles of thermocycling were applied. The analyses were conducted after 24 hours, 7 days, and 30 days of water immersion. Water absorption and water solubility results were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests. Besides, microhardness data were compared by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (P<.05). RESULTS: Surface polishing procedures had significant effects on water absorption and solubility and surface microhardness of resin ceramics (P<.05). Group IV exhibited the lowest water absorption and the highest microhardness values (P<.05). Immersion periods had no effect on the microhardness of hybrid ceramic materials (P>.05). CONCLUSION: Surface finishing and polishing procedures might negatively affect physical properties of hybrid ceramic materials. Nevertheless, immersion periods do not affect the microhardness of the materials. Final polishing by using diamond polishing paste can be recommended for all CAD/CAM materials.

Comparison between regional micropush-out and microtensile bond strength of resin composite to dentin.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we compared the micropush-out (micro-PO) and microtensile (micro-TBS) test methods for resin composites on different levels and surfaces of dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four sound human molars were divided into two groups in accordance with the dentin surface used (occlusal (O) or mesio-distal (M)), then subdivided into a further two groups in accordance with the test method (micro-PO (P) or micro-TBS (T)). In groups OP and OT, teeth were ground occlusally perpendicular to their axis, and in groups MP and MT, mesio-distally parallel to their axis to expose dentin. Dentin disks were prepared from different regions of the teeth either in an occluso-cervical (group OP) (n=5) or mesio-distal direction (group MP) (n=5) (S, superficial; M, middle; D, deep). One-hundred-and-twenty standardized occlusal cavities were prepared in these dentin disks using a conical-shaped diamond rotary cutting instrument. The adhesive (Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Dental Adhesive) and a composite material (Filtek Z250 Universal Restorative) were applied and polymerized with a LED light curing unit (Elipar FreeLight 2). The disks (n=20/per group) were tested in a universal testing machine and pushed out with a cross-head speed of 1.0 mm/min. In groups OT (n=12) and MT (n=12), the teeth were ground to expose superficial, middle, and deep dentin. Build-ups of resin composite were constructed with the same materials. The specimens were serially sectioned and trimmed to hour-glass shapes, then tested with the micro-TBS tester at a rate of 1 mm/min. Failure modes were examined using a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed significant differences among the groups (p<0.001). With the push-out test, no premature failure occurred, the variability of the data distribution was acceptable, and regional differences in bond strength among dentin levels could be assessed. CONCLUSIONS: The micro-PO test method could be an alternative to the micro-TBS technique.