Real-world study of the impact of recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN) on quality of life and productivity in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Although current therapy for patients with early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is potentially curative, the recurrence rate is high. Patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) SCCHN have a poor prognosis and substantial disease burden, including impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL), productivity loss and indirect costs, such as need for caregiver support. The aim of this study was to characterize the impact of R/M SCCHN and its first-line treatment on patient and caregiver quality of life, daily activities and work productivity using real-world evidence from Europe. METHODS: This was a multicentre retrospective study of patients with R/M SCCHN in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom incorporating patient and caregiver surveys, and a physician-reported medical chart review, conducted between January and May 2019. Patients aged 18 or over with a physician confirmed diagnosis R/M SCCHN completed four validated measures of disease activity and its impact on quality of life and work productivity, while caregivers also completed questionnaire to assess the burden of providing care. Physicians provided data for clinical characteristics, patient management, testing history and treatment patterns. RESULTS: A total of 195 medical/clinical oncologists provided data for 937, predominantly male (72%) patients, with almost half of patients aged over 65 years. The most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue (43%), weight loss (40%), pain (35%) and difficulty swallowing (32%). The EXTREME regimen was the most common first line therapy in over half of patients, who reported moderate or extreme pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, and problems with self-care resulting in a diminished health status compared with the general population. Only 14% were employed with high absenteeism or presenteeism, and over half of patients had a caregiver for whom the burden of care was substantial. CONCLUSION: Our results provide real-world insight into the multi-faceted burden associated with R/M SCCHN. The combination of poor HRQoL and the impairment in daily activities, social life and employment illustrates the wider impact of R/M SCCHN on patients and their caregivers, and highlights a need for novel 1 L treatment regimens to improve the humanistic and productivity burdens of this cancer.

Effect of bleaching agent and topical fluoride application on color and gloss of dental ceramics.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 16% carbamide peroxide and 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride application and their association with a change in color (ΔE*) and brightness of dental ceramic submitted to different finishing procedures. A total of 120 test specimens were fabricated and randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 40) according to the type of finishing: glazing; polishing; or polishing and glazing. Initial color and brightness readouts were taken, and the finished specimens were divided into groups (n = 10) according to the treatment to which they were submitted: fluoride; bleaching; bleaching and fluoride; or control. After this, final color and brightness readouts were taken. The type of polishing had no influence on ΔE* or brightness (P > 0.05). Regardless of which solution was used, a decrease in brightness occurred only for the group treated with bleach and fluoride (P < 0.05). The results showed the use of fluoride after bleaching may interfere with the esthetics of a restoration.

Temperature rise during Er:YAG cavity preparation of primary enamel.

This study aimed to assess in vitro thermal alterations taking place during the Er:YAG laser cavity preparation of primary tooth enamel at different energies and pulse repetition rates. Forty healthy human primary molars were bisected in a mesio-distal direction, thus providing 80 fragments. Two small orifices were made on the dentin surface to which type K thermocouples were attached. The fragments were individually fixed with wax in a cylindrical Plexiglass® abutment and randomly assigned to eight groups, according to the laser parameters (n = 10): G1 - 250 mJ/ 3 Hz, G2 - 250 mJ/ 4 Hz, G3 - 250 mJ/ 6 Hz, G4 - 250 mJ/10 Hz, G5 - 250 mJ/ 15 Hz, G6 - 300 mJ/ 3 Hz, G7 - 300 mJ/ 4 Hz and G8 - 300 mJ/ 6 Hz. An area of 4 mm(2) was delimited. Cavities were done (2 mm long × 2 mm wide × 1 mm thick) using non-contact (12 mm) and focused mode. Temperature values were registered from the start of laser irradiation until the end of cavity preparation. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05). Groups G1, G2, G6, and G7 were statistically similar and furnished the lowest mean values of temperature rise. The set 250 mJ/10 and 15 Hz yielded the highest temperature values. The sets 250 and 300 mJ and 6 Hz provided temperatures with mean values below the acceptable critical value, suggesting that these parameters ablate the primary tooth enamel. Moreover, the temperature elevation was directly related to the increase in the employed pulse repetition rates. In addition, there was no direct correlation between temperature rise and energy density. Therefore, it is important to use a lower pulse frequency, such as 300 mJ and 6 Hz, during cavity preparation in pediatric patients.

Shear strength of the bond to primary dentin: influence of Er:YAG laser irradiation distance.

The aim of this study was to assess in vitro the influence of Er:YAG laser irradiation distance on the shear strength of the bond between an adhesive restorative system and primary dentin. A total of 60 crowns of primary molars were embedded in acrylic resin and mechanically ground to expose a flat dentin surface and were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10). The control group was etched with 37% phosphoric acid. The remaining five groups were irradiated (80 mJ, 2 Hz) at different irradiation distances (11, 12, 16, 17 and 20 mm), followed by acid etching. An adhesive agent (Single Bond) was applied to the bonding sites, and resin cylinders (Filtek Z250) were prepared. The shear bond strength tests were performed in a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). Data were submitted to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). The mean shear bond strengths were: 7.32 ± 3.83, 5.07 ± 2.62, 6.49 ± 1.64, 7.71 ± 0.66, 7.33 ± 0.02, and 9.65 ± 2.41 MPa in the control group and the groups irradiated at 11, 12, 16, 17, and 20 mm, respectively. The differences between the bond strengths in groups II and IV and between the bond strengths in groups II and VI were statistically significant (p<0.05). Increasing the laser irradiation distance resulted in increasing shear strength of the bond to primary dentin.

Real-World Treatment Patterns and Outcomes in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: Point-in-Time Survey of Oncologists in Italy and Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN) account for approximately 4% of all malignancies and are associated with high morbidity and poor prognosis. For patients who are not eligible for surgery or radiotherapy, treatment options are limited, especially for those with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) disease. Current European guidelines recommend first-line (1L) treatment with palliative chemotherapy, using biologic or platinum-based regimens. In the absence of new clinical trials in SCCHN, the use of real-world data has facilitated the assessment of treatment patterns and outcomes in different healthcare systems. This study reports on the 1L treatment of platinum-eligible patients with R/M SCCHN in Italy and Spain. METHODS: A point-in-time survey of the management of patients with R/M SCCHN was completed by clinical oncologists in Italy and Spain between October 2018 and February 2019. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were obtained by retrospective chart review, whilst participating patients self-reported the impact of their disease on their quality of life (QoL) and well-being. RESULTS: A total of 436 patients were recruited from Italy (216) and Spain (220). Patient demographics for both countries comprised mostly male patients, aged 65 years in Italy and 63 in Spain on average. The primary site for the SCCHN was the pharynx and 36% of patients had metastatic disease overall. EXTREME or cetuximab-based regimens were the most common treatments administered at 1L (52% in Italy and 78% in Spain). Scores on the FACT-G in both countries were substantially lower than those of the general and other advanced cancer populations, while scores on the EQ-5D were clinically meaningfully lower than local population norms. CONCLUSION: Despite 1L treatment of platinum-eligible patients with R/M SCCHN in Italy and Spain following current European guidelines, patients' QoL remains poor, which highlights the need for alternative treatments that could improve clinical outcomes.

A Q-TWiST Analysis Comparing Nivolumab and Therapy of Investigator's Choice in Patients with Recurrent/Metastatic Platinum-Refractory Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

OBJECTIVES: In the CheckMate 141 trial (NCT02105636), nivolumab demonstrated survival, health-related quality of life, and healthcare resource utilization benefits vs single-agent therapy of investigator's choice (IC) (methotrexate, docetaxel or cetuximab) in patients with platinum-refractory recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN). We assessed between-treatment differences in quality-adjusted time without symptoms of disease progression or toxicity (Q-TWiST). METHODS: Survival data from CheckMate 141 (nivolumab, n = 240; IC, n = 121) was partitioned into toxicity (TOX), time without symptoms or toxicity (TWiST), and relapse (REL). TOX was defined as time spent with all-cause grade 3-4 adverse events after randomization, before disease progression. TWiST was defined as time not in TOX or REL. REL was defined as time between disease progression and death. Utility values derived from three-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire data from CheckMate 141 were used to calculate Q-TWiST as the utility-weighted sum of the mean duration in each health state. RESULTS: The between-group difference in Q-TWiST score was 1.23 months (95% confidence interval 1.17-1.29) favoring nivolumab (p < 0.001). The nivolumab group experienced significantly longer mean time in TWiST (3.82 vs 2.78 months) and REL (4.02 vs 3.30 months) compared with the IC group (p < 0.001). Mean time in TOX was lower for nivolumab vs IC (0.30 vs 0.37 months, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In CheckMate 141, nivolumab resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful gains (relative difference > 10%) in quality-adjusted survival vs standard of care in patients with R/M SCCHN.

Effect of Saliva/Blood Contamination on Enamel Bond Strength / Efeito da Contaminação de Saliva/Sangue na Força de União ao Esmalte

Abstract In the routine clinical situation, the contamination by blood and/or saliva in restorative procedures can be happen in non-cooperation of the patient in dental office. The aim of the study was to assess in vitro shear bond strength of a resin sealant associated with two types of adhesives contaminated with saliva and blood. Healthy human molars were used and the specimens and the crowns were sectioned in the bucco-lingual direction, thus obtaining two segments of similar proportions (mesial and distal), totaling 60 surfaces, and the surfaces were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 15). Group I (control) received no type of contamination and the sealant was applied. In group II, the surfaces were contaminated with 10 µl of saliva/blood and the sealant was applied. In group III, the surfaces were contaminated with 10 µl of saliva/blood and the Single Bond total-etch adhesive system was applied followed by application of sealant. In group IV, the surfaces were contaminated with 10 µl of saliva/blood and the Prime & Bond NT total-etch adhesive system was applied followed by the application of sealant. Samples were tested in the universal testing machine and the analysis of shear bond strength was performed. A difference between Group I (12.61MPa) and the other groups was found; Group II (2. 28MPa) was different than Groups III (7.07MPa) and IV (7.79MPa), but Groups III and IV were similar. The application of an adhesive system when there is contamination with saliva/blood is required prior to application of pit and fissure sealants. (AU)

Resumo Na situação clínica de rotina, a contaminação por sangue e/ou saliva em procedimentos restauradores pode ocorrer em pacientes que não colaboram no consultório odontológico. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a resistência ao cisalhamento in vitro de um selante de resina associado a dois tipos de adesivos contaminados com saliva e sangue. Foram utilizados molares humanos saudáveis e os espécimes e as coroas foram seccionados na direção bucal-lingual, obtendo assim dois segmentos de proporções semelhantes (mesial e distal), totalizando 60 superfícies, e as superfícies foram divididas aleatoriamente em 4 grupos (n = 15). O Grupo I (controle) não recebeu nenhum tipo de contaminação e o selante foi aplicado. No grupo II, as superfícies foram contaminadas com 10 µl de saliva / sangue e o selante foi aplicado. No grupo III, as superfícies foram contaminadas com 10 µl de saliva / sangue e o sistema adesivo Single-Bond foi aplicado seguindo a aplicação de selante. No grupo IV, as superfícies foram contaminadas com 10 µl de saliva / sangue e o sistema adesivo de ataque total Prime & Bond NT foi aplicado seguido da aplicação de vedante. As amostras foram testadas na máquina de ensaio universal e a análise da resistência à ligação ao cisalhamento foi realizada. Uma diferença entre o Grupo I (12,61MPa) e os outros grupos foi encontrada; O Grupo II (2,28 MPa) foi diferente dos Grupos III (7,07MPa) e IV (7,79 MPa), mas os Grupos III e IV foram semelhantes. A aplicação de um sistema adesivo quando existe contaminação com saliva / sangue é necessária antes da aplicação de selantes de fissura e fissura.

Hardness and modulus of elasticity of primary and permanent teeth after wear against different dental materials.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the Young's modulus and the hardness of deciduous and permanent teeth following wear challenges using different dental materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wear challenges were performed against four dental materials: A resin-based fissure sealant (Fluoroshield(®)), a glass ionomer based fissure sealant (Vitremer(®)), and two microhybrid composite resins (Filtek Z250 and P90(®)). Using the pin-on-plate design, a deciduous or a permanent tooth was made into a pin (4 mm × 4 mm × 2 mm) working at a 3 N vertical load, 1 Hz frequency, and 900 cycles (15 min) with Fusayama artificial saliva as a lubricant. Before and after the tribological tests, the hardness and elasticity modulus of the tooth samples were measured by creating a nanoindentation at load forces up to 50 mN and 150 mN. All of the results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and post-hoc Duncan's tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: No difference in hardness was encountered between deciduous and permanent teeth (P < 0.05) or modulus of elasticity (P < 0.05) before or after the wear challenges for all of the dental materials tested. CONCLUSIONS: Wear challenges against the studied dental materials did not alter the properties of permanent or deciduous teeth after the application of a 3 N load.

Wear of two pit and fissure sealants in contact with primary teeth.

OBJECTIVES: Wear simulations may provide an indication of the clinical performance of pit-and-fissure sealants when associated with primary teeth as counterbody, restricting the involved variables. The aim of this study was to evaluate wear of dental materials used as pit-and-fissure sealants in contact with primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A resinous sealant (Fluroshield(®)) and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Vitremer(®)) were selected in a post-plate design, using as counterbody primary tooth pins (4 × 4 × 2 mm) at 3 and 10 N vertical load, 1 Hz frequency, 900 wear cycles in artificial saliva (n = 15). Attrition coefficient values were obtained and the material and primary tooth volumes were analyzed. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Duncan's test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Fluroshield(®) presented the highest attrition coefficient values for the 3 N but these values decreased significantly for the 10 N load. The means for volume loss (3 mm) of the different samples after the wear test were not statistically different for the materials. The volume loss values for the primary teeth were statistically different and there was an increase in volume loss with the increase of the load applied in the wear tests. CONCLUSIONS: Differences were also observed with regard to the surface deformation characteristics. The wear rates of primary tooth enamel vary according to the type of material and the load applied during mastication.

Bond durability of Er:YAG laser-prepared primary tooth enamel.

This study evaluated in vitro the influence of thermocycling and water storage (WS) on the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin in cavities prepared in primary tooth enamel with conventional bur or Er:YAG laser. The test surfaces were obtained from 48 primary molars and randomly assigned to 2 groups (n=24), according to cavity preparation: A: bur-preparation and B: Er:YAG laser irradiation. The specimens were restored with an etch-and-rinse adhesive system and composite resin. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups (n=6) according to WS duration and number of thermal cycles (TCs): I: 24 h WS/no thermocycling; II: 7 days WS/500 TCs; III: 1 month WS/2,000 TCs; IV: 6 months WS/12,000 TCs. The specimens were tested to failure in shear strength at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. SBS means (S.D.) in MPa were: AI: 17.45 (2.03), AII:16.38 (1.49), AIII: 6.88 (0.66), AIV: 7.77 (1.53), BI: 12.32 (0.99), BII: 15.37 (2.24), BIII: 15.05 (2.01) and BIV-5.51 (1.01). WS duration and number of TCs influenced significantly the SBS values only for BIV (p<0.05). AI presented the highest SBS value, which was statistically similar to those of AII, BII and BIII. In conclusion, the adhesion of an etch-and-rinse adhesive to Er:YAG laser-irradiated primary tooth enamel was affected by the methods used to simulate degradation of the adhesive interface only when 6 months WS/12,000 TCs were employed.

Self-etch bonding agent beneath sealant: Bond strength for laser-irradiated enamel.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the in vitro shear bond strength (SBS) of a resin-based pit-and-fissure sealant (Fluroshield [F], Dentsply/Caulk) associated with either an etch-and-rinse (Adper Single Bond 2 [SB], 3M/ESPE) or a two-step self-etch adhesive system (Adper SE Plus [SE], 3M/ESPE) on Er: YAG laser-irradiated enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen sound third molar crowns were embedded in acrylic resin, and the mesial-distal enamel surfaces were flattened. The enamel sites were irradiated with a 2.94-µm wavelength Er: YAG laser (120 mJ, 4 Hz, noncontact mode/17 mm, 20 s). The specimens were randomly assigned to three groups according to the bonding technique: I - 37% phosphoric acid etching + SB + F; II - SE + F and III - F applied to acid-etched enamel, without an intermediate layer of bonding agent. In all of the groups, a 3-mm diameter enamel-bonding site was demarcated and the sealant cylinders were bonded. After 24 hours in distilled water, the shear bond strength was tested at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. The debonded specimens were examined with a stereomicroscope to assess the failure modes. RESULTS: The mean SBS values in MPa were I = 6.39 (±1.44); II = 9.50 (±2.79); and III = 5.26 (±1.82). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups I and III; SE/F presented a significantly higher SBS than that of the other groups (P = 0.001). With regard to the failure mode, groups I (65%) and II (75%) presented adhesive failures, while group III showed 50% adhesive failure. Cohesive failure did not occur. CONCLUSION: The application of the two-step self-etch bonding agent (Adper SE Plus) beneath the resin pit-and-fissure sealant placement resulted in a significantly higher bond strength for the Er:YAG laser-irradiated enamel.

Thermal alteration and morphological changes of sound and demineralized primary dentin after Er:YAG laser ablation.

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of Er:YAG laser pulse repetition rate on the thermal alterations occurring during laser ablation of sound and demineralized primary dentin. The morphological changes at the lased areas were examined by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). To this end, 60 fragments of 30 sound primary molars were selected and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 30); namely A sound dentin (control) and B demineralized dentin. Each group was divided into three subgroups (n = 10) according to the employed laser frequencies: I-4 Hz; II-6 Hz, and III-10 Hz. Specimens in group B were submitted to a pH-cycling regimen for 21 consecutive days. The irradiation was performed with a 250 mJ pulse energy in the noncontact and focused mode, in the presence of a fine water mist at 1.5 mL/min, for 15 s. The measured temperature was recorded by type K thermocouples adapted to the dentin wall relative to the pulp chamber. Three samples of each group were analyzed by SEM. The data were submitted to the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test and to qualitative SEM analysis. The results revealed that the temperature increase did not promote any damage to the dental structure. Data analysis demonstrated that in group A, there was a statistically significant difference among all the subgroups and the temperature rise was directly proportional to the increase in frequency. In group B, there was no difference between subgroup I and II in terms of temperature. The superficial dentin observed by SEM displayed irregularities that augmented with rising frequency, both in sound and demineralized tissues. In conclusion, temperature rise and morphological alterations are directly related to frequency increment in both demineralized and sound dentin.

Bonding agent underneath sealant: shear bond strength to oil-contaminated.

This study evaluated in vitro the shear bond strength of a resin-based pit-and-fissure sealant (Fluroshield - F) associated with either an ethanol-based (Adper Single Bond 2 - SB) or an acetone-based (Prime & Bond - PB) adhesive system under conditions of oil contamination. Mesial and distal enamel surfaces from 30 sound third molars were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n=30): I - no oil contamination; II - oil contamination. Contamination (0.25 mL during 10 s) was performed after 37% phosphoric acid etching with an air/oil spray. The specimens were randomly assigned to subgroups, according to the bonding protocol adopted: subgroup A - F was applied to enamel without an intermediate bonding agent layer; In subgroups B and C, SB and PB, respectively, were applied, light-cured, and then F was applied and light-cured. Shear bond strength was tested at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min in a universal testing machine. Means (+/- SD) in MPa were: IA-11.28 (+/-1.84); IIA-12.02 (+/-1.15); IB-9.73 (+/-2.38); IIB-9.62 (+/-2.29); IC-28.30 (+/-1.63); and IIC-25.50 (+/-1.91). It may be concluded that the oil contamination affected negatively the sealant bonding to enamel and the acetone-based adhesive system (PB) layer applied underneath the sealant was able to prevent its deleterious effects to adhesion.

Effect of polishing and brushing on removal of cigarette smoke stains from artificial teeth / Efecto del pulido y cepillado en la eliminación de manchas de humo de cigarrillo en dientes artificiales

Color alteration is still a disadvantage of acrylic resin teeth and this problem seems to be greater in smokers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of polishing and brushing on removal of stains from artificial teeth submitted to cigarette smoke. Forty denture teeth of distinct shades (62 and 69) were selected. The teeth were divided into 4 groups (n= 10), according to the tooth shade and method of stain removal performed: Groups 1 and 2 were submitted to the smoke of 20 cigarettes, and after new color readouts, were submitted to polishing with pumice stone and Spanish white paste. Groups 3 and 4 were submitted to 4 cycles of 5 cigarettes interspersed with standardized manual brushing. The values of color stability (DE) were compared using 2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni test (p<0.05). For all the groups, color change occurred at clinically unacceptable levels (E>3.3). After exposure to 20 cigarettes, the greatest degree of color change occurred for teeth in shade 62. Polishing significantly reduced the color change for groups 1 and 2, however, without significant difference between them. For Groups 3 and 4 there was no difference between the teeth of shade 62 and 69. When the treatments for each tooth shade were compared alone, there was similarity between polishing and brushing irrespective of the shade of samples. Routine manual brushing and common clinical polishing methods were capable of removing a large portion of staining caused by cigarettes, and there was no difference between the methods.

La alteración del color sigue siendo una desventaja de los dientes de resina acrílica y este problema parece ser mayor en los fumadores. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de pulido y cepillado en la eliminación de manchas de los dientes artificiales presentados al humo del cigarrillo. Se seleccionaron cuarenta dientes de la dentadura de tonos diferentes (62 y 69). Los dientes fueron agrupados en 4 grupos (n= 10), de acuerdo con el color del diente y el método de eliminación de manchas realizado: Los grupos 1 y 2 fueron sometidos al humo de 20 cigarrillos, y después de nuevas lecturas de color, se pulieron con piedra pómez piedra y pasta blanca española. Los grupos 3 y 4 se sometieron a 4 ciclos de 5 cigarrillos intercalados con cepillado manual estandarizado. Los valores de estabilidad del color (Delta E) se compararon mediante las pruebas de ANOVA de dos vías y Bonferroni (p<0,05). Para todos los grupos, el cambio de color se produjo a niveles no aceptables clínicamente (DE>3,3). Después de la exposición a 20 cigarrillos, el mayor grado de cambio de color se produjo para los dientes de tono 62. El pulido redujo significativamente el cambio de color para los Grupos 1 y 2, sin diferencia significativa entre ellos. Para los Grupos 3 y 4 no hubo diferencia entre los dientes de tono 62 y 69. Cuando los tratamientos para cada color de diente se compararon individualmente, hubo similitud entre el pulido y el cepillado, independientemente del tono. El cepillado manual rutinario y los métodos comunes de pulido clínicos fueron capaces de eliminar una gran parte de manchas causadas por los cigarrillos, sin diferencia entre los métodos.

Bond Durability of Er:YAG Laser-Prepared Primary Tooth Enamel

This study evaluated in vitro the influence of thermocycling and water storage (WS) on the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin in cavities prepared in primary tooth enamel with conventional bur or Er:YAG laser. The test surfaces were obtained from 48 primary molars and randomly assigned to 2 groups (n=24), according to cavity preparation: A: bur-preparation and B: Er:YAG laser irradiation. The specimens were restored with an etch-and-rinse adhesive system and composite resin. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups (n=6) according to WS duration and number of thermal cycles (TCs): I: 24 h WS/no thermocycling; II: 7 days WS/500 TCs; III: 1 month WS/2,000 TCs; IV: 6 months WS/12,000 TCs. The specimens were tested to failure in shear strength at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. SBS means (S.D.) in MPa were: AI: 17.45 (2.03), AII:16.38 (1.49), AIII: 6.88 (0.66), AIV: 7.77 (1.53), BI: 12.32 (0.99), BII: 15.37 (2.24), BIII: 15.05 (2.01) and BIV-5.51 (1.01). WS duration and number of TCs influenced significantly the SBS values only for BIV (p<0.05). AI presented the highest SBS value, which was statistically similar to those of AII, BII and BIII. In conclusion, the adhesion of an etch-and-rinse adhesive to Er:YAG laser-irradiated primary tooth enamel was affected by the methods used to simulate degradation of the adhesive interface only when 6 months WS/12,000 TCs were employed.

Este estudo avaliou in vitro a influência da termociclagem (TC) e do armazenamento em água (AA) na resistência ao cisalhamento de resina composta ao esmalte de dentes decíduos preparados com broca convencional e laser Er:YAG. As superfícies de trabalho foram obtidas de 48 molares decíduos e divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos (n=24), de acordo com o tipo de preparo cavitário: A - preparo com broca; B - irradiação com laser Er:YAG. Os espécimes foram restaurados com um sistema adesivo etch-and-rinse e resina composta. Cada grupo foi dividido em 4 subgrupos (n=6) de acordo com o tempo de armazenamento em água (AA) e o número de termociclagens (TCs): I - 24 h AA/0 TCs, II - 7 dias AA/500 TCs; III - 1 mês AA/2000 TCs; IV - 6 meses AA/12000 TCs. O teste de cisalhamento foi realizado em máquina de ensaio universal a uma velocidade de 0,5 mm/min. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo teste ANOVA a dois critérios e teste de Tukey. As médias de resistência ao cisalhamento (D.P.), em MPa, foram: AI: 17,45 (2,03), AII: 16,38 (1,49), AIII: 6,88 (0,66), AIV: 7,77 (1,53), BI: 12,32 (0,99), BII: 15,37 (2,24), BIII: 15,05 (2,01) e BIV-5,51 (1,01). O tempo de armazenamento em água quanto a termociclagem influenciou significativamente os valores de resistência ao cisalhamento só para o grupo BIV (p<0,05). AI apresentou o maior valor de SBS, que foi estatisticamente semelhantes aos de AII, BII e BIII. Em conclusão, a adesão de um sistema adesivo etch-and-rinse ao esmalte de dente decíduo irradiado com Er: YAG foi afetada pelos métodos empregados para simulação da degradação da interface adesiva somente quando armazenamento em água por 6 meses e 12.000 ciclos de termociclagem foram empregados.

Bond strength of a pit-and-fissure sealant associated to etch-and-rinse and self-etching adhesive systems to saliva-contaminated enamel: individual vs. simultaneous light curing.

This study evaluated in vitro the shear bond strength (SBS) of a resin-based pit-and-fissure sealant [Fluroshield (F), Dentsply/Caulk] associated with either an etch-and-rinse [Adper Single Bond 2 (SB), 3M/ESPE] or a self-etching adhesive system [Clearfil S3 Bond (S3), Kuraray Co., Ltd.] to saliva-contaminated enamel, comparing two curing protocols: individual light curing of the adhesive system and the sealant or simultaneous curing of both materials. Mesial and distal enamel surfaces from 45 sound third molars were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=15), according to the bonding technique: I - F was applied to 37% phosphoric acid etched enamel. The other groups were contaminated with fresh human saliva (0.01 mL; 10 s) after acid etching: II - SB and F were light cured separately; III - SB and F were light cured together; IV - S3 and F were light cured separately; V - S3 and F were light cured simultaneously; VI - F was applied to saliva-contaminated, acid-etched enamel without an intermediate bonding agent layer. SBS was tested to failure in a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Fisher's test (alpha=0.05).The debonded specimens were examined with a stereomicroscope to assess the failure modes. Three representative specimens from each group were observed under scanning electron microscopy for a qualitative analysis. Mean SBS in MPa were: I-12.28 (+/-4.29); II-8.57 (+/-3.19); III-7.97 (+/-2.16); IV-12.56 (+/-3.11); V-11.45 (+/-3.77); and VI-7.47 (+/-1.99). In conclusion, individual or simultaneous curing of the intermediate bonding agent layer and the resin sealant did not seem to affect bond strength to saliva-contaminated enamel. S3/F presented significantly higher SBS than the that of the groups treated with SB etch-and-rinse adhesive system and similar SBS to that of the control group, in which the sealant was applied under ideal dry, noncontaminated conditions.

Bonding agent underneath sealant: shear bond strength to oil-contaminated

This study evaluated in vitro the shear bond strength of a resin-based pit-and-fissure sealant (Fluroshield - F) associated with either an ethanol-based (Adper Single Bond 2 - SB) or an acetone-based (Prime & Bond - PB) adhesive system under conditions of oil contamination. Mesial and distal enamel surfaces from 30 sound third molars were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n=30): I - no oil contamination; II - oil contamination. Contamination (0.25 mL during 10 s) was performed after 37 percent phosphoric acid etching with an air/oil spray. The specimens were randomly assigned to subgroups, according to the bonding protocol adopted: subgroup A - F was applied to enamel without an intermediate bonding agent layer; In subgroups B and C, SB and PB, respectively, were applied, light-cured, and then F was applied and light-cured. Shear bond strength was tested at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min in a universal testing machine. Means (± SD) in MPa were: IA-11.28 (±1.84); IIA-12.02 (±1.15); IB-9.73 (±2.38); IIB-9.62 (±2.29); IC-28.30 (±1.63); and IIC-25.50 (±1.91). It may be concluded that the oil contamination affected negatively the sealant bonding to enamel and the acetone-based adhesive system (PB) layer applied underneath the sealant was able to prevent its deleterious effects to adhesion.

Este estudo avaliou in vitro a resistência ao cisalhamento (RC) de um selante resinoso [Fluroshield (F); Dentsply/Caulk] em associação com um sistema adesivo com solvente a base de etanol [Adper Single Bond 2 (SB); 3M/ESPE] ou a base de acetona [Prime & Bond (PB); 3M/ESPE] após contaminação com óleo do esmalte. Superfícies mesiais e distais de esmalte de 30 terceiros molares hígidos foram aleatoriamente alocadas em 2 grupos (n=30): I - contaminação com óleo; II - sem contaminação. A contaminação foi realizada (0,25 mL;10 s) com um jato de ar/óleo após o condicionamento do esmalte com ácido fosfórico a 37 por cento. Os espécimes foram aleatoriamente alocados em subgrupos, de acordo com a técnica adesiva empregada: A - F foi aplicado sobre o esmalte condicionado sem sistema adesivo; B - SB + F; C - PB + F. RC foi testada em uma máquina universal de ensaios (0,5 mm/min; 50 kgf) e os dados analisados por ANOVA e t-teste (α=0,01). As médias de RC em MPa foram: IA-11,28 (±1,84); IIA-12,02(±1,15); IB-9,73 (±2,38); IIB-9,62 (±2,29); IC-28,30 (±1.63); e IIC-25,50 (±1,91). Conclui-se que a contaminação com o óleo afetou a adesão do selante resinoso ao esmalte e o sistema adesivo com solvente a base de acetona (Prime & Bond) aplicado sob o selante foi capaz de impedir os efeitos deletérios da contaminação com óleo.

Efetividade inicial e após 15 dias de clareamento exógeno variando-se a técnica e os agentes clareadores / Initial effectiveness and after 15 days of exogenous bleaching being varied the technique and the bleaching agents

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar, in vitro, a efetividade de duas técnicas de clareamento dental exógeno em associação a dois agentes clareadores (caseiro + peróxido de carbamida a 10 por cento e ativado por LED + peróxido de hidrogênio a 35 por cento). Vinte coroas de pré-molares humanos, seccionadas no sentido mesiodistal, foram divididas em dois grupos (n = 10). Inicialmente, foram realizadas, tomadas fotográficas digitais padronizadas, obedecendo às coordenadas x e y dos dentes no período pré-manchamento (LI - leitura inicial). Em seguida, os espécimes foram armazenaos por trinta dias em saliva artificial a 37°C, juntamente com chá-mate, Coca-Cola®, Periogard® e Gatorade®. Após esse período, nova tomada fotográfica foi feita (LE - leitura após imersão nas soluções corantes) e os dentes foram divididos em grupos, segundo o processo de clareamento a que foram submetidos: GI - aplicação diária de peróxido de carbamida a 10 por cento durante quatro semanas; GII - três aplicações consecutivas de peróxido de hidrogênio a 35 por cento ativado por LED. Após essa etapa, os espécimes foram novamente submetidos a tomadas fotográficas, uma realizada imediatamente após o clareamento (LO - leitura após clareamento) e outra, 15 dias após (L15 - leitura 15 dias após clareamento). Após definição da coordenada x e y que correspondesse as centro do elemento dental, as imagens fotográficas dos dentes foram analisadas em software Adobe Photoshop®, no qual foram realizadas as leituras de cor segundo a escala R, G, B e K. Os resultados mostraram que as substâncias corantes utilizadas foram capazes de promover o manchamento dos dentes em níveis significativos e somente a técnica do clareamento caseiro associado ao peróxido de carbamida a 10 por cento foi capaz de promover o clareamento dos espécimes também em níveis significativos, tanto no período inicial (LO) quanto após 15 dias.

Bond strength of a pit-and-fissure sealant associated to etch-and-rinse and self-etching adhesive systems to saliva-contaminated enamel: individual vs. simultaneous light curing

This study evaluated in vitro the shear bond strength (SBS) of a resin-based pit-and-fissure sealant [Fluroshield (F), Dentsply/Caulk] associated with either an etch-and-rinse [Adper Single Bond 2 (SB), 3M/ESPE] or a self-etching adhesive system [Clearfil S3 Bond (S3), Kuraray Co., Ltd.] to saliva-contaminated enamel, comparing two curing protocols: individual light curing of the adhesive system and the sealant or simultaneous curing of both materials. Mesial and distal enamel surfaces from 45 sound third molars were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=15), according to the bonding technique: I - F was applied to 37 percent phosphoric acid etched enamel. The other groups were contaminated with fresh human saliva (0.01 mL; 10 s) after acid etching: II - SB and F were light cured separately; III - SB and F were light cured together; IV - S3 and F were light cured separately; V - S3 and F were light cured simultaneously; VI - F was applied to saliva-contaminated, acid-etched enamel without an intermediate bonding agent layer. SBS was tested to failure in a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Fisher's test (α=0.05).The debonded specimens were examined with a stereomicroscope to assess the failure modes. Three representative specimens from each group were observed under scanning electron microscopy for a qualitative analysis. Mean SBS in MPa were: I-12.28 (±4.29); II-8.57 (±3.19); III-7.97 (±2.16); IV-12.56 (±3.11); V-11.45 (±3.77); and VI-7.47 (±1.99). In conclusion, individual or simultaneous curing of the intermediate bonding agent layer and the resin sealant did not seem to affect bond strength to saliva-contaminated enamel. S3/F presented significantly higher SBS than the that of the groups treated with SB etch-and-rinse adhesive system and similar SBS to that of the control group, in which the sealant was applied under ideal dry, noncontaminated conditions.

Este estudo avaliou in vitro a resistência ao cisalhamento (RC) de um selante resinoso [Fluroshield (F), Dentsply/Caulk] em associação com um sistema adesivo de condicionamento total [Adper Single Bond 2 (SB), 3M/ESPE] ou auto-condicionante [Clearfil S3 Bond (S3), Kuraray Co., Ltd.] após contaminação salivar do esmalte, comparando dois protocolos: fotopolimerização individual do sistema adesivo e do selante ou simultânea de ambos os materiais. Superfícies mesiais e distais de esmalte de 45 terceiros molares hígidos foram aleatoriamente alocadas em 6 grupos (n=15), de acordo com a técnica adesiva empregada: I - F foi aplicado sobre o esmalte condicionado com ácido fosfórico a 37 por cento. Os demais grupos foram contaminados com saliva (0,01 mL por 10 s) após o condicionamento ácido. II - SB e F foram fotopolimerizados separadamente; III - SB e F foram fotopolimerizados simultaneamente; IV - S3 e F foram fotopolimerizados separadamente; V - S3 e F foram fotopolimerizados simultaneamente; VI - F foi aplicado sobre o esmalte condicionado e contaminado sem sistema adesivo. RC foi testada em uma máquina universal de ensaios (0,5 mm/min; 50 kgf) e os dados analisados por ANOVA a 1 fator e teste exato de Fisher (α=0,05). As interfaces adesivas foram analisadas quanto ao padrão de fraturas em estereomicroscópio. Três espécimes de cada grupo foram analisados qualitativamente em microscópio eletrônico de varredura. As médias de RC em MPa foram: I-12,28 (±4,29); II-8,57 (±3,19); III-7,97 (±2,16); IV-12,56 (±3,11); V-11,45 (±3,77); e VI-7,47 (±1,99). Conclui-se que a fotopolimerização individual ou simultânea do sistema adesivo e do selante não afetou os valores de RC ao esmalte contaminado. S3/F apresentou RC estatisticamente maior do que os grupos tratados com o sistema adesivo etch-and-rinse SB e estatisticamente semelhante ao grupo controle, no qual o selante foi aplicado em condições ideais, na ausência de contaminação salivar.