Two-year evaluation of a nano-hybrid and a bulk-fill resin composite: a randomized, double-blind split-mouth clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the 2-year clinical performance of a bulk-fill composite resin and a nano-hybrid-filled composite resin in 6-12-year-old children in a split-mouth design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, split-mouth, and double-blind study was conducted on 89 patients aged 6-12 years with caries on bilateral mandibular first molars. In a split-mouth design, restorations of mandibular permanent molars were completed with nano-hybrid organically modified ceramic (ORMOCER)-based bulk-fill composite resin Admira Fusion x-tra (Voco GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany) and nano-hybrid composite Grandio (Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany). Futurabond U single dose (Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany) was used with selective enamel etching. The clinical success of the restorations was evaluated using USPHS and FDI criteria at 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up controls. RESULTS: In the 2-year follow-up, all restorations were clinically acceptable. Grandio was significantly worse than Admira Fusion x-tra in terms of surface luster and superficial change (p < 0.05). Surface staining and color match scores increased in Admira Fusion x-tra compared with Grandio significantly (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although both materials showed acceptable clinical performance over 2 years, a significant difference was observed between the surface luster, surface staining, marginal adaptation, and staining of the nano-hybrid composite placed with the incremental technique and the bulk-fill ORMOCER-based composite resin. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As an alternative to nano-hybrid composite resins, using bulk-fill restorative materials, which can be indicated in the proper case, may contribute to shortening treatment procedures and increasing patient and physician comfort, leading to clinical success.

Clinical performance of a glass-hybrid system in comparison with a resin composite in two-surface class II restorations: a 5-year randomised multi-centre study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the 5-year clinical performance of a glass hybrid restorative system and a nano-hybrid resin composite in moderate to large two-surface class II cavities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out by dental schools in Zagreb, Croatia; Izmir, Turkey; Belgrade, Serbia; and Milan, Italy. A total of 180 patients requiring two class-II two-surface restorations in the molars of the same jaw were recruited. The teeth were randomly restored with either a nano-hybrid resin composite (Tetric EvoCeram, Ivoclar Vivadent) or a glass-hybrid material (EQUIA Forte, GC). During the 5-year follow-up, two calibrated evaluators at each centre scored the restorations annually using the FDI-2 scoring system. The survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using non-parametric matched pair tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the overall survival and success rates of the two types of restorations (p>0.05). The success rates (FDI-2 scores 1-3) for EQUIA Forte were 81.9% (average annual failure rate: 3.9%) and 90.7% for Tetric EvoCeram (average annual failure rate: 1.9%). The survival rates (FDI-2 scores 1-4) for EQUIA Forte and Tetric EvoCeram were 94.5% and 94.4%, respectively, with an average annual failure rate of 1.1%. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of success and survival rates, both the glass-hybrid restorative system and the nano-hybrid resin composite have been shown to perform satisfactorily. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study indicate that EQUIA Forte can be one of the therapeutic options for moderate to large two-surface class II restorations of posterior teeth.

Effect of polyethylene fiber orientation on fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Polyethylene fibers have been reported to improve the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth, but their optimal orientation is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of different fiber positions and orientations on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolar teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred endodontically treated maxillary premolars were divided into 2 groups according to the cavity design, mesio-occluso-distal and occluso-buccal, and each group was divided into 5 subgroups (n=10) according to the polyethylene fiber orientation on the pulpal floor: unidirectional horizontal (from mesial to distal), unidirectional vertical (from buccal to palatal), bidirectional (buccopalatal and mesiodistal), circular (around the walls), and without fibers (control group). The cavities were restored with fiber-reinforced composite resin and conventional composite resin. All the teeth were fractured with a universal testing machine and analyzed as catastrophic failure or reparable failure. A 1-way ANOVA was used to compare fracture strength values (α=.05). RESULTS: The tested groups with different fiber orientations showed significantly higher fracture load than the control group (P<.05). No statistically significant difference was observed among the fiber orientations (P>.05). Most of the favorable fractures were occlusal to the cemento-enamel junction, and adhesive failure were seen in the mesio-occluso-distal and occluso-buccal cavities. The highest percentage of unfavorable fractures and mixed failures was observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The fiber orientation pattern in the mesio-occluso-distal and occluso-buccal cavities did not differ significantly in the fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary premolar teeth.

A microcomputed tomography analysis of adaptation in premolars with flared root canals restored with different digitally custom fabricated post materials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Preserving and strengthening the remaining tooth structure of compromised flared root canals after endodontic treatment is challenging. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the adaptation of milled polymer- infiltrated ceramic, fiber-reinforced composite resin, and high-performance semicrystalline thermoplastic resin posts as used to restore mandibular premolars with flared root canals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty sound mandibular premolars were randomly divided into 4 groups: custom Vita Enamic (CV), custom fiber-reinforced composite resin (CF), custom polyetherketoneketone (CP), and prefabricated fiber (RF) posts. After endodontic treatment, each tooth was sectioned 1.5 mm occlusal to the cementoenamel junction. Then, the post space was prepared and flared, except the RF group, to a depth of 9 mm. The post space in RF group was prepared with a post drill. For the CV, CF, and CP groups, the posts were milled, finished, and cemented to their corresponding teeth. Each tooth was scanned using a microcomputed tomography device, and the reconstructed images were analyzed in mesiodistal, buccolingual, and horizontal planes. The cement thickness, cement volume, and volume of voids were measured. The data were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA (cement thickness) and 2-way ANOVA (cement volume and voids volume) tests followed by the post hoc Tukey test (α=.05). RESULTS: The 3-way ANOVA test revealed a significant interaction (P<.001) between material type, section, and surface on the cement thickness. The mean cement thickness in the RF group was significantly higher than in the CV group (P=.001) and CF group (P=.005). The least mean cement thickness was at the apical section followed by the cervical and middle sections. Regarding cement volume, the 2-way ANOVA test showed statistically significant interaction between material type and section. The mean cement volume in the RF group was significantly lower than in the CV group (P=.001), CF group (P=.001), and CP group (P=.001). The highest mean cement volume was in the cervical section followed by the middle and apical sections. The 2-way ANOVA test showed statistically significant interaction (P<.001) between material type and section on the volume of voids. Significant differences were found between the mean volume of voids at the cervical and middle sections (P=.001) and the cervical and apical sections (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with prefabricated fiber posts, digitally fabricated polymer-infiltrated ceramic and fiber-reinforced composite resin posts had a thinner cement layer with minimal thickness at the apical section. The digitally fabricated posts had higher cement volume, especially at the cervical section, than prefabricated fiber posts. High volumes of voids were related to the cervical section of all tested posts.

Bond strength of prefabricated and CAD-CAM milled glass fiber post-and-cores luted with conventional, universal, and self-adhesive composite resin cement.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Little is known about the effect of different composite resin cements on the bond strength of prefabricated and milled glass fiber post-and-cores. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the push-out bond strengths of root dentin and standard, relined, or computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) glass fiber post-and-cores luted with conventional, universal, or self-adhesive composite resin cement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Post spaces were prepared in 90 premolars. Standard and relined prefabricated and CAD-CAM-milled glass fiber post-and-cores were luted with conventional (RelyX ARC; 3M ESPE), universal (RelyX Ultimate; 3M ESPE), and self-adhesive (RelyX U200; 3M ESPE) composite resin cement (n=10). All specimens were thermally aged (5000 cycles at 5°C and 55°C with a 20-second dwell time) and mechanical fatigue (1 000 000 cycles at 2 Hz, 50-N load). The specimens were sectioned perpendicularly to the root long axis into 1-mm-thick sections (apical, middle, and cervical root thirds), the push-out bond strength was determined, and the mode of failure recorded. Data were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Bonferroni-Dunn multiple comparison test (α=.05). RESULTS: Push-out bond strength values did not differ (P>.05) among posts at the same root thirds. Standard posts showed higher bond strength than CAD-CAM at the apical third for data grouped by composite resin cements (P<.001). The cervical root thirds had higher bond strength than the apical thirds (P<.05). The cervical, middle, and apical root thirds showed decreasing bond strength values for each type of post for data grouped by composite resin cement (P<.001). Adhesive failures at the dentin-cement interface were predominant. CONCLUSIONS: The type of posts and cements did not affect the bond strength of glass fiber posts. The cervical root thirds had better bonding performance than the apical thirds.

Effect of preparation design on fracture strength of compromised molars restored with direct composite resin restorations: An in vitro and finite element analysis study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: More data are needed on the influence of preparation design on the fracture strength, failure type, repairability, and polymerization-induced cracks of molar teeth restored with direct composite resin restorations. PURPOSE: This in vitro and finite element analysis study investigated the effect of different preparation designs on fracture strength, failure type, repairability, tooth deformation, and the formation of polymerization-induced cracks of compromised molars restored with direct composite resin restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human molars (n=64) were randomly assigned to 4 different preparation designs: undermined inlay (UI), extended inlay (EI), restricted overlay (RO), and extended overlay (EO). The teeth were restored using direct composite resin and subjected to artificial thermomechanical aging in a mastication simulator, followed by load-to-failure testing. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis was conducted to assess tooth deformation. Polymerization-induced cracks were evaluated using optical microscopy and transillumination. The fracture strength data were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis test, while the failure mode, repairability, and polymerization cracks were analyzed using the Fisher exact test (α=.05). RESULTS: All specimens withstood thermomechanical aging, and no statistically significant difference in fracture strength was observed among the 4 preparation designs (P>.05). The finite element analysis showed differences in tooth deformation, but no correlation was observed with in vitro fracture resistance. The RO and EO groups presented significantly more destructive failures compared with the UI and EI groups (P<.01). The RO group had significantly fewer repairable failures than the UI and EI groups (P=.024). A correlation was found between higher frequencies of repairability and higher tooth deformation. A significant correlation between the increase in microfractures and preparation design was observed (P<.01), with the UI group exhibiting a higher increase in microfracture size compared with the EO group (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: No influence of preparation design on the fracture strength of compromised molars restored with direct composite resin restorations was evident in this study, but the failure mode of cusp coverage restorations was more destructive and often less repairable. The finite element analysis showed more tooth deformation in inlay preparations, with lower stresses within the root, leading to more reparable fractures. Since cusp coverage direct composite resin restorations fractured in a more destructive manner, this study suggests that even a tooth with undermined cusps should be restored without cusp coverage.

Biomimetic approach to strengthen the incisal fracture composite build-up: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: Incisal composite build-up shows a high failure susceptibility. The incorporation of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) during composite restoration could improve its strength. Hence the study was planned to compare the effect of various positions of FRC on the strength of composite resin incisal build-ups. METHODS: In maxillary incisors (n = 90), 3 mm of the incisal edge was cut and teeth were categorized into three groups based on the location and number of fibers used during incisal composite build-up - Group I: composite resin; Group II: composite resin and a single fiber palatally and Group III: composite resin along with two fibers palatally. RESULTS: The data showed that group II had the maximum load-bearing values followed by group I and group III. CONCLUSION: Within the confines of our study, it can be concluded that the addition of FRC to the conventional incisal composite build-up increased the overall strength restoration. Such composite restoration reinforced with a single fiber on the palatal side showed the highest load-bearing capacity compared to two fibers reinforced and unreinforced composites. The common mode of failure in group I was in composite resin, in two fibers reinforced at fibers-composite junction, and in one fiber reinforced composite was in the remaining part of the tooth.

Effect of dry and wet finishing and polishing on color change and opacity of nanofill and nanohybrid composites.

BACKGROUND: As superior esthetic is one of the main reasons for using composite resins, it is very important to be familiar with factors and techniques affecting their optical properties and appearance. AIM: The aim of this study was comparing the effect of finishing and polishing with and without water coolant, on the color change and opacity of composite resin materials. METHODS: Composites used for preparing samples were Z250 (microhybrid), Z350XT (nanofilled), and Z550 (nanohybrid). Then divided into 4 groups of 5 depending on finishing and polishing technique (dry or wet) and time (immediate and after twenty-four hours). After polishing, samples were assessed using a spectrophotometer. Color change and opacity were determined. Data was analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. RESULTS: Type of material at both time had a significant effect on ΔE and opacity. Our results in dry and wet technique immediately(T0) showed that the highest and lowest ΔE and opacity belong to Z350XT (p < 0.001). After Twenty-four hours (T24), opacity of Z250 in wet condition was higher than dry condition (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Wet or dry technique was only effective on color in immediate polishing. Regarding opacity, technique was only effective in case of delayed polishing.

Componeer as an aesthetic treatment option for anterior teeth: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Structural abnormalities or anomalies in the anterior teeth, also known as the aesthetic zone, are an important problem for patients and a challenge for dentists. Structural abnormalities or tooth anomalies can change in color, shape, and function. Most dentists prefer minimally invasive aesthetic treatment. One of the aesthetic treatment options for anterior teeth is veneers. Veneer is a restoration that covers the labial part of the tooth with a thin layer of material to correct abnormalities in the color, shape, or function of the tooth. Veneer restoration can be done indirectly with porcelain material made in a laboratory and directly with composite material on the tooth surface or prefabricated which is available from the factory. Componeer is a prefabricated composite veneer that combines the aesthetic properties of ceramic veneers and the adhesive ability of composite veneers to the tooth structure. This case report describes the treatment of two central incisors that had been filled with composite and peg shapes on both lateral incisors using a componeer. CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old female patient came to the Dental Conservation Clinic at Dentistry Hospital, Padjadjaran University with the main complaint of her right and left upper front teeth and wanted to repair her old fillings and close the gap between her right and left upper front teeth and her canine teeth. Clinical examination showed that teeth 11 and 21 had been filled with composite which had changed color and had an inharmonious shape as well as a gap between the upper front teeth on the right and left sides and the right and left canine teeth. TREATMENT: The maxilla and mandibular teeth are molded for study models and working models. In the working model, a wax-up is carried out, then a mock-up on the patient's teeth. Next, choose the color and size of the components that match the mock up results. Teeth 11 and 21 had their old composite fillings cleaned and refilled with dentin colored composite, teeth 13, 12, 11, 21, 22, and 23 were prepared with a minimum thickness of 0.3 mm to make room for the componeer material. The teeth was etched and bonded, and bonding was applied to the inner surface of the componeer. The composite is placed on the inner surface of the componeer then placed on the labial surface of the tooth and pressed with a special tool, then light cured. The final step is polishing. TREATMENT RESULTS: Teeth 13, 12, 11, 21, 22, and 23 which had undergone veneer treatment using componeer, were controlled after 1 week of treatment. The patient did not complain about the results of the treatment and said he was satisfied with the treatment.

Impact of repeated preheating of bulk-fill resin composite on postoperative hypersensitivity; a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This clinical study was conducted aiming to evaluate the impact of repeated preheating of bulk-fill resin composite on postoperative hypersensitivity. METHODS: A total of 105 eligible, consenting adults were recruited. Patients had posterior teeth suffering from proximal decay with no signs of irreversible pulpitis. Patients were prepared for Class II restorations and restored with bulk-fill resin composite. Patients were randomized into three groups of 35 patients according to the number of preheating cycles for the resin composite syringe used; group I: no preheating; control group at room temperature, group II: Resin composite preheated once, and group III: Resin composite preheated ten cycles. Patients were assessed for postoperative dentin hypersensitivity using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at three-time intervals: day one, one week and by the end of one month after restorative treatment. Statistical analysis was performed; ANOVA with a single factor was used to test for significance at a p value ≤ 0.05. For nonparametric data, the Kruskal‒Wallis test was used to compare the three testing groups. Friedman's test was used to study the changes within each group. Dunn's test was used for pairwise comparisons when the Kruskal‒Wallis test or Friedman's test was significant. RESULTS: The scores of the three groups through the three time intervals were almost zero except for the first day where VAS scores were recorded with maximum score of 3 for groups I and II. Groups II and III; there was no statistically significant change in hypersensitivity scores by time with P-values 0.135 and 0.368, respectively. However, for group I there was a significant difference from VAS score recorded on first day and the two following time intervals. CONCLUSION: The repeated preheating cycles of bulk-fill resin composite prior to curing had no adverse effect on the patients regarding postoperative dentin hypersensitivity. This information could be of utmost significance, as the same resin composite syringe can undergo numerous preheating cycles clinically before it is completely consumed with the advantage of improvement on the handling properties. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol of the current study was registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov , with the identification number NCT05289479 on 21/03/2022. All procedures involving human participants were performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry, Minia University, Egypt, under the approval number 73/440 on 11/09/2020.

Effect of silver diamine fluoride on the microleakage of flowable resin composite and glass ionomer cement restorations to carious primary dentin: an-in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) on the microleakage of flowable resin composite (FRC) and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorations bound to carious primary dentin. METHODS: Forty-four extracted carious primary molars were allocated into four groups as follows (n = 11 teeth/group): Group I, Flowable resin composite (FRCa): SDF38% treatment + FRC, Group II, Flowable resin composite (FRCb): FRC without SDF treatment, Group III, Resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GICa): SDF38% treatment + GIC, Group IV, Resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GICb): GIC without SDF treatment. Specimens were subjected to thermo cycling at 500 cycles between 5 to 55 °C (dwell time of 60 seconds) in baths before being immersed for 24 h in a 1% toluidine blue solution. Microleakage testing was conducted for each specimen in two areas; occlusal and gingival. Specimens were evaluated under stereomicroscope at 4x magnification. Results were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by pairwise comparisons utilizing Dunn's post hoc test at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Insignificant differences between different groups (p = 0.49) were observed at the gingival walls area readings. The highest value was found in GICb (2.33 ± 0.52), while the lowest value was found in FRCa (1.71 ± 0.76). Insignificant differences between different groups (p = 0.982) were observed at the occlusal walls area readings. The highest value was found in FRCa (1.43 ± 0.98), while the lowest value was found in GICb (1.17 ± 1.33). CONCLUSION: SDF does not adversely affect the microleakage of FRC and GIC restorations bound to carious primary dentin.

Delayed vs. immediate placement of restorative materials over Biodentine and RetroMTA: a micro-shear bond strength study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the micro-shear bond strength (µSBS) of various restorative materials applied on two different fast-setting calcium silicate-based materials and to evaluate the effect of restoration time on µSBS. METHODS: A total of 180 acrylic blocks with a cavity in the center were randomly divided into 2 main groups according to the capping material to be used (Biodentine or RetroMTA). The specimens were also randomly divided into 3 groups according to the restoration time (3 min, 12 min, 24 h). After the specified waiting periods, glass hybrid material (EQUIA Forte HT), resin composite (Filtek Z550) and light-cured calcium silicate material (Theracal LC) were placed on the specimens with tygon tubes. The specimens were kept for 24 h and then subjected to µSBS test. Statistical analysis was performed by 3-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test for pairwise comparisons (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There is a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the µSBS values obtained by applying resin composite on RetroMTA after different setting times (24 h > 12 min > 3 min). The µSBS obtained for the Biodentine-resin composite at the end of the 3 min setting time is significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the µSBS values at 12 min and 24 h. For both calcium silicate cements, at the end of all time periods, the µSBS obtained when resin composite was applied at the end was higher than the other materials (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For Biodentine-resin composite bonding, the manufacturer's recommendation of 12 min can be considered an appropriate time, whereas for RetroMTA-resin composite bonding, the µSBS increased as the waiting time increased. Regardless of the waiting time, it is recommended to prefer direct composite resin restoration over Biodentine and RetroMTA.

Attitudes regarding a warranty and the expected longevity of dental treatment amongst New Zealand dentists, dental students, and patients: a mixed methods survey.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate and compare estimates of the longevity of dental treatment, expectations for free remedial treatment, and attitudes about formal dental warranties among dentists, students, and patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a mixed-method cross-sectional questionnaire survey with convenience sampling from dentists, dental students, and patients in New Zealand. A questionnaire was distributed to New Zealand dentists (n = 28) and final-year dental students (n = 27). A separate questionnaire was provided to patients in a university dental clinic (n = 43). Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square and Pearson Correlation, and Binary logistic regression tests were used to test for differences between groups and correlations amongst variables. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Dentists believed that their posterior composite resin restorations would last longer (p = 0.014), would remediate failed crowns for longer (p = 0.002) and would provide longer crown warranties (p = 0.003) compared to students. Patients had higher expectations for restoration longevity and free remediation for failed treatment. Students were generally more willing to provide warranties. Crowns were perceived to be the most warrantable, while endodontic treatment was the least warrantable. Recall attendance, mechanical failure, and adequate oral hygiene were commonly proposed as warranty conditions for restorations and crowns. There was little consensus about complete dentures and endodontic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant disparities between the expectations of patients and clinicians regarding treatment longevity and free remediation times. Clinicians, in general, are willing to provide free remediation within a specified time frame, except for endodontic treatment, but are hesitant to provide formal dental warranties.

Longevity of dental restorations in Sjogren's disease patients using electronic dental and health record data.

BACKGROUND: Decreased salivary secretion is not only a risk factor for carious lesions in Sjögren's disease (SD) but also an indicator of deterioration of teeth with every restorative replacement. This study determined the longevity of direct dental restorations placed in patients with SD using matched electronic dental record (EDR) and electronic health record (EHR) data. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using EDR and EHR data of Indiana University School of Dentistry patients who have a SD diagnosis in their EHR. Treatment history of patients during 15 years with SD (cases) and their matched controls with at least one direct dental restoration were retrieved from the EDR. Descriptive statistics summarized the study population characteristics. Cox regression models with random effects analyzed differences between cases and controls for time to direct restoration failure. Further the model explored the effect of covariates such as age, sex, race, dental insurance, medical insurance, medical diagnosis, medication use, preventive dental visits per year, and the number of tooth surfaces on time to restoration failure. RESULTS: At least one completed direct restoration was present for 102 cases and 42 controls resulting in a cohort of 144 patients' EDR and EHR data. The cases were distributed as 21 positives, 57 negatives, and 24 uncertain cases based on clinical findings. The average age was 56, about 93% were females, 54% were White, 74% had no dental insurance, 61% had public medical insurance, < 1 preventive dental visit per year, 94% used medications and 93% had a medical diagnosis that potentially causes dry mouth within the overall study cohort. About 529 direct dental restorations were present in cases with SD and 140 restorations in corresponding controls. Hazard ratios of 2.99 (1.48-6.03; p = 0.002) and 3.30 (1.49-7.31, p-value: 0.003) showed significantly decreased time to restoration failure among cases and positive for SD cases compared to controls, respectively. Except for the number of tooth surfaces, no other covariates had a significant influence on the survival time. CONCLUSION: Considering the rapid failure of dental restorations, appropriate post-treatment assessment, management, and evaluation should be implemented while planning restorative dental procedures among cases with SD. Since survival time is decreased with an increase in the number of surfaces, guidelines for restorative procedures should be formulated specifically for patients with SD.

In vivo study of the behavior of glass ionomer restorations in patients with special needs.

BACKGROUND: Glass ionomers may be a good alternative to composite resin restorations in special needs patients with challenging behaviours. The present study was carried out to evaluate the restorative efficacy of glass ionomer in the occlusal cavities of permanent molars among patients with special needs after one year of follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized split-mouth study was made of a cohort of patients with special needs. First and second permanent molars with occlusal caries were treated with glass ionomer, silver amalgam and composite resin. Assessments were made at 3, 6 and 12 months, using a scale based on the original code of Ryge and the USPHS criteria. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients and 102 restorations comprised the study sample. The survival rate of both the glass ionomer and silver amalgam was 100%, versus 97.1% in the case of composite resin. The glass ionomer afforded good marginal adaptation and stable color, with no fractures or secondary caries. CONCLUSIONS: The glass ionomer remained successfully for one year in the occlusal cavities of the permanent molars, with the same survival rate as silver amalgam, and better survival than composite resin, in the patients with special needs.

Comparison of saddle contoured metal matrix and pre-contoured self-adhesive matrix in composite resin class II restorations; an in vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate composite class II restoration proximal contacts and contours by comparing saddlecontoured metal matrix and pre-contoured self-adhesive matrix system. METHODS: The randomised controlled trial (NCT05414656) was conducted at the Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, from May to October 2022, and comprised of patients having supra-gingival class II cavities. They were randomised into class II restoration with saddle-contoured matrix band group A, and restoration with pre-contoured self-adhesive matrix group B. The tightness of proximal contacts was evaluated using the Fédération Dentaire Internationale criteria and the quality of proximal contours was assessed using clinical and radiographic examination. Data was analysed using SPSS 16. RESULTS: Of the 60 subjects, 42(70%) were females and 18(30%) were males. The overall mean age was 38.03±15.33 years. There were 30(50%) subjects in each of the 2 groups. The highest restoration was needed in the upper premolar 20(33.3%). The tightness of proximal contact was not significantly different between the groups (p=0.94). Clinical examination for production of good contours was higher in group A compared to group B, but the difference was not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between saddle-contoured metal matrix and pre-contoured selfadhesive matrix for composite class II restoration proximal contacts and contours. Clinical Trial Link: https://clinicaltrials.gov RCT (NCT05414656).

Performance of a novel self-adhesive bulk-fill composite hybrid in endodontically treated maxillary premolars: analysis of fracture resistance and failure mode.

This study evaluated the fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary premolars restored with a new self-adhesive composite hybrid material (Surefil one [SO]) using different protocols. A total of 72 maxillary premolars were divided into 6 groups (n = 12). The control group included intact teeth, and the other 5 groups included teeth in which disto-occlusal cavities were prepared and endodontic treatment was performed. The prepared cavities were assigned to groups that were based on the restorative procedures: bulk-fill group, universal adhesive plus conventional bulk-fill composite resin plus a layer of conventional composite resin; SO-SC group, self-cured SO; SO-LC group, light-cured SO; SO-UA group, universal adhesive plus SO; or SO-core group, a 4.0-mm layer of SO covered by a layer of conventional composite resin. Specimens in each group underwent thermocycling and load cycling to test the fracture strength and fracture mode. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance and the Tukey test (α = 0.05). The SO-core group showed the highest mean (SD) fracture resistance, 959.9 (171.8) N, among the restored groups. The SO-core group did not differ significantly from the control group (P > 0.05) but did show significantly higher strength than all other test groups (P < 0.05) except SO-SC (P = 0.364). No significant differences were found between the bulk-fill, SO-SC, SO-LC, and SO-UA groups (P > 0.05). The SO-core group showed the highest number of unrestorable fractures, while the main fracture mode for the other groups was restorable fracture. Although the use of SO as a core material restored the fracture strength of endodontically treated premolars to the level of intact teeth, it also resulted in a higher incidence of unrestorable fractures. The SO-SC group demonstrated a high fracture resistance comparable to that of the SO-core group and had a greater tendency to experience restorable fractures.

Giving the pulp another chance: a case report of vital pulp therapy retreatment.

Vital pulp therapy (VPT) has been increasingly advocated due to its advantages in preserving tooth vitality. While VPT is often successful, failures can occur, and traditional root canal therapy is often recommended following VPT failure. This case report provides an example of successful preservation of tooth vitality using coronal pulpotomy (CP), a more invasive type of VPT, after failure of partial pulpotomy (PP) that had been performed in a healthy 10-year-old boy. A mandibular right first molar with a diagnosis of reversible pulpitis was initially treated with PP, which included the use of tricalcium silicate cement as a pulp dressing and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement base, followed by placement of a composite resin restoration. The restoration dislodged after 34 months without complaints from the patient or radiographically detectable lesions. A stainless steel crown was placed on the tooth; however, 15 months after crown placement, the patient returned with symptoms in the treated tooth. The tooth was diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis and asymptomatic apical periodontitis but responded positively to cold testing, and the pulp appeared clinically vital upon direct inspection. The tooth was re-treated with CP, including the use of mineral trioxide aggregate as a dressing material, and examination 21 months posttreatment revealed successful resolution of the periapical lesion. When a tooth remains vital, a more invasive type of VPT may be an alternative to root canal therapy for treating failures in more conservatively treated teeth. Moreover, regular periodic recalls are essential for ensuring tooth survival and early detection of problems (ie, restoration failure) that may worsen treatment outcomes.

Tribochemical silicoating of amalgam promotes effective amalgam-resin repairs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective method for bonding composite resin to artificially aged amalgam. A spherical amalgam alloy was triturated and condensed by hand into cylindrical plastic molds (6 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height) to create 90 specimens, which were then aged for 2 weeks in closed plastic containers at 23°C. The amalgam surfaces underwent 1 of 3 surface treatments (n = 30 per treatment): (1) air particle abrasion (APA) with 50-µm aluminum oxide particles applied with a force of 45 psi from a 10-mm distance, followed by rinsing with deionized water for 60 seconds; (2) APA following the same protocol with subsequent application of a metal primer (Alloy Primer); or (3) coating with 30-µm silica (CoJet) at a force of 45 psi from a 10-mm distance until the surface turned black. Specimens were then treated with 1 of 3 adhesives (n = 10 per adhesive per surface treatment): (1) 2-step total-etch adhesive (OptiBond Solo Plus), (2) 1-step self-etching adhesive (Scotchbond Universal), or (3) dual-cured resin cement (Panavia F 2.0). Each adhesive was applied to the treated amalgam surfaces following its manufacturer's instructions. The specimens were placed in a bonding clamp, and nanocomposite resin columns, 2.38 mm in diameter and 2.00 mm in height, were photocured (40 seconds, 500 mW/cm2) against the treated amalgam surfaces. The specimens were stored for 24 hours in 37°C deionized water and underwent shear bond strength testing at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance and post hoc analysis with the Tukey test at 95% confidence. The mean (SD) shear bond strength values ranged from 12.3 (1.2) MPa for aluminum oxide-treated surfaces bonded with OptiBond Solo Plus to 25.9 (4.6) MPa for silicoated surfaces bonded with Panavia F 2.0. All bonding agents produced the highest shear bond strength when the amalgam surface was silicoated. These results indicate that composite can be effectively bonded to amalgam via silicoating.

Clinical guidelines for posterior semidirect composite resin restorations: a case report with a 17-month follow-up.

Patients are always looking for conservative, esthetic, and long-lasting dental restorations, and the technique used directly influences the longevity of the treatment. The location of the restoration in the mouth and the extent of the decay influence the treatment choice. The larger the dimensions of the cavity preparation, the greater the difficulties in restoring the tooth using direct techniques. The semidirect technique, when indicated, can achieve satisfactory results. It is a relatively easy procedure, consisting of tooth preparation to receive an indirect restoration, fabrication of an alginate impression, fabrication of the composite resin restoration on a flexible cast, cementation, removal of excess cement, and occlusal adjustment. The aim of this case report is to present a viable alternative to direct and indirect restorations for posterior teeth with extensive decay. The article describes the extraoral semidirect technique for fabricating a composite resin restoration, highlighting its indications and discussing advantages and disadvantages.