Biomedical subjects

Frederick C Eichmiller

Publications and source records attributed to Frederick C Eichmiller.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The effect of ultrasonic post instrumentation on root surface temperature.

This study measured root surface temperature changes when ultrasonic vibration, with and without irrigation, was applied to cemented endodontic posts. Twenty-six, extracted, single-rooted premolars were randomly divided into two groups. Root lengths were standardized, canals instrumented, obturated, and posts cemented into prepared spaces. Thermocouples were positioned at two locations on the proximal root surfaces. Samples were embedded in plaster and brought to 37 degrees C in a water bath. Posts were ultrasonically vibrated for 4 minutes while continuously measuring temperature. Two-way ANOVA compared effects of water coolant and thermocouple location on temperature change. Root surface temperatures were significantly higher (p < 0.001) when posts were instrumented dry. A trend for higher temperatures was observed at coronal thermocouples of nonirrigated teeth and at apical thermocouples of irrigated teeth (p = 0.057). Irrigation during post removal with ultrasonics had a significant impact on the temperature measured at the external root surface.

Bicuspid↗

PubMed2006

Light-emitting diode curing light irradiance and polymerization of resin-based composite.

BACKGROUND: Light-emitting diode (LED) curing lights are becoming popular; however, questions about their efficiency remain. The authors performed a comprehensive analysis of the properties of resin-based composites cured with LED lights. METHODS: The authors evaluated seven LED lights and one quartz-tungsten-halogen light (control). They measured intensity, depth of cure (DOC), degree of conversion (DC), hardness and temperature rise. They used three shades of a hybrid resin-based composite and a microfill composite, as well as one shade of another hybrid composite. RESULTS: Two LED lights required additional cure time to reach a DOC similar to that of the control light. DC at the top of the samples was independent of the light used. At 2.0 millimeters, the DC for several LED lights was significantly lower than that for the control light and was correlated strongly to the light's intensity. The bottom-to-top ratio for hardness of resin-based composites cured by all but one light was greater than 0.80. All LED lights except one had smaller temperature rise than did the control light. CONCLUSIONS: Six of the seven LED curing lights performed similarly to a quartz-tungsten-halogen curing light in curing resin-based composites. Clinical Implications. While LED curing lights and a quartz-tungsten-halogen light could cure resin-based composites, some resin-based composites cured with LED lights may require additional curing time or smaller increments of thickness.

Composite Resins↗

PubMed2005

Controlling the fluoride dosage in a patient with compromised salivary function.

BACKGROUND: High-concentration topical fluorides are used commonly to with compromised salivary function due to irradiation and chemotherapy. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors describe a 50-year-old man with previously treated cancer who was using tray-applied topical fluoride gel. He complained of gastric symptoms, difficulty in swallowing, leg muscle soreness and knee joint soreness. A computed tomographic scan revealed thickening of the esophageal walls. An upper endoscopy revealed abnormal motility. The motility test indicated high-amplitude peristalsis and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter, and urine testing indicated high levels of systemic fluoride. The patient's fluoride regimen was altered, and within a short period his urinary fluoride levels returned to normal and his symptoms resolved. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians prescribing home-applied high-concentration fluorides need to be cognizant of the symptoms of fluoride toxicity, carefully monitor the patient's compliance with the treatment regimen, and adjust the dosage or mode of application to control the total ingested dose of fluoride.

Arthralgia↗

PubMed2004

Probing the origins and control of shrinkage stress in dental resin composites. II. Novel method of simultaneous measurement of polymerization shrinkage stress and conversion.

This study probes the interrelationships between polymerization shrinkage stress development and the polymerization progress with a novel experimental technique. This technique is capable of real time, simultaneous measurement of double-bond conversion and shrinkage stress with the use of a noninvasive near-infrared fiber-optic system, along with a cantilever beam-based tensometer. The results from both filled and unfilled bis-GMA/TEGDMA (70:30 mass ratio) systems showed that the shrinkage stress buildup was concentrated in the latter stages of polymerization, with its dramatic increase linked to the asymptotic approach of conversion to its limiting value. The monotonic increase of shrinkage stress with conversion in the vitrified state is attributed to the dramatic increase of the sample's elastic modulus during the vitrification stage and a certain amount of cooling stress as the sample cools down from the temperature rise caused by the exothermic polymerization and light absorption. Excellent reproducibility of both the polymerization kinetics assessment and the shrinkage stress measurement has been achieved.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2004

Three-body wear of dental resin composites reinforced with silica-fused whiskers.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies used silica-fused whiskers to increase the strength and toughness of resin composites. This study investigated the three-body wear of whisker composites. It was hypothesized that the whisker composites would be more wear resistant than composites reinforced with fine glass particles, and the whisker-to-silica filler ratio would significantly affect wear. METHODS: Silica particles were mixed with silicon nitride whiskers at seven different whisker/(whisker + silica) mass fractions (%): 0, 16.7, 33.3, 50, 66.7, 83.3, and 100. Each mixture was heated at 800 degrees C to fuse the silica particles onto the whiskers. Each powder was then silanized and incorporated into a dental resin to make the wear specimens. A four-station wear machine was used with specimens immersed in a slurry containing polymethyl methacrylate beads, and a steel pin was loaded and rotated against the specimen at a maximum load of 76 N. RESULTS: Whisker-to-silica ratio had significant effects (one-way ANOVA; p < 0.001) on wear. After 4 x 10(5) wear cycles, the whisker composite at whisker/(whisker + silica) of 16.7% had a wear scar diameter (mean +/- sd; n = 6) of (643 +/- 39) microm and a wear depth of (82 +/- 19) microm, significantly less than a wear scar diameter of (1184 +/- 34) microm and a wear depth of (173 +/- 15) microm of a commercial prosthetic composite reinforced with fine glass particles (Tukey's multiple comparison). SEM examination revealed that, instead of whiskers protruding from the worn surface, the whiskers were worn with the composite surface, resulting in relatively smooth wear surfaces. SIGNIFICANCE: Silica-fused whisker reinforcement produced dental resin composites that exhibited high resistance to wear with smooth wear surfaces. These properties, together with the strength and fracture toughness being twice those of current glass particle-reinforced composites, may help extend the use of resin composite to large stress-bearing posterior restorations.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2004

Amorphous calcium phosphates for tooth mineralization.

The destruction of tooth structure through caries and erosive processes is due to two types of acidic challenges that affect the tooth in different ways. Acidic attack by cariogenic bacteria initially produces subsurface lesions that weaken the enamel and, if left unchecked, can progress through the enamel and dentin and eventually into the pulpal cavity. Erosive attack by acidic foods and beverages removes mineral from the surface of enamel and initially causes dulling and loss of tooth luster; if left unchecked, it can progress to a more severe loss of enamel thickness and contour. This article focuses on the potential means of improving the cosmetic appearance of teeth by depositing mineral into surface defects. Several approaches use the unique properties of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) compounds, which have the highest rates of formation and dissolution among all the calcium phosphates. ACP has been shown to rapidly hydrolyze to form apatite, similar to carbonated apatite, the tooth mineral. Products containing ACP or ingredients that form ACP can include toothpastes, mouth rinses, artificial saliva, chewing gums, topically applied coatings, and other vehicles for topical use. When applied, they readily precipitate ACPs on and into tooth-surface defects. These products hopefully will provide users with new tools to restore and enhance the smoothness and luster of their teeth.

Calcium Phosphates↗

PubMed2003

Effects of different whiskers on the reinforcement of dental resin composites.

OBJECTIVE: Whiskers were recently used to reinforce dental composites to extend their use to large stress-bearing restorations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different types of whiskers on composite properties. METHODS: Silicon nitride and silicon carbide whiskers were each mixed with silica particles at whisker/silica mass ratios of 0:1, 1:5, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 5:1, and 1:0, and thermally treated. The composite was heat-cured at 140 degrees C. Strength and fracture toughness were measured in flexure, while elastic modulus and hardness were measured with nano-indentation. RESULTS: Both whisker type and whisker/silica ratio had significant effects on composite properties (two-way ANOVA; p<0.001). Silicon nitride whiskers increased the composite strength and toughness more than did silicon carbide. Silicon carbide whiskers increased the modulus and hardness more than silicon nitride did. The silicon nitride whisker composite reached a strength (mean+/-SD; n=6) of 246+/-33 MPa at whisker/silica of 1:1, while the silicon carbide whisker composite reached 210+/-14 MPa at 5:1. Both were significantly higher than 114+/-18 MPa of a prosthetic control and 109+/-23 MPa of an inlay/onlay control (Tukey's multiple comparison test; family confidence coefficient=0.95). Fracture toughness and work-of-fracture were also increased by a factor of two. Higher whisker/silica ratio reduced the composite brittleness to 1/3 that of the inlay/onlay control. SIGNIFICANCE: Whisker type and whisker/silica ratio are key microstructural parameters that determine the composite properties. Reinforcement with silica-fused whiskers results in novel dental composites that possess substantially higher strength and fracture toughness, and lower brittleness than the non-whisker control composites.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2003

Properties of elastomeric calcium phosphate cement-chitosan composites.

OBJECTIVE: Self-hardening calcium phosphate cements (CPC) have been shown to be efficacious in a number of clinical applications. For some applications it is desirable to have CPC in a non-rigid resorbable elastomeric matrix. In the present study, chitosan was evaluated as the matrix for preparing CPC-chitosan composites. METHODS: Cement specimens were prepared by mixing CPC powder (an equimolar mixture of tetracalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous) with a chitosan solution at a powder/liquid ratio of 2-2.5. The setting time was measured by a Gilmore needle method. A standard three-point flexural test was used to fracture the specimens at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis was used to determine the conversion of the CPC to hydroxyapatite. RESULTS: The CPC-chitosan composites were more stable in water than conventional CPC. They did not disintegrate even when placed in water immediately after mixing. The CPC-chitosan paste hardened within 10 min in all cases. The 1d mean flexural modulus (GPa) for the control CPC was 5.3 (0.3) (mean (standard deviation); n=5), and that for CPC-chitosan composites were between 2.7 (0.3) and 4.7 (0.3). The 1d mean flexural strength (MPa) for the control was 16.6 (1.9), and that for the CPC-chitosan ranged from 4.5 (0.5) and 12.0 (1.0) (n=5). Chitosan did not interfere the conversion of CPC components to hydroxyapatite. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that CPC-chitosan composites are stable in a wet environment and have acceptable mechanical strengths for clinical applications.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2002

Dental resin composites containing silica-fused whiskers--effects of whisker-to-silica ratio on fracture toughness and indentation properties.

Dental resin composites need to be strengthened in order to improve their performance in large stress-bearing applications such as crowns and multiple-unit restorations. Recently, silica-fused ceramic whiskers were used to reinforce dental composites, and the whisker-to-silica ratio was found to be a key microstructural parameter that determined the composite strength. The aim of this study was to further investigate the effects of whisker-to-silica ratio on the fracture toughness, elastic modulus, hardness and brittleness of the composite. Silica particles and silicon carbide whiskers were mixed at whisker:silica mass ratios of 0:1, 1:5. 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 5:1, and 1:0. Each mixture was thermally fused, silanized and combined with a dental resin at a filler mass percentage of 60%. Fracture toughness was measured with a single-edge notched beam method. Elastic modulus and hardness were measured with a nano-indentation system. Whisker:silica ratio had significant effects on composite properties. The composite toughness (mean+/-SD; n = 9) at whisker:silica = 2:1 was (2.47+/-0.28) MPa m(1/2), significantly higher than (1.02+/-0.23) at whisker:silica = 0:1, (1.13+/-0.19) of a prosthetic composite control, and (0.95+/-0.11) of an inlay/onlay composite control (Tukey's at family confidence coefficient = 0.95). Elastic modulus increased monotonically and hardness plateaued with increasing the whisker:silica ratio. Increasing the whisker:silica ratio also decreased the composite brittleness, which became about 1/3 of that of the inlay:onlay control. Electron microscopy revealed relatively flat fracture surfaces for the controls, but much rougher ones for the whisker composites, with fracture steps and whisker pullout contributing to toughness. The whiskers appeared to be well-bonded with the matrix, probably due to the fused silica producing rough whisker surfaces. Reinforcement with silica-fused whiskers resulted in novel dental composites that possessed fracture toughness two times higher than, and brittleness less than half of current dental composites.

Carbon Compounds, Inorganic↗

PubMed2002

Effect of thermal cycling on whisker-reinforced dental resin composites.

The mechanical properties of dental resin composites need to be improved in order to extend their use to high stress-bearing applications such as crown and bridge restorations. Recent studies used single crystal ceramic whiskers to reinforce dental composites. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of thermal cycling on whisker-reinforced composites. It was hypothesized that the whisker composites would not show a reduction in mechanical properties or the breakdown of whisker-resin interface after thermal cycling. Silicon carbide whiskers were mixed with silica particles, thermally fused, then silanized and incorporated into resin to make flexural specimens. The filler mass fraction ranged from 0% to 70%. The specimens were thermal cycled in 5 degrees C and 60 degrees C water baths, and then fractured in three-point bending to measure strength. Nano-indentation was used to measure modulus and hardness. No significant loss in composite strength, modulus and hardness was found after 10(5) thermal cycles (family confidence coefficient=0.95; Tukey's multiple comparison test). The strength of whisker composite increased with filler level up to 60%, then plateaued when filler level was further increased to 70%; the modulus and hardness increased monotonically with filler level. The strength and modulus of whisker composite at 70% filler level were significantly higher than the non-whisker controls both before and after thermal cycling. SEM revealed no separation at the whisker-matrix interfaces, and observed resin remnants on the pulled-out whiskers, indicating strong whisker-resin bonding even after 10(5) thermal cycles. In conclusion, novel dental resin composites containing silica-fused whiskers possessed superior strength and modulus compared to non-whisker composites both before and after thermal cycling. The whisker-resin bonding appeared to be resistant to thermal cycling in water, so that no loss in composite strength or stiffness occurred after prolonged thermal cycling.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Curing-light intensity and depth of cure of resin-based composites tested according to international standards.

BACKGROUND: Several factors control the light curing of a resin-based composite: the composition of the composite, the shade of the composite, the wavelength and bandwidth of the curing light, the distance of the light from the composite, the intensity of the curing light and the irradiation time. The authors investigated the depth of cure of several shades of five brands of resin-based composites when irradiated via light in the 400- to 515-nanometer wavelength bandwidth at the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, recommended intensity of 300 milliwatts per square centimeter. The resin-based composites were irradiated for the times recommended by the products' manufacturers. METHODS: The authors used a curing light adjusted to emit 300 mW/cm2 in the 400-nm to 515-nm wavelength bandwidth to polymerize five samples of each composite brand type and shade. They measured depth of cure using a scraping method described in the ISO standard for resin-based composites. Depth of cure was defined as 50 percent of the length of the composite specimen after uncured material was removed by manual scraping. The authors determined a mean from the five samples of each composite brand and shade. RESULTS: Thirteen (62 percent) of 21 composite materials met the ISO standard depth-of-cure requirement of 1.5 millimeters. Six of the eight remaining materials met the depth-of-cure requirement when the authors doubled the irradiation time recommended by the product manufacturers. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Curing lights with an intensity of 300 mW/cm2 appear to effectively cure most resin-based composite materials when appropriate curing times are used, which, in some cases, are longer than those recommended by the manufacturers. Dentists should verify the depth of cure of a composite material as a baseline measure, and then check depth of cure periodically to confirm light and material performance. The ISO depth-of-cure measurement method can be used for this purpose.

Composite Resins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The clinical effect of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) on root surface hypersensitivity.

Dentin hypersensitivity is a transient condition that often resolves with the natural sclerotic obturation of dentin tubules. A method of rapidly forming calcium phosphate compounds within these tubules can mimic sclerosis and lead to rapid reduction in hypersensitivity. Amorphous calcium phosphates (ACP) can be formed in situ by the sequential application of calcium and phosphate solutions. In this clinical study, 30 patients with reported dentin hypersensitivity were randomly assigned to parallel treatment or placebo groups. In the experimental treatment group, ACP was formed by topical application of a 1.5 mol/L aqueous solution of CaCl2 followed by topical application of 1.0 mol/L aqueous K3PO4. The placebo group was treated with a topical application of 1.0 mol/L aqueous solution of KCl followed by topical application of distilled water. Treatments were repeated at the 7-day and 28-day recall appointments. Response to air and tactile stimuli were measured immediately before treatment using a visual analog scale initially on day 1, then on days 7, 28 and 180. The results showed that both the experimental and placebo treatments resulted in a reduction in hypersensitivity at 180 days. However, the ACP treatment group showed a much more rapid reduction in hypersensitivity over time. The change in sensitivity was much more apparent using the air stimulus than the tactile stimulus. These results show that topical placement of ACP can rapidly reduce dentin hypersensitivity.

Adult↗