Biomedical subjects

R M Carvalho

Publications and source records attributed to R M Carvalho.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Tensile strength of human dentin as a function of tubule orientation and density.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of human dentin as a function of tubule orientation and density. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Slabs of dentin (ca 0.7 mm thick) were obtained from human third molars by either transversally or longitudinally sectioning the crowns with an Isomet saw. The slabs were gently trimmed to reduce the central area of the coronal dentin to a cross-sectional area of approximately 0.5 mm2. The longitudinally sectioned slabs were either trimmed from the mesial and distal sides or from the occlusal and pulpal aspects to permit the tensile load to be applied either parallel or perpendicular to the tubule orientation. The transversally sectioned specimens were obtained at several distances from the pulp and were used to evaluate the effects of tubule density. The trimmed specimens were tested in tension on a Kratos testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. After failure, the UTS of each was calculated and expressed in MPa. The fractured ends of the transversally sectioned specimens were viewed under SEM to calculate the number of tubules per mm2 at the site of fracture, and its relation with the UTS was investigated by regression analysis. RESULTS: The UTS of dentin is higher when the load is applied perpendicular to the tubule orientation (80 +/- 13 MPa) than when applied parallel to tubule orientation (58 +/- 11 MPa, p < 0.05). There was a tendency for dentin to be weaker as the number of tubules at the site of fracture increased, although this relationship was not statistically significant (R2 = 0.051, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The UTS of dentin is dependent on the tubule direction. Dentin tends to be weaker as the number of tubules per area increases.

Dental Stress Analysis↗

PubMed2001

The influence of tubule density and area of solid dentin on bond strength of two adhesive systems to dentin.

PURPOSE: To determine the correlation between the tubule density (TD) and the area occupied by solid dentin (ASD) with the bond strength of one conventional and one self-etching adhesive system to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The crown of extracted human third molars was transversally sectioned with a diamond saw to expose either superficial, middle, or deep dentin. The three groups of dentin surfaces were randomly divided and bonded with either Clearfil Liner Bond 2V (LB) or Prime & Bond 2.1 (PB) adhesive systems according to manufacturer's directions. Resin composite buildup crowns (10.0 mm high) were incrementally constructed on the bonded surfaces and the teeth stored in water at 37 degrees C. After 24 h of storage, the teeth were vertically, serially sectioned in both x and y directions to obtain several bonded sticks of approximately 0.7 mm2 cross-sectional area. Each stick was tested in tension in a EMIC DL-500 tester at 0.5 mm/min until failure. After testing, the dentin side of the fractured specimen was gently abraded with a 1000-grit SiC paper, etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s and allowed to air dry. SEM micrographs at 1000x and 4000x magnification were taken to permit calculation of the TD (number of tubules/mm2) and ASD (% of total area) at the site of fracture. Correlation between TD and ASD with the bond strength data was performed by linear regression. All statistical analysis was done with alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: Overall bond strength (MPa) for LB was 26.0 +/- 10.2, and 42.6 +/- 15.2 for PB. There was a significant direct relationship between bond strength and ASD for both materials (r2 = 0.20, p < 0.05 and r2 = 0.66, p < 0.01, respectively for LB and PB). PB bond strength dropped significantly as the TD increased (r2 = 0.63, p < 0.05), while LB was not sensitive to TD (r2 = 0.05, p > 0.05). Mean bond strength of PB was significantly higher than LB for both superficial and middle dentin (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference for deep dentin (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Regional variations in TD and ASD may modify bond strength of both conventional and self-etching adhesive systems. Bonding sites with larger ASD seem to yield higher bond strengths regardless of the type of adhesive system used.

Acetone↗

PubMed2000

Permeability of demineralized dentin to HEMA.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to develop a macromodel of the demineralized layer of dentin that is formed after acid-etching, and to determine if the amount of HEMA uptake was responsive to air drying. The hypothesis that was tested was that HEMA uptake by demineralized dentin depends upon the degree of expansion of the collagen fibril network. METHODS: Dentin cubes (2 x 2 x 2 mm) were prepared in coronal dentin from extracted unerupted human third molars. They were incubated in 100% HEMA for up to 1000 min and then removed and blotted free of excess adherent HEMA. The HEMA taken up by each cube was extracted in 2 ml of water for 1 hr with shaking. This was repeated and the extracts combined. HEMA was quantitated spectrophometrically. The dentin cubes were then demineralized in 0.5 M EDTA for 10 days and the HEMA uptake remeasured at 1, 10, 100 and 1000 min. Then the cubes were air-dried and the HEMA uptake remeasured. After re-expanding the specimens in water, the cubes were stiffened in ascending concentrations of acetone of 100%, then allowed to air dry again in a more expanded state, and HEMA uptake was remeasured. Finally, after rehydration, the dentin cubes were "acid-etched" for 1 or 10 min with 37 wt% phosphoric acid and HEMA uptake remeasured. RESULTS: Before demineralization, the dentin took up little HEMA (ca. 4.8 x 10(-7) moles min-3) compared to after demineralization when the uptake for 10, 100 and 1000 min was 27.4, 43.8 and 51.4 x 10(-3) moles mm-3, respectively. Acid etching for 1 or 10 min had no effect on HEMA uptake. Air drying produced a 72% volumetric shrinkage but a 97% reduction in uptake. When the demineralized matrix was stiffened in acetone prior to air-drying, the volumetric shrinkage was only 27% and the HEMA uptake only fell 16% compared to the wet, fully expanded condition. SIGNIFICANCE: The results support the hypothesis that the uptake of HEMA by demineralized dentin depends on the degree of expansion of the dentin matrix.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed2000

H+-induced tension development in demineralized dentin matrix.

Recent atomic force microscopy studies have shown that acid-etching dentin causes the surface to recede. The purpose of this work was to test the hypothesis that acidic solutions can cause contraction of demineralized dentin matrix. Small beams of dentin were cut from extracted human third molars. The central region of each specimen was completely demineralized in EDTA. Specimens held in a tester were immersed in acidic solutions, and the amount of tension was recorded. Test variables included gauge length, cross-sectional area, pre-strain, and pH. The results showed that immersion of demineralized dentin in acidic solutions caused tension that was directly related both to H+ concentration at pH < 2 and to pre-strain. The contractile stress development (ca. 0.2-0.4 MPa) was sufficient to cause a collapse of demineralized dentin matrix. The mechanism for this effect probably involves H+-induced conformation changes in the collagen matrix.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed2000

Effects of prism orientation on tensile strength of enamel.

PURPOSE: This study tested the hypothesis that the tensile strength of enamel varies according to prismatic orientation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight extracted, caries-free human third molars were thoroughly cleaned with pumice and water. The entire enamel surface was conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid for 30 s, air dried, and bonded with Single Bond adhesive system. Several layers of composite (Z-100) were incrementally applied to the crown to build up a "cube-like" resin structure approximately 5 mm thick covering the entire crown of the teeth. The teeth were stored for 24 h in water at 37 degrees C, and then the crown was serially, vertically sectioned in a mesio-distal direction to obtain several slices approximately 0.7 mm thick. The slices were sectioned into halves, and each half was gently trimmed from both sides with a diamond bur to reduce the cross-sectional area to a "neck" located in enamel, either on the external slope or functional slope of the cusps. The specimens were trimmed to permit testing of enamel with its prisms either oriented parallel (PL) or perpendicular (PD) to the applied load. The trimmed specimens were glued to the fixtures of a Vitrodyne tester and stressed in tension at 0.5 mm/min. SEM images were taken from the fractured surfaces to examine the site of failure and confirm the prism orientation. RESULTS: Mean tensile strength of enamel was 24.7 +/- 9.6 MPa (n = 22) for PL and 11.4 +/- 6.3 MPa (n = 22) for PD oriented enamel prisms (t value = -5.45, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between specimens originating from different slopes of the cusps (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that tensile strength of enamel is dependent on the prismatic orientation.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed2000

Mechanical disruption of dentin collagen fibrils during resin-dentin bond testing.

PURPOSE: To determine if collagen fibrils on the dentin side of failed resin-dentin interfaces undergo mechanical disruption during microtensile bond testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracted, caries-free human third molars were divided into four groups. The occlusal enamel was removed, leaving a flat dentin surface for bonding. Resin composite buildups were made after the acid-conditioned dentin was bonded with either Single Bond (S) or One-Step (O), and using either moist bonding (M) or air drying for 5 s (D). After storage in water for 24 h, the teeth were vertically sectioned into an array of 0.9 x 0.9 mm resin composite-dentin beams. They were stressed to failure using the nontrimming version of the microtensile bond test. Fractured dentin and resin composite sides of representative beams from each group that exhibited adhesive failures under light microscopy examination were prepared for scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: A two-way ANOVA showed that moist bond strengths were significantly higher than those made to dry dentin (M > D; p < 0.001), but that there was no difference between the adhesives (S vs O; p = 0.547). SEM analysis showed the presence of loose collagen fibrils within fractured hybrid layers in the dry groups, but not in the moist groups. TEM examination of the dry-bonded groups revealed collagen fibrils that were thinner and exhibited abnormally wide interfibrillar spaces when hybrid layers were intact. Within dry-bonded fractured hybrid layers, broad mechanical disruption zones could be seen, consisting of fibrils that were devoid of cross banding, defibrillation of the subfibrillar architecture, and gross disaggregation into microfibrils. In the moist-bonded groups, only short mechanical disruption zones were found along the torn edges of the collagen fibrils. The rest of the fibrils beyond the fracture site were intact and retained their periodicity. Mechanical testing of demineralized matrices yielded a maximum modulus of elasticity of 43.9 +/- 6.1 MPa. CONCLUSION: We speculate that adhesive resin has a protective function for demineralized collagen in well-infiltrated hybrid layers. We propose that both the collagen and resin contribute to load sharing during stress application until the final moment of rupture. On the other hand, collagen fibrils in poorly infiltrated hybrid layers, being unsupported by resin, undergo various degrees of irreversible mechanical disruption depending on how the stress is dissipated. The collagen fibril network has a much lower modulus of elasticity compared to those of resin-infiltrated fibrils or the demineralized dentin.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed2000

Long-term mechanical properties of EDTA-demineralized dentin matrix.

PURPOSE: To determine the long-term ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and modulus of elasticity (E) of EDTA-demineralized human dentin after storage in PBS (phosphate buffered saline) for up to 48 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentin beams measuring 0.7 x 0.7 x 8.0 mm were prepared from the crowns of extracted human third molars. The ends of the beams were covered with resin composite and demineralized for 6 days in 0.5 mol/L EDTA (pH = 7.0). Demineralized control specimens were subjected to tensile testing at 0.5 mm/min after 24 hours of immersion in PBS solution. Experimental specimens were stored in PBS at room temperature (25 degrees C) and tested after 18 and 48 months. The maximum load at failure and the load/displacement curves were used to calculate the UTS as a function of the cross-sectional area and E, respectively. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Student Neuman Keuls tests. TEM micrographs were obtained from the control specimens and from those that were stored and tested after 48 months. RESULTS: No significant changes in either UTS or E were observed in the specimens after long-term storage. The 48-month values were not statistically significantly different from the values obtained at 24 hours (p > 0.05). TEM images revealed a normal, intact structure of the collagen fibrils with no signs of degradation or denaturation. CONCLUSION: Long-term storage of EDTA-demineralized human dentin in PBS solution did not cause any significant reduction of its mechanical properties. The structure of the collagen fibrils as observed by TEM appeared normal and did not seem affected by long-term storage.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1999

Regional measurement of resin-dentin bonding as an array.

During the development of the microtensile bond-testing method, large variations in bond strengths were noted among serial sections. The reason for these variations is unknown. The purpose of this work was to determine the consistency of resin-dentin bond strengths across the occlusal surface of coronal dentin by dividing composite resin buildups into an array of 1x1 mm beams, the top half consisting of composite resin, and the bottom half consisting of dentin. Extracted human third molars had the occlusal enamel removed as a single section by means of a diamond saw. Resin composite buildups were made after the dentin was bonded with either One-Step or MacBond. After being stored in 37 degrees C water for 1 day, the teeth were vertically sectioned at 1-mm increments into slabs of bonded teeth. Each slab was further subdivided by vertical sections into 1x1x8 mm beams. Each beam was assigned an x-y coordinate and tested for tensile bond strength. Two different clinicians (A and B) performed the same procedures using One-Step in a parallel study. Using One-Step, clinician A obtained a large number of zero bonds in superficial dentin but fewer in deep dentin. This resulted in a very large standard deviation in bond strengths (mean +/- SD of 22+/-20 MPa in superficial dentin and 27+/-14 MPa in deep dentin). Clinician B obtained much higher (p<0.001) and more uniform bond strengths with One-Step (56+/-13 MPa in superficial dentin and 57+/-12 MPa in deep dentin). With MacBond, there were no zero bonds and hence less variation, with a mean of 41+/-13 MPa in superficial dentin and 27+/-12 MPa (x +/- SD) in deep dentin. When pairs of Z100 resin composite cylinders were bonded together with One-Step and then sectioned into an array, there was little variation in regional bond strength (37 +/-1 MPa). Dividing bonded resin composite buildups into an array of 20 to 30 1x1x8 mm beams allows for the evaluation of uniformity of resin-dentin bonds. The method used in this study detected local regional differences in resin-dentin bond strengths. The largest differences were shown to be related to technique rather than to material. The results indicate that resin-dentin bonds may not be as homogenous as was previously thought.

Adhesiveness↗

PubMed1999

The microtensile bond test: a review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this review is to describe all of the various modifications of the microtensile bond test in one paper, so that investigators can select the modification that best suits their needs. METHODS: The essence of the microtensile test is the division of resin-bonded teeth into slabs between 0.5 and 1.0 mm thick that are then trimmed in such a manner that tensile force will be concentrated on the bonded interface during testing. Among the many advantages of the technique are that each tooth produces multiple specimens. Further, there is no need for a matrix to limit the bonded surface area, since the area is determined by the dimensions of the trimmed specimens. RESULTS: The various modifications of the microtensile test have been used to measure differences in regional bond strength across occlusal dentin, down the external surface of teeth from crown through roots, down the internal surface of root canals from cervical to apical thirds, as well as to compare normal vs caries-affected occlusal dentin and normal vs sclerotic cervical dentin. The technique is ideal for evaluating the long-term durability of resin-hard-tissue bonds. CONCLUSION: The microtensile test methods offer versatility that cannot be achieved by conventional methods. It is more labor-intensive than conventional testing, but holds great potential for providing insight into the strength of adhesion of restorative materials to clinically relevant sites and substrates.

Dental Bonding↗

PubMed1999

Durability of resin-dentin bonds.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if the durability of resin-dentin bonds could be evaluated more quickly if the bond specimen was divided into 1 x 1 x 8 mm beams incubated at 37 degrees C for a 90-day period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracted human third molars were prepared for bonding by removing the occlusal surface near the dento-enamel junction (superficial dentin group) or near the pulp (deep dentin group). The teeth were bonded either with MacBond, One Step or Clearfil Liner Bond 2, and then builtup to form a flat resin composite crown. After 24 hours in water, each buildup was vertically divided into slabs 1 mm thick, the top half of which was resin, with the bottom half as dentin. Each slab was then vertically sectioned at 1-mm increments to create 1 x 1 x 8-mm beams of resin-bonded dentin. They were incubated for 1 day or 90 days at 37 degrees C, followed by measurement of the tensile bond strengths. The results were analyzed by the Least-Squares Means method at the 95% confidence level. RESULTS: MacBond gave the highest (p < 0.05) 1-day bond strengths to superficial dentin, but significantly lower bond strengths were measured in deep dentin. There were no significant differences in the bond strengths of either One Step or Clearfil Liner Bond 2 to superficial vs deep dentin at 1 day, but at 90 days their bond strengths to deep dentin had fallen significantly (p < 0.05). Prepolymerized cylinders of resin composite bonded together with One Step showed little variation in bond strength over the 90-day experiment. SEM examination of the failed bonds showed increased porosity in intertubular dentin over time. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that division of large specimens into many small beams accelerated the deterioration of bond strength in deep dentin in all three bonding systems and in both superficial and deep dentin in the MacBond treated specimens. This method seems promising for studying the durability of resin-dentin bonds.

Alkanes↗

PubMed1998

Fracture strength of weakened human premolars restored with amalgam with and without cusp coverage.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of cusp coverage with amalgam restorations on the fracture strength of weakened human maxillary premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 extracted human maxillary premolars were divided into three groups; Group A (control): uncut teeth, Group B: wide MOD cavities prepared and the pulp chamber's roof removed. The teeth were restored with amalgam without cusp coverage, Group C: same as Group B plus cusp reduction and restored with amalgam. The teeth were included in metal rings with self-curing polystyrene resin and stored in water for 24 hrs. The restorations were refined with rubber points, polished and further stored in water for 24 hrs before being subjected to a compressive axial load in a Universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. RESULTS: The mean fracture strength obtained was: Group A: 173.3 Kgf, Group B: 47.3 Kgf and Group C: 127.7 Kgf. All values were statistically significantly different (P < 0.05). The amalgam restoration of weakened human premolars with cusp coverage amalgam significantly increased the fracture strength of the teeth (63%) as compared to teeth restored without cusp coverage. The results showed that cusp coverage with amalgam might be an option for restoring weakened endodontically-treated teeth.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1997

Dentine permeability and dentine adhesion.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this paper are to review the structure of dentine as it pertains to adhesive bonding and to describe the importance of resin permeation into dentinal tubules and into spaces created between collagen fibrils by acid-etching during resin bonding. The advantages and disadvantages of separate acid-etching, priming and adhesive applications are discussed. DATA SOURCES: Although not an exhaustive review, the concepts included in the review were obtained from the dentine bonding literature. STUDY SELECTION: Attempts were made to critically evaluate what is known about dentine permeability and adhesion and what remains to be discovered. Speculations were made on a number of controversial issues that are not yet resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Acid-etching of dentine produces profound changes in the chemical composition and physical properties of the matrix which can influence the quality of resin-dentine bonds, their strength and perhaps their durability.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed1996

In vitro study on the dimensional changes of human dentine after demineralization.

Dentine rods measuring approximately 0.7 x 0.7 x 5.0 mm were prepared from dentine of extracted human third molars stored in saline containing 0.5% sodium azide at 4 degrees C until used. Forty specimens were demineralized in 10% citric acid plus 3% ferric chloride (w/w) solution for 8 h, then assigned to four groups (A, B, C and D) of 10 specimens each. Groups A and B were used to investigate volumetric changes after air-drying and further immersion in either water, an aqueous solution of 50% 2-hydroxymethylmethacrylate (HEMA) or 100% HEMA, followed by air-drying. Groups C and D were used to investigate the ability of 100% HEMA or 100% ethylene glycol to prevent shrinkage of demineralized dentine during exposure to air. Demineralization caused a small, non-significant (1.9%) reduction in dentine volume. Air-drying further reduced the volume by 65.6%. When demineralized, shrunken specimens were immersed in water for 24 h, they recovered their original demineralized volume. Immersion in 100% HEMA did not re-expand demineralized shrunken dentine. Specimens immersed in 50% HEMA yielded a 50% volume shrinkage when exposed to air for 24 h. Both 100% HEMA and 100% ethylene glycol were effective in preventing shrinkage of demineralized dentine. The technique used provided useful information about maximal dimensional changes that may occur at a microscopic level during adhesive dental restorative procedures.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed1996

Dimensional changes of demineralized human dentine during preparation for scanning electron microscopy.

Dentine rods measuring approx. 0.7 x 0.7 x 5.0mm were prepared from the crowns of extracted human third molars. The specimens were demineralized in 0.5 M EDTA (pH 7.0) for 3 days and their volume measured with a digital micrometer under a dissecting microscope. The specimens were randomly assigned to experimental groups and were chemically dehydrated in acetone. Next they were dried using either hexamethyldisilazane, Peldri II, or critical-point drying techniques. The dimensions of the specimens were measured again after each step and the changes in volume were expressed as a percentage of the original demineralized volume. The effects of fixing the specimens in 10% buffered formalin before dehydration with acetone were also investigated for every drying procedure. Dehydration in acetone caused a small but significant reduction in the volume of demineralized formalin-fixed specimens but unfixed specimens did not change significantly. In general, all three drying procedures caused some shrinkage in demineralized dentine specimens. Unfixed specimens exhibited a volumetric shrinkage of approx. 15-20% after drying with any of the methods. Fixed specimens shrank more than unfixed specimens after drying (25-35%). Regardless of the drying technique, the specimens shrank a further 10-20% when measured in the vacuum chamber of the scanning electron microscope. Among the three drying techniques employed, hexamethyldisilazane seems to be a very useful alternative to critical-point drying for the preparation of dentine specimens for scanning electron microscopy.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed1996

Regional bond strengths of resins to human root dentine.

OBJECTIVES: The demand for restoration of root dentine defects such as cervical erosion and root caries has significantly increased recently, but there is limited information on the performance of the adhesive resins to radicular dentine. The purpose of this study was to measure the regional tensile bond strength (TBS) of composite bonded to human root and coronal dentine, and to observe the interface between resin and root dentine by SEM. METHODS: Human extracted cuspid teeth were used to measure TBS with a new microtensile bond test. Enamel and cementum were removed from the labial tooth surfaces to form a long cavity preparation into dentine from the mid-crown to the apex of the root within the same tooth. All Bond 2 (all etch technique) or Imperva Bond (no etch) was bonded to dentine surfaces and covered with Protect Liner resin composite. The resin-bonded teeth were serially sliced into 16 sections at right angles to the long axis of the tooth, and the bonded surfaces were trimmed to give a bonded surface area of 1 mm2 for TBS testing. RESULTS: All Bond 2 bond strengths to coronal and apical dentine showed high values (23.5 MPa) but the bond strength was significantly lower on cervical root dentine. Imperva Bond produced a relatively high tensile bond strength to all regional areas. SEM showed that the thickness of the resin-infiltrated layer formed by All Bond 2 in root dentine was less than coronal areas. Resin infiltration with Imperva Bond was always less than 0.5 micron. The results suggest that high TBS values can be obtained with minimal resin infiltration in root dentine.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed1996

Regional strengths of bonding agents to cervical sclerotic root dentin.

The regional bond strengths of three current-generation bonding systems (All Bond 2, Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, and Clearfil Liner Bond 2) were measured in natural wedge-shaped defects in the cervical area of extracted human teeth. A microtensile testing method was used to compare the strengths of resin bonds made to occlusal margins with those made to gingival margins. Controls consisted of normal teeth which had artificial wedge-shaped defects, of the same depth and dimension, created with a high-speed bur. The results indicated that there were no regional differences in bond strength, although bonds made to natural lesions were from 20 to 45% lower than those made to normal dentin in artificially created wedge-shaped defects, depending on the bonding agent. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that Clearfil Liner Bond 2 created the thinnest hybrid layers, which were difficult to measure in the natural lesions. The natural lesions contained sclerotic dentin, whereas the artificial lesions were composed of normal dentin. Although the bond strengths to sclerotic dentin were lower than those to normal dentin, the absolute values (ca. 16 to 17 MPa) were high relative to previous-generation bonding agents.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed1996

The effects of acetone, ethanol, HEMA, and air on the stiffness of human decalcified dentin matrix.

During resin-bonding procedures, dentin surfaces are treated with acidic conditioners to remove the smear layer and decalcify the surface to expose the collagen fibrils of the underlying matrix. These decalcified surfaces are then either air-dried or treated with dehydrating solvents, procedures which may modify the physical properties of the dentin matrix. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dehydration on the stiffness of the decalcified dentin matrix. Small (8 x 1.7 x 0.9 mm) beams of dentin were prepared from mid-coronal dentin of extracted human molars. The ends were covered with varnish for protection, and the specimens were placed in 0.5 M EDTA for 5 days to decalcify. The stiffness was measured by both the cantilever technique and by conventional stress-strain testing. Specimens tested by the cantilever technique were sequentially exposed to water, acetone, alcohol, HEMA, and glutaraldehyde. Specimens tested by conventional stress-strain testing were exposed either to water, acetone, or HEMA, or were allowed to air-dry. The results indicate that the stiffness of decalcified human dentin matrix is very low (ca. 7 MPa), if the specimens are wet with water. As they are dehydrated, either chemically in water-miscible organic solvents or physically in air, the stiffness increases 20- to 38-fold at low strains or three- to six-fold at high strains. These increases in modulus were rapidly reversed by rehydration in water. Exposure to glutaraldehyde also produced an increase in stiffness that was not reversible when the specimens were placed back in water.

Acetone↗

PubMed1996

Clinical evaluation of gallium alloy as a posterior restorative material.

This study evaluated 30 gallium alloy (Gallium alloy GF) and 31 amalgam (Dispersalloy) restorations over a period of 8 months in both Class I and Class II cavity preparations in 28 human subjects. At baseline, all gallium alloy and amalgam restorations were considered acceptable (Alfa) in terms of caries, anatomic form, marginal adaptation, surface texture, and bulk fracture. Postoperative sensitivity was reported in 67% of the gallium alloy restorations and in 29% of the amalgam restorations. At 8 months, 61% of the gallium alloy restorations were rated Beta for marginal adaptation, and all restorations exhibited tarnish and corrosion. With a few exceptions, the amalgam restorations were rated Alfa for those criteria. Three gallium alloy restorations had to be replaced during the evaluation period because of severe postoperative sensitivity and 39% of gallium restorations still presented some sensitivity at 8 months. Additional problems exhibited by gallium restorations were tooth fractures, tooth cracks, and marginal whitening.

Alloys↗