PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “DENTAL RESTORATION, PERMANENT”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

Antibacterial effects and physical properties of glass-ionomer cements containing chlorhexidine for the ART approach.

OBJECTIVES: Since atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) involves removal of carious lesions with manual instruments, improvement of filling materials to guarantee greater success should be considered. This study aimed to evaluate antibacterial, physical, and bonding properties of glass-ionomer cements (GIC) containing chlorhexidine (CHX), and to determine optimal concentrations for incorporation of agents to obtain antibacterial GICs for use with the ART approach. METHODS: CHX diacetate combined with CHX dihydrochloride was added to control GIC powder to obtain concentration ratios of 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 1/1, or 2/2% w/w. Antibacterial activity of each cement against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei or Actinomyces naeslundii was examined using agar-diffusion methods, and release of CHX was analyzed by HPLC. Compressive strength, bond strength to dentin, and setting time were measured, and compared with those of control samples. RESULTS: All experimental GICs exhibited inhibition of three bacteria, but sizes of inhibition zones and concentrations of CHX released were not dependent upon CHX content. Incorporation of CHX diacetate at 2% or greater, significantly decreased compressive strength, and bond strength to dentin was adversely affected by addition of CHX diacetate at 2% or more (p<0.05, ANOVA, Fisher's PLSD test), although setting time was extended a little by addition of any concentrations of CHX. SIGNIFICANCE: The present results demonstrate that experimental GICs containing CHX are effective in inhibiting bacteria associated with caries, and incorporation of 1% CHX diacetate is optimal to give appropriate physical and bonding properties.

Actinomyces↗

The effects of thermocycling on the flexural strength and flexural modulus of modern resin-based filling materials.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of flexural strengths and flexural moduli of hybrids, packables, ormocers, compomers and flowables prior to, and after, thermocycling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty specimens, size (25 +/- 2) mm x (2 +/- 0.1) mm x (2+/-0.1) mm, of Herculite (HE), Point 4 (P4), TetricCeram (TC), Miris (MI), TetricCeram HB, (HB), Solitaire 2 (SO), Surefil A (SU), Definte (DE), Admira (AD), Dyract AP (DY), Compoglass (CO) and TetricFlow (TF) were made according to ISO 4049. A three-point-bending test was carried out for the first 10 specimens after 24 h water storage at 37 degrees C and for the second 10 specimens after 30-day water storage at 37 degrees C, followed by 5000 thermocycles between +5 and +55 degrees C. For each test series flexural strengths and flexural moduli were calculated. Statistical significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Flexural strengths of DY and CO missed the 80 MPa limit of ISO 4049 for occlusal fillings prior to and after thermocycling. AD missed it after thermocycling. HE, P4, TC, MI, HB, SO, SU, DE and TF did not significantly differ prior to and after thermocycling. Flexural strength of SO and AD significantly decreased after thermocycling. No change of the flexural moduli could be observed for any of the test materials. Only SU exceeded 10,000 MPa prior to and after thermocycling. SIGNIFICANCE: Only DY and CO missed the flexural strength limit of ISO 4049 for occlusal fillings. Only SU exceeded a flexural modulus of 10,000 MPa prior to and after thermocycling.

Analysis of Variance↗

On material choice and fracture susceptibility of restored teeth: an asymptotic stress analysis approach.

OBJECTIVE: The ultimate success or failure of a restored tooth is largely dependent on clinical management. Clinicians may choose from a number of restorative materials, different clinical techniques and cavity preparation procedures. The purpose of this study was to specifically examine aspects of the material choice holding other factors constant. METHODS: The current paper adopts a fundamental result in the linear theory of elasticity on the singular stress distribution in a bi-materials wedge to analyze the fracture susceptibility of different materials used for the restoration of a tooth. RESULTS: Comparable results are reported for amalgam, gold alloys and ceramic materials. It is shown that due to a wide variety of mechanical properties the application of resin-based composites could lead to improved or less fracture resistance of the restored tooth. SIGNIFICANCE: This variety in the mechanical properties for resin-based composites could be partially responsible for the contradictory evidences reported by different clinical studies. The present work contributes evidence from an analytical model to assist the restorative dentist in selection of an appropriate restorative material and guide the manufacturing companies on the preferred physical properties of newer designed materials.

Composite Resins↗

Influence of radiant exposure on contraction stress, degree of conversion and mechanical properties of resin composites.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the influence of radiant exposure (H) on contraction stress (CS), degree of conversion (DC) and mechanical properties of two restorative composites. METHODS: Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE) and Heliomolar (Ivoclar) were photoactivated with 6, 12, 24, or 36 J/cm2 at continuous irradiance of 600 mW/cm2. CS at 10 min was determined in a low compliance testing system. DC, flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM) and Knoop microhardness (KHN) were measured after 24 h storage at 37 degrees C. KHN and DC measurements were conducted on the irradiated surface of 1mm thick disk-shaped specimens. Bar-shaped specimens were submitted to three-point bending to determine FS and FM. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA/Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05) separately for each composite. RESULTS: For Filtek Z250, no significant increase in CS was observed above 12 J/cm2. DC and FM were similar at all H values, while FS increased significantly between 6 and 24 J/cm2. KHN was significantly different among all H levels, except between 12 and 24 J/cm2. For Heliomolar, CS and KHN increased significantly with H, except between 24 and 36 J/cm2. DC, FM and FS did not vary, regardless of the radiant exposure. SIGNIFICANCE: Variables tested behaved differently. CS and KHN were more sensitive to increasing radiant exposures than the other properties evaluated. FS varied only for Filtek Z250, while, for both composites, DC and FM were not affected by different H values.

Acrylic Resins↗

Bis-(acrylamide)s as new cross-linkers for resin-based composite restoratives.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the use of three new bis-(acrylamide)s as cross-linker in resin-based composite restoratives. Selected mechanical properties such as flexural strength and flexural modulus of model composites containing bis-(acrylamide)s were investigated and compared to the properties of composites that are based on only conventional dimethacrylates. In addition, the hydrolytic stability of composites containing an acidic monomer was examined. METHODS: The flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity were determined according to ISO 4049:2000. For this purpose, test specimens (2 mm x 2 mm x 25 mm) of the composites investigated were prepared in stainless steel moulds and light-cured (150 mW/cm2, 2 x 180 s). The flexural strength and flexural modulus were measured after the samples had been stored in dry conditions or in water for 24 h at 37 degrees C as well as after they had been stored in water for 7 days at 37 degrees C, and in certain cases, after they had been boiled for 24 h in water. RESULTS: Visible light cured mixtures of dimethacrylates with bis-(acrylamide)s and composites based on these mixtures show a similar reactivity, flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity compared to materials that contain only dimethacrylate. The composites did not show any deterioration of the mechanical properties after water storage. Only when strongly acidic monomers were added to the composites containing dimethacrylates or bis-(acrylamide)s did the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the samples decrease after they were stored in water. SIGNIFICANCE: Bis-(acrylamide)s were similarly reactive than dimethacrylates and therefore can be used as diluents to substitute dimethacrylate diluents in composites. Although the bis-(acrylamide)s are entirely soluble in water, non-ionic materials based on bis-(acrylamide)s did not strongly change their mechanical properties during storage in water.

Acrylamides↗

Influence of cavity dimension and restoration methods on the cusp deflection of premolars in composite restoration.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to measure the cusp deflection by polymerization shrinkage during composite restoration for mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities in premolars, and to examine the influence of cavity dimension, C-factor and restoration method on the cusp deflection. METHODS: Thirty extracted maxillary premolars of similar size were prepared with four different sizes of MOD cavity, and divided into six groups. The width and depth of the pulpal wall of the cavity were as follows: group 1: 1.5x1 mm, group 2: 1.5x2 mm, group 3: 3x1 mm, and groups 4-6: 3x2 mm. Groups 1-4 were restored using a bulk filling with a composite. Group 5 was restored incrementally, and group 6 was restored with an indirect composite inlay. Cusp deflections were measured using LVDT transducers. The cusp deflections were compared between groups using ANOVA and Scheffe tests, and a correlation analysis was done. RESULTS: The cusp deflections of groups 1-4 were 12.1 (2.2), 17.2 (1.9), 16.2 (0.8) and 26.4 (4.2) microm, respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between the length cubed divided by the thickness cubed of the remaining cusp (L3/T3) and cusp deflection. The C-factor was related to the % flexure (100xcusp deflection/cavity width). The cusp deflections of groups 5 and 6 were 17.4 (2.0) and 17.9 (1.4) microm, respectively, which were much lower values than those of group 4. SIGNIFICANCE: The cusp deflection increased with increasing cavity dimension and C-factor. Use of an incremental filling technique or an indirect composite inlay restoration could reduce the cuspal strain.

Bicuspid↗

Effect of short-term water storage on the elastic properties of some dental restorative materials--A resonant ultrasound spectroscopy study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to determine if short-term water storage would change elastic properties of dental composite materials. METHODS: Particulate filler composite resin and continuous unidirectional E-glass FRC materials were photopolymerized and additionally post-polymerized by heat for testing elastic properties with the Resonance Ultrasound Spectroscopy method as a function of time in water storage. The test specimens were stored in 37 degrees C water for up to 30 days. RESULTS: About 1% weight increase due to water sorption was observed in both materials with both polymerization methods. Water sorption did not change the resonance frequencies towards lower values, indicating no significant decrease in elastic properties in these materials. Because of high damping of the polymer composite materials leading to wide resonance peaks and low number of the recorded peaks, accurate determination of the elastic properties was not possible. SIGNIFICANCE: Results suggest that the most likely explanation for the previously observed decrease in bending stiffness of FRC materials is the decreased yield limit of the hydrated polymer matrix. It is important to recognize that water sorption has the effect on mechanical properties of dental composite materials by changing the yield limit of the matrix rather than by changing the elastic properties of the material.

Absorption↗

Immediate versus water-storage performance of Class V flowable composite restoratives.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this investigation were to clarify the effects of 24h water-storage and finishing time on mechanical properties and marginal adaptation to a Class V cavity of eight modern flowable resin-composites. METHODS: Eight flowable composites, plus two controls (one microfilled and one hybrid composite), were investigated with specimen sub-groups (n = 10) for each property measured. The principal series of experiments was conducted in model Class V cavities with interfacial polishing either immediately (3 min) after setting or after 24 h water-storage. After the finishing procedure, each tooth was sectioned in a buccolingual direction through the center of the restoration, and the presence or absence of marginal-gaps was measured (and then summed for each cavity) at 14 points (each 0.5 mm apart) along the cavity restoration interface (n = 10 per group; total points measured = 140). The shear bond-strengths to enamel and to dentin, and flexural strengths and moduli data were also measured at 3 min and after 24 h water-storage. RESULTS: For all flowable composites, polished immediately after setting, 14-30 summed gaps were observed (controls: 64 and 42). For specimens polished after 24 h, a significantly (p < 0.05) reduced number of 8-17 summed gaps occurred for only 3 flowable composites; whereas for 5 flowable composites there were non-significantly-different (p > 0.05) numbers (11-17) of summed gaps (controls: 28 and 22). After 24h storage, shear bond-strengths to enamel and to dentin, flexural strengths and moduli increased highly significantly (p < 0.001) for all materials, except Silux Plus. SIGNIFICANCE: A post-cure interval of 24 h resulted in enhanced mechanical and adhesive properties of flowable dental composites. In a minority of cases there was also a reduced incidence of marginal-gap formation. However the latter effect may be partly attributed to 24 h delayed polishing, even though such a delay is not usual clinical practice.

Bicuspid↗

Restoring cervical lesions with flexible composites.

OBJECTIVES: Flexure at the tooth cervix has been suggested to dislodge cervical restorations more rapidly. The objective of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to test the hypothesis that a higher composite flexibility better withstands tooth flexure stress. METHODS: One hundred and forty-two non-carious cervical lesions were restored with composites with contrasting stiffness. Seventy-one patients randomly received two cervical restorations placed following two out of the three experimental groups: (1) the three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive Permaquick applied with the stiff micro-hybrid composite Amelogen Hybrid (PMQ/A-Hy, Ultradent), (2) Permaquick applied with the more flexible micro-filled composite Amelogen Microfill (PMQ/A-Mi, Ultradent), or (3) the 'golden standard' three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive Optibond FL applied with the micro-hybrid composite Prodigy (O-FL/Pro, Kerr). RESULTS: The recall rate at 7 years was 80%. No statistically significant difference was found for any of the parameters evaluated neither between both adhesives, nor between both composites (McNemar, p>0.05). Eleven percent of the O-FL/Pro restorations were clinically unacceptable due to loss of retention (5.5%) and severe marginal discoloration (5.5%). In the PMQ-group, 22% of the PMQ/A-Mi restorations (8% loss of retention, 5% severe enamel margin defects, 3% severe dentin margin defects, 6% severe marginal discoloration, 3% extreme sensitivity) and 19% of the PMQ/A-Hy restorations (13% loss of retention, 3% severe enamel margin defects, 3% severe marginal discoloration) needed repair or replacement. SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical performance of the three adhesive/composite combinations was good and reliable during the 7-year clinical trial. It was concluded that the composite stiffness does not affect the clinical longevity of cervical composite restorations.

Composite Resins↗

Comparison of two methods for measuring the polymerization characteristics of flowable resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare two methods for assessing the polymerization characteristics of flowable resin composites. METHODS: Two different flowable resin composites and a hybrid resin composite control were investigated. In order to measure the volumetric shrinkage (DeltaV), each material was placed into a mould and extruded into a water-filled dilatometer. The specimens were then light irradiated for 30s using a curing unit with the power density adjusted to either 100 or 600mW/cm(2). For the speckle contrast measurement, each resin composite was condensed into a glass tube and irradiated. The laser-speckle field was recorded in a digital frame. The calculated values were obtained for each pair of adjacent patterns and the changes in speckle contrast as a function of time were obtained. RESULTS: The average DeltaV values of the resins after 180s ranged from approximately 3.3 to 4.4% for the flowable composites and from approximately 1.8 to 2.3% for the hybrid composite control. The overall magnitude of the speckle contrasts decreased soon after the initial light exposure commenced and gradually increased thereafter. The speckle contrast measurements revealed changes in the pastes due to the polymerization of the flowable resins that were greater than those obtained with the water-filled dilatometer. SIGNIFICANCE: These data suggest that the polymerization characteristics of flowable resins can be measured successfully using two different methods. Moreover, our findings are of clinical relevance, as the data obtained under laboratory conditions might give an indication of the suitability of flowable resin composites for specific clinical applications.

Analysis of Variance↗

Influence of fluorescent whitening agent on the fluorescent emission of resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the fluorescent emission of experimental resin composites after addition of a fluorescent whitening agent in varied concentrations. The effects of thermocycling and composition of resin matrix on the fluorescent emission were also determined. METHODS: An experimental light curing resin matrix was made by mixing Bis-GMA, UDMA and TEGDMA in the ratio of 1:1:1 by weight, and silane coated glass filler was added in the ratio of 50 wt.% of resin composite. A fluorescent whitening agent [FWA, 1,4-double-(benzoxazole-group-2-group)naphthalene] was added with the concentration of 0.01-0.1%. To determine the difference by the resin matrix, two resin composites (60 wt.% Bis-GMA or UDMA with 40 wt.% TEGDMA) with the same filler content were made, and the FWA was added. Five specimens of 2mm in thickness were made for each group. Spectral reflectance was measured relative to the illuminant D65 on a reflection spectrophotometer. From the spectral reflectance values, the difference in reflectance (fluorescence spectra) by the inclusion or exclusion of UV component was calculated. After the baseline measurement, thermocycling was performed for 500 and 1000 cycles, and the fluorescent emission was measured again. RESULTS: The concentration of FWA influenced the fluorescent peak heights and areas (p<0.05), but thermocycling up to 1000 cycles did not influence the values. Fluorescence peak wavelength was not changed by the resin matrix, but peak height and area were influenced by the resin matrix (p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: FWA added with the concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05% emitted fluorescence, which was higher than those from commercial resin composites.

Analysis of Variance↗

Preliminary study on chitosan modified glass ionomer restoratives.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chitosan (CH), a biocompatible polysaccharide, on the flexural strength of glass ionomer restoratives (GIR) and on the release of fluoride ions from GIR. METHODS: Commercial GIR (Vidrion, SS White) has been modified by adding chitosan (CH, Fluka). Samples containing 0.0044, 0.012, 0.025 and 0.045wt% CH were prepared, molded and weighed. For flexural strength, sets of 10 specimens 10mmx2mmx2mm of commercial and CH modified GIR were prepared. Differences were analyzed by the one-way analysis of variances (ANOVA) test, at significance level 0.05. The data were also analyzed by post hoc Tukey's HSD for unequal n (Spjotvoll/Stoline) test. Scanning electron microscopy analyses were performed on the composites cryo-fracture surfaces. For the fluoride release tests and medium pH determination, discs with 10mm diameter and 2mm height were prepared in a PTFE mold placed between two glass slides. Samples were weighed in order to normalize each material test group. At least 10 samples of each material were prepared. Approximately 5min after preparation the discs were transferred into individual glass flasks containing 50mL of distilled water. The concentration of released fluoride was determined as a function of time by means of a fluoride ion selective electrode Orion 94-09 SC connected to an Ionanalyser (Orion Research Inc., USA). The medium pH was monitored as a function of time at (25+/-1 degrees C), using a Digimed DM20 potentiometer (Digicrom Instrumentos, Brazil) equipped with a combined glass electrode. Ellipsometric measurements were performed to quantify the thickness of adsorbed polymer (poly(acrylic acid) or the mixture of poly(acrylic acid) with CH). RESULTS: The addition of 0.0044wt% of CH led to a significant increase in the flexural resistance. CH contents higher than 0.022wt% led to poor performance. For the same period of time the amount of fluoride ions released from CH modified GIR was much larger than that released from commercial GIR. CH catalyzed the fluoride release from GIR to the medium, especially from those with 0.0044wt% of CH. As a consequence, the medium pH increased from 5.0 to 6.3. A model based on the formation of a polymeric network around the inorganic particles was proposed to explain the experimental findings. The adsorption of CH and poly(acrylic acid) onto planar Si/SiO(2) substrates was quantified and supported the proposed model. SIGNIFICANCE: The results presented here showed that the flexural strength of a commercial GIR can be considerably improved by the addition of a tiny amount of CH. Moreover, in the presence of CH, the release of fluoride ions from GIR is catalyzed.

Acrylic Resins↗

Influence of triaxial braid denier on ribbon-based fiber reinforced dental composites.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the mechanical characteristics of two ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-based triaxial braided reinforcements having different denier braider yarns used in fiber reinforced dental composites to elucidate differences in response and damage under flexural loading. METHODS: Two commercially available triaxial braided reinforcing systems, differing in denier of the axial and braider yarns, using ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were used to reinforce rectangular bars towards the tensile surface which were tested in flexure. Mechanical characteristics including energy absorption were determined and results were compared based on Tukey post-test analysis and Weibull probability. Limited fatigue testing was also conducted for 100, 1000, and 10,000 cycles at a level of 75% of peak load. The effect of the braid denier on damage mechanisms was studied microscopically. RESULTS: The use of the triaxially braided ribbon as fiber reinforcement in the dental composite results in significant enhancement in flexural performance over that of the unreinforced dental composite (179% and 183% increase for the "thin" and "dense" braid reinforced specimens, respectively), with a fairly ductile, non-catastrophic post-peak response. With the exception of strain at peak load, there was very little difference between the performance from the two braid architectures. The intrinsic nature of the triaxial braid also results in very little decrease in flexural strength as a result of fatigue cycling at 75% of peak load. Use of the braids results in peak load levels which are substantially higher than those corresponding to points at which the dentin and unreinforced dental composites would fail. The total energy at peak load level is 56.8 and 60.7 times that at the level that dentin would fail if the reinforcement were not placed for the "thin" and "dense" reinforced braid reinforced composites, respectively. SIGNIFICANCE: The research shows that in addition to enhancement in flexural performance characteristics, the use of a triaxial braid provides significant damage tolerance and fatigue resistance through its characteristic architecture wherein axial fibers are uncrimped and braider yarns provide shear resistance and enable local arrest of microcracks. Further, it is demonstrated that the decrease in braider yarn denier does not have a detrimental effect, with differences in performance characteristics, being in the main, statistically insignificant. This allows use of thinner reinforcement which provides ease of placement and better bonding without loss in performance.

Composite Resins↗

Short glass fiber reinforced restorative composite resin with semi-inter penetrating polymer network matrix.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the reinforcing effect of short E-glass fiber fillers on some mechanical properties of dental composite resin with interpenetrating polymer network (IPN)-polymer matrix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental composite resin was prepared by mixing short fibers (3mm in length) with a fraction of 22.5 wt% and IPN-resin 22.5 wt% with silane treated silica filler 55 wt% using high speed mixing machine. Test specimens (2 mm x 2 mm x 25 mm) and (9.5 mm x 5.5 mm x 3 mm) were made from the experimental composite (FC) and conventional particulate composite resin (control, Z250, 3M-ESPE). The test specimens (n=6) were either dry stored or water stored (37 degrees C for 30 days) before the mechanical tests. Three-point bending test was carried out according to ISO 10477 and compression loading test was carried out using a steel ball (Ø3.0mm) with speed of 1.0mm/min until fracture. Degree of monomer conversion (DC%) of both composites was determined by FTIR spectrometry. Water sorption and solubility of specimens were also measured. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the microstructure of the composite. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed that experimental fiber composite had statistically significantly higher mechanical performance of flexural strength (210 MPa) and compressive load-bearing capacity (1881 N) (p < 0.05) than control composite (111 MPa, 1031 N). Degree of conversion of the FC (59%) and conventional composite (57%) was at the same range. SIGNIFICANCE: The use of short fiber fillers with IPN-polymer matrix yielded improved mechanical performance compared to conventional restorative composite.

Absorption↗

Laser-induced fluorescence to discriminate between a dental composite resin and tooth.

PURPOSE: Investigation of laser-induced fluorescence of an experimental pigment (Flu) to discriminate between a filling and the tooth and its influence on the material properties of experimental dental composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three experimental composites (EC) were manufactured. The standard contained no Flu, Flu-0.5 contained 0.5%, Flu-1.0 contained 1%. To judge the extent of fluorescence, specimens and fillings placed in natural teeth were irradiated with an infrared laser (980 nm, 120 mW). Flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, depth of cure, water sorption, solubility, and color (CIE-L(*)a(*)b(*)-values) were measured to investigate the influence of Flu on EC. ANOVA was calculated and the statistical significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Strong laser-induced green fluorescence was observed so that fillings and tooth structures were clearly discriminated. No influence of Flu on flexural strength and modulus of elasticity occurred. Water sorption and solubility were far below the limits of EN ISO 4049. Increasing Flu concentrations revealed minor but significant reduction of depth of cure, shifts to more white and red and less yellow. SIGNIFICANCE: Flu provides laser-induced fluorescence allowing an easy discrimination between fillings and teeth. Flu did not severely influence the material properties.

Absorption↗

Finite element analysis of a new customized composite post system for endodontically treated teeth.

This paper investigated the mechanical behavior of a new customized post system built up with a composite framework presently utilized for crowns, bridges, veneers and inlay/onlay dental restorations. The material has been shaped so to follow perfectly the profile of the root canal in order to take advantage of the better mechanical properties of composites with respect to metallic alloys commonly used for cast posts. The analysis has been carried out with 3D finite element models previously validated on the basis of experimental work. The new post system has been compared to a variety of restorations using either prefabricated or cast posts. The structural efficiency of the new restoration has been evaluated for an upper incisor under different loading conditions (mastication, bruxism, impact). Results prove that maximum stress values in restored teeth are rather insensitive to post types and materials. However, the new customized composite restoration allows to reduce significantly the stresses inside the dentinal regions where conservative clinical interventions are not possible.

Bite Force↗

Importance of mini-dumbbell specimen to access tensile strength of restored dentine: historical background and the future perspective in dentistry.

OBJECTIVES: The development of adhesive resins to dentine enables resin restorations to be more durable. Several bond strength measurement techniques for measuring adhesion have been proposed. A standardised method is needed which produced higher and more consistent bond strength values which allow bond stability and the bonding mechanism to be studied. Our aim was to investigate mainly the adhesives and not the substrate. DATA SOURCES: This review is based on the literature on an adhesive, 4-META/MMA-TBB resin and conditioners to modify dentine substrates. The latter is a very important topic for developing our understanding of the bonding to dentine. The objective of the review is to explain the efficacy of the mini-dumbbell specimen in measuring the tensile strength of resin to dentine and to analyze the resin to dentine interface. Both the adhesive and the substrate control the quality of hybridized dentine. CONCLUSIONS: By creating an impermeable acid resistant barrier to both biological and chemical stimuli between the exposed dentine and the restored tooth surface we are able to protect exposed dentine from caries (infection) at the same time as protecting the pulp and preventing toothache. This barrier also helps maintain tooth vitality and for the purposes of this article is termed 'artificial enamel'. Microleakage free restorations are possible through the introduction of this 'impermeable artificial enamel' barrier.

Animals↗

Translucent fiber post cementation using a light-curing adhesive/composite system: SEM analysis and pull-out test.

OBJECTIVES: The performance of both light-curing and dual-cured adhesive/luting systems (as control), when used in combination with translucent fibre posts, was evaluated by means of pull-out test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM ) observation. METHODS: Forty root canal treated teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 20 specimens each. Group 1 light-curing system: Excite and Tetric Flow; Group 2 dual cured system: All Bond 2+RelyX ARC. Translucent, double taper fibre posts were used (2.1/1.4mm diameter). The teeth were stored in NaCl 0.9% solution at 37 degrees C. A week later, the pull-out test was carried out on all specimens. Ten tested specimens for each group and their corresponding posts were processed for SEM observation. Statistical analysis was performed applying one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by T-test as post-hoc comparison at a significance level set at p<0.05. RESULTS: There is no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the light-curing system group (275.2+/-58.9N) and the dual cured one (301.4+/-40.1N). SEM observations confirm a good bond between the dentine and the post whatever the curing method employed. CONCLUSIONS: Dual curing of the All Bond 2+RelyX ARC system seems to be the most appropriate method since it allows to cure even those areas which would not be otherwise reached by light. On the other hand, in apical areas, the incomplete curing of the Excite+Tetric Flow system could improve the post adaptation and allow the achievement of both an improved apical seal and a more even distribution of the stress along the canal walls.

Adhesives↗