Ana Carolina Mascarenhas Oliveira

Emprego do óleo de Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel (Myrtaceae) na odontologia: perspectivas quanto à utilização como antimicrobiano alternativo às doenças infecciosas de origem bucal

ABSTRACT: Use of Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel (Myrtaceae) oil in dentistry: perspectiveson its use as alternative antimicrobial to infectious diseases of oral origin. The interest inalternative medicines, especially those from natural extracts, has increased in recent decades. Melaleuca alternifolia is a shrub belonging to the genus Melaleuca , popularly known as “tea tree”,the main product of which is its essential oil (TTO - tea tree oil ), of great medicinal importance forits proven bactericidal and antifungal activity against several human pathogens. By virtue of itstherapeutic activity in various medical specialties, TTO is now used in dentistry. This literaturereview was conducted in order to discuss the tests already carried out with TTO againstmicroorganisms related to dental caries, periodontal disease and pulpal problems. Melaleuca oilhas shown good in vitro antibacterial activity against oral microorganisms; however, researchinvolving the study of its mechanism of action on the microbial cells or

Effect of photoinitiator concentration on marginal and internal adaptation of experimental composite blends photocured by modulated methods.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of photoinitiator concentration on marginal and internal adaptation of composites photocured by modulated methods. Materials and Methods: Composites based on BisGMA/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate and 65 wt% of filler were prepared with different concentrations of camphorquinone/amine (C1-0.5%, C2-1%, C3-1.5%). Cavities were prepared (3 mm × 3 mm × 2 mm) on the buccal surface of 120 bovine incisors and the adhesive system Adper Single Bond 2 was applied following manufactures instruction. Specimens were then distributed according to type of composite (C1, C2, C3) and photoactivation method (high-intensity – 750 mW/cm2 for 40 s; low intensity – 150 mW/cm2 for 200 s; soft-start – 150 mW/cm2 for 10 s + 750 mW/cm2 for 38 s; pulse-delay – 150 mW/cm2 for 10 s + 3 min dark + 750 mW/cm2 for 38 s). Superficial and internal margins were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, using the epoxy replica technique. The length of gaps was expressed as a percentage of the total length of the margins. Data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance and Tukeys test (α =0.05). Results: Modulated curing methods did not influence gap formation regarding both superficial and internal adaptation. The composite with the lower initiator concentration (C1) presented higher gap formation when compared with those with higher concentrations (C2 and C3). Conclusion: Modulated photoactivation methods did not reduce gap formation for the experimental composite restorations evaluated. However, higher photoinitiator concentrations promote better marginal seal.