André Luís Faria e Silva

Fracture strength of flared bovine roots restored with different intraradicular posts

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture strength and failure mode of flared bovine roots restored with different intraradicular posts. Material and Methods: Fifty bovine incisors with similar dimensions were selected and their roots were flared until 1.0 mm of dentin wall remained. Next, the roots were allocated into five groups (n=10): GI-cast metal post-and-core; GII-fiber posts plus accessory fiber posts; GIII- direct anatomic post; GIV- indirect anatomic post and GV- control (specimens without intraradicular post). A polyether impression material was used to simulate the periodontal ligament. After periodontal ligament simulation, the specimens were subjected to a compressive load at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min in a servo-hydraulic testing machine (MTS 810) applied at 135° to the long axis of the tooth until failure. The data (N) were subjected to ANOVA and Tukeys post-hoc test (α=0.05). Results: GI and GIV presented higher fracture strength (p<0.05) than GII. GIII presented intermediate values without statistically significant differences (p>0.05) from GI, GII and GIV. Control specimens (GV) produced the lowest fracture strength mean values (p<0.05). Despite obtaining the highest mean value, GI presented 100% of unfavorable failures. GII presented 20% of unfavorable failures. GIII, GIV and GV presented only favorable failures. Conclusions: Although further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary, the results of this study showed that the use of direct and indirect anatomic posts in flared roots could be an alternative to cast metal post-and-core.

Influence of Additional Adhesive Application on the Microtensile Bond Strength of Adhesive Systems

This study evaluated microtensile bond strength (pTBS) when an additional adhesive layer was applied to the dentin surface. Thirty-five human third molars were flattened to expose the occlusal dentin surface. The teeth were randomly assigned to 7 experimental groups: G1-Single Bond (SB); G2-additional layer of SB; G3--a layer of Scotchbond Multi-purpose (SMP) adhesive applied over SB; G4-Clearfil SE Bond (CE); G5-additional layer of CE; G6-Adper Prompt (AP) and G7-additional layer of AP. For the G2, G3, G5 and G7 groups, the first adhesive layer was light-cured before application of the additional layer. After bonding procedures, 5-mm high composite crowns were incrementally built up. The samples were sectioned to obtain 0.9 x 0.9 beams, which were tested under tension at a crosshead speed of 0.5-mm/minute until failure. The failure mode and adhesive thickness were evaluated under SEM. The pTBS data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and post-hoc Ducans Test (a=0.05). Mean adhesive thickness was analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukeys test (a=0.05). The results indicated that G3 presented the highest microTBS and the thickest adhesive layer. G6 and G7 presented the lowest microTBS values. When solvent-free adhesives systems were used, microTBS values were not affected by the thicker layer.

In vitro assessment of the effectiveness of whitening dentifrices for the removal of extrinsic tooth stains

This in vitro study evaluated the effectiveness of whitening dentifrices for the removal of extrinsic tooth stains. Twenty dental blocks (4 x 4 mm), including enamel and dentine, removed from freshly extracted bovine incisors, were randomly divided into 4 groups: G1--distilled water, G2--Colgate, G3--Crest Extra Whitening and G4--Rapid White. In all specimens, the dentin was covered with colorless nail polish, and the enamel was left exposed. Next, the specimens were immersed in a solution of black tea, which was changed every 24 h, for a period of 6 days. After this period, a photo-reflectance reading was taken (Time 1) with a spectrometer. The stained specimens were then submitted to linear brushing movements (5,000 cycles) using brushes (Oral B-Soft) coupled to an automatic toothbrushing machine, under a static axial load of 200 g and with a speed of 4 movements/second, at 37 degrees C, with the dentifrice or water being injected every 60 s. When toothbrushing ended, a second photo-reflectance reading was taken (Time 2). The results were submitted to two-criteria analysis of variance (ANOVA) and to the Tukey test ( = 0.05). When the two times for a same group were compared, Time 2 presented the highest reflectance values with statistical difference only for G3 and G4. Among the dentifrices tested, only the Rapid White group differed from the control group, presenting the highest reflectance values. Only the whitening dentifrice Rapid White was effective for the removal of extrinsic stains.

INFLUENCE OF LUTING AGENTS ON TIME REQUIRED FOR CAST POST REMOVAL BY ULTRASOUND: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Objective: This in vitro study evaluated the influence of luting agents on ultrasonic vibration time for intraradicular cast post removal. Material and Methods: After endodontic treatment, 30 roots of extracted human canines were embedded in resin cylinders. The post-holes were prepared at 10 mm depth and their impressions were taken using autopolymerizing acrylic resin. After casting procedures using a nickel-chromium alloy, the posts were randomly distributed into 3 groups (n=10) according to the luting material: G1- zinc phosphate (SS White) (control group), G2 - glass ionomer cement (Vidrion C; SS White), and G3- resin cement (C&B; Bisco). In G3, the adhesive procedure was performed before post cementation. After 24 h, the cement line was removed at the post/tooth interface using a fine diamond bur, and the ST-09 tip of an Enac ultrasound unit was applied at maximum power on all surfaces surrounding the posts. The application time was recorded with a chronometer until the post was completely dislodged and data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukeys test (p<0.05). Results: The roots were removed from the acrylic resin and inspected to detect cracks and/or fractures. The means for G1, G2, and G3 were 168.5, 59.5, and 285 s, respectively, with statistically significant differences among them. Two G3 posts resisted removal, one of which developed a vertical fracture line. Conclusions: Therefore, the cement type had a direct influence on the time required for ultrasonic post removal. Compared to the zinc phosphate and glass ionomer cements, the resin cement required a longer ultrasonic vibration time.

Etching a Fiber Post Surface with High-concentration Bleaching Agents

INTRODUCTION Commonly, resin composites/cements fail to achieve proper bonding to fiber posts when their surfaces have not been previously etched. This study evaluated the effect of the concentration and application mode of hydrogen peroxide on the surface topography and bond strength of resin composite to glass-fiber posts. METHODS AND MATERIALS Fiber posts were immersed in 24% or 35% solutions (a high-concentration bleaching agent) of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), or these solutions were applied over the post surface using a microbrush (n=10). Posts without any treatment were used as a control. After etching, the posts were silanated and an adhesive was applied. The posts were positioned in a mold, and a resin composite was incrementally inserted and light-cured. The post/resin assembly was serially sectioned into several beams that were subjected to a tensile bond strength test. The data were subjected to the two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α=0.05). The Dunnets test was used to compare the experimental conditions to the control. The surface topography was analyzed using scanning electronic microscopy. RESULTS The non-etched post presented a relatively smooth surface without fiber exposure. Except for the application of 24% H2O2, the other experimental conditions increased the number of exposed fibers and bond strength in relation to the control. Although immersion resulted in higher values for the 24% H2O2 application, the mode of application did not alter bond strength when 35% H2O2 was used. CONCLUSIONS The effect of the mode of application of H2O2 depended on its level of concentration. A high-concentration bleaching agent improved the bond strength of the resin composite to the post surface, regardless of which mode was used.

Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of Bruch's membrane opening minimum rim width measurements with spectral domain optical coherence tomography

To investigate the reproducibility of Bruchs membrane opening minimum rim width (BMO‐MRW) and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) measurements using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT). Additionally, to investigate the reproducibility of BMO area measurements and fovea to BMO centre (FoBMO) angle.

Cranium-facial trauma by a cutting weapon

Craniofacial trauma caused by metallic objects is common in wars, personal conflict, and a variety of accidents. Causes may include firearms, cutting and thrusting weapons, metal, bone or dental fragments, all of which produce injury ranging from minor abrasions to extensive and severe fractures. This type of injury occurs mainly in young male adults aged between 19 and 30 years due to increased exposure to predisposing factors. Penetrating brain injury by low kinetic energy objects is uncommon. Most cases of craniofacial trauma involve cranial and orbit injury. At other times, the nervous system may be extensively involved, such as in a reported case involving asbestos fiber where the patient underwent craniotomy. Injury caused by gunshots, which have high kinetic energy, are more extensive and are frequent in major urban centers. The face is the most affected region in cases of personal violence. In Brazil 78.31% of homicides result from firearms and 10.96% of homicides result from cutting and thrusting weapons. Causes of cranial trauma are motor vehicle accidents (40.7%), aggression with or with no weapons (25.4%), and falls (24%)..