J. David Eick

Microtensile testing of dentin adhesives

OBJECTIVES This study was conducted in order to compare the microtensile and shear bond strengths of five commercial dentin adhesive systems. Scotchbond Multipurpose with maleic acid (SM), Scotchbond Multipurpose with phosphoric acid (SP), Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus (SBP), Clearfil Liner Bond System (CL), and Prime and Bond (PB) were tested. METHODS Thirty extracted unerupted third molars, in groups of six teeth per adhesive system, were prepared for microtensile testing. The specimens were tested following a 24 h incubation at 37 degrees C in normal saline. Shear bond testing was performed on 35 additional teeth, using seven teeth per adhesive system. After testing, the fracture sites were observed using light microscopy and a scanning electron microscope to determine the type of failure involved. RESULTS The microtensile test results (mean +/- SD) were SM, 24.6 +/- 7.2 MPa; SP, 28.8 +/- 11.8 MPa; SBP, 22.7 +/- 6.5 MPa; PB, 25.5 +/- 9.4 MPa; and CL, 36.8 +/- 10.0 MPa. A Bonferroni post-hoc test showed significantly (p < 0.05) greater strength for CL compared to SM, SP, SBP, and PB. The shear bond strength test results were SM, 19.4 +/- 4.4 MPa; SP, 24.5 +/- 8.4 MPa; SBP, 15.3 +/- 4.9 MPa; PB, 23.2 +/- 7.1 MPa; and CL, 24.8 +/- 3.5 MPa. No statistically significant differences were found among the shear bond strength test results. The shear bond test produced significantly more failures within dentin and composite than the microtensile method. SIGNIFICANCE It is concluded that the microtensile test produced a more definitive assessment of adhesive bond strength than the shear bond test. Microtensile testing showed CL to be significantly stronger than SM, SP, SBP, and PB (p < 0.05).

Dentinal tubule anastomosis: A potential factor in adhesive bonding?

This study investigated adhesive tag formation within dentinal tubules and the anastomosing of lateral canals observable with scanning electron microscopy. This mechanism of micromechanical bonding had not been studied previously. The following brands of adhesives were applied to the prepared dentin surface of unerupted human third molars: Scotchbond Multipurpose, C&B Metabond, All-Bond 2, both etched and unetched, Tenure Solution, and XR-Bond. The experimental specimens were decalcified and prepared for SEM examination. Many tubule resin tags with lateral branching were observed. The resin branches were the result of primer, adhesive, or both entering lateral canals and communicating with adjacent tubules. The polymerization of adhesive in lateral canals was more prevalent with Scotchbond Multipurpose, C & B Metabond, and etched All-Bond 2 adhesives. The network of interconnected adhesive tags formed with these materials may be fundamental to the development of a stronger dentin/resin bond.

Accuracy of one-step versus two-step putty wash addition silicone impression technique.

This study compared the accuracy of one-step putty wash with two-step putty wash impression techniques. Five addition silicone impression materials-Mirror 3 (MR), Mirror 3 Extrude (ME), Express (E), Permagum (P), and Absolute(A)--were tested. A stainless steel model containing two full-crown abutment preparations was used as the positive control. Five replications for one-step and two-step putty wash impressions of the master model were made for each test material. Accuracy of the materials was assessed by measuring six dimensions on stone dies poured from impressions of the master model. Accuracy of addition silicone impression material is affected more by material than technique. Accuracy of the putty wash one-step impression technique was not different from the putty wash two-step impression technique except at one of the six dimensions where one-step was more accurate than two-step. Mirror 3 putty wash two-step impression presented less distortion than Mirror 3 Extrude putty wash one-step or two-step impression.

Shear strength of ceramic brackets bonded to porcelain

The purpose of this study was to compare the bond strengths of three different adhesive systems when used alone and combined with a porcelain priming agent to bond ceramic brackets to porcelain surfaces. Sixty porcelain specimens were randomly assigned to the six different treatment groups. Half were bonded with the porcelain priming agent and one of the adhesive systems and the other half with one of the adhesive systems alone. The shear bond strengths of all specimens were tested, with an Instron testing machine, 10 minutes after being bonded. The surface of the porcelain and the bracket base were examined, with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and qualitative energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDS), to determine the bond failure patterns and to check the porcelain surface for the presence of cracks and fractures. There was a statistically significant difference within each adhesive between those samples with the priming agent and those without the priming agent. Differences between the three adhesives were not statistically significant (p≤0.05).

Effect of Bioactive Borate Glass Microstructure on Bone Regeneration, Angiogenesis, and Hydroxyapatite Conversion in a Rat Calvarial Defect Model

Borate bioactive glasses are biocompatible and enhance new bone formation, but the effect of their microstructure on bone regeneration has received little attention. In this study scaffolds of borate bioactive glass (1393B3) with three different microstructures (trabecular, fibrous, and oriented) were compared for their capacity to regenerate bone in a rat calvarial defect model. 12weeks post-implantation the amount of new bone, mineralization, and blood vessel area in the scaffolds were evaluated using histomorphometric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The amount of new bone formed was 33%, 23%, and 15%, respectively, of the total defect area for the trabecular, oriented, and fibrous microstructures. In comparison, the percent new bone formed in implants composed of silicate 45S5 bioactive glass particles (250-300μm) was 19%. Doping the borate glass with copper (0.4 wt.% CuO) had little effect on bone regeneration in the trabecular and oriented scaffolds, but significantly enhanced bone regeneration in the fibrous scaffolds (from 15 to 33%). The scaffolds were completely converted to hydroxyapatite within the 12week implantation. The amount of hydroxyapatite formed, 22%, 35%, and 48%, respectively, for the trabecular, oriented, and fibrous scaffolds, increased with increasing volume fraction of glass in the as-fabricated scaffold. Blood vessels infiltrated into all the scaffolds, but the trabecular scaffolds had a higher average blood vessel area compared with the oriented and fibrous scaffolds. While all three scaffold microstructures were effective in supporting bone regeneration, the trabecular scaffolds supported more bone formation and may be more promising in bone repair.

Tensile properties of the physis vary with anatomic location, thickness, strain rate and age

The variable outcome of physeal distraction has raised questions as to the mechanism by which bone lengthening is achieved. Is it by stretching of the matrix or does it stimulate growth? In order to explore the contribution of matrix stretching, we sought to answer the following questions in an animal model: (a) Are the tensile properties of the lateral side of the proximal tibial physis different from the medial? (b) Are the tensile properties strain‐rate dependent? (c) Does the growth plate fracture through any preferred zone in tension? (d) Are the tensile properties of the bovine growth plate a function of age? (e) Are thicker growth plates weaker in tension? (f) Are the tensile properties of the bovine growth plate comparable to those of a childs? We compared bone—cartilage—bone specimens (0.5 ± 2.5 mm2 in cross‐section) from the lateral, central and medial regions of the proximal tibial growth plates of 12‐ to 18‐month heifers. 70 specimens were tested to failure in tension at 0.0004, 0.004 and 0.04 mm/s. Tensile strength and tangent modulus were 33% and 25% greater, respectively, on the lateral side compared with the medial, and both were increased at the higher strain rates. We found no difference in the ultimate strains by region or strain rate. Thicker growth plates were weaker. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a three‐dimensional fracture pattern extending from the upper columnar into the reserve zone. Bundles of intact chondrons remained intact, but only on the metaphyseal side, having been torn from an interterritorial matrix which remained mostly on the epiphyseal side of the fracture. We compared 21 specimens of 12‐ to 18‐month and 19 specimens of 5‐month calves from similar regions of the proximal tibia. These were tested to failure in tension at 0.004 mm/s. The older bovine growth plate was 25% thinner, 34% stronger and failed at 65% greater strain. For comparison, we tested eight samples from the femoral capital growth plate of two cerebral palsy patients. These were twice as thick as our bovine samples and about half as strong, but with similar ultimate strain values.

Comparison of tetrazolium colorimetric and 51Cr release assays for cytotoxicity determination of dental biomaterials.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare a methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT) dye colorimetric method with the standard 51Cr assay as methods of assessing cytotoxicity of dental materials. METHODS Two MTT-based colorimetric formats, test tube and 96-well microplate methods, were compared to the 51Cr release assay. A series of eight dental materials were evaluated. Cytotoxicity profiles were determined for each test material. A TC50 value (Toxic Concentration required to kill 50% of the cells) was determined for each biomaterial, and these results were used to make statistical comparisons between the methods. RESULTS The three methods were statistically correlated (p<0.005) by comparison of the eight samples tested. That is, the same rank in toxicity was given by the two tetrazolium sample formats and the 51Cr method. SIGNIFICANCE The MTT assay was found to have several advantages in comparison to the current standard 51Cr release assay. Optimized in the 96-well format, complete dose response curves and greater sample comparisons can be made rapidly, making the MTT method more economical in time and cost. Furthermore, the MTT method is based on intracellular biochemical changes, measuring cell viability rather than cell morbidity, and has lower detectable limits than the 51Cr release method. There is also less detector chemical binding interference than encountered in the 51Cr release method.

Restoration of mandibular continuity defects using combinations of hydroxylapatite and autogenous bone: Microscopic observations

The purpose of this investigation was to assess by light, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy the healing of mandibular continuity defects reconstructed with varying ratios of an alloplastic hydroxylapatite implant material (HA) mixed with autogenous bone (AB). This study reports the microscopic observations of implant and control sites at 6 and 18 months postsurgery. The results confirm the biocompatibility of dense HA granules. Specimens exhibited differing degrees of osseous regeneration that appeared related to the percent composition of HA. At 18 months, 86% and 91% of the HA granules were completely surrounded by bone in those specimens reconstructed with implants consisting of 25% and 50% HA, respectively. In contrast, specimens receiving implants consisting of 75% and 100% HA features osseous encapsulation of 75% and 66% of the granules, respectively. The results of this limited study indicate that dense HA granules mixed with AB in ratios ranging from 3:1 to 1:1 (AB:HA) may be successfully used as a bone extender during reconstructive surgery.

Mechanical property characterization of resin cement after aqueous aging with and without cyclic loading

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine changes in flexural properties of resin cement under cyclic loading and aqueous aging. METHODS Panavia F flexural modulus and strength were measured by static loading to failure after 48-h, 31-d, and 60-d aqueous aging at 37 degrees C with and without cyclic loading at clinical stress levels. Six specimens were used for each experimental condition. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used to characterize the morphology of the fractured surfaces to potentially identify resin cement components particularly susceptible to degradation under simulated clinical function. RESULTS A two-factor ANOVA (p< or =0.05) and Least Significant Difference post hoc test indicated that cyclic loading produced a significant increase in the flexural modulus with no significant effect on the flexural strength. In contrast, aqueous aging time produced a significant decrease in flexural strength with no effect on the flexural modulus. The SEM fracture analysis indicated that resin matrix fracture occurred in static-aqueous specimens; while in the aqueous-cycled specimens, resin matrix fracture occurred in addition to an increasing proportion of filler/resin interface fracture as a result of both increased aqueous aging and increased flexural cycles. SIGNIFICANCE Evidence suggests that after aqueous aging with cyclic loading to simulate resin cement clinical function, initial degradation may be related to breakdown of the filler/resin interface bond. Such breakdown is potentially reflective of slow crack propagation that may contribute to in vivo resin cement cohesive failure.

The Effectiveness of Two Sonic and Two Ultrasonic Sealer Tips in Furcations

This study compared the effectiveness of two sonic and two ultrasonic sealer tips on artificial calculus removal from the furcations of mandibular first and second molars. Twenty-four extracted mandibular molars were cleaned and randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Teeth were split buccal lingually, artificial calculus was placed in the furcation areas, and the teeth were photographed with a stereo camera. Teeth were reconnected with bonding material and mounted in a typodont with simulated gingiva and attached to a dental chair. Teeth were instrumented with either a Cavitron TFI10 tip, Cavitron EWPP tip, Titan-S Universal tip, or Titan-S Sickle tip by a licensed dental hygienist until each tooth was judged calculus free to the touch with a CH3 explorer. Time for each instrumentation period was recorded. Following instrumentation, the teeth were again split and photographed. Stereophotogrammetry was used to produce tracings of the teeth with initial calculus and remaining calculus. Pre-instrumentation and post-instrumentation amounts of calculus on the surface area were computed using the Bloquant system. A two factor analysis of variance was conducted followed with a Newman-Keuls Multiple Comparison Technique to test for within and between differences. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) were found between pre- and post-amounts of calculus for all tips. No significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found between the four instrument tips with respect to percentage of furcation surface with calculus remaining. No differences were found between tips with regard to the time required to clean the test surfaces.