Jean-Cédric Durand

Confocal Raman microscopic analysis of the zirconia/feldspathic ceramic interface

OBJECTIVES Esthetic demands and biocompatibility have prompted the development of all-ceramic dental crowns. Yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) framework material has the best mechanical properties compared to other all-ceramic systems, but the interface is the weakest component of core veneered restorations. Confocal Raman microscopy possibilities are used to ensure the understanding of the zirconia-feldspathic ceramic relationship, which is not well known. METHODS Bilayered zirconia (Vita In-Ceram(®) YZ) veneer (Vita VM(®)9) blocks were manufactured. Raman analyses were performed using two protocols: (1) single spectra, line scans and images on a sectioned and polished specimen and (2) in depth line scans on unprepared specimen. Single spectra, images and line scans provide information about the crystalline phases, their distribution and the existence of a possible diffusion at the Y-TZP/VM(®)9 interface, respectively. The elemental distribution of zirconium (Zr) and silicon (Si) around this interface were investigated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). RESULTS Raman single spectra embodied a unique spectrum (crystalline) on Y-TZP and two spectra (crystalline and amorphous) on VM(®)9; these spectra were clearly distinguished. Raman line scans showed a series of transition spectra across the interface from VM(®)9 to Y-TZP. It emphasized an interdiffusion zone, which was estimated at a maximum of 2 microns, found on 2d Raman images and confirmed by EDS. The elemental distribution with EDS showed a mutual diffusion of Zr and Si and was mainly dominated by Si diffusion in Y-TZP. SIGNIFICANCE Confocal Raman microscopy highlights an interdiffusion zone at the zirconia-feldspathic ceramic interface. The elemental transition layer is estimated and is supported by EDS analysis as a coupling technique.

Label-free detection of anticancer drug paclitaxel in living cells by confocal Raman microscopy

Confocal Raman microscopy, a non-invasive, label-free, and high spatial resolution imaging technique is employed to trace the anticancer drug paclitaxel in living Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells. The Raman images were treated by K-mean cluster analysis to detect the drug in cells. Distribution of paclitaxel in cells is verified by calculating the correlation coefficient between the reference spectrum of the drug and the whole Raman image spectra. A time dependent gradual diffusion of paclitaxel all over the cell is observed suggesting a complementary picture of the pharmaceutical action of this drug based on rapid binding of free tubulin to crystallized paclitaxel.

Confocal Raman microscopy and SEM/EDS investigations of the interface between the zirconia core and veneering ceramic: the influence of a liner and regeneration firing

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the transition layer at the interface between yttria partial stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) core and veneering feldspathic ceramic (VITA VM®9), under different manufacturing methods. Confocal Raman microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were carried out on tapered veneered cross sections of the interface. For some samples, an additional firing of the core was used, as the application of an optional liner material between the core and veneer. Single Raman spectra were distinguishable between Y-TZP and the veneering materials. VM®9 and liner spectra were broadly superimposable. No substantial differences appeared in their chemical elemental composition. 2D Raman images and EDS analysis emphasized changes in the interdiffusion thickness; the additional firing of the core decreased the interdiffusion zone, and the highest firing temperature of the liner increased the interdiffusion zone. These results, which will help us understand the changes in this transition layer, are discussed.

Dental biomaterials for chairside CAD/CAM: State of the art

The wide use of chairside CAD/CAM restorations has increased the diversity of the restorative material. For the practitioner, the selection of the appropriate material is difficult amongst the variety offered by the market. Information on the characteristics of the products can be difficult to assess due to the lack of up-to-date classification and the lack of reliability of manufacturers advertising. The purpose of this article is to structure the data on restorative materials provided by various sources in order for the practitioner to choose the product most suited to the clinical situation. The objective is to classify chairside CAD/CAM materials and to define their characteristics and indications.

Influence of temperature and relative humidity on dentin and enamel bonding: a critical review of the literature. Part 1. Laboratory studies.

PURPOSE The aim of this literature review was to investigate the results from in vitro laboratory studies on the influence of temperature and relative humidity present before polymerization on enamel and dentin bonding systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic search was carried out including articles published in English, in peer reviewed journals, and indexed in MEDLINE/PubMed database. The search was carried out using the terms: relative AND humidity AND dental. In vitro studies were retrieved and divided into laboratory simulation studies and studies on physical properties. Laboratory simulation studies were addressed by subtopic: resin-enamel bond strength, resin-dentin bond strength, and dentin-enamel microleakage. Studies on physical properties tested the influence of humidity and temperature through polymerization contraction, flexural strength, and dentin wettability. RESULTS Laboratory simulation studies demonstrated a strong influence of humidity and temperature on dentin and enamel bond strength and microleakage with dental adhesives systems. The studies on physical properties failed to demonstrate any influence of humidity on the adhesion performance, except for wettability measurement. CONCLUSION The clinical relevance of these in vitro results remains to be demonstrated. A review of in vivo clinical studies will complete the literature data presented here.

Glass Ceramic CAD/CAM crowns and severely altered posterior teeth: a three levels study

For many practitioners, longevity of full glass ceramic crowns in the posterior area, molars and premolars, remains a real challenge. The purpose of this article is to identify and evaluate the parameters that can significantly influence their resistance when preparing a tooth. The analysis proposed in this article relies on interrelated studies conducted at three levels: in vitro (mechanical tests), in silico (finite elements simulations) and in vivo (clinical survival rates). The in vitro and the in silico studies proved that an appropriate variation of the geometric design of the preparations enables to increase up to 80% the mechanical strength of ceramic reconstructions. The in vivo clinical study of CAD/CAM full ceramic crowns was performed in accordance with the principles stated within the in vitro and the in silico studies and provided a 98.97% success rate over a 6 years period. The variations of geometric design parameters for dental preparation allows for reconstructions with a mechanical breaking up to 80% higher than that of a non-appropriate combination. These results are confirmed in clinical practice.Graphical Abstract

Chairside Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacture All-Ceramic Crown and Endocrown Restorations: A 7-Year Survival Rate Study

PURPOSE The objective of the present study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of 447 monoblock ceramic chairside computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) reconstructions over a 7-year functional period. Of these reconstructions, 212 were peripheral crowns and 235 were endocrowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS The restorations were placed between 2003 and 2008 in a total of 323 patients. They were created using a chairside CAD/CAM method and the same materials in all cases. All of the crowns were manufactured and glued during the same clinical session by the same practitioner. Data were descriptively analyzed and survival probabilities were calculated using Kaplan-Meier statistics. RESULTS Of the 447 restorations, only 6 failures occurred, resulting in a success rate of 98.66%. All of the failures were the result of a partial ceramic fracture. Of the six ceramic fractures, five appeared on peripheral crowns and one on an endocrown. All fractures appeared in the first 24 months, including two in the first month. Log-rank test comparing incidence rates between crowns and endocrowns showed no significant differences (P = .08). CONCLUSION This survival rate study reinforced the use of CAD/CAM full ceramic crowns and endocrowns on molars, showing a much more favorable survival rate for endocrowns.

Analysis of computerized aided designed and manufactured dental occlusal ceramics with multi-wavelength digital holography

Computerized Aided Design (CAD) and Computerized Aided Manufacturing (CAM) ceramic occlusal veneers are increasingly used as therapeutic options. However, little is known about their mechanical behavior under stress, as the response of the prepared tooth that supports it. The aim of this article is to use for the first time 3D color holography to evaluate the behavior of a molar occlusal veneer under stress and the response of the prepared tooth. The occlusal surface of a lower molar is prepared to receive a specific monolithic ceramic reconstruction manufactured with a chairside CAD/CAM system. Longitudinally cut samples are used to get a planar object observation and to “look inside” the tooth. A digital holographic set-up permits to obtain the contact-less and one-shot measurement of the three-dimensional displacement field at the surface of the tooth sample; stain fields are evaluated with low noise-sensitive computation. The results show an excellent behavior of the restored tooth without areas of excessive stress concentrations, but also a significant involvement of the dentin enamel junction. So, we demonstrate that the ceramic occlusal veneer seems to behave in accordance with the biomechanical concepts ensuring the longevity of the reconstituted tooth. It follows that we demonstrate that 3D holography is a highly recommended method for studying dental biomechanics.

Observation of oxygen inhibited layer of organic dental resin by confocal Raman-microscopy

Abstract This study investigated degrees of conversion of oxygen inhibited layer (OIL) of organic dental resins for restoration using Confocal-Raman spectroscopy. The aim was to determine which laser is adapted to determine the degrees of conversion of OIL and to measure variations of thickness and degrees of conversion in OIL with respect to monomers proportions. Bis-GMA (bis-phenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate) and TEGDMA (triethylene glycol dimethacrylate) based resins with various ratio of an equimolecular mixture of camphorquinone/EDMAB (ethyl (4-dimethyl amino) benzoate) were studied with different lasers by confocal- Raman spectroscopy. Results show that this technique is adapted for the non destructive measurement of OIL. The Thickness of OIL is not correlated with the proportions of Bis-GMA and TEGDMA in the resin and was close to 3-4μm. Thickness of OIL is very thin without inorganic fillers (3 or 4 μm). Inorganic fillers might be responsible of greater OIL in composite resins.