Márcia Bueno

Effects of 6 months of aging in water on hardness and surface roughness of two microhybrid dental composites.

PURPOSE This study assessed the effect of 6 months of aging in water on surface roughness and surface/subsurface hardness of two microhybrid resin composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS Filtek Z250 and Charisma were tested. Cylindrical specimens were obtained and stored in distilled water for 24 hours or 6 months, at 37 degrees C. For Knoop hardness evaluation, the specimens were transversely wet-flattened, and indentations were made on surface and subsurface layers. Data were submitted to three-way ANOVA and Tukeys test (alpha < or = 0.05). Surface roughness baseline measurements were made at 24 hours and repeated after 6 months of storage. Data were submitted to repeated measures ANOVA and Tukeys test (alpha < or = 0.05). RESULTS Surface hardness (KHN, kg/mm(2)) means (+/- standard deviation) ranged from 55 +/- 1 to 49 +/- 4 for Z250 and from 50 +/- 2 to 41 +/- 3 for Charisma, at 24 hours and 6 months, respectively. Subsurface means ranged from 58 +/- 2 to 61 +/- 3 for Z250 and from 50 +/- 1 to 54 +/- 2 for Charisma, at 24 hours and 6 months. For both composites, the aged specimens presented significantly softer surfaces (p < 0.01). For the subsurface hardness, alteration after storage was detected only for Charisma, which presented a significant rise in hardness (p < 0.01). Z250 presented significantly harder surface and subsurface layers in comparison with Charisma. Surface roughness (Ra, mum) means ranged from 0.07 +/- 0.00 to 0.07 +/- 0.01 for Z250 and from 0.06 +/- 0.01 to 0.07 +/- 0.01 for Charisma, at 24 hours and 6 months, respectively. For both composites, no significant roughness alteration was detected during the study (p= 0.386). CONCLUSIONS The 6-month period of storage in water presented a significant softening effect on the surfaces of the composites, although no significant deleterious alteration was detected for the subsurface hardness. In addition, the storage period had no significant effect on the surface roughness of the materials.

In vitro toothbrushing abrasion of dental resin composites: packable, microhybrid, nanohybrid and microfilled materials

This study evaluated weight loss and surface roughening after toothbrushing of different resin composites: one packable (Solitaire 2, Heraeus Kulzer), one microhybrid (Charisma, Heraeus Kulzer), one nanohybrid (Simile, Pentron) and one microfilled (Durafill VS, Heraeus Kulzer). Cylindrical specimens (n = 20) were prepared. Half of the samples were submitted to 60,000 strokes, at 4 Hz, with a dentifrice-water slurry. Control samples (n = 10) remained stored at 37 degrees C. Pre- and post-abrasion parameters for weight (mg) and surface roughness (Ra, microm) were determined on an analytical balance and a surface profilometer. Data were separately submitted to Repeated Measures ANOVA and Tukeys test (a = 0.05). Percentages of weight loss were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukeys test (a = 0.05). The relationship between both evaluations was assessed by Pearsons test (a = 0.05). The means (%) for weight loss (standard deviation) were 0.65(0.2), 0.93(0.2), 1.25(0.6) and 1.25(0.4) for Simile, Durafill, Charisma and Solitaire, respectively. Baseline roughness means ranged from 0.065(0.01), 0.071(0.01), 0.066(0.02) and 0.074(0.01) for Simile, Durafill, Charisma and Solitaire, respectively, to 0.105(0.04), 0.117(0.03), 0.161(0.03) and 0.214(0.07) after testing. The composites with larger fillers presented higher weight loss and roughening than the finer materials (p < 0.05). For both evaluations, control specimens showed no significant alteration. No significant relationship between loss of weight and roughness alteration was detected (r = 0.322, p = 0.429).

Synthesis of phosphate monomers and bonding to dentin: Esterification methods and use of phosphorus pentoxide

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to synthesize an acidic monomer using an alternative synthetic pathway and to evaluate the influence of the acidic monomer concentration on the microtensile bond strength to dentin. METHODS The intermediary 5-hydroxypentyl methacrylate (HPMA) was synthesized through methacrylic acid esterification with 1,5-pentanediol, catalyzed by p-toluenesulfonic acid. To displace the reaction balance, the water generated by esterification was removed by three different methods: anhydrous sodium sulfate; molecular sieves or azeotropic distillation. In the next step, a phosphorus pentoxide (4.82 mmol) slurry was formed in cold acetone and 29 mmol of HPMA was slowly added by funnel addition. After the reaction ended, solvent was evaporated and the product was characterized by 1HNMR and FTIR. The phosphate monomer was introduced in a self-etch primer at concentrations of 0, 15, 30, 50, 70 and 100 wt%. Clearfil SE Bond was used as commercial reference. Microtensile bond strength to dentin was evaluated 24h after the bonding procedures, followed by fracture analysis (n=20). Data was submitted to ANOVA and Tukeys post hoc test. RESULTS The highest yield was obtained (62%) when azeotropic distillation was used, while the reaction with molecular sieves was not feasible. The phosphoric moiety attachment to the monomer was successfully performed with a quantitative yield that reached around 100%. The acidic monomer concentration significantly affected the bond strength and the highest mean (55.1+/-12.8 MPa) was obtained when 50% of acidic monomer was used. CONCLUSION The synthesis pathways described in the present study appear to be a viable alternative for developing phosphate monomers.

Sealing ability, water sorption, solubility and toothbrushing abrasion resistance of temporary filling materials

AIM To evaluate marginal seal, water sorption, solubility and loss of mass after brushing of several temporary filling materials. METHODOLOGY For marginal seal, Class I cavities, including endodontic access preparations, were made in human molar teeth and restored using one or other of several temporary filling materials (n = 10): zinc oxide/calcium sulphate-based cement (Cavit, 3M,ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), zinc oxide/eugenol cement (IRM, Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE, USA), glass ionomer cement (Vidrion R, SSWhite, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil) or a dimethacrylate-based filling (Bioplic, Biodinâmica, Londrina, PR, Brazil). Dye penetration was assessed after thermocycling and immersion in 0.5% basic fuchsine solution. For water sorption, solubility and loss of mass analyses, disc-shaped specimens were made. Water sorption and solubility were evaluated by mass alteration after storage in distilled water for 7 days (n = 7). Loss of mass was calculated based on the difference of mass after abrasion with a toothbrush (n = 5), and surfaces were analysed by SEM. Data of water sorption, solubility and loss of mass were submitted to anova and Tukeys test, and marginal sealing data to Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05). RESULTS Statistically significant differences were observed for marginal sealing (P < 0.0001), water sorption (P < 0.01), solubility (P < 0.01) and loss of mass (P < 0.05). Bioplic had the best marginal seal. Cavit had the greatest water sorption and solubility. Vidrion R and Bioplic had the lowest solubility. Loss of mass after brushing was higher for Cavit, followed by Bioplic, IRM and Vidrion R. Cavit and Vidrion R were worn aggressively by brushing. CONCLUSIONS The resin-based temporary filling Bioplic produced the best marginal seal, and was associated with the lowest water sorption, solubility and loss of mass.

Calcium hydroxide, pH-neutralization and formulation of model self-adhesive resin cements

OBJECTIVES This study investigated the incorporation of calcium hydroxide (CH) and its effect on pH-neutralization and fundamental properties of model self-adhesive resin cements (SARCs). METHODS Two-paste SARCs were obtained. Paste A: UDMA/Bis-GMA/TEGDMA/HEMA co-monomer, 25% phosphate monomer (GDMA-P), and 50% glass fillers; Paste B: UDMA/HEMA co-monomer, water, photoinitiators, and 60% glass fillers. CH was added at final concentrations of 0 (control), 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4%. Equal volumes of the pastes were mixed before testing. pH-neutralization of the eluate was followed during 24-h storage in distilled water. Other physico-chemical properties were evaluated only for the control and CH concentrations that neutralized the eluate. These evaluations included degree of CC conversion, film thickness, flexural strength/modulus, work-of-fracture, hardness, depth of cure, water sorption/solubility, and dentin bond strength. Statistical comparisons were conducted at a 5% significance level. RESULTS All CH concentrations above 0.25% caused pH increase of the eluate at 24h. The only CH concentrations leading to pH-neutralization were 2% and 4%. Compared with the control cement, the addition of 4% CH decreased the flexural strength, flexural modulus, work-of-fracture, CC conversion, and dentin bond strength. The cement with 2% CH had similar properties to the control cement, except for lower work-of-fracture and lower film thickness. Hardness, depth of cure, and water sorption were not affected by CH. The cement with 4% CH had lower solubility and film thickness than the other materials. SIGNIFICANCE Incorporation of 2% CH to SARCs may lead to pH-neutralization without dramatically affecting other material properties.

Tetrahydrofuran as alternative solvent in dental adhesive systems.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of tetrahydrofuran (THF) on the resin-to-dentin microtensile bond strength (microTBS) after water storage, for 24h and 6 months, and to compare its behavior with that of traditional solvents. METHODS Seven versions of monomer/solvent mixtures (primers) were prepared using the following solvent and water combinations: (1) THF, (2) acetone, (3) ethanol, (4) water, (5) THF/water, (6) acetone/water and (7) ethanol/water. An experimental adhesive resin was also synthesized to compare adhesive systems with the different primers. Forty-two bovine incisors, randomly separated into seven groups, had their superficial coronal dentin exposed. After acid-etching and rinsing, the excess water was removed from the surface with absorbent paper. Each experimental primer was applied with agitation (30s) followed by a mild air stream (10s). The experimental adhesive resin was applied and light-activated (20s). Resin composite restorations were constructed incrementally. Restored teeth were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C (24h) and sectioned to obtain sticks with an area of 0.5mm(2). Half the specimens were subjected to the microTBS test immediately after being cut and the other half were tested after 6 months of water storage. Data (MPa) were analyzed by two-way ANOVA (solvent type and storage time as factors) and Tukey-Kramers test at alpha=0.05. RESULTS Factors and interaction showed a statistical effect. After 6 months storage, acetone groups and primers containing THF showed similar microTBS to initial means. SIGNIFICANCE THF seems to be a promising solvent for use in dental adhesive systems, maintaining bond strength on dentin substrate after storage.

Composite Veneering of Complex Amalgam Restorations

In large posterior cavities, indirect restorations could provide improved performance when compared to direct restorations, but with higher cost and removal of sound tooth structure. Improved mechanical properties have resulted in good clinical performance for amalgam in large cavities but without an esthetic appearance. Resin composites have become popular for posterior restorations, mainly because of good esthetic results. A restorative technique is presented that combines the esthetic properties of directly bonded resin composite and the wide range of indications for amalgam in stress-bearing areas.