Maud Bergman

Laser welding of titanium in dentistry

Unalloyed titanium of the quality used for osseointegrated implants by the method of Brånemark is also sometimes used for the metallic part of the prosthetic superstructure placed on the fixtures and for crowns and bridges of conventional type. Forty bars of titanium, 8 of ASTM B 348 grade-1 quality and 32 of ASTM B 348 grade-2 quality, were laser-welded, using dissimilar laser joint variables. Tensile strength, 0.2% proof stress, and percentage elongation of the welded bars were measured and compared with the corresponding values for the titanium bars as delivered and with those of brazed type-3 gold alloy bars of similar dimensions. The type of fracture was evaluated from fractographs. The results showed that the use of certain defined laser joint variables during welding produced values for the mechanical properties studied which were more favorable than those obtained from the brazed gold bars. The fracture of the titanium specimens was ductile, with dimples occurring at the fracture surfaces.

Determination of the Rate of Release of Intra-oral Mercury Vapor from Amalgam

The experimental and analytical difficulties associated with the measurement of mercury vapor in the oral cavity are considerable. In the present paper, the objective was to measure the amount of intra-oral mercury vapor in subjects with amalgams, by means of two sets of equipment based on different functional principles. In addition, it was found that the type of mercury source prevalent in the oral cavity had to be evaluated. The measuring technique used to obtain correct results is discussed, and an evaluation of the conditions for the application of the measuring equipment available was made. It was found that the amount of mercury released from the oral cavity was time-dependent. Furthermore, the amount of mercury released with the time kept constant was almost independent of the pumping flow rate up to 8 L/min. It was found that the tissue, saliva, and the amalgam restorations were not depleted of mercury during the measuring time. The results of the Mercollector-Mercometer measurements carried out on seven subjects with nine or more occlusal surfaces restored with dental amalgam and on three subjects without any amalgam restorations revealed that the rate of mercury release was in the range 0.03-0.34 ng/sec in the former group and < 0.01 nglsec in the latter. Based on the experimental results and on theoretical considerations, it was concluded that the amount of mercury released per time unit is the only quantity measurable.

In vitro corrosion resistance of titanium made using different fabrication methods.

The corrosion of cast or milled ASTM Grade II CP titanium with different surface conditions was studied by potentiodynamic anodic polarization and immersion testing. Specimens were fabricated using three dental titanium casting systems and from machined titanium. Three surface conditions were tested: (1) sandblasted with surface reaction layers remaining; (2) polished surface without surface reaction layers; and (3) sandblasted surface without surface reaction layers. An acidic saline solution (0.1 M lactic acid/0.1 M NaC1 [pH = 2]) and an artificial saliva were used as the corrosion media. Anodic polarization was performed starting at 50 mV below the rest potential and terminating at +2250 mV vs Ag/AgCl. Two surface conditions (sandblasted with the surface reaction layers and polished without such layers) were examined in the immersion test. Specimens were immersed in the corrosion media at 37 degrees C for six months. The recovered solution was analyzed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer for titanium dissolution. A distinctive passive region on the polarization diagram, ranging from approximately 0 to approximately +1300 mV, was observed for all specimens in both media. Great similarity was observed for all the sandblasted specimens which had larger primary passive current densities and passive regions compared to the polished ones. A current density peak at approximately +1600 mV seen for all the specimens with sandblasted surfaces was less well defined for the polished specimens. Immersion testing in the acidic saline solution revealed no significant differences among the polished specimens. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in titanium dissolution was found for the sandblasted specimens with surface reaction layers remaining on the surfaces made with phosphate-bonded SiO2/Al2O3 investment compared to the polished ones. Significant differences were also found between sandblasted specimens with the surface reaction layers resulting from different investment materials and different casting methods. Measurable amounts of titanium were not found for all specimens in the artificial saliva after six months. It is evident that the corrosion behavior of cast CP titanium is similar to that of machined titanium. The surface roughness appears to be a more prominent factor than do the surface reaction layers on the polarization behavior of the CP titanium under the present experimental conditions. Surface roughness and the presence of the surface reaction layers both affect the dissolution of titanium.

Cytotoxicity and bonding property of dental ceramics

OBJECTIVES Yttria partially stabilized zirconia (YPSZ) ceramic is suitable for dental and medical use because of its high fracture toughness and chemical durability. The purpose of this study was to estimate the cytotoxicity and bonding property of zirconia ceramic compared to other dental ceramics. METHODS Eight commercial dental ceramics including Denzir (YPSZ) are used in this cytotoxicity test. The human gingival fibroblast (GF) cells were cultured using extraction solutions of ceramics. The cytotoxicity was estimated by two different methods. The bonding strength of Denzir was compared to Empress2 using zinc phosphate, glass ionomer, and adhesive resin cements. A brass plate was prepared with drilled tapered holes and ceramic specimens were prepared to fit the holes and bonded. The bonding strength was estimated by the punching test. RESULTS No significant (p>0.05) cytotoxicity was observed in all ceramic extractions. The two evaluation methods showed no significant differences. Denzir and Empress2 showed similar bonding strength with zinc phosphate or glass ionomer cement bonding. For both Empress2 and Denzir the glass ionomer cement showed significantly (p<0.001) higher bonding strength compared to the zinc phosphate cement. Empress2 showed significantly higher bonding strength with adhesive resin cement. However, the Denzir showed lower bonding strength with adhesive resin cement. SIGNIFICANCE No ceramic extractions showed any evidence of cytotoxicity. Therefore, the low in vitro cytotoxicity of ceramic extractions including Denzir was confirmed. Denzir showed a similar bonding strength to Empress2 with zinc phosphate or glass ionomer cement bonding with this testing method and lower bonding strength with adhesive resin cement than with Empress2.

Polishing systems for dental ceramics

The increasing use of ceramic crowns and inlays in posterior teeth has highlighted the clinical difficulties involved in achieving a good surface finish after corrective grinding. In the present work several polishing systems and techniques were compared, initially using only one dental ceramic, Vita Mark I. The two systems that produced the best results were then further used for the polishing of several different dental ceramics, mainly newer types. The initial surface roughness and the surface condition attained after various polishing stages were evaluated by using a surface roughness analyzer. In the initial test series the SofLex system and the Shofu Porcelain Laminate Polishing Kit produced the best results; they were therefore chosen for the second part of the investigation. In this the two polishing systems concerned produced a satisfactory surface finish in a clinically acceptable time for all the ceramics tested. The use of a diamond-containing polishing past did not improve the surface smoothness obtained with the SofLex system but gave a more varied result for the Shofu system.

Daily Dose Calculations from Measurements of Intra-oral Mercury Vapor

Measurements of intra-oral mercury vapor from amalgam fillings are discussed. It was shown that the only quantity which it is possible to measure is the mercury release rate, and that the concentrations of mercury vapor in the oral cavity published in most earlier studies are the mercury concentrations in the measuring cell of the measuring apparatus and not the concentrations in the oral cavity. The consequences for the daily dose equations of the facts that the mercury source is present inside the oral cavity and that the amount of mercury released during a certain time is limited are discussed. It was found that most daily dose equations used have a questionable mercury distribution on inspiration, expiration, and swallowing. Re-calculations of almost all the available daily dose data showed a mean daily dose value of about 1.3 μg Hg/day (range, 0.3-2.2 μg Hg/day). The mean swallowed amount of mercury from intra-oral mercury vapor was calculated as being in the order of 10 μg Hg/day (range, 2.4-17 μg Hg/day), resulting in an estimated absorption of about 1 μg Hg/day from the gastro-intestinal tract.

A clinical examination of ceramic (Cerec®) inlays

Two hundred and five Cerec ceramic inlays placed by 8 dentists in 72 patients were examined independently by 3 calibrated evaluators 12-24 months after insertion, using the criteria of the California Dental Association (CDA) and also certain periodontal variables. Proximal dental plaque and bleeding on probing were not seen more often on Cerec surfaces than on control homologous surfaces. Ten patients reported postoperative sensitivity after treatment with Cerec inlays. Excellent CDA ratings for Color and Surface were obtained in 57% and 26%, respectively, and for Anatomic Form and Margin Integrity in 55% and 83%, respectively. Obvious differences were seen among the participating dentists with regard to the clinical quality of Cerec inlays. At present, the long-term performance of the Cerec technique cannot be predicted.

Release of Elements due to Electrochemical Corrosion of Dental Amalgam

The corrosion pattern of dental amalgam in aqueous media was interpreted theoretically by means of log(αi/αref)-pe diagrams. The definitions on which the diagrams were based were given, and their features were described. All sparingly soluble compounds which were expected to be formed in reactions with the solvents considered were listed. All the corrosion products reported in the current literature were found to be formed, and the conditions for their formation were established. It emerged that it was necessary to exclude other sparingly soluble compounds which theoretically might be formed. Two compounds, CuSCN and AgSCN, which have not been reported previously were found to be possible corrosion products. Corrosion products containing mercury compound cannot be formed on amalgam restorations with no metallic contact with other materials.

Ceramic inlays (Cerec) cemented with either a dual-cured or a chemically cured composite resin luting agent A 2-year clinical study

On the basis of the criteria of the California Dental Association (CDA), 66 CAD/CAM-manufactured ceramic class-II inlays (Cerec) were compared intraindividually after they had been cemented with either a chemically cured or a dual-cured composite resin luting agent in 27 patients. Plaque and gingival conditions, the overall time consumption for producing each inlay, and the frequency of postoperative sensitivity were also evaluated. There was no statistically significant difference between the two luting agents with regard to the properties evaluated. One inlay was replaced owing to fracture of the restored tooth just before the 24-month re-examination. After 2 years excellent CDA ratings were obtained for color in 92% of the remaining 65 inlays. The corresponding figures for surface and for anatomic form were 100% and 85%, respectively. For margin integrity 85% of the 33 inlays cemented with the dual-cured luting agent and 88% of the 33 inlays cemented with the chemically cured luting agent were rated excellent after 2 years.

The dentist's exposure to elemental mercury vapor during clinical work with amalgam

Continuous measurements of mercury vapor in the breathing zone of the dentist were made under ordinary clinical conditions. Fifty old amalgam fillings were removed and replaced by new ones. The mercury vapor measurements were performed by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. On the basis of the type of suction device used, the measurements were divided into seven groups, each of which consisted of a series of measurements. During the cutting, filling, and polishing operations the mean mercury vapor levels in the breathing zone of the dentist were in the range of 1-2 micrograms Hg m-3 air when proper mercury hygiene measures were taken. This is far below the currently valid threshold limit value (30 micrograms Hg m-3 air) in Sweden. The saliva extractor and the dental mirror-evacuator did not influence the mercury vapor levels when used together with the high-volume evacuator. However, when only a saliva extractor was used, the cutting of amalgam fillings caused highly fluctuating mercury vapor levels, which were 2-15 times higher than the threshold limit value.