Michel Nicolau Youssef

Influence of aluminum oxide sandblasting associated with Nd:YAG or Er:YAG lasers on shear bond strength of a feldspathic ceramic to resin cements.

OBJECTIVE This in vitro study evaluated the influence of the surface pretreatment of a feldspathic ceramic on the shear bond strength of two different resin cements. BACKGROUND DATA Although several conventional surface treatments have been used on feldspathic ceramic, few studies have investigated the effects of an alternative surface treatment, the association of aluminum oxide sandblasting with Nd:YAG and Er: YAG lasers. METHODS Sixty samples made of a feldspathic ceramic were divided into three groups (n = 20) and treated with (1) controlled-air abrasion with Al(2)O(3) + 10% hydrofluoric acid (HF), (2) Al(2)O(3) + Er:YAG laser, and (3) Al(2)O(3) +Nd:YAG laser. Afterward, silane (Dentsply) was applied on each treated surface. Each of the three main groups was divided into two subgroups (n = 10), where a different resin cement was employed for each subgroup. It was built a cylinder with resin cement (RelyX Arc) in subgroup (A) and with self-adhesive cement (RelyX U100) in subgroup (B). After 24 h at 37 degrees C, the prepared specimens were submitted to shear bond strength test and stereoscopic evaluation to determine the type of failure. RESULTS Bond strength mean values were not statistically significant for the surface treatment methods or resin cements. CONCLUSION The null surface treatment proposed with aluminum oxide sandblasting associated with the Er:YAG or Nd:YAG laser and using cementation with self-adhesive cement can be an alternative bonding technique for feldspathic ceramic, since it was as effective as the conventional treatment with aluminum oxide sandblasting and hydrofluoric acid using the conventional resin cement.

The effect of fluoride therapies on the morphology of bleached human dental enamel

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate qualitatively the surface morphology of enamel bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) followed by application of fluoridated agents. Forty intact pre molars were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 10), treated as follows: Group I (control group) remained stored in artificial saliva at 37°C, Group II ‐ 35% HP; Group III ‐ 35% HP + acidulated fluoride (1.23%) and Group IV ‐ 35% HP + neutral fluoride (2%). The experimental groups received three applications of bleaching gel and after the last application all specimens were polished. This procedure was repeated after 7 and 14 days, and during the intervals of applications, the specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed superficial irregularities and porosities to varying degrees in bleached enamel compared to control group. Sample evaluation was made by attributing scores, and data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests (P < 0.05). SEM qualitative investigation demonstrated that 35% hydrogen peroxide affected human dental enamel morphology, producing porosities, depressions, and superficial irregularities at various degrees. These morphological changes were higher after the application of 1.23% acidulated fluoride gel. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010.

Microdureza de resina composta: efeito de aparelhos e tempos de polimerização em diferentes profundidades

As propriedades das resinas compostas tem sido estudadas com frequencia, bem como os fatores que podem influenciar seu grau de polimerizacao. Diante da evolucao desses materiais e da necessidade de buscarmos melhora do seu comportamento na cavidade bucal, objetivamos, por meio deste estudo avaliar a eficacia de dois aparelhos fotopolimerizadores do tipo pistola (de alta intensidade de luz), comparando com a de um aparelho a cabo (de baixa intensidade de luz), com tempos de exposicao de 20 e de 40 segundos e em profundidades de 1 a 4 milimetros. Os testes avaliaram o grau de polimerizacao da resina por meio de testes de microdureza Knoop. Os resultados mostraram haver diferenca estatisticamente significante entre os tempos, sendo que com 40 segundos a dureza foi maior que com 20 segundos para as 4 diferentes profundidades. Para o fator aparelhos, os dois aparelhos tipo pistola se comportaram superiores ao do tipo cabo Fibralux (Dabi Atlante), e entre eles, o XL 1500 (3M) promoveu dureza maior que o Optilight II (Gnatus) no tempo de polimerizacao de 40 segundos. As profundidades de 1, 2, 3 e 4 milimetros mostraram estatisticamente diferenca entre si tendo sido encontrada maior dureza para as menores profundidades (p < 0,05).

Finite elements study of the Flexi Post and Flexi Flange post systems in a maxillary central incisor

The use of post and core systems has become an excellent alternative for restoring endodontically treated teeth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the von Mises, maximal compressive and tensile stresses distribution using the Finite Element Method (FEM) on human teeth restored with different post and core systems. The analysis was made on endodontically treated maxillary central incisors. The post systems used in this investigation were the stainless steel or titanium Flexi Post/Flexi Flange. Composite resin was used as core material and resin cement was the cement material of choice to seat a full porcelain crown. The bi-dimensional mathematical model was created from pictures taken from an intact human maxillary central incisor and prefabricated posts. This image was transferred to a personal computer in the MSC/Nastran 4.5 software. A static and linear analysis treatment was performed when a 45 load of 100 N was applied on the lingual surface of the tooth. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the post design and its material can alter the stress pattern distribution.

Immediate and Short-Term Effects of In-Office Desensitizing Treatments for Dentinal Tubule Occlusion

OBJECTIVE The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the immediate and short-term effects of laser neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) irradiation and in-office desensitizing treatment on dentin tubule occlusion. BACKGROUND DATA Literature shows a lack of long-lasting treatments for dentin hypersensitivity. METHODS Forty-eight dentin slabs (4×4×2 mm) were ground flat, polished, and treated with 27% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to open the dentinal tubules. Specimens were randomly divided into the following experimental groups (n=12): Group 1: Control (no treatment); Group 2: Nd:YAG laser irradiation (100 mJ, 85 J/cm(2) per pulse with a quartz fiber of 400 μm, in scanning movements); Group 3: In-office prophylaxis with pumice; Group 4: In-office Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief™ Desensitizing Paste. Treatments were performed according to the manufacturers instructions. After treatment, the specimens were submitted to a sequence of erosive and abrasive challenges, twice a day for 5 days. The specimens were qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated by scanning electron microscopy immediately after treatment and after 4 and 5 days. The response variable was the amount of occluded dentin tubules per area, determined by three different examiners with the use of visual criteria, with a standardized grade created in the PowerPoint program. Data were compared with ANOVA and Tukeys test, considering a 5% significance level. RESULTS Immediately after treatment, a reduction in the number of opened dentin tubules was observed for the laser group when compared with the control group (p<0.05). After the experimental procedures, there were no quantitative differences between the amount of opened dentin tubules for all groups; however, micrographs showed some qualitative tubule occlusion for the laser group after the erosive/abrasive challenge. CONCLUSIONS only laser irradiation was capable of immediately sealing the dentinal tubules; however, none of the treatments showed efficacy in maintaining tubule occlusion after the chemical and mechanical challenges.

Polymerization shrinkage evaluation of three packable composite resins using a gas pycnometer

Modern restorative dentistry has been playing an outstanding role lately since composite resins, allied to adhesive systems, have been widely applied on anterior and posterior teeth restorations. The evolution of composite resins has mostly been verified due to the improvement of their aesthetic behavior and the increase in their compressive and abrasive strengths. In spite of these developments, the polymerization shrinkage inherent to the material has been a major deficiency that, so far, has been impossible to avoid. Using a gas pycnometry, this research investigated the polymerization shrinkage of three packable composite resins: Filtek P60 (3M), Prodigy Condensable (Kerr), and SureFil (Dentsply/Caulk), varying the distance from the light source to the surface of the resins (2 mm or 10 mm). The pycnometer Accupyc 1330 (Micromeritics, USA) precisely records helium displacement, allowing fast and reliable measurements of the volume of composite resin immediately before and after polymerization, without interference of temperature or humidity. Results were not found to be statistically different for the three tested resins, either for 2 mm or 10 mm-distance from the light source to the composite surface.

Caries resistance of lased human root surface with 10.6 μm CO2 laser-thermal, morphological, and microhardness analysis

Although the cariostatic effects of CO2 laser on enamel have been shown, its effects on root surface demineralization remains uncertain. The objectives of this in vitro research was to establish safe parameters for a pulsed 10.6 μm CO2 laser and to evaluate its effect on morphological features of the root surface, as well as on the reduction of root demineralization. Ninety-five human root surfaces were randomly divided into five groups: G1-No treatment (control); G2—2.5 J/cm2; G3—4.0 J/cm2; G4—5.0 J/cm2; and G5—6.0 J/cm2. Intrapulpal temperature was evaluated during root surface irradiation by a thermocouple and morphological changes were evaluated by SEM. After the surface treatment, the specimens were submitted to a 7-day pH-cycling model. Subsequently, the cross-sectional Knoop microhardness values were measured. For all irradiated groups, intrapulpal temperature changes were less than 1.5°C. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that fluences as low as 4.0 J/cm2 were sufficient to induce morphological changes in the root surface. Additionally, for fluences reaching or exceeding 4.0 J/cm2, laser-induced inhibitory effects on root surface demineralization were observed. It was concluded that laser energy density in the range of 4.0 to 6.0 J/cm2 could be applied to a dental root to reduce demineralization of this surface without compromising pulp vitality.

Five second photoactivation? A microhardness and marginal adaptation in vitro study in composite resin restorations.

INTRODUCTION Studies defining the characteristics of light curing units and photoactivation methods are necessary to allow the correct choices to be made in daily practice. This study aimed to determine whether different photoactivation protocols for composite resins [periodic level shifting (PLS) - 5 second and soft-start] are able to maintain or enhance the mechanical properties and marginal adaptation of restorations. METHODS Restorations were placed in bovine teeth using the following photoactivation methods: continuous light for 20 seconds (control group); PLS technology (PLS - 5 second group); and continuous light and a light guide tip distance of 6 mm after which the tip was placed at the surface of the restoration (soft-start group). The teeth were transversely sectioned in the incisal-cervical direction. Thirty halves were randomly selected for Knoop microhardness testing (n = 10). The other 30 halves were subjected to scanning electron microscopy analysis. The images obtained were measured to identify the highest marginal gap, and statistical tests for variance analysis were conducted. RESULTS Microhardness tests showed no statistically significant difference between the photoactivation methods analysed (P ≥ 0.01). The tests showed a difference among depths (P < 0.01), with the deeper layers being the hardest. In analysing marginal adaptation, no significant difference was identified between the higher marginal gap values in the continuous (mean = 10.36) and PLS - 5 second (mean = 10.62) groups, and the soft-start group (mean = 5.83) presented the lowest values (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The PLS - 5 second and soft-start protocols did not alter the hardness of the restorations. Moreover, the PLS - 5 second protocol did not alter the marginal adaptation, whereas the soft-start protocol improved marginal adaptation.

Influence of irradiation with Er:YAG laser on the shear bond strength of a resin cement to feldspathic ceramic - in vitro study

Although several conventional surface treatments have been used on feldspathic ceramic, a few studies investigated the effects of the irradiation with Er: YAG laser using different parameters. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of a resin cement to feldspathic ceramic, after the application of different surface treatments, especially the irradiation with Er:YAG laser. Forty-two discs made of a feldspathic ceramic were divided into six groups (n = 7): G1: control group - 10% hydrofluoric acid (HF), G2: Air abrasion with Al2O3 + HF; G3: Er: YAG laser with 500 mJ/4Hz, G4: Er: YAG laser with 500 mJ/4Hz: + HF; G5: Er: YAG laser with 400 mJ/6Hz and G6: Er:YAG laser with 400 mJ/6Hz + HF. After this, all the specimens were treated with silane, and then a resin cement cylinder was built on the treated ceramic surface. After 24 h at 37 oC, specimens were submitted to the shear bond strenght test and stereoscopic evaluation to determine the type of failure. The mean bond strength values (MPa) obtained were: G1 - 17.55, G2 - 18.80, G3 - 21.80, G4 - 12.62, G5 - and 15.81 G6- 11.59. After performing the ANOVA and Tukeys test, it was concluded that the group irradiated with Er:YAG laser at 500mJ/4Hz performed similarly to the groups that received the conventional treatments, such as hydrofluoric acid etching and the combination of air abrasion plus hydrofluoric acid, and was higher than the other groups irradiated with Er:YAG laser.

Resistência de união à dentina de resinas compostas associadas a sistemas adesivos com e sem carga

This study analyzed in vitro two brands of one-step adhesive systems of fourth generation (Optisolo--Kerr, filled; and Single Bond--3M, unfilled) and two composite resins (Prodigy--Kerr and Z100--3M), aiming at evaluating their bond strength to dentin. Eighty human extracted molars were embedded in acrylic resin and grounded until dentin was exposed in longitudinal direction. The specimens were divided in 4 groups. Composite resin cones were bonded to the specimens using the mentioned adhesive systems, following the instructions of the manufacturers. The test-specimens were submitted to tensile tests using a 4442 Universal Mini-Instron Machine with the speed of 0.5 mm/min. The results were converted into MPa, according to the area of adhesion, and submitted to statistical analysis with ANOVA. There was significant statistical difference (p < 0.01) between the adhesive systems (F = 7.24). Optisolo (m = 11.03 +/- 4.23) showed better bond strength than Single Bond (m = 8.37 +/- 4.54). There was no significant statistical difference (p > 0.05) between the composites (F = 0.43).