Paris Gerasimou

Viscoelastic properties, creep behavior and degree of conversion of bulk fill composite resins

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the viscoelastic properties and creep behavior of bulk fill composites under different conditions and evaluate their degree of conversion. METHODS Seven bulk fill composites were examined: everX Posterior (EV), SDR (SD), SonicFill (SF), Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (TE), Venus Bulk Fill (VE), x-tra base (XB) and x-tra fil (XF). Each material was tested at 21°C, 37°C and 50°C under dry and wet conditions by applying a constant torque for static and creep testing and dynamic torsional loading for dynamic testing. Degree of conversion (%DC) was measured on the top and bottom surfaces of composites with ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Statistical analysis was performed with two-way ANOVA, Bonferronis post hoc test and Pearsons correlation coefficient. RESULTS Shear modulus G ranged from 2.17GPa (VE) to 8.03GPa (XF) and flexural modulus E from 6.16GPa (VE) to 23GPa (XF) when the materials were tested dry at 21°C. The increase of temperature and the presence of water lead to a decline of these properties. Flowable materials used as base composites in restorations showed significantly lower values (p<0.05) than non-base composites, while being more prone to creep deformation. %DC ranged from 47.25% (XF) to 66.67% (SD) at the top material surface and 36.06% (XF) to 63.20% (SD) at the bottom. SIGNIFICANCE Bulk fill composites exhibited significant differences between them with base flowable materials showing in most cases inferior mechanical properties and higher degree of conversion than restorative bulk fill materials.

Effect of radiant heat and ultrasound on fluoride release and surface hardness of glass ionomer cements

Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of radiant heat and ultrasound on fluoride release and surface hardness of 3 glass ionomer cements (GICs). Methods There were 3 experimental groups for each GIC; in group 1, the specimens were left to set without any treatment; in group 2, the specimens were irradiated for 2 minutes using a LED unit; and in group 3, ultrasound was applied using a scaler for 55 seconds on the specimen surface. Fluoride release measurements were performed daily for 7 days and at days 14 and 28. Surface hardness of the tested GICs was determined using Vickers method. The measurements were performed 24 hours and 7 days after mixing. Statistical analysis of the data was made using 1-way ANOVA and Tukeys and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Results Radiant heat during setting reduced the fluoride release and increased the surface hardness of GICs (p<0.05). Ultrasonic treatment also reduced the fluoride release and increased the surface hardness (p<0.05) of GICs but in lower extent. Among the GICs there were differences in fluoride release and surface hardness properties depending on their composition (p<0.05). Conclusions Radiant heat and ultrasonic treatments may be useful methods for GIC restorations in order to achieve faster adequate initial mechanical properties.

Dynamic and static mechanical analysis of resin luting cements

Various types of indirect restorations are available for dental treatment and resin cements are commonly used as a luting medium. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of contemporary resin luting agents under different testing conditions and temperatures. The materials tested were Choice 2 (CH), Clearfil Esthetic Cement (EC), Resicem (RC) and RelyX Unicem (RX). Each material was examined after 24 h of storage at 21 °C dry and wet at 21, 37 and 50 °C under dynamic and static testing and parameters such as shear and flexural modulus, loss tangent, dynamic viscosity and Poissons ratio were calculated. The resin cements were also subjected to creep testing under different constant loads for 3 h and a recovery time of 50 h. The material with the highest modulus was CH, while RX had the lowest. All resin cements were affected by the presence of water with RX being the least affected and by the increase of temperature, with RC being the least susceptible. None of the materials exhibited full recovery after creep testing and permanent deformation ranged from 0.43% to 5.53%. The resin cements tested in this study showed no major transitions under the different testing conditions. Their behavior was satisfactory for restorations that do not require increased mechanical properties. However, in the case of stress-bearing restorations the conditions in the oral cavity may affect the performance of these materials.

Microleakage in combined amalgam/composite resin restorations in MOD cavities

Aim: To compare marginal seal at tooth-material and material-material interfaces in the proximal box in combined amalgam/composite resin restorations. Methods: Mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavities were prepared in 35 premolars and permanent molars with carbide bur. The distal proximal box was restored with amalgam (Permite, SDI) until reaching the height of pulpal floor. Dental tissues were etched with 37% acid and a bonding agent (Bond 1-SF, Pentron) was applied and cured. Composite resin (Filtek Z250, 3M-ESPE) was placed in layers in the mesial proximal box and occlusally, and light cured. Marginal adaptation was evaluated at the following interfaces: amalgam-tooth (A), amalgam-composite resin (AC) and composite resin-tooth (C). Microleakage was evaluated by means of methylene blue infiltration after 7-day water storage and thermocycling regimen (1500 cycles). Microleakage was assessed as percentage depth of horizontal dye penetration. Results: ANOVA showed statistically significant difference between A-AC and A-C (p 0.05). Mean microleakage values were A (73.529/28.71), AC (34.118/34.6) and C (40.435/ 34.965), according to Tukey’s test. Conclusions: Although the bonding mechanism between amalgam and composite has not yet been completely explained, amalgam/composite resin interface exhibited the lowest microleakage scores. Since amalgam/composite resin restorations exhibited lower microleakage scores than composite resin on the cervical surface, combined restorations can be considered as a biological and aesthetic alternative to conventional Class II composite or amalgam restorations.

Effect of Three Clinical Curing Treatments on Fluoride Release and Surface Hardness of Glass-Ionomer Cements

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of radiant heat, ultrasonic treatment, and 42.7 wt% CaCl₂ solution on fluoride release and surface hardness in three conventional glass-ionomer cements (GICs). The fluoride release patterns of each GIC were evaluated during a 28-day period using a fluoride ion-selective electrode. The surface hardness of the tested GICs was evaluated 24 hours after preparation of the specimens using Vickers hardness test. Statistical analysis of the data was made using analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test (α = .05). Radiant heat, ultrasonic, and CaCl₂ solution treatments reduced fluoride release and increased the surface hardness of the tested GICs (P < .05). Among the tested GICs, differences in fluoride release and surface hardness were observed (P < .05). The clinical treatments investigated may be effective methods for improving the setting reaction of GICs and may achieve sufficient initial mechanical properties earlier. Although a reduction in fluoride release occurs after the treatments, anticariogenic properties of the GICs may not be significantly affected.

The Effect of Composition, Temperature and Post-Irradiation Curing of Bulk Fill Resin Composites on Polymerization Efficiency

Objectives: To evaluate the polymerization efficiency of bulk fill resin-based composites (RBCs) and how their composition, temperature and post-irradiation polymerization influence the results. Methods and Materials: Eight bulk fill RBCs were investigated. Five specimens for each material were prepared for Vickers hardness measurements. The measurements were performed in three depths from the top of the surface of the specimens (0, 2 or 4 mm) immediately and 24 h after polymerization and for the highly viscous bulk fill RBCs after preheating at 54oC. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests ata=0.05. Results: As the depth increases microhardness values reduce. The Vickers hardness measurements 24 h after photo-polymerization revealed higher values compared to those obtained immediately after photo-polymerization(p<0.05). There was an increase in microhardness of the RBC materials when preheated at 54oC in comparison with the room temperature specimens (p<0.05). Conclusions: Polymerization efficiency of bulk fill RBCs is affected by their composition and increases with temperature and post-irradiation polymerization.

Effect of preheating and shade on surface microhardness of silorane-based composites.

AIM The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of preheating and shade on the surface microhardness of silorane-based composites. METHODS Three shades of two different types of composites were evaluated: a silorane-based composite and a methacrylate-based composite. The composites were tested at 23°C, and after preheating at 55°C. Five specimens were prepared for each experimental group. The top surface of the specimens was irradiated for 20 s using an LED unit. Vickers microhardness test was used to evaluate both top and bottom surfaces of the specimens, followed by 24-h storage in the dark. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way anova and Tukeys post-hoc test at a level of significance of α = 0.05. RESULTS There was a significant rise in microhardness as the temperature increased from 23 to 55°C for both the top and bottom surfaces of the tested composites (P < 0.05). The C2 shade of both composites exhibited the lowest microhardness (P < 0.05), while the A2 and A3 shades did not show significant differences compared to each other (P > 0.05) Filtek Silorane presented significantly lower microhardness than Filtek Z250 (P < 0.05), regardless of the temperature, shade, or depth of measurement. CONCLUSIONS Preheating, shade, and composition of the tested composite resins affected their surface microhardness.

Endocrown restorations for extensively damaged posterior teeth: clinical performance of three cases

The restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) with more than one cusp missing and thin remaining walls is challenging for the general practitioner. The use of posts combined with full coverage restorations is a well-established approach, yet not following the minimal invasive principles of adhesive dentistry. Endocrowns are indirect monoblock restorations that use the pulp chamber of the ETT for retention. In this study the fabrication of 4 endocrowns and their clinical performance will be discussed. Two clinical cases include computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing manufactured molar endocrowns (one feldspathic ceramic and one hybrid composite-ceramic restoration) and the other two are dental laboratory manufactured resin composite premolar endocrown restorations. The modified United States Public Health Service criteria were used to assess the clinical behavior of the restorations at different follow up periods. Endocrown restorations present a satisfactory clinical alternative, either by the use of resin composite or glass ceramic and hybrid materials. Specific guidelines with minimal alterations should be followed for an endocrown restoration to be successful. Due to limited evidence regarding the long term evaluation of this restorative technique, a careful selection of cases should be applied.

Comparison of Elastomeric Impression Materials’ Thixotropic Behavior

The improved flow characteristics of new elastomeric impression materials are significant factors in the selection ofsuitableproductsfor clinical applications. The aim of this study was to assess the thixotropic behavior and compare the flow characteristics of seven different elastomeric impression materials using a shark fin test. One polyvinylsiloxane showed the highest shark fin height values, while the newly formed vinylsiloxanether material exhibited no significant differences when compared with two polyvinylsiloxanes. One of the five polyvinylosiloxanes presented significantly lower shark fin values than all other materials. It was concluded that flow characteristics for most of the tested materials are acceptable.