Sergio Brossi Botta

Effect of dental tissue conditioners and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors on type I collagen microstructure analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical interaction of collagen with some substances usually applied in dental treatments to increase the durability of adhesive restorations to dentin. Initially, the similarity between human dentin collagen and type I collagen obtained from commercial bovine membranes of Achilles deep tendon was compared by the Attenuated Total Reflectance technique of Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Finally, the effects of application of 35% phosphoric acid, 0.1M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 2% chlorhexidine, and 6.5% proanthocyanidin solution on microstructure of collagen and in the integrity of its triple helix were also evaluated by ATR-FTIR. It was observed that the commercial type I collagen can be used as an efficient substitute for demineralized human dentin in studies that use spectroscopy analysis. The 35% phosphoric acid significantly altered the organic content of amides, proline and hydroxyproline of type I collagen. The surface treatment with 0.1M EDTA, 2% chlorhexidine, or 6.5% proanthocyanidin did not promote deleterious structural changes to the collagen triple helix. The application of 6.5% proanthocyanidin on collagen promoted hydrogen bond formation.

Relationship Between Surface Topography and Energy Density Distribution of Er,Cr:YSGG Beam on Irradiated Dentin: An Atomic Force Microscopy Study

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess by atomic force microscopy (AFM) the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser application on the surface microtopography of radicular dentin. BACKGROUND Lasers have been used for various purposes in dentistry, where they are clinically effective when used in an appropriate manner. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser can be used for caries prevention when settings are below the ablation threshold. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four specimens of bovine dentin were irradiated using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser (λ = 2.78 μm), at a repetition rate of 20 Hz, with a 750-μm-diameter sapphire tip and energy density of 2.8 J/cm(2) (12.5 mJ/pulse). After irradiation, surface topography was analyzed by AFM using a Si probe in tapping mode. Quantitative and qualitative information concerning the arithmetic average roughness (Ra) and power spectral density analyses were obtained from central, intermediate, and peripheral areas of laser pulses and compared with data from nonirradiated samples. RESULTS Dentin Ra for different areas were as follows: central, 261.26 (±21.65) nm; intermediate, 83.48 (±6.34) nm; peripheral, 45.8 (±13.47) nm; and nonirradiated, 35.18 (±2.9) nm. The central region of laser pulses presented higher ablation of intertubular dentin, with about 340-760 nm height, while intermediate, peripheral, and nonirradiated regions presented no difference in height of peritubular and interperitubular dentin. CONCLUSION According to these results, we can assume that even when used at a low-energy density parameter, Er,Cr:YSGG laser can significantly alter the microtopography of radicular dentin, which is an important characteristic to be considered when laser is used for clinical applications.

Effects of fluoride or nanohydroxiapatite on roughness and gloss of bleached teeth.

The aim of this study was to describe roughness and gloss alterations of enamel after treatment with 38% hydrogen peroxide (HP) and after polishing with 2% neutral sodium fluoride (SF) or a dental tooth paste containing nanohydroxiapatite particles (nHA) using power spectral density (PSD) description, roughness parameters (Ra, RMS, and Z range) and gloss analysis.

Effect of papain-based gel on type I collagen--spectroscopy applied for microstructural analysis.

Considering the improvement of biomaterials that facilitate atraumatic restorative techniques in dentistry, a papain-based gel can be used in the chemomechanical removal of decayed dental tissue. However, there is no information regarding the influence of this gel on the structure of sound collagen. The aim of the present study was to investigate the adsorption of a papain-based gel (PapacarieTM) to collagen and determine collagen integrity after treatment. A pilot study was first performed with 10 samples of type I collagen membrane obtained from bovine Achilles deep tendon to compare the influence of hydration (Milli-Q water) on infrared bands of collagen. In a further experiment, 10 samples of type I collagen membrane were used to evaluate the effects of PapacarieTM on the collagen microstructure. All analyses were performed using the attenuated total reflectance technique of Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). The results demonstrated that the application of PapacarieTM does not lead to the degradation of collagen and this product can be safely used in minimally invasive dentistry. As the integrity of sound collagen is preserved after the application of the papain-based gel, this product is indicated for the selective removal of infected dentin, leaving the affected dentin intact and capable of re-mineralization.

Papain gel containing methylene blue for simultaneous caries removal and antimicrobial photoinactivation against Streptococcus mutans biofilms

This study intended to evaluate the effects of a papain-gel with a red-light absorbing pigment (methylene blue – MB) to mediate photodynamic therapy (PDT) against Streptococcus mutans biofilms. The PapaMBlue was compared with free MB to generate reactive oxygen species using fluorescence probes (SOSG and HPF). PDT (660-nm light) was carried out against S. mutans biofilms grown on either plastic dishes or on collagen membrane and assayed by CFU, live-dead staining using confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and H&E staining for collagen films. Cytotoxicity and subcellular localization was studied in human fibroblasts. Sponges of bioabsorbable type I collagen membrane were exposed to papain based gel, irradiated with laser and analyzed about their integrity by ATR-FTIR. The PapaMBlue produced higher amounts of singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals than free MB, possibly due to better disaggregation of the dye in solution. The PapaMBlue antimicrobial effects on biofilms proved to be capable of reducing the S. mutans. Both MTT and PrestoBlue assays showed higher cell viability and metabolism scores in fibroblasts treated with PapaMBlue and MB, possibly due to stimulation of mitochondrial activity and that collagen triple helix is unaffected. The PapaMBlue is equally effective as MB in destroying S. mutans biofilms growing on plastic or collagen without affecting fibroblasts.

A comparative leakage study on Er,Cr: YSGG laser- and bur- prepared Class V cavities restored with a low-shrinkage composite using different filling techniques

AIM: To evaluate the leakage on Er,Cr:YSGG laser- and bur- prepared Class V cavities restored with a silorane-based composite resin using different insertion techniques METHODS: 40 cavities were outlined according to: the type of instrument [Er,Cr:YSGG laser (3.0 W power, energy per pulse of 150 mJ, fluence of 53.57J/cm2, pulse duration of 140-200 ∝s, 20 Hz repetition rate and 55/65% air/water spray) or diamond bur]; and the type of filling technique (bulk increment or incremental). Four experimental groups were obtained (n=10): G1- diamond bur (DB) and incremental (I); G2- DB and bulk increment (BI); G3- Er,Cr:YSGG and I; and G4- Er,Cr:YSGG and BI. Specimens were restored with a silorane-based composite resin (Filtek P90, 3M/ESPE), subjected to 500 thermal cycles, sealed, infiltrated with 2% (w/v) methylene blue and sectioned in halves. Specimen analysis was scored based on a scale. Statistical analyses were done using the Kruskal-Wallis and Student Newman-Keuls tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between G2 and G4 (p=0.003) and between G1 and G2 (p=0.028). The filling technique did not influence the pattern of dye leakage in the cavity walls (p=0.151). CONCLUSIONS: Less leakage was observed when Er,Cr:YSGG cavities were restored with silorane-based composite resin, using the bulk increment technique. Nevertheless, cavities done using diamond bur have less leakage only when incrementally restored.

Laser Technology for Caries Removal

Laser technology has been in the scope of dentistry community since Stern & Sognnaes (1964) studied laser application on dental hard tissues. Lasers have become an attractive instrument for many dental procedures including soft tissues surgery (Sperandio et al., 2011), decontamination (Benedicenti et al., 2008; Koba et al., 1998) and for assuring antiinflammatory effects (Lang-Bicuto et al., 2008). In restorative dentistry, laser has been used successfully for cavity preparation (De Moor et al., 2010; Obeidi et al., 2009), caries prevention (Namoour et al., 2011; Rechmann et al., 2011; Zezell et al., 2009), caries decontamination (Namour et al., 2011) and caries removal (Neves et al., 2011; White et al., 1993). For that, high intensity lasers are indicated, which are able to promote controlled temperature rise in a small and specific area of dental hard tissue (Ana et al., 2007). Depending on the temperature rise and the interaction of laser irradiation with dental tissues, it is possible to produce specific micro structural and/or mechanical changes related to a correct clinical application.