Vicente Castelo Branco Leitune

The addition of nanostructured hydroxyapatite to an experimental adhesive resin

OBJECTIVES Was produced nanostructured hydroxyapatite (HAnano) and evaluated the influence of its incorporation in an adhesive resin. METHODS HAnano was produced by a flame-based process and was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The surface area, particle size, micro-Raman and cytotoxicity were evaluated. The organic phase was formulated by mixing 50 wt.% Bis-GMA, 25 wt.% TEGDMA, and 25 wt.% HEMA. HAnano was added at seven different concentrations: 0; 0.5; 1; 2; 5; 10 and 20 wt.%. Adhesive resins with hydroxyapatite incorporation were evaluated for their radiopacity, degree of conversion, flexural strength, softening in solvent and microshear bond strength. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukeys post hoc test (α=0.05), except for softening in solvent (paired t-test) and cytotoxicity (two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni). RESULTS HAnano presented 15.096 m(2)/g of specific surface area and a mean size of 26.7 nm. The radiopacity values were not different from those of 1-mm aluminium. The degree of conversion ranged from 52.2 to 63.8%. The incorporation of HAnano did not influence the flexural strength, which ranged from 123.3 to 143.4MPa. The percentage of reduction of the microhardness after immersion in the solvent became lower as the HAnano concentration increased. The addition of 2% nanostructured hydroxyapatite resulted in a higher value of microshear bond strength than the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The incorporation of 2% of nanostructured hydroxyapatite into an adhesive resin presented the best results. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The incorporation of nanostructured hydroxyapatite increases the adhesive properties and may be a promising filler for adhesive resin.

Niobium pentoxide as a novel filler for dental adhesive resin.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to develop an adhesive resin with incorporation of niobium pentoxide and evaluate its properties. METHODS Niobium pentoxide was characterised by X-ray diffraction, surface area, particle size, micro-Raman, scanning electron microscopy and the effectiveness of silanisation process by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). An experimental adhesive resin was formulated with 0, 5, 10 and 20wt% Nb(2)O(5). The formulated adhesive resins were evaluated based on microhardness, degree of conversion, radiopacity and interface (resin/dentine) characterisation by micro-Raman. RESULTS The particles used in this study presented a monoclinic crystalline phase with typical chemical groups and micrometre mean size. Microhardness and radiopacity increased with higher amounts of Nb(2)O(5), and the particles were able to penetrate into the hybrid layers. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, Nb(2)O(5) may be an alternative for polymer-based biomaterials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Niobium pentoxide could be used to produce adhesive resins with enhanced properties.

Nanostructured hydroxyapatite as filler for methacrylate-based root canal sealers.

AIM   To evaluate the effect of different concentrations of nanostructured hydroxyapatite on the radiopacity, flow and film thickness of an experimental root canal sealer. METHODOLOGY   An experimental dual-cured root canal sealer was produced with a methacrylate-based co-monomer blend. Nanostructured hydroxyapatite/calcium tungstate solutions (ratios 10:90, 20:80, 30:70 and 40:60) were added to produce the sealer. Radiopacity was evaluated using a digital system and an aluminium step wedge (n=5). Flow and thickness tests were conducted in accordance with ISO 6876 (n=3). The data were analysed using one-way anova and Tukeys test (α=0.05). RESULTS   All groups had levels of radiopacity in accordance with ISO 6876. The flow of the experimental sealers was not significantly different (P=0.204). All groups had a film thickness in accordance with ISO 6876 and with no statistical difference (P = 0.654). CONCLUSION The addition of up to 40% HA(nano) to root canal sealers did not alter their radiopacity and film thickness.

Influence of chlorhexidine application at longitudinal push-out bond strength of fiber posts

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of chlorhexidine application after dentin phosphoric acid etching at immediate and long-term bond strength of a fiber post cemented to root dentin. STUDY DESIGN Seventy-two single-rooted, human upper teeth were selected. After phosphoric acid etching, each group received a different dentin treatment: no pretreatment or chlorhexidine 0.2% or 2.0%. Three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive and dual-cured resin cement was used to cementation procedure. Half of the teeth were submitted to push-out bond strength test after 24 hours and the other half after 6 months. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey. RESULTS Chlorhexidine application had no influence on bond strength when teeth were stored at the same aging time (P > .05). The storage time significantly decreased the bond strength values of 24 hours to 6 months in all groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION After 6 months, chlorhexidine application did not effectively arrest bond strength degradation of fiber posts cemented in human roots.

Discrepancies in degree of conversion measurements by FTIR

The IADR mission highlights the importance of advancing research and broadening knowledge to improve oral health worldwide, by opening avenues of communication and oral health support programs, especially in less developed regions, and by strengthening partnerships with other social stakeholders, whether institutional or communitybased. Different organizations have designed strategic plans to achieve these goals. With this in mind, it is important to outline the theoretical and methodological framework that will facilitate this process and strengthen the results. This framework should involve:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the internal standard peak on the measured degree of conversion (DC) for methacrylate-based resins analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The influence of different baseline measurement methods was also determined. Different blends were prepared, mixing BisGMA/BisEMA and BisGMA/TEGDMA at proportions of 0% to 100%, in weight. Camphoroquinone and ethyl-4-dimethylamino-benzoate were used to permit the light activation of blends. Degree of conversion was evaluated using FTIR equipped with an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) device. Samples were dispensed onto ATR crystal and light activated for 40 s. The DC was calculated by relating the height of the peak 1637 cm-1 to the intensity of different internal standard peaks (1715, 1608, or 1582 cm-1), measured using two different baseline methods, before and after polymerization. Data were compared by ANOVA at 5% significance. The relationship between DC and monomer ratio was obtained by regression analysis. Double-bond conversion ranged from 32.75% to 78.50% for BisGMA/BisEMA blends, and from 32.75% to 76.22% for BisGMA/TEGDMA blends. For the BisGMA/BisEMA blends, the DC showed a linear association with the composition of the comonomer blends, independent of the internal standard peak and baseline method used. In contrast, the trends in DC for BisGMA/TEGDMA blends were different for each method of measurement. The internal standard peaks and measurement baseline should be taken into account when using FTIR to calculate the DC of methacrylate-based resins, especially comonomer blends containing a high degree of monomers that lack aromatic rings.

Influence of chlorhexidine application on longitudinal adhesive bond strength in deciduous teeth

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of applying 2% chlorhexidine for 30 seconds after phosphoric acid conditioning of dentin on the immediate and long-term bond strengths in deciduous teeth. The occlusal enamel was removed from 40 human sound deciduous molars, which were exfoliated by natural means, and the dentin was conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds and washed with running water. The specimens were divided into two groups of 20 teeth. The test group received an application of 2% chlorhexidine for 30 seconds prior to a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system, whereas the control group received only the adhesive system. Three cylindrical restorations were made with a composite resin for each tooth. Ten teeth in each group were submitted to a microshear bond strength test after 24 hours, while the remaining teeth were stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 6 months before testing the microshear bond strength. The test group had a higher bond strength than did the control group after 6 months of storage. No statistical differences were found when groups with the same dentin treatment were compared at different times. Short applications of chlorhexidine at low concentrations prevent hybrid layer degradation and positively affect bond strength over time.

Chlorhexidine application in adhesive procedures: a meta-regression analysis.

PURPOSE To evaluate the association between chlorhexidine application and the bond strength of an adhesive system to dentin and to assess the association among eight other variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS Laboratory studies evaluating the use of chlorhexidine on dentin that verified the immediate and longitudinal bond strength were included. The terms were selected according to the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) for PubMed and adapted for the other databases accordingly. Systematic searches were conducted in 3 electronic databases in December 2010: PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACS. Languages were limited to English, Spanish, and Portuguese. RESULTS All longitudinal bond strength studies were analyzed in accordance with the inclusion/exclusion criteria, totaling 16 articles. A meta-regression analysis was performed with articles containing complete mean bond strength data (n = 14 articles). CONCLUSION Our results showed that the association between the concentration of chlorhexidine and the bond strength is, apparently, not linear. Therefore, future large-scale studies should be developed to investigate the association between the chlorhexidine concentration and hybrid layer preservation.

Effect of silver nanoparticles on the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of an orthodontic adhesive.

ABSTRACT Orthodontic treatment with fixed brackets plays a major role on the formation of white spot lesions. Objective This study aimed to incorporate silver nanoparticle solutions (AgNP) in an orthodontic adhesive and evaluate its physicochemical and antimicrobial properties. Material and Methods Silver nanoparticle solutions were added to a commercial adhesive in different concentrations (w/w): 0%, 0.11%, 0.18%, and 0.33%. Shear bond strength (SBS) test was performed after bonding metal brackets to enamel. Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze in situ the degree of conversion (DC) of the adhesive layer. The surface free energy (SFE) was evaluated after the measurement of contact angles. Growth inhibition of Streptococcus mutans in liquid and solid media was determined by colony-forming unit count and inhibition halo, respectively. One-way ANOVA was performed for SBS, DC, SFE, and growth inhibition. Results The incorporation of AgNP solution decreased the SBS (p<0.001) and DC in situ (p<0.001) values. SFE decreased after addition of 0.18% and 0.33% AgNP. Growth inhibition of S. mutans in liquid media was obtained after silver addition (p<0.05). Conclusions The addition of AgNP solutions to Transbond™ XT adhesive primer inhibited S. mutans growth. SBS, DC, and SFE values decreased after incorporation up to 0.33% AgNP solution without compromising the chemical and physical properties of the adhesive.

Influence of radiopaque fillers on physicochemical properties of a model epoxy resin-based root canal sealer

Objective To verify the influence of radiopaque fillers on an epoxy resin-based sealer. Material and Methods Experimental sealers were formulated by adding 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% and 120% of calcium tungstate, ytterbium trifluoride or barium sulphate by weight to an epoxy-resin-base. Setting time, flow, film thickness, radiopacity, sorption, solubility, pH and push-out bond strength were evaluated. Results The setting time ranged from 373 to 612.66 min, the flow varied from 13.81±0.49 to 22.49±0.37 mm, and the film thickness ranged from 16.67±5.77 to 33.33±11.54 µm. The lowest pH was 5.47±0.53, and the highest was 6.99±0.03. Radiopacity varied from 0.38±0.04 to 2.57±0.21 mmAl and increased with the amount of filler. Calcium tungstate sealers had a higher sorption and solubility than other sealers. There was no significant difference in the push-out bond strength among the fillers at the 120% concentration. Conclusion The inorganic fillers evaluated and their concentrations affect the physicochemical properties of an epoxy resin-based root canal sealer.

Physicochemical and bioactive properties of innovative resin-based materials containing functional halloysite-nanotubes fillers

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the degree of conversion, microhardness, solvent degradation, contact angle, surface free energy and bioactivity (e.g., mineral precipitation) of experimental resin-based materials containing, pure or triclosan-encapsulated, aluminosilicate-(halloysite) nanotubes. METHODS An experimental resin blend was prepared using bis-GMA/TEGDMA, 75/25wt% (control). Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) doped with or without triclosan (TCN) were first analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HNT or HNT/TCN fillers were incorporated into the resin blend at different concentrations (5, 10, and 20wt%). Seven experimental resins were created and the degree of conversion, microhardness, solvent degradation and contact angle were assessed. Bioactive mineral precipitation induced by the experimental resins was evaluated through Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDX. RESULTS TEM showed a clear presence of TCN particles inside the tubular lumen and along the outer surfaces of the halloysite nanotubes. The degree of conversion, surface free energy, microhardness, and mineral deposition of polymers increased with higher amount of HNTs. Conversely, the higher the amount (20wt%) of TCN-loaded HNTs the lower the microhardness of the experimental resins. SIGNIFICANCE The incorporation of pure or TCN-loaded aluminosilicate-(halloysite) nanotubes into resin-based materials increase the bioactivity of such experimental restorative materials and promotes mineral deposition. Therefore, innovative resin-based materials containing functional halloysite-nanotube fillers may represent a valuable alternative for therapeutic minimally invasive treatments.