Effect of calcium chloride on the pH values of several formulations of calcium hydroxide mixed with chlorhexidine digluconate

This study evaluated the effect of the addition of 5% calcium chlorite (CaCl2) on pH values in calcium hydroxide pastes (CH), with or without 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) used as vehicle, in several periods analysis. Polyethylene tubes were filled with CH mixed with water (G1), 2% CHX solution (G2) or gel (G3), or CHX solution or gel with 5% CaCl2 (G4 and G5, respectively). All tubes were individually immersed in distilled water. After 12, 24 hours, 7, 14 and 28 days, pH value was evaluated directly in water which the tubes were stored. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). In 24 hs and 14 days, pH values were similar to all groups. In 12 hs, the G1 presented lower pH value than other groups except to G4 (p < 0.05), and G4 presented lower pH value than G5 (p < 0.05). In 7 days, G1 presented lower pH value than G4 and G5 (p < 0.05). In 28 days, G1 and G5 presented lower pH values than G2 and G4 (p < 0.05) and among other groups there are no statistical differences (p > 0.05). The pH values increased in long-term analysis to all CH pastes. The association of 5% calcium chloride with 2% CHX solution as vehicle of CH paste provided a pH value increase in relation to CH mixed with distilled water. The CHX gel interfered negatively on pH value in comparison to CHX solution when mixed with CaCl2.

Influência da reinstrumentação do degrau apical radicular após o posicionamento primário do cone principal de guta-percha noselamento apical

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the apical leakage after the apical re-preparation and replacement of the principal gutta-percha point plus endodontic sealer (Sealer 26TM). Sixty extracted human canines were prepared by using a step back technique up to size 50 K type file apically. At each change of instrument the canals were irrigated with distilled water. After that step, the external surface roots were coated and subdivided into six groups with ten roots each: I – single gutta percha point technique; II – lateral condensation and III – hybrid technique. The IV, V and VI groups were similar to others groups but after to place the principal gutta percha point, it was removed, re-prepared up to size 60K file and in sequence replaced the principal gutta percha point and the root canal filling finished. The specimens were immersed in 2% Rhodamine BTM for 7 days at 37 oC. The apical leakage was measured by Image ToolsTM program. With Kruskal Wallis test statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the techniques (p > 0.05).

Avaliação da capacidade de vedamento e pH do tampão apical com cimento Portland branco acrescido de radiopacificadores convencionais

The Portland cement has shown similar biological properties to calcium hydroxide, but its radiopacity is lower. Therefore, the addition of materials that minimize this deficiency should be considered. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the apical sealing ability and pH of a white Portland cement added of several radiopacifying agents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty bovine roots with incomplete apices were selected, and the foraminal openings were standardized to PM 720G bur. After the external root sealing, an apical intracanal barrier 10.0 mm thick was executed with the white Portland cement powder, pure or added of a radiopacifying agent (iodoform, zinc oxide or bismuth subnitrate), and distilled water (0.37 mL). The apical roots were immersed 24h in water in humid atmosphere, and after that they were immersed 24h in 2% Rhodamine B, under vacuum. In sequence, the roots were longitudinally sectioned, the root fragments were photographed, the images were digitalized and the apical infiltration was measured by the Image Tool program. The pH solutions were also evaluated, in 24h and 48h and 7 and 30 days. Data were submitted to Anova test. RESULTS: The zinc oxide solution has the lowest apical infiltration in relation to the other groups (p < 0.05). The pH behavior varied during the analysis, and in the period of 24h all groups showed the highest values (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The type of radiopacifying agent used interferes in the sealing ability of the apical barrier, and zinc oxide showed to be the most beneficial one. The pH varies according to the period of analysis, and the highest values were obtained in the first 24h (p < 0.05).

Avaliação da eficácia de limpeza de quatro agulhas irrigadoras endodônticas

The irrigation of root canals aims to their cleaning and disinfection, improving endodontic treatment success. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of the diameter and type of irrigation needle and the root canal enlargement on the mechanical efficacy of endodontic irrigation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve human single-rooted mandibular incisors were used. During some instrumentation stages (enlargement by #20, #30, and #40 K file), root canals were filled with radiographic contrast solution mixed to propyleneglycol and zinc oxide. Needles with different diameters and designs were employed: G1 – 23G and lateral opening; G2 – 22G and apical opening; G3 – 30G and lateral opening; G4 – 30G and apical opening. The needles were inserted up to resistance, with 1 mm step-back to avoid root canal obliteration. The irrigation was performed with 2 mL of distilled water. Before and after irrigation/aspiration, teeth were radiographed at bucco-lingual and mesiodistal direction, using a digital radiographic system. Then, root canal areas, before (filled by contrast solution) and after irrigation (remnant of contrast solution), were submitted to image subtraction with Adobe Photoshop CS4 software. Subsequently, the areas were measured by Image Tool 3.0 software, allowing the obtaining of the cleaning percentage for each modality. Data were analysed by using Anova and Tukey's test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: For all root canal enlargements, 30G needles (G3 e G4) presented a better cleaning efficacy. In all groups, higher cleaning efficacy percentage was observed at #30 and #40 K file enlargement. CONCLUSION: Regardless their design, thinner needles were more effective; a better cleaning efficacy occurred in more enlarged root canals.

Avaliação do pH, da solubilidade e da infiltração marginal em retrobturações com o Sealer 26 puro ou acrescido de iodofórmio

Sealer 26® cement contains bisphenol epoxy resin associated with calcium hydroxide, presenting smaller radiopacity than other endodontic cements. Aiming to improve this property, iodoform has been added in its composition. However, this addition's possible changes in physical and chemical properties still need to be studied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the apical sealing ability, solubility, and pH of Sealer 26® alone or with iodoform, at several proportions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three experimental mixtures of Sealer 26®, alone or with iodoform, were prepared and subjected to solubility test. Additionally, these combinations were inserted into polyethylene tubes and immersed in distilled water, and, their pH was evaluated after 24-h and 7-day periods. Subsequently, forty roots of extracted lower incisors subdivided into four groups of 10 specimens each, were retrograde filled with one of the previously described mixtures and gutta-percha points. The roots were immersed in Rhodamine B, under vacuum, for 72 hours. After this period, the specimens were longitudinally sectioned, root fragments photographed, these images scanned, and apical infiltration measured by Image tool software. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis, at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Marginal leakage and solubility tests did not show any difference among the experimental groups (p > 0.05). pH analysis was only statistically different at 24-h period and between Sealer 26® alone and 1.1g iodoform group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The presence of iodoform in Sealer 26®, at the used proportions, did not alter the solubility, apical marginal leakage and pH properties of the original cement.

Hydrogen ion and calcium releasing of MTA Fillapex® and MTA-based formulations

MTA is composed of various metal oxides, calcium oxide and bismuth. It has good biological properties and is indicated in cases of endodontic complications. Several commercial formulations are available and further studies are necessary to evaluate these materials. Objective: To evaluate pH and calcium releasing of MTA Fillapex® compared with gray and white MTA. Material and methods: Gray and white MTA (Angelus) and MTA Fillapex® (Angelus) were manipulated and placed into polyethylene tubes and immersed in distilled water. The pH of these solutions was measured at 24 hours, 7 days and 14 days. Simultaneously, at these same aforementioned periods, these materials' calcium releasing was quantified, through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results were submitted to ANOVA, with level of significance at 5%. Results: Concerning to pH, the materials present similar behaviors among each other at 24 hours (p > 0.05). At 7 and 14 days, MTA Fillapex® provided significantly lower pH values than the other materials (p < 0.05). Regarding to calcium releasing, at 24 hours and 7 days, MTA Fillapex® provided lower releasing than the other materials (p < 0.05). After 14 days, differences were found between MTA Fillapex® and gray MTA (p < 0.05). Conclusion: All materials showed alkaline pH and calcium releasing, with significantly lower values for MTA Fillapex® sealer.

Influência da agulha irrigadora e da dilatação do canal radicular na eficácia da irrigação endodôntica

Introduction: The irrigation of root canals aims to their cleaning and disinfection, improving endodontic treatment success. Objective: To investigate the influence of the diameter and type of irrigation needle and the root canal enlargement on the mechanical efficacy of endodontic irrigation. Material and methods: Twelve human single-rooted mandibular incisors were used. During some instrumentation stages (enlargement by #20, #30, and #40 K file), root canals were filled with radiographic contrast solution mixed to propyleneglycol and zinc oxide. Needles with different diameters and designs were employed: G1 – 23G and lateral opening; G2 – 22G and apical opening; G3 – 30G and lateral opening; G4 – 30G and apical opening. The needles were inserted up to resistance, with 1 mm step-back to avoid root canal obliteration. The irrigation was performed with 2 mL of distilled water. Before and after irrigation/aspiration, teeth were radiographed at bucco-lingual and mesiodistal direction, using a digital radiographic system. Then, root canal areas, before (filled by contrast solution) and after irrigation (remnant of contrast solution), were submitted to image subtraction with Adobe Photoshop CS4 software. Subsequently, the areas were measured by Image Tool 3.0 software, allowing the obtaining of the cleaning percentage for each modality. Data were analysed by using Anova and Tukey’s test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: For all root canal enlargements, 30G needles (G3 e G4) presented a better cleaning efficacy. In all groups, higher cleaning efficacy percentage was observed at #30 and #40 K file enlargement. Conclusion: Regardless their design, thinner needles were more effective; a better cleaning efficacy occurred in more enlarged root canals.

Interference of the assessment method in pH values of an epoxy-based cement

Introduction: Alkalinization potential is a fundamental property of endodontic epoxy-based cements containing calcium hydroxide. Studies have shown discrepant pH results for same materials at different evaluation periods. A possible reason accounting for these differences may be the assessment procedures. Objective: To evaluate the pH value of an epoxy-based cement (Sealer 26) in different periods of analysis, using two assessment methods. Material and methods: Sealer 26 was manipulated and immediately placed into polyethylene tubes (n=10, each group) and immersed in distilled water. In G1, the tubes were kept in the same water during all experiment; and in G2, the tubes were removed and placed into another flask with an equal amount of water after the pH evaluation. The pH of these solutions was measured at 24 hours, 7, 14 and 28 days. Analysis were made within the same group according to the experimental periods and between groups in each experimental period. Data were submitted to ANOVA (α = 5%) and t test, respectively. Results: For G1 and G2, all periods showed different pH values (p < 0.05), except between 14 and 28 days (p > 0.05) and between 7 and 14 days (p > 0.05), respectively. In each period, no significant differences were observed between the groups. Conclusion: The method to obtain the pH values in different experimental periods no interfered in the final results. However, difference was observed when the results were analyzed at same group.

Efecto del ácido oxálico bajo restauraciones cervicales en dientes con hipersensibilidad: ensayo clínico randomizado controlado doble ciego

To evaluate the effect of oxalic acid in cervical hypersensitivity, used under two different resin restorations one based on methacrylate and another based on silorane. Methods: 19 patients with “LCNC with hypersensitivity” were distributed into 4 groups according to treatment: G1 (n = 31): 0.5% oxalic acid (Desenssiv, SSWhite) + Z250 (3MESPE), G2 (n = 31): 0.5% oxalic acid + Filtek Silorane - P90 (3MESPE), G3 (n = 30): Distilled water + Z250; G4 (n = 30): Distilled water + Filtek Silorane - P90. Two clinical calibrated (kappa> 0.75) evaluated the sensitivity of the teeth: Before treatment, at 30, 60 and 90 days post-treatment (VAS). Results: The 4 groups at 30, 60 and 90 days reduced HS compared with the baseline (p <0.05). G1 and G2 showed less HS than G3 and G4 (p <0.05). Conclusion: The 4 restorative procedures significantly reduce the hypersensitivity, 30, 60 and 90 days compared to the baseline.

Metabolism of L929 cells after contact with acrylic resins. Part 1: Acrylic denture base resins

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of complementary heat treatment and water storage in reducing cytotoxicity of acrylic resins denture bases used in Brazil by the MTT assay. Material and Methods: First, nine specimens were fabricated from metal matrix in the form of discs with 14 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm of thick. Immediately after making, 24 or 48 hours after storage in distilled water, the samples of heat-polymerized resins were divided into 3 groups (n = 3) according to the type of thermal treatment: Group 1: samples were individually exposed to microwave energy (500 W for 3 minutes); Group 2: samples were immersed in water at 550 C for 60 minutes; Group 3: samples did not receive heat treatment. To prepare the extracts, 3 samples of each group were placed into vials containing 3 mL of culture medium and stored at 37°C for 24 hours. L929 cells were used and the MTT assay was performed to analyze the cellular metabolism. Two-factor analysis of variance was used to detect significant among groups at 5% significance. Results: After statistical analysis, the materials were classified according to the cytotoxic effect: non-cytotoxic, slightly cytotoxic; moderately cytotoxic; and strongly cytotoxic. The results showed that the resins ranged from moderately cytotoxic to non-cytotoxic, but no statistically significant difference among experimental groups. Furthermore, the water storage and thermal treatments reduced the cytotoxicity of the resins. Conclusions: It was concluded that the resins studied are potentially toxic and that treatments can decrease their cytotoxicity.

Colour stability of acrylic resin denture teeth after immersion in different beverages

The colour stability of acrylic resin denture teeth in beverages was investigated. A spectrophotometer measured the colour (CIE-L*a*b* system) of all specimens after storage in distilled water for 24 h at 37°C (T0). Specimens were then immersed in various beverages. After 15 days (T1) and 30 days (T2), for each material, the mean ∆E values were calculated and compared by two-way ANOVA and Tukey intervals (α=0.05). In the ∆T0T1 period, specimens stored in red wine were significantly discoloured, compared to distilled water (P=0.003). There was no difference between immersion solutions in ∆ET0T2 (P=0.772) and in ∆ET1T2 (P=0.058), and no difference between materials in all immersion periods.

Ph and antimicrobial activity of portland cement associated with different radiopacifying agents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and pH changes induced by Portland cement (PC) alone and in association with radiopacifiers. Methods. The materials tested were pure PC, PC + bismuth oxide, PC + zirconium oxide, PC + calcium tungstate, and zinc oxide and eugenol cement (ZOE). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion test using the following strains: Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. After 24 hours of incubation at 37°C, inhibition of bacterial growth was observed and measured. For pH analysis, material samples (n=10) were placed in polyethylene tubes and immersed in 10 mL of distilled water. After 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, the pH of the solutions was determined using a pH meter. Results. All microbial species were inhibited by the cements evaluated. All materials composed of PC with radiopacifying agents promoted pH increase similar to pure Portland cement. ZOE had the lowest pH values throughout all experimental periods. Conclusions. All Portland cement-based materials with the addition of different radiopacifiers (bismuth oxide, calcium tungstate, and zirconium oxide) presented antimicrobial activity and pH similar to pure Portland cement.

Effectiveness of several solutions to prevent the formation of precipitate due to the interaction between sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine and its effect on bond strength of an epoxy-based sealer

To evaluate the effectiveness of isopropyl alcohol, saline or distilled water to prevent the precipitate formed between sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CHX) and its effect on the bond strength of an epoxy-based sealer in radicular dentine. Methodology The root canals of 50 extracted human canines (n = 10) were instrumented. In G1, root canals were irrigated with 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl; G2, as G1, except that 2% CHX was used as the final irrigant. In the other groups, intermediate flushes with isopropyl alcohol (G3), saline (G4) or distilled water (G5) were used between NaOCl and CHX. The specimens were submitted to SEM analysis to evaluate the presence of debris and smear layer, in the apical and cervical segments. In sequence, fifty extracted human canines were distributed into five groups (n = 10), similar to the SEM study. After root filling, the roots were sectioned transversally to obtain dentine slices, in the cervical, middle and apical thirds. The root filling was submitted to a push-out bond strength test using an electromechanical testing machine. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests (α = 5%). Results All groups had similar amounts of residue precipitated on the canal walls (P > 0.05). The push-out bond strength values were similar for all groups, independently of the root third evaluated (P > 0.05). Conclusions Isopropyl alcohol, saline and distilled water failed to prevent the precipitation of residues on canal walls following the use of NaOCl and CHX. The residues did not interfere with the push-out bond strength of the root filling.

Effect of thermal and mechanical cycles on the hardness and roughness of artificial teeth

In this study the effects of thermal and mechanical cycles on the hardness and roughness of artificial teeth were evaluated. Materials and Methods:Specimens were prepared and stored in distilled water at 37ºC for 48 hours (n=10).The hardness and roughness readings were made in the following time intervals, according to each group:G1: after specimen storage in distilled water at 37°C for 48 hours; G2: after 600.000 constant mechanical cycles; G3: after 1.200.000 constant mechanical cycles; G4: after 2.500 thermalcycling baths, alternated between hot water (55°C) and cold water (5°C) and G5: after 5.000 thermalcycling baths, alternated between hot water (55°C) and cold water (5°C). After cycling and storage procedures, the specimens of each group were submittedto surface roughness and hardness readouts. Statistical evaluation was performed by three-way analysis of variance, complemented by the Tukey multiple comparisons of means test. The level of significance adopted was 5%. There was no significant difference between G1, G4 and G5 as regards mean roughness of different brands of artificial teeth. Groups G2 and G3 showed higher mean roughness values, and generally equivalent values in all time intervals, except for Trilux (G3> G2). Significant differences in hardness values were observed in different brands of artificial teeth, and differences in values after thermal and mechanical cycling. In conclusion, our findings suggest that thermal cyclingdid not change the roughness of the artificial teeth tested, but after the mechanical cycling the roughness values increased. Thermal and mechanical cycling influenced the hardness of the artificial teeth tested.

Erosive potencial of energy drinks on the dentine surface

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