Effect of calcium pre-rinse and fluoride dentifrice on remineralisation of artificially demineralised enamel and on the composition of the dental biofilm formed in situ

Objective: This in situ blind crossover study investigated the effect of calcium (Ca) rinse prior to the use fluoride (F) dentifrice on remineralisation of artificially demineralised enamel and on the composition of biofilm. Design: During four phases of 14 days, 10 volunteers wore appliances containing two artificially demineralised bovine enamel blocks. Three times a day, they rinsed with 10 mL, of Ca (150 mM) or placebo rinse (1 min). A slurry (1:3, w/v) of F (1030 ppm) or placebo dentifrice was dripped onto the blocks. During I min, the volunteers brushed their teeth with the respective dentifrice. The appliance was replaced into the mouth and the volunteers rinsed with water. The biofilm formed on the blocks was analysed for F and Ca. Enamel alterations were evaluated by the percentage of surface microhardness change (%SMHC), cross-sectional microhardness (% mineral volume) and alkali-soluble F analysis. Data were analysed by ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: the use of the Ca pre-rinse before the F dentifrice produced a six- and four-fold increase in biofilm F and Ca concentrations, respectively. For enamel, the remineralisation was significantly improved by the Ca pre-rinse when compared to the other treatments. There was a significantly higher concentration of alkali-soluble F in enamel when the F dentifrice was used, but the Ca pre-rinse did not have any significant additive effect. Conclusions: According to our protocol, the Ca pre-rinse significantly increased biofilm F concentration and, regardless the use of F dentifrice, significantly enhanced the remineralisation of artificially demineralised enamel. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spectroscopic study of ejected dental tissue after Er : YAG laser ablation

By means of IR spectroscopy, we determined the teeth ablation mechanism by an Er:YAG laser oscillating at 2.94 mum. Ejected dental material, ablated by the laser from human teeth, was deposited on an IR window and the absorption spectra were measured in the range 2500-20,000 nm. Sound teeth were used, and the corresponding film spectra were compared to spectra obtained by traditional methods. The films spectra obtained do not differ appreciably from those obtained by the traditional method for sound teeth, indicating that the material ejected by an Er:YAG represents the tooth condition.The obtained results confirm that a spectroscopic analysis of a tooth treated with an Er:YAG laser can be done measuring the absorbance of a film composed of ejected material without the need to slice it. In addition, we could determine that the laser absorption occurs mainly by the interstitial water, and the temperature elevation of the ejected material does not exceed 60degreesC. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaporative water loss and oxygen uptake in two casque-headed tree frogs, Aparasphenodon brunoi and Corythomantis greeningi (Anura, Hylidae)

Evaporative water loss (EWL) and oxygen uptake ((V) over dot o(2)) was measured in two species of tree frogs with cranial co-ossification, Aparasphenodon brunoi and Corythomantis greeningi. Both species use their head to seal the entrance of bromeliads, tree holes or rocky crevices used as shelters. EWL was significantly reduced in sheltered individuals of both species as compared with those exposed nude to desiccation. EWL per unit area through the head surface was significantly lower than the body skin for A. brunoi but not for C., greeningi. EWL per unit surface area through C. greeningi body skin was about 50% that of A. brunoi, indicating a less permeable skin in the former species. The relationship between cranial coossification and EWL is discussed. ((V) over dot o(2)) in A. brunoi was comparable with other anurans of similar size, whereas in C. greeningi, it was lower than predicted from body mass. Moreover, ((V) over dot o(2)), in C. greeningi showed less sensitivity to temperature increase than in A. brunoi. C. greeningi occurs in a drier environment than A. brunoi, and this appears to be reflected in their EWL and ((V) over dot o(2)) characteristics. (C) 1997 Elsevier B.V.

Prevalence of caries and developmental defects of enamel in 9-10 year old children living in areas in Brazil differing water fluoride histories

Aims To assess the prevalences of caries, of developmental defects of enamel and their interrelationship in Brazilian 9-10-year-olds from areas of contrasting fluoridation histories.Methods systematic random sampling procedures were used to select children from an area where water had been fluoridated in 1963 and from a second area where water had been fluoridated since 1998. Clinical examinations for caries were carried out using the DMFT index and WHO diagnostic criteria. Developmental defects of enamel on upper incisors were diagnosed using the DDE index.Results A difference of 40% in DMFT was observed, with a lower prevalence of disease in the area fluoridated since 1963. Diffuse opacities affected 14.3% of the children from the area fluoridated since 1963 compared with only 2.4% in the area fluoridated in 1998. Children living in the area fluoridated in 1963 who had diffuse defects had twice the chance of being free from caries compared with those living in the same area who had no defects or who had only demarcated or hypoplastic defects.Conclusions This study confirms previous ones in showing the benefits of water fluoridation. Diffuse opacities of upper incisors affected relatively few subjects in either of the two areas.

Synthesis and luminescence properties of water dispersible Eu3+-doped boehmite nanoparticles

Nanocrystallized boehmite gamma-AlOOH center dot nH(2)O had been synthesized by spray-drying (SD) of a solution of aluminium tri-sec-butoxide peptized by nitric acid. The sub-micronic spherical particles obtained had an average diameter of 500 nm and were built of 100 nm or less platelet-like sub-particles. The average crystallite size calculated from XRD was 1.6 nm following the b axis (i.e. one unit cell) and 3-4 nm perpendicular to b. As a result of the nanometric sizes of crystallites, there was a large surface free for water adsorption and it was found to be n = 1.18 +/- 0.24H(2)O per AlOOH. The SD spheres spontaneously dispersed in water at room temperature and formed stable-over months-suspensions with nanometre-size particles (25-85 nm). Luminescent europium-doped nanocrystallized boehmites AlOOH: Eu (Al0.98Eu0.02OOH center dot nH(2)O) were synthesized the same way by SD and demonstrated the same crystallization properties and morphologies as the undoped powders. It is inferred from the Eu3+ luminescence spectroscopy that partly hydrated europium species are immobilized on the boehmite nanocrystals where they are directly bonded to alpha(OH) groups of the AlOOH surface. The europium coordination is schematically written [Eu3+(OH)(alpha)(H2O)(7-alpha/2)]. The europium-doped boehmite from SD spontaneously dispersed in water: the luminescence spectroscopy proves that most of the Eu3+ ions were detached from the NPs during water dispersion. The AlOOH: Eu nanoparticles were modified by the amine acid asparagine (ASN). The modification aimed to render the NPs compatible for further bio-functionalization. After surface modification, the NPs easily dispersed in water; the luminescence spectra after dispersion prove that the Eu3+ ions were held at the boehmite surface.

Residual monomer of reline acrylic resins - Effect of water-bath and microwave post-polymerization treatments

Objectives. This study compared the residual monomer (RM) in four hard chair-side reline resins (Duraliner II-D, Kooliner-K, Tokuso Rebase Fast-TRF and Ufi Gel hard-UGH) and one heat-polymerized denture base resin (Lucitone 550-L), which was processed using two polymerization cycles (short-LS and long-LL). It was also investigated the effect of two after polymerization treatments on this RM content.Methods. Specimens (n = 18) of each material were produced following the manufacturers' instructions and then divided into three groups. Group I specimens were left untreated (GI-control). Specimens of group II (GII) were given post-polymerization treatment by microwave irradiation. In group III (GIII), specimens were submitted to immersion in water at 55 degrees C (reline resins-10 min; denture base resin L-60min). The RM was analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and expressed as a percentage of RM. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05).Results. Comparing control specimens, statistical differences were found among all materials (p < 0.05), and the results can be arranged as K (1.52%) > D (0.85%) > UGH (0.45%) > LL (0.24%) > TRF (0.14%) > LS (0.08%). Immersion in hot water (GIII) promoted a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the RM for all materials evaluated compared to control (GI), with the exception of LL specimens. Materials K, UGH and TRF exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower values of RM after microwave irradiation (GII) than in the control specimens.Significance. The reduction in RM promoted by water-bath and microwave post-polymerization treatments could improve the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the relining and denture base materials. (c) 2006 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An infection control protocol: effectiveness of immersion solutions to reduce the microbial growth on dental prostheses

This investigation evaluated the effectiveness of an infection control protocol for cleansing and disinfecting removable dental prostheses. Sixty-four dentures were rubbed with sterile cotton swab immediately after they had been taken from patients' mouths. Samples were individually placed in the culture medium and immediately incubated at 37 +/- 2 degreesC. The dentures were scrubbed for 1 min with 4% chlorhexidine, rinsed for 1 min in sterile water and placed for 10 min in one of the following immersion solutions: 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, 1% sodium hypochlorite, Biocide (iodophors) and Amosan (alkaline peroxide). After the disinfection procedures, the dentures were immersed in sterile water for 3 min, reswabbed and the samples were incubated. All samples obtained in the initial culture were contaminated with micro-organisms. All the lower dentures immersed in Biocide showed positive growth, and the upper dentures were positive for growth in six of eight dentures. The 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, 1% sodium hypochlorite and Amosan solutions have been proved effective to reduce the growth of the micro-organisms in the 10 min immersion period. The protocol evaluated in this study seems to be a viable method to prevent cross-contamination between dental personnel and patients.

Effect of iron on bovine enamel and on the composition of the dental biofilm formed in situ

Objectives: This study investigated in situ the effect of iron (Fe) on the reduction of demineralization of bovine enamel, as well as on the composition of dental biofilm.Design and methods: Twelve volunteers were included in this blind crossover study, which was conducted in two stages of 14 days each. For each stage, the volunteers received palatal appliances containing four blocks of bovine enamel (4 mm x 4 mm x 2.5 mm). Six volunteers dripped a solution of 15 mmol L-1 ferrous sulphate onto the fragments and the remaining six dripped deionized water (eight times per day). After five minutes, a fresh 20% (w/v) sucrose solution was dripped onto all enamel blocks. During the experimental period the volunteers brushed their teeth with non-fluoridated dentifrice. After each stage, the percentage of surface microhardness change (%SMHC) and area of mineral toss (Delta Z) were determined on enamel and the dental biofilm formed on the blocks was collected and analysed for F, P, Ca, Fe and alkali-soluble carbohydrates. The concentrations of F, Ca and Fe in enamel were also analysed after acid biopsies.Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the P and Fe concentrations in the biofilms treated with ferrous sulphate (p < 0.05), which was not observed for F, Ca and alkali-soluble carbohydrates. The group treated with ferrous sulphate had significantly lower %SMHC and Delta Z when compared to control (p < 0.05).Conclusions: These results showed that ferrous sulphate reduced the demineralization of enamel blocks and altered the ionic composition of the dental biofilm formed in situ. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Response of human dental pulp to dentin adhesive systems

Many in vivo studies have stated that the response of the dentin/pulp complex does not depend on the dental material used as the liner or pulp-capping agent. However, several in vitro studies have reported the metabolic cytotoxic effects of resin components applied to fibroblast and odontoblast cell lines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the human pulp response following direct pulp capping with current bonding agents and calcium hydroxide (CH). Sound premolars scheduled for orthodontic extraction had their pulp tissue mechanically exposed. After hemorrhage control and total acid conditioning, the experimental bonding agents, including All Bond 2, Scotchbond MP-Plus, Clearfil Liner Bond 2, and Prime & Bond 2.1 were applied on the pulp exposure site. CH saline paste was used as the control pulp-capping agent. All cavities were restored with Z-100 resin composite according to the manufacturer's instructions. Following extractions, the teeth were processed for microscopic evaluation. In the short term, the bonding agents elicited a moderate inflammatory pulp response with associated dilated and congested blood vessels adjacent to the pulp exposure site. A mild inflammatory pulp response was observed when Clearfil Liner Bond 2 or CH was applied on the pulp exposures. With time, macrophages and giant cells engulfing globules and components of all experimental bonding agents displaced into the pulp space were seen. This chronic inflammatory response did not allow complete pulp repair, which interfered with the dentin bridge formation. Pulp exposures capped with CH exhibited an initial organization of elongated pulp cells underneath the coagulation necrosis. CH stimulated early pulp repair and dentin bridging that extended into the longest period. The bonding agents evaluated in the present study cannot be recommended for pulp therapy on sound human teeth.

High-speed cavity preparation techniques with different water flows

Statement of problem. Cavity and tooth preparations generate heat because the use of rotary cutting instruments on dental tissues creates friction. Dental pulps cannot survive temperature increases greater than 5.5degreesC.Purpose. This study evaluated the efficiency of 3 different water flows for 2 different tooth preparation techniques to determine which are safe for use.Material and methods. Thermocouples were placed in the pulpal chambers of 30 bovine teeth, and 1 of 2 tooth preparation techniques was used: a low-load intermittent tooth preparation technique or a high-load tooth preparation technique without intervals. Water flows of 0, 30, and 45 mL/min were associated with each technique, for a total of 6 different groups. The results were analyzed with a 2-factor analysis of variance (P<.05).Results. Temperature increases with the high-load technique were 16.40&DEG;C without cooling (group 1), 11.68&DEG;C with 30 mL/min air-water spray cooling (group III), and 9.96&DEG;C with 45 mL/min cooling (group V). With the low-load tooth preparation technique, a 9.54&DEG;C increase resulted with no cooling (group II), a 1.56&DEG;C increase with 30 mL/min air-water spray cooling (group TV), and a 0.04&DEG;C decrease with 45 mL/min cooling (group VI). The low-load technique was associated with more ideal temperature changes.Conclusion. The results of this study confirm the necessity of using a low-load technique and water coolants during cavity and tooth preparation procedures.

Mechanical strength and subcritical crack growth under wet cyclic loading of glass-infiltrated dental ceramics

Objectives. Evaluate the flexural strength (sigma) and subcritical crack growth (SCG) under cyclic loading of glass-infiltrated alumina-based (IA, In-Ceram Alumina) and zirconia-reinforced (IZ, In-Ceram Zirconia) ceramics, testing the hypothesis that wet environment influences the SCG of both ceramics when submitted to cyclic loading.Methods. Bar-shaped specimens of IA (n = 45) and IZ ( n = 45) were fabricated and loaded in three-point bending (3P) in 37 degrees C artificial saliva (IA(3P) and IZ(3P)) and cyclic fatigued (F) in dry (D) and wet (W) conditions (IA(FD), IA(FW), IZ(FD), IZ(FW)). The initial sigma and the number of cycles to fracture were obtained from 3P and F tests, respectively. Data was examined using Weibull statistics. The SCG behavior was described in terms of crack velocity as a function of maximum stress intensity factor (K(Imax)).Results. The Weibull moduli (m = 8) were similar for both ceramics. The characteristic strength (sigma(0)) of IA and IZ was and 466 MPa 550 MPa, respectively. The wet environment significantly increased the SCG of IZ, whereas a less evident effect was observed for IA. In general, both ceramics were prone to SCG, with crack propagation occurring at K(I) as low as 43-48% of their critical K(I). The highest sigma of IZ should lead to longer lifetimes for similar loading conditions.Significance. Water combined with cyclic loading causes pronounced SCG in IZ and IA materials. The lifetime of dental restorations based on these ceramics is expected to increase by reducing their direct exposure to wet conditions and/or by using high content zirconia ceramics with higher strength. (C) 2010 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A preliminary study of precipitable water over Brazil

A preliminary study of precipitable water over Brazil is attempted. Mean values for January are presented in this paper. A regression equation connecting the surface dew-point temperature and the precipitable water was computed along the lines of studies made by Reitan (1963), and the results are presented. © 1979 Birkhäuser Verlag.