Cutting characteristics of dental diamond burs made with CVD technology

The aim of this study was to determine the cutting ability of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond burs coupled to an ultrasonic dental unit handpiece for minimally invasive cavity preparation. One standard cavity was prepared on the mesial and distal surfaces of 40 extracted human third molars either with cylindrical or with spherical CVD burs. The cutting ability was compared regarding type of substrate (enamel and dentin) and direction of handpiece motion. The morphological characteristics, width and depth of the cavities were analyzed and measured using scanning electron micrographs. Statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05) revealed that the width and depth of the cavities were significantly greater when they were prepared on dentin. Wider cavities were prepared when the cylindrical CVD bur was used, and deeper cavities resulted from preparation with the spherical CVD bur. The direction of handpiece motion did not influence the size of the cavities, and the CVD burs produced precise and conservative cutting.

Scanning electron microscopic and profilometric study of different sharpening stones

Scaling and root planing contribute to the recovery of periodontal health. All periodontal instruments loose their fine cutting angle after use. To maintain this angle, correct sharpening is required using specifically designed stones. The characteristics of sharpening stones can be compared to the blade of the instruments and also transported to root surface during instrumentation. Root smoothness is related to the quality of the blade. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of 9 sharpening stones by scanning electron microscopic and profilometric analyses. Ceramic and Neumar stones were very fine and both may be recommended to maintain the sharpness of the instruments. Arkansas, Thompson and CE stones presented greater roughness with very regular and round particles, and are suitable for maintenance of the cutting angle. In addition, these stones may be indicated for the routine sharpening of the instruments that are partly dull. Oxide Aluminum, Carborundum and JON stones were the coarsest with large irregular particles and may be indicated for initial sharpening of totally dull instruments with completion of sharpening with finer stones.

Antimicrobial analysis of chlorhexidine gel and intracanal medicaments against microorganisms inoculated in root canals

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of 2% chlorhexidine gel (CLX) associated with various intracanal medicaments against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis inoculated in root canals. Thirty six human single-rooted teeth were contaminated with C.albicans and E.faecalis. The canals were instrumented using 2% CLX gel and were divided into three groups according to the intracanal medicaments (ICM) used. Group 1: calcium hydroxide paste [Ca(OH)], Group 2: 2% chlorhexidine gel (CLX) and Group 3: 2% CLX gel + Ca(OH). The root canal collections were performed after 21 days of contamination (control collection), after instrumentation (1st collection), after 14 days of intracanal medicament (2nd collection) and 7 days after medicament removal (3rd collection). The microbiological samples were plated in culture media and incubated for 48 hours. The results were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis test (P ≤ 0.05). It was verified that the instrumentation with CLX reduced the number of CFU/ml significantly when compared with the confirmation collection (control). However, the use of the ICM was only capable to eliminate completely the microorganisms in the root canals without difference statistics between them. Although the use of 2% chlorherixidine gel reduces the number of microorganisms significantly, only the ICM calcium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide associated with chlorhexidine are able to eliminate these microorganisms completely.

Scanning electron microscopy analysis of RinsEndo system and conventional irrigation for debris removal

A new device for irrigation, which presents hydrodynamic activation based on the pressure-suction technology, has recently been introduced to the market: the Rinsendo system. This study compared the efficacy of the Rinsendo system and conventional (manualdynamic) irrigation in the removal of debris from the root canal walls, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twenty mandibular premolars with completely formed roots were selected and randomly divided into group 1 (irrigation with the Rinsendo system) and group 2 (conventional irrigation). The canals were irrigated with 1 ml of saline at each change of instrument. instrumentation started with a #15 K file and continued up to a #40 K file, which was standardized as the working length instrument. Then, the teeth were sectioned in buccolingual direction and the halves were sputter-coated with gold and examined by SEM. The apical, middle and cervical root canal thirds were evaluated, and the results were analyzed statistically by the Mann-Whitney test for comparison between methods, Kruskal-Wallis test for comparison among thirds, and Miller test for individual comparisons. A significance level of 5% was set for all analyses. The results did not show significant differences (p>0.05) between methods at each third and among thirds for each technique analyzed individually. in conclusion, there was no difference in the cleaning ability of the Rinsendo system and conventional irrigation.

Flexibility and torsional resistance of three nickel-titanium retreatment instrument systems

Aim To assess the dimensional characteristics, flexibility and torsional behaviour of nickel-titanium retreatment instruments. Methodology Using image analysis software and high-resolution digital images, the instrument length, tip angle, diameter at 3mm from the tip and the distance between the blades (pitch length) of the following eight instruments were measured (n=12 for each measurement parameter): the ProTaper Universal retreatment (PTU-R) D1, D2 and D3 instruments; the R-Endo R1, R2 and R3 retreatment instruments; and the Mtwo retreatment (Mtwo-R) sizes 25 and 15 retreatment instruments. Maximum torque and the angular deflection at fracture as well as the bending moment at 45° were measured (n=12) according to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) specification number 3630-1. Data were analysed using the analysis of variance (α=0.05). Results The length of the active part of the instruments was found to vary according to the depth of the canal into which they were designed to reach. The pitch length also increased along the active length. The PTU-R D1 and the Mtwo-R instruments had active tips. Measurements of the bending moment at 45° revealed that the Mtwo-R 15 instrument was the most flexible, whereas the PTU-R D1 was the least flexible. The maximum torque tended to increase as the instrument diameter at 3mm from the tip increased, whereas the angular deflection at fracture varied in the opposite direction. Conclusions The geometrical characteristics of the retreatment instruments and their flexibility and torsion behaviour were consistent with their intended clinical application. © 2011 International Endodontic Journal.

Efficacy and cytotoxicity of a bleaching gel after short application times on dental enamel

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and correlate the efficacy and cytotoxicity of a 35 % hydrogen peroxide (HP) bleaching gel after different application times on dental enamel. Materials and methods: Enamel/dentin disks in artificial pulp chambers were placed in wells containing culture medium. The following groups were formed: G1, control (no bleaching); G2 and G3, three or one 15-min bleaching applications, respectively; and G4 and G5, three or one 5-min bleaching applications, respectively. Extracts (culture medium with bleaching gel components) were applied for 60 min on cultured odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells. Cell metabolism (methyl tetrazolium assay) (Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney; α = 5 %) and cell morphology (scanning electron microscopy) were analyzed immediately after the bleaching procedures and the trans-enamel and trans-dentinal HP diffusion quantified (one-way analysis of variance/Tukey's test; α = 5 %). The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was evaluated 24 h after the contact time of the extracts with the cells (Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney; α = 5 %). Tooth color was analyzed before and 24 h after bleaching using a spectrophotometer according to the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a*b* system (Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney; α = 0.05). Results: Significant difference (p < 0.05) in cell metabolism occurred only between G1 (control, 100 %) and G2 (60.6 %). A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in ALP activity was observed between G2, G3, and G4 in comparison with G1. Alterations on cell morphology were observed in all bleached groups. The highest values of HP diffusion and color alterations were observed for G2, with significant difference among all experimental groups (p < 0.05). G3 and G4 presented intermediate color change and HP diffusion values with no statistically significant differences between them (p > 0.05). The lowest amount of HP diffusion was observed in G5 (p < 0.05), which also exhibited no significant color alteration compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: HP diffusion through dental tissues and its cytotoxic effects were proportional to the contact time of the bleaching gel with enamel. However, shorter bleaching times reduced bleaching efficacy. Clinical relevance: Shortening the in-office tooth bleaching time could be an alternative to minimize the cytotoxic effects of this clinical procedure to pulp tissue. However, the reduced time of bleaching agent application on enamel may not provide adequate esthetic outcome. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Brazilian dental students' intentions and motivations towards their professional career

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação da eficiência de adesão de um cimento resinoso autocondicionante (self-adhesive) sobre esmalte e dentina: efeito termociclagem e condicionamento dental : estudo in vitro

Pós-graduação em Odontologia Restauradora - ICT

Directorio de organismos nacionales a cargo de las políticas y programas para las mujeres de América Latina y el Caribe = Directory of national organizations dealing with programmes and policies on women in Latin America and the Caribbean

Publicación bilingüe

The Relationship between Biofilm and Physical-Chemical Properties of Implant Abutment Materials for Successful Dental Implants

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

CT study of the performance of reciprocating and oscillatory motions in flattened root canal areas

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy for prevention and treatment of dental caries: a critical review

Introduction: Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy studies regarding dental caries have been present more frequently in the literature. However, photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy depends on the adjustment of variables such as the type of light source and, photosensitisers target microorganism; this makes it difficult to draw meaningful comparisons. The purpose of this paper was to provide a critical review related to this coadjuvant approach in the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Materials and Methods: A database search was made via Medline/PubMed (keywords: photodynamic therapy and dental caries) and 33 articles were found. Results: Twelve articles were included after using the filter tool, being excluded reviews and manuscripts reporting works not related to the studied area. Conclusion: The manuscripts showed that photodynamic therapy presents optimal results against dental caries, even though better understanding of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy and its components are necessary before the clinical application of this alternative modality in the dental practice.

Descrição do aparelho VABB (Vertically Activated Bite Block) para o tratamento da mordida aberta anterior

Nowadays, the correction of skeletal vertical dysplasia is considered a great challenge in Orthodontics. The skeletal open bite treatment presents limitations related to vertical growth pattern, the extension of open bite and especially the stability, which is very questioned. The treatment of skeletal open bite is mostly realized by the inhibition of vertical alveolar posterior development (relative intrusion) or absolute intrusion of posterior teeth, through vertical forces, generated by the action of masticatory muscles. The purpose of this article is to present a new appliance for the treatment of skeletal open bite, the VABB (Vertically Activated Bite Block) or modified Bite Block, whose action mechanism is to limit the vertical development of the molars, by the action of facial muscles and two bilateral expansion screws that provide a counterclockwise rotation of the mandible. It will also be presented a clinical case and the technical steps for the construction of this appliance.

Morphology and adhesion on blood components in root surfaces treated by a piezoelectric ultrasonic: an in vitro study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology and adhesion of blood components on root surfaces instrumented with piezoelectric ultrasonic Piezon Master Surgery. Methods 10 teeth were used in this study. The teeth had their proximal divided into four areas that received different treatments: Group 1: untreated control Group 2: scaling with manual instrument; Group 3: scaling with ultrasound; Group 4: Scaling with manual instruments and ultrasound. We obtained 20 samples, 10 of which were used to analyze the morphology and the other 10 were used for analysis of adhesion of blood components. The specimens were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Photomicrographs were analyzed by the scores of adhesion of blood components and the index of root morphology. The results were statistically by the Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney with a significance level of 95%. Results The morphological analysis showed that the Group 1 had a surface unchanged in relation to other groups (Group 1 X Group 2 = 0.0025; Group 1 X Group 3 = 0.0003; Group 1 X Group 4 = 0.0003) and Group 2 presented a smoother surface compared to Group 1 and groups instrumented with ultrasound (Group 2 X Group 3 = 0.0025; Group 2 X Group 4 = 0.0025) there were no statistical differences between the Groups 3 and 4. analysis of adhesion of blood components showed that the Groups 2, 3 and 4 had no statistically significant differences between themselves, but more biocompatible surfaces promoted the surface untreated control (Group 1 X Group 2 = 0.02; Group 1 X Group 3 = 0.04; Group 1 X Group 4 = 0.005). Conclusion The instrumentation with piezoelectric ultrasonic promoted an irregular root surface, but did not negatively affect the adhesion of blood components.

Hepatitis C virus and dental health workers: an update

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)