The use of ultrasound for cleaning the surface of stainless steel and nickel-titanium endodontic instruments

Aim the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound in cleaning the surface of stainless steel and Ni-Ti endodontic instruments.Methodology Twenty nickel-titanium instruments (10 Quantec files and 10 Nitiflex) and 20 stainless steel K-files (10 Maillefer-Dentsply and 10 Moyco Union Broach) were removed from their original packages and evaluated using a scanning electron microscope. Scores were given for the presence of residues on the surface or the instruments. The instruments were then cleaned in an ultrasonic bath containing only distilled water or detergent solution for 15 min, and re-evaluated, using scanning electron microscopy.Results Before cleaning, a greater amount of metallic debris was observed on the nickel-titanium Quantec instruments (P < 0.05), when compared to those made of stainless steel. Statistical analysis showed that the use of ultrasound was effective for cleaning the instruments, regardless of the irrigating solution or the instruments type (P < 0.05).Conclusions the use of ultrasound proved to be an efficient method for the removal of metallic particles from the surface of stainless steel and Ni-Ti endodontic instruments.

A comparison of molar root canal preparation using stainless-steel and nickel-titanium instruments

Fifty-four extracted human mandibular molars were embedded and sectioned at two levels. The reassembled mesial root canals were prepared with stainless-steel hand K-files (Flexofiles) and either Nitiflex or Mity nickel-titanium hand K-files using a push-pull anticurvature filing technique. Each of the three experimental groups contained 36 mesial canals randomly distributed. Superimposed pre- and postinstrumentation cross-sectional root images were magnified using a stereomicroscope and transferred to a computer for measurement and statistical analysis. The direction and extent of canal center movement were evaluated. At the apical level, the groups produced no significant difference of direction of canal center movement. In cervical sections, all groups tended to move in a distolingual direction. The three groups, however, produced no significant difference in the cervical sections in the extent of canal center movement. In apical sections, Nitiflex produced the least canal center movement. Copyright © 1999 by The American Association of Endodontists.

Rough turning of titanium alloy (6Al-4V)

Metal machining is the complex process due the used cutting parameters. In metal cutting process, materials of workpiece differ widely in their ability to deform plastically, to fracture and to sustain tensile stresses. Moreover, the material involved in the process has a great influence in these operations. The Ti-6Al-4V alloy is very used in the aeronautical industry, mainly in the manufacture of engines, has very important properties such the mechanical and corrosion resistance in high te mperatures. The turning of the Ti-Al-4V alloy is very difficult due the rapid tool wear. Such behavior result of the its low thermal conductivity in addition the high reactivity with the cutting tool. The formed chip is segmented and regions of the large deformation named shear bands plows formed. The machinability of the cutting process can be evaluated by several measures including power consume, machined surface quality, tool wear, tool life, microstructure and morphology of the obtained chip. This paper studies the effect of cutting parameters, speed and feed rates, in the tool wear and chip properties using uncoating cemented carbide tool. Microe-structural characterization of the chip and tool wear was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Light Optical Mcroscopy (LOM).

Effect of clinical use of nickel-titanium springs

Introduction: Our objectives were to determine whether there are changes on the load deflection rate (L/DP) and the average force (FP) of the superelastic pseudoplateau, and whether permanent deformation is changed in nickel-titanium closed-coil springs (CCSs) after 6 months of clinical use. Methods: Twenty-two nickel-titanium CCSs (Sentalloy 100 g; Dentsply GAC, York, Pa) were subjected to tensile mechanical testing at 37 degrees C on activations varying from 3.2 to 16.0 mm before and after 6 months of clinical use. A regression line was fitted over the most horizontal area of the unloading part of the stress-strain graph of every CCS, and its slope was used as L/DP. The FP was determined by the midpoint of the longest segment of the curve that could be fit within the regression line with a R-2 of at least 0.999, and permanent deformation was determined graphically by obtaining the strain value when the measured stress reached zero. The data were analyzed by 3 analyses of variance at 2 levels, with 5% of significance. Results: Time and activation significantly influenced the variables tested (P < 0.001). Time increased the L/DP and permanent deformation but decreased the FP. Activation decreased L/DP, FP, and permanent deformation. Significant interactions between time and activation were detected for FP (P = 0.013) and deformation (P < 0.001). Conclusions: After 6 months of active clinical use, the analyzed springs had a significant but small increase in their L/DP; FP dropped up to 88%, and the CCSs deformed up to 1.26 mm.

Effect of whitening toothpaste on titanium and titanium alloy surfaces

Dental implants have increased the use of titanium and titanium alloys in prosthetic applications. Whitening toothpastes with peroxides are available for patients with high aesthetic requirements, but the effect of whitening toothpastes on titanium surfaces is not yet known, although titanium is prone to fluoride ion attack. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare Ti-5Ta alloy to cp Ti after toothbrushing with whitening and conventional toothpastes. Ti-5Ta (%wt) alloy was melted in an arc melting furnace and compared with cp Ti. Disks and toothbrush heads were embedded in PVC rings to be mounted onto a toothbrushing test apparatus. A total of 260,000 cycles were carried out at 250 cycles/minute under a load of 5 N on samples immersed in toothpaste slurries. Surface roughness and Vickers microhardness were evaluated before and after toothbrushing. One sample of each material/toothpaste was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and compared with a sample that had not been submitted to toothbrushing. Surface roughness increased significantly after toothbrushing, but no differences were noted after toothbrushing with different toothpastes. Toothbrushing did not significantly affect sample microhardness. The results suggest that toothpastes that contain and those that do not contain peroxides in their composition have different effects on cp Ti and Ti-5Ta surfaces. Although no significant difference was noted in the microhardness and roughness of the surfaces brushed with different toothpastes, both toothpastes increased roughness after toothbrushing.

Characterization of a new beta titanium alloy, Ti-12Mo-3Nb, for biomedical applications

In recent years, different beta titanium alloys have been developed for biomedical applications with a combination of mechanical properties including a low Young's modulus, high strength, fatigue resistance and good ductility with excellent corrosion resistance. From this perspective, a new metastable beta titanium Ti-12Mo-3Nb alloy was developed with the replacement of both vanadium and aluminum from the traditional Ti-6Al-4V alloy. This paper presents the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the Ti-12Mo-3Nb alloy heat-treated at 950 degrees C for 1 h. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction and by scanning electron microscopy. Tensile tests were carried out at room temperature. Corrosion tests were performed using Ringer's solution at 25 degrees C. The results showed that this alloy could potentially be used for biomedical purposes due to its good mechanical properties and spontaneous passivation. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Titanium-alloy vs. CoCr-alloy in removable prosthodontics--a clinical study]

Different types of titanium-alloys instead of CoCr-alloys have been tested as material for the framework of removable partial dentures (RPD). Adequate casting and processing techniques have been developed which enable to fabricate frameworks of complex designs and the problem limits porosity. This opened new possibilities for the use of titanium-alloys with improved properties (E-module). The aim of this study was to summarise the use of titanium in removable prosthodontics and to evaluate prospectively the use of the Ti6A17Nb-alloy for RPDs in a small group of patients. Two identically designed RPDs from CoCr-alloy (remanium GM 800+) and Ti6A17Nb-alloy (girotan L) were produced for ten patients. They had to wear each RPD during six months, first the CoCr-RPD and then the Ti6A17Nb-RPD. A questionnaire (visual analogue scale = VAS) was completed by the patients after one, three and six months of function for each RPD. Prosthetic complications and service needed were recorded. After the end of the entire observation period of twelve months, the patients remained with the Ti6A17Nb-RPD and answered the questionnaire after another six months. All parameters regarding the design of the RPDs were positively estimated by the dentist. Minimal, not significant differences were noted by the patients concerning comfort, stability and retention (VAS). Clinically, no differences in technical aspects or regarding biological complications were observed after six-months periods. The Ti6A17Nb-alloy (girotan L) for the framework of RPDs was judged by patients and professionals to be equivalent to RPDs made from CoCr-alloy. No differences in material aspects could objectively be observed. The Ti6A17Nb-alloy can be beneficial for patients with allergies or incompatibility with one or several components of the CoCr-alloy.

In vitro adhesion of fibroblastic cells to titanium alloy discs treated with sodium hydroxide.

OBJECTIVE Adhesion of osteogenic cells on titanium surfaces is a prerequisite for osseointegration. Alkali treatment can increase the hydrophilicity of titanium implant surfaces, thereby supporting the adhesion of blood components. However, it is unclear if alkali treatment also supports the adhesion of cells with a fibroblastic morphology to titanium. MATERIALS AND METHODS Here, we have used a titanium alloy (Ti-6AL-4V) processed by alkali treatment to demonstrate the impact of hydrophilicity on the adhesion of primary human gingival fibroblast and bone cells. Also included were the osteosarcoma and fibroblastoma cell lines, MG63 and L929, respectively. Cell adhesion was determined by scanning electron microscopy. We also measured viability, proliferation, and protein synthesis of the adherent cells. RESULTS Alkali treatment increased the adhesion of gingival fibroblasts, bone cells, and the two cell lines when seeded onto the titanium alloy surface for 1 h. At 3 h, no significant changes in cell adhesion were observed. Cells grown for 1 day on the titanium alloy surfaces processed by alkali treatment behave similarly to untreated controls with regard to viability, proliferation, and protein synthesis. CONCLUSION Based on these preliminary In vitro findings, we conclude that alkali treatment can support the early adhesion of cells with fibroblastic characteristics to a titanium alloy surface.

Titanium and titanium alloy fasteners

"NAI-58-22. Manufacturing Methods Branch, Contract no. AF 33 (600)-30375, Project no. 7-417, Industrial Resources Division, Air Material [!] Command, United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio."