The suitability of different FEA models for studying root fractures caused by wedge effect

Finite element analysis (FEA) utilizing models with different levels of complexity are found in the literature to study the tendency to vertical root fracture caused by post intrusion (""wedge effect""). The objective of this investigation was to verify if some simplifications used in bi-dimensional FEA models are acceptable regarding the analysis of stresses caused by wedge effect. Three plane strain (PS) and two axisymmtric (Axi) models were studied. One PS model represented the apical third of the root entirely, in dentin (PS-nG). The other models included gutta-percha in the apical third, and differed regarding dentin-post relationship: bonded (PS-B and Axi-B) or nonbonded (PS-nB and Axi-nB). Mesh discretization and material properties were similar for all cases. Maximum principal stress (sigma(max)) was analyzed as a response to a 165 N longitudinal load. Stress magnitude and orientation varied widely (PS-nG: 10.3 MPa; PS-B: 0.8 MPa; PS-nB: 10.4 MPa; Axi-13: 0.2 MPa, Axi-nB: 10.8 MPa). Axi-nB was the only model where all (sigma(max) vectors at the apical third were perpendicular to the model plane. Therefore, it is adequate to demonstrate the tendency to vertical root fractures caused by wedge effect. Axi-13 showed only part of the (sigma(max) perpendicular to the model plane while PS models showed sigma(max) on the model plane. In these models, sigma(max) orientation did not represent a situation where vertical root fracture would occur due to wedge effect. Adhesion between post and dentin significantly reduced (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Durability of enamel bonding using two-step self-etch systems on ground and unground enamel

This study examined the early and long-term microtensile bond strengths (mu TBS) and interfacial enamel gap formation (IGW) of two-step selfetch systems to unground and ground enamel. Resin composite (Filtek Z250) buildups were bonded to proximal enamel surfaces (unground, bur-cut or SiC-treated enamel) of third molars after the application of four self-etch adhesives: a mild (Clearfil SE Bond [SE]), two moderate (Optibond Solo Plus Self-Etch Primer [SO] and AdheSE [AD]) and a strong adhesive (Tyrian Self Priming Etchant + One Step Plus [TY]) and two etch-and-rinse adhesive systems (Single Bond [SB] and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus [SBMP]). Ten tooth halves were assigned for each adhesive. After storage in water (24 hours/37 degrees C), the bonded specimens were sectioned into beams (0.9 mm(2)) and subjected to mu TBS (0.5 mm/minute) or interfacial gap width measurement (stereomicroscope at 400x) either immediately (IM) or after 12 months (12M) of water storage. The data were analyzed by three-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey`s test (alpha=0.05). No gap formation was observed in any experimental condition. The mu TBS in the Si-C paper and diamond bur groups were similar and greater than the unground group only for the moderate self-etch systems (SO and AD). No reductions in bond strength values were observed after 12 months of water storage, regardless of the adhesive evaluated.

Adhesive Temperature: Effects on Adhesive Properties and Resin-Dentin Bond Strength

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of adhesive temperature on the resin-dentin bond strength (mu TBS), nanoleakage (NL), adhesive layer thickness (AL), and degree of conversion (DC) of ethanol/water- (SB) and acetone-based (PB) etch-and-rinse adhesive systems. Methods: The bottles of the two adhesives were kept at each temperature (5 degrees C, 20 degrees C, 37 degrees C, and 50 degrees C) for 2 hours before application to demineralized dentin surfaces of 40 molars. Specimens were prepared for mu TBS testing. Bonded sticks (0.8 mm(2)) were tested under tension (0.5 mm/min). Three bonded sticks from each tooth were immersed in silver nitrate and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The DC of the adhesives was evaluated by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Results: Lower mu TBS was observed for PB at 50 degrees C. For SB, the mu TBS values were similar for all temperatures. DC was higher at 50 degrees C for PB. Higher NL and thicker AL were observed for both adhesives in the 5 degrees C and 20 degrees C groups compared to the 37 degrees C and 50 degrees C groups. The higher temperatures (37 degrees C or 50 degrees C) reduced the number of pores within the adhesive layer of both adhesive systems. Conclusions: It could be useful to use an ethanol/water-based adhesive at 37 degrees C or 50 degrees C and an acetone-based adhesive at 37 degrees C to improve adhesive performance.

Oral and Dental Abnormalities in Barber-Say Syndrome

A previously unreported case of Barber Say syndrome is described with special attention to dental manifestations. A 7-year-old female with multiple congenital anomalies such mammary gland hypoplasia, hypertrichosis, ectropion, and redundant skin was seen at the School of Dentistry of the University of Sao Paulo. Oral examination revealed macrostomia, broad alveolar ridges, gingival fibromatosis, taurodontism, delayed tooth eruption, and malocclusion. Dental treatment included gingivoplasty and orthodontic treatment. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Bovine versus Human Dentine

Metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated with metabolism of collagen in physiological and pathological processes in human dentine. As bovine teeth have been used as a substitute for human teeth in laboratory analysis, this study evaluated the activity of MMP-2 and -9 in bovine versus human dentine. Bovine and human dentine fragments, from crowns and roots, were powderized. Protein extraction was performed by two protocols: a neutral extraction with guanidine-HCl/EDTA (pH 7.4) and an acidic extraction with citric acid (pH 2.3). Gelatinolytic activities of extracts were revealed by zymography. MMP-2 and -9 were detected in crown and root dentine from bovine and human teeth. Total activities of MMP-2 were 11.4 +/- 2.2, 14.6 +/- 2.0, 9.7 +/- 1.2 and 12.4 +/- 0.9 ng/ml for bovine root, human root, bovine crown and human crown dentine, respectively. Corresponding activities for MMP-9 were 14.9 +/- 2.0, 15.3 +/- 1.3, 15.4 +/- 1.3 and 15.5 +/- 1.3 ng/ml, respectively. Bovine dentine was found to be a reliable substrate for studies involving the activity of MMP-2 and -9. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel

Effect of Different Fluoride Concentrations of Experimental Dentifrices on Enamel Erosion and Abrasion

It has been suggested that fluoride products are able to reduce erosive tooth wear. Thus, the purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of dentifrices with different fluoride concentrations as well as of a low-fluoridated dentifrice supplemented with trimetaphosphate (TMP) on enamel erosion and abrasion. One hundred twenty bovine enamel blocks were assigned to the following experimental dentifrices: placebo, 1,100 mu g F/g, 500 mu g F/g plus 3% TMP and 5,000 mu g F/g. The groups of enamel blocks were additionally subdivided into conditions of erosion (ERO) and of erosion plus abrasion (ERO + ABR). For 7 days, the blocks were subjected to erosive challenges (immersion in Sprite (R) 4 times a day for 5 min each time) followed by a remineralizing period (immersion in artificial saliva between erosive challenges for 2 h). After each erosive challenge, the blocks were exposed to slurries of the dentifrices (10 ml/sample for 15 s). Sixty of the blocks were additionally abraded by brushing using an electric toothbrush (15 s). The alterations of the enamel were quantified using the Knoop hardness test and profilometry (measurements in micrometers). The data were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA test followed by a Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). In in vitro conditions, the 5,000 mu g F/g and 500 mu g F/g plus 3% TMP dentifrices had a greater protective effect when compared with the 1,100 mu g F/g dentifrice, under both ERO and ERO + ABR conditions. The results suggest that dentifrices alone are not capable of completely inhibiting tooth wear. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel

Comparison of Cross-Sectional Hardness and Transverse Microradiography of Artificial Carious Enamel Lesions Induced by Different Demineralising Solutions and Gels

The aims of this study were: (1) to correlate surface (SH) and cross-sectional hardness (CSH) with microradiographic parameters of artificial enamel lesions; (2) to compare lesions prepared by different protocols. Fifty bovine enamel specimens were allocated by stratified randomisation according to their initial SH values to five groups and lesions produced by different methods: MC gel (methylcellulose gel/lactic acid, pH 4.6, 14 days); PA gel (polyacrylic acid/lactic acid/hydroxyapatite, pH 4.8, 16 h); MHDP (undersaturated lactate buffer/methyl diphosphonate, pH 5.0, 6 days); buffer (undersaturated acetate buffer/fluoride, pH 5.0, 16 h), and pH cycling (7 days). SH of the lesions (SH(1)) was measured. The specimens were longitudinally sectioned and transverse microradiography (TMR) and CSH measured at 10- to 220-mu m depth from the surface. Overall, there was a medium correlation but non-linear and variable relationship between mineral content and root CSH. root SH(1) was weakly to moderately correlated with surface layer properties, weakly correlated with lesion depth but uncorrelated with integrated mineral loss. MHDP lesions showed the highest subsurface mineral loss, followed by pH cycling, buffer, PA gel and MC gel lesions. The conclusions were: (1) CSH, as an alternative to TMR, does not estimate mineral content very accurately, but gives information about mechanical properties of lesions; (2) SH should not be used to analyse lesions; (3) artificial caries lesions produced by the protocols differ, especially considering the method of analysis. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

Effect of prolonged erosive pH cycling on different restorative materials

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of a prolonged erosive pH cycling on the superficial microhardness change (SMHC) and the erosive wear of different restorative materials. Eighty enamel specimens with prepared cavities of 1.5 x 1.5 mm were randomly divided into eight groups according to the restorative materials used for the fillings (RMGI - resin-modified glass-ionomer, CGI - conventional glass-ionomer, CR- composite resin, A - amalgam) and immersion media used (ERO - erosive medium or SAL - artificial saliva). During 35 days, half of the specimens were immersed in a cola drink (ERO), for 5 min, three times a day, and they remained in SAL between the erosive cycles. The other half of the specimens was immersed in SAL only, for the entire experimental period (control). Data were tested for significant differences by anova and Tukey`s tests (P < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy images were made to illustrate the enamel erosive wear and restorative materials alterations. The mean SMHC (%) and mean erosive wear (mu m) of the materials were: RMGI-ERO (30/0.5); CGI-ERO (37/0.5); CR-ERO (-0.3/0.3); A-ERO (-4/0.3); RMGI-SAL (4/0.4); CGI-SAL (-6/0.4); CR-SAL (-3/0.2) and A-SAL (2/0.4). Scanning electron microscopy images showed pronounced enamel erosive wear on groups submitted to erosive pH cycling when compared with groups maintained in saliva. In conclusion, the prolonged pH cycling promoted significantly higher alterations (SMHC and erosive wear) on the glass-ionomer cements than the CR and amalgam.

Insights from Studies with Oral Cleft Genes Suggest Associations between WNT-pathway Genes and Risk of Oral Cancer

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for more than 90% of the malignant neoplasms that arise in the mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract. Recent studies of cleft lip/palate have shown the association of genes involved in cancer. WNT pathway genes have been associated with several types of cancer and recently with cleft lip/palate. To investigate if genes associated with cleft lip/palate were also associated with oral cancer, we genotyped 188 individuals with OSCC and 225 control individuals for markers in AXIN2, AXIN1, GSK3 beta, WNT3A, WNT5A, WNT8A, WNT11, WNT3, and WNT9B. Statistical analysis was performed with PLINK 1.06 software to test for differences in allele frequencies of each polymorphism between cases and controls. We found association of SNPs in GSK3B (p = 0.0008) and WNT11 (p = 0.03) with OSCC. We also found overtransmission of GSK3B haplotypes in OSCC cases. Expression analyses showed up-regulation of WNT3A, GSK3B, and AXIN1 and down-regulation of WNT11 in OSCC in comparison with control tissues (P < 0.001). Additional studies should focus on the identification of potentially functional variants in these genes as contributors to human clefting and oral cancer.

Effect of 4% titanium tetrafluoride solution on dental erosion by a soft drink: An in situ/ex vivo study

Objective: This in situ/ex vivo study assessed the effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) on permanent human enamel subjected to erosion. Design: Ten volunteers took part in this study performed in two phases. In the first phase (ERO), they wore acrylic palatal appliances containing two enamel blocks, divided into two rows: TiF4 (F) and no-TiF4 (no-F). During the 1st day, the formation of a salivary pellicle was allowed. In the 2nd day, the TiF4 solution was applied on one row (ERO + F), whereas on the other row no treatment was performed (ERO + no-F). From 3rd until 7th day, the blocks were subjected to erosion, 4x per day. In the 2nd phase (no-ERO), the volunteers wore acrylic palatal appliances containing one enamel block, during 2 days, to assess the effect of TiF4 only (no-ERO + F). Enamel alterations were determined using profilometry (wear), microhardness (%SMHC) tests, scanning electron microscope and microprobe analysis. The %SMHC and wear were tested using ANOVA and Tukey`s post hoc tests (p < 0.05). Results: The mean of %SMHC and wear ( mu m) values ( +/- S.D.) were, respectively: ERO + F -73.32 +/- 5.16(A)/2.40 +/- 0.60(a); ERO + no-F -83.49 +/- 4.59B/1.17 +/- 0.48(b) and no-ERO + F -67.92 +/- 6.16(A)/0.21:E 0.09(c). In microscope analysis, the no-F group showed enamel with honeycomb appearance. For F groups, it was observed a surface coating with microcracks. The microprobe analysis revealed the presence of the following elements (%) in groups ERO + F, ERO + no-F and no-ERO + F, respectively: Ca (69.9, 72.5, 66.25); P (25.9, 26.5, 26.06); Ti (3.0, 0, 5.93). Conclusions: The TiF4 was unable to reduce dental erosion. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Erosive, Cariogenic or Combined Erosive/Cariogenic Challenges on Human Enamel An in situ/ex vivo Study

Individuals with cariogenic diet can also consume erosive beverages. Thus, it seems necessary to investigate a possible caries/erosion interaction. To test in situ/ex vivo a combination of these challenges, 11 subjects wore intraoral appliances containing four enamel blocks randomly assigned. In the first 2-week phase, the appliances were immersed in a cola drink 3 times/day. Two blocks were free of plaque (erosion only: EO) and two blocks were covered with plaque (erosion + plaque: EP). In the second 2-week phase, four new blocks were all covered with plaque and subjected to a sucrose solution 8 times/day. Among the four new blocks, two were also subjected to the cola drink 3 times/day (erosion + caries: EC) while the other two were not (caries only: CO). Thus, in EO, the specimens were fixed at the intraoral appliance level. In EP, EC and CO they were fixed 1.0 mm under the appliance level and covered with plastic meshes for dental plaque accumulation. Changes in wear and hardness were measured. Data were tested using ANOVA and Tukey`s test (p < 0.05). Mean values of wear (mu m) and change in hardness (kp/mm(2)) were: EO 4.82/310; EP 0.14/48; EC 0.34/245; CO 0.42/309. With respect to surface softening, EP and EC differed significantly from each other and from EO and CO, which did not differ significantly. EO presented significantly higher wear than the other groups. The data suggest that the presence of dental plaque can decrease the acid attack of an erosive drink and the association of erosive and cariogenic challenges showed less enamel alterations when compared to erosive or cariogenic challenges only. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

A direct composite resin stratification technique for restoration of the smile

Composite resins can be used to improve the esthetics of the smile at a low cost and with relatively high clinical performance, The aim of this article was to describe an approach to restore and enhance the esthetic appearance of the anterior dentition through vital tooth whitening and the direct layering of composite resin during predictable esthetic procedures, (Quintessence lot 2011;42205-211)

Propolis as storage media for avulsed teeth: microscopic and morphometric analysis in rats

The maintenance of the avulsed teeth in appropriate media for preserving the cellular viability has been important for repairing the periodontal ligament and preventing the root resorption after tooth reimplantation. Propolis is a substance capable of preserving cellular viability. This study aimed to analyze the propolis substance as a storage media for maintaining the avulsed teeth, besides to determine the ideal time period for keeping the tooth inside it. Thus, 60 maxillary right central incisors of rats were extracted and divided into five groups. In groups I and II, teeth were kept in propolis for 60 min and 6 h, respectively; in group III, teeth were kept in milk for 6 h; in group IV, teeth were kept dry for 60 min; and in group V, they were immediately reimplanted. All teeth had their root canals filled with calcium hydroxide paste. Following, teeth were reimplanted in their sockets. After 15 and 60 days, animals were killed and the obtained samples were processed in laboratory for microscopic and morphometric analyzing. The results showed that the occurrence of inflammatory resorption, dental ankylosis and the formation of the connective tissue parallel to the root surface were similar among groups. It could be verified a greater occurrence of replacement resorption in group IV when comparing to other groups. In groups I and IV, the presence of periodontal ligament-like connective tissue was substantially smaller than the other groups. Regarding to the cementum amount over the root, it could be observed that this was present in smaller amount in groups I and IV. Group II was similar to groups III and IV. Therefore, according to the results of this study, the use of propolis as a storage media for maintaining avulsed teeth could be highlighted, and the 6-h period was more appropriate than the 60-min period.

Differential bonds degradation of two resin-modified glass-ionomer cements in primary and permanent teeth

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of chemical degradation on bond strength of resin-modified glass-ionomer cements bonded to primary and permanent dentin. Methods: Class I cavities of permanent and primary extracted human molars were restored with two resin-modified glass-ionomer cements: Fuji 11 LC and Vitremer, and stored in water for 24 h. Half samples were immersed in 10% NaOCl aqueous solution for 5 h. Teeth were sectioned into beams and tested for microtensile bond strengths. Results were analyzed with multiple ANOVA and Tukey`s tests (p < 0.05). Analysis of debonded surfaces was performed by SEM. Results: 24 h bond strengths for Vitremer and Fuji 11 LC were similar. For Fuji 11, bond strength values were higher for primary than for permanent dentin. Vitremer bond strength was similar for both. Chemical degradation did not affect Fuji I] LC bond strength to dentin. However, decreases in bond strength were found for Vitremer groups after NaOCl immersion. Signs of glass ionomer-dentin interaction were evident by SEM analysis for Fuji 11 LC specimens. Conclusions: Vitremer and Fuji II presented similar bond strength at 24. Vitremer dentin bonds were prone to chemical degradation. Fuji II LC-dentin bonds showed typical features of glass-ionomer dentin interaction at the bonded interfaces, and were resistant to in vitro degradation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The influence of cone-beam computed tomography and periapical radiographic evaluation on the assessment of periapical bone destruction in dog`s teeth

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of periapical radiographs, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) sections, and cone beam volumetric data on the determination of periapical bone destruction in endodontically treated distal root canals of premolar canine teeth. Nontreated mesial roots were used as controls. Study design. Enterococcus faecalis strain (ATCC 29212) was inoculated into 30 root canals of 2 mongrel dogs to induce apical periodontitis. After 60 days, the root canals of the distal roots of the 11 mandibular and 4 maxillary premolars were endodontically treated (n = 15). The mesial root canals were used as controls (no treatment). The bone destruction was evaluated after 6 months by 5 evaluators using periapical radiographs and by CBCT (coronal and sagittal sections). After the experimental period, the area of the lesions in periapical radiographs and CBCT sections were measured in mm(2) using the ImageTool software. A single evaluator measured the volumetric data using the OsiriX software. The comparison between the diagnosis methods in treated root canals and controls was performed using parametric and nonparametric criteria. The Pearson correlation coefficient was computed between radiographic values and CBCT volumetric data in treated root canals and controls. Results. The results showed the presence of chronic apical periodontitis in every inoculated tooth. After 6 months, periapical radiographs, coronal CBCT sections, and volumetric data showed lower bone destruction in endodontically treated teeth in comparison with the control group (P < .05). The 5 evaluators found no differences between the apical periodontitis area of treated teeth and controls when CBCT sagittal sections were used (P > .05). No correlation was found between x-ray and CBCT volumetric values in treated root canals. Conclusions. Although selected CBCT sagittal sections showed similar values of bone destruction in endodontically and nontreated root canals, volumetric CBCT data showed that periapical lesions of endodontically treated root canals had half of the volume of periapical lesions in nontreated root canals. No relationship could be found between the periapical values of bone destruction and volumetric data found in CBCT of treated rood canals. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011; 112: 272-279)