Bacterial Adhesion on Smooth and Rough Titanium Surfaces After Treatment With Different Instruments

Background: Newly formed biofilm after implant debridement may challenge the long-term stability of peri-implant therapy. This in vitro study aimed to assess the roughness and adherence of Streptococcus sanguinis after treatment of smooth and rough titanium surfaces with an erbium-doped: yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser, metal and plastic curets, and an air-powder abrasive system. Methods: Forty titanium disks with smooth-machined surfaces and 40 with sand-blasted and acid-etched surfaces were divided into the following treatment groups: Er:YAG laser; plastic curet; metal curet, and air-powder abrasive system. The surface roughness (roughness average [Raj) before and after treatments was determined using a profilometer. S. sanguinis (American Type Culture Collection 10556) was grown on treated and untreated specimens, and the amounts of retained bacteria on the surfaces were measured by the culture method. Rough and smooth surfaces with and without a suspension of S. sanguinis were also analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: For smooth surfaces, the roughest surfaces were produced by metal curets (repeated - measures analysis of variance [ANOVA] and Tukey test; P<0.05). The rough-surface profile was not altered by any of the treatments (repeated-measures ANOVA; P>0.05). Rough surfaces treated with metal curets and air-powder abrasion showed the lowest level of bacteria] adhesion (two-way ANOVA and Tukey test; P<0.05). SEM analysis revealed distinct surface profiles produced by all devices. Conclusions: Metal curets are not recommended for smooth titanium surface debridement due to severe texture alteration. Rough surfaces treated with a metal curet and the air-powder abrasive system were less susceptible to bacterial adhesion, probably due to texture modification and the presence of abrasive deposits. J Periodontol 2009;80: 1824-1832.

Effects of Nd:YAG Laser Irradiation on the Hybrid Layer of Different Adhesive Systems

Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (mu TBS) and hybrid layer morphology of different adhesive systems, either followed by treatment with Nd:YAG laser irradiation or not. Previous studies have shown the effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the dentin surface at restoration margins, but there are few reports about the significance of the irradiation on the hybrid layer. Materials and Methods: The flattened coronal and root dentin samples of 24 bovine teeth were randomly divided into 8 groups, according to the adhesive system used - Scotchbond Multi Purpose (SBMP) or Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB) - and were either irradiated with Nd:YAG or not, with different parameters: 0.8 W/10 Hz, 0.8 W/20 Hz, 1.2 W/10 Hz, 1.2 W/20 Hz. The left sides of specimens were the control groups, and right sides were irradiated. A composite crown was built over bonded surfaces and stored in water (24 h at 37 degrees C). Specimens were sectioned vertically into slabs that were subjected to mu TBS testing and observed by SEM. Results: Control groups (27.81 +/- 1.38) showed statistically higher values than lased groups (21.37 +/- 0.99), and CSEB control group values (31.26 +/- 15.71) were statistically higher than those of SBMP (24.3 +/- 10.66). There were no significant differences between CSEB (20.34 +/- 10.01) and SBMP (22.43 +/- 9.82) lased groups. Among parameters tested, 0.8 W/10 Hz showed the highest value (25.54 +/- 11.74). Nd:YAG laser irradiation caused dentin to melt under the adhesive layer of both adhesive systems tested. Conclusion: With the parameters used in this study, Nd:YAG laser irradiation of the hybrid layer promoted morphological changes in dentin and negatively influenced the bond strength of both adhesive systems.

Micro-tensile bond strength to bovine sclerotic dentine: Influence of surface treatment

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the surface treatment and acid conditioning (AC) time of bovine sclerotic dentine on the micro-tensile bond strength (mu-TBS) to an etch and rinse adhesive system. Materials and method: Thirty-six bovine incisors were divided into six groups (n = 6): G1 sound dentine submitted to AC for 15 s; G2-G6 sclerotic dentine: G2-AC for 15 s; G3-AC for 30 s; G4-EDTA and AC for 15 s; G5-diamond bur and AC for 15 s; G6-diamond paste and AC for 15 s. An adhesive system was applied to the treated dentine surfaces followed by a hybrid composite inserted in increments and light cured. After 24 h storage in water at 37 degrees C, the specimens were perpendicularly cut with a low-speed diamond saw to obtain beams (0.8 mm x 0.8 mm cross-sectional dimensions) for mu-TBS testing. Data was compared by ANOVA followed by Tukey`s test (P <= 0.05). Results: The mean L-TBS was G1: 18.87 +/- 5.36 MPa; G2: 12.94 +/- 2.09 MPa; G3: 11.73 +/- 0.64 MPa; G4: 11.14 +/- 1.50 MPa; G5: 22.75 +/- 4.10 MPa; G6: 22.48 +/- 2.71 MPa. G1, G5 and G6 presented similar bond strengths significantly higher than those of all other groups. Conclusion: The surface treatment of sclerotic dentine significantly influenced the bond strength to an adhesive system. Mechanical treatment, either using a diamond bur or a diamond paste was able to improve bonding to bovine sclerotic dentine, reaching values similar to bonding to sound dentine. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Fluoride Therapies on the Morphology of Bleached Human Dental Enamel

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate qualitatively the surface morphology of enamel bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) followed by application of fluoridated agents. Forty intact pre molars were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 10), treated as follows: Group I (control group) remained stored in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C, Group II - 35% HP; Group III - 35% HP + acidulated fluoride (1.23%) and Group IV - 35% HP + neutral fluoride (2%). The experimental groups received three applications of bleaching gel and after the last application all specimens were polished. This procedure was repeated after 7 and 14 days, and during the intervals of applications, the specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed superficial irregularities and porosities to varying degrees in bleached enamel compared to control group. Sample evaluation was made by attributing scores, and data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (P < 0.05). SEM qualitative investigation demonstrated that 35% hydrogen peroxide affected human dental enamel morphology, producing porosities, depressions, and superficial irregularities at various degrees. These morphological changes were higher after the application of 1.23% acidulated fluoride gel. Microsc. Res. Tech. 74:512-516, 2011. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7) on the viability, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast-like cells cultured on a chemically modified titanium surface

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of the chemical characteristics and roughness of titanium surfaces on the viability, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast-like cells cultured in a medium supplemented with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7). Material and methods: Osteo-1 cells were grown on titanium disks presenting with the following surfaces: (1) machined, (2) coarse grit-blasted and acid-attacked (SLA) and (3) chemically modified SLA (SLAmod) in the absence or presence of 20 ng/ml rhBMP-7 in culture medium. The viability and number of osteo-1 cells were evaluated after 24 h. Analyses of total protein content (TP) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity at 7, 14 and 21 days, collagen content at 7 and 21 days and mineralized matrix formation at 21 days were performed. Results: Cell viability (P=0.5516), cell number (P=0.3485), collagen content (P=0.1165) and mineralized matrix formation (P=0.5319) were not affected by the different surface configurations or by the addition of rhBMP-7 to the medium. Osteo-1 cells cultured on SLA surfaces showed a significant increase in TP at 21 days. The ALPase/TP ratio (P=0.00001) was affected by treatment and time. Conclusion: The results suggest that the addition of rhBMP-7 to the culture medium did not exert any effect on the viability, proliferation or differentiation of osteoblast-like cells grown on the different surfaces tested. All titanium surfaces analyzed allowed the complete expression of the osteoblast phenotype such as matrix mineralization by osteo-1 cells.

Clinical versus laboratory adhesive performance to wet and dry demineralized primary dentin

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of dentin moisture on bond strengths of an etch-and-rinse bonding agent to primary dentin clinically and in the laboratory. Methods: The sample consisted of two groups of 20 caries-free primary second molars: molars in exfoliation period (clinical group) and extracted molars (laboratory group). Class I cavities were prepared in all specimens leaving a flat dentin surface on the pulpal floor. A two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive was vigorously rubbed on either dry (n= 5) or wet demineralized dentin (n= 5) under clinical or laboratory conditions. After restorative procedures, the teeth from the clinical group were extracted after 20 minutes. All samples were processed and underwent microtensile bond strength test and silver nitrate uptake evaluation under scanning electron microscopy. Results: Statistically higher bond strength values were observed when the bonding was performed under laboratory conditions and on a wet demineralized dentin. Most of the failures were adhesive and mixed irrespective of the experimental condition. Silver nitrate uptake occurred in all groups irrespective of the experimental condition. Resin-dentin bond strengths produced in the laboratory in primary teeth may overestimate those produced under clinical circumstances. (Am J Dent 2011;24:221-225).

Six-month evaluation of adhesives interface created by a hydrophobic adhesive to acid-etched ethanol-wet bonded dentine with simplified dehydration protocols

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of simplified dehydration protocols, in the absence of tubular occlusion, on bond strength and interfacial nanoleakage of a hydrophobic experimental adhesive blend to acid-etched, ethanol-dehydrated dentine immediately and after 6 months. Methods: Molars were randomly assigned to 6 treatment groups (n = 5). Under pulpal pressure simulation, dentine crowns were acid-etched with 35% H(3)PO(4) and rinsed with water. Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose was used for the control group. The remaining groups had their dentine surface dehydrated with ethanol solutions: group 1 = 50%, 70%, 80%, 95% and 3 x 100%, 30 s for each application; group 2 the same ethanol sequence with 15 s for each solution; groups 3, 4 and 5 used 100% ethanol only, applied in seven, three or one 30 s step, respectively. After dehydration, a primer (50% BisGMA + TEGDMA, 50% ethanol) was used, followed by the neat comonomer adhesive application. Resin composite build-ups were then prepared using an incremental technique. Specimens were stored for 24 h, sectioned into beams and stressed to failure after 24 h or after 6 months of artificial ageing. Interfacial silver leakage evaluation was performed for both storage periods (n = 5 per subgroup). Results: Group 1 showed higher bond strengths at 24 h or after 6 months of ageing (45.6 +/- 5.9(a)/43.1 +/- 3.2(a) MPa) and lower silver impregnation. Bond strength results were statistically similar to control group (41.2 +/- 3.3(ab)/38.3 +/- 4.0(ab) MPa), group 2 (40.0 +/- 3.1(ab)/38.6 +/- 3.2(ab) MPa), and group 3 at 24 h (35.5 +/- 4.3(ab) MPa). Groups 4 (34.6 +/- 5.7(bc)/25.9 +/- 4.1(c) MPa) and 5 (24.7 +/- 4.9(c)/18.2 +/- 4.2(c) MPa) resulted in lower bond strengths, extensive interfacial nanoleakage and more prominent reductions (up to 25%) in bond strengths after 6 months of ageing. Conclusions: Simplified dehydration protocols using one or three 100% ethanol applications should be avoided for the ethanol-wet bonding technique in the absence of tubular occlusion, as they showed decreased bond strength, more severe nanoleakage and reduced bond stability over time. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of argon purity on mechanical properties, microstructure and fracture mode of commercially pure (cp) Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloys for ceramometal dental prostheses

Provision of an inert gas atmosphere with high-purity argon gas is recommended for preventing titanium castings from contamination although the effects of the level of argon purity on the mechanical properties and the clinical performance of Ti castings have not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of argon purity on the mechanical properties and microstructure of commercially pure (cp) Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloys. The castings were made using either high-purity and/or industrial argon gas. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS), proportional limit (PL), elongation (EL) and microhardness (VHN) at different depths were evaluated. The microstructure of the alloys was also revealed and the fracture mode was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The data from the mechanical tests and hardness were subjected to a two-and three-way ANOVA and Tukey`s test (alpha = 0.05). The mean values of mechanical properties were not affected by the argon gas purity. Higher UTS, PL and VHN, and lower EL were observed for Ti-6Al-4V. The microhardness was not influenced by the argon gas purity. The industrial argon gas can be used to cast cp Ti and Ti-6Al-4V.

Durability of Enamel Bonding Using One-step Self-etch Systems on Ground and Unground Enamel

Objective: To examine the morphological, early and long-term microtensile bond strengths (mu TBS) of one-step self-etch systems to unground and ground enamel. Materials and Methods: Resin composite (Filtek Z250) buildups were bonded to the buccal and lingual enamel surfaces (unground, bur-cut or SiC-roughened enamel) of third molars after adhesive application using the following adhesives: Clearfil S(3) Bond (CS3); Adper Prompt L-Pop (ADP); iBond (iB) and, as the control, Clearfil SE Bond (CSE). Six tooth halves were assigned for each condition. After storage in water (24 hours/37 degrees C), the bonded specimens were sectioned into beams (0.8 mm(2)) and subjected to pTBS (0.5 mm/min) either immediately (IM) or after six (6M) or 12 months (12M) of water storage. The data were analyzed by three-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey`s test (alpha=0.05). Surface conditioning was observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The mu TBS in the Si-C paper and diamond bur groups were similar and higher than the unground group. No significant difference was observed among the different storage periods, except for CS3, which showed an increase in the pTBS after 12M. The etching pattern was more retentive on ground enamel. Conclusions: One-step self-etch adhesives showed higher bond strengths on ground enamel and no reductions in resin-enamel bonds were observed after 12M of water storage.

Roughness of Human Enamel Surface Submitted to Different Prophylaxis Methods

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate alterations in the surface roughness and micromorphology of human enamel submitted to three prophylaxis methods. Sixty-nine caries-free molars with exposed labial surfaces were divided into three groups. Group I was treated with a rotary instrument set at a low speed, rubber clip and a mixture of water and pumice; group II with a rotary instrument set at a low speed, rubber cup and prophylaxis paste Herjos-F (Vigodent S/A Industria e Comercio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil); and group III with sodium bicarbonate spray Profi II Ceramic (Dabi A dante Indtistrias Medico Odontologicas Ltda, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil). All procedures were performed by the same operator for 10 s, and samples were rinsed and stored in distilled water. Pre and post-treatment surface evaluation was completed using a surface profilometer (Perthometer S8P Marh, Perthen, Germany) in 54 samples. In addition, the other samples were coated with gold and examined in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results of this study were statistically analyzed with the paired t-test (Student), the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Dunn (5%) test. The sodium bicarbonate spray led to significantly rougher surfaces than the pumice paste. The use of prophylaxis paste showed no statistically significant difference when compared with the other methods. Based on SEM analysis, the sodium bicarbonate spray presented an irregular surface with granular material and erosions. Based on this study, it can be concluded that there was an increased enamel stuface roughness when teeth were treated with sodium bicarbonate spray when compared with teeth treated with pumice paste.

Effect of the Combination of Sodium Hypochlorite and Chlorhexidine on Dentinal Permeability and Scanning Electron Microscopy Precipitate Observation

Introduction: This study compared the combined use of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CXH) with citric acid and CXH on dentinal permeability and precipitate formation. Methods: Thirty-four upper anterior teeth were prepared by rotary instrumentation and NaOCl. The root canal surfaces were conditioned for smear layer removal using 15% citric acid solution under ultrasonic activation and a final wash with distilled water. All teeth were dried, and 30 specimens were randomly divided into three equal groups as follows: positive control group (PC), no irrigation; 15% citric acid + 2% CHX group (CA + CHX); and 1% NaOCl + 2% CHX group (NaOCl + CHX). All roots were immersed in a 0.2% Rhodamine B solution for 24 hours. One-millimeter-thick slices from the cementum-enamel junction were scanned at 400 dpi and analyzed using the software ImageLab (LIDO-USP, Sao Paulo, Brazil) for the assessment of leakage in percentage. For scanning electron microscopy analysis, four teeth, irrigated for NaOCl + CHX samples, were split in half, and each third was evaluated at 1,000x and 5,000x (at the precipitate). Results: Using the analysis of variance test followed by the Bonferroni comparison method, no statistical differences between groups were found when analyzed at the cervical and medium thirds. At the apical third, differences between the PC and NaOCl + CHX (p<0.05) and CA + CHX and NaOCl + CHX could be seen (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of 1% NaOCl and 2% CHX solutions results in the formation of a flocculate precipitate that acts as a chemical smear layer reducing the dentinal permeability in the apical third. (J Endod 2010;36:847-850)

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.

The role of surface sealants in the roughness of composites after a simulated toothbrushing test

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of two surface sealants (BisCover/Single Bond) and three application techniques (unsealed/conventional/co-polymerization) on the roughness of two composites (Filtek Z250/Z350) after the toothbrushing test. Methods: Seventy-two rectangular specimens (5 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm) were fabricated and assigned into 12 groups (n = 6). Each sample was subjected to three random roughness readings at baseline, after 100,000 (intermediate), and 200,000 (final) toothbrushing strokes. Roughness (R) at each stage was obtained by the arithmetic mean of the reading of each specimen. Sealant removal was qualitatively examined (optical microscope) and classified into scores (0-3). Data were analyzed by Student`s paired t-test, two-way ANOVA/Tukey`s test, and by Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis and Miller`s test (alpha = 0.05). Results: Z250 groups at baseline did not differ statistically from each other. Unsealed Z350 at baseline had lower R values. All the unsealed groups presented gradual decrease in R from baseline to final brushing. From baseline to the inter-mediate stage, Z250 co-polymerized groups presented a significant reduction in R (score 3). Conventionally sealed groups had no significant changes in R (scores 2-0.8). From baseline to the intermediate stage, the conventionally sealed Z350 Single Bond group had an increase in R (score 1.5). In the final stage, all the conventionally sealed groups presented a reduction in R (scores 0.7-0). Co-polymerized Single Bond groups had a significant reduction in R (scores 2.5-2.7), and co-polymerized BisCover groups an increase in R (scores 2.8-3). Conclusions: At any brushing stage, sealed composites presented superior performance when compared with unsealed composites. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Depth and percentage of penetration of endodontic sealers into dentinal tubules after root canal obturation using a lateral compaction technique: A confocal laser scanning microscopy study

Objective. The aim was to compare the percentage and depth of sealer penetration into dentinal tubules during obturation using Sealer 26, GuttaFlow, or Sealapex in root canals filled with the lateral compaction technique. Study design. Thirty root canals filled with the lateral compaction technique using GuttaFlow (n = 10), Sealapex (n = 10), or Sealer 26 (n = 10) were analyzed using confocal microscopy. The teeth were sectioned at 3 and 5 mm from the apex, and statistical analyses was performed using analysis of variance-Tukey test (P < .05). Results. Sealapex showed the deepest sealer penetration at both levels evaluated (P < .05). No statistically significance was found between Sealer 26 and GuttaFlow at the 3 mm and 5 mm levels. No statistical significance was found in the percentage of penetration around the root canal wall among the 3 sealers evaluated at both levels. Conclusions. Although Sealapex displayed deeper penetration into the dentinal tubules there was no difference in the percentage of adaptation to the root canal walls among the 3 sealers evaluated. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 108: 450-457)

Confocal laser scanning microscopy is appropriate to detect viability of Enterococcus faecalis in infected dentin

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) for in situ identification of live and dead Enterococcus faecalis in infected dentin. Eight cylindrical dentin specimens were infected with Enterococcus faecalis in BHI for 21 days. After the experimental period, the specimens were stained with fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI) or acridine orange (0.01 %) and analyzed by CLSM. Two noninfected dentin specimens were used as negative controls. CLSM analysis shows that the discrimination between viable (green) and dead (red) bacteria in infected dentinal tubules could be observed after staining with FDA/PI. Acridine orange was able to show metabolic activity of the E. faecalis cells inside the dentinal tubules showed by its red fluorescence. The viability of bacteria in infected dentin can be determined in situ by CLSM. FDA/PI and acricline orange are useful for this technique.