Influence of addition of calcium oxide on physicochemical properties of Portland cement with zirconium or niobium oxide

Context: Calcium oxide (CaO) may be added to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or Portland cement (PC) to improve physicochemical and biological properties. Aims: To evaluate the physicochemical properties of PC associated with radiopacifiers and CaO. Materials and Methods: MTA Angelus, PC + 30% zirconium oxide (Zr), or 30% niobium oxide (Nb) associated with 10 or 20% of CaO were evaluated. Gilmore needles were used to evaluate initial and final setting time. Compressive strength was evaluated after the periods of 24 hours and 21 days. pH was analyzed after 3, 12, 24 hours, 7, 14, 21 days. Solubility and flow tests were performed based on the ISO 6876. The data obtained were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey tests (P ≤ 0.05). Results: The associations with 10% CaO showed greater strength that the associations with 20% CaO. The shortest initial setting time was observed for the association PC + Zr + 20% CaO and MTA. All the cements presented alkaline pH. The flow of all cements was similar. The highest solubility was found in the associations with 20% CaO. Conclusion: The addition of CaO to PC favored the alkaline property and the PC + Zr + 20% CaO presented setting time similar to MTA.

The association of chlorhexidine digluconate and calcium chloride to use as vehicle of a silicate calcium-based cement

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the addition of 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) associated with 5% calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) on antimicrobial activity, setting time, pH and calcium release of gray mineral trioxide aggregate (GMTA). Materials and Methods: GMTA powder was mixed with water, 2% CHX alone or 2% CHX combined with 5% CaCl2 . Antimicrobial activity was determined against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) strains by agar diffusion test. Data obtained were submitted to kruskal wallis tests. Analysis of the setting time was evaluated by American society for testing and materials C266-03 requirements. The pH and calcium release analysis were evaluated, in 24 h, 7, 14 and 28 days using pH meter equipment and atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. Data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA, in 5% significance level. Results: Significant differences were seen (P < 0.01) among the zones of bacterial growth inhibition produced by 5% CaCl2 + 2% CHX combination against E. faecalis when compared with water (P < 0.05). Regarding the setting time, that combination had the shortest setting time (P < 0.05). All associations were alkaline and released calcium. No statistical difference was observed between the experimental groups at the different periods of analysis (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Combination of 5% CaCl2 + 2% CHX reduced the setting time and enhanced the antimicrobial activity of GMTA without changing the pH and calcium release.

Biocompatibility of Intracanal Medications Based on Calcium Hydroxide

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rat subcutaneous tissue reaction to calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicaments, UltraCal XS (calcium hydroxide, barium sulphate, aqueous matrix), Hydropast (calcium hydroxide, barium sulphate, and propyleneglycol), and Calen (Calcium hydroxide, zinc oxide, colophony, and polyethyleneglycol), used as a control. Methods. Forty-eight rats (Rattus Norvegicus Holtzman) were distributed in three groups: Calen, UltraCal XS, and Hydropast. Polyethylene tubes filled with one of the medicaments were implanted in the dorsal subcutaneous. After 7 and 30 days, the implants were removed and the specimens were fixed and embedded in paraffin. Morphological and quantitative analyses were carried out in the HE-stained sections. The numerical density of inflammatory cells in the capsule was evaluated and statistical analyses were performed (P>/0.05). Results. At 7 days, all materials induced an inflammatory reaction in the subcutaneous tissue adjacent to the implants. In all groups, a significant reduction in the number of inflammatory cells and giant cells was verified in the period of 30 days. Conclusion. These results indicate that the calcium hydroxide-based medicaments evaluated present biocompatibility similar to Calen.

A new calcium silicate-based material (Biodentine) for filling radicular perforation in an endodontic-periodontal lesion: a case report

This case report presents an apical radicular perforation management using new calcium silicate-based cement (Biodentine) in a combined endodontic-periodontal lesion. The presence of apical radicular perforation may interfere in the endodontic treatment prognosis. Radicular perforation filling with bioactive cement through endodontic surgery is a possible treatment. This study presents an apical radicular perforation with periodontal involvement, due to alveolar bone loss on the buccal radicular surface from an incorrect intracanal preparation for the fiber post placing. The chosen alternative was a periapical surgery, the perforation was filled with a silicate and calcium chloride bioactive cement (Biodentine; Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fosses Cedex, France), and the radicular surface was etched with citric acid, because the access from root canal was impossible. The follow-up was for 8 months, through clinical and radiographic analysis. At the end of the follow-up, radiographic analyses showed the bone healing, and no clinical changes in periodontal probing depth, gingival recession, and the height of the interproximal mesial and distal papillae were observed. The root perforation treatment has a difficult management, especially when the dental root has a simultaneous periodontal commitment. The Biodentine proves to be a promising material for use in these situations.

Calcium silicate-based cements associated with micro-and nanoparticle radiopacifiers: physicochemical properties and bioactivity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and bioactivity of two formulations of calcium silicate-based cements containing additives (CSCM) or resin (CSCR), associated with radiopacifying agents zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and niobium oxide (Nb2O5) as micro- and nanoparticles; calcium tungstate (CaWO4); and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3). MTA Angelus was used as control. Methods. Surface features and bioactivity were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and the chemical composition by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS-X). Results. CSCM and CSCR presented larger particle sizes than MTA. Hydroxyapatite deposits were found on the surface of some materials, especially when associated with the radiopacifier with ZrO2 nanoparticles. All the cements presented calcium, silicon, and aluminum in their composition. Conclusion. Both calcium silicate-based cements presented composition and bioactivity similar to MTA when associated with the radiopacifiers evaluated.

Niobium pentoxide as radiopacifying agent of calcium silicate-based material: evaluation of physicochemical and biological properties

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Push-out bond strength of calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate based sealers

The adhesiveness of six root canal sealers: Acroseal, Endo CPM, Epiphany, White MTA, Sealapex and Sealer 26 to dentin, was evaluated in a push-out test design. Methods: Twenty eight roots of freshly extracted teeth were gauged with a size 5 Largo drill. With a cutting machine slices of 2 mm were prepared, rinsed with 5.25% NaOCl and a final rinse with 17% EDTA, dried and filled with one of the sealers. After setting their bond strength was measured in a mechanical testing machine. The data were statistically analyzed by using a One Way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. Results: The mean and standard deviation from values of bond strength was: Sealapex 2.2±0.4; Endo CPM 3.8±1.3; White MTA 6.0±1.4; Epiphany 10.9±2.6; Sealer 26 12.3±2.3; and Acroseal 12.2±1.4. Acroseal, Sealer 26 and Epiphany presented a significantly (P<0.01) greater bond strength compared with the other sealers. Also White MTA showed higher adhesiveness compared with Endo CPM and Sealapex (P<0.01). Conclusion: The bond strength between endodontic sealers and root dentin was maximal when Acroseal, Sealer 26 and Epiphany were used; Sealapex e Endo CPM, in turn, presented the lowest bond strength mean values.

Evaluation of the pH, calcium release and antibacterial activity of MTA Fillapex

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effect of calcium hydroxide dressing on push-out bond strength of endodontic sealers to root canal dentin

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Chitosan-alginate membranes accelerate wound healing

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan-alginate membrane to accelerate wound healing in experimental cutaneous wounds. Two wounds were performed in Wistar rats by punching (1.5 cm diameter), treated with membranes moistened with saline solution (CAM group) or with saline only (SL group). After 2, 7, 14, and 21 days of surgery, five rats of each group were euthanized and reepithelialization was evaluated. The wounds/scars were harvested for histological, flow cytometry, neutrophil infiltrate, and hydroxyproline analysis. CAM group presented higher inflammatory cells recruitment as compared to SL group on 2nd day. On the 7th day, CAM group showed higher CD11b+ level and lower of neutrophils than SL group. The CAM group presented higher CD4+ cells influx than SL group on 2nd day, but it decreased during the follow up and became lower on 14th and 21st days. Higher fibroplasia was noticed on days 7 and 14 as well as higher collagenesis on 21st in the CAM group in comparison to SL group. CAM group showed faster reepithelialization on 7th day than SL group, although similar in other days. In conclusion, chitosan-alginate membrane modulated the inflammatory phase, stimulated fibroplasia and collagenesis, accelerating wound healing process in rats.

Effects of surface application of dolomitic limestone and calcium-magnesium silicate on soybean and maize in rotation with green manure in a tropical region

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

Microencapsulação por gelificação iônica e interação eletrostática do corante de buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.)

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

Analysis of anticaries potential of pit and fissures sealants containing amorphous calcium phosphate using synchrotron microtomography

The aim of this study was to analyze the anticaries potential of pit and fissure sealants containing amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) by synchrotron microtomography. Bovine enamel blocks (4x4 mm; n=50) were selected through surface hardness (Knoop) analysis. Slabs were obtained through cross-sections taken 1 mm from the border of the enamel. Five indentations, spaced 100 mu m apart, were made 300 mu m from the border. Ten specimens were prepared for each tested material (Ultraseal XT plus TM, Aegis, Embrace, Vitremer and Experimental Sealant). The materials were randomly attached to the sectioned surfaces of the enamel blocks and fixed with sticky wax. The specimens were submitted to pH cycling. After that, the surface hardness (SH1) was determined, and the blocks were submitted to synchrotron microcomputed tomography analysis to calculate the mineral concentration (Delta g(HAp) cm(-3)) at different areas of the enamel. The comparison between the SH1 and DgHAp cm(-3) showed a correlation for all groups (r=0.840; p<0.001). The fluoride groups presented positive values of DgHAp cm(-3), indicating a mineral gain that was observed mainly in the outer part of the enamel. The ACP showed mineral loss in the outer enamel compared with fluoride groups, although it inhibited the demineralization in the deeper areas of enamel. The combination of two remineralizing agents (fluoride and ACP) was highly effective in preventing demineralization.

Down-regulation of SLC8A1 as a putative apoptosis evasion mechanism by modulation of calcium levels in penile carcinoma

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

In vitro effect of calcium-containing prescription-strength fluoride toothpastes on bovine enamel erosion under hyposalivation-simulating conditions

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of calcium-containing prescription-strength fluoride (F) toothpastes in preventing enamel erosion under low salivary flow simulating conditions. Methods: Enamel and dentin bovine specimens were assigned to the following groups: A - placebo; B - 1,100 ppm F/NaF (Aquafresh Advanced); C - 5,000 ppm F/NaF (Prevident 5000 Booster); D - 5000 ppm F/NaF+calcium sodium phosphosilicate (Topex Renew); and E - 5,000 ppm F/NaF+tri-calcium phosphate (Clinpro 5000). Specimens were positioned in custom-made devices, creating a sealed chamber on the surface, connected to peristaltic pumps. Citric acid was injected into the chamber for 2 minutes, followed by artificial saliva (0.05 ml/minute), for 60 minutes, 4x/day, for 3 days. Aquafresh was also tested under normal salivary flow (0.5 ml/minute), as reference (Group F). Specimens were exposed to the toothpastes for 2 minutes, 2x/day. After cycling, surface loss (SL) and concentration of loosely- and firmly-bound F were determined. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results: Group A (placebo) presented highest surface loss (SL), while Group F had the lowest, for both substrates. For enamel, none of the dentifrices differed from Group B or among each other. For dentin, none of the dentifrices differed from Group B, but Group E showed greater protection than Group C. Group E presented the highest F concentrations for both substrates, only matched by Group D for firmly-bound fluoride on enamel. All fluoridated dentifrices tested reduced SL, with no additional benefit from higher F concentrations. Some formulations, especially Clinpro 5000, increased F availability on the dental substrates, but no further erosion protection was observed.