Cast metal post-core systems have a long history of successful use because of their superior physical properties. However, their high elastic modulus can cause stress concentrations within the surrounding radicular dentin, resulting in root fractures. Moreover, the increasing demand for more esthetically appealing and biocompatible restorations has led to the development of tooth-colored, translucent, metal-free post-core systems. Notably, prefabricated zirconia ceramic post systems have been introduced to satisfy this trend toward a heightened awareness of esthetics, whereby the translucency of all-ceramic crowns can be successfully maintained with the use of ceramic post-core materials. Owing to the keen interest in and widespread use of zirconia ceramic post systems, many in vitro studies on zirconia posts have been published in the last 15 years. The aim of this article was to present data about the retention, fracture resistance, microleakage, light transmission, esthetic advantages, and radiodensity of zirconia posts. Two clinical survival rate studies were also presented. Based on the results of these studies, zirconia posts have been shown to improve the esthetic quality of all ceramic crowns and thus their usage is recommended. Apart from literature review, a case report in which a fractured fiber post was replaced with a custom-made zirconia post was also presented.

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The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of Er:YAG laser to remove root canal filling materials. The root canals of 21 extracted human anterior teeth were enlarged, and then obturated with gutta-percha points and sealer by lateral condensation. Filling materials were removed from root canals using Er:YAG laser irradiation at three energy output levels (30, 40, and 50 mJ/ pulse), and the corresponding time required for material removal at each energy output level was recorded. The amount of remaining filling material and the degree of dentin ablation in the canal wall were assessed using microfocus X-ray CT before and after removal. At 30 mJ, the time required for root canal filling material removal was significantly longer than at energy outputs of 40 and 50 mJ (p<0.01). On filling material remnants and the degree of dentin ablation, these parameters were not significantly different among the three energy outputs. In conclusion, these results suggested that Er:YAG laser irradiation is capable of removing root canal filling materials.

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This study investigated the effects of spherical silica filler (SSF) on the workability and mechanical properties of resin-modified glass ionomer cements for luting (RMGICL). Varying powder/liquid ratios (P/L=2.0, 2.2, 2.4, and 2.6) of a commercially available glass ionomer cement (Fuji Lute, GC Corp.) were mixed with SSF at different weight percentages (5, 7.5, and 10%). On film thickness, statistically significant effects of SSF addition were noted at 2.5 minutes after mixing started, notably at P/L=2.4 and 2.6 when 7.5 and 10 wt% of SSF were added. The same result was also obtained for consistency evaluation. On mechanical and bonding strengths to the tooth substrate, no statistically significant differences were observed among all the SSF weight percentages within each P/L ratio. SSF-added RMGICL at a higher powder/liquid ratio exhibited increased mechanical and bonding strengths when compared to a control without SSF addition, but nonetheless maintained the film thickness with no further increase.

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The aim of the study was to compare the fracture resistance of maxillary premolars with one remaining cavity wall restored using different post systems. Forty-eight maxillary premolars were endodontically treated and randomly assigned to four groups for postcore restoration. The first three test groups were restored with polyethylene woven fiber posts, custom-made glass fiber-reinforced composite posts, and titanium posts respectively. In the control Group 4, standardized cavities (3.5×1.5 mm) were prepared in the palatal canal entrance and filled with a resin composite. All the specimens were then restored with a resin composite crown seated on the post. Load was applied with a stainless steel ball (1 mm/min), and the failure modes of all specimens were evaluated. There were no significant differences in fracture resistance and failure mode among the different restorative materials (p>0.05). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it was concluded that the presence and type of post did not influence the fracture load and failure mode of maxillary premolar teeth with one remaining cavity wall.

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This study evaluated the effect of resin coating using an all-in-one adhesive system on the dentin bond strength of a dual-cure resin cement after different curing modes. Human molars were ground to obtain flat dentin surfaces and divided into three groups: untreated as a control and resin-coated with either a single- or double-application of an all-in-one adhesive (Tokuyama Bond Force). The specimens were bonded to indirect composite disks using a dual-cure resin cement (Bistite II) activated by dual-cure or self-cure modes. Each specimen was sectioned into beams for the microtensile bond strength test. The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni’s correction (p=0.05). Resin coating with a double-application of the all-in-one adhesive system significantly improved the bond strength of the dual-cure resin cement to dentin. In addition, dual-curing of the resin cement enhanced the bond strengths to dentin.

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In order to develop an self-cured acrylic resin having an antibacterial property, three types of commercially available inorganic antibacterial agents were added, at 1% each, to UNIFAST III to evaluate the antibacterial property. The antibacterial test evaluated the amount of Streptococcus mutans attached to UNIFAST III, the residual viable count of Streptococcus mutans cultured on UNIFAST III. And the color tone changes evaluated immediate and temporal color tone changes of UNIFAST III caused by the addition of antibacterial agents. As a result, compared to UNIFAST III without any added inorganic antibacterial agent, a significant decrease was observed in the attachment amount and the residual viable count of Streptococcus mutans. In addition, when adding NOVARON from among the added inorganic antibacterial agents, UNIFAST III exhibited little change in the temporal color tone. Thus, these results suggest that the addition of antibacterial agents to resins is effective first step toward developing self-cured acrylic resins having an antibacterial property.

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By means of a micro push-out test, this study compared the bond strengths of two types of fiber-reinforced posts cemented with luting cements based on two currently available adhesive approaches as well as evaluated their failure modes. Sixty extracted single-rooted human maxillary central incisor and canine teeth were sectioned below the cementoenamel junction, and the roots were endodontically treated. Following standardized post space preparation, the roots were divided into two fiber post groups and then further into three subgroups of 10 specimens each according to the luting cements. A push-out test was performed to measure regional bond strengths, and the fracture modes were evaluated using a stereomicroscope. At the root section, there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in push-out bond strength among the tested luting cements. Nevertheless, the push-out bond strength values of glass fiber-reinforced posts were higher than those of carbon fiber-reinforced posts, irrespective of the adhesive approach used. On failure mode, the predominant failure mode was adhesive failure between dentin and the luting cement.

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Artifacts in MR(Magnetic Resonance) images of oral cavity produced from non-magnetic metal restorations was verified by measuring the image of index finger and a cylinder of fat test piece with a type 4 gold alloy ring using a compact MRI equipment. In the images of finger, portion around the ring disappeared. However, it was nearly restored with a cut ring. In the cylinder of fat test piece, obvious artifacts appeared when circumferential surface of the ring was placed perpendicular to RF(Radio Frequency) field of MRI equipment’s excitation/detection coil. However, in other directions or with a cut ring, artifact disappeared. The cause was simulated with FEM(Finite Element Method) electromagnetic field analysis, and alternating magnetic field was shown to induce surface current on the continuous gold ring. Magnetic field produced by that current interfered with the field from excitation coil. This demonstrated the characteristics and cause of artifacts by non-magnetic dental metals.

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In this study, we investigated a novel method for fabrication of carbonate apatite block without ionic movement between precursor and solution by using precursor that includes all constituent ions of carbonate apatite. A powder mixture prepared from dicalcium phosphate anhydrous and calcite at appropriate Ca/P ratios (1.5, 1.67, and 1.8) was used as starting material. For preparation of specimens, the slurry made from the powder mixture and distilled water was packed in a split stainless steel mold and heat - treated, ranging from 60°C to 100°C up to 48 hours at 100% humidity. It appeared that carbonate apatite could be obtained above 70°C and monophasic carbonate apatite could be obtained from the powder mixture at Ca/P ratio of 1.67. Carbonate content of the specimen was about 5–7%. Diametral tensile strength of the carbonate apatite blocks slightly decreased with increasing treatment temperature. The decrease in diametral tensile strength is thought to be related to the crystal size of the carbonate apatite formed.

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This study investigated the effects of storing impressions for 3 hours after spraying them with a disinfectant solution on dimensional change and deformation of maxillary edentulous stone models. Three brands of alginate impression materials, characterized by a small degree of contraction in 100% relative humidity, were used. The spray disinfectants used were 1% sodium hypochlorite solution and 2% glutaraldehyde solution. A stone model taken from an impression that had not been sprayed or stored was prepared as a control. The results indicated that the differences in dimensional change between the control and disinfected stone models were less than 24 μm, and that no deformation was observed in the stone models.

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The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bonding durability of resin-based luting cement to partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) achieved by combination treatment of tribochemical (TBC) treatment and two different phosphate acid ester monomers. Two phosphate acid ester monomers (EP: Epricord opaque primer, AZ: AZ primer) were applied to each surface modification followed by application of resin-based luting cement (Rely-X ARC). Bonding specimens were placed in deionized water at 37°C and stored for 24 h. The other groups were subjected to 30,000 cycles of a thermal stress for the durability test. Shear bond tests were done using a universal testing machine at 1 mm/min. Shear bond strengths of combination treatments using EP and AZ on TBC treatment after thermal stress showed no significant difference (p>0.05) compared with those of storage after 24 h. Combination treatment using phosphoric acid ester monomer could achieve a durable bond.

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This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various intermediate layers on the microleakage of Class V restorations under an occlusal load. Wedge-shaped cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of 72 extracted premolars, which were then treated with an adhesive system (One Up Bond F Plus), divided into three groups, and restored with: 1) Estelite Sigma resin composite, 2) a resin composite with Low Flow flowable composite, or 3) a resin composite with High Flow flowable composite. The specimens were subjected to a nano-indentation test to evaluate the elastic modulus of successive layers at the resin-dentine interface and were subjected to a microleakage test under either unloaded or loaded conditions. The elastic moduli were significantly different among substrates (p<0.05), except between the hybrid layer/Low Flow and the hybrid layer/High Flow. The elastic moduli of the Low Flow composite were higher than those of the High Flow composite. Occlusal force increased dentine leakage in the group that was restored without flowable composites.

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This study evaluated the tarnish resistance of eight experimental Pd-free Ag-Au-Pt-Cu dental alloys in a 0.1% Na₂S aqueous solution at 37°C. Color measurements of the plate samples were made using a computerized spectrophotometer before and after immersion in the test solution for up to 72 hours. Tarnish discoloration was evaluated using the color difference vector, ΔE*, in the CIELAB color space. Microstructural observation of each sample through an optical microscope revealed the matrix phase as the major constituent and second-phase small grains in the matrix phase. Selective tarnish discoloration occurred in the matrix, and fractional area of the matrix to the whole surface area was influenced by the sum of Au and Ag concentrations. The ΔE* value significantly decreased with increasing Au/(Au+Ag) atomic ratio. In conclusion, the Au/(Au+Ag) ratio in an alloy and the fractional area of the matrix were found to be primary and auxiliary factors affecting the tarnish resistance of the experimental alloys.

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The effect of new adhesives on the bond strength of elastomeric impression materials to acrylic trays was evaluated. Two polyvinyl siloxane impression materials (Fusion and Imprinsis) with reactive adhesives and one (Examix) with a conventional adhesive were tested. Flat, double-sided plates of auto-polymerizing methyl methacrylate (10×10×2.5 mm) were prepared with one of the adhesives. Five specimens were prepared by injecting each impression material into a 2-mm gap between the two plates. Tensile tests were conducted until separation failure occurred. The mean bond strengths of Fusion (1.0 MPa) and Imprinsis (0.8 MPa) were significantly greater than that of Examix (0.2 MPa). On the contrary, one of five Fusion showed adhesive failure mode while all the Imprinsis exhibited mixed failure. The conflicting results were presumably attributed to the mean tear strength of Fusion (0.8 N/mm) being higher than that of Imprinsis (0.5 N/mm).

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This study investigated the proliferation and differentiation potential of pluripotent mesenchymal cells on three resin-based restoratives using a typical pluripotent mesenchymal precursor cell line, C2C12. C2C12 cells were cultured for 3-21 days on cured specimens of a Bis-GMA/TEGDMA-based composite resin (APX; Clearfil AP-X), a 4-META/MMA-based resin cement (SB; Superbond C&B) or a HEMA-containing resin modified glass-ionomer (LC; Fuji Ionomer Type II LC). To examine the influences on differentiation potential, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the cells cultured on each material was determined. On APX and SB, cells adhered and proliferated well, and no significant influences on ALP activity were observed. In contrast, poor cell proliferation and significant suppression of ALP activity were observed for cells cultured on LC, similar to those cultured on a zinc oxide EBA cement used as a control material. Bis-GMA/TEGDMA-based composite resin and 4-META/MMA-based resin exhibited better biocompatibility for C2C12 cells than HEMA-containing resin modified glass-ionomer, suggesting a potential advantage of the former two resins to show smaller influences on regeneration of periapical or periodontal tissue.

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