The objective of this study was to determine the long-term water sorption, solubility and hygroscopic expansion of resin composites with and without incorporated short fibers. Three resin composites incorporating fibers were examined: everX Posterior (EVX), NovoPro Universal (NPU) and NovoPro Flow (NPF). Four Particulate filled composites were used as controls: Filtek bulk Fill (FBF), Filtek one bulkfill (FBO), Filtek Supreme XTE (XTE), and Filtek Supreme Flow (XTEF). For sorption and solubility measurements, specimens were immersed in water for140 days, weighed at intervals, then dried for a further 42 days at 37±1°C. Laser micrometer measured diametral expansion. XTEF exhibited the highest sorption. The solubility range was between −1.4 to 4.1 μg/mm; XTEF had the highest solubility, with EVX demonstrating negative solubility. Hygroscopic expansion ranged between 1.4% for hydroxyapatite fiber reinforced composite (NPU) and 2.2% for E-glass fiber reinforced composite (EVX). A nano-fiber containing composite (NPU) had the most favorable outcomes compared to a range of composites.

This study investigated the effect of pH of bleaching agent, photo-irradiation time or application times on bleaching action using hematoporphyrin-stained papers (HSPs) and artificially stained bovine-teeth (BT). 23% H2O2 with pH 5.5, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 were applied on the specimens. HSP was photo-irradiated for 1, 3 and 5 min. BT were photo-irradiated for 10 min and the bleaching was repeated ten times (n=10). CIE L*a*b* of the specimens were measured before and after the procedure. Data were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA followed by multiple comparisons with Bonferroni correction. For the HSP, longer irradiation time and higher pH yielded significantly higher color difference (ΔE). As for BT, increasing application times and higher pH resulted in higher ΔE. It was concluded that the pH of the bleaching agent significantly improved the bleaching effect with increased photo-irradiation time for HSP and with an increase of repeated application times for BT.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (FCNs) on the hardness, tear, and tensile bond strength of an acrylic-based tissue conditioner and a silicone-based soft denture liner. FCNs added to an acrylic-based tissue conditioner (Viscogel, Dentsply; Group V) and a silicone-based soft denture liner (Ufigel P, Voco; Group U) were divided into subgroups according to the concentrations (Group 0: no water, Group 1: with only water, Group 2: 0.5% FCNs, Group 3: 1% FCNs and Group 4: 10% FCNs) (n=10/per group). Shore A hardness, tear, and tensile bond strength tests were performed. Significant decreases occurred in Groups U2, U3, and U4 compared to the control groups (Groups U0 and U1) in the tear and tensile bond strength test parameters (p<0.025). However, in both types of the tested materials, there were no statistically significant differences among the shore A hardness test results (p>0.025).

This study aimed to investigate the effect of various framework designs on the failure of posterior fiber reinforced composite (FRC) bridges and assess the post crack performances of the repaired prostheses. Thirty samples were prepared into three different groups of framework designs: cuspal support (CS), anatomic features (AF) and circular reinforcement (CR). All specimens were subjected to static loading test and acoustic emission analysis. Significant differences were found in the load and time of initial failures among the three groups (p<0.001). CS was identified as the optimum framework design. Samples with composite delamination at the pontic site were selected and repaired with a clinically simplified protocol. Significant differences were also observed between the repaired and original FRC bridges (p=0.01). The performance of these prostheses was highly dependent on the framework design and the perspective of repairing FRC bridges may warrant future investigations.

A customized micro arc oxidation (MAO) treatment technique was developed to obtain desirable antibacterial properties on titanium surfaces. The two-step MAO treatment was applied to fabricate a specimen containing both Ag and Zn in its surface oxide layer. Surface analyses and metal-ion release tests were performed to evaluate the presence of Ag and Zn and the ion release behavior for simulating practical usage, respectively. Additionally, the antibacterial properties of the specimens were also evaluated using gram-negative facultative anaerobic bacteria. The MAO-treated specimens containing both Ag and Zn showed excellent antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli, and the properties were sustained even after 28 days of immersion in physiological saline to simulate the living environment.

The effect of 1-week water storage and subsequent 10,000 thermal cycles on light transmission properties (straight-line transmission (G0), diffusion (DF), the amount of transmitted light (AV)), translucency parameter (TP) and refractive index (RI) of four nanofilled flowable composites was examined. The composites included Filtek Supreme Ultra Flowable Restorative (FSU), Estelite Flow Quick (EFQ), Estelite Universal Flow, (EUF), and Clearfil Majesty ES Flow (ESF), all of A3 shade. For composites with lower filler load (FSU, EFQ), water storage increased G0, AV and TP, but subsequent thermocycling decreased them. An opposite tendency was found for DF. Materials with higher filler load (EUF, ESF) were not significantly affected by aging conditions. RI of EFQ and EUF containing bisphenol A polyethoxy methacrylate (Bis-MPEPP) increased significantly after thermocycling. Additionally, morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy which revealed cracks within nanocluster fillers and dislocation of particles in FSU and EFQ after thermocycling.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the fracture strength of endodontically treated human maxillary premolars (ETP) restored with posts and metal ceramic (MC) or monolithic zirconia (MZ) crowns. Sixty ETP were randomly divided into 3 groups. Teeth in control group (C) received a resin filling. ETP in the MC group were restored with prefabricated metal posts, composite cores and MC crowns while in the MZ group with glass-fiber posts, composite cores and MZ crowns. Half of the specimens were loaded at a 135° angle and half under axial loading until fracture. The fracture modes were divided in repairable and irreparable using optical microscopy. Mean fracture strength was significantly higher for MC than for MZ crowns and control group only under axial loading. The distribution of repairable and irreparable failures presented no significant differences. Crown placement significantly improved the fracture strength of ETP irrespectively of post and crown type.

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are exciting for regenerative medicine due to their multi-potent differentiation. SB431542 bioactive molecule can activate bone morphogenetic protein-signalling in osteoblasts. The objectives were to: (1) develop a novel injectable calcium phosphate cement (CPC)-SB431542 scaffold for dental/craniofacial bone engineering; and (2) investigate cell proliferation and osteo-differentiation of hiPSC-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hiPSC-MSCs) on CPC-SB431542 scaffold. Three groups were tested: CPC control; CPC with SB431542 inside CPC (CPCSM); CPC with SB431542 in osteogenic medium (CPC+SMM). SB431542 in CPC promoted stem cell proliferation and viability. hiPSC-MSCs differentiated into osteogenic lineage and synthesized bone minerals. CPC with SB431542 showed much greater osteo-expressions and more bone minerals than those without SB431542. In conclusion, hiPSC-MSCs on CPC scaffold containing SB431542 showed excellent osteo-differentiation and bone mineral synthesis for the first time. CPC was a suitable scaffold for delivering stem cells and SB431542 to promote bone regeneration in dental/craniofacial applications.

The aim was to evaluate the adaptation of CAD/CAM occlusal veneer with different cement space settings using micro CT scan. Three groups of IPS e.max-CAD lithium disilicate occlusal veneers with different cement space settings (30, 40, and 50 µm) were produced. A circle with 20 different diameters was centered at the center of the same image position of every scanned specimen using micro CT scan to measure four different locations [Occlusal (OCG), axial (AXG), Marginal (MAG), and absolute marginal discrepancy values (AMD)]. Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that there were no statistical differences between (OCG), (AXG), and (AMD) tested groups (p>0.05), and statistical differences between (MAG) group and other two groups (p<0.05). An increase in the digital cement space significantly improved the marginal fit of IPS e.max-CAD occlusal veneer.

The enamel demineralization is common in fixed orthodontics. Plaque accumulation around the bracket plays a critical role and could cause various degrees of white spot lesions (WSLs) on the surface of teeth. The 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer is a biological polymer with protein repellent and an anti-bacterial adhesion effects. In this study, the enamel shear bond strength (SBS) and protein repellent property in vitro of self-etching orthodontic adhesive with MPC were evaluated. It was found that the self-etching adhesive with 0–7.5%MPC met the orthodontic clinical requirement on the SBS values at three different points of time. The incorporation of 7.5%MPC significantly reduced the bacterial adhesion and total microorganism of the yield biofilm. Moreover, the MTT assay showed that the amount of plaque metabolism in 7.5%MPC was the lowest among the groups. To conclude, the novel protein repellent self-etching adhesive was able to inhibit biofilm formation efficiently and minimize enamel demineralization.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of printing direction and aging on the mechanical strength of 3D-printed temporary resin-based composites. Three hundred and sixty specimens (2×2×25 mm³) out of three materials were DLP printed. Specimens were either stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37°C or additionally subjected to thermocycling. Flexural strength (FS) and flexural modulus (FM) were evaluated in a three-point bending test considering three printing directions. Fractography was carried out by light microscopy, surfaces were categorized according to fracture origin. FS ranged from 93.2 to 159.9 MPa and 76.8 to 135.1 MPa in nonaged and aged specimens in the material sequence: Freeprint temp<Nextdentc&b<3Delta temp. Printing direction exerted a strong influence on 3Delta temp (ηp²=0.407) and had an influence on fracture origin in Freeprint temp aged (p=0.009) and 3Delta temp (p=0.042) nonaged specimens. The effects of printing direction on FS were material dependent and lower than the effects of aging.

The attrition of enamel when opposed by ceramics is of great concern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate enamel wear against high translucent zirconia (Zr), lithium disilicate (LD), gold (Au), and enamel (E) with different surface and contact conditions. The materials were divided into two groups: polished and ground (n=8 each). Two-body wear tests were performed against human enamel with vertical and horizontal, horizontal, and vertical repetitive movements as experiments 1 to 3 respectively. The surface roughness of all materials except Zr changed throughout the experiments. In experiment 1, Zr and Au showed less antagonist wear when polished than when ground. In experiment 2, polished groups showed less antagonist wear than ground groups in all materials. In experiment 3, Zr and LD exerted greater antagonist wear than E, regardless of Ra. These findings confirm the importance of polishing and occlusal adjustment of zirconia.

This research was conducted to investigate the bond strength between artificial teeth and a thermoplastic denture base resin for injection molding with different surface preparations for use in flexible resin removable partial dentures. Composite resin denture teeth and acrylic denture resin teeth were bonded to three types of thermoplastic denture base resins for injection molding (polyamide, polyester, and polycarbonate) and a conventional heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin (control). The ridge lap surfaces of the artificial teeth were classified into four groups based on the type of ridge lap surface treatment applied (n=10): no treatment, ethyl acetate, small T-shaped tunnel, and large T-shaped tunnel. The specimens were tested for bond strength. The results showed that the ethyl acetate treatment was ineffective for enhancing the bond strength (p>0.05) between the artificial teeth and thermoplastic denture base resin for injection molding, whereas the T-shaped tunnel was quite effective in this regard (p<0.05).

This study investigated the influence of roughening procedures and application of primers on shear bond strengths of CAD/CAM composite resin material or ceramic material to zirconia frameworks. A CAD/CAM composite resin block (Katana Avencia Block; AVE) and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic block (IPS e.max CAD; IEC) were used as veneer materials. The veneers were divided into three surface treatment groups; HF, hydrofluoric acid etching; AB, airborne-particle abrasion; and CON, no surface treatment. Each veneer was primed with four agents: Clearfil Porcelain Bond Activator (ACT), Clearfil Photo Bond (CPB), Clearfil Photo Bond with Porcelain Bond Activator (CPB+ACT), and no priming (UP). The zirconia frameworks and AVE or IEC veneers were resin-bonded. In the AVE specimen, AB treatment showed significantly higher shear bond strength than the other treatments at 0 and 20,000 thermocycles, except for UP and CPB+ACT groups at 20,000 thermocycles. Airborne-particle abrasion is necessary for resin bonding to Avencia blocks.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of resin-coating using one-bottle adhesives on the bond strength of resin cements in single-visit and multiple-visit treatments. Three one-bottle adhesives were used for resin-coating and/or pre-treatment adhesives prior to cementation, in conjunction with resin cements from the same manufacturers: Clearfil Universal Bond Quick with Panavia V5 (UBQ/Pv5), Scotchbond Universal Adhesive with RelyX Ultimate (SBU/RxU), and Optibond All-in-one with NX3 Nexus (OP/NX3). Bovine dentin surfaces were left uncoated or resin-coated. After 1-h water storage (single-visit) or 1-week water storage with a non-eugenol temporary cement (multiple-visit), a CAD/CAM resin block was cemented to uncoated or resin-coated dentin surfaces. Microtensile bond strengths (µTBSs) were measured and statistically analyzed (α=0.05). Application of resin-coating improved µTBSs. The multiple-visit group exhibited lower values of µTBS than the single-visit group. Selection of the materials affected µTBSs. Resin-coating and single-visit treatment are desirable for CAD/CAM resin composite restorations.

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to analyze 4-META resin and enamel that are debonded at an adhesive interface. The XPS spectra showed two chemical states for Ca: one resulted from Ca of hydroxyapatite and the other, an unknown chemical state, suggested that Ca was chemically bonded with 4-META. We postulate that for a chemical reaction of 4-META and hydroxyapatite, the chemical structure of carboxyl groups will resemble that of calcium phthalate. Hence, calcium phthalate was used as a reference material. Additionally, the spectra obtained from the adhesive interface and the mixture of calcium phthalate with hydroxyapatite particles were compared using peak deconvolution analysis. XPS analysis revealed that the chemical bond of 4-META with enamel resembled the chemical state of Ca in calcium phthalate. Consequently, we suggest that Ca of the enamel and the carboxyl group of 4-META were chelate-bonded at the interface.

This study evaluated the human pulp tissue response following direct pulp capping with Clearfil Protect Bond (CPB) self-etching adhesive containing an antibacterial monomer MDPB. The pulps of third molar teeth were exposed by the removal of carious tissue. In an experimental group, CPB was applied to the exposed pulp and dentin. In the control groups, Clearfil SE Bond (CSE) or calcium hydroxide-based cement (CH) was applied to the exposed pulp surfaces. All teeth were filled with resin composite, extracted after 90 days, and the pulp responses were histologically analyzed. No severe inflammation or soft tissue disorganization was observed in CPB and CH groups. CSE group exhibited a disorganized odontoblastic layer and severe inflammatory infiltration. No hard tissue formation was observed in CSE group, and CH formed more of a hard tissue formation than CPB. CPB induced an acceptable healing response when directly applied to exposed pulps with bacterial contamination.

The aim is to evaluate the influence of remaining tooth substance and post-endodontic restoration on fracture strength of endodontically treated maxillary incisors. 150 maxillary central incisors were divided into three groups, Group 0, intact teeth; Group 1, removal of distal wall; Group 2, removal of mesial and distal walls, and further into two subgroups A₀,A₁,A₂ and B₀,B₁,B₂ according to post-endodontic restoration (post/no-post), then loaded to fracture. Interactions among variables and intergroup significance were tested with two-way ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis’s tests (p≤0.05). Tukey’s test was applied for multiple comparisons. Statistically significant differences were found between groups B₁-A₁, and B₂-A₂, but they were not found between B₀-A₀. Intragroup analysis showed statistically significant differences in both groups post/no-post with decreasing dental substance. Fiber post placement causes an increase in fracture strength and a reduction of irreparable fractures in endodontically treated maxillary central incisors that lost at least one wall.

Material properties are of high clinical relevance, even though in vitro laboratory setups may differ from clinical conditions. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the fracture behavior of three-unit bridge restoration (Telio CAD) with different test velocities (1.0 mm/min International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard speed/ 130 mm/s mean chewing velocity) and to provide crucial validation experiments for the upcoming Part 2 of our study, in which FEA on such temporary restorations will be conducted. Local strains were detected using digital image correlation (DIC). The material exhibited significantly different responses at different test velocities, and the forces at fracture were found to be much smaller at chewing velocity (130 mm/s) than in the quasi-static test. Overall, the results of the present study show that characteristics pertaining to material behavior can change significantly with increasing chewing velocity, and that fracture forces decrease with increasing test velocity.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface modification of calcium ions on roughened titanium as a surface treatment of dental implants for cell attachment, growth, and initial bacterial adhesion. When a surface-roughened, pure titanium disk was immersed in a calcium chloride solution (100 mM) containing 20 ppm ozone for 24 h at 25ºC, calcium was detected on the surface by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The calcium-modified, roughened titanium disk had a significantly greater concentration of the initially adhered cells as well as cells cultured over 7 days compared with titanium disks without surface modification. Furthermore, the initial bacterial adhesion on the calcium–ozone treated titanium disk was statistically less than on a pure titanium disk or titanium disk treated without ozone. Dissolved ozone was useful for modifying the surface of roughened titanium with calcium ions and the surface modification may be applicable for dental implants.

This study evaluated the effect of temporary sealing materials and cleaning protocols on the bond strength of resin cement applied to dentin using resin-coating technique. Scotchbond Universal Adhesive and Filtek Supreme Ultra Flowable were applied to bovine dentin. Forty-five specimens were divided into the following three groups according to the temporary sealing materials: Cav-: CAVITON EX, Vas-: COCOA BUTTER and FIT SEAL, and Sep-: Washable SEP and FIT SEAL. Each material was placed on resin-coated dentin. After 1-week water storage, one of the following three cleaning protocols was performed: -WA: washed with water, -BR: brushed with PRESSAGE, and -AF: cleaned with AIR-FLOW. Microtensile bond strength test and EDS analysis were conducted. Irrespective of the cleaning protocol used, Washable SEP demonstrated less residual debris on resin-coated dentin, resulting in high bond strength. Regardless of the temporary sealing material applied, AIR-FLOW demonstrated less residual debris, resulting in high bond strength.

This study aimed to compare the change of surface roughness (Ra) and gloss units (GU) of five dental composites (Filtek Z250, Filtek Z350XT, Metafil CX, Ceram X one, and Venus Diamond) polished with three systems (Sof-Lex XT, Enhance/Pogo, and Sof-Lex Diamond) before/after simulated brushings and to determine the amount of time required to achieve maximum gloss. Ninety rectangular specimens (n=18 per composite) were prepared. Six specimens of each composite were assigned to one of the polishing systems. The Ra and GU of each specimen were measured after each polishing step. Five polished specimens per composite were brushed with a toothbrush machine, and the Ra and GU values were determined. Filtek Z350XT exhibited the most stable and lowest Ra during the brushing cycles regardless of polishing system. When using the Sof-Lex Diamond and Enhance/Pogo systems, the highest gloss and the smoothest surfaces were achieved after polishing and brushing.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of titanium fluoride (TiF₄) concentration and pH on fluoride distribution and demineralization of root dentin surfaces. Concentrations of 0.1%, 1%, and 2% TiF₄ (pH 1), 1% TiF₄ solution adjusted to pH 4, 5, 6, and 1.35% sodium fluoride (NaF) solution were applied to root dentin surfaces. Each specimen was subjected to pH cycling (pH: 4.5–7.0) for 4 weeks. Lesion depth and calcium, fluorine, and titanium distribution were then evaluated. Our limited study indicates that lesion depth and fluorine and titanium distribution in dentin depend on the concentration of a TiF₄ solution. We also found that a 1% TiF₄ solution adjusted to a pH 4–6 can reduce demineralization as effectively as a similar concentration of NaF.

This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties of contemporary heat-treated nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments used in the single-length technique [ProTaper Next (PTN), HyFlex EDM (EDM), and JIZAI (JZ)]. Bending loads, cyclic fatigue resistance, torque/force values and canal-centering ratios were evaluated for the three instruments and a non-heat-treated experimental NiTi instrument with the same geometry as JZ (nJZ). EDM and JZ exhibited significantly lower bending load and more cycles to failure compared with nJZ and PTN (p<0.05). PTN and JZ exhibited significantly better centering ability than nJZ and EDM (p<0.05). JZ and nJZ generated significantly smaller upward force and maximum torque than PTN and EDM (p<0.05). Under the present experimental condition, JZ exhibited flexibility and cyclic fatigue resistance comparable to EDM, better maintained the canal curvature than the other instruments, and generated smaller torque and screw-in force than PTN and EDM.

The study aims to characterize various LED light curing units (LED-LCU) in order to determine the tolerance threshold for varying the polymerization conditions. Two violet-blue and two blue LED-LCUs were analyzed by using a laboratory-grade spectrophotometer system. Fifty-five curing conditions were simulated in each LED-LCU by varying the position (centered and with an offset of 3-mm to the left, right, lower and upper direction) and the exposure distance (0 mm to 10 mm in 1-mm steps). Irradiance decreased with increasing exposure distance, while the effect of the LCU position was significant and LCU-specific. Only one LED-LCU enables the irradiance threshold of 1,000 mW/cm² to be achieved in all positions up to an exposure distance of 4 mm. LCUs with a more homogeneous light beam profile more easily tolerate deviations from the ideal curing conditions. The study enables dentists to identify the limits of modern LED-LCUs and to estimate potential deviations from ideal curing conditions for clinically relevant situations.

The purpose of this study was to characterize a chlorhexidine-encapsulated nanotube modified pit-and-fissure sealant for biofilm development prevention. HS (commercial control); HNT (HS+15wt%Halloysite^®-clay-nanotube); CHX10% (HS+15wt% HNT-encapsulated with chlorhexidine 10%); and CHX20% (HS+15wt% HNT-encapsulated with CHX20%) were tested. Degree-of-conversion (DC%), Knoop hardness (KHN), and viscosity were analyzed. The ability of the sealant to wet the fissures was evaluated. Specimens were tested for zones of inhibition of microbial growth. S. mutans biofilm was tested by measuring recovered viability. Data were statistically analyzed (p<0.05). DC% was significantly higher for the HNT-CHX groups. For KHN, CHX10% presented a lower mean value than the other groups. Adding HNT resulted in higher viscosity values. The biofilm on CHX10% and CHX20% sealants presented remarkable CFU/mL reduction in comparison to the HS. The experimental material was able to reduce the biofilm development in S. mutans biofilm without compromising the sealant properties.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of the osteopontin-derived multifunctional short peptide, SVVYGLR (SV) peptide on the biological properties of skeletal muscle-specific myogenic cells. We employed human-derived satellite cells (HSkMSC) and skeletal muscle myoblasts (HSMM) and performed a series of biochemical experiments. The synthetic SV peptide showed no influence on the proliferation and adhesion properties of HSkMSC and HSMM, while it showed a significant increase in cell motility, including migration activities upon treatment with the SV peptide. In a rat model with volumetric loss of masticatory muscle, immunohistochemical staining of regenerating muscle tissue immediately after injury demonstrated an increase of the number of both MyoD- and myogenin-positive cells in SV peptide-treated group. These results suggest that SV peptide plays a potent role in facilitating skeletal muscle regeneration by promoting the migration, and differentiation of myogenic precursor and progenitor cells.

This study aimed to evaluate polylactic acid (PLA) as a provisional crown material. Lower right first molar phantom tooth was used for the fabrication of 60 crowns. Samples were divided into three groups (n=20) according to the material: Group PL (PLA), Group PM (polymethyl methacrylate), and Group PE (polyetheretherketone). Each group was investigated for internal and marginal fit, fracture strength, and fracture mode. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, chi-squared test, and Tukey’s tests (p≤0.05). The average marginal gap value of each group was: PE 56.00±4.67 µm, PM 61.15±4.44 µm, and PL 60.40±2.85 µm (p<0.001). The average internal gap value for each group was: PE 128.90±8.39 µm, PM 132.40±7.51 µm, and PL 130.75±9.76 µm (p=0.442). The average fracture strength of each group was: PE 840.90±13.23 N, PM 733.30±9.00 N, and PL 664.50±10.79 N (p<0.001). Results demonstrated that PLA may be a good option as a provisional crown material.

To evaluate the bonding reliability of a universal adhesive compared to a commercial ceramic repair system for metal-ceramic cracks. In vitro part: sixty specimens with porcelain, metal and porcelain-metal substrate were fabricated. Half specimens were bonded by Singlebond Universal adhesive and Filtek Z350 resin composite. The other were processed by Ceramic Repair N. Shear bond strength was tested. In vivo part: forty patients with sixty ceramic fractured porcelain-fused-metal restorations were involved. Half were repaired by Singlebond Universal and Filtek Z350. The other were restored by Ceramic Repair N. The mean observation period was 65 weeks. Results showed the bond strength ranged from 13.97 MPa to 15.85 MPa using two different repair system on different substrate with no statistical difference. There was no statistical difference between the two adhesive system in survival rate according to Kaplan-Meier analysis. The universal adhesive had a similar repair performance compared to commercial ceramic repair system.

The physical properties of pre-strained (50% and 100%) thermoset (TSU) and thermoplastic (TPU) elastic chains of four different manufacturers (n=120) were determined after storage in different environments. The in vitro force-decay was investigated after storage in the media air, distilled water and artificial saliva at 37°C. The modified pull test was performed with a universal testing machine Model 4444 and load cell 2530-427. The initial and residual forces (after 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 24 h, 7 days, 21 days) were used to calculate the relative force. All chains show a force decay that is greatest in the first hour regardless of pre-strain or storage media. Over the entire incubation period, a significant difference between the providers was found. The paired comparisons showed no difference between the relative forces of chains made from TPU nor between the chains made from TSU. Yet, a highly significant difference between these two groups was found.

It is crucial to emphasize the biomineralization therapeutic method to repair etched dentin in clinic. Non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) play critical role in the biomineralization of dentine. In this paper, we synthesized the phosphate-terminated polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM-PO₃H₂) by one-step modification successfully and examined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ¹H-nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H-NMR) to characterize the structure of PAMAM-PO₃H₂. PAMAM-PO₃H₂ and carboxylterminated dendrimers (PAMAM-COOH) were applied as the dual biomimetic analogs of NCPs. Through the characterization of FT-IR, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), the surfaces of human dentin were covered with regenerated crystals and the dentinal tubules were occluded by PAMAM-PO₃H₂ and PAMAM-COOH. In summary, the combination of PAMAM-PO₃H₂ and PAMAM-COOH may be another feasible therapeutic method for the treatment of dentin caries and dentin hypersensitivity.

This study examined the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the inflammatory reactions of murine osteoblastic cells cultured on the 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride/methyl methacrylate (4-META/MMA)-based resin. Superbond C&B (SB) was used as the 4-META/MMA-based resin and placed in a 48-well cell culture plate. The cells were cultured in αMEM (control) as well as on SB and SB in αMEM with NAC (SB+NAC). They were examined using the WST-1 proliferation assay, real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurements, and cellular glutathione (GSH) detection. COX-2 and IL-6 gene expressions were upregulated in SB; however, they were suppressed by NAC. Furthermore, PGE₂ production in the culture medium was increased in SB, whereas NAC decreased the PGE₂ production. NAC lowered the ROS level in the culture medium and significantly increased the intracellular GSH level. The present in vitro study demonstrated that NAC might be effective for dental material detoxification.

Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is a high-performance thermoplastic used for several industrial applications due to its excellent mechanical properties. However, the use of PEEK is limited to dental materials because of its poor implant-bone integration. In the present study, methylated polyrotaxanes (MePRXs) with 4-vinylbenzyl groups, which are supermolecules composed of methylated α-cyclodextrins and poly(ethylene glycol) chains end-capped with 4-vinylbenzyl groups, were covalently tethered onto PEEK surfaces using photo-induced polymerization to improve their osteoblast compatibility. The surface-tethering of MePRXs onto PEEK surfaces was confirmed by analyzing their attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra and contact angles. When mouse preosteoblasts were cultured on the MePRX-PEEK and bare PEEK surfaces, the MePRX-PEEK surfaces showed significantly better proliferation and osteoblast differentiation than the bare PEEK surfaces. These results suggest that surface modification of PEEKs using MePRXs improves their osteoblast compatibility.

This study aimed to examine whether discoloration of carious dentin after silver-diammine-fluoride (SDF) application might be used as a mean to detect demineralized-dentin. Fourty specimens were obtained from 20 human permanent teeth. Teeth were sectioned through the center of carious lesions to create 2-halves in which each half was assigned to a treatment group. Specimens were divided into two groups (n=20) (each half was assigned to one group) according to solution, namely Caries Check (CC), or SDF. SDF group was subdivided into 2 groups: light-cured and 2-day storage groups. The specimens were tested using light-microscope, microhardness test and SEM/EDS analysis. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. The light-microscope showed superficial discoloration in the CC-group while SDF (2-day storage) group showed deeper discoloration for the lesion area. SDF showed significant increase in the hardness compared with the CC-group. SDF showed potentiality to be used as an assisting-tool for caries detection.

The aim was to investigate effects of compliance and radiant emittance on cuspal deflection. A mesio-occluso-distal cavity was replicated using a flowable composite and steel rods with different diameters. To investigate the effect of cuspal compliance on deflection, the replicated tooth and extracted human tooth cavities were bulk-filled with a micro-hybrid composite. The replicated cavities with 2.0-mm-diameter steel rods were restored with bulk-filling of the micro-hybrid or a nano bulk-fill composite and photo-cured with four protocols. The cuspal deflection was the highest in the replicated tooth without steel rod, followed by with 1.0-, 1.5-, and 2.0-mm steel rods, and significantly lower in the human tooth. Cuspal deflections showed no significant differences among light-curing protocols, and that in the micro-hybrid composite were higher than the nano bulk-fill composite. To reduce cuspal deflection of a high compliance cavity, selecting the proper composite based on physical properties is more important than light-curing protocol.