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The aim of the present study was to assess by using a questionnaire, the knowledge and understanding level of dental postoperative sensitivity through dental practitioners. A number of 431 dental practitioners coming from rural or urban practices, in private or public environment, with a bachelor’s degree or with postgraduate studies received this specifically developed questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of a series of socio-demographic questions, followed by 14 questions related to postoperative sensitivity. The questionnaire contained 7 single-choice and 7 multiple-choice questions. For the statistical analysis of the obtained results Pearson Chi-square and Independent sample t-test were used. For all 14 questions, the correct answers were indicated by the majority of respondents, regardless of the training level or the environment of origin. Both postgraduate and bachelor’s degree dental practitioners had a similar level of knowledge regarding the etiology, symptomatology and therapeutic management of postoperative dental sensitivity. The knowledge level about dental postoperative sensitivity does not differ between dental practitioners in the public and private sectors.

Aim of the study Since a century ago, xylitol, a white, crystalline carbohydrate, has been known as a naturally occurring five-carbon sugar polyol. Its impact on dental caries has been extensively researched during the previous forty years. It can be derived from plant materials rich in xylan, like the wood of birch and beech trees, and is naturally present in fruits, vegetables, and berries. The amount of MS in dental plaque and saliva is reduced because xylitol interferes with the energy-producing processes of Mutans Streptococci (MS), causing their death. It also reduces the adhesion of these microorganisms to the surface of teeth and, as a result, decreases their acid-producing potential. Conclusions Despite all the information available on xylitol, further study is still required to fully understand its mechanisms of action, the clinical implications of xylitol resistance, and how it affects Streptococcus Mutans and the plaque-saliva complex. Properly planned randomised controlled clinical trials must be conducted in conjunction with research to show that xylitol prevention is feasible in a variety of groups with various dietary and dental hygiene practices. It is also necessary to thoroughly confirm the best delivery methods for xylitol and the degree to which it can be “diluted” with other polyols without losing its ability to prevent dental caries. It is necessary to calibrate the minimal daily dose and frequency required for xylitol’s effects on MS, dental plaque, and caries.

The hybrid layer is the key for bonding between composite resins and mineralized dental tissues. Bonding to dentin is problematic because of the morphological complexity, high content of water and organic components, and lack of compatibility with hydrophobic monomers. Moreover, the stability of the hybrid layer is challenged over time by degradation phenomena that affects both components of the hybrid layer: the dentin organic matrix and the adhesive resin. Both degradation phenomena are the result of hydrolysis mechanisms involving the residual water preserved in the hybrid layer. The main problem continues to be the dentin collagen degradation determined by host-derived metal proteinases. Various strategies have been proposed to improve the bond stability at dentin-composite resin interface, which aim either to increase the resistance of demineralized dentin and resin to degradation or to decrease the residual water within the hybrid layer. Further studies should aim to identify the most effective combination adhesive – metalloproteinase inhibitor and the most suitable strategy for improved dentin hybridization and stability of the hybrid layer.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of some characteristic of the light curing unit (polymeriyation mode and the distance between light curing tip to the surface of composite resin) on the efficiency of SDR® Plus bulk fill flowable base composite. U (universal), A2, and A3 shades was used in the study. Fiftyfive samples from each shade were prepared by injection the flowable resin in cylindrical plastic molds with the intern diameter of 5 mm. Three types of plastic molds according to their hight were used: 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm. The tip of the light curing unit was placed on top of the mold and composite resin was light cure for 20 seconds for U shade and 40 seconds for A2 and A3 shades. Top and bottom surface Vickers hardness was determined using a digital microhardness. The hardness ratio of each specimen was also calculated Polymerization efficiency of SRD® Plus bulk-fill flowable base composite resin was not affected by the distance from the light sourse to the surface of the material and the light curing mode. Staggared polymerization mode of the light curing unit determines slightly low values of surface hardness when comparing to inclined and normal polymerization modes. Darker shades of bulf fill flowable base composite resin seems to present decreased surface hardness when comparing to ligther shades irrespective the distance from the light curing unit to the material surface and the mode of polymerization.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate, based on a DHEQ questionnaire, the quality of life of a group of 25 students, 12 men and 13 women, from the Faculty of Dentistry, U.M.F. “Grigore T.Popa” Iasi (Romania) suffering from dentinal hypersensitivity. Materials and method. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to age: 20-25; 26-30; 31-35 and 36-40 years. The questionnaire included 15 questions, each with scores from 1 to 7 according to Likert scale. The data were analysed using Excel. Results. High scores values ​​ (5-7) on each question in the questionnaire (> 50% of the respondents) were obtained in 10 of the 15 questions, 84% of the people giving high scores to question no. 3; 80% to question 12; and 76% to questions 4,5,6,7,8. The lowest percentage (40%) of people who gave scores between 5-7 were for questions 9, 10, 13.15. Conclusions. As dental hypersensitivity is increasingly common in young people, we believe that the questionnaire method can be a means of quickly and completely assessing this condition. This method can help the dentist together with the clinical and paraclinical examination in making a correct diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan. At the same time, with this quick method, the patient can become aware that the symptoms cannot be neglected and he must address to the dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the composite resin-tooth interface when using a universal adhesive applied in different etching strategies. Materials and method: 20 class V cavities were prepared in extracted teeth and restored with a composite resin using a universal adhesive system. Half of the restorations were applied using etch-and-rinse technique and the other half were applied with self-etch technique. The samples had been subjected to a dye penetration microleakage test and then the teeth were axially sectioned. The microleakage scores and the morphology of the adhesive joint were evaluated using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Results: The microleakage scores did not show a significant difference between the self-etch group and the total etch-group. For both groups, no significant gaps were noticed, however few cracks were visible within the adhesive layer. The SEM images showed the preservation of a tide contact between the composite resin and the dental tissues in most specimens of the both groups. An adhesive joint involving a layer of adhesive resin was formed between composite resin and both enamel and dentin regardless of the chosen technique (self-etch or total etch strategy). Conclusions: The immediate sealing qualities and the morphology of the interface did not significantly change when total etch strategy had been used when comparing to self-etch strategy.

The aim of this study was to assess, by using VAS indices and SCHIFF scale, the effectiveness of a desensitising product with role in the blocking of the dentinal tubules, at 24 hours and 1 week after its application. Material and methods. The clinical study was performed on 37 teeth (7 incisive; 9 canines; 17 premolars and 4 molars), divided in two groups: Group 1 (n = 18) –teeth treated with desensitiser agent Voco Profluorid® Varnish; Group 2 (n=19) –placebo (distilled water). Results. VAS indices at baseline were 5.14 (at stimulation with air spray). 24 hours after desensitising session the mean value of VAS indices decreased, in group 1, from 6.07 to 1.00. 1 week after desensitising session the mean value of VAS indices was 1.03. VAS indices for placebo group remained 3.05. Schiff indices at baseline had 1.78 mean values for the teeth taken in study. Schiff indices for group 1 decreased from 2.38 to 0.357 after 24 hours, and increased to 0.864 after 1 week. Placebo group had the same Schiff value (0.86) during the study period. Conclusions. Voco Profluorid® Varnish was effective in the treatment of the dental cervical hypersensitivity with one single session, and the desensitising effect was maintained after 1 week. The use of this product in multiple treatment sessions could determine the complete closure of the dentinal tubules.

Root dental caries represent an issue focusing many dental researchers. However due to morphologic and structural particularities of cement and root dentine as well as the nearby of dental pulp, root dental caries is a challenge regarding therapeutical success. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical performance of two restorative materials: glassionomer cement CGI with high density and a resin-modified glassionomer cement (RMGC), using ART technique in complex cervical root cavities. The assessment of restorations quality parameters was performed after 1 and 6 months using ART assessment criteria. After 6 months, success rate was 100 % for GC Fuji II LC and 96,6 % for Fuji VIII. After 6 months, success rate of ART technique for all 20 patients was 98,3 %. A higher success rate of our study, comparing with literature data, is due to the improvement of ART technique combined with the use of superior dental materials. (GC Fuji VIII, GC Fuji II LC), as well as the use of photopolimerisable resin-modified glassionomer cement GC Fuji II LC. More the use of conditioner, previously to the insertion of restoration material, improves significantly the adhesion and prevent microleakage. The superior esthetics and surface parameters are due to the use of varnish. Our study proved that ART method for aged patients, in cervical root dental caries treatment, was more efficient, both for simple cavities (1 surface) and complex cavities, after a 6 months periode. The results were promising for both researched glassionomer cements.