Search

Purpose: To investigate marginal integrity of restorations applied with preheated and non-preheated composite, flowable composite, sonically activated composite, and a new thermo-viscous bulk-fill composite using near-infrared technology for preheating, in class V cavities of human molars. Materials and Methods: Standardized cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of 60 human mandibular molars and restored with one of the following resin composite materials after application of an etch-and-rinse adhesive (Opti-Bond FL, Kerr): non-preheated or preheated conventional composite (Filtek Supreme XTE, 3M Oral Care), preheated thermo-viscous composite (VisCalor bulk, Voco), soncially activated composite (SonicFill 3, Kerr), or flowable composite (Filtek Supreme XTE Flowable, 3M Oral Care) applied in bulk or as a lining material using the snow-plow technique. After light curing and polishing, the percentage of continuous margins (PCM) of the restorations in enamel and dentin was assessed using SEM both before and after thermomechanical loading (TML). TML was carried out with 3000 thermal cycles (5°C-50°C) and a simultaneous mechanical stress application with 1.2 million load-cycles (1.7 Hz, 49 N) in a computer-controlled masticator. Non-parametric statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon, Kruskal- Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U-tests (2= 0.05). Results: All groups revealed a significant decline in marginal integrity after TML in both enamel and dentin. Although the flowable group in enamel and the snow-plow group in dentin showed the highest PCM before TML, the differences between the groups were compensated after TML. Conclusion: All of the tested composites and application methods showed similar marginal integrities after thermomechanical loading and can be recommended for clinical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the reparability of aged and fresh resin composite after different mechanical surface pretreatments. Materials and Methods: Sixty composite specimens (Filtek Supreme XTE, 3M Oral Care) were either aged by thermal cycling (5000 cycles, 5-55°C) and six months of water storage, or immediately processed within 5 min after polymerization. Both aged and fresh specimens were either ground with fine (46-µm) or coarse (100-µm) diamond burs and then silanized or sandblasted with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silanized. In the negative control group, no mechanical surface pretreatment or silanization was performed. Specimens (n = 6 per group) were repaired with an adhesive (OptiBond FL, Kerr) and a resin composite (Filtek Supreme XTE). Directly adhered composite-to-composite increments served as the positive control group. After thermoycling, microtensile repair bond strength was assessed and statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). Results: Aged composite surfaces revealed significantly lower repair bond strength than immediately repaired composite. The negative control group demonstrated the significantly lowest microtensile bond strength of all groups. No significant differences in repair bond strength were observed between the different mechanical pretreatments for both aged and fresh specimens. The repair bond strength of fresh composite pretreated with a fine diamond bur + Al2O3 + silane or a coarse diamond bur with/without Al2O3 + silane did not differ significantly from the positive control group. Conclusion: The age of the repaired composite has a greater influence on repair bond strength than does the type of composite surface pretreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate microhardness, mass changes during 1-year water immersion, water sorption/solubility, and calcium phosphate precipitation of experimental composites functionalized with 5–40 wt% of two types of bioactive glass (BG): 45S5 or a customized low-sodium fluoride-containing formulation. Vickers microhardness was evaluated after simulated aging (water storage and thermocycling), water sorption and solubility were tested according to ISO 4049, and calcium phosphate precipitation was studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. For the composites containing BG 45S5, a significant reduction in microhardness was observed with increasing BG amount. In contrast, 5 wt% of the customized BG resulted in statistically similar microhardness to the control material, while higher BG amounts (20 and 40 wt%) resulted in a significant improvement in microhardness. Water sorption was more pronounced for composites containing BG 45S5, increasing 7-fold compared to the control material, while the corresponding increase for the customized BG was only 2-fold. Solubility increased with higher amounts of BG, with an abrupt increase at 20 and 40 wt% of BG 45S5. Calcium phosphate was precipitated by all composites with BG amounts of 10 wt% or more. The improved properties of the composites functionalized with the customized BG indicate better mechanical, chemical, and dimensional stability without compromising the potential for calcium phosphate precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Parodontologie: die Zeitschrift für die Praxis (Berlin, Germany) is the property of Quintessenz Verlags GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The accumulation of caries-preventive compounds on sound enamel is crucial in order to improve the inhibition of carious lesion initiation. The aim of this research was to investigate the initial accumulation of cerium, oligopeptide p11-4, and fluoride from NaF or amine fluoride (AmF) on sound enamel in vitro by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Polished bovine enamel specimens (n = 120 from 60 teeth) were fabricated. Out of these, 12 specimens each were treated with CeCl3 (cerium(III) chloride heptahydrate 25%), oligopeptide p11-4 (Curodont Repair, Credentis), NaF (10,000 ppm F−), AmF (amine fluoride, Elmex Fluid, CP-GABA GmbH, 10,000 ppm F−), or Aqua demin (control). After rinsing with water, the surface elemental composition (Ce, N, F, Ca, P, O, Na, Mg) was measured (EDX; EDAX Octane Elect detector, APEX v2.0), expressed in atomic percent (At%) and analyzed (non-parametric statistics, α = 0.05, error rates method). Another 12 specimens per treatment group were fabricated and used for analyzing accumulation in cross-sections with EDX linescans and two-dimensional EDX-mappings. The surface median atomic percent of cerium (At%Ce) was 0.8 for CeCl3, but no Ce was found for any other group. N, specifically for oligopeptide p11-4, could not be detected. Fluorine could only be detected on fluoridated surfaces. The median atomic percent of fluorine (At%F) was 15.2 for NaF and 17.0 for AmF. The Ca/P ratio increased significantly compared to the control following the application of NaF and AmF (p < 0.001), but decreased significantly for CeCl3 (p < 0.001). In cross-sectioned specimens of the CeCl3-group, 12.5% of the linescans revealed cerium at the enamel surface, whereas 83.3% of the NaF linescans and 95.8% of the AmF linescans revealed fluorine at the enamel surface. Following the application of oligopeptide p11-4, no traces of N were detectable. In the depth of the samples, no signal was detected for any of the corresponding elements exceeding the background noise. Cerium and fluorine (from both NaF and AmF), but not the oligopeptide p11-4, precipitated on sound enamel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the influence of conventional (10 s at 1160 mW/cm2) and fast high-irradiance (3 s at 2850 mW/cm2) light curing on the micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) of bulk-fill resin composites bonded to human dentin. Sixty-four extracted human molars were ground to dentin and randomly assigned into eight groups (n = 8 per group). After application of a three-step adhesive system (Optibond FL), four different bulk-fill composites (two sculptable and two flowable composites) were placed. Of these, one sculptable (Tetric PowerFill) and one flowable (Tetric PowerFlow) composite were specifically developed for fast high-irradiance light curing. Each composite was polymerized with the conventional or the fast high-irradiance light-curing protocol. The specimens were cut into dentin-composite sticks, μTBS was determined and failure modes were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test for independent observations and one-way ANOVA. A statistical difference between the curing protocols was only found for Tetric PowerFlow, where the conventional protocol (23.8 ± 4.2 MPa) led to significantly higher values than the fast high-irradiance light-curing protocol (18.7 ± 3.7 MPa). All other composite materials showed statistically similar values for both polymerization protocols. In conclusion, the use of fast high-irradiation light curing has no negative influence on the μTBS of the investigated high-viscosity bulk-fill composites. However, it may reduce the dentin bond strength of flowable bulk-fill composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to examine the applicability of bioactive and antibacterial nanoparticles to an experimental adhesive. The adhesive (60 wt% BisGMA, 15 wt% TEGDMA, 25 wt% HEMA) was mixed with combinations of 5 wt% methacryl-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (MA-POSS) and one kind of bioactive/antibacterial nanoparticles: 1 wt% core-shell silica-silver nanoparticle (SiO2@Ag), 1 wt% bioactive glass with bismuth (BAG-Bi) or 1 wt% calcium phosphate (CAP). Pure adhesive served as control. The physicochemical (degree of conversion (DC), linear shrinkage (LS), shear and complex viscosity, water sorption (WS), sol fraction (SF)), biological (antimicrobial effect) and bioactive (mineral precipitation) properties were investigated. DC and LS remained unchanged. The combination of BAG-Bi/MA-POSS resulted in a significantly increased WS and SF compared to control. In addition, the combination of CAP/MA-POSS slightly increased the shear viscosity of the adhesive. The addition of the nanoparticles did not influence the antimicrobial effects compared to the pure adhesive. Improved mineral inducing capacity could be detected in all nanoparticle combinations. The combination of bioactive and/or antibacterial nanoparticles showed improved mineral inducing capacity, but no antibacterial properties. The material properties were not or only slightly affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the flexural properties of an experimental composite series functionalized with 5–40 wt% of a low-Na F-containing bioactive glass (F-series) and compared it to another experimental composite series containing the same amounts of the conventional bioactive glass 45S5 (C-series). Flexural strength and modulus were evaluated using a three-point bending test. Degree of conversion was measured using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Weibull analysis was performed to evaluate material reliability. The control material with 0 wt% of bioactive glass demonstrated flexural strength values of 105.1–126.8 MPa). In the C-series, flexural strength ranged between 17.1 and 121.5 MPa and was considerably more diminished by the increasing amounts of bioactive glass than flexural strength in the F-series (83.8–130.2 MPa). Analogously, flexural modulus in the C-series (0.56–6.66 GPa) was more reduced by the increase in bioactive glass amount than in the F-series (5.24–7.56 GPa). The ISO-recommended "minimum acceptable" flexural strength for restorative resin composites of 80 MPa was achieved for all materials in the F-series, while in the C-series, the materials with higher bioactive glass amounts (20 and 40 wt%) failed to meet the requirement of 80 MPa. The degree of conversion in the F-series was statistically similar or higher compared to that of the control composite with no bioactive glass, while the C-series showed a declining degree of conversion with increasing bioactive glass amounts. In summary, the negative effect of the addition of bioactive glass on mechanical properties was notably less pronounced for the customized bioactive glass than for the bioactive glass 45S5; additionally, mechanical properties of the composites functionalized with the customized bioactive glass were significantly less diminished by artificial aging. Hence, the customized bioactive glass investigated in the present study represents a promising candidate for functionalizing ion-releasing resin composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental dental resin composites containing copper-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres (Cu-MBGN) were developed to impart anti-bacterial properties. Increasing amounts of Cu-MBGN (0, 1, 5 and 10 wt%) were added to the BisGMA/TEGDMA resin matrix containing micro- and nano-fillers of inert glass, keeping the resin/filler ratio constant. Surface micromorphology and elemental analysis were performed to evaluate the homogeneous distribution of filler particles. The study investigated the effects of Cu-MBGN on the degree of conversion, polymerization shrinkage, porosity, ion release and anti-bacterial activity on S. mutans and A. naeslundii. Experimental materials containing Cu-MBGN showed a dose-dependent Cu release with an initial burst and a further increase after 28 days. The composite containing 10% Cu-MBGN had the best anti-bacterial effect on S. mutans, as evidenced by the lowest adherence of free-floating bacteria and biofilm formation. In contrast, the 45S5-containing materials had the highest S. mutans adherence. Ca release was highest in the bioactive control containing 15% 45S5, which correlated with the highest number of open porosities on the surface. Polymerization shrinkage was similar for all tested materials, ranging from 3.8 to 4.2%, while the degree of conversion was lower for Cu-MBGN materials. Cu-MBGN composites showed better anti-bacterial properties than composites with 45S5 BG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated polymerization kinetics, linear shrinkage, and shrinkage stress development for six contemporary composite materials of different viscosities cured using radiant exitances of 1100–2850 mW/cm2. Real-time measurements of degree of conversion, linear shrinkage, and shrinkage stress were performed over 5 min using Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, a custom-made linometer, and a custom-made stress analyzer, respectively. For most tested variables, the factor "material" had a higher effect size than the factor "curing protocol". Maximum polymerization rate and maximum shrinkage stress rate were the most affected by changes in curing conditions. In contrast, no significant effects of curing conditions were identified within each material for shrinkage stress values measured at the end of the 5 min observation period. Linear shrinkage and shrinkage stress values measured after 5 min were closely correlated (R = 0.905–0.982). The analysis of polymerization kinetics suggested that the two composites specifically designed for rapid light-curing responded to higher radiant exitances differently than other composites. Polymerization kinetics and shrinkage stress behavior of contemporary restorative composite materials of different viscosities were overall more affected by material type than differences in curing conditions. Subtle differences in polymerization kinetics behavior shown by the two composites specifically designed for rapid high-intensity light-curing did not translate into significant differences in the development of polymerization shrinkage stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We embedded copper-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres (Cu-MBGN) with antibacterial and ion-releasing properties into experimental dental composites and investigated the effect of Cu-MBGN on the polymerisation properties. We prepared seven composites with a BisGMA/TEGDMA (60/40) matrix and 65 wt.% total filler content, added Cu-MBGN or a combination of Cu-MBGN and silanised silica to the silanised barium glass base, and examined nine parameters: light transmittance, degree of conversion (DC), maximum polymerisation rate (Rmax), time to reach Rmax, linear shrinkage, shrinkage stress (PSS), maximum PSS rate, time to reach maximum PSS rate, and depth of cure. Cu-MBGN without silica accelerated polymerisation, reduced light transmission, and had the highest DC (58.8 ± 0.9%) and Rmax (9.8 ± 0.2%/s), but lower shrinkage (3 ± 0.05%) and similar PSS (0.89 ± 0.07 MPa) versus the inert reference (0.83 ± 0.13 MPa). Combined Cu-MBGN and silica slowed the Rmax and achieved a similar DC but resulted in higher shrinkage. However, using a combined 5 wt.% Cu-MBGN and silica, the PSS resembled that of the inert reference. The synergistic action of 5 wt.% Cu-MBGN and silanised silica in combination with silanised barium glass resulted in a material with the highest likelihood for dental applications in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the influence of pretreating demineralized enamel with a caries infiltrant on the margin integrity of Class V composite restorations bonded with different adhesives. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 specimens from bovine incisors were demineralized (21 days, acid buffer, pH 4.95) to create artificial enamel lesions, and circular Class V cavities were prepared. Cavities of half of the specimens were treated with either an unfilled etch-and-rinse adhesive (Syntac Classic; Ivoclar Vivadent), a filled etch and-rinse adhesive (Optibond FL; Kerr), or a self-etch adhesive (iBond Self Etch; Heraeus Kulzer) (n = 10 per group). Demineralized enamel of the other half of the specimens was pretreated with a caries infiltrant (Icon; DMG) prior to adhesive application. All cavities were restored with a nanofilled composite material and thermocycled (5000 ×, 5°C-55°C). Margin integrity was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, and the percentage of continuous margin was statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). Results: The significantly highest margin integrity was observed for Optibond FL, whether or not demineralized enamel was pretreated with the infiltrant. Pretreatment of demineralized enamel with the infiltrant resulted in a significant increase in margin integrity when the unfilled etch-and-rinse adhesive (Syntac Classic) or the self-etch adhesive (iBond Self Etch) was subsequently applied, but showed no significant improvement in combination with the filled etch-and-rinse adhesive (Optibond FL). Conclusion: Application of a caries infiltrant can improve margin integrity of composite fillings in demineralized enamel when used in combination with the examined self-etch and unfilled adhesives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the effects of contamination of tooth cavities by hemostatic agents applied after blood contamination on marginal adaptation of composite restorations bonded with etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives. Materials and Methods: Cervical cavities (n = 10 per group) were contaminated with blood and subsequently treated with aluminum chloride (Racestyptine) or ferric sulfate (Astringedent, ViscoStat) hemostatic agents. After water rinsing, composite restorations were placed using either an etch-and-rinse (OptiBond FL) or self-etch (Opti-Bond All-in-One) adhesive. EDS-based elemental surface analysis was performed, and marginal integrity was evaluated using SEM both before and after thermomechanical loading. The percentage of continuous margins in enamel (%CEM) and dentin (%CDM) was statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). Results: No statistically significant differences in %CEM and %CDM were observed between hemostatic-contaminated groups and uncontaminated controls after thermomechanical loading, irrespective of the adhesive used. Specimens contaminated with aluminum-chloride-based Racestyptine showed a significantly higher final %CEM when the etch-and-rinse adhesive was applied (OptiBond FL) than with the self-etch adhesive (OptiBond All-in-One). Conclusion: Cavity contamination with hemostatic agents, applied after blood contamination and removed with water spray, does not compromise marginal adaptation in enamel and dentin. In the case of contamination by an aluminum-chloride hemostatic agent, the tested etch-and-rinse approach resulted in a higher percentage of continuous enamel margins of composite restorations than did the self-etch approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of different pretreatments on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of an etchand- rinse adhesive to eroded dentin. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six human teeth were ground down to their dentin layer and randomly divided into six groups (G1-G6; n = 6), G1 being the control group. Only in the test groups (G2-G6) were samples subjected to erosion using citric acid (pH 2.6) 10 x 2 min per day for five days. Between the erosive attacks, samples were stored in artificial saliva. After pretreatment - none (G1); none (G2); 2% chlorhexidine (30 s) (G3); prolonged primer application (1 min) (G4); roughening with a diamond bur (G5) and 10.5% NaOCl (1 min) (G6) - the adhesive Opti- Bond FL was applied. After the application of composite, samples were stored in water (7 d) and μTBS was determined. Data were evaluated using one-way ANOVA and Dunnett-T post-hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: Eroded dentin without pretreatment (G2) resulted in significant reduction of μTBS compared with uneroded dentin (G1). μTBS after pretreatment with a diamond bur (G5) or NaOCl (G6) was not significantly different from that of the uneroded control group (G1). μTBS after pretreatment with chlorhexidine (G3) or with prolonged primer application (G4) was significantly lower than in the uneroded control group (G1), and not significantly different from the eroded control group (G2). Conclusion: The present data suggests that μTBS to eroded dentin pretreated with bur abrasion or NaOCl is similar to the μTBS to sound, uneroded dentin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine whether reducing the light-curing time of resin-based surface sealants influences their potential to prevent erosion, as well as their mechanical stability and degree of conversion.Materials and Methods: 240 bovine dentin samples were randomly divided into 10 groups (1-10). The 24 samples of one group remained unsealed and served as control. Three groups were sealed with Seal&Protect, another three groups with K-0184 (experimental sealant), and the remaining three groups with Syntac Classic. One group of each sealant was light cured for 10 s, another group of that sealant for 5 s, and the last group of the respective sealant for 2 s at 1014 mW/cm2. After 7-day water storage, the first measurement of sealant permeability was performed. The samples were stored in hydrochloric acid (pH 2.3) for 24 h and the dentin calcium release was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Following thermomechanical loading (5000 cycles, 5°/50°C, 12,000 brushing strokes), the second measurement of sealant permeability was performed. Additionally, the sealants' degrees of conversion (DC) were determined by FTIR spectroscopy.Results: For the first and second measurements, no significant difference in the permeability of the sealants was observed when the light-curing duration was shortened. Additionally, no significant difference in the stability of the respective sealants was observed when light cured for different durations. Regarding DC, a significant influence of the light-curing duration was observed (p = 0.000).Conclusion: Shortening the light-curing time has no influence on permeability and stability of the investigated sealants. However, short light-curing times (2 s or 5 s) decrease the DC of the tested sealants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate new commercially available ion-releasing restorative materials and compare them to established anti-cariogenic materials. Four materials were tested: alkasite Cention (Ivoclar Vivadent) in self-cure or light-cure mode, giomer Beautifil II (Shofu), conventional glass-ionomer Fuji IX (GC), and resin composite Tetric EvoCeram (Ivoclar Vivadent) as a control. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, and Weibull modulus were measured one day, three months, and after three months with accelerated aging in ethanol. Water sorption and solubility were evaluated for up to one year. Degree of conversion was measured during 120 min for self-cured and light-cured Cention. In this study, Beautifil II was the ion-releasing material with the highest flexural strength and modulus and with the best resistance to aging. Alkasite Cention showed superior mechanical properties to Fuji IX. Weibull analysis showed that the glass-ionomer had the least reliable distribution of mechanical properties with the highest water sorption. The solubility of self-cured alkasite exceeded the permissible values according to ISO 4049. Degree of conversion of light-cured Cention was higher than in self-cure mode. The use of alkasite Cention is recommended only in the light-cure mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of adding bioactive glass 45S5 (BG) of different particle sizes to dental composite on resin polymerization and shrinkage stress formation. Commercial flowable composite was mixed with either 15 wt% BG fillers (nanometric, micrometric, or hybrid BG) or inert barium glass. Real-time linear polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress were recorded, and the degree of conversion was measured using FTIR spectroscopy. The commercial (unmodified) composite developed significantly higher linear shrinkage and shrinkage stress than the groups with 15 wt% added inert or BG fillers. After adding inert barium glass, the composite showed significantly higher linear shrinkage than when micrometric BG was added. The addition of bioactive or inert glass fillers did not affect the degree of conversion. Shrinkage stress can be reduced by adding inert or bioactive fillers (nano- and/or microparticulate BG) without affecting monomer conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effectiveness of employing a patient simulator with an integrated visual feedback mechanism to improve the light-curing skills of dental students. A total of 44 third-year dental students were randomly divided into a control group (n = 22) and a training group (n = 22). Both groups light-cured a simulated restoration in tooth 27 in a patient simulator (MARC Patient Simulator, BlueLight Analytics, Halifax, Canada) by using the same curing device for 10 s. Delivered irradiances were recorded in real time by the built-in spectrophotometer. After measuring the baseline irradiances for both groups, the training group received detailed light-curing instructions and hands-on training with immediate visual feedback using the patient simulator. The irradiance of the training group was re-measured after the training. Both groups then attended a 26-day preclinical course, which involved placing 30 composite restorations. Upon completion of this course, the light-curing performance of both groups was re-assessed. The data were statistically analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Friedman's ANOVA, and the Mann-Whitney U-test at an overall level of significance of α = 0.05. At baseline, the control and the training group delivered statistically similar irradiances with similar data scattering. In the training group, data scattering was considerably reduced after the hands-on training with the patient simulator. After the 26-day preclinical course, the irradiance of the training group was significantly higher and considerably less scattered compared to the control group. In conclusion, training with the patient simulator improved the light-curing performance of the dental students, mainly by helping them to deliver light energy more consistently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of different contamination media and cleaning regimens on the adhesion of resin cement to lithium disilicate ceramic. Methods: Specimens (IPS e.max CAD) (n=15 per group) were etched with 5% hydrofluoric acid gel. While half of the specimens were silanized after etching, the other half was left etched only. After contamination with either saliva or dental stone, they were further divided into four subgroups depending on the cleaning regimens: water rinsing only (WR), 80% ethanol (E), 37% phosphoric acid (PA), cleaning gel (CG). All specimens were re-silanized, coated with adhesive resin (Heliobond) and resin cement (Variolink II) was bonded. After thermocycling (5.000x, 5-55°C), ceramic-cement interface was loaded under shear (1 mm/minute) and failure types were classified. Data (MPa) were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA, Dunnett-T3 tests and Weibull moduli were calculated. Results: Saliva contamination (4.7±2.2-15.4±2.7) resulted in significantly lower bond strength compared to dental stone (17.8±4.8-23.6±2.7). Silanization before contamination showed protective effect especially for saliva (20.1±4.5-24.7±3.9) compared to non-silanized groups (4.7±2.2-15.4±2.7). Weibull modulus was the lowest for salivacontaminated groups after cleaning with WR (2.22, 5.01) or E (1.14, 5.77) without and with initial silanization, respectively. Adhesive failures (272 out of 285) were commonly observed in all groups. Saliva contamination decreased the adhesion of luting cement to lithium disilicate ceramic considerably more than dental stone contamination, but silanization prior to try-in prevented deterioration in adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the ability of experimental composite materials functionalized with two types of bioactive glass to precipitate apatite on their surface. Materials and Methods: Two series of experimental composite materials with bioactive glass were prepared. Four experimental composite materials were functionalized with 5, 10, 20, and 40 wt% of conventional bioactive glass 45S5. The other four experimental composite materials were functionalized with the corresponding amounts of a customized low-sodium fluoride-containing bioactive glass. The experimental composite material without bioactive glass (containing only 70 wt% of reinforcing fillers) was used as the negative control. Specimens of experimental composites (n = 3; d = 6 mm, h = 2 mm) were light-cured and immersed in phosphate-buffered saline at 37 °C. After 3 months of immersion, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analyses were performed. Results: Scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of a needle-like crystalline precipitate on the surfaces of the experimental composite materials with 10-40 wt% of the conventional and customized bioactive glass. On some micrographs, the precipitate was formed in cracks on the surface of the resin-rich layer. The materials with the highest amount of bioactive glass (40 wt%) were fully covered with the precipitate of uneven density. The energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis identified the main elements of apatite, Ca and P, on the surface of the experimental composite materials with 10-40 wt% of both types of bioactive glass. On the surface of the materials functionalized with the customized bioactive glass, fluorine was additionally identified, indicating the potential for fluorapatite precipitation. Conclusion: The experimental composite materials functionalized with the customized low-sodium fluoride-containing bioactive glass showed similar ability to form apatite on their surface as the materials with the conventional bioactive glass 45S5. The formation of apatite could be useful in clinical practice for sealing marginal gaps at the tooth/restoration interface. This study was funded by the Croatian Science Foundation (IP-2019-04-6183). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the potential of experimental resin composites functionalized with bioactive glasses for the precipitation of apatite on the material surface. Materials and Methods: Experimental composites were prepared by mixing 5-40 wt% of bioactive glass 45S5 or a low-sodium bioactive glass in a photocurable resin system. All composites contained a total filler content of 70 wt%. One composite containing only 70 wt% of inert fillers served as a negative control. The composites were light-cured (n = 3 per experimental group) and stored in phosphate-buffered saline at 37 °C for 3 months. After immersion, the composite samples were dried and their surfaces were analyzed using a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer with an attenuated total reflectance diamond accessory. Thirty scans per spectrum were acquired in absorbance mode in a spectral range of 3500-400 cm-1 and a resolution of 4 cm-1. Results: The Fourier-transform infrared spectra of the experimental composite surfaces showed spectral bands recognized as vibrations of functional groups of the resin system (C=O, C=C, C-H, C-O-C) or inorganic fillers (Si-O-Si). Apatite was identified from spectral bands at 560 and 600 cm-1 assigned to PO4 bending, which were clearly visible for the materials with 20 and 40 wt% of the conventional bioactive glass 45S5 or the low-sodium bioactive glass. For the materials with 10 wt% of bioactive glass, an inconclusive result was obtained because the low signal intensity at 560 and 600 cm-1 could not be distinguished with certainty from the spectrum of the control composite. For the composites with the lowest amount of bioactive glass (5 wt%), no traces of apatite were detected in the infrared spectra. Conclusion: The experimental composites containing 20-40 wt% of two types of bioactive glass were shown to precipitate apatite on their surface, which may be beneficial for sealing the marginal gap and preventing secondary caries. This study was supported by Croatian Science Foundation (IP-2019-04-6183). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]