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This study investigates the effect of ions released from S-PRG fillers on host-derived enzymatic degradation of dentin collagen matrices. Dentin beams (n=80) were demineralized and distributed to eight groups following baseline dry mass and total MMP activity assessments. Each group treated with boron, fluoride, sodium, silicone, strontium, aluminium, or S-PRG eluate solutions for 5 min. Untreated beams served as control. After pre-treatment, MMP activity was reassessed, beams were incubated in complete medium for 1 week, dry mass was reassessed. Incubation media were analyzed for MMP and cathepsin-K-mediated degradation fragments. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey's test. All pretreatment groups showed significant reduction in total MMP activity (p<0.05) that was sustainable after incubation in all groups except for boron and silicone groups (p<0.05). Cathepsin-K activity did not differ between control or treatment groups. The results indicated that ions released from S-PRG fillers have the potential to partly inhibit MMP-mediated endogenous enzymatic activity.

Objective: Dentin matrices release ICTP and CTX fragments during collagen degradation. ICTP fragments are known to be produced by MMPs. CTX fragments are thought to come from cathepsin K activity. The purpose of this study was to determine if quaternary methacrylates (QAMs) can inhibit matrix MMPs and cathepsins., Methods: Dentin beams were demineralizated, and dried to constant weight. Beams were incubated with rh-cathepsin B, K, L or S for 24h at pH 7.4 to identify which cathepsins release CTX at neutral pH. Beams were dipped in ATA, an antimicrobial QAM to determine if it can inhibit dentin matrix proteases. Other beams were dipped in another QAM (MDPB) to determine if it produced similar inhibition of dentin proteases., Results: Only beams incubated with cathepsin K lost more dry mass than the controls and released CTX. Dentin beams dipped in ATA and incubated for 1 week at pH 7.4, showed a concentration-dependent reduction in weight-loss. There was no change in ICTP release from control values, meaning that ATA did not inhibit MMPs. Media concentrations of CTX fell significantly at 15wt% ATA indicating that ATA inhibits capthesins. Beams dipped in increasing concentrations of MDPB lost progressively less mass, showing that MDPB is a protease-inhibitor. ICTP released from controls or beams exposed to low concentrations were the same, while 5 or 10% MDPB significantly lowered ICTP production. CTX levels were strongly inhibited by 2.5-10% MDPB, indicating that MDPB is a potent inhibitor of both MMPs and cathepsin K., Significance: CTX seems to be released from dentin matrix only by cathepsin K. MMPs and cathepsin K and B may all contribute to matrix degradation., (Copyright © 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dentine primer containing dual antibacterial agents, namely, 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB) and nanoparticles of silver (NAg), on dentine bond strength, dental plaque microcosm biofilm response, and fibroblast cytotoxicity for the first time., Methods: Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP) was used as the parent bonding agent. Four primers were tested: SBMP primer control (referred to as "P"), P+5% MDPB, P+0.05% NAg, and P+5% MDPB+0.05% NAg. Dentine shear bond strengths were measured using extracted human teeth. Biofilms from the mixed saliva of 10 donors were cultured to investigate metabolic activity, colony-forming units (CFU), and lactic acid production. Human fibroblast cytotoxicity of the four primers was tested in vitro., Results: Incorporating MDPB and NAg into primer did not reduce dentine bond strength compared to control (p>0.1). SEM revealed well-bonded adhesive-dentine interfaces with numerous resin tags. MDPB or NAg each greatly reduced biofilm viability and acid production, compared to control. Dual agents MDPB+NAg had a much stronger effect than either agent alone (p<0.05), increasing inhibition zone size and reducing metabolic activity, CFU and lactic acid by an order of magnitude, compared to control. There was no difference in cytotoxicity between commercial control and antibacterial primers (p>0.1)., Conclusions: The method of using dual agents MDPB+NAg in the primer yielded potent antibacterial properties. Hence, this method may be promising to combat residual bacteria in tooth cavity and invading bacteria at the margins. The dual agents MDPB+NAg may have wide applicability to other adhesives, composites, sealants and cements to inhibit biofilms and caries., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: It is difficult to make a definite diagnosis of a cracked tooth solely based on an inspection within the root canal, especially in case of microcracks. At present, there seems to be no established method to detect dentinal microcracks in roots; therefore, the current detection techniques need to be improved. Vibrothermography (VibroIR) helps to detect microcracks by the friction heat generated from ultrasonic vibration. The purpose of this study was to establish a novel method using VibroIR to detect dentinal microcracks., Methods: The root canals of 20 roots with cracks and control roots were prepared after removing the tooth crowns. A tapered indenter was inserted into the root canal and pressed until a microcrack was created under an optical microscope. Using VibroIR, the detection trials for dentinal microcracks were performed with an ultrasonic vibration power ranging from 0.43 to 1.48 W at an angle of 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° between the ultrasonic vibration point and the microcrack line. After the detection test, the microcrack width was measured with an optical microscope., Results: Frictional heat was detected in the microcracks with thermography at 0.89 to 1.48 W and at an ultrasonic vibration point angle less than 60° from the crack line for 10 seconds. Microcracks with a width of 4 to 35.5 μm were detected with this method., Conclusions: VibroIR may be an effective method for the diagnosis of root dentinal microcracks., (Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Tertiary dentin is deposited inside teeth after various stimuli and serves as a major defensive wall to preserve pulp cells. However, the molecular mechanisms of the activation of quiescent odontoblasts, immature pulp cells and tertiary dentin formation are still unclear. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive gene expression analysis of pulp cells after cavity preparation of 9-week-old rat molars to clarify the critical molecules in tertiary dentinogenesis. As a result, mRNA expression of various molecules was up- or down-regulated. Notably, several members of the matrix metalloprotease family and their endogenous inhibitors were up-regulated after cavity preparation. In situ hybridization showed that tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 1 (Timp1) was widely and continuously distributed in the pulp beneath the cavity in vivo. We also observed accumulation of β-catenin in the pulp cells beneath the cavity by fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, Timp1 transcription was repressed by a dominant-negative TCF4 in immature undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, but not altered in mature odontoblast-like cells. These results indicate that cavity preparation may activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and Timp1 may be correlatively involved in pulp repair. Timp1 might play crucial roles in reactivation of immature pulp cells for tertiary dentinogenesis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a coating material containing the surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler to protect the root from demineralization in vitro. The proprietary coating resin containing the S-PRG filler (PRG Barrier Coat) was applied to human root dentin and immersed in acid buffer at pH 4.5 for 3 d. Demineralization was evaluated by micro-CT scanning and the dentin-material interface observed by scanning electron microscopy. The ability of the coating resin to modify acid production by Streptococcus mutans was investigated by monitoring pH using an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor pH electrode. Application of PRG Barrier Coat produced a coating layer with the thickness of approximately 200 µm and completely inhibited demineralization. The bacteria-induced pH fall at the material surface was significantly inhibited. We conclude that S-PRG fillercontaining coating resin may be an effective material for protecting exposed root from both chemical and biological challenges.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different disinfection treatments--ozone and Nd:YAG laser application--on shear-bond strength (SBS) of self-etch adhesives to coronal and root dentin., Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted human canines were ground flat, exposing the coronal and root dentin surfaces, and randomly divided into three groups. The surfaces were untreated (Control) or treated with ozone (HealOzone, KaVo) or Nd:YAG laser (Fidelis III, Fotona). Coronal and root dentins of 10 teeth of each group were treated with a two-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray Medical; SE), whereas the remaining 10 teeth were treated with a one-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil Tri-S Bond, Kuraray Medical; S3). A resin composite (Clearfil Majesty Esthetics, Kuraray Medical) was then placed, and SBS was tested with a universal testing machine. Failure modes were determined under a stereomicroscope. The mean SBS values of each group were calculated, and data were subjected to statistical analysis (p = 0.05)., Results: For the coronal dentin, Control/SE showed significantly higher values than Control/S3, Ozone/S3, and Nd:YAG/S3. Although Ozone/SE showed significantly higher values than Nd:YAG/S3 (p < 0.05), the differences within the other groups were not significant for the root dentin (p > 0.05). Comparison of two dentin substrates in each group did not show any significant difference except for Control/SE, in which coronal dentin showed higher SBS. The failure modes of all groups were mainly adhesive., Conclusion: Pretreatments with Ozone or Nd:YAG laser did not impair the SBS of both of the self-etch adhesives used to coronal and root dentin.

Objectives: Dental tissue disease and trauma provides an excellent model for the interaction between tissue defence and regenerative processes and has application to many of the body's other tissues. Following dental tissue infection, characterised by caries, the molecular and cellular mediators of the immune/inflammatory processes clearly impact on the dental tissues' natural regenerative responses. This review of the literature was performed to better understand how these two processes interact and identify whether cross-talk may provide novel areas for future research and subsequent translation into clinical application., Data and Sources: A review of the literature was performed using the PubMed database resource and this was followed by extensive hand searching using reference lists from relevant articles., Conclusions: Frequently, the dental tissue inflammatory and regenerative processes are seen as both distinct and antagonistic and subsequently have often been studied in isolation; however, both direct and indirect data are now emerging which indicate significant inter-relationship. Whilst the ensuing inflammatory process will result in dental tissue breakdown and molecular signalling which may impede regeneration, low grade inflammation, potentially induced by mechanical trauma and tissue necrosis, may promote regenerative mechanisms, including angiogenic and stem cell processes. Notably, the locally derived growth factors, neuropeptides, cytokines and chemokines, released from the host dentine matrix and by resident pulpal cells, immune cells, neurons and/or dying cells, will modulate defence and repair processes within the tissue., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of light penetration and removal of smear layer on the adhesive properties of self-etching adhesives to root canal dentin when using fiber posts., Methods: Altogether 54 human incisors and premolars were decoronated, and the roots after preparing the post space were randomly assigned into six groups. Three groups were treated with a light-cured self-etching adhesive and the other three with a dual-cured self-etching adhesive. In a further sub-division, the first group was light-cured with an irradiation unit; the second was light-cured with the irradiation unit and a light-guiding attachment; and the third was light-cured with the irradiation unit and the attachment after removing smear layer by EDTA and NaOCl. Then, a glass-fiber post was luted into the post space by a dual-cured composite. After 24h, an hourglass-shaped specimen was trimmed and subjected to MTBS testing., Results: Using the light-guiding attachment and removing the smear layer reduced the incidence of pre-testing failure significantly from 57.1% to 19.0% (p<0.05) in the light-cured adhesive groups and from 68.3% to 3.2% (p<0.01) in the dual-cured adhesive groups. The MTBS in different locations within a post space were in the range from 8.9 to 17.5MPa in the light-cured group and from 11.2 to 17.2MPa in the dual-cured group., Significance: Better light penetration in post spaces and removal of the smear layer are effective in improving the adhesive properties of self-etching adhesives to root canal dentin when using fiber posts.

Objectives: This study examined the in vivo bonding ability to sound dentin of antibacterial adhesive systems incorporating an antibacterial monomer MDPB based on morphological evaluation of the resin-dentin interface., Methods: Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of the teeth of a beagle dog and a composite filling performed using (1) commercial self-etching system Liner Bond 2 (LB primer+LB bond), (2) experimental primer containing 5% MDPB and LB bond, (3) LB primer and experimental bonding-resin containing 2.5% MDPB, or (4) combination of experimental primer and bonding-resin. After 7 days, the tooth crown was cut and fixed in half-Karnovsky's solution, and the sectioned surface observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after treatment with phosphoric acid and NaOCl. The ultrastructure of the bonding interface was also examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Microtensile bond strengths (microTBS) of each group were measured using extracted teeth., Results: SEM demonstrated that all groups produced a 1-2microm thick hybrid layer with funnel shaped resin tags, although the length of tags was shorter for the group in which MDPB-containing bonding-resin was used. TEM examination supported good adhesion of the comprehensive adhesive system employing MDPB-containing primer/bonding-resin, showing integrity between resin and dentin. There were no significant differences in microTBS among the four groups tested (p>0.05, ANOVA)., Significance: This study confirmed that the experimental antibacterial adhesive systems employing MDPB-containing primer or/and bonding-resin could produce an effective bond under in vivo conditions.

The influence of endodontic irrigation on shear bond strengths of resin cement to radicular dentin was investigated. Human radicular dentin blocks were divided into four groups and subjected to one of four endodontic irrigations: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) group, 17% EDTA for 60 s; EDTA/sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) group, 17% EDTA for 60 s followed by 10 ml of 5% NaOCl for 15 s; NaOCl group, 10 ml of 5% NaOCl for 15 s; and control group, no treatment. Morphological changes of dentin surface after endodontic irrigation were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A resin block was bonded to the radicular dentin after irrigation using resin cement with either wet-bonding (Uni-Etch/One-Step; Bisco) or self-etching (Tyrian SPE/One-Step Plus; Bisco) adhesives. Shear bond strengths were measured and the penetration of resin tags into dentinal tubules at resin-dentin interface was observed by SEM. With the wet-bonding system, the shear bond strengths for the EDTA/NaOCl group, in which dentinal tubules openings and uniform resin tag penetration into dentinal tubules were observed, were significantly higher than the EDTA and control groups. With the self-etching system, the shear bond strengths were significantly lower in the EDTA group compared with the NaOCl and control groups. The effects of endodontic irrigation on the bonding of resin cement to radicular dentin depended on the dentin bonding system used.

This study examined the hypothesis that experimental primer containing the antibacterial monomer 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB), which was previously reported to show bactericidal effects in vitro, inhibits bacteria in cavities under in vivo conditions. The number of bacteria resulting from applying primer solution to cavities in dog teeth infected with Streptococcus mutans was determined. The infected cavities were also restored using primer and the pulp response was histopathologically examined after 7, 30 and 75 days. No bacteria were recovered after applying the experimental primer, although the bactericidal effects of the proprietary primer were insignificant. Restoration with the experimental primer resulted in little or no pulpal inflammation for all periods; whereas, mild to moderate inflammatory response was observed when using proprietary primer. These results indicate that the experimental primer containing MDPB could exhibit in vivo antibacterial effects, suggesting its possible clinical benefit.

Purpose: To compare the microtensile bond strength (microTBS) and the ultrastructure of resin-dentin interfaces of four self-etching systems that were applied to dentin with thick smear layers., Methods: Human third molars were ground with 180-grit silicon carbide papers to expose deep coronal dentin. A 3-mm vertical slit was made along the diameter of each tooth to fit a glass cover slip, dividing each tooth into two bonding surfaces. Two 2-step, self-etching primers (ABF experimental system and Imperva Fluoro Bond) and two single-step, self-etching adhesives (One-Up Bond F and AQ Bond) were examined. Adhesives were applied to one side of the teeth passively, and to the other side with continuous agitation for the same self-etching period. Incremental composite buildups were performed and beams with cross-sectional areas of 0.81 mm2 were prepared for microTBS evaluation. Demineralized, bonded specimens were processed for TEM examination., Results: Two-way ANOVA showed that both the adhesive type and the application mode significantly affected microTBS results. However, the interaction of these two factors was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). For each adhesive, agitation produced significantly higher microTBS than passive application. With passive application, all systems diffused through thick smear layers and formed thin hybrid layers in intact dentin. With continuous agitation, smear layers were completely dispersed or dissolved, and thicker hybrid layers with upstanding collagen fibrils were observed.

In this study, the penetration of three proprietary dentine-bonding agents (Prime & Bond 2.1, Single Bond, Liner Bond 2) and experimental dentine-bonding systems incorporating an antibacterial monomer, 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB), into artificial root caries lesions was evaluated, and the bactericidal activity of each material against Streptococcus mutans or Lactobacillus casei impregnated into demineralized dentine blocks was assessed. All of the commercial dentine-bonding agents were capable of penetrating into the artificial carious lesions to more than 150 microm. The depth of penetration of the experimental systems, which were based on Liner Bond 2, was not significantly different from that of their parent product. Liner Bond 2 primer exhibited the greatest bactericidal effects among the three proprietary dentine-bonding agents tested. Bactericidal activities of experimental primers containing MDPB were greater than those of any other products, and the application of 4% MDPB-containing primer resulted in complete killing of bacteria in demineralized dentine. The results indicate that the penetration of dentine-bonding agents into extensively demineralized root dentine is possible in vitro, and the experimental dentine-bonding systems containing the antibacterial monomer MDPB are capable of killing bacteria within demineralized dentine. This could be of benefit when managing root caries lesions.

This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of self-etching primers/adhesives by direct contact and dentin barrier tests. The three two-step self-etching systems Clearfil SE Bond (CSE), Clearfil Protect Bond (CPB), Prime&Bond NT/NRC (PB) and one-step self-etching systems Reactmer Bond (RB), Clearfil Tri-S Bond (CTS), and Adper Prompt L-Pop (AP) were examined. In direct contact tests, L929 cells were cultured in the presence of diluted solutions (50, 20, 10, and 1%) of primer/conditioner of adhesive systems. For dentin barrier tests, each system was applied onto 0.5 or 1.5 mm thick human dentin assembled in a simple pulp chamber device and incubated for 24 h at 37°C to make the diffusive components contact the L929 cells placed at the bottom of the chamber. The cytotoxic effects were assessed by MTT assay. Cell culture without application of any primers/adhesives served as the control for both tests. One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests were used for statistical analyses. The direct contact tests demonstrated that CSE and CPB were less toxic than the other materials at all dilutions. In the dentin barrier tests, toxic effects of materials were reduced with an increase in thickness of intervening dentin. CSE and CPB showed less cytotoxicity than the other adhesives (p<0.05) when applied to 0.5 mm-thick dentin, and CSE was the least toxic in the 1.5 mm-dentin group (p<0.05). Dentin thickness positively affected biocompatibility of the tested bonding systems. Two-step self-etching systems with HEMA-based primers were more biocompatible than other self-etching adhesives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resin-dentin bonds are not as durable as was previously thought. Microtensile bond strengths often fall 30% to 40% in 6 to 12 months. The cause of this poor durability is a combination of the activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) by weak acids such as lactic acid released by caries-producing bacteria, and acid-etchants used in adhesive bonding systems. These acids uncover and activate matrix-bound MMPs. The other contributing factor is incomplete resin infiltration. If all exposed collagen fibrils were enveloped by resin, the MMPs would not have free access to water, an obligatory requirement of these enzymes. Recently, several inhibitors of MMPs have been added to adhesive primers. Examples include chlorhexidine (CHX), benzalkonium chloride (BAC), and MDPB, an antibacterial monomer used in a two-step self-etching primer adhesive. The advantage of MDPB over CHX and BAC is that it polymerizes with adhesive resins and cannot leach from the hybrid layer. This is an example of what can be termed a "therapeutic adhesive system" that provides anti-MMP activity along with antibacterial qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Polyphasic calcium phosphates (Poly-CaP), a complex of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and soluble calcium phosphates including α-tricalcium phosphate and tetracalcium phosphate, demonstrate promoting effects on hard tissue formation by osteoblasts. We hypothesized that a Poly-CaP block with a soluble calcium phosphates phase on one side and an insoluble HAp phase on the other side is useful for vital pulp therapy as it may promote dentin regeneration and provide the surface effective to achieve sealing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Poly-CaP as a direct pulp capping material by examining the Ca-release profile, the in vivo ability to induce reparative dentinogenesis, and the bonding of HAp surface with adhesive systems. Methods: Poly-CaP prepared by annealing crude HAp disc was immersed in buffer solution at pH 7.4 or 4.0, and the concentration of Ca released was measured until 15 days. The pulp of 9-week-old Wister rat molar was exposed and capped with Poly-CaP or HAp block, and dentin bridge formation and pulpal inflammation was evaluated histopathologically after 2 or 4 weeks. Etch & rinse or self-etching adhesive was bonded to HAp surface, and the interface was observed using SEM. Results: Poly-CaP exhibited continuous release of Ca with significantly greater amount than HAp at both pH conditions (P <0.05, Student''s t-test). Animal tests demonstrated formation of complete dentin bridge at higher rate for Poly-CaP compared with HAp after 4 weeks (P <0.05, Steel–Dwass test). Impregnation of resin into etched HAp surface, with production of intimate contact at the bonding interface, was seen for all adhesives. Conclusions: Poly-CaP is a potentially useful material for direct pulp capping with the advantages to promote dentin bridge formation and to provide tight sealing by adhesives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to compare the bonding ability of single-step self-etching adhesives with different degrees of etching aggressiveness to root dentin. Composite restorations were placed on sound or caries-affected root dentin using a "strong" (Adper Prompt L-Pop, Absolute) or "mild" (Clearfil Tri-S Bond, Reactmer Bond) system. Immediately after restoration placement and after 24-hour storage in distilled water, the bonding interface was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Microtensile bond strength (MTBS) on sound root dentin was also measured with each storage condition. The adhesives with strong etching aggressiveness demonstrated interfacial integrity immediately after restoration and also after 24 hours of storage. Conversely, the "mild" adhesives showed debonding immediately after restoration. There were no statistical differences in MTBS among the four systems, nor between the two storage periods for each material. For restorations on root dentin using single-step adhesives, "strong" systems were thus recommended as they favorably produced a stable bond since the early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: Since atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) involves removal of carious lesions with manual instruments, improvement of filling materials to guarantee greater success should be considered. This study aimed to evaluate antibacterial, physical, and bonding properties of glass-ionomer cements (GIC) containing chlorhexidine (CHX), and to determine optimal concentrations for incorporation of agents to obtain antibacterial GICs for use with the ART approach. Methods: CHX diacetate combined with CHX dihydrochloride was added to control GIC powder to obtain concentration ratios of 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 1/1, or 2/2% w/w. Antibacterial activity of each cement against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei or Actinomyces naeslundii was examined using agar-diffusion methods, and release of CHX was analyzed by HPLC. Compressive strength, bond strength to dentin, and setting time were measured, and compared with those of control samples. Results: All experimental GICs exhibited inhibition of three bacteria, but sizes of inhibition zones and concentrations of CHX released were not dependent upon CHX content. Incorporation of CHX diacetate at 2% or greater, significantly decreased compressive strength, and bond strength to dentin was adversely affected by addition of CHX diacetate at 2% or more (p<0.05, ANOVA, Fisher''s PLSD test), although setting time was extended a little by addition of any concentrations of CHX. Significance: The present results demonstrate that experimental GICs containing CHX are effective in inhibiting bacteria associated with caries, and incorporation of 1% CHX diacetate is optimal to give appropriate physical and bonding properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To compare the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and the ultrastructure of resin-dentin interfaces of four self-etching systems that were applied to dentin with thick smear layers. Methods: Human third molars were ground with ISO-grit silicon carbide papers to expose deep coronal dentin. A 3-mm vertical slit was made along the diameter of each tooth to fit a glass cover slip, dividing each tooth into two bonding surfaces. Two 2-step, self-etching primers (ABF experimental system and Imperva Fluoro Bond) and two single-step, self-etching adhesives (One-Up Bond F and AQ Bond) were examined. Adhesives were applied to one side of the teeth passively, and to the other side with continuous agitation for the same self-etching period. Incremental composite buildups were performed and beams with cross-sectional areas of 0.81 mm² were prepared for µTBS evaluation. Demineralized, bonded specimens were processed for TEM examination, Results: Two-way ANOVA showed that both the adhesive type and the application mode significantly affected µTBS results. However, the interaction of these two factors was not statistically significant (P> 0.05) Pot each adhesive, agitation produced significantly higher µTBS than passive application. With passive application, all systems diffused through thick smear layers and formed thin hybrid layers in intact dentin. With continuous agitation, smear layers were completely dispersed or dissolved, and thicker hybrid Layers with upstanding collagen fibrils were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of the calcium phosphate precipitation (CPP) method as a treatment for dentin hypersensitivity using vital teeth of beagle dogs. Also, gingival tissue response to two types of CPP methods was examined histologically. Materials and Methods: Dentin tubules of the dogs' vital teeth were exposed by shallow cavity preparation followed by etching with 50% citric acid to simulate the condition of hypersensitive dentin. After CPP treatment was applied to the vital tooth, the dentin surface and longitudinal sections were observed by SEM to evaluate the occluding ability of the CPP method. The precipitate was also analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis to obtain compositional information. The gingival tissue before and after CPP method was examined histologivally with light microscopy. Results: Dentin tubules were occluded homogeneously and completely with an apatitic mineral after application of the CPP treatment in vital teeth. However, the depth of the precipitate in dentin tubules from the dentin surface was approximately half that seen in extracted teeth. No histological change was observed in gingival tissues when NaHCO3 was used as a post-treatment solution of the CPP method, whereas another CPP method using NaOH solution resulted in atrophy and degeneration of the epithelium of gingival tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The induction of tissue mineralization and the mechanism by which surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) cement influences pulpal healing remain unclear. We evaluated S-PRG cement-induced tertiary dentin formation in vivo, and its effect on the pulp cell healing process in vitro. Induced tertiary dentin formation was evaluated with micro-computed tomography (μCT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The distribution of elements from the S-PRG cement in pulpal tissue was confirmed by micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF). The effects of S-PRG cement on cytotoxicity, proliferation, formation of mineralized nodules, and gene expression in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were assessed in vitro. μCT and SEM revealed that S-PRG induced tertiary dentin formation with similar characteristics to that induced by hydraulic calcium-silicate cement (ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)). μXRF showed Sr and Si ion transfer into pulpal tissue from S-PRG cement. Notably, S-PRG cement and MTA showed similar biocompatibility. A co-culture of hDPSCs and S-PRG discs promoted mineralized nodule formation on surrounding cells. Additionally, S-PRG cement regulated the expression of genes related to osteo/dentinogenic differentiation. MTA and S-PRG regulated gene expression in hDPSCs, but the patterns of regulation differed. S-PRG cement upregulated CXCL-12 and TGF-β1 gene expression. These findings showed that S-PRG and MTA exhibit similar effects on dental pulp through different mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dentine primer containing dual antibacterial agents, namely, 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB) and nanoparticles of silver (NAg), on dentine bond strength, dental plaque microcosm biofilm response, and fibroblast cytotoxicity for the first time. Methods: Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP) was used as the parent bonding agent. Four primers were tested: SBMP primer control (referred to as ''P''), P + 5% MDPB, P + 0.05% NAg, and P + 5% MDPB + 0.05% NAg. Dentine shear bond strengths were measured using extracted human teeth. Biofilms from the mixed saliva of 10 donors were cultured to investigate metabolic activity, colony-forming units (CFU), and lactic acid production. Human fibroblast cytotoxicity of the four primers was tested in vitro. Results: Incorporating MDPB and NAg into primer did not reduce dentine bond strength compared to control ( p > 0.1). SEM revealed well-bonded adhesive-dentine interfaces with numerous resin tags. MDPB or NAg each greatly reduced biofilm viability and acid production, compared to control. Dual agents MDPB + NAg had a much stronger effect than either agent alone ( p < 0.05), increasing inhibition zone size and reducing metabolic activity, CFU and lactic acid by an order of magnitude, compared to control. There was no difference in cytotoxicity between commercial control and antibacterial primers ( p > 0.1). Conclusions: The method of using dual agents MDPB + NAg in the primer yielded potent antibacterial properties. Hence, this method may be promising to combat residual bacteria in tooth cavity and invading bacteria at the margins. The dual agents MDPB + NAg may have wide applicability to other adhesives, composites, sealants and cements to inhibit biofilms and caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]