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The aim of this study was to evaluate the color stability and the surface roughness of different composites brushed with toothpastes presenting different levels of abrasivity. Thirty discs of each material were obtained using michohybrid composites (Brilliant NG and Charisma Diamond) and a nanocomposite (Filtek Z350XT). The initial color (CIELab) and surface roughness (confocal laser scanning microscopy) of resin discs were evaluated. Afterwards, 10 specimens per group were brushed with the following dentifrices: Maximum Cavity Protection, Sensodyne Repair & Protect and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief. Brushing was performed with an electric toothbrush equipped with soft bristle head, with standard power and weight, for 30 minutes. Every 30 seconds, 1.0 ml of the slurry was injected between the bristles of the brush and the specimen. After abrasive challenge, the samples had their color and roughness reevaluated. Data were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test (color change) or the t-test (surface roughness). The level of significance was 5%. Results: Brushing did not significantly change the color of the composites tested in the study herein . On the other hand, the surface roughness of the composites was significantly affected by the abrasive challenge, regardless of the toothpaste used. The surface roughness change was similar for all the composites. The abrasive challenge with the toothpastes Maximum Cavity protection, Sensodyne Repair & Protect and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief was not able to significantly change the color of the composite resins. Nevertheless, the abrasive challenges significantly altered the surface roughness of all the evaluated composites. However, the changes in surface roughness were statistically similar in the microhybrid and nanofilled composites. Keywords: Composites Resins. Dentifrices. Color. ResumoO objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estabilidade de cor e a rugosidade superficial de diferentes resinas compostas escovadas com dentifrícios de diferentes níveis de abrasividade. Trinta discos de cada material foram obtidos utilizando compósitos micro-híbridos (Brilliant NG e Charisma Diamond) e um nanocompósito (Filtek Z350XT). A cor inicial (CIELab) e a rugosidade superficial (microscopia confocal de varredura a laser) dos discos de resina foram avaliadas. Em seguida, 10 amostras por grupo foram escovadas com os dentifrícios Máxima Proteção Anticáries, Sensodyne Repair & Protect e Colgate Sensitive Pro-Alívio. A escovação foi realizada com uma escova elétrica com cabeça de cerdas macias, com potência e peso padronizados, durante 30 minutos. A cada 30 segundos, 1,0 ml da pasta era injetada entre as cerdas da escova e a amostra. Após o desafio abrasivo, as amostras tiveram sua cor e rugosidade reavaliadas. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis (alteração de cor) ou ao teste t (rugosidade da superfície) (α=5%). A escovação não alterou significativamente a cor dos compósitos. Por outro lado, a rugosidade superficial dos compósitos foi significativamente afetada pelo desafio abrasivo, independentemente do dentifrício utilizado. A alteração da rugosidade superficial foi semelhante para todos os compósitos. O desafio abrasivo com a Máxima Proteção Anticáries, o Sensodyne Repair & Protect e o Colgate Sensitive Pro-Alívio não foi capaz de alterar significativamente a cor das resinas. Diferentemente, os desafios abrasivos alteraram significativamente a rugosidade superficial de todos os compósitos avaliados. No entanto, as mudanças na rugosidade foram estatisticamente semelhantes nos compósitos micro-híbridos e nanoparticulado. Palavras-chave: Resinas Compostas. Dentifrícios. Cor.

The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser associated or not to a desensitizing agent in the treatment of erosive lesions. Forty specimens with dimensions of 4mm x 4mm and 3mm thickness were divided into 4 groups (n = 10): G1- no treatment; G2- 5% fluoride varnish; G3- Er,Cr: YSGG; G4 - fluoride varnish + laser. The specimens were immersed in erosive drink 3 times a day for 1 minute with an average interval of 2 hours between cycles for a period of 10 days. The treatments were performed according to the groups and the surface roughness and the wear profile were analyzed by scanning confocal microscopy. The normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) and homogeneity (Levene's) of the tests were evaluated. After these analyzes, the surface roughness data were submitted to the statistical analysis of Variance Analysis (ANOVA). All tests adopted a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05). At the representative images of the wear profile, the morphology of bovine dental enamel in its control and eroded areas were compared and qualitatively discussed. As regard surface roughness, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The qualitative analysis of the loss of volume showed that all experimental groups showed significant superficial morphology differences. Considering the limitations of an in vitro study, it can be concluded that the treatments performed were not able to treat dental erosion satisfactorily, indicating the need for more treatment sessions. Keywords: Tooth Erosion. Dental Enamel. Fluoride. YSGG Laser. ResumoO objetivo desse estudo in vitro foi avaliar a influência do laser Er,Cr:YSGG associado ou não a um agente dessensibilizante no tratamento de lesões erosivas. Foram confeccionados 40 espécimes com dimensões de 4mm x 4mm e 3mm de espessura, divididos em 4 grupos (n=10): G1- nenhum tratamento; G2- verniz fluoretado 5%; G3- aplicação do laser Er,Cr:YSGG; G4- verniz fluoretado + laser. Os espécimes foram imersos em bebida erosiva, 3 vezes por dia, durante 1 minuto, com intervalo médio de 2 horas entre os ciclos, por um período de 10 dias. Os tratamentos foram realizados de acordo com os grupos e que foram analisados a rugosidade superficial e o perfil de desgaste por meio de microscopia confocal de varredura. Avaliou-se a normalidade (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) e homogeneidade (Levene’s) dos dados. Após estas análises, os dados de rugosidade superficial foram submetidos ao teste estatístico de Análise de Variância (ANOVA). Todos os testes adotaram nível de significância de 5% (α=0,05). Através da obtenção das imagens representativas do perfil desgaste, a morfologia do esmalte dental bovino em suas áreas controle e erodida foram comparadas e qualitativamente discutidas. Quanto à rugosidade superficial, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos. A análise qualitativa da perda de volume mostrou que todos os grupos experimentais apresentaram diferenças significativas na morfologia superficial. Considerando as limitações de um estudo in vitro pode-se concluir que os tratamentos realizados não foram capazes de tratar a erosão dentária de forma satisfatória, indicando a necessidade de mais sessões de tratamento. Palavras-chave: Erosão dentária. Esmalte dental. Flúor. Laser de YSGG.

This study evaluated how Er,Cr:YSGG laser, associated or not with 5% fluoride varnish, influences the surface roughness and volume loss of bovine root dentin submitted to erosive and/or abrasive wear. One hundred and twenty dentin specimens were divided into the groups: without preventive treatment (WPT), 5% fluoride varnish (FV); Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation (L), and varnish combined with laser (FV + L). The specimens (n = 10) were subdivided into: 1 = erosion (E); 2 = abrasion (A); and 3 = erosion followed by abrasion (E + A). The erosive solution used was a soft-drink (pH = 2.42 at 4ºC) applied in 5-min cycles twice a day for 10d. Abrasive wear involved brushing for 60s with an electric brush (1,600-oscillations/s) at a load of 2.0N. Surface roughness and volume loss were evaluated using a laser scanning confocal microscope. Roughness data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test. For volume loss, the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s post-hoc tests were used (α = 5%). The lowest values of roughness were found in the control areas of all subgroups (p > 0.05). In the experimental area, the [(WPT) + (E+A)] subgroup had a significantly higher roughness (5.712 ± 0.163 μm 2 ) than the other subgroups (p < 0.05). The L and (FV + L) groups had statistically similar roughness, regardless of the type of wear. The (FV + L) group had the lowest volume loss, regardless of the type of wear performed: [(FV + L) + (E)] = 7.5%, [(FV + L) + (A) = 7.3%, and [(FV + L) + (E + A)] = 8.1%. The subgroup [(WPT) + (E + A)] had the highest volume loss (52.3%). The proposed treatments were effective in controlling dentin roughness. Laser irradiation can be an effective method to increase root dentin resistance after challenges and limit problems related to non-carious lesions.

The treatments for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) may change the surface roughness of the root dentin, which can lead to biofilm accumulation, increasing the risk of root caries. The aim was to compare the surface roughness of root dentin after different treatments of DH and the biofilm formation on those surfaces. After initial surface roughness (Sa) assessment, 50 bovine root fragments received the following treatments (n = 10): G 1—no treatment; G2—5% sodium fluoride varnish; G3—professional application of a desensitizing dentifrice; G4—toothbrushing with a desensitizing dentifrice; and G5—diode laser application (908 nm; 1.5 W, 20 s). The Sa was reevaluated after treatments. Afterward, all samples were incubated in a suspension of Streptococcus mutans at 37 °C for 24 h. The colony-forming units (CFU) were counted using a stereoscope, and the results were expressed in CFU/mL. The one-way ANOVA and the Tukey’s tests compared the roughness data and the results obtained on the bacterial adhesion test (α = 5%). G2 (2.3 ± 1.67%) showed similar Sa variation than G1 (0.25 ± 0.41%) and G5 (5.69 ± 0.99%), but different from group G3 (9.05 ± 2.39%). Group 4 showed the highest Sa variation (30.02 ± 3.83%; p

Early diagnosis of white spot lesions allows non-invasive treatment to be indicated for the remineralization of active lesions. The goal was to report the clinical Protocol for the treatment of white spot lesion of a patient by the technique of resin infiltration, observing whether there is change of color on the white spot of the dental enamel after its treatment. The selected patient was 16 years old with good overall health, who featured white spot lesion of the dental enamel on tooth 13, classified as ICDAS score 2. The tooth was photographed, and its color was evaluated with the spectrophotometer in accordance with the CIELhC system. For comparison purposes, the color of tooth enamel in an area adjacent to the lesion was evaluated. The treatment of the lesion was performed with the resin infiltrate Icon (DMG, Hamburg, Germany), following the manufacturer's instructions. The color of the tooth was re-evaluated after the application of the resin infiltrate. At the end of the procedure, it was observed that the treatment of white spot lesion by resin infiltration technique reached its goal because, in addition to being minimally invasive, it was highly approved by patient and it provided the masking of the white spot lesion on the dental enamel. Keywords: Dental Caries. Dental Enamel. Composite Resins. ResumoO diagnóstico precoce de lesões de mancha branca permite que um tratamento não invasivo seja indicado para a remineralização das lesões ativas. O objetivo foi relatar o protocolo clínico para tratamento de lesão de mancha branca ativa de um paciente pela técnica do infiltrante resinoso, observando se existe alteração de cor da mancha branca do esmalte dental após o seu tratamento. Foi selecionada uma paciente, de 16 anos de idade, com boa saúde geral e que apresentava lesão de mancha branca no esmalte dental do dente 13, classificada pelo escore 2 do ICDAS. O dente foi fotografado e sua cor foi avaliada com o espectrofotômetro de acordo com o sistema CIELhC. Para fins de comparação, foi avaliada a cor do esmalte dental em uma área adjacente à lesão. O tratamento da lesão foi realizado com a resina infiltrante Icon (DMG, Hamburgo, Alemanha), seguindo as recomendações do fabricante. A cor do dente foi reavaliada após a aplicação do infiltrante. Ao final do procedimento, observou-se que o tratamento da lesão de mancha branca pela técnica da resina infiltrante atingiu seu objetivo pois, além de ter sido minimamente invasiva, foi bem avaliada pela paciente e proporcionou o mascaramento da lesão de mancha branca do esmalte dental. Palavras-chave: Cárie Dentária. Esmalte Dentário. Resinas Compostas.

Context: The knowledge of the reasons for the placement of direct restorations makes possible to trace an epidemiological profile of a specific population and to direct the teaching of dentistry to techniques that are commonly used today and will be continued performed in the future. Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify the reasons for placement and replacement of direct restorations in patients treated in the Dental Clinic of the Uberaba University - Brazil. Materials and Methods: This study evaluated 306 restorative procedures carried out on 60 patients. During the treatment planning, a form that contained information about the patient′s gender, tooth number, the classification of restorations, the reasons for placement and replacement of amalgam and tooth-colored restorations, the material that had to be removed and the new material used to fill the cavities was filled for each patient. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square test (α = 0.05). Results: The data showed that most of the patients were female (66.7%). Of all the restorations placed, 60.45% were 1 st -time placements, while 39.55% were replacements. For 1 st -time restorations, the main reason for placement was primary caries (76.76%), followed by non-carious cervical lesions (15.14%). The amalgam restorations were replaced more frequently (67.77%). The primary reason for replacements was the presence of secondary caries (for both previous amalgam (42.68%) and composite (66.67%) restorations (P < 0.05). The resin composite was the most indicated material for the new restorations (98.04%) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The main reason for placement of direct restorations was primary caries, while secondary caries was the main reason for replacements. In almost all cases, the material used to fill the cavities was the resin composite.

The use of erbium lasers to prevent caries in enamel has shown positive results. However, it is not known if Er,Cr:YSGG laser can also be used to increase acid resistance of root dentine, which is another dental tissue susceptible to the action of cariogenic bacteria. Objective: To analyze the effects of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser (λ=2.78 μm, 20 Hz) irradiation associated with 2% neutral sodium fluoride (NaF) to prevent root dentin demineralization. Material and Methods: One hundred human root dentin samples were divided into 10 groups (G) and treated as follows: G1: no treatment; G2: NaF; G3: laser (4.64 J/cm2) with water cooling (WC=5.4 mL/min); G4: laser (4.64 J/cm2) without WC; G5: laser (8.92 J/cm2) with WC; G6: laser (8.92 J/cm2) without WC; G7: laser (4.64 J/cm2) with WC and NaF; G8: laser (4.64 J/cm2) without WC and NaF; G9: laser (8.92 J/cm2) with WC and NaF; G10: laser (8.92 J/cm2) without WC and NaF. The NaF gel was applied alone or after 4 min of irradiation. After 14 days of acid challenge, the samples were sectioned and the Knoop microhardness (KHN) test was done at different depths (30, 60, 90 and 120 μm) from the outer dentin surface. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Fisher’s test (α=5%). Results: The results showed that G8 and G10 presented higher KHN than the G1 for the depths of 30 and 60 μm, indicating an increase of the acid resistance of the dentin in up to 35% (p

Summary This research analyzed the influence of bur and erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser caries removal on cavity characteristics and marginal seal of composite resin restorations. One hundred and forty human dental root samples were used. After in vitro root caries induction using Streptococcus mutans, the carious lesions were removed either by a conventional technique using burs (G1=control) or by using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser (λ=2.78 μm, 20 Hz, pulse duration≅140 μs, noncontact mode using a 600-μm tip) with the following power outputs: G2: 1.0 W; G3: 1.25 W; G4: 1.5 W; G5: 1.75 W; G6: 2.0 W; G7: 2.25 W; G8: 2.5 W; G9: 2.75 W; G10: 3.0 W; G11: 3.25 W; G12: 3.5 W; G13: 3.75 W; and G14: 4.0 W. Samples in the 14 groups (n=10) were conditioned with Clearfil SE Bond and restored with a flowable composite. They were then thermocycled (1000 cycles) and immersed into a 2% methylene blue solution for microleakage analysis. The data were statistically compared (analysis of variance or Spearman correlation tests; p≤0.05). The lased groups showed significantly greater microleakage indexes, cavity depths, and presence of residual caries than did those of the control group. There was a strong positive correlation between residual caries and microleakage. The results indicate that Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation is not a good alternative to the use of burs for root caries removal since it may cause a significant loss of marginal sealing in composite resin restorations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation on the acid resistance of dental enamel. Forty human enamel samples were divided into four groups. They were manually irradiated with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser device (λ = 2.78 µm, 20 Hz, 20 s), in a scanning mode, with and without water cooling, according to the following parameters: Group 1: 0.25 W, 62.5 J/cm(2), no water cooling; group 2: 0.25 W, 62.5 J/cm(2), 5.0 ml/min; group 3: 0.5 W, 125 J/cm(2), no water cooling; group 4: 0.5 W, 125 J/cm(2), 5.0 ml/min. No airflow was used. Afterwards, the samples were submitted to an acid challenge and assessed by cross-sectional Knoop microhardness at different depths (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µm) from the outer enamel surface. Average values were obtained for both irradiated and control areas in each sample and they were compared to obtain a percentage of microhardness increase. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Fisher's exact test (α = 5%). The percentage of microhardness increase observed in group 1 (+23.58%) was similar to group 3 (+19.12%), but higher than groups 2 (+3.61%) and 4 (10.9%) (p0.05). The comparison of the depths showed that the Er,Cr:YSGG laser acted in the superficial layers of the dental enamel. The findings of the present study suggest that the energy densities of 62.5 and 125 J/cm(2) were capable of increasing the acid resistance of human enamel. The presence of water during irradiation makes it difficult to obtain an enamel surface more resistant to acids.

O objetivo deste trabalho in vitro foi avaliar a influência de diferentes agentes remineralizantes no tratamento de lesões erosivas em esmalte. Foram confeccionados espécimes de 4mmx4mm e 3 mm de espessura a partir da superfície vestibular de incisivos bovinos (n=10) e divididos aleatoriamente em 4 grupos. G1=aplicação do dentifrício remineralizante, G2= aplicação do agente potencializador remineralizante, G3= dentifrício remineralizante + agente potencializador remineralizante, G4=aplicação de verniz fluoretado (controle positivo), G5=nenhum tratamento (controle negativo). Os espécimes foram imersos em refrigerante durante um período de 10 dias. A rugosidade superficial foi analisada por meio de microscopia confocal de varredura a laser. Os dados foram analisados quanto à homogeneidade (Levene’s) e normalidade (Kolmogorov- Smirnov). Foram realizados testes paramétricos com análise de variância a dois critérios: fator tempo e fator tratamento, e pós-teste de Tukey para diferenciação das médias. Todos os testes estatísticos tiveram nível de significância de 5% (α=0,05). Os resultados obtidos mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significantes, demonstrando a redução da rugosidade da superfície do esmalte logo após o primeiro tratamento (G3) e para os demais grupos (G1, G2 e G4) somente após o segundo tratamento. Concluiu-se que a utilização de dentifrício composto por silicato de cálcio e fosfato de sódio influenciou na rugosidade do esmalte erodido do dente bovino.Palavras-chave: Dentifrícios. Erosão Dentária. Esmalte Dentário.Abstract The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of different remineralizing agents in the treatment of enamel erosive lesions. Specimens of 4mmx4mm and 3mm thickness were made from the buccal surface of bovine incisors (n=10) and randomly divided into 4 groups. G1 = application of the remineralizing dentifrice, G2 = application of the remineralizing agent, G3 = remineralizing dentifrice + remineralizing agente, G4 = application of fluoride varnish (positive control), G5 = no treatment Specimens were immersed in refrigerant solution during a period of 10 days. The surface roughness was analyzed by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy. The data were analyzed for homogeneity (Levene's) and normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov). Parametric tests with analysis of variance were performed on two criteria: time factor and treatment factor, and Tukey post-test for differentiation of means. All tests were statistically significant at 5% (α = 0.05). The results showed statistically significant difference, demonstrating the reduction of surface roughness after the first treatment (G3) and the other groups (G1, G2 and G4) only after the second treatment. It was concluded that the use of dentifrice composed of calcium silicate and sodium phosphate influenced the roughness of the eroded tooth enamel of the bovine tooth.Keywords: Dentifrices. Tooth Erosion. Tooth Enamel.

This study aimed to analyze in vitro inhibitory effects of restorative materials containing the antibacterial monomer 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB) on the formation of artificial secondary root caries lesions.Class V cavities (2mmx2mm) were prepared in 75 human root fragments. Specimens were randomly divided into five groups (n=15 fragments per group) and restored as follows: (I) MDPB-free adhesive system+MDPB-free composite (negative control); (II) resin modified glass ionomer (RM-GIC; positive control); (III) MDPB-free adhesive system+MDPB-containing composite (2.83% MDPB); (IV) MDPB-containing adhesive system+MDPB-free composite; (V) MDPB-containing adhesive system+MDPB-containing composite. Artificial secondary root caries lesions were produced by a biological artificial caries challenge. The restored specimens were immersed into a culture medium containing Streptococcus mutans and sucrose for 15 days. Histological slices (80+/-20 microm) of the specimens were used for measuring the mean depths of the artificial lesions produced in both margins of the restorations using polarized light microscopy. Results were expressed in percentage related to the mean depth of the negative control, considered 100%. Data were compared by ANOVA followed by the Tukey's test (por =0.05).The depths of lesions adjacent to cavities filled with RM-GIC (GII; 85.17+/-15.2%) were significantly (p0.01) shallower than those adjacent to restorations with MDPB-free composite (GI; 100.00+/-10.04%), despite the presence of MDPB in the adhesive system (GIV; 101.95+/-21.32%). The depths of lesions adjacent to cavities restored with MDPB-containing composite (GIII; 82.68+/-12.81% and GV; 85.65+/-15.42%), despite the adhesive system used, were similar to those of RM-GIC (GII). Mean lesions depths in these groups decreased from 13% (GV) to 17% (GIII) in relation to the negative control (GI).MDPB-containing composite inhibits the progression of artificial secondary root caries lesions regardless of adhesive systems.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diode laser and a desensitizing dentifrice on dentin permeability. Fifty-two root dentin fragments were obtained (5 × 5mm) and treated with 24% EDTA gel. The samples were divided into 4 groups (n = 13): G1, control (no treatment); G2, diode laser (λ = 908 nm, 1.5 W, continuous mode, 20s); G3, application of abrasive dentifrice for 1 minute (Elmex Sensitive Professional (International Gaba); and G4, application of abrasive dentifrice for 1 minute followed by irradiation with diode laser. Ten samples per group were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for 4h. The specimens were washed, longitudinally sectioned, observed under optical microscopy, photographed and assessed based on the degree of dye leakage. The remaining samples were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The leakage data were subjected to ANOVA test, followed by Tukey’s t-test (α = 5%). Groups 2, 3 and 4 showed less dye penetration than the control group (p < 0.05), but were similar among each other. SEM images showed that dentinal tubules were open in G1, and fused and occluded in G2. Group 3 showed dentinal tubules that were occluded by the metal ions from the toothpaste. G4 presented similar characteristics to G3, and the presence of fused dentin. The diode laser and the dentifrice were effective in reducing dentinal permeability, and the combination of the two treatments did not show better results than either one used alone.

SUMMARY The aim of the current study was to assess the acid demineralization susceptibility of bleached dental enamel submitted to different fluoride regimens. One hundred bovine enamel blocks (6×6×3 mm) were randomly divided into 10 groups (n=10). Groups 1 and 2 received no bleaching. Groups 3 to 6 were submitted to an at-home bleaching technique using 6% hydrogen peroxide (HP; G3 and G4) or 10% carbamide peroxide (CP; G5 and G6). Groups 7 to 10 were submitted to an in-office bleaching technique using 35% HP (G7 and G8) or 35% CP (G9 and G10). During bleaching, a daily fluoridation regimen of 0.05% sodium fluoride (NaF) solution was performed on groups 3, 5, 7, and 9, while weekly fluoridation with a 2% NaF gel was performed on groups 4, 6, 8, and 10. The samples in groups 2 to 10 were pH cycled for 14 consecutive days. The samples from all groups were then assessed by cross-sectional Knoop microhardness at different depths from the outer enamel surface. The average Knoop hardness numbers (KHNs) were compared using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (α=0.05). The comparison between groups 1 and 2 showed that the demineralization method was effective. The comparison among groups 2 to 6 showed the same susceptibility to acid demineralization, regardless of the fluoridation method used. However, the samples from groups 8 and 10 showed more susceptibility to acid demineralization when compared with group 2 (p

In this study we compared the microleakage of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorations following the use of different methods of root caries removal. In vitro root caries were induced in 75 human root dentin samples that were divided in five groups of 15 each according to the method used for caries removal: in group 1 spherical carbide burs at low speed were used, in group 2 a hand-held excavator was used, and in groups 3 to 5 an Er,Cr:YSGG laser was used at 2.25 W, 40.18 J/cm(2) (group 3), 2.50 W, 44.64 J/cm(2) (group 4) and 2.75 W, 49.11 J/cm(2) (group 5). The air/water cooling during irradiation was set to 55%/65% respectively. All cavities were filled with GIC. Five samples from each group were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the other ten samples were thermocycled and submitted to a microleakage test. The data obtained were compared by ANOVA followed by Fisher's test (p≤0.05). Group 4 showed the lowest microleakage index (56.65 6.30; p

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate some parameters of dental etching when irradiated with an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser. One-hundred sound human third molars were selected and randomly distributed into ten groups (n = 10). The class V cavities of group 1 (control) were prepared with a bur and etched with 37% phosphoric acid, while groups G2 to G10, were prepared with laser (5 W, 88.46 J/cm(2), 90/70% air/water) and etched with the following powers: G3 and G4, 0.25 W; G5 and G6, 0.5 W; G7 and G8, 0.75 W; G9 and G10, 1 W. Group G2 received no laser etching. Prior to restoration, G2, G4, G6, G8 and G10 received acid etching. After restoration, all samples were submitted to a microleakage test. According to statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests), G10 presented the lowest microleakage values (P0.05). The other groups showed no differences between them. Etching with Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1 W) followed by phosphoric acid was effective in reducing the microleakage of class V restorations.

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of chlorhexidine on microleakage of composite restorations in class V cavities prepared with a carbide bur (CB) and a erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser. Methods and Materials Cavity preparations were created on the buccal surfaces of 48 bovine incisors using different methods then equally dividing them into four groups. Groups I and II were prepared with a #56 CB in a high speed handpiece while Groups III and IV were prepared with a Er:YAG laser at 350m J/4Hz on enamel and at 80.24 J/cm2 on dentin. The cavity preparations were rinsed with 2% chlorhexidine solution before the application of Clearfill SE Bond system and placement of a Z100 composite resin restoration. After 24 hours, the teeth were polished, thermocycled, and sealed with cosmetic varnish. The samples were then immersed in 2% methylene blue for four hours and sectioned in the buccolingual direction to determine the degree of microleakage. Results After statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis, p Conclusion The use of the chlorhexidine did not interfere with the adhesion process regardless of whether a CB or the Er:YAG laser were used to prepare class V cavities when restored with the tested self-etching adhesive system. Citation Geraldo-Martins VR, Robles FRP, Matos AB. Chlorhexidine's Effect on Sealing Ability of Composite Restorations Following Er:YAG Laser Cavity Preparation. J Contemp Dent Pract 2007 July;(8)5:026-033.

The present study aimed to compare root caries removal by air turbine and Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and examine morphological changes after these caries removal techniques under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Seventy two extracted human carious-free third molars were used in this study. After the in vitro root caries induction using S. mutans, the carious lesions were removed by the conventional technique, using burs (control), and by the Er,Cr:YSGG laser, using 13 different parameters, between 1 and 4,0 W. During caries removal, preparation time was recorded for all groups. The results appointed out that the conventional method was the fastest one. When only laser treatment was evaluated, the higher parameters seemed to remove caries faster then the lower ones. SEM revealed that the surfaces treated by air turbine were smooth, but with debris. The laser groups demonstrated smooth undulations, with little or absence of smear layer, and no signs of carbonization. These results suggest that caries removal by Er,Cr:YSGG laser was effective. Therefore, this equipment requires training on cavity preparation, in order to avoid damages in dental hard tissues.

This investigation evaluated the variation of the intrapulpal temperature when dentine was irradiated by the Er:YAG laser.The effect of preparation with the Er:YAG laser on the intrapulpal temperature is probably the biggest problem in using the laser for preparation of dental hard tissue.Seventy-two bovine incisors were studied that had the enamel and dentine of the buccal surface polished to a thickness of 2.0 mm. The teeth were divided into three groups, according to the repetition rate used (Group I = 2 Hz, Group II = 4 Hz, and Group III = 6 Hz), and irradiated, with or without water cooling, using 250, 300, and 350 mJ of energy per pulse. Thermocouples were introduced inside the pulp chamber through the palatine opening of the samples and fixed to the vestibular wall of the pulp chamber using a thermal paste.It was verified that there was a decrease of the intrapulpal temperature for all of the parameters in the Group I irradiated with water cooling and for the parameters of 350 mJ/4 Hz with water cooling. The other irradiations showed an increase of the intrapulpal temperature, varying from 0.03 degrees to 2.5 degrees C.We conclude that the use of the Er:YAG laser promoted acceptable temperature increases inside the pulp chamber. However, we do not recommend this procedure without water cooling because macroscopic observations of the dentine irradiated without water cooling showed dark lesions, suggesting carbonization of this tissue.