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Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is now considered as an efficient, non-invasive material that can be used in prevention and arresting of dental caries. Potassium iodide (KI) is used to reduce the dental staining produced by SDF. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of SDF+KI application on demineralized dentin immediately after application and 3 days after a simulated caries attack. Materials and methods. Demineralized dentin specimens were treated by applying SDF-KI. Half of the specimens were stored in lactate buffer solution for 3 days. The specimens were subsequently analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results. SEM evaluation of SDF+KI treated specimens showed a thin continuous layer of material covering the dentin surface. The EDS analysis showed decreasing percentages of silver and iodine, concurrent with the increase of calcium and phosphate concentrations from the external surface towards the inner dentin. The specimens subjected to the acidic challenge after SDF+KI application showed the same pattern of element distribution. Conclusions. The application of SDF-KI on demineralized dentin resulted in the formation of an external layer containing high percentages of silver and iodine. The silver-rich layer was resistant to acidic challenge and effective in protecting the subjacent dentin from further demineralization.

We describe a method and the initial phase of building a database for investigating the combined effects of schizophrenia and drug-induced salivary flow alterations on speech and, based on the preliminary results, we propose a quantitative method of assessing these effects. We believe that this is the first attempt to conduct a systematic study with these two causes combined and with narrow focusing on speech changes related to fricatives.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microhardness Rockwell and Young s modulus of a new nano-hybrid and nano-fill composite resins exposed to corrosive media. The study was performed on two composite resins, one nano-hybrid and one nano-fill, enamel, dentine, translucent, respectively body shade, of which were made 20 samples (25.0 � 0.1 mm lengths, 10.0 � 0.1 mm widths and 3.0 � 0.1 mm thicknesses), which were immersed in mouthwash for 1 minute per day for 10 days, the rest of the time being stored in artificial saliva. Measurements of Rockwell microhardness and Young�s modulus on samples were made between on the first day, after 6 days and 10 days of immersion in mouthwash comparative with 0 day. The results showed that after immersion in the corrosive environment, both materials had the hardness values changed, but medium values of Rockwell microhardness to nano-fill composite resin were higher than nano-hybride. At the nano-hybride composite resin, it was observed that the enamel and clear translucent groups had the mean values increased after the first day of exposure to mouthwash, compared to the dentine group, which showed a higher mean value after 6 days. At the nano-fill composite resin, for the enamel and body groups were obtained the higher values of HRC after 10 days. For the dentine group, after 6 days, Filtek Ultimate showed the same variation as Harmonize dentine shade. Harmonize composite resin showed higher values of Rockwell microhardness and Young�s modulus for all study groups compared to Filtek Ultimate.

The aim of study was to evaluate the accuracy of the near-infrared light transillumination technique used in the detection of the proximal incipient dental caries. The study was performed on 12 medium caries risk subjects (mean age of 26.5). A total number of 312 proximal dental surfaces from the posterior dental group were included in the study. All the proximal surfaces, which had not been restored, or unaffected by cavitated dental caries, were assessed by a near-infrared transillumination camera system using light with a 780nm wavelength (DIAGNOcam, KaVO). Bitewing radiographies were performed for all patients included in study. Visual and tactile examination after tooth separation was performed as gold standard to detect the incipient proximal dental caries (ICDAS scores 02 and 03). Statistical analysis using Chi-square test was performed to compare the diagnostic performance of near-infrared light transillumination and the bitewing radiography. Near-infrared light transillumination showed higher sensitivity (81.80%) when compared to bitewing radiography (65.90%) to detect the non-cavitated proximal enamel caries (ICDAS score 02). Near-infrared light transillumination method showed higher sensitivity (100%) when compared to bitewing radiography (81.50%) to detect the incipient cavitated proximal enamel caries (ICDAS score 03). Specificity values for proximal incipient dental caries (ICDAS codes 02 and 03) were 95.03% for near-infrared light transillumination and 99.18% for bitewing radiography. DIAGNOcam (KaVO) is a reliable tool with high diagnostic accuracy of the incipient dental caries localized on proximal surfaces of the posterior dental group.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Vickers hardness (HV), indentation and Young`s modulus to 4 materials of coronal restoration. Materials and methods Six samples of 5mm in diameter and 6 inches were made of the following materials: Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE Co.), Zmack Comp (Zermack SpA, Italy), Kalore (GC Corporation, Japan); Dyract eXtra (Dentsply De Trey Gmbh, Germany). After polymerization of the samples for 40 seconds using the LEDidition lamp (Ivoclaire Vivadent clinical, Austria), these were finished, polished and kept in distilled water at room temperature for 48 hours. The hardness was measured at the UMT-2 Tribometer (CETR), and the values obtained in GPA were converted to Vickers hardness (kgf/mm2). For each sample, six indentations were made and the mean of the values obtained was calculated. On the same device, the Young`s modulus was also measured for all samples. Results Statistical data showed that the mean HV and modulus of elasticity values were the folowing: Filtek Z 250> Zmack Comp> Dyract eXtra> Kalore. In the case of the depth of the indentation, the values were inversely proportional to the Vickers hardness of the materials: Kalore> Dyract eXtra> Zmack Comp> Filtek Z 250. Conclusion Vickers hardness and Young's modulus were higher to the microhybrid composite compared to nano-hybrid composite and compomer.

The aim of study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of 810nm laser therapy, remineralising therapy with MI PASTE PLUS� (GC), and toothbrush with Sensodyne� Repair&Protect (GSK) in cervical dentine hypersensitivity. The study was performed on 60 subjects (34 females, 24 males), with at least one tooth affected by cervical dentine hypersensitivity. The patients were randomly divided in three study groups (20 subjects for each group), related to the type of desensitizing therapy: 810nm laser therapy, remineralising therapy with gel MI PASTE PLUS�, toothbrushing with Sensodyne� Repair&Protect). The assessment of the therapy effectiveness was performed by analysis of Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale, with scores directly related to the level of dentine hypersensitivity. For laser group the scores decreased from 2.25 at baseline, at 1.35 at 3 days, and 0.2 at 7 days, with significant statistical differences at 3 days, and 7 days comparing with baseline. For MI PASTE PLUS� (GC) study group the scores decreased from 2.20 at baseline, at 1.60 at 3 days, and 1.30 at 7 days, with significant statistical differences at 3 days, and 7 days comparing with baseline. For Sensodyne� Repair&Protect (GSK) study group the scores decreased from 2.15 at baseline, at 1.90 at 3 days, and 1.45 at 7 days, with significant statistical differences at 3 days, and 7 days comparing with baseline. Low level laser therapy showed better reduction in cervical hypersensitivity, followed by the therapy using MI PASTE PLUS� (GC) gel, and by the toothbrush with Sensodyne� Repair&Protect (GSK) toothpaste.

Introduction: One of the main objectives of composite restorations procedure is to obtain a smooth surface for aesthetic reasons and for oral health. The aim of this study was to assess the surface morphology of a bulk fill composite material after finishing and polishing with three different finishing and polishing systems. Materials and methods: Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior composite resin was chosen for this study (3M ESPE St. Paul, MN, USA). Twenty cylindrical samples 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick were made using plastic molds. They were randomly and equally assigned to four groups. In group 1 (control) the samples were not subjected to finishing and polishing procedure. In study groups 2-4, the samples were finished using two tungsten carbide burs and then polished using one step Occlubrush system (KerrHawe SA, Switzerland) – group 2, with the two step Sof-Lex system (3M ESPE) – group 3, and with the multi-step Super Snap system (Shofu, Inc. Kyoto, Japan) – group 4. The surface characteristics of the samples were quantitatively analyzed using profilometry and qualitatively evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test was used to determine the distribution of data in groups. ANOVA and Tukey post hoc statistical tests were used to compare the results in groups. Results: Finishing with tungsten carbide burs and two-steps Sof-Lex polishing system and one-step polishing system Occlubrush determined, higher roughness when comparing to multi-step Super Snap system. Conclusion: The surface characteristics of the studied composite resin were influenced by the type of finishing and polishing system used.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of laser therapy in post-operative sensitivity by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to the 57 patients after restoration with two different resins composite. In the first group (28 patients, 30 teeth) it was restored the cavity class I Black with micro-hybrid composite Filtek Z250 - Adper Single Bond (3M/ESPE). In the second group (29 patients, 30 teeth) it was restored the cavity class III Black with nano-hybrid composite Ceram X One Sphere Tec-Prime and Bond One (Etch&Rinse) (Dentsply). The restorative treatments were performed by the same practitioner on posterior and anterior teeth diagnosed with mid-sized chronic carious lesions. Total etch (etch and rinse) strategy of adhesion was used for both composite resins. The laser treatment was performed in 2 sessions at 48 hours and after 7 days, for both study groups using laser Whitening Lase II (DMC Dental). Mean scores for VAS indices decreased significantly at 48 hours and 7 days, following laser treatment for all the investigated parameters (materials, sex, age) (p [ 0.05).

The aim of our study was to identify potential relations between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology (signs and symptoms) and disease activity, disability and impairment of quality of life in patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions. We performed a cross-sectional observational study in a cohort of consecutive patients with inflammatory rheumatic disorders (IRD) and TMJ-related arthritis, attending at least once the outpatient rheumatology department between 2005 and 2007. 152 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 55 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) met the eligibility criteria (IRD with TMJ involvement at the time of examination) and were recruited for this study; supplementary, 33 healthy controls also featured signs and symptoms related to TMJ involvement and qualified to be included in the study. TMJ complaints were recorded by a regular questionnaire examining the following items: spontaneous muscle pain, muscle pain during use of the jaw, articular pain, difficulty in opening the mouth. In all cases we evaluated disease activity and disability according to internationally validated instruments specifically designed for each disorder or with a common destination. TMJ involvement is commonly reported in patients with RA and AS account for high levels of disability and impaired health-related quality of life. TMJ arthritis significantly correlates with disease activity and disability, not only in RA but also in AS, requiring a complex management.

The aim of this study was to compare Rockwell hardness (HRC) and modulus of elasticity (Young modulus) to different restorative materials. Three commercial composite resins: Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE Co.), Zmack Comp (Zermack SpA, Italy), Kalore (GC Corporation, Japan) and one compomer: Dyract eXtra (Dentsply De Trey Gmbh, Germany) were used. Six samples of each material were obtained by placing them in plastic rings having 5 mm inner diameter and 6 mm high. All composite samples were cured for 40 s using a lamp LEDidition - Ivoclaire Vivadent clinical, Austria. The samples were finished and polished and then stored in distilled water, at room temperature for 48 hours. Rockwell Hardness (HRC) measurements were realized using the UMT-2 Tribometer (CETR). The hardness was automatically calculated from the slope of unloading curve and expressed in GPa and transformed in HRC values (kgf/mm2). Six indentations were performed on diametral direction and mean values were calculated for all tested samples. The device also measured the modulus of elasticity for each sample. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Mann-Whitney test (significance level of p [ 0.05). The mean HRC values were the following: Filtek Z250 ] Zmack Comp ] Dyract eXtra ] Kalore (82.98 ] 70.10 ] 53.27 ] 37.72 kg/mm2). Regarding Young modulus, the rank from highest to lowest as follows: FiltekZ250 ] Zmack Comp ] Dyract eXtra ] Kalore (16.24 ] 14.05 ] 12.41 ] 7.86). The microhydrid composite resins have a significantly higher hardness than nano-hybrid composites or compomers.

The main aim of our study was to perform a biochemical analysis of the saliva and to assess potential impact on oral health, particularly cariogenic issues, in patients with salivary secretory dysfunction such as primary Sjogren�s syndrome (pSSj). Consecutive pSSj and healthy age-matched controls were prospectively assessed for (i) whole saliva flow rates (unstimulated, RFR, and stimulated, RFS), pH and composition; (ii) cariogenic scores - decayed, missing and filled tooth surfaces (DMFS index), Silnes and Loe bacterial plaque index (PI). Salivary flow rates were significantly lower in pSSj for both unstimulated and stimulated tests (p[0.05), with a drop in pH as compared to healthy controls (p[005). Abnormal inorganic and organic saliva composition was reported in all cases comprising higher sodium, lower potassium and chloride concentrations, higher amylase activity and lower total protein (p[0.05). Statistically significant higher cariogenic scores particularly DMFS, were demonstrated in all pSSj (p[0.05). In conclusion, patients with pSSj are at increased risk to develop cariogenic issues due to both quantitative and qualitative salivary changes.

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders in patients with various rheumatic conditions and to define the accurate assessment protocol. We performed a prospective observational study in 1052 consecutive patients with various inflammatory (433 rheumatoid arthritis, RA; 258 ankylosing spondylitis, AS; 103 psoriatic arthritis, PsA; 32 juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA) and degenerative (226 osteoarthritis, OA) rheumatic disorders attending at least once the rheumatology department. Patients were classified in six study groups, as follows: group A comprising 152 RA; group B: 55 AS; group C: 44 PsA; group D: 22 JIA; group E: 42 patients with osteoarthritis (OA); and group F or the control group. All patients were evaluated according to the same standardized protocol including several variables e.g. demographics, epidemiologic, clinical, biological and imaging parameters according to the underlying rheumatic condition. TMJ and dental-periodontal system were also examined. Statistical analysis was done in SAS 4.3 program, p

The aim of the study was to evaluate the surface condition, after finishing and polishing with 3 different systems, of a flowable composite material, starting from the microstructure experimentally analyzed by atomic force microscopy. Materials and method. The material tested in the present study was Filtek Ultimate Flowable Restorative (3M ESPE) composite. 20 cylindrical samples, 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick, were prepared by using metallic molds. The samples were randomly divided into 4 groups: a group containing 5 control samples, not subjected to finishing and 3 groups formed, each, of 5 samples for each of the three finishing and polishing systems, respectively system 1: the two-step Sof-Lex (3M ESPE), system 2: multistep Super Snap (Shofu, Inc. Kyoto, Japan) and system 3: multi-step OptiDisc (KerrHawe SA, Switzerland). The surfaces of the samples were analyzed by atomic force microscopy. For quantitative evaluations, the rugosity parameter (Ra), and the mean deviation of the determined profile were calculated. Results. All 3 polishing systems determined an increase of the Ra parameter, comparatively with the control samples; the highest mean Ra value, of 1.19 µm, was recorded for system 3, followed by system 2 (mean Ra value = 1.12 µm), while the lowest mean value, of 1.10 µm, was registered for system 1. Conclusions. All three systems under investigation induced increased rugosity on the surfaces of the samples prepared from the Filtek Ultimate Flowable Restorative (3M ESPE) composite resin. The most abrasive system appears to be OptiDisc (KerrHawe SA, Switzerland), followed by the Super Snap (Shofu, Inc. Kyoto, Japan) system, the one recording the lowest abrasion being SofLex (3M ESPE).

This in vitro study evaluated the effects of dentifrices containing nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) on dentinal tubule occlusion and on mineral deposition. Dentin specimens of ten human teeth were submersed for 30 s in 40% citric acid and then randomly divided into four groups (three study groups and one control group). In the study groups, the dentin samples were exposed to three different n-HAp toothpastes: Karex (Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH &amp, Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany), Biorepair Plus Sensitive (Coswell SpA, Bologna, Italy), and Dr. Wolff&rsquo, s Biorepair (Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH &amp, Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany), in the control group no toothpaste was applied. All of the samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. In the control group all of the samples showed a frank and wide opening of the dentinal tubules, whereas in the study groups different degrees of tubule closure by mineral depositions were observed. Toothpastes containing n-HAp determined a significant occlusion of dentinal tubules and a significant increase of mineral deposition on the dentin surface. All three tested toothpastes showed similar results regarding the degree of dentinal tubule closure. Varying degrees of differences in calcium, phosphate, carbon, and oxygen ion concentrations among the three tested toothpastes were obtained.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare the compression behavior under identical mechanical tests, of three different composite resins, by determining Young�s modulus for compression, ultimate compressive strength and ultimate compressive strain. The studied materials were: Filtek Z250 Universal Restorative, Filtek Z550 and Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA). Fifteen cylindrical samples, having 6 mm in height and 5 mm in diameter, were made from each material, using plastic molds. The samples were subjected to quantitative analysis of the compression behavior after mechanical tests. The fractured fragments of the samples were subjected to qualitative surface evaluation by scanning electron microscopy. Results were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey�s post hoc test. Filtek Z250 had the lowest value of Young�s modulus for compression and the results were statistically significant (p[0.05) when compared to Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative and Filtek Z550. There were no statistically significant differences between all three materials regarding ultimate compressive strength (p]0.05). The lowest value for ultimate compressive strain was recorded for Filtek Bulk Fill.

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of the interface between dental root cement and some restorative materials used in the open sandwich technique. Standardised cavities were prepared on the buccal and oral surfaces of 30 human molars with the gingival margin situated in root cement. The teeth were randomly divided in 3 groups. Different materials combinations were used in buccal and oral cavities. In the control group, the cavities were filled only with composite resins (Filtek Z250-3M ESPE and Zmack Comp-Zermack). In the test groups the cavities were restored using an open sandwich technique as follows: in group 1 Filtek Z250 in combination with Dyract, respectively Ketac Molar Easymix; in group 2 Zmack Comp in combination with Dyract, respectively Ketac Molar. The teeth were stored in 1% methylene blue solution, for 24 hours. The samples were longitudinally sectioned through the centre of restorations and the degree of dye penetration as well as the morphology of the interface between the root cement and the restorative material were evaluated by optical microscopy and SEM. The results showed less microleakage and and adhesive failures in open sandwich restorations with Zmack Comp and Dyract combination.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of coloring of two commercial beverages: coffee and wine, and cigarette smoke, on three materials (ICON infiltration resin, MI Varnish Recaldent, and a sealant based on composite resin) currently used in incipient caries therapy. The study group included 75 extracted teeth that were divided into 3 groups corresponding to each material used. The groups were divided into 5 subgroups that corresponded to each colorant (A. red wine, B. coffee, C. cigarette smoke, D. association of the three colorants, E. control group). The coloration degree of the samples was measured both after the moment of coloring (M3) and after polishing (M4). The results showed a significant increase of the coloring degree for the samples subjected to the combined action of the three colorants (M3), for all the three materials used (DE1*: Id = 23.56, IId = 25.87, IIId = 19.87), and in terms of the coloring degree after the polishing procedure (M4), a decrease of the values was observed (DE2*: Id = 17.56, IId = 21.67, IIId = 16.78). In conclusion, both exposure to the two beverages used in the study and cigarette smoke (C) leads to the appearance of color changes, but the most significant changes were obtained by combining the three colorants (D). Also, the polishing procedure leaded to an improvement of the color variation for all three materials.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative effect of one bleaching agent containing 40% peroxide hydrogen on the interface between dental tissues and a microhybrid composite resin bonded with a universal adhesive applied in total-etch and self-etch technique. Standardized Class V restorations were performed in oral surfaces of 40 extracted human molars with the gingival margins placed bellow the cement-enamel junction. For 20 restorations the adhesive was applied with preliminary etching and for the others the adhesive was applied by using the self-etch technique. Half of the samples of each group were bleached using Opalescence Boost in one session 20 minutes-application. The sealing quality of both enamel and cervical margins of the restorations was evaluated using a microleakage test by immersion in 1% methylene blue for 24 hours. The microleakage scores were assessed using an optical microscope and the data were statistically analyzed. No statistical significant differences were recorded between the bleached and control groups and between the study groups according to the etching strategy used for bonding.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of xylitol, from some oral hygiene products and chewing gums, on salivary parameters variation in patients with carious disease. The study was performed on 30 patients with a medium level of carious disease, randomly divided in two groups as follows: group 1 (study group), using xylitol-based products for 30 days, and group 2 (control group), using products without xylitol. The way of administration, dose, and frequency of use were as follows: toothpaste (normal daily brushing, 3 times daily); mouthwashing (5 ml, twice daily); chewing gums (two tablets, 5 times daily), for 30 days. The assessment targeted the salivary parameters as follow: saliva microcrystallisation index (IMK), resting salivary flow rate (RSF), stimulated salivary flow rate(SSF). The results of our study confirm the improvement of salivary parameters due to the use of xylitol-based products, by the positive influence on the remineralisation capacity of saliva. The assessment method of saliva IMK represents a noninvasive, simple, informational indicator for the assessment of the remineralisation capacity of saliva.