The effect of Er:YAG laser and bulk filled composite type on marginal adaptation of class II cavities: an SEM analysis study

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of cavity preparation method (Er:YAG laser or diamond bur) and bulk-filled composite material type on marginal adaptation mesial occlusal (MO) class II cavities. Materials and Methods: Two-surface box cavities (4-mm proximal depth and 5-mm occlusal width) were prepared on 60 human mandibular molar teeth. Cavities were prepared using Er:YAG laser or diamond burs in an air-turbine hand-piece. All cavities were applied Single Bond Universal dentin bonding agent. The cavities were further subdivided into three subgroups according to the restorative material used; two bulk-filled composites [Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior (3M ESPE) and SonicFill 2 (Kerr)] and one traditional composite material Filtek Ultimate Universal Restorative (3M ESPE). Restorations were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy at ×200 magnification for their adaptation to the approximal margins of the tooth. Results were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA and Tukey Post Hoc Test (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 900 SEM figures were obtained from all groups. Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior, SonicFill 2, and Filtek Ultimate Universal Restorative exhibited statistically similar gapped margins. However, the lowest scores of gapped margins were observed with SonicFill 2 (4.22%). Conclusions: Completely gap-free margins were not obtained with any of the tested materials. Bulk-fill composite materials showed similar marginal adapatation compared with standard composite. Marginal adaptation of Er:YAG laser prepared cavities was more irregular and had more gaps, but was statistically similar to diamond bur-prepared cavities.     

The effect of bulk-fill flowable composites on the fracture resistance and cuspal deflection of endodontically treated premolars

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bulk-fill flowable composites on cuspal deflection and fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth. Forty-two maxillary premolars were subjected to endodontic treatment followed by the preparation of mesioocclusodistal cavities. Teeth were divided into six groups according to restorative materials as follows: Group 1: Clearfil Majesty Flow and Clearfil Majesty Posterior; Group 2: Venus Bulk Fill and Clearfil Majesty Posterior; Group 3: Clearfil Majesty Posterior; Group 4: Vertise Flow and Clearfil Majesty Posterior; Group 5: SDR and Clearfil Majesty Posterior; and Group 6: x-tra base and Clearfil Majesty Posterior. A single-step self-etch adhesive (OptiBond All-in-One) was applied to all groups, except Group 4. The cavities were restored with a centripetal incremental insertion technique and flowable composites using a 2-mm-thick base material, except for Group 3. The distance between cusp tips was measured before and after the cavity preparations, after the restorations, and after thermal cyclus with a digital micrometer. After measuring, each tooth was subjected to compressive loading with a stainless steel ball (4 mm diameter) perpendicular to the occlusal surface with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, and mean loads necessary to fracture were recorded in Newtons. The data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis test. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in fracture strength or cuspal deflections (p > 0.05). Bulk-fill flowable composite bases did not change the cuspal deflection or fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth, compared with that of a conventional flowable base and conventional resin composite.     

In vitro fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolar teeth restored with a direct layered fiber-reinforced composite post and core

Methods for restoring endodontically treated teeth fall short of restoring the physiologic mechanical properties. Fracture of endodontically treated teeth is a common type of clinical failure. New treatment modalities or perfected versions of existing treatment concepts need to be tested to find a biomimetic solution. A novel method of restoring endodontically treated teeth is presented and compared in vitro with currently accepted restorative methods. Seventy-two extracted and endodontically treated maxillary premolar teeth were divided into six groups (n = 12) depending on restorative technique (Groups 1–6). Group 1: fiber-reinforced composite post (FRC), Group 2: direct layered short FRC post and core, Group 3: short fiber-reinforced obliquely layered composite restoration, Group 4: microhybrid composite restoration, Group 5: fiber-reinforced box, Group 6: control. Specimens were submitted to static fracture resistance test. Fracture thresholds and fracture patterns were evaluated. Group 6 exhibited the highest fracture resistance. Group 2 yielded the highest fracture resistance among the restored groups. The fracture resistance of Group 2 did not differ significantly from Group 6. Groups 1, 3, 4, 5 proved to be significantly different from the control group. There was no statistically significant difference among restored groups. Fracture patterns of tested groups were dominantly non repairable opposed to control groups mostly repairable fractures. Application of direct-layered short FRC post and core in endodontically treated premolars performed statistically similarly in the studied conditions as natural teeth. Therefore, it seems a promising alternative to current endo-restorative solutions. However, further testing is required.     

Effect of laser etching on the fracture strength of the monolithic zirconia and fiber-reinforced composite inlay-retained fixed partial dentures

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture strength of monolithic zirconia and fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) inlay-retained FPDs, both of which are cemented to the laser-etched cavity surfaces.

Materials and Methods: Eighty freshly extracted sound human teeth were used. A premolar and a molar tooth were embedded in an autopolymerizing acrylic resin. Forty acrylic resin models were randomly divided into two groups including monolithic zirconia and FRC inlay-retained FPDs (n = 20). Then, these groups were divided into two subgroups according to conditioning of the cavity surfaces with or without Er:YAG laser etching. Monolithic zirconia inlay-retained FPDs were produced by an inLab MC XL milling device using monolithic zirconia blocks. Tescera? Fiber Reinforcement Materials were used for the FRC inlay-retained FPDs. After 10.000 thermal cycles, fracture strength test was applied to the specimens.

Results: The monolithic zirconia inlay-retained FPDs exhibited the highest fracture strength than the FRC inlay-retained FPDs. Fracture strength was increased with laser etching for both restorative materials (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Laser etching had positively effect on the fracture strength of the inlay-retained FDPs.     

Effect of material and fabrication technique on marginal fit and fracture resistance of adhesively luted inlays made of CAD/CAM ceramics and hybrid materials

This study evaluated the fracture resistance and marginal fit of CAD/CAM ceramic and composite inlays. Molars (N = 80) were prepared to receive Mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) inlays and randomly divided into four groups to be restored depending on the materials: (a) HLD: heat-pressed lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e.max Press), (b) CLD: CAD/CAM-fabricated lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e.max CAD), (c) NC: CAD/CAM nano-ceramic resin (Lava Ultimate), (d) RC: Indirect resin composite (Filtek P60). Each group was randomly divided into two subgroups regarding the resin cement: (a) High-viscosity resin cement (Syntac, Variolink II), (b) Self-adhesive low-viscosity cement (RelyX Ultimate). After marginal gap and cement thickness measurements, specimens were loaded to fracture in a Universal Testing Machine (1 mm/min). Intact molars acted as the control group (n = 10). Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s tests (α = 0.05). Before cementation, CLD group showed significantly lower mean marginal gap (65 ± 22.4 μm) and after cementation, cement thickness was again the lowest with CLD (82.6 ± 24.6 μm) and the highest with HLD (108.4 ± 21.3 μm) (p < 0.001). The mean marginal gaps of inlays at the gingival margin were significantly higher than at the occlusal and the axial margins (p < 0.05). While material type significantly affected the mean fracture resistance (p < 0.001), the cement type had no effect on the results (p = 0.083). NC group (2486 ± 40 N) showed significantly higher mean fracture load compared to those of other three groups (1997.5 ± 60–2007 ± 30) (p < 0.05). The mean fracture resistance of control group with the intact teeth was significantly higher than those of all groups (p < 0.05) except for NC (p > 0.05).     

The bonding effect of adhesive systems and bulk-fill composites to sound and caries-affected dentine

Purpose: To investigate the influence of adhesive type and increment thickness on shear bond strength of flowable bulk-fill resin composites compared with a flowable conventional resin composite, in both sound and caries-affected dentine.

Methods: Shear bond strength was tested in 100 extracted human molars with coronal dentine caries. Half of the teeth were restored with Adper? Easy Bond and the other half with Adper? Single Bond Plus. Bonded surfaces were restored with Filtek? Ultimate Flow and two bulk-fill composites (SDR and X-tra base) (n = 10 teeth for each subgroup). Restorations of 4 mm were performed with incremental or bulk-fill technique. The shear bond was determined and statistically analysed using three-way ANOVA and Bonferroni multiple comparison post hoc tests (p ≤ 0.05). Dentine–resin interfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy.

Results: For both adhesives, the highest shear bond strength values were obtained for sound dentine. In sound dentine, the highest bond strength observed with Easy Bond when used in 2-mm increments of SDR. In caries-affected dentine, Single Bond in combination with SDR displayed significantly lower bond strength.

Conclusion: There was no significant difference in shear bond strength between the incremental and bulk-fill groups for molars with sound dentine when the etch-and-rinse adhesive system was used; however, for the self-etch adhesive system, incremental application caused higher bond strength than bulk application.     

Bond strengths of bulk-fill resin composite repairs: effect of different surface treatment protocols in vitro

To evaluate the effect of different surface treatment protocols on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of bulk-fill resin composite repairs. Thirty-five bulk-fill resin composite samples (Filtek Bulk Fill) were prepared (5 × 5 × 5 mm) and aged by thermocycling (X5000). Samples were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7): a control (no treatment) and four surface treatment groups (Single Bond Universal [SBU]; phosphoric acid (37%) + SBU; Er,Cr:YSGG laser + SBU; aluminum oxide sandblasting + SBU). Filtek Ultimate Universal composite was used as a repair material. After storage for 24 h in distilled water (37 °C), sticks were obtained and subjected to a μTBS test. The data (MPa) were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with a post hoc test (α = 0.05). Failure mode was evaluated using a light microscope (10×). There were significant differences between the groups (p < 0.05). The lowest bond strength values were obtained in the control group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between Group II (universal adhesive) and Group III (acid etch + universal adhesive) (p > 0.05). The bond strength of Group II was significantly lower than that of the other surface treatment groups (p < 0.05). While Group III showed significantly lower values than those of the laser treatment group (Group IV), similar values were obtained with Al₂O₃ sandblasting group (Group V). The highest repair bond strength was obtained in Group IV (p < 0.05) which was not significantly different from the Al₂O₃ sandblasting group (p > 0.05). The predominant failure mode was adhesive. Treatment of aged bulk-fill resin composite surfaces with laser and Al₂O₃ sandblasting provided higher repair bond strength values.     

Efficacy of different surface treatments and universal adhesives on the microtensile bond strength of bulk-fill composite repair

Abstract

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of different surface treatments and aging on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of bulk-fill composite resins. Bulk-fill composites (Filtek One; 3M ESPE) randomly received five different surface treatments: (1) no treatment, control, (2) 37% phosphoric acid etching (PA), (3) 9% hydrofluoric acid etching (HF), (4) air-borne particle abrasion with 50-μm alumina particles (Al₂O₃), (5) tribochemical silica coating (CoJet). Following, the specimens were divided into three subgroups according to universal adhesive applied: Clearfil Universal Bond (CU; Kuraray), Prime&Bond Universal (PBU; Dentsply Sirona), or Single Bond Universal (SBU; 3M ESPE). A nanofill composite (Filtek Ultimate; 3M ESPE) was employed as a repair. Bonded specimens were stored in water for 24?h at 37?°C or thermal aged, then subjected to the μTBS test. Additionally, specimens were analyzed with a contact profilometer and were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. Control and PA treatments were showed the lowest µTBS (p?<?0.05), and there was no significant difference between these two groups (p?>?0.05). Al₂O₃ and CoJet treatments generally exhibited a similar influence on µTBS values. In addition, a correlation was found between surface roughness and bond strength (r?=?0.831). CoJet resulted in significantly higher repair µTBS values when compared to the other surface treatments. In addition, the use of silane-containing universal adhesive was increased the cohesive failure rate and maintained the repair µTBS values after thermocycling.     

The effect of intracanal placement of various medicaments on the bond strength of three calcium silicate-based cements to root canal dentin

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intracanal placement of various medicaments on the bond strength of ProRooT MTA, Biodentine, and Endosequence root repair material (ERRM) putty. Ninety extracted human mandibular premolar teeth were decoronated and instrumented using Protaper Next rotary system and #1 to #6 Peeso reamers. The prepared teeth were randomly divided into six groups according to the intracanal medicaments: Group 1: double antibiotic paste (DAP) consisting of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin; Group 2: Triple antibiotic paste (TAP) with cefaclor; Group 3: TAPwith clindamycin; Group 4: amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin®); Group 5: calcium hydroxide (CH); Group 6: control (no medicament) (n = 15). Parallel transverse sections were obtained in the coronal to the apical direction (4 slices/ tooth) and were divided into three subgroups according to the cements: Group A: ProRoot MTA; Group B: Biodentine; Group C: ERRM (n = 20 slices/subgroup). A push-out test was used to measure bond strength. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test. The bond strength was significantly lower for DAP and TAPs than for Augmentin®, CH, or the control (p < 0.05). Biodentine and ERRM had significantly higher bond strength values than ProRooT MTA (p < 0.05) regardless of the intracanal medicaments tested, while no significant difference existed between Biodentine and ERRM (p > 0.05). While the application of DAP or TAPs decreased the bond strength, application of CH or Augmentin® did not. ERRM and Biodentine had higher bond strength values than ProRoot MTA.     

Comparative evaluation of push-out bond strength of Neo MTA Plus with Biodentine and white ProRoot MTA

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the bond strength of a new calcium silicate cement, Neo MTA Plus (Avalon Biomed Inc. Bradenton, FL, U.S.A) by comparing ProRoot MTA and Biodentine.

Material and Methods: Sixty dentin slices were instrumented to achieve a diameter of 1.3 mm. Group 1: white ProRoot MTA, group 2: Biodentine, group 3: Neo MTA Plus – G (powder mixed with gel), group 4: Neo MTA Plus – W (powder mixed with distilled water) were loaded into cavities. The push-out bond strength values were measured. Data were analyzed using Welch ANOVA with Bonferroni correction p = 0.05. Failure modes (adhesive, cohesive, and mixture) were analyzed.

Results: The highest bond strength value was recorded in Neo MTA Plus mixed with gel (5.23 ± 1.78 MPa), whereas white ProRoot MTA (2.57 ± 0.66 MPa) had the lowest. Bond strength values of Neo MTA Plus mixed either with gel or with distilled water were statistically different from both white ProRoot MTA and Biodentine (2.61 ± 0.70 MPa) (p < 0.05). Adhesive failure was predominantly observed in all groups.

Conclusion: Neo MTA Plus could be considered as alternatives to the ProRoot MTA and Biodentine due to its better performance in bonding to root dentin.     

Interfacial integrity of low-shrinkage composite restorations related to the filling technique and consistency

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of filling techniques and consistency of low-shrinkage composites on the bond strength and internal gap formation in Class I bonded restorations. Two low-shrinkage restorative systems (N’Durance/Septodont and Filtek Silorane/3M ESPE) were used to restore Class I preparations. Bulk increment, two oblique increments or two horizontal increments were performed and Filtek Z350XT was used as a control. Each increment was photoactivated for 40?s and the restored teeth were then stored for 24?h at 37?°C before being longitudinally sectioned and the internal margins of the restorations dyed with 1% acid-red propylene glycol solution for 20?s. The specimens were water rinsed and digital images were recorded for the internal gap formation (%) analysis. Stick-shaped specimens were also tested in tension to evaluate the bond strength. Comparative consistency of unset composites was also performed. N’Durance exhibited the highest incidence of internal gaps amongst all the filling techniques. Filtek Silorane showed no significant difference of internal gap formation in comparison with Filtek Z350XT, regardless of the filling technique. Filtek Z350XT exhibited the highest bond strength and N’Durance the lowest when horizontally applied; bond strength of Filtek Silorane was not influenced by the filling technique. Both Filtek Z350XT and N’Durance presented lower consistency. Low-shrinkage composites seem to present equivalent or inferior bond strength and internal gap formation when compared to the methacrylate composite. The quality of the Class I preparation is dependent on the material and filling techniques.     

Effect of different adhesive protocols on bond strength between composite resins for indirect use and repair materials

Abstract

The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of different adhesive protocols on the bond strength (SBS) of composite resin for indirect use to repairs of bulk-fill or conventional nanoparticulated composites. Forty-eight cylindrical specimens of composite resin for indirect use were prepared, aged, and randomly divided into four groups (n?=?12), a control group without any adhesion protocol, and three experimental groups: Silane?+?Scotch Bond Multipurpose adhesive (S?+?SBMP), Tetric N Bond Universal (TBU), and Single Bond Universal (SBU). The treated surfaces were restored using two different composite resins: Filtek Bulk-Fill or Filtek Z350XT. Then, the specimens were submitted to the SBS test, and the resultant data were analyzed with ANOVA on ranks test and Tukey’s test (α?=?0.05). There were no significant differences between the two types of resins used as repair material. For both resins, the groups treated with S?+?SBMP obtained the highest values (p?<?0.001). Groups TBU and SBU did not have statistically significant differences between them. Pre-treatment with a silane coupling agent and a layer of a hydrophobic adhesive can improve the bond strength of repairs performed on a composite resin for indirect use.     

Compressive strength and failure types of cusp replacing direct resin composite restorations in previously amalgam-filled premolars versus sound teeth

This study evaluated the fracture resistance of cusp replacing direct resin composite restorations (DCR) in premolars that had been previously filled with amalgam mesial–occlusal–distal (MOD) restorations and compared their fracture resistance with those made on sound dentin and intact teeth. Recently extracted human premolars with either MOD amalgam restorations or sound/intact ones were selected for the study. Cavities with cusp reduction were made for the following groups: (a) Group 1: DCRs on previously amalgam-affected dentin (n = 11), (b) Group 2: DCRs on sound dentin (n = 10), and (c) Group 3: intact premolars (n = 9). Teeth in Groups 1 and 2 were restored with a 3-step etch and rinse adhesive (Quadrant Unibond) and filled with hybrid composite (Clearfil Photo Posterior). All specimens were thermocycled for 5000 cycles (5–55 °C). The buccal cusps of the teeth were loaded until fracture under compression at 45° to the long axis of the teeth in a universal testing machine (1 mm/min). Data (N) were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Student’s t-test (α = 0.01). Intact teeth (Group 3) showed significantly higher fracture resistance (893 ± 196) compared to both restored groups (p < 0.01). No significant difference was found between the DCRs made on amalgam-affected dentin (Group 1: 607 ± 166) and sound dentin (Group 2: 588 ± 183) (p > 0.01). More than half of the teeth of Groups 2 and 3 showed unrepairable fractures with pulp exposure.     

Effect of intracanal medicaments on the push-out bond strength of Biodentine in comparison with Bioaggregate apical plugs

To evaluate the effect of intracanal medicaments on the push-out bond strength of Biodentine in comparison with DiaRoot BioAggregate (BA) when used as apical plugs. Forty single-rooted teeth were prepared using Peeso reamers. The samples were divided into four groups. The intracanal medicaments were applied to the root canals as follows: Group1: a combination of metronidazole–ciprofloxacin–cefaclor, Group2: a combination of metronidazole–ciprofloxacin, Group3: calcium hydroxide, and Group4: no medication. After 21 days, the medicaments were removed. The apical part of each root was horizontally sectioned into 1-mm thick slices. The samples were divided into two subgroups, and the following materials were placed: Biodentine, DiaRoot-BioAggregate. After 48-h incubation, the push-out bond strength was measured. The data were analyzed by a two-way ANOVA. Biodentine showed a significantly higher mean push-out bond strength value than DiaRoot-BioAggregate (P = 0.00). The medications have an effect on the push-out bond strength of both materials (P = 0.002). Biodentine showed better adhesive performance as an apical plug than DiaRoot-BioAggregate.     

Bond strength of fiber posts and short fiber-reinforced composite to root canal dentin following cyclic loading*

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cyclic loading on the bond strength of fiber posts and short fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) to root canal. One hundred single-rooted teeth were divided into two groups according to the material used for luting fiber posts: (1) Resin-core material (Gradia Core, GC Corp.) and (2) Short FRC (EverX Posterior, GC Corp.). Then the specimens were randomly assigned into three sub-groups according to the post material and the groups are indicated as follows: (1) Short FRC (EverX Posterior) used instead of post and core, (2) Fiber post (GC post, GC Corp.) cemented with resin-core (Gradia Core), (3) Fiber post (GC post, GC Corp.) cemented with short FRC (EverX Posterior), (4) Experimental fiber post cemented with resin-core (Gradia Core, GC Corp), (5) Experimental fiber post cemented with short FRC (EverX Posterior). Then the specimens were subdivided into a further two groups in accordance with the storage condition (cyclic loading and 24 h water storage-control group) (n = 10/per group). The micropush-out bond strength between root dentin and posts was measured. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (α = 0.05). Micropush-out bond strength of the posts to dentin was significantly affected by the type of post material (p < 0.05). However, the load cycling and the resin-based luting agent used had no effect on bond strength values (p = 0.706 and p = 0.346, respectively).     

Evaluation of the shear bond strength of two resin cements on different CAD/CAM materials

Objective: This study investigated the bond strength of two resin cements (Panavia F 2.0 and Multilink N) to different CAD/CAM materials: resin nanoceramic (RNC; Lava Ultimate), hybrid ceramic (HC; Vita Enamic), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic (ZLDC; Vita Suprinity), and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LDG; IPS e.max CAD HT).

Material and methods: CAD/CAM blocks of 2-mm thickness were sectioned with a slow-speed diamond-saw sectioning machine. The slabs were then embedded in autopolymerizing acrylic resin (n = 12), and resin cements were applied to the surface of the specimens. All specimens were stored in water for 24 h and subjected to 5000 thermal cycles. Bond strength was measured by means of the shear bond strength test. The data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey LSD post hoc tests.

Results: The results of the two-way ANOVA test indicated that the bond strength values varied significantly depending on the CAD/CAM restorative materials, resin cements, and interaction of these variables (p < 0.05). The RNC group showed the highest bond strength for Panavia F 2.0 (p < 0.05); there were no significant differences among other CAD/CAM materials for Panavia F 2.0 (p > 0.05). The LDG group showed the highest bond strength for Multilink N, it was followed by the ZLDC group (p < 0.05); there were no significant differences between RNC and HC groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Choosing resin cements for restorations should be done carefully because bond strength values vary significantly depending on the resin cement and CAD/CAM restorative material.     

Influence of the ER,CR:YSGG laser and different irrigation methods on push-out bond strength of fiber post

Er,Cr:YSGG lasers are currently being investigated for disinfecting the root canal treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of various irrigation protocols on push-out bond strength of fiber posts. Fifty maxillary anterior teeth were divided into five groups (n = 10) according to the protocol that applied into the post space. Group-1: distilled water, Group-2: 5% NaOCl, Group-3: 2% CHX, Group-4: Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1.5 W, 20 Hz, 85 air, 75 water, 26.7 J/cm²), Group-5: Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1.25 W, 50 Hz, 34 air, 24 water, 12.7 J/cm²). Fiber posts were cemented with resin cement. The remaining part of the root, three slices were obtained from each specimen and push-out test was performed. One-way ANOVA and Duncan’s test at a 5% level of significance were used for the statistical analysis. Post space irradiation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1.5 W 20 Hz, 85 air, 75 water, 26.7 J/cm²) increases push-out bond strength of fiber post to root canal dentin. Further investigations are needed to establish and optimize ER,Cr:YSGG laser parameters to increase the push-out bond strength of fiber posts.     

Effect of surface conditioning methods,adhesive systems and resin composite on repair strength of dimethacrylate and silorane resin composites

This study evaluated the effect of surface conditioning methods and adhesive systems on the repair bond strength of resin composites. Specimens (FLS: Filtek LS) (N = 144) were prepared using a silicone matrix. The specimens were stored in distilled water and then were randomly divided into the twelve groups (n = 12) according to the surface conditioning method (unground or diamond bur) and adhesive system (no adhesive, LS: Filtek LS, AS: Adper Scotchbond SE Plus) and resin composite (FLS: Filtek LS; FS: Filtek Supreme). The specimens were fixed in an hourglass-shaped silicone matrix and the other half of the specimen was restored. Hourglass-shaped specimens (n = 12) were used as positive control to measure the cohesive strength of the resin composite (Filtek LS). Microtensile bond test was performed (0.5 mm/min) and failure types were analyzed. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance, Tukey’s and Dunnett’s tests (α = 0.05). Adhesive protocol and resin composite significantly affected the results (p < 0.05). For the FS composite, the highest results were obtained using LS adhesive with (18.4 ± 7.7) and without (18.8 ± 4.8) bur roughening. For FLS composite, the highest results were obtained using AS adhesive with (33.2 ± 7.1) and without (25.7 ± 3.6) bur roughening. Without the use of adhesive resin, significantly lower bond strength results were observed with both LS (5 ± 2.1, 4.5 ± 1.5) and FLS (2.2 ± 1.2, 4.4 ± 1.1) for unground and diamond bur roughened groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). Cohesive strength of the FLS (52.3 ± 7.6) was significantly higher than any of the repaired groups (p < 0.0001). FS–LS combination and the groups repaired without adhesive presented more adhesive (Type I) failures.     

Effect of timing for core preparation,luting cement type and root level on adhesion of fiber posts to intraradicular dentin

This study assessed the effect of timing of core preparation and luting cement on adhesion of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts on different levels of intraradicular dentin when cemented with either conventional dual-polymerized or self-adhesive resin cement. Single-rooted human teeth (N = 80) were endodontically treated and randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 40) according to resin cement: (a) Conventional dual resin cement (Variolink II, V) or (b) Self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200, R). They were further divided into two subgroups according to timing of core preparation (n = 20): (a) immediate (i) or (b) delayed (d). FRC posts (Cytec Blanco) were cemented and the roots were sliced into discs at the coronal, middle, and apical levels. Push-out tests were then performed in a Universal Testing Machine (1 mm/min). Data (MPa) were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests considering the factors ‘core preparation time’, ‘luting cement’, and ‘root level’ (α = 0.05). Type of luting cement (p < 0.001), time of core preparation (p < 0.001), and root level (p < 0.001) significantly affected the bond strength results. R cement was more significantly affected by core preparation time (Ri: 2.91 ± 1.1; Rd: 4.83 ± 1.68) compared to V cement (Vi: 2.92 ± 1.63; Vd: 2.65 ± 1.6) (p < 0.05). Coronal region demonstrated significantly higher bond strength values than those of middle and apical third in all groups (coronal: 4 ± 1.9; middle: 3.1 ± 1.4; apical: 2.4 ± 1.1) (p < 0.05). Adhesive failure between cement and dentin was the most frequent (64%) followed by adhesive failure between cement and post (18%). Delayed core preparation can improve bond strength of FRC posts to intraradicular dentin when cemented with self-adhesive cement compared to conventional dual-polymerized resin cement.     

Mechanical properties of flared root canals restored with fiber post and chemically activated resin: study using push-out bond strength and fracture load tests

This study aimed to evaluate the fracture load and push-out bond strength of flared root canals restored with different procedures, including a technique with a fiber post and a chemically activated resin composite. Eighty human canines were selected and treated endodontically. Two methodologies were used: push-out and fracture load. The teeth were divided into four groups: Cast metal core (CMC); PAN (direct anatomic post); PAC (fiber post and accessory posts); and PE (fiber post with chemically activated resin composite). For the fracture load test, the samples were submitted to load application in a universal testing machine. The fracture mode was evaluated visually. Forty other samples were submitted to the push-out test. The fracture load (n = 10) and the bond strength (n = 10) were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey tests (α < 0.05). CMC presented the highest fracture load (p < 0.05), and no significant differences were observed in the fracture load values for Groups PAN, PAC, and PE. CMC presented 90% of unfavorable failures; PAN and PAC, the remaining 10% of these failures. PE presented only favorable failures. PAC presented lower push-out bond strength values. The fracture load for CMC procedure was higher than that of the others, but presented 90% unfavorable fractures, indicating the use of any of the glass fiber post techniques evaluated for restoring flared root canals due to favorable fracture modes.