Microporosity and polymerization contraction as function of depth in dental resin cements by X‐ray computed microtomography

This research aimed to obtain the depth dependence of polymerization contraction and microporosity from irradiated dental resin cements by X‐ray computed microtomography (μCT). Samples (n = 5) of commercial Relyx U200 (RU) and AllCem Core (AC) dual‐cure resin cements were injected in a cylindrical Teflon sampler (25 mm³) and separated according to polymerization mechanism: self‐cured (not irradiated) and dual‐cured (irradiated from the top surface with a LED device). The cement's volume was scanned with the μCT scanning conditions kept constant. To assess the depth dependence of polymerization contraction, it was measured the displacement of the cement mass from the sample holder at 30 vertical cuts (0.1 mm distant). To probe the microporosity, the percentage of area with presence of porosity by slice was obtained. All data were statistically treated. It was observed a positive linear correlation between depth and polymerization contraction in the irradiated groups. In the other hand, the concentration of micropores decreased with increasing depth. Furthermore, the composition of the resin cement was determinant for the correlation's coefficients of these physical properties with depth. The μCT technique showed to be useful to probe physical properties of dental restorative materials that influence in the clinical outcomes, revealing that, for thin specimens, when light cured the RU cement presented mechanical behavior more favorable for clinical applications.     

Interfacial ultramorphology evaluation of resin luting cements to dentin: A correlative scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis

The objective of this study was to analyze the dentin‐resin cements interfacial ultramorphologies using two different methods: scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Four commercial products were evaluated: two conventional cementing system (RelyX ARC/Adper? Scotchbond? Multi‐Purpose Plus, 3M ESPE and Clearfil Esthetic Cement/DC Bond, Kuraray) and two self‐adhesive resin cements (RelyX Unicem, 3M ESPE and Clearfil SA Cement, Kuraray). Prepolymerized resin disks (Sinfony, 3M ESPE) were cemented on oclusal dentin surfaces of 24 third human molars, simulating the indirect restorations. After 24 h, teeth were sectioned into 0.9‐mm thick slabs and processed for microscopy analyses (SEM or TEM/ n = 3). Qualitative characterization of dentin‐resin cement interface was performed. Hybrid layer formation with long and dense resin tags was observed only for RelyX ARC cementing system. Clearfil Esthetic Cement/DC Bond system revealed few and short resin tags formation, whereas no hybridization and resin tags were detected for self‐adhesive resin cements. Some interfacial regions exhibited that the self‐adhesive resin cements were not bonded to dentin, presenting bubbles or voids at the interfaces. In conclusion, TEM and SEM bonding interface analyses showed ultramorphological variations among resin cements, which are directly related to dental bonding strategies used for each resin cement tested. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:1234–1239, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Inorganic composition and filler particles morphology of conventional and self-adhesive resin cements by SEM/EDX

The purpose of this study was to characterize the inorganic components and morphology of filler particles of conventional and self‐adhesive, dual‐curing, resin luting cements. The main components were identified by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy microanalysis (EDX), and filler particles were morphologically analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Four resin cements were used in this study: two conventional resin cements (RelyX ARC/3M ESPE and Clearfil Esthetic Cement/Kuraray Medical) and two self‐adhesive resin cements (RelyX Unicem/3M ESPE and Clearfil SA Luting/Kuraray Medical). The materials (n = 5) were manipulated according to manufacturers' instructions, immersed in organic solvents to eliminate the organic phase and observed under SEM/EDX. Although EDX measurements showed high amount of silicon for all cements, differences in elemental composition of materials tested were identified. RelyX ARC showed spherical and irregular particles, whereas other cements presented only irregular filler shape. In general, self‐adhesive cements contained higher filler size than conventional resin luting cements. The differences in inorganic components and filler particles were observed between categories of luting material and among them. All resin cements contain silicon, however, other components varied among them. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The effectiveness of glass ionomer cement as a fiber post cementation system in endodontically treated teeth

This study compared the performance of a glass ionomer (GC Gold Label 1, GIC) as a fiber post cementation system for glass fiber posts with a self‐adhesive resin cement (Relyx U200, RUC) and a conventional resin cement system (Scotchbond Muli‐Purpose and Relyx ARC, RAC). Thirty endodontically treated canines were randomly divided in three groups (n = 10), according to the fiber post cementation system: (RAC)—Scotchbond Multi‐Purpose and Relyx X ARC; (RUC)—Relyx U200 and (GIC)—GC Gold Label 1 Luting & Lining. Rhodamine was incorporated into the cementation system prior to the fiber post cementation. After glass fiber post cementation, roots were incubated in artificial saliva for 6 months. After that, specimens from the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the post space were prepared and analyzed using a push‐out bond strength test and confocal laser microscopy. ANOVA one way and Tukey tests showed that GIC and RUC demonstrated similar push‐out bond strength values, independently of the post space third (p > .05); however, values were greater than those shown by RAC (p < .05). For dentin penetrability, GIC and RUC also had similar results (p > 0.05) and lower than RAC (p < 0.05). Inside the root canal, the cementation system using glass ionomer cement (GC Gold Label 1 Luting & Lining) has similar push‐out bond strength to the self‐adhesive resin cement (Relyx U200) and these were higher than the conventional resin (Relyx ARC), despite its higher dentin penetrability.     

Influence of fluorescent dye on physical–mechanical properties of luting cements for confocal microscopy analysis

Aims: To evaluate the influence of a fluorescent dye (rhodamine B) on the physical and mechanical properties of three different luting cements: a conventional adhesive luting cement (RelyX ARC, 3M/ESPE), a self‐adhesive luting cement (RelyX U‐200, 3M/ESPE), and a self‐etching and self‐adhesive luting cement (SeT PP, SDI). Materials and Methods: The cements were mixed with 0.03 wt% rhodamine B, formed into bar‐shaped specimens (n = 10), and light cured using an LED curing unit (Radii, SDI) with a radiant exposure of 32 J/cm². The Knoop hardness (KHN), flexural strength (FS), and Young's modulus (YM) analyses were evaluated after storage for 24 h. Results: Outcomes were subjected to two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P = 0.05) for multiple comparisons. No significant differences in FS or YM were observed among the tested groups (P ≥ 0.05); the addition of rhodamine B increased the hardness of the luting cements tested. Conclusion: The addition of a fluorescent agent at 0.03 wt% concentration does not negatively affect the physical–mechanical properties of the luting cement polymerization behavior. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:986–988, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Tridimensional quantitative porosity characterization of three set calcium silicate‐based repair cements for endodontic use

The aim of the this study was to quantitatively evaluate in three‐dimensional (3D), the porosity degree of three improved silicate‐based endodontic repair cements (iRoot BP Plus^®, Biodentine^®, and Ceramicrete) compared to a gold‐standard calcium silicate bioactive cement (Pro Root^® MTA). From each tested cement, four samples were prepared by a single operator following the manufacturer's instructions in terms of proportion, time, and mixing method, using cylindrical plastic split‐ring moulds. The moulds were lubricated and the mixed cements were inserted with the aid of a cement spatula. The samples were scanned using a compact micro‐CT device (Skyscan 1174, Bruker micro‐CT, Kontich, Belgium) and the projection images were reconstructed into cross‐sectional slices (NRecon v.1.6.9, Bruker micro‐CT). From the stack of images, 3D models were rendered and the porosity parameters of each tested material were obtained after threshold definition by comparison with standard porosity values of Biodentine^®. No statistically significant differences in the porosity parameters among the different materials were seen. Regarding total porosity, iRoot BP Plus^® showed a higher percentage of total porosity (9.58%), followed by Biodentine^® (7.09%), Pro Root^® MTA (6.63%), and Ceramicrete (5.91%). Regarding closed porosity, Biodentine^® presented a slight increase in these numbers compared to the other sealers. No significant difference in porosity between iRoot BP Plus^®, Biodentine^®, and Ceramicrete were seen. In addition, no significant difference in porosity between the new calcium silicate‐containing repair cements and the gold‐standard MTA were found. Microsc. Res. Tech., 76:1093–1098, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Nanoleakage evaluation of resin luting systems to dental enamel and leucite-reinforced ceramic

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nanoleakage patterns between dental enamel and reinforced leucite ceramic, bonded with resin luting systems and a flowable composite resin. Materials and Methods: Twelve crowns of bovine incisors were randomly divided into four groups (n = 3) according to the luting procedure: Excite/Variolink II, Clearfil SE Bond/Panavia F, Scotchbond Multi‐Purpose Plus/RelyX ARC, and Single Bond 2/Filtek Z350 Flow. To evaluate the nanoleakage patterns, IPS Empress Esthetic disks (5 mm Ø and 1.2‐mm thick) were bonded to enamel, and, after 24 h, the specimens were immersed in a 50% (w/v) solution of silver nitrate (24 h), fixed, dehydrated, and processed scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: None nanoleakage on interface of the groups that Single Bond 2 followed by the flowable composite were used. The highest percentage of nanoleakage was shown by the Excite/Variolink II protocol. Also, in all conditions tested, none silver nitrate uptake was observed between the leucite‐reinforced ceramic and the resin luting cement. Conclusions: The use of a two‐step etch‐and‐rinse adhesive with flowable composite was able to promote an adequate seal of the bond interface at the enamel. Moreover, the conventional dual‐cured resin cements associated with simplified and dual‐cured adhesives tested are also indicated to bond thin ceramics to enamel, since all presented low silver nitrate uptake. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Effect of curing characteristics on residual stress generation in polymethyl methacrylate bone cements

Residual stresses resulting from the shrinkage of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement have been implicated in the formation of cracks in cement mantles following total hip arthroplasty. This study investigates whether two such cements, with differentiated solidification characteristics (i.e. working and setting times), display significant differences in their residual stress characteristics in an experiment designed to replicate the physical conditions of total hip arthroplasty. Experiments were performed using a representative femoral construct to measure and compare the temperatures and residual strains developed for standard PMMA cement mantles (CMW 1 Gentamicin) and slow curing cement mantles (SmartSet HV Gentamicin) during and following polymerization. These experimental results revealed no statistically significant difference (t-test, p > 0.05) for peak exotherm temperature and residual strain levels between the cements (measured after 3 h). The tailored polymerization characteristics of the slow-curing cement do not significantly affect residual stress generation, compared with the standard cement. It is often considered that residual stresses significantly relax following polymerization and before biomechanical loads are first applied during rehabilitation (up to 3 days later). This was examined for durations of 18 h to 3 days. Axial strains in the model femur and stem reduced by averages of 5.5 and 7.9 per cent respectively, while hoop strains in the stem exhibited larger reductions. An axisymmetric transient thermoelastic finite element model of the experiment was developed, allowing residual stresses to be predicted based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements of the heat released throughout the exothermic curing reaction. The model predictions closely replicated the experimental measurements of both temperature and residual strain at 3 h, suggesting that residual strains can be fully accounted for by the thermal contraction mechanism associated with cooling after solidification.     

Influence of chlorhexidine on dentin adhesive interface micromorphology and nanoleakage expression of resin cements

This study focused on adhesive interface morphologic characterization and nanoleakage expression of resin cements bonded to human dentin pretreated with 1% chlorhexidine (CHX). Thirty‐two non‐carious human third molars were ground flat to expose superficial dentin. Resin composite blocks were luted to the exposed dentin using one conventional (RelyX ARC) and one self‐adhesive resin cement (RelyX U100), with/without CHX pretreatment. Four groups (n = 8) were obtained: control groups (ARC and U100); experimental groups (ARC/CHX and U100/CHX) were pretreated with 1% CHX prior to the luting process. After storage in water for 24 h, the bonded teeth were sectioned into 0.9 × 0.9 mm² sticks producing a minimum of 12 sticks per tooth. Four sticks from each tooth were prepared for hybrid layer evaluation by scanning electron microscope analysis. The remaining sticks were immersed in silver nitrate for 24 h for either nanoleakage evaluation along the bonded interfaces or after rupture. Nanoleakage samples were carbon coated and examined using backscattered electron mode. Well‐established hybrid layers were observed in the groups luted with RelyX ARC. Nanoleakage evaluation revealed increase nanoleakage in groups treated with CHX for both resin cements. Group U100/CHX exhibited the most pronouncing nanoleakage expression along with porous zones adjacent to the CHX pretreated dentin. The results suggest a possible incompatibility between CHX and RelyX U100 that raises the concern that the use of CHX with self‐adhesive cements may adversely affect resin‐dentin bond. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:788–794, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

MRT Letter: High resolution SEM imaging of nano‐architecture of cured urea‐formaldehyde resin using plasma coating of osmium

Nanoarchitecture of cured urea‐formaldehyde (UF) resins was examined with a field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) after coating samples with osmium, which is considered to produce particles of considerably smaller size compared to other metal coatings used in SEM studies. This method enabled comparison of the nanoarchitecture of UF resins of low (1.0) and high (1.6) formaldehyde/urea (F/U) mole ratios to be made, based on imaging of extremely small size particles as part of UF resin architecture, not described before. Imaging revealed presence of relatively large globular particles (148.084–703.983 nm size range) as well as smaller substructures (28.004–39.604 nm size range) as part of the architecture of 1.0‐mole UF resin. Globular particles were also present in 1.6 mole UF resin, but of considerably smaller size (14.760–50.269 nm). The work presented demonstrates usefulness of osmium coating in unraveling the intricacies of the nanostructural organization of cured UF resins, prompting wider application of this immensely useful but grossly underutilized metal coating type in high resolution SEM examination of biological and materials samples. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:1108–1111, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Ultrasonic characterization of the mechanical properties and polymerization reaction of acrylic-based bone cements

In this investigation the pulse-echo technique was validated as a method that could be used to monitor the complete polymerization of acrylic bone cement in a surgical theatre. Currently, orthopaedic surgeons have no objective method to quantify the state of cure of bone cement as it progresses through its polymerization cycle. Clear benefits of the pulse-echo technique are that it is easy to use, non-invasive, and non-destructive. Furthermore, the test results were found to be highly reproducible with minor deviations. Three proprietary cements were used to confirm the validity of the technique; CMW Endurance, Palacos R and Simplex P. The results showed that the acoustic properties of bone cement clearly demonstrated a relationship with the different stages of polymerization, and in particular with the transitions between the waiting, dough, and setting phases. Additionally, the cure time of the poly(methyl methacrylate) cements consistently correlated with the attainment of 75 per cent of the average maximum velocity of sound value. The measured cure times concurred with the ISO and ASTM standards. Moreover, measurements of the final sound velocity and broadband ultrasonic attenuation correlated strongly with the density and mechanical properties of the cured bone cement samples.     

Resin-tooth interfacial morphology and sealing ability of one-step self-etch adhesives: microleakage and SEM study

OBJECTIVES: To compare microleakage of three self‐etch adhesives and to analyze enamel surface morphology and interfacial morphology of resin–enamel and resin–dentin interface under scanning electron microscope (SEM). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Study was conducted in 65 extracted human premolars. Class V cavities were prepared in 45 teeth and assigned to three groups (n = 15) according to three self‐etch adhesives (OptiBond All‐in‐One, iBond, and Adper Prompt L‐Pop). After restoration, 10 samples from each group were used to assess microleakage at enamel and dentin margin. Five samples from each group were used for analysis of interfacial morphology at resin–enamel and resin–dentin interface under SEM. Remaining 20 teeth were used to prepare flat enamel buccal surfaces to analyze the difference in surface morphology after treatment with three adhesives (n = 5 each) and 36% phosphoric acid treatment (n = 5). PRINCIPAL OBSERVATIONS: At enamel margin, Prompt L‐Pop depicted least leakage of all the three adhesives and also showed best interfacial adaptation under SEM. At dentin margin, OptiBond All‐in‐One showed significant less leakage than iBond and Prompt L‐Pop. On flat enamel surface, phosphoric acid produced the most retentive etching pattern when compared with the three adhesives. CONCLUSION: Prompt L‐Pop showed the best bonding effectiveness in enamel, whereas OptiBond All‐in‐One performed significantly better in dentin. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Antibacterial activity of glass ionomer cement modified by zinc oxide nanoparticles

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles incorporated into self‐cured glass ionomer cement (GIC) and light‐cured resin‐reinforced GIC on Streptococcus mutans biofilm. The GICs, Fuji II (GC America) and Fuji II LC (GC America), were incorporated with nanoparticles at concentrations of 0%, 1%, and 2% by weight, and the biofilm maturation time was one and seven days. Circular specimens of each GIC type were prepared. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining the number of colony forming units of S. mutans strain per milliliter. Morphology of the biofilm was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data obtained for each GIC were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA (α = 5%). For chemically activated GIC, no significant difference was observed in relation to the time of biofilm maturation (p = 0.744), concentration of nanoparticles (p = 0.966), and their interaction (p = 0.800). The results from analysis of GIC modified by light‐polymerized resin showed that only of the maturing time significantly affected the number of adhered cells on the biofilm (p = 0.034, F = 4.778). The more mature the biofilm, higher the number of cells. SEM analysis showed no change in cell morphology in relation to the type of GIC, maturation time, and nanoparticles concentration. We conclude that the inclusion of zinc oxide nanoparticles at concentrations of 1% and 2% by weight into the GICs evaluated here, did not promote their antimicrobial activity against S. mutans.     

Influence of glass particle size of resin cements on bonding to glass ceramic: SEM and bond strength evaluation

This study investigated the effect of the filler particle size (micron or submicron) of experimental resin cements on the microtensile bond strength to a glass‐ceramic pretreated with hydrofluoric acid (HFA) etching or alumina airborne‐particle abrasion (AA). Cements were obtained from a Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA mixture filled with 60 mass% micron‐sized (1 ± 0.2 µm) or submicron‐sized (180 ± 30 µm) Ba‐Si‐Al glass particles. Ceramic blocks (PM9; VITA) were treated with 10% HFA for 60 s or AA for 15 s. Silane and adhesive were applied. Ceramic blocks were bonded to resin composite blocks (Z250; 3M ESPE) using one of the cements. Bonded specimens were sectioned into beams (n = 20/group) and subjected to microtensile bond strength tests. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Student‐Newman‐Keuls' tests (5%). Failure modes were classified under magnification. Morphologies of the treated ceramic surfaces and bonded interfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The HFA‐submicron group had lower bond strengths than the other groups. All AA‐submicron specimens debonded prematurely. Mixed failures were predominant for HFA groups, whereas interfacial failures predominated for AA groups. SEM revealed a honeycomb‐like aspect in the HFA‐treated ceramic, whereas the AA‐treated groups showed an irregular retentive pattern. Continuity of cement infiltration along the bonded interface was more uniform for HFA‐treated compared to AA‐treated specimens. Cracks toward the bulk of the ceramic were observed in AA‐treated specimens. Particle size significantly influenced the ceramic bond strength, whereas surface treatment had a minor effect. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:363–367, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Erosion effects on chemical composition and morphology of dental materials and root dentin

Purpose: This work aims to study the erosion on restorative materials and on surrounding dentin. Fifty root dentin samples were obtained from bovine incisors. Methods: Twenty samples were not restored and thirty received cavity preparations. Samples were assigned to five groups: G1, G2: sound dentin (D); G3: composite resin (CR); G4: resin‐modified glass‐ionomer cement (RMGIC); G5: glass‐ionomer cement (GIC). The samples of groups 2–5 were submitted to six cycles (demineralization–remineralization). Samples were analyzed by micro energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ‐EDXRF) and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Mineral loss was greater in G2 samples than in RMGI > CR > GIC > D (control). SEM images showed pronounced dentin demineralization in groups 2 and 4. The acid erosion has a significant effect on mineral loss (Ca and P) of root dentin without restoration. Conclusions: Composite resin had the best chemical resistance to erosion among all the materials. Fluoride contained in GIC seemed to cause some protection, however, with material degradation. Chemical interaction of tooth‐colored dental materials with root dentin could be assessed by μ‐EDXRF. Microsc. Res. Tech. 75:703–710, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A synchrotron X-ray study of the changes occurring in the corneal stroma during processing for electron microscopy

Using a high-intensity synchrotron X-ray source, the structural changes occurring in the corneal stroma were monitored during each stage of several different processing runs for the transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The parameters studied were interfibrillar spacing, intermolecular spacing, D-periodicity and fibril diameter. The processing schedule that produced the least changes in spacings for TEM specimens involved extended fixation in glutaraldehyde followed by low-temperature embedding in Lowicryl K4M resin. However, interfibrillar material was better preserved after embedding in LR White resin or Nanoplast. Almost every processing stage for electron microscopy produced significant changes in one or more structural parameters in the cornea. Glutaraldehyde fixation significantly increased the intermolecular spacings, while resin infiltration and resin polymerization each resulted in shrinkage of all the spacings monitored. Critical-point drying for SEM specimens resulted in considerable shrinkage in all three spacings, but was still preferable to air drying, which caused reduction in the order of the fibril packing, resulting in loss of the interfibrillar X-ray pattern. Perhaps the most drastic effect was caused by post-fixation in osmium tetroxide, which resulted in loss of the intermolecular pattern, and also increased the amount of shrinkage in the interfibrillar spacings and the D-periodicity which occurred during later stages of processing.     

Influence of double application technique on the bonding effectiveness of self‐etch adhesive systems

Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of double‐application of single‐step self‐etch adhesives using microleakage study and to analyze the dentin–adhesive interfacial micromorphology. Methods: In total, 72 extracted human premolars were divided into three groups for different self‐etch adhesives (G Bond, GC [GB], Optibond, Kerr [OB], and Xeno V Plus, Dentsply [XV]). Class V cavities were prepared. Each group was further divided into two subgroups (n = 10) according to the placement technique of the adhesive, using the single‐application [subgroup (a)] or double‐application method [subgroup (b)]. Resin composite (Z 250, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN) was used to restore the cavities and light cured for 40 s. Twenty samples from each group were subjected to microleakage study. Two samples from both the subgroups of the three adhesives were used for scanning electron microscopic examination of the resin–dentin interfacial ultrastructure. Dye leakage scores were subjected to statistical analysis using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests at significance level of P < 0.05. Results: GB depicted significantly more microleakage which was significantly greater than OB and XV. The double application led to significant decrease in microleakage of GB with no significant effect on the microleakage scores of other two all‐in‐one adhesives, that is OB and XV. Conclusion: Double application of all‐in‐one self‐etch adhesives improves the marginal sealing ability in dentin although it appears to be product dependent. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:489–494, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Microtensile strength of resin cement bond to indirect composite treated by different output powers of Er:YAG laser

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of different output powers of Er:YAG laser on microtensile bonding strength of indirect composite to resin cements.36 indirect composite blocks (GC Gradia DA2, Japan) size 15 × 10 × 10 mm³ were constructed, and divided into 12 groups, as follows:G1: control group (no treatment); Groups G2 to G6: treated with Er:YAG laser (2,940 nm) in noncontact mode, frequency 20 Hz, pulse duration 470 µs, with output power ranging from 2W to 6W; Groups G7 sandblasting, Groups 8 to G12: as Groups G2 to G 6 with preparatory sandblasting. One specimen from each group was analyzed by SEM; each specimen was fixed to a specialized metal jig using cyanoacrylate (Mitreapel, Beta Kimya San. Ve TIC, Iran) and debonded under tension with a universal testing machine (Zwick, Germany) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm min^?1. Sandblasting and laser can improve bond strength above an energy level of 150 mJ. SEM evaluation of laser‐treated specimens showed irregularities and deep undercuts. T test analysis showed no significant difference between sandblasted and non‐sandblasted group, with laser output power of 0, 100, or 150 mJ (P = 0.666, P = 0.875, and P = 0.069); in the specimens irradiated with energy output of 200, 250, or 300 mJ, sandblasted specimens showed higher bond strength than non‐sandblasted ones. The results demonstrate that, in composite resin irradiated with laser at energy output of 200–300 mJ, sandblasting might be a suitable procedure to enhance bond strength of resin cement. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:328–333, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Comparison of microtensile bond strength and resin–dentin interfaces of two self‐adhesive flowable composite resins by using different universal adhesives: Scanning electron microscope study

The aim of this in‐vitro study was to evaluate microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of two different self‐adhesive composites (SACs) on the permanent dentin by applying five different universal adhesive systems. In this study, two different SACs [Vertise Flow (VF), Fusio Liquid Dentin (FLD)] and five different bonding systems [Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (CUB), Single Bond Universal (SBU), All Bond Universal (ABU), Prime Bond Universal (PBU), Futurabond U (FBU)] were used. A total of 22 groups were created in which SACs were applied without adhesive and with five different universal bonding agents in total‐etch (TE) and self‐etch (SE) modes. Two hundred and forty test sticks were obtained using 48 healthy human molar teeth in total with groups having 10 samples each. The μTBS test was applied to each sample in the Universal test device and the data obtained were analyzed statistically by variance analysis and Tukey HSD test. In addition, the resin–dentin interface and fractures modes in the groups were examined by SEM. Upon examining the μTBS results, the highest values were seen in the use of SBU adhesive in TE mode in VF group, while the lowest values were seen in the FLD control group. The difference between the control and experimental groups was found statistically significant (p < .05). Upon comparing the control groups with each other, it was seen that VF group had higher μTBS values than FLD group and the difference between the groups was found statistically significant (p < .05). The μTBS results and SEM images of the study showed that the use of SACs with universal adhesive systems provides a more effective bond strength.     

High precision pycnometer for volumetric measurement of polymerization shrinkage in light cured dental composites

Due to the many benefits such as excellent aesthetics, biocompatibility, and wear resistance, the use of light cured composite materials in dentistry has grown in the last few decades. However, the main disadvantage of present composite materials is significant volumetric shrinkage during curing, which leads to void and crack formation that is detrimental to the longevity of the restoration. This work presents a gas pycnometer which was re-designed to achieve high precision measurements of polymerization shrinkage while allowing in-situ curing of small size dental composites. Samples of dentin, enamel and body (DEB) shade of conventionally used restorative nanocomposite material with average mass of ∼141.35 mg were in-situ cured at irradiance of ∼370 mW/cm² using various exposure time cycles, which totaled the manufacturer recommended 60 s. The proposed system enhancements allowed measurement of time-dependent polymerization shrinkage of in-situ light cured dental composites. Volumetric measurements had reproducibility of ∼0.005% of nominal full-scale sample cell chamber volume; and the shrinkage measurements did not exceed the average relative standard deviation (RSD) of ∼2.8%, which is ∼4 times better when compared with conventional techniques. Overall, this newly developed high precision and C-factor independent technique provides better understanding of time-dependent volumetric polymerization shrinkage aiding in development of better clinical procedures and materials to improve health and longevity of composite restorations.