Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and synergistic effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and fosfomycin (FOSFO) on biofilms of oral bacteria associated with endodontic infections. Methodology This study determined minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) and fractionated inhibitory concentration (FIC) of EGCG and FOSFO against Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces israelii, Streptococcus mutans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Monospecies and multispecies biofilms with those bacteria formed in polystyrene microplates and in radicular dentin blocks of bovine teeth were treated with the compounds and control chlorhexidine (CHX) and evaluated by bacterial counts and microscopy analysis. Toxicity effect of the compounds was determined on fibroblasts culture by methyl tetrazolium assays. Results The combination of EGCG + FOSFO demonstrated synergism against all bacterial species, with an FIC index ranging from 0.35 to 0.5. At the MIC/FIC concentrations, EGCG, FOSFO, and EGCG+FOSFO were not toxic to fibroblasts. EGCG+FOSFO significantly reduced monospecies biofilms of E. faecalis and A. israelli, whereas S. mutans and F. nucleatum biofilms were eliminated by all compounds. Scanning electron microscopy of multispecies biofilms treated with EGCG, EGCG+FOSFO, and CHX at 100x MIC showed evident biofilm disorganization and substantial reduction of extracellular matrix. Confocal microscopy observed a significant reduction of multispecies biofilms formed in dentin tubules with 84.85%, 78.49%, and 50.6% of dead cells for EGCG+FOSFO, EGCG, and CHX at 100x MIC, respectively. Conclusion EGCG and fosfomycin showed a synergistic effect against biofilms of oral pathogens related to root canal infections without causing cytotoxicity.

Abstract Proanthocyanidin has been shown to be efficient in inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases. Objective The aim of this in situ study was to evaluate the protective effect of Proanthocyanidin-based mouthrinses either with naturally acidic or with a neutral pH applied on dentin subjected to erosion. Methodology Eight volunteers wore one palatal device in two phases (7 days washout) with 16 samples per group (n=8). The groups under study were: First Phase/ G1 – 10% proanthocyanidin mouthrinse (pH 7.0, Experimental group 1 – Purified Grape Seeds Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins), G2 – 10% proanthocyanidin mouthrinse (pH 3.0, Experimental group 2 – Purified Grape Seeds Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins). Second Phase/ G3 – 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse (pH 7.0, Positive control group), G4 – no previous treatment (Negative control group). Each device was subjected to 3 erosive cycles (5 minutes) per day for 5 days. Treatments with different mouthrinses were applied once after the second erosive challenge (5 minutes). Profilometry was used to quantify dentin loss (µm). Results Data were analyzed by repeated measures of ANOVA followed by Fisher’s test (p<0.05). G1 (1.17±0.69) and G3 (1.22±0.25) showed significantly lower wear values with no statistical difference between them. G2 (2.99±1.15) and G4 (2.29±1.13) presented higher wear values with no significant differences between them. Conclusion The 10% proanthocyanidin mouthrinse (pH 7.0) could be a good strategy to reduce dentin wear progression.

Abstract Several anti-proteolytic dentin therapies are being exhaustively studied in an attempt to reduce dentin bond degradation and improve clinical performance and longevity of adhesive restorations. Objectives This study assessed the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on long-term bond strength when incorporated into adhesives. Material and Methods Adhesive systems were formulated with EGCG concentrations of 0 wt%: (no EGCG; control); 0.5 wt% EGCG; 1.0 wt% EGCG, and 1.5 wt% EGCG. Flexural strength (FS), modulus of elasticity (ME), modulus of resilience (MR), compressive strength (CS), degree of conversion (DC), polymerization shrinkage (PS), percentage of water sorption (%WS), percentage of water solubility (%WL) and cytotoxicity properties were tested. Dentin microtensile bond strength (µTBS) was evaluated after 24 h and again after 6 months of water storage. The adhesive interface was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of FS, ME, MR, CS and PS. EGCG-doped adhesives increased the DC relative to the control group. EGCG concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5 wt% decreased the WS of adhesives. WL decreased in all cases in which EGCG was added to adhesives, regardless of the concentration. EGCG concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5 wt% reduced cytotoxicity. EGCG concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5 wt% preserved µTBS after 6 months of storage, while 1.5 wt% EGCG significantly decreased µTBS. SEM: the integrity of the hybrid layer was maintained in the 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt% EGCG groups. Conclusion EGCG concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5 wt% showed better biological and mechanical performance, preserved bond strength and adhesive interface, and reduced cytotoxicity.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo in vitro foi avaliar a variação de temperatura dentro da câmara pulpar durante a fotoativação de um sistema adesivo e de camadas de resina composta com diferentes fontes de luz. Cavidades com dimensões de 8x10 mm foram preparadas na superfície vestibular de incisivos bovinos deixando uma espessura de dentina remanescente de 1 mm. Os espécimes foram inseridos em uma cuba térmica com água à temperatura de 37±1 °C. A temperatura no interior da câmara foi medida a cada 10 s durante 40 s de ativação de luz do sistema adesivo (SBMP; 3M/ESPE) e três camadas de 1 mm de espessura consecutivas de resina composta (Z250; 3M/ESPE ). Três fonte de luz foram avaliadas: Elipar 2500 (QTH), LD Max (LED de baixa densidade de potência), VALO (LED alta densidade de potência). Os resultados foram submetidos a ANOVA de medidas repetidas a um critério e teste de Tukey (ambos com p<0,01). O aquecimento da reação exotérmica foi observado nos incrementos de resina composta, mas não no sistema adesivo. O LED de alta densidade de potência mostrou uma média de temperatura mais elevada (42,7±1,56 °C) seguido pela luz halogéna (40,6±0,67 °C) e o LED de menor densidade de potência (37,8±0,12 °C). Maiores aumentos de temperatura foram observados na fotoativação do sistema adesivo e do primeiro incremento de resina composta, independente da fonte de luz utilizada. A partir do segundo incremento de resina composta, o material restaurador agiu como estrutura dispersiva de calor, reduzindo o aumento de temperatura. Independente da fonte de luz e da etapa restauradora, a temperatura aumentou com o tempo de irradiação. Pode-se concluir que a fonte de luz, o tempo de irradiação, a espessura resina composta interferiram na variação de temperatura no interior da câmara pulpar.

Abstract The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the temperature variation inside the pulp chamber during light-activation of the adhesive and resin composite layers with different light sources. Cavities measuring 8x10 mm were prepared on the buccal surface of bovine incisors, leaving a remaining dentin thickness of 1 mm. Specimens were placed in a 37±1 °C water bath to standardize the temperature. The temperature in the pulp chamber was measured every 10 s during 40 s of light activation of the adhesive system (SBMP-3M/ESPE) and in the three consecutive 1-mm-thick layers of resin composite (Z250-3M/ESPE). Three light source devices were evaluated: Elipar 2500 (QTH), LD Max (LED low irradiance) and VALO (LED high irradiance). The results were submitted to one-way ANOVA with repeated measures and Tukey's test, both with p<0.001. The exothermic reaction warming was observed in the Z250 increments, but not in the SBMP. The high irradiance LED showed a higher temperature average (42.7±1.56 °C), followed by the quartz-tungsten-halogen light (40.6±0.67 °C) and the lower irradiance LED (37.8±0.12 °C). Higher temperature increases were observed with the adhesive and the first resin composite increment light-activation, regardless of the employed light source. From the second increment of Z250, the restorative material acted as a dispersive structure of heat, reducing temperature increases. Regardless the light source and restorative step, the temperature increased with the irradiation time. It may be concluded that the light source, irradiation time and resin composite thickness interfered in the temperature variation inside the pulp chamber.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CPP-ACP treatment and Nd:YAG laser on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of softened dentin. Sixty samples were obtained from thirty sound third molars. All samples were submitted to dentin softening procedure, by the immersion of the specimens in 30 mL of Sprite Zero for 30min. Afterwards, the samples were randomly divided according to the CPP-ACP treatment: CG-Control group; MP-treated with CPP-ACP paste (MI Paste); MPP-treated with CPP-ACP+900 ppm NaF paste (MI Paste Plus). Each group was further divided according to bonding procedure: NL-No laser; L–Laser irradiation after adhesive application and before polymerization. The laser parameters used were 1.4 W, 10 Hz, 140 mJ/pulse, with an optic fiber of 320 µm, generating energy of 174 J/cm2 per pulse. All samples were restored with Clearfil SE Bond/Filtek Z350 XT. After 24 h, the restored samples were cut into beams (± 1 mm2adhesive interface area) and subjected to a µTBS test. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA test and Holm-Sidak post-hoc method (α = 0.05). The treatment with CPP-ACP pastes did not significantly affect softened dentin µTBS (p = 0.070). Statistic revealed significant reduction on µTBS values for CG/L, leading to the rejection of the second null hypothesis (p < 0.001). Both CPP-ACP based pastes did not affect µTBS of softened dentin for the adhesive system utilized. The Nd:YAG laser irradiation after application of adhesive system did affect µTBS values of softened dentin samples untreated with CPP-ACP based pastes.

Objective: To test the inhibitory growth activity of green tea catechin incorporated into dental resins compared to resins containing the broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound chlorhexidine against Streptococcus mutans in vitro. Material and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCg) and chlorhexidine (CHX) were determined according to the microdilution method. Resin discs (5 mm × 3 mm) were prepared from Bis-GMA/TEGDMA (R1) and Bis-GMA/CH3Bis-GMA (R2) comonomers (n=9) containing: a) no drug, b) EGCg, c) CHX. Two concentrations of each drug (0.5× MIC and 1× MIC) were incorporated into the resin discs. Samples were individually immersed in a bacterial culture and incubated for 24 h at 37°C under constant agitation. Cell viability was assessed by counting the number of colonies on replica agar plates. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey and Student t-tests (α=0.05). Results: Both resins containing EGCg and CHX showed a significant inhibition of bacterial growth at both concentrations tested (p<0.05). A significantly higher inhibition was observed in response to resins containing CHX at 0.5× MIC and 1× MIC, and EGCg at 1× MIC when compared to EGCg at 0.5× MIC. Also, EGCg at 0.5× MIC in R1 had a significantly higher growth inhibition than in R2. Conclusions: Both EGCg and CHX retained their antibacterial activity when incorporated into the resin matrix. EGCg at 1× MIC in R1 and R2 resins significantly reduced S. mutans survival at a level similar to CHX. The data generated from this study will provide advances in the field of bioactive dental materials with the potential of improving the lifespan of resin-based restorations.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of additives on the water sorption characteristics of Bis-GMA based copolymers and composites containing TEGDMA, CH3Bis-GMA or CF3Bis-GMA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen experimental copolymers and corresponding composites were prepared combining Bis-GMA and TEGDMA, CH3Bis-GMA or CF3Bis-GMA, with aldehyde or diketone (24 and 32 mol%) totaling 30 groups. For composites, barium aluminosilicate glass and pyrogenic silica was added to comonomer mixtures. Photopolymerization was effected by 0.2 wt% each of camphorquinone and N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine. Specimen densities in dry and water saturated conditions were obtained by Archimedes' method. Water sorption and desorption were evaluated in a desorption-sorption-desorption cycle. Water uptake (%WU), water desorption (%WD), equilibrium solubility (ES; µg/mm³), swelling (f) and volume increase (%V) were calculated using appropriate equations. RESULTS: All resins with additives had increased %WU and ES. TEGDMA-containing systems presented higher %WU, %WD, ES, f and %V values, followed by resins based on CH3Bis-GMA and CF3Bis-GMA. CONCLUSIONS: Aldehyde and diketone led to increases in the water sorption characteristics of experimental resins.

The effect of different propionaldehyde ratios on the properties of bis-GMA-based comonomers and copolymers diluted with propoxylated bis-GMA (CH3bis-GMA) was evaluated. Five experimental comonomers were prepared combining bis-GMA with CH3bis-GMA and propionaldehyde at 0, 2, 8, 16, 24 mol%. Light polymerization was effected with the use of 0.2 wt. (%) each of camphorquinone and N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine. Resin degrees of conversion (%DC) were evaluated by FT-IR spectrophotometry and Tg by Differential Scanning Calorimeter. Complex viscosity (η*), the effect of temperature on η*, and Microhardness (H) for dry and wet samples were also determined. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer test (α = 0.05). The group with 24 mol% additive had a significant increase in %DC and H, and the lowest comonomer Tg and η*. No remarkable variation was noted in copolymers Tg s. All resins presented Newtonian behavior of viscosity, which linearly decreased with increased temperature. The η* decreased sigmoidally as the additive ratio increased.

This case report describes the Indirect Pulp Treatment (IPT) of deep caries lesion in a permanent molar. A 16-year-old male patient reported discomfort associated with thermal stimulation on the permanent mandibular left first molar. The radiographs revealed a deep distal caries lesion, very close to the pulp, absence of radiolucencies in the periapical region, and absence of periodontal space thickening. Pulp sensitivity was confirmed by thermal pulp vitality tests. Based on the main complaint and the clinical and radiographic examinations, the treatment plan was established to preserve pulp vitality. Clinical procedures consisted of removing the infected dentin and lining the caries-affected dentin with calcium hydroxide paste. The tooth was provisionally sealed for approximately 60 days. After this period, tooth vitality was confirmed, the remaining carious dentin was removed, and the tooth was restored. At 4-year follow-up, no clinical or radiographic pathological findings were found.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência ao desgaste de compômeros submetidos a um teste escovação simulada. A hipótese nula testada foi que não haveria diferenças em perda de massa e alterações de rugosidade superficial entre os compômeros após o teste. Os materiais empregados foram o Dyract (Dentsply), Dyract AP (Dentsply), Compoglass F (Vivadent), Freedom (SDI), F2000 (3M ESPE), comparados às resinas compostas Z100 (3M ESPE) e Silux Plus (3M ESPE). Para cada material, dez espécimes cilíndricos foram confeccionados com 5 mm de diâmetro e 3 mm de espessura. Para o teste de abrasão, uma máquina com escovas de cerdas macias e uma solução de dentifrício e água deionizada foi utilizada. Foram realizados 100.000 ciclos de escovação simulada. A perda de massa foi verificada através da diferença em porcentagem entre a massa inicial (antes da escovação) e massa final (após a escovação) através de uma balança analítica Sartorius. A alteração de rugosidade superficial foi determinada pela diferença em porcentagem entre as médias de rugosidade inicial e final, após 5 leituras aleatórias por espécime realizado pelo rugosímetro Hommel Tester T 1000 antes e depois do teste de abrasão. A análise estatística (Teste t pareado, ANOVA e Tukey, á=0,05) demonstrou que todos os materiais do estudo apresentaram perda de massa e aumento significante de rugosidade. Todos os compômeros apresentaram maior perda de massa em relação às resinas compostas. Entre os compômeros, Freedom e Dyract AP apresentaram a menor perda de massa. F2000 apresentou a maior alteração de massa sem diferenças estatísticas quando comparado ao Dyract. Quanto à rugosidade superficial, Dyract, Dyract AP, Z100, Compoglass F e Silux Plus se tornaram mais rugosos, porém sem diferenças estatísticas entre si. Freedom apresentou a maior alteração de rugosidade após o teste de escovação simulada.

This study aimed at analyzing the compomers wear by an "in vitro" toothbrushing abrasion test. The null hypotheses tested were that there would be no differences in weight loss and no significant changes in surface roughness of the compomers after this test. The utilized commercial brands were Dyract (Dentsply), Dyract AP (Dentsply), Compoglass F (Vivadent), Freedom (SDI), F2000 (3M ESPE), which were compared to the two resin composites Z100 (3M ESPE) and Silux Plus (3M ESPE). Ten cylindrical specimens for each commercial brand were prepared with 5mm diameter and 3mm thickness. An appropriate machine with soft bristle tips containing dentifrice solution and deionized water was used. A total of 100,000 brushing cycles were performed. The amount of weight loss was measured by the percentage alteration between the initial (before toothbrushing) and final weight (after toothbrushing), measured by a Sartorius analytical balance. The surface roughness change was determined by the percentage difference between initial and final means after 5 tracings by a T 1000 Hommel Tester roughness meter on the specimen's surfaces before and after toothbrushing abrasion test. The statistical analysis (Students paired t-test, ANOVA and Tukey, á=0.05) showed that all materials presented statistically significant weight loss and roughness increase after abrasion test. All compomers presented higher weight loss than resin composites. Freedom and Dyract AP presented the lowest weight loss among compomers. F2000 presented the worst abrasion resistance, without statistical differences with Dyract. For roughness changes, Dyract, Dyract AP, Z100, Compoglass F and Silux Plus showed the lowest surface roughness alteration, in increasing order, without statistical differences between them. Freedom was the statistically roughest material of the study.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a alteração de rugosidade superficial de três cimentos resinosos após submetê-los a ciclos de escovação simulada e analisar qualitativamente a sua superfície através de observações microscópicas. Os materiais empregados neste estudo foram Enforce Sure Cure (Dentsply), Rely X (3M-ESPE) e Variolink II (Vivadent). Estes foram submetidos à ciclos de escovação simulada (100.000 ciclos para cada espécime) e a alteração de sua rugosidade superficial (antes e após escovação) foi avaliada. Para cada material e condição de rugosidade, espécimes foram selecionados, metalizados e observados em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (DSM 900 Zeiss). Baseado nas observações microscópicas e nos valores de alteração de rugosidade, todos os materiais apresentaram aumento de rugosidade aritmética (Ra) após ciclos de escovação simulada.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the surface roughness changes of three current resin cements after tooth brushing simulation, as well as discuss its relation with scanning electron microscopic observations. The materials employed were Enforce Sure Cure (Dentsply), Rely X (3M-ESPE) and Variolink II (Vivadent). They were subjected to brushing abrasion (100,000 strokes for each specimen) and the surface roughness alterations (before and after strokes) were detected. For each roughness test condition, specimens were coated with gold-palladium and observed on a DSM 900 Zeiss scanning electron microscope. Roughness changes values (Ra) were statistically increased after brushing strokes. Based on the microscopic observations and roughness changes analysis, all cements studied became rougher after brushing strokes.