Abstract Aiming to produce an antimicrobial dressing for wound healing applications, in this work Tea Tree oil (TTO) was incorporated into PHBV nanofibers by absorption. It was observed increase in the nanofiber diameter due to 5% TTO absorption efficiency, which also led to a 54% decrease in the contact angle. The releasing assay indicates a 6.8% oil release in the first 24 h – being probably the oil deposited at the polymer surface – followed by a minimal release at 48 h. The set of antimicrobial assays performed suggests the incorporation of TTO optimized the antimicrobial activity of the polymer for E. coli and C. albicans, while against S. aureus no significant difference was observed. The MTT assay showed no cytotoxicity of PHBV, but the incubation of L929 fibroblast cells with PHBV-TTO reduced cell viability. Overall, the PHBV nanofibers containing TTO present great potential as an antimicrobial dressing.

ABSTRACT Objective: The present study analyzed the biomechanical behavior of the generated stress on the external surface of the rehabilitation elements (implants, components and infrastructures) according to different occlusion patterns on a fixed partial denture on osseointegrated implants. Method: The experimental groups varied according to the location of the occlusal load applied to the Fixed partial denture, with a total occlusal load of 750N in all groups, opting for greater loads on the occlusal table of the molar in relation to the premolar. This evaluation was performed by the finite element method with simulations by the AnsysWorkbench 16.0 Software program. Results: The results analyzed for implants and their components showed that the more posterior the occlusal loading, the greater the stress developed (group 4), always in the connection area between the prosthetic component and the implant, as this location can induce greater screw loosening. The results analyzed for the infrastructures showed that the most distributed occlusal loading possible (group 1) is the best situation for generating less stress. However, even in group 3 which obtained the highest stresses in the critical area of the prosthetic connection, the zirconia flexural strength values generated were not worrisome. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the occlusal adjustment of Fixed partial dentures are preponderant and decisive factors for correct biomechanics and preservation of the system in the long term in order to avoid possible damage and/or failures, and exert significant and notorious differences in the behavior of all structures studied herein.

RESUMO Objetivo: O presente estudo analisou o comportamento biomecânico do estresse gerado na superfície externa dos elementos reabilitadores (implantes, componentes e infraestruturas) de acordo com diferentes padrões de oclusão em uma prótese parcial fixa sobre implantes osseointegrados. Métodos: Os grupos experimentais variaram de acordo com a localização da carga oclusal aplicada na Prótese Parcial Fixa, com carga oclusal total de 750N em todos os grupos, optando por cargas maiores na mesa oclusal do molar em relação ao pré-molar. Esta avaliação foi realizada pelo método dos elementos finitos com simulações pelo programa AnsysWorkbench 16.0 Software. Resultados: Os resultados analisados para os implantes e seus componentes mostraram que quanto mais posterior a carga oclusal, maior a tensão desenvolvida (grupo 4), sempre na área de conexão entre o componente protético e o implante, pois este local pode induzir maior soltura do parafuso. Os resultados analisados para as infraestruturas mostraram que a carga oclusal mais distribuída possível (grupo 1) é a melhor situação para gerar menos estresse. No entanto, mesmo no grupo 3 que obteve as maiores tensões na área crítica da conexão protética, os valores de resistência à flexão da zircônia gerados não foram preocupantes. Conclusões: Pode-se concluir que o ajuste oclusal das Próteses Parciais Fixas são fatores preponderantes e decisivos para correta biomecânica e preservação do sistema a longo prazo a fim de evitar possíveis danos e/ou falhas, e exercem diferenças significativas e notórias no comportamento de todas as estruturas aqui estudadas.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o desgaste tridimensional, perda volumétrica e rugosidade após a simulação de mastigação de dois materiais vitro-cerâmicos. Discos de dissilicato de lítio (LD, Emax CAD, Ivoclar) e silicato de lítio reforçado com zircônia (ZLS, Vita Suprinity, Vita Zhanfabrick) (n=20/g) foram confeccionados e digitalizados para obtenção de arquivos de estereolitografia (STL) de cada amostra. Todos os discos foram submetidos à simulação de mastigação com configuração deslizante (30 N, 300.000 ciclos, 6 mm e 1,7 Hz) com esteatita como antagonista. As amostras foram escaneadas novamente e a perda de volume e o defeito mais profundo foram medidos usando o arquivo sobreposto da linha de base através de um software de inspeção paramétrica digital e tridimensional (GOM Inspect, Braunschweig, Alemanha). A rugosidade superficial (Ra e Rz) foi avaliada através de rugosímetro de contato. Os resultados foram analisados por ANOVA 1-fator e teste Tukey (α=0,5%). ANOVA mostrou diferenças significantes entre os grupos. Considerando a perda de volume cerâmico, comprimento do defeito e rugosidade Rz, LD (-22,09±5,57%; 0,80±0,06 µm; 3,08±1.02 µm) apresentou valores médios superiores a ZLS (-15,67±4,51%; 0,56±0,09 µm; 1.51±0.90 µm). Todos os discos exibiram pequenos arranhões na superfície conforme a direção de deslizamento com padrões de desgaste, enquanto grandes ranhuras foram observadas nos traços de desgaste. Essas mesmas áreas podem ser identificadas em azul, sobrepondo os arquivos STL antes e depois da simulação de mastigação no software de inspeção. A redução linear gerada pelo contato deslizante mostra um gráfico com uma forma de padrão de desgaste semelhante. ZLS foi mais resistente ao desgaste do que LD, com menor perda de volume e menores defeitos superficiais.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the three-dimensional wear, volumetric loss and surface roughness after chewing simulation of two glass ceramics. Lithium disilicate (LD, Emax CAD, Ivoclar) and Zirconia reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS, Vita Suprinity, Vita Zhanfabrick) discs (n=20/g) were scanned to obtain stereolithography (STL) files for each sample. All discs were submitted to chewing simulation with sliding configuration (30 N, 300,000 cycles, 6 mm and 1.7 Hz) with steatite as antagonist. The samples were then scanned again and the volume loss and the deepest defect depth was measured using the superimposed file from the baseline using three-dimensional digital parametric inspection software (GOM Inspect, Braunschweig, Germany). Surface roughness (Ra and Rz) was analyzed with a contact profilometer. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α=0.5%). ANOVA showed significant differences among the groups. Considering the ceramic volume loss, wear depth defect length and Rz roughness, LD (-22.09±5.57%; 0.80±0.06 µm; 3.08±1.02 µm) showed higher mean values than ZLS (-15.67±4.51%; 0.56±0.09 µm; 1.51±0.90 µm). Ra mean values were similar for both materials (p=0.064). All discs exhibited slight surface scratches along with the sliding direction with pitted wear patterns, while large cracks were observed on wear traces. These same areas can be identified in blue, overlapping the STL files before and after chewing simulation in inspection software. The linear reduction generated by sliding contact shows a graph with a similar wear pattern shape. ZLS was more resistant to wear than LD, with less volume loss and shallower surface defects.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a probabilidade de falha de dois tipos de parafusos para pilar protético após a compressão e analisar a distribuição da tensão com o método dos elementos finitos. Sessenta (60) restaurações unitárias foram montadas em implantes de titânio (e-fix, A.S. Technology - Titanium Fix). Os grupos foram divididos em parafusos convencionais (parafuso de pescoço 1,5 ø mm) e parafuso experimental (parafuso de pescoço estreitado com 1,2 ø mm). As amostras foram sujeitas ao teste de compressão de acordo com ISO 14801. Os espécimes fraturados foram submetidos a estereomicroscopia para a mensuração dos parafusos restantes dentro do implante e caracterização da origem da fratura. Os espécimes representativos foram analisados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Para o método de elementos finitos (FEM), utilizou-se um modelo 3D idêntico dos dois grupos de teste in vitro com condições semelhantes (30º, 100 N). A tensão no parafuso do pilar foi analisada pelo critério de von-Mises. Os resultados de resistência a compressão foram 4132,5 ± 76 MPa e 4528,2 ± 127,2 para grupos convencionais e experimentais, respectivamente. Durante a microscopia, a média do remanescente do parafuso restante dentro dos implantes foi de 0,97 ± 0,23 e 1,32 ± 0,12 mm para os grupos convencionais e experimentais, respectivamente. Em FEM, o grupo convencional mostrou tensão concentrada em uma região desfavorável (pico de 39,23 MPa), enquanto o grupo experimental apresentou mais áreas de tensão, porém menor concentração do que o grupo convencional (36,6 MPa). Ao usar a geometria experimental testada, o parafuso do pilar pode ter sua resistência melhorada e a origem da falha pode ser mais favorável à resolução clínica.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the failure probability of two types of abutment screws after compressive load and to analyze the stress distribution with finite element method. Sixty (60) single-tooth implant restorations were assembled on titanium implants (e-fix, A.S. Technology - Titanium Fix). The groups were divided into Conventional screw (Screw neck 1.5 ø mm) and Experimental screw (Screw neck constricted with 1.2 ø mm). Specimens were subjected to single load to failure with compressive test according ISO 14801. The fractured specimens were subjected to stereomicroscopy for measurement of remaining screws inside the implant and characterization of fracture origin. Representative specimens were analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy. For finite element method (FEM), an identical 3D model of the two in vitro test groups were used with similar conditions (30º, 100 N load). The stress in the abutment screw was analyzed by von-Mises criteria. The results of strength means were 4132.5 ± 76 MPa and 4528.2 ± 127.2 for conventional and experimental groups, respectively. During microscopy, the mean (mm) of the remaining screw piece inside the implants were 0.97 ± 0.23 and 1.32 ± 0.12 for conventional and experimental groups, respectively. In FEM, the conventional group showed stress concentered in an unfavorable region (peak of 39.23 MPa), while the experimental group showed more stress areas but less concentration than the conventional group (36.6 MPa). In using the tested experimental geometry, the abutment screw can have its strength improved, and the origin of failure can be more favorable to clinical resolution.

Resumo Introdução As resinas de polimetilmetacrilato e as bisacrílicas são materiais amplamente utilizados para a confecção de restaurações provisórias; no entanto, ambas apresentam uma característica de exotermia durante a polimerização que deve ser investigada por causa de possíveis interferências no sucesso clínico. Objetivo Avaliar a variação de temperatura de polimerização da resina bisacrílica e de uma resina acrílica quimicamente ativada, em preparos classe V, pelo método direto. Material e método Para isso, vinte dentes incisivos inferiores bovinos foram divididos em dois grupos: RA (N=10) com dentes restaurados com resina acrílica e RB (N=10) com dentes restaurados com resina bisacrílica. As mensurações das variações térmicas foram realizadas através de termopares tipo J, ligados a um termômetro óptico, e analisadas por um computador equipado com o software específico. Os dados obtidos foram analisados e submetidos à análise de médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (significância de 5%). Resultado Foi possível observar que não houve diferença estatística significante entre ambos os grupos experimentais (p=0,0739), mesmo que aumento de temperatura de RA tenha apresentado média maior (0,52 °C) do que RB (0,44 °C). Conclusão Não existe diferença significativa experimental entre o calor emitido pela resina acrílica e pela resina bisacrílica durante seus processos de polimerização, não definindo a característica de escolha de uma destas para as restaurações provisórias diretas.

Abstract Introduction Polymethyl methacrylate and bis-acryl resins are materials widely used for temporary restorations, however, both have a characteristic of polymerization exotermia that should be investigated because of possible interferences in clinical success. Objective to evaluate the variation of the polymerization temperature of bis-acryl resin and a chemically activated acrylic resin in the temporary restoration by the direct method. Material and method Twenty bovine mandibular incisor teeth were divided into two groups: AR (N = 10) teeth restored with acrylic resin and BR (N = 10) teeth restored with bis-acryl resin. Measurements of thermal variations were performed using type J thermocouples, connected to an optical thermometer and analyzed by a computer equipped with specific software. The obtained data were analyzed and submitted to the analysis of means compared by Tukey test (significance of 5%). Result It was observed that there was no statistically significant difference between both experimental groups (p = 0.0739), even though AR temperature increase presented higher average (0.52ºC) than BR (0.44ºC). Conclusion There is no significant experimental difference between the heat emitted by acrylic resin and bis-acryl resin during their polymerization processes, not defining the factor that characterizes a choice of a material for temporary restorations.

Resumo Introdução A inclinação dos implantes pode ser corrigida através de mini-pilares de diferentes angulações. Objetivo Analisar a influência de implantes com hexágono externo em diferentes inclinações (3 níveis) na distribuição de microdeformações geradas em torno de três implantes. Método Um modelo geométrico de osso foi criado através do software CAD Rhinoceros (versão 5.0 SR8, Mcneel North America, Seattle, WA, EUA). Três implantes (4,1 × 13 mm) foram modelados e inseridos no interior do substrato em três diferentes inclinações: 0º, 17º e 30º. Em seguida, todos os grupos receberam mini-pilares cônicos, parafusos de fixação e prótese simplificada. A geometria final foi exportada em formato STEP para software de análise e todos os materiais foram considerados homogêneos, isotrópicos e linearmente elásticos. Uma carga axial (300N) foi aplicada no centro da prótese. Um estudo in vitro foi conduzido com as mesmas condições e grupos para validar o modelo tridimensional. Resultado A concentração de tensão ocorreu na área externa dos implantes, em contato com o osso cortical e o hexágono externo. Para o simulador ósseo, a deformação aumentou na região peri-implantar de acordo com o aumento da inclinação do implante. A diferença entre os grupos foi significativa (p = 0.000). O grupo de 30º apresentou maior concentração de tensão e deformação. Conclusão O aumento da microdeformação e das tensões ao redor dos implantes aumenta diretamente proporcional ao aumento do ângulo de instalação.

Abstract Introduction Implant inclinations can be corrected using mini abutments at different angulations. Objective To analyze the influence of external hexagon implants in different inclinations (3 levels) on the microstrain distribution generated around three implants. Method A geometric bone model was created through Rhinoceros CAD software (version 5.0 SR8, Mcneel North America, Seattle, WA, USA). Three implants (4.1 × 13 mm) were modeled and inserted inside the substrate at three different inclinations: 0º, 17º and 30º. Next, all groups received mini conical abutments, fixation screws and a simplified prosthesis. The final geometry was exported in STEP format to analysis software and all materials were considered homogeneous, isotropic and linearly elastic. An axial load (300N) was applied on the center of the prosthesis. An in vitro study was conducted with same conditions and groups for validating the tridimentional model. Result Stress was concentrated on the external area of the implants, in contact with the cortical bone and external hexagon. For the bone simulator, the strain increased in the peri-implant region according to the increase in the implant’s inclination. The difference between groups was significant (p = 0.000). The 30º group presented higher stress and strain concentration. Conclusion The microstrain and stress increase around implants directly proportional to the increase of the installation angle.

Resumo Introdução Um novo design de pilar para implantes dentários está disponível com a possibilidade de melhorar a estética sem comprometer a resistência mecânica, usando blocos cerâmicos perfurados para CAD/CAM. Objetivo Este estudo avaliou a influência da combinação de diferentes materiais cerâmicos para coroa e para pilar híbrido na distribuição de tensões de prótese sobre implante hexágono externo. Método Zircônia, dissilicato de lítio e cerâmica híbrida foram avaliados, totalizando 9 combinações de materiais para coroa e mesoestrutura. Para análise de elementos finitos, uma coroa monolítica cimentada sobre um pilar híbrido (mesoestrutura + base de titânio) foi modelada sobre um implante de hexágono externo. Os modelos foram exportados em formato STEP para o software de análise, e os materiais foram considerados isotrópicos, lineares, elásticos e homogêneos. Uma carga oblíqua (30°, 300N) foi aplicada no fundo da fossa central e a fixação do sistema ocorreu na base do osso. Resultado Para a estrutura da coroa, os materiais flexíveis concentram menos tensão que os rígidos. Ao analisar o pilar híbrido, maiores valores de tensão foram observados quando feito com zircônia combinada com uma coroa de cerâmica híbrida. Em todas as combinações simuladas, a distribuição de tensões foi semelhante para o parafuso de fixação e o implante. Conclusão Associar um material cerâmico com elevado módulo elástico para a coroa com um material de menor módulo elástico para o pilar híbrido resulta em menor concentração de tensão máxima principal, sugerindo um comportamento mecânico promissor para o sistema hexágono externo.

Abstract Introduction A new dental implant-abutment design is available with the possibility of improving aesthetic with no compromise of mechanical strength, using perforated CAD/CAM ceramic blocks. Objective This study evaluated the influence of crown and hybrid abutment ceramic materials combination on the stress distribution of external hexagon implant supported prosthesis. Method Zirconia, lithium disilicate and hybrid ceramic were evaluated, totaling 9 combinations of crown and mesostructure materials. For finite element analysis, a monolithic crown cemented over a hybrid abutment (mesostructure + titanium base) was modeled and screwed onto an external hexagon implant. Models were then exported in STEP format to analysis software, and the materials were considered isotropic, linear, elastic and homogeneous. An oblique load (30°, 300N) was applied to the central fossa bottom and the system’s fixation occurred on the bone’s base. Result For crown structure, flexible materials concentrate less stress than rigid ones. In analyzing the hybrid abutment, it presented higher stress values when it was made with zirconia combined with a hybrid ceramic crown. The stress distribution was similar regarding all combinations for the fixation screw and implant. Conclusion For external hexagon implant, the higher elastic modulus of the ceramic crowns associated with lower elastic modulus of the hybrid abutment shows a better stress distribution on the set, suggesting a promising mechanical behavior.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in an occlusal veneer according to the restorative material, restoration thickness, and cement layer thickness. A tridimensional model of a human maxillary first molar with an occlusal veneer preparation was constructed using a modeling software of finite element analysis. The model was replicated 9 times to evaluate the factors: restoration thickness (0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mm) and cement layer thickness (100, 200, and 300 μm). Then, each model received different restorative materials (High Translucency Zirconia – [YZHT], Lithium Disilicate – [LD], Zirconia Reinforced Lithium Silicate – [ZLS], Feldspathic – [F], and Hybrid Ceramic – [HC]), totaling forty-five groups. An axial load (600 N) was applied on the occlusal face for static structural analysis. Solids were considered isotropic, homogeneous, and linearly elastic. Contacts were considered perfectly bonded. Fixation occurred in the dental root and a mechanical static structural analysis was performed. Descriptive statistical analysis and one-way ANOVA (α =10%) were performed for tensile stress peak values in the restoration and cement layer. The difference between groups was compared using the Tukey's test with 10% significance to match the percentage of the mesh convergence test. According to the results, the cement layer thickness did not influence stress distribution in the restoration (p ≥ 0.10). The thicker the restoration, the higher the tensile stress concentration in the restoration. The graphs showed higher stress concentration in the YZHT, followed by LD, F, ZLS, and HC. Also, the restorative material influenced stress concentration on the cement layer, which decreased according to the sequence HC>YZHT>ZLS>LD>F. HC stood out for causing the least stress concentration in the restoration. Cement layer thickness did not interfere in the mechanical performance of the restorations.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of implantoplasty on different bone insertion levels of exposed implants. A model of the Bone Level Tapered implant (Straumann Institute, Waldenburg, Switzerland) was created through the Rhinoceros software (version 5.0 SR8, McNeel North America, Seattle, WA, USA). The abutment was fixed to the implant through a retention screw and a monolithic crown was modeled over a cementation line. Six models were created with increasing portions of the implant threads exposed: C1 (1 mm), C2 (2 mm), C3 (3 mm), C4 (4 mm), C5 (5 mm) and C6 (6 mm). The models were made in duplicates and one of each pair was used to simulate implantoplasty, by removing the threads (I1, I2, I3, I4, I5 and I6). The final geometry was exported in STEP format to ANSYS (ANSYS 15.0, ANSYS Inc., Houston, USA) and all materials were considered homogeneous, isotropic and linearly elastic. To assess distribution of stress forces, an axial load (300 N) was applied on the cusp. For the periodontal insert, the strains increased in the peri-implant region according to the size of the exposed portion and independent of the threads’ presence. The difference between groups with and without implantoplasty was less than 10%. Critical values were found when the inserted portion was smaller than the exposed portion. In the exposed implants, the stress generated on the implant and retention screw was higher in the models that received implantoplasty. For the bone tissue, exposure of the implant’s thread was a damaging factor, independent of implantoplasty. Implantoplasty treatment can be safely used to control peri-implantitis if at least half of the implant is still inserted in bone.

Marginal integrity is one of the most crucial aspects involved in the clinical longevity of resin composite restorations. Objective To analyze the marginal integrity of restorations produced with a model composite based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). Material and Methods A base composite (B) was produced with an organic matrix with UDMA/TEGDMA and 70 wt.% of barium borosilicate glass particles. To produce the model composite, 25 wt.% of UDMA were replaced by POSS (P25). The composites P90 and TPH3 (TP3) were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Marginal integrity (%MI) was analyzed in bonded class I cavities. The volumetric polymerization shrinkage (%VS) and the polymerization shrinkage stress (Pss - MPa) were also evaluated. Results The values for %MI were as follows: P90 (100%) = TP3 (98.3%) = B (96.9%) > P25 (93.2%), (p<0.05). The %VS ranged from 1.4% (P90) to 4.9% (P25), while Pss ranged from 2.3 MPa (P90) to 3.9 MPa (B). For both properties, the composite P25 presented the worst results (4.9% and 3.6 MPa). Linear regression analysis showed a strong positive correlation between %VS and Pss (r=0.97), whereas the correlation between Pss and %MI was found to be moderate (r=0.76). Conclusions The addition of 25 wt.% of POSS in methacrylate organic matrix did not improve the marginal integrity of class I restorations. Filtek P90 showed lower polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress when compared to the experimental and commercial methacrylate composite.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da técnica de obturação na resistência à fratura de raízes e analisar, por meio de análise de elementos finitos (AEF), a expansão do cimento endodôntico em duas diferentes técnicas de obturação. Trinta dentes humanos unirradiculares foram instrumentados com limas rotatórias, com um comprimento de trabalho padronizado (14 mm). Os espécimes foram embutidos em um cilindro plástico com resina acrílica, e distribuídos em 3 grupos (n=10): G(lateral) - condensação lateral; G(cone único) - cone único; G(tagger) - técnica híbrida de Tagger. Os canais radiculares foram preparados num comprimento de 11 mm com a broca de preparo do sistema de pinos de fibra reforçado por compósito. Todas as raízes receberam pinos de fibra de vidro, as quais foram adesivamente cimentadas, e a reconstrução do núcleo foi realizada com resina composta. Todos os grupos foram submetidos ao teste de resistência à fratura (1 mm/min, 45°). Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de análise de variância 1 fator. A AEF foi executada através de dois modelos: um simulou a técnica da condensação lateral e a técnica híbrida de Tagger, e o outro simulou a técnica do cone único. O último foi desenhado com a guta-percha duas vezes menor e com a espessura de cimento duas vezes maior que o primeiro modelo. Os resultados foram analisados usando o critério de tensão Von Mises. A análise de variância a um fator indicou que a técnica de obturação afetou a resistência à fratura (p=0.004). G(lateral) e G(tagger) obtiveram similares valores de resistência à fratura, enquanto G(cone único) apresentou os menores valores. A AEF mostrou que o modelo do cone único gerou um aumento de tensão nas paredes do canal radicular. A espessura do cimento pareceu influenciar a resistência à fratura dos dentes tratados endodonticamente e restaurados.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of root canal filling techniques on root fracture resistance and to analyze, by finite element analysis (FEA), the expansion of the endodontic sealer in two different root canal techniques. Thirty single-rooted human teeth were instrumented with rotary files to a standardized working length of 14 mm. The specimens were embedded in acrylic resin using plastic cylinders as molds, and allocated into 3 groups (n=10): G(lateral) - lateral condensation; G(single-cone) - single cone; G(tagger) - Tagger's hybrid technique. The root canals were prepared to a length of 11 mm with the #3 preparation bur of a tapered glass fiber-reinforced composite post system. All roots received glass fiber posts, which were adhesively cemented and a composite resin core was built. All groups were subjected to a fracture strength test (1 mm/min, 45°). Data were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA with a significance level of 5%. FEA was performed using two models: one simulated lateral condensation and Tagger's hybrid technique, and the other one simulated the single-cone technique. The second model was designed with an amount of gutta-percha two times smaller and a sealer layer two times thicker than the first model. The results were analyzed using von Mises stress criteria. One-way ANOVA indicated that the root canal filling technique affected the fracture strength (p=0.004). The G(lateral) and G(tagger) produced similar fracture strength values, while G(single-cone) showed the lowest values. The FEA showed that the single-cone model generated higher stress in the root canal walls. Sealer thickness seems to influence the fracture strength of restored endodontically treated teeth.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of plaster condition, dry or not, on the amount of residual monomer in heat-cured acrylic resin. METHODS: Thirty acrylic resin specimens (65x10x3 mm) were fabricated and randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=6). The evaluated resins were heat-cured acrylic resins by conventional or microwave polymerization techniques and the plaster was previously dried in microwave oven in two groups. Each specimen was individually immersed in a test tube containing methanol (7 days) for surface analysis. In the groups for which internal monomer was evaluated, the specimens were fragmented and the small fragments were weighed prior to immersion in methanol. The analysis was made by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test (p<5%) RESULTS: showed statistical differences among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The previous plaster drying influenced the residual monomer amount showing a decrease of these levels.