Abstract The objective was to evaluate the compressive strength (CS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), flexural strength (FS), and Knoop microhardness (KH) of different conventional restorative glass-ionomer cements (GICs) and to correlate these mechanical properties (MP) with the stabilization time (ST) of their chemical bonds. Eighteen GICs were tested: Bioglass [B], Chemfil Rock [CR], Equia Forte [EF], Gold Label 2 [GL2], Gold Label 9 [GL9], Glass Ionomer Cement II [GI], Ionglass [IG], Ion Z[ IZ], Ionomaster [IM], Ionofil Plus [IP], Ionostar Plus [IS], Ketac Molar Easymix [KM], Magic Glass [MG], Maxxion R [Ma], Riva Self Cure [R], Vidrion R [V], Vitro Fil [VF] and Vitro Molar [VM]. The mechanical strength tests were performed in a universal testing machine. KH readings were done with a diamond indenter. STs were examined by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05). The Spearman rank test was used to evaluate the dependence between the MPs and ST results. The highest MP values were EF, GL2, GL9, GI and KM and the lowest for MG, MA, B, VF and IM. The longest ST was for GL2 and the shortest was for B. ST correlated positively with MP. GICs with longer chemical bonds ST are generally stronger and the ST value obtained from FTIR was useful in predicting the strength of GICs tested.

Abstract Bulk-fill composites were introduced in dentistry to accelerate clinical procedures while providing adequate outcomes. Concerns regarding the use of bigger composite increments rely on the polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress, which may generate gaps on the adhesive interface and result in a reduced success rate. Objective: To evaluate the polymerization shrinkage stress of different bulk-fill resin composites and their elastic modulus. Materials and Methods: Fourteen specimens were made for each of the nine different resin composites (seven with 12 mm3 and seven with 24 mm3): Surefill SDR flow (SDR), X-tra Base (XB), Filtek Bulk Fill Flowable (FBF), Filtek Z350XT Flow (Z3F); Tetric Evo Ceram Bulk Fill (TBF), X-tra Fil (XF), Filtek Bulk Fill (FBP), Admira Xtra Fusion (ADM) and Filtek Z350 XT (Z3XT). Linear shrinkage stress was evaluated for 300 s with the aid of a linear shrinkage device adapted to a Universal Testing Machine. For each composite group, seven additional specimens (2x2x25 mm) were made and Young's modulus was evaluated with a 3-point bending device adapted in a Universal Testing Machine with 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed and 50 KgF loading cell. Results: For 12 mm3 specimens, three-way ANOVA showed that only SDR and TBF generated lower stress after 20 s. Considering 300 s, TBF, SDR, and XF generated the lowest stress, followed by ADM, FBP, XB, and FBF, which were similar to Z3XT. Z3F generated the highest stress values for all time points. Considering 24 mm3 specimens after 20 s, all bulk fill composites generated lower stress than Z3XT, except XB. After 300 s, SDR, FBP, and ADM generated the lowest stress, followed by TBF and XF. For elastic modulus, one-way ANOVA showed that FBF, SDR, Z3F, and ADM presented the lowest values, followed by XB and TBF. FBP, Z3XT, and XF presented the highest elastic modulus among the evaluated composites. Conclusions: Bulk-fill resin composites presented equal to lower shrinkage stress generation when compared to conventional composites, especially when bigger increments were evaluated. Bulk-fill composites showed a wide range of elastic modulus values, but usually similar to “regular” composites.

Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the effect of sonochemical treatment on the surface of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) before and after the final sintering. Material and Methods Twenty-eight Y-TZP discs were divided into four groups (n=7), according to surface treatment: PRE: pre-sintering sonication with 30% nominal power for 15 min; POS: post-sintering sonication with 30% nominal power for 15 min; JAT: air abrasion with 50-μm alumina particles; and CON: control group with no treatment. The POS and JAT groups were sintered before sonication and the PRE group after sonication. Surface roughness was analyzed using confocal microscopy, after which resin cement cylinders were placed on the surface of the Y-TZP discs and subjected to mechanical microshear bond strength test until fracture. Surface roughness and microshear bond strength values underwent ANOVA and the Tukey tests. Results The surface roughness values for the PRE group (299.91 nm) and the POS group (291.23 nm) were not significantly different (p≥0.05), statistically, and the surface roughness value of the JAT group (925.21 nm) was higher than those of PRE and POS (p=0.007) groups. The mechanical microshear bond strength test showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.08). Conclusions Therefore, the results showed that sonochemical treatment modifies the Y-TZP surface and is similar to the well-established sandblasting surface treatment regarding the strength of the bond with the resin cement.

Abstract Polymer-based composite materials have been proposed as an alternative for single unit restorations, due to their resilient and shock absorbing behavior, in contrast to the brittleness of ceramic materials that could result in failure by fracture. Objective: To evaluate the fatigue strength and damage modes of monolithic posterior resin nanoceramic and lithium disilicate glass ceramic crowns. Methodology: Twenty-six resin nanoceramic (RNC) and lithium disilicate glass ceramic (LD) 2 mm monolithic crowns (n=13) were cemented on composite resin replicas of a prepared tooth and subjected to cyclic load with lithium disilicate indenters for 2 million cycles. Specimens and indenters were inspected every 500,000 cycles and suspended when presenting fractures or debonding. Surviving specimens were embedded in epoxy resin, polished and subsurface damage was analyzed. Specimens presenting fractures or severe subsurface damage were considered as failures. Survival data was subjected to Fisher's exact test; damage modes were subjected to Mann-Whitney test (p<0.05). Results: There were no debonding, cohesive or catastrophic failures. Considering subsurface damage, 53.8% of RNC and 46.2% of LD crowns survived the fatigue test, presenting no statistical difference. Chief damage modes were radial cracks for RNC and inner cone cracks for LD, presenting no statistical difference. Conclusions: The results suggest that if debonding issues can be resolved, resin nanoceramic figures can be an alternative to posterior crowns. Although distinct, damage modes revealed potential to cause bulk fracture in both glass ceramic and resin nanoceramic crowns.

Abstract Objectives To perform a systematic review of test methodologies on conventional restorative glass-ionomer cement (GIC) materials for mechanical and optical properties to compare the results between different GICs. Material and Methods Screening of titles and abstracts, data extraction, and quality assessments of full-texts were conducted in search for in vitro studies on conventional GICs that follow the relevant specifications of ISO standards regarding the following mechanical and optical properties: compressive strength, flexural strength, color, opacity and radiopacity. Sources The Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), Brazilian Bibliography of Dentistry (BBO) databases from Latin-American and Caribbean System on Health Sciences Information (BIREME) and PubMed/Medline (US National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health) databases were searched regardless of language. Altogether, 1146 in vitro studies were selected. Two reviewers independently selected and assessed the articles according to pre-established inclusion/exclusion criteria. Among all the properties investigated, only one study was classified as being of fair quality that tested compressive strength and was included. It was observed that many authors had not strictly followed ISO recommendations and that, for some properties (diametral tensile strength and microhardness), there are no guidelines provided. Conclusions It was not possible to compare the results for the mechanical and optical properties of conventional restorative GICs due to the lack of standardization of studies.

Abstract Sandblasting is a common method to try to improve the Y-TZP/veneer bond strength of dental prostheses, however, it may put stress on zirconia surfaces and could accelerate the t→m phase transformation. Y-TZP sandblasting before sintering could be an alternative to improve surface roughness and bonding strength of veneering ceramic. Objectives. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of Y-TZP pre-sintering sandblasting on surface roughness, phase transformation, and the Y-TZP/veneer shear bond strength. Material and Methods. The Y-TZP specimen surface underwent sandblasting with aluminum oxide (50 μm) pre-sintering (Z-PRE) and post-sintering (Z-POS). Z-CTR was not subjected to surface treatment. After ceramic veneer application, the specimens were subjected to shear bond testing. Surface roughness was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Y-TZP monoclinic and tetragonal phases were evaluated by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Shear bond strength and surface roughness data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Differences in the wave numbers and the broadening bands of the Raman spectra were compared among groups. Results. Z-POS (9.73±5.36 MPa) and Z-PRE (7.94±2.52 MPa) showed the highest bond strength, significantly higher than that of Z-CTR (5.54±2.14 MPa). The Ra of Z-PRE (1.59±0.23 µm) was much greater and significantly different from that of Z-CTR (0.29±0.05 µm) and Z-POS (0.77±0.13 µm). All groups showed bands typical of the tetragonal (T) and monoclinic (M) phases. Y-TZP sandblasting before sintering resulted in rougher surfaces but did not increase the shear bond strength compared to post-sintering and increased surface defects. Conclusions. Surface treatment with Al3O2, regardless of the moment and application, improves the results of Y-TZP/veneer bonding and is not a specific cause of t→m transformation.

RESUMO A zircônia Y-TZP é muito utilizada na confecção de coping como material estrutural para próteses odontológicas devido à sua cor branca/perolada opaca e resistência mecânica. Estas próteses são confeccionadas por usinagem com apoio de um software de CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), a partir de blocos prensados e pré-sinterizados. A pré-sinterização consiste em aquecer os blocos compactados a altas temperaturas, com uma taxa lenta de aquecimento até o início da formação dos pescoços entre as partículas, quando proporciona dureza/resistência e usinabilidade. Uma contradição, pois a dureza/resistência mecânica é necessária para proporcionar estabilidade as forças de corte, mas se muito duro, pode dificultar a usinagem então se deve encontrar uma faixa de compromisso de temperatura entre estabilidade e usinabilidade. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar a relação entre a microdureza e temperatura de pré-sinterização da zircônia Y-TZP e seu comportamento ao ser submetido à usinagem. O ensaio de microdureza foi escolhido como representante de resistência mecânica por ser não destrutivo e de resultado imediato. O pó de zircônia experimental foi submetido à prensagem uniaxial seguido de prensagem isostática a frio à 200 MPa e pré-sinterização entre 900°C e 950°C. Os blocos foram cortados e submetidos ao teste de estabilidade na usinagem e ensaio de microdureza Vickers sendo os dados submetidos ao teste de “normalidade” de Anderson-Darlin com p > 0,05. Foi utilizada ANOVA de um fator com o teste de Tukey-Kramer para verificar as diferenças entre as médias dos grupos. A investigação demonstrou que a diferença de 50°C na temperatura de pré-sinterização, acima de 900°C afetou significativamente a microdureza, contudo os tempos de patamar 2 e 4 horas não a influenciou significativamente. A maior temperatura de pré-sinterização dos grupos experimentais testados possibilitou um melhor comportamento na usinagem com o apoio de um software CAM, sendo a microdureza similar ao material comercial ZL.

ABSTRACT Y-TZP zirconia is widely used in the manufacture of coping as a structural material for dental prosthesis due to its opaque white/pearl color and mechanical strength. Dentures are made by machining with cam (computer aided manufacturing) software support, from pressed and pre-sintered blocks. Pre-sintering consists of heating the compressed blocks to high temperatures, with a slow heating rate until the neck formation among particles, when this provides hardness/strength and machinability. There is a contradiction, because the mechanical hardness/strength is necessary to provide stability to the cutting forces, but if it is very hard, machining can be difficult, therefore must be found a compromise zone of temperature between stability and machinability. In this way, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between microhardness and the pre-sintering temperature of experimental Y-TZP zirconia and its behavior to be subjected to machining. The microharness testing was chosen as representative of mechanical strength once it is nondestructive and with immediate result. The experimental zirconia powder was subjected to uniaxial pressing, subsequently cold isostatic pressing of 200 MPa and pre-sintering between 900°C and 950°C. Blocks were cut and subjected to machining stability testing and vickers microhardnes testing which the data were subjected to the anderson-darlin (p > 0.05) test for “normality”. Anova's “one way” with tukey-kramer test was used to verify the differences among the means of groups. The investigation showed that the difference of 50°C in pre-sintering temperature above 900°C significantly affect the hardness, whereas 2 to 4 hour time did not significantly affect material microhardness. The highest pre-sintering temperature of the tested experimental groups enabled better performance in machining with cam software support, which provides similar microhardness to commercial ZL material.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo medir a pré-carga em diferentes conexões implante/pilar baseado em imagens de micro-CT. Implantes de hexágono externo (EH) e Cone Morse (MT) (n = 5) foram utilizados para a medição de pré-carga. Os parafusos de pilares foram digitalizados em um micro-CT de alta resolução para obter seus modelos virtuais, que foram utilizados para registrar o comprimento inicial. Os pilares foram parafusados sobre o implante com um torque de 20 Ncm e, o conjunto composto por implante, parafuso do pilar e pilar foi levado para o micro-CT para obter cortes virtuais dos espécimes. Esses cortes permitiram a medida do comprimento dos parafusos após a aplicação do torque. Assim, com base no alongamento dos parafusos, os valores de pré-carga foram calculados usando a Lei de Hooke. A pré-carga de ambos os grupos foram comparados pelo Test-t independente. O torque de remoção de cada espécime foi registrado. Para avaliar a precisão da técnica de micro-CT, três bastões foram escaneados em micro-CT e o comprimento do seu modelo virtual foi comparado com o comprimento original dos bastões. Um bastão foi digitalizado e mensurado quatro vezes para avaliar a variação do método de medição e a sua repetitividade. Não houve diferença entre os grupos para a pré-carga (EH = 461,6 N e MT = 477,4 N), no entanto o grupo EH apresentou maiores valores de torque de afrouxamento do parafuso (13,8 ± 4,7 contra 8,2 ± 3,6 Ncm para o grupo MT). A técnica de micro-CT mostrou uma variabilidade de 0,053% e a repetitividade apresentou um erro de 0,23 a 0,28%. Dentro das limitações deste estudo, não houve diferença entre Hexágono Externo e Cone Morse para pré-carga. O método baseado em imagens de micro-CT pode ser considerado para mensuração da pré-carga.

This study aimed to measure the preload in different implant platform geometries based on micro-CT images. External hexagon (EH) implants and Morse Tapered (MT) implants (n=5) were used for the preload measurement. The abutment screws were scanned in micro-CT to obtain their virtual models, which were used to record their initial length. The abutments were screwed on the implant with a 20 Ncm torque and the set composed by implant, abutment screw and abutment were taken to the micro-CT scanner to obtain virtual slices of the specimens. These slices allowed the measurement of screw lengths after torque application and based on the screw elongation. Preload values were calculated using the Hooke's Law. The preloads of both groups were compared by independent t-test. Removal torque of each specimen was recorded. To evaluate the accuracy of the micro-CT technique, three rods with known lengths were scanned and the length of their virtual model was measured and compared with the original length. One rod was scanned four times to evaluate the measuring method variation. There was no difference between groups for preload (EH = 461.6 N and MT = 477.4 N), but the EH group showed higher removal torque values (13.8±4.7 against 8.2±3.6 Ncm for MT group). The micro-CT technique showed a variability of 0.053% and repeatability showed an error of 0.23 to 0.28%. Within the limitations of this study, there was no difference between external hexagon and Morse taper for preload. The method using micro-CT may be considered for preload calculation.

Abstract The cementation of thin ceramic veneers employing fluid light-activated resin-based materials is a common procedure in the dental practice. Aim: To evaluate the influence of ceramic thickness and shade on the degree of conversion (DC) of a flowable light-activated material. Methods: flowable resin composite (Tetric N-Flow - shade A1) was light-activated through ceramic discs of two shades (IPS Classic - A1 and A3) in three thicknesses (0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm). For control, the resin composite was light-activated without ceramic interposition. DC was evaluated by FTIR (n=5). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Dunnett's T3 test (α=0.05). Results: Statistically significant differences between groups were observed (p<0.001). Control group (without the interposition of ceramic) showed the highest mean for DC (71.9± 1.7). Considering the interposed ceramic disc groups, the highest DC values were obtained when 0.5 and 0.7 mm A1 ceramics were used (64.6±1.2 and 64.4 5.0, respectively) and the lowest DC values were obtained for 0.7 and 1 mm A3 ceramics (61.74±0.9 and 62.0±1.9, respectively). Conclusions: No flowable resin composite group with interposing ceramics reached a DC similar to the control group.

Dental caries is considered a disease of high prevalence and a constant problem in public health. Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are substances that have been the target of recent studies aiming to control or treat caries. Objective The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment with grape seed extract, under cariogenic challenge, to minimize or even prevent the onset of caries in the enamel and dentin. Material and Methods Blocks of enamel and dentin (6.0x6.0 mm) were obtained from bovine central incisors, polished, and selected by analysis of surface microhardness (SH). The blocks were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=15), according to the following treatments: GC (control), GSE (grape seed extract), GF (fluoride – 1,000 ppm). The blocks were subjected to 6 daily pH cycles for 8 days. Within the daily cycling, the specimens were stored in buffered solution. The blocks were then analyzed for perpendicular and surface hardness and polarized light microscopy. Results The means were subjected to statistical analysis using the ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD tests (p<0.05). For enamel SH, GF showed the highest hardness values. In the dentin, GF was also the one that showed higher hardness values, followed by GSE. Regarding the cross-sectional hardness values, all groups behaved similarly in both the enamel and dentin. The samples that were treated with GSE and fluoride (GF) showed statistically higher values than the control. Conclusion Based on the data obtained in this in vitro study, it is suggested that grape seed extract inhibits demineralization of artificial carious lesions in both the enamel and dentin, but in a different scale in each structure and in a smaller scale when compared to fluoride.

From an academic standpoint, the university format, in general, has been nurturing a "paradigm of expertise" and, consequently, the relationship between specialties has declined. The upshot is that recent college dental graduates have adopted a clinical performance focusing on system parts and their specificities, in detriment to a more comprehensive view of the mouth and of the patient as a whole, with his/her vital, emotional and individual attributes. An interaction between the several different areas of human knowledge is needed imminently to decrease the dichotomy in professional behavior, because the demand for professionals and dental patients interested in a more comprehensive approach are increasing day by day. Patients want to know: "What, in fact, is behind the etiological extrinsic and intrinsic factors that maintain neuropathic pain, recurrent thrush, or persistent halitosis," among other questions, "even under the care of a dentist?" or "Why is this disease affecting me?" There are several issues composing the paradigm of salutogenesis: What are the essential aspects that constitute a healthy individual, overlapping the usual investigation: How to destroy, avoid and quell the pathological agents? A proposed approach is based on salutogenesis, which examines such issues. According to this approach, anthroposophical dentistry includes determinant factors, determinants of health, basic research and the development of oral health promotion, thus connecting dental academia with integrative thinking, while also complementing and gathering information that subsidizes basic research with the primordial concepts on laws governing the parameters involved in the vital processes of nature.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to provide information regarding the marginal adaptation of composite resin onlays in primary teeth previously treated with 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (pulp irrigant) using two different resin luting agents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty extracted sound primary molars had their crowns prepared in a standardized machine and were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10): G1 (1% NaOCl irrigation+EnForce); G2 (EnForce); G3 (1% NaOCl irrigation+Rely X); G4 (Rely X). The onlays were made with Z250 composite resin on plaster models. After luting, the tooth/restoration set was stored in 100% relative humidity at 37ºC for 24 h and finished with Soflex discs. Caries Detector solution was applied at the tooth/restoration interface for 5 s. The specimens were washed and four digital photos of each tooth were then taken. The extents of the gaps were measured with Image Tool 3.0 software. The percentage data were submitted to a Kruskal-Wallis test (α=0.05). The Relative Risk test analyzed the chance of a gap presence correlated to each group. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) among the groups. The relative risk test revealed that some groups were more apt to have a presence of gaps than others. CONCLUSION: Neither the 1% NaOCl treatment nor the resin luting agents caused any alterations in the dental substrate that could have influenced the marginal adaptation of composite onlays in primary teeth.