RESUMO Introdução: a expansão rápida da maxila assistida cirurgicamente (ERMAC) é um procedimento que reduz a resistência das suturas, corrigindo a mordida cruzada posterior em adultos. Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o status periodontal de 17 adultos submetidos a esse procedimento. Métodos: o nível clínico de inserção (NCI), a recessão gengival, gengiva inserida e sangramento foram avaliados nos primeiros pré-molares, molares, incisivos centrais e laterais superiores dos lados direito e esquerdo antes da cirurgia, e depois de 5 dias e 6 meses. Médias, desvios-padrão, medianas, valores mínimos e máximos foram comparados entre as avaliações, usando os testes de Friedman e McNemar. Resultados: houve aumento estatisticamente significativo no NCI no incisivo central direito, pré-molares direito e esquerdo e molares direito e esquerdo. Houve aumento estatisticamente significativo na recessão gengival nos pré-molares e nos molares direito e esquerdo. A quantidade de gengiva inserida diminuiu significativamente nos pré-molares direitos e molares direitos e esquerdos. Houve aumento no sangramento na maioria dos dentes. Conclusão: os resultados indicaram que a ERMAC pode causar alterações no tecido periodontal.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion is a procedure that reduces the resistance of the sutures correcting the posterior crossbite in adults. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal status of 17 adults submitted to this procedure. Methods: The clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession, attached gingiva and bleeding were evaluated in maxillary first premolars and molars, central and lateral incisors of right and left sides before surgery, 5 days and 6 months after. Means, standard deviation, medians, minimum and maximum values were compared among the evaluations using the Friedman and McNemar tests. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in CAL in the right central incisor, right and left premolars and right and left molars. There was a statistically significant increase in gingival recession in the right and left premolars and molars. The amount of attached gingiva significantly decreased in right premolars and right and left molars. There was increase in bleeding in most of the teeth. Conclusion: Results indicated that the surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion might cause alterations in periodontal tissue.

Abstract: Bulk-fill composites are claimed to be restorative materials used in deep preparations and effectively photoactivated in layers up to 4 mm. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the degree of conversion, post-gel volumetric shrinkage, and cytotoxicity of six bulk-fill and two conventional composites. Degree of conversion was determined by FTIR spectroscopy; post-gel volumetric shrinkage was determined using the strain gauge method; and cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts was evaluated indirectly by the MTT assay. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 0.05). All materials, including bulk-fill and conventional composites, were classified as non-toxic, with cell viability higher than 70%. Bulk-fill composites exhibited volumetric shrinkage similar to or lower (1.4 to 0.4%) than that of conventional composites (1.7–2.1%). However, only four of the bulk-fill composites were able to sustain a homogeneous conversion at the 4-mm depth. Despite their non-toxicity and shrinkage similar to that of conventional materials, not all commercial bulk-fill materials were able to maintain a conversion as high as 80% of the superficial layer, at the 4-mm depth, indicating some failure in the bulk-fill design of some commercial brands. Therefore, the use of bulk-fill materials in dental practice is advantageous, but special attention should be given to the selection and correct use of the materials.