The oral cavity and oropharynx are complex environments that are susceptible to physical, chemical, and microbiological insults. They are also common sites for pathological and cancerous changes. The ...effectiveness of conventional locally‐administered medications against diseases affecting these oral milieus may be compromised by constant salivary flow. For systemically‐administered medications, drug resistance and adverse side‐effects are issues that need to be resolved. New strategies for drug delivery have been investigated over the last decade to overcome these obstacles. Synthesis of nanoparticle‐containing agents that promote healing represents a quantum leap in ensuring safe, efficient drug delivery to the affected tissues. Micro/nanoencapsulants with unique structures and properties function as more favorable drug‐release platforms than conventional treatment approaches. The present review provides an overview of newly‐developed nanocarriers and discusses their potential applications and limitations in various fields of dentistry and oral medicine.
A wide variety of micro/nanoscale platforms are employed for oral and dental applications including tissue regeneration, infection control, and cancer management. Such micro and nanocarriers deliver ions (e.g., fluoride, calcium, strontium), antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal compounds, as well as genes and proteins.
To evaluate the effect of different experimental staining procedures on color stability and translucency of a nano-hybrid resin-based composite (RBC).
Forty-eight cylindrical-shaped specimens (10 × 2 ...mm) were prepared with a nano-hybrid RBC (Clearfil Majesty ES-2) and randomly divided in four groups according to the experimental staining procedure: G1) static immersion in a staining solution (coffee) (44 ± 1 °C); G2) staining cycling between coffee (44 ± 1°C) and distilled water (37 ± 1°C) with an experimental staining machine based on Arduino, an Open Source hardware development platform; G3) staining cycles as in G2 + brushing with a low abrasive toothpaste (Relative Dentin Abrasion RDA = 30) (Elmex Sensitive Professional); G4) staining cycles as in G3, with brushing performed with a very strong abrasive toothpaste (RDA = 90) (Lacult Active). Color parameters were recorded at the baseline (T0) after staining procedures (T1) and repolishing (T2) using a spectrophotometer. Color change (∆E00) and translucency (TP, CR) were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed (
< 0.05).
For ∆E00 after staining, Group 1 showed the highest color change and Group 3 the lowest. All groups were significantly different (
< 0.001) except for Group 2 vs. Group 4; after repolishing, Group 1 was significantly higher than Group 3 (
< 0.001), Group 2 (
< 0.001), and Group 4 (
= 0.003); Group 2 was higher than Group 3 (
< 0.001). For TP variable, after staining procedures, Group 2 was significantly higher than all other groups (
< 0.001), and Group 1 was significantly higher than Group 3 (
< 0.001) and Group 4 (
= 0.007). After repolishing, Group 4 was significantly lower than Group 3 (
= 0.008) and Group 2 (
= 0.027). Repolishing procedure significantly reduced color parameters.
The investigated staining procedure induced significant differences in color stability and translucency. The use of a very strong abrasive toothpaste (RDA = 90) induced higher color change than a low abrasive one (RDA = 30). Repolishing procedures are able to partially reduce color change induced by artificial staining procedures.
•EDC pre-treatment efficiently preserves bond strength over time.•Pre-treatment with EDC resulted in an almost complete inhibition of MMPs.•Changes within the dentin matrix promoted by EDC are not ...adhesive-system-dependent.
The objectives of the study were to evaluate the ability of a 1-ethyl-3 (3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC)-containing primer to improve immediate bond strength of either self-etch or etch-and-rinse adhesive systems and to stabilize the adhesive interfaces over time. A further objective was to investigate the effect of EDC on the dentinal MMPs activity using zymographic analysis.
Freshly extracted molars (n=80, 20 for each group) were selected to conduct microtensile bond strength tests. The following groups were tested, immediately or after 1-year aging in artificial saliva: G1: Clearfil SE (CSE) primer applied on unetched dentin, pretreated with 0.3M EDC water-solution for 1min and bonded with CSE Bond; G2: as G1 but without EDC pre-treatment; G3: acid-etched (35% phosphoric-acid for 15s) dentin pretreated with 0.3M EDC, then bonded with XP Bond (XPB); Group 4 (G4): as G3 without EDC pre-treatment. Further, gelatinase activity in dentin powder treated with CSE and XPB with and without EDC pre-treatment, was analyzed using gelatin zymography.
The use of 0.3M EDC-containing conditioner did not affect the immediate bond strength of XPB or CSE adhesive systems (p>0.05), while it improved the bond strength after 1year of aging (p<0.05). Pre-treatment with EDC followed by the application of CSE resulted in an incomplete MMPs inactivation, while EDC pretreatment followed by the application of XPB resulted in an almost complete inactivation of dentinal gelatinases.
The μTBS and zymography results support the efficacy of EDC over time and reveal that changes within the dentin matrix promoted by EDC are not adhesive-system-dependent.
Incomplete and inadequate removal of endodontic biofilm during root canal treatment often leads to the clinical failure. Over the past decade, biofilm eradication techniques, such as sonication of ...irrigant solutions, ultrasonic and laser devices have been investigated in laboratory settings. This review aimed to give an overview of endodontic biofilm cultivation methods described in papers which investigated sonic-, ultrasonic- and Er:Yag laser-assisted biofilm removal techniques. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these removal techniques was discussed, as well as methods used for the evaluation of the cleaning efficacy. In general, laser assisted agitation, as well as ultrasonic and sonic activation of the irrigants provide a more efficient biofilm removal compared to conventional irrigation conducted by syringe/needle. The choice of irrigant is an important factor for reducing the bacterial contamination inside the root canal, with water and saline being the least effective. Due to heterogeneity in methods among the reviewed studies, it is difficult to compare sonic-, ultrasonic- and Er:Yag laser-assisted techniques among each other and give recommendations for the most efficient method in biofilm removal. Future studies should standardize the methodology regarding biofilm cultivation and cleaning methods, root canals with complex morphology should be introduced in research, with the aim of simulating the clinical scenario more closely.
Abstract
Objectives of the study were to investigate biomechanical properties of severely compromised premolars restored with composite restorations using finite element analysis (FEA), and in vitro ...fracture resistance test. A 3-D model of an endodontically treated premolar was created in Solidworks. Different composite restorations were modelled (direct restoration-DR; endo-crown-EC; post, core, and crown-C) with two different supporting tissues: periodontal ligament/alveolar bone (B), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Models were two-point axially loaded occlusally (850 N). Von Mises stresses and strains were calculated. The same groups were further tested for static fracture resistance in vitro (n = 5, 6.0 mm-diameter ball indenter, vertical load). Fracture resistance data were statistically analyzed (
p
< 0.050). The highest stresses and strains in all FEA models were observed on occlusal and vestibular cervical surfaces, corresponding to fracture propagation demonstrated in vitro. C showed the lowest stress in dentin, while EC showed lower stresses and strains in crown cement. B models demonstrated larger high stress areas in the root than PMMA models. No significant differences in fracture resistance (N) were observed between groups (DR: 747.7 ± 164.0, EC: 867.3 ± 108.1, C: 866.9 ± 126.3;
p
= 0.307). More conservative restorations seem a feasible alternative for endodontically treated premolars to conventional post-core-crown.
The present narrative review was focused on the optical properties, surface treatment, adhesion, and clinical indications of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics (ZLS) for Computer-aided ...design / Computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies.
A literature search was performed by 3 calibrated independent researchers on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, Dynamed, and Open Grey. The criteria for inclusion were: 1) papers addressing at least one of the following variables about ZLS: optical properties, surface treatment, adhesion, and clinical indications; 2) in vitro, in silico, or in vivo studies; 3) case reports; 4) systematic reviews. The exclusion criteria were: 1) animal studies; 2) non-dental studies; 3) studies only focusing on ZLS used in the heat-pressed process.
98 records among in vitro studies and case reports were included.
Despite the promising microstructure characteristics of ZLS, increased translucency compared to lithium disilicate ceramics (LS2) was not proven, but acceptable color changes and stability were reported.
Mechanical polishing was the most effective method to reduce surface roughness. Moreover, machinability and handling of ZLS resulted harder than LS2.
Conventional acid etching procedures seemed effective in conditioning ZLS surface, but no protocol has been established yet. Besides, silane-coupling and dual-curing resin cements were recommended.
ZLSs can be used for anterior and posterior fixed single-unit CAD/CAM restorations onto both natural teeth and implants, but do not seem to represent a viable treatment option for endocrowns onto posterior teeth or fixed dental prostheses.
Several lubricant materials can be used to model resin-based composites (RBCs) during restorative procedures. Clinically, instruments or brushes are wet with bonding agents (BAs) or modeling liquids ...(MLs) for sculpturing purposes. However, a knowledge gap exists on their effects on the mechanical properties of RBCs, requiring greater insight. Five databases were searched, including 295 in vitro studies on the use of lubricant materials for modeling RBCs during restorative procedures. Only articles in the English language were included, with no limits on the publication date. The last piece of research was dated 24 March 2022. In total, 16 studies were included in the review process, together with a paper retrieved after screening references. A total of 17 BAs and 7 MLs were investigated. Tensile (
= 5), flexural strength (
= 2), water sorption (
= 2), color stability (
= 8) and translucency (
= 3), micro-hardness (
= 4), roughness (
= 3), degree of conversion (
= 3), and monomer elution (
= 2) tests were carried out. In general, a maximum of 24 h of artificial storage was performed (
= 13), while four papers tested the specimens immediately. The present review identifies the possibilities and limitations of modeling lubricants used during restorative procedures on the mechanical, surface, and optical properties of RBCs. Clinicians should be aware that sculpturing RBCs with modeling resins might influence the composite surface properties in a way that is material-dependent.
Objective
To investigate the long-term microtensile bond strength (µTBS), interfacial nanoleakage expression (NL), and adhesive stability of dual-cure resin cements with/out light activation to ...dentin.
Materials and methods
Composite overlays (
N
= 20) were luted to deep dentin surfaces with RelyX Ultimate (RXU, 3M) or Variolink EstheticDC (VAR, Ivoclar-Vivadent). A universal adhesive was used for bonding procedures (iBond universal, Heraeus Kulzer). The resin cements were either self-cured (SC; 1 h at 37 °C) or dual-cured (DC; 20s light-cure followed by 15 min self-cure at 37 °C). Specimens were submitted to µTBS immediately (
T
0
) or after 1 year of laboratory storage (
T
12
). The fracture pattern was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were statistically analyzed with two-way ANOVA/Tukey test. Further, the NL was quantified and analyzed (chi-square test) and in situ zymography was performed to evaluate the endogenous enzymatic activity within the hybrid layer (HL) at
T
0
and
T
12
(Mann–Whitney test)
.
The significance level for all statistical tests was set at
p
= 0.05.
Results
DC resulted in higher bond strength and decreased fluorescence at the adhesive interface, irrespective of the material and the storage period (
p
< 0.05). Significantly lower bonding performances (
p
< 0.05) and higher endogenous enzymatic activity (
p
< 0.05) were observed within the HL at
T
12
compared to
T
0
in all tested groups.
Conclusions
Light-curing the dual-cure resin cements, more than the cement materials, accounted for good bonding performances and higher HL stability over time when used with a universal adhesive.
Clinical significance
The curing condition influences the bonding performances of dual-cure resin cements to dentin when used with a universal adhesive.
Objectives
Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes that operate a proteolytic activity at the level of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are regulated by tissue inhibitors of ...metalloproteinases (TIMPs) that can ubiquitously bind different enzyme forms. The study aims to identify a morfo-functional association between TIMP-1 and MMP-2 and -9 in human dentin.
Materials and methods
Proteins were extracted from demineralized human sound dentin powder and centrifuged to separate two aliquots with different molecular weights of proteins, higher and lower than 30 kDa. In each aliquot, the evaluation of the presence of TIMP-1/MMP-2 and TIMP-1/MMP-9 was performed using co-immunoprecipitation/immunoblotting analysis. The distribution of TIMP-1, in association with MMP-2 and -9, was investigated using a double immunohistochemical technique. Furthermore, the activity of TIMP-1 was measured by reverse zymography, where acrylamide gel was copolymerized with gelatin and recombinant MMP-2.
Results
Co-immunoprecipitation/immunoblotting analysis showed the association TIMP-1/MMP-2 and TIMP-1/MMP-9 in human sound dentin. Electron microscopy evaluation revealed a diffuse presence of TIMP-1 tightly associated with MMP-2 and -9. Reverse zymography analysis confirmed that TIMP-1 present in human dentin is active and can bind different MMPs isoforms.
Conclusions
The strict association of TIMP-1 with MMP-2 and -9 in situ appeared a constant finding in the human sound dentin.
Clinical relevance
Considering the role of TIMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 within the connective tissues, clinically applicable protocols could be developed in the future to increase or decrease the level of TIMPs in human dentin to regulate the activity of MMPs, contributing to reduce caries progression and collagen degradation.
Objectives
Currently, a classification of resin cements that includes relatively recently formulated (“universal”) cements is lacking. Furthermore, the terminology used to define different resin ...cements in the scientific reports is inconsistent. Accordingly, this work aims to: (i) propose a novel classification of resin composite cements; (ii) disambiguate the term “universal cements” and (iii) present an overview of the properties of these cements.
Methods
An analysis of peer‐reviewed literature (PubMed search), as well as market research on definitive resin composite cements were performed.
Results
A tendency toward simplified and versatile luting materials was observed both in the scientific literature and on the dental market with the advent of self‐adhesive/one‐step resin cements. However, additional priming procedures were necessary to improve their bonding performance in certain clinical situations. Hence, several cements that can be applied both in adhesive and self‐adhesive mode were introduced. These cements are associated with a universal adhesive resin, that can be used as a tooth and/or restorative material primer, without the need for other priming systems, regardless of the substrate. These systems should be considered truly universal. Therefore, we hereby suggested a new classification of resin‐based cements: (1) adhesive/multi‐step; (2) self‐adhesive/one‐step; (3) universal cements (one‐ or multi‐step). Despite promising in vitro results, clinical trials and long‐track laboratory studies are necessary to confirm the reliability of the universal cements.
Conclusions
This review presented the current advances in the field of resin‐based cements, which are reflected in the proposed classification. The term “universal cement” was disambiguated, which will help standardize the terminology used in published research.
Clinical Significance
The classification of resin‐based cements and a better understanding of the proper terminology will help standardize the terminology in published research, as well as improve the understanding of the clinical practitioners of the different indications and possible modalities of use of the available cements.