Dentin Bonding of TheraCal LC Calcium Silicate Containing an Acidic Monomer: An In Vitro Study

Non-Destructive In Vitro Evaluation of an Internal Adaptation of Recent Pulp-Capping Materials in Permanent Teeth Using OCT and Micro-CT

The objective of this study was to assess and compare the internal adaptation of various pulp-capping materials, namely TheraCal, Biodentine, and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), on the dentin of permanent teeth through the utilization of micro-computed tomography (MCT) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Thirty permanent molars were divided into three groups using a random process: group A (TheraCal), group B (Biodentine), and group C (MTA, which served as the control group). On the buccal surface of each tooth, a class V cavity of a standardized cylindrical shape was prepared. Subsequently, the respective pulp-capping material was applied to the cavity based on the assigned group, followed by restoration with composite resin. Based on the MCT results, it was observed that group A had a considerably larger gap volume in comparison to groups B and C (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in gap volume between groups B and C. Regarding the OCT findings, group A displayed a substantially higher level of light reflection than groups B and C (p < 0.001). Group C exhibited a significantly lower level of light reflection in comparison to group B (p < 0.001). Biodentine and MTA revealed similar outcomes in terms of how well they adhered to the dentinal surface in permanent teeth. Both materials exhibited superior performance in comparison to TheraCal. The utilization of OCT in clinical practice could be advantageous as it enables dentists to monitor and evaluate restorations during post-treatment follow-up. It is imperative to intensify efforts aimed at making OCT equipment more accessible and applicable, overcoming its current limitations, and allowing for its widespread utilization in clinical practice.

Rheological Properties, Surface Microhardness, and Dentin Shear Bond Strength of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cements Containing Methacrylate-Functionalized Polyacids and Spherical Pre-Reacted Glass Fillers

The aim of this study was to prepare experimental resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs) containing low levels of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) for pulp protection. Liquid and powder phases of the experimental RMGICs were polyacid functionalized with methacrylate groups and spherical pre-reacted glass fillers (SPG). Two types of liquid phase containing 0 wt. % HEMA (CM liquid) or 5 wt. % HEMA (CMH liquid) were formulated. The experimental RMGICs were prepared by mixing SPG fillers with CM liquid (F1) or CMH liquid (F2). Rheological properties were examined using a strain-controlled rheometer (n = 5). The Vickers microhardness (n = 5) and dentin shear bond strength (SBS) (n = 10) of the materials were tested. Commercial pulp protection materials (Vitrebond and TheraCal LC) were used as comparisons. The viscosity and surface microhardness of F1 (22 m Pa·s, 18 VHN) and F2 (18 m Pa·s, 16 VHN) were significantly higher than those of Vitrebond (6 mPa·s, 6 VHN) and TheraCal (0.1 mPa·s, 7 VHN). The SBS of F1 (10.7 MPa) and F2 (11.9 MPa) was comparable to that of Vitrebond (15.4 MPa) but higher than that of TheraCal LC (5.6 MPa). The addition of 5 wt. % HEMA showed no significant effect on viscosity, surface microhardness, or SBS of the experimental RMGICs. The experimental materials showed higher viscosity and microhardness but similar SBS when compared with the commercial RMGIC.

Tomographic Evaluation of the Internal Adaptation for Recent Calcium Silicate-Based Pulp Capping Materials in Primary Teeth

Objectives

To evaluate the internal adaptation of recent pulp capping materials (TheraCal and Biodentine) relative to MTA when used as indirect pulp capping for primary teeth.

Materials and Methods

Thirty primary molars were randomly allocated into three groups, group (A) was TheraCal, group (B) was Biodentine, and MTA was the control group (C). A standardized round class-V cavity (1.5 mm diameter and 2 mm depth) was prepared using a milling machine on the buccal surface of each tooth with the pulpal floor located on the dentin. Then, pulp-capping materials were applied. Finally, all teeth were restored by composite restoration. The internal adaptation of the pulp-capping materials to the dentinal surface was investigated by microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT) to determine the internal gap volume, and by optical coherence tomography (OCT) to determine the high-intensity reflection of light from the floor.

Results

Based on Micro-CT findings, TheraCal showed significantly higher internal gap volume than both MTA and Biodentine (p < 0.001), while MTA and Biodentine did not show a significant difference in the gap volume. Based on the OCT findings, TheraCal showed a significantly higher intensity of light reflection than both MTA and Biodentine (p < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference between MTA and Biodentine. Pearson's correlation test showed that there was a strong positive correlation between Micro-CT and OCT (r = 0.686, N = 30, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Biodentine and MTA showed a comparable result in terms of their internal adaptation on the dentinal surface of the primary teeth, and both were better than TheraCal. There is a moderate to a strong positive correlation between Micro-CT and OCT in the measurement of internal adaptation of the tested pulp capping materials. OCT can be helpful and beneficial for the clinical setting and allow dentists to screen and evaluate restorations during follow-up.

Calcium Silicate-Based Biocompatible Light-Curable Dental Material for Dental Pulpal Complex

Dental caries causes tooth defects and clinical treatment is essential. To prevent further damage and protect healthy teeth, appropriate dental material is a need. However, the biocompatibility of dental material is needed to secure the oral environment. For this purpose, biocompatible materials were investigated for incorporated with dental capping material. Among them, nanomaterials are applied to dental materials to enhance their chemical, mechanical, and biological properties. This research aimed to study the physicochemical and mechanical properties and biocompatibility of a recently introduced light-curable mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-like material without bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA). To overcome the compromised mechanical properties in the absence of Bis-GMA, silica nanoparticles were synthesized and blended with a dental polymer for the formation of a nano-network. This material was compared with a conventional light-curable MTA-like material that contains Bis-GMA. Investigation of the physiochemical properties followed ISO 4049. Hydroxyl and calcium ion release from the materials was measured over 21 days. The Vickers hardness test and three-point flexural strength test were used to assess the mechanical properties. Specimens were immersed in solutions that mimicked human body plasma for seven days, and surface characteristics were analyzed. Biological properties were assessed by cytotoxicity and biomineralization tests. There was no significant difference between the tested materials with respect to overall physicochemical properties and released calcium ions. The newly produced material released more calcium ions on the third day, but 14 days later, the other material containing Bis-GMA released higher levels of calcium ions. The microhardness was reduced in a low pH environment, and differences between the specimens were observed. The flexural strength of the newly developed material was significantly higher, and different surface morphologies were detected. The recently produced extract showed higher cell viability at an extract concentration of 100%, while mineralization was clear at the conventional concentration of 25%. No significant changes in the physical properties between Bis-GMA incorporate material and nanoparticle incorporate materials.

Bio-Inductive Materials in Direct and Indirect Pulp Capping-A Review Article

The article is aimed at analyzing the available research and comparing the properties of bio-inductive materials in direct and indirect pulp capping procedures. The properties and clinical performances of four calcium-silicate cements (ProRoot MTA, MTA Angelus, RetroMTA, Biodentine), a light-cured calcium silicate-based material (TheraCal LC) and an enhanced resin-modified glass-ionomer (ACTIVA BioACTIVE) are widely discussed. A correlation of in vitro and in vivo data revealed that, currently, the most validated material for pulp capping procedures is still MTA. Despite Biodentine’s superiority in relatively easier manipulation, competitive pricing and predictable clinical outcome, more long-term clinical studies on Biodentine as a pulp capping agent are needed. According to available research, there is also insufficient evidence to support the use of TheraCal LC or ACTIVA BioACTIVE BASE/LINER in vital pulp therapy.