Flexural properties and swelling after storage in water of polyacid-modified composite resin (compomer)

Effect of light-activation methods and water storage on the flexural strength of two composite resins and a compomer

The present study evaluated the flexural strength of three composite resins recommended for direct esthetic restorations: a polyacid modified composite (Dyract AP), a unimodal composite resin (Filtek Z250) and a hybrid composite resin (Point 4). The variation factors, apart from the type of composite resin, were the light activation method and the water storage period. The composite resins were light-cured in continuous mode (40 s, 500 mW/cm²) or in ramp mode (0-800 mW/cm² for 10 s followed by 30 s at 800 mW/cm²) and stored for 24 hours or 30 days in distilled water at 37°C. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test for multiple comparisons (alpha = 0.05). The composite resin Z250 presented the highest mean flexural strength (166.74 MPa) and Dyract AP presented the lowest one (129.76 MPa). The storage for 30 days decreased the flexural strength in ramp mode (24 h: 156.64 MPa; 30 days: 135.58 MPa). The light activation method alone did not lead to different flexural strength values.

Restoration of endodontically treated teeth

Endodontically treated teeth have lost substantial tooth structure as a result of previous restorations, dental caries, and the access preparation for the endodontic therapy. The topic of restoring these teeth is complex and controversial, and their long-term prognosis is directly connected to the quality of the final restoration. This article describes contemporary knowledge of the biomechanical principles related to the restoration of pulpless teeth and provides a critical review of currently available materials and methods.

Current luting cements: marginal gap formation of composite inlay and their mechanical properties

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this investigation were to investigate the effect of thermocycling on the marginal gap formation of composite inlays using three types of luting cements (Compolute, PermaCem, Fuji Plus, Panavia 21: as a control) and on mechanical properties of four luting cements.

METHODS

The maximum marginal gap in the dentin cavity of each of ten resin inlay specimens in each group, was measured by a microscope before and after 10,000 thermocycles. The dimensional change, shear bond strength to dentin, and material and conditions for flexural strength and modulus testing were examined.

RESULTS

Compolute and Panavia 21 showed marginal gaps of approximately 10 microm before thermocycling. In contrast, the gap widths after thermocycling was significantly wider. Although the gap widths of PermaCem and Fuji Plus were approximately 60-110 microm prior to thermocycling, they were significantly smaller in width after thermocycling. Statistical differences in the shear bond strength to dentin were not observed before or after thermocycling for all materials. The flexural strength and modulus were significantly increased after thermocycling compared with three products and with all four products, respectively.

SIGNIFICANCE

The mechanical properties of all four luting cements were closely related to their marginal gap formations and these mechanical factors have important roles in determining their marginal gap formations.

Foundation restorations in fixed prosthodontics: current knowledge and future needs

PURPOSE

The Ad Hoc Committee on Research in Fixed Prosthodontics established by the Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics publishes a yearly comprehensive literature review on a selected topic. The subject for this year is foundation restorations.

METHODS

Literature of various in vitro and in vivo investigations that included technical and clinical articles was reviewed to provide clinical guidelines for the dentist when selecting methods and materials for restoration of structurally compromised teeth. Topics discussed and critically reviewed include: (1) desirable features of foundation restorations, (2) foundations for pulpless teeth, (3) historic perspectives, (4) cast posts and cores, (5) role of the ferrule effect, (6) prefabricated posts, (7) direct cores, (8) foundation restorations for severely compromised teeth, (9) problems and limitations, (10) future needs, and (11) directions for future research.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive review brings together literature from a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies, along with technique articles and clinical reports to provide meaningful guidelines for the dentist when selecting methods and materials for the restoration of structurally compromised teeth.