Effect of Polymerization Accelerator on Bond Strength to Eugenol-Contaminated Dentin

Minocycline plus Zinc Oxide Eugenol Cement Might Be A Promising Alternative for Acute Pulpitis

Objective

To investigate the clinical effect of minocycline plus zinc oxide eugenol cement in the treatment of acute pulpitis and its effect on the levels of HIF-1α, Bcl-2, and tumor necrosis factor α.

Methods

A total of 286 patients with acute pulpitis who were treated in our hospital from January 2019 to October 2020 were recruited and assigned (1 : 1) via random number table method to receive either minocycline (control group) or minocycline plus zinc oxide eugenol cement (study group). Outcome measures included treatment effect, tooth mobility, tooth percussion pain score, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and B-lymphocyte tumor (Bcl)-2 positive rate, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α).

Results

Minocycline plus zinc oxide eugenol cement was associated with significantly lower scores of teeth mobility and percussion pain versus minocycline alone (p < 0.05). Minocycline plus zinc oxide eugenol cement resulted in a significantly higher treatment efficacy (97.20%) versus minocycline alone (72.73%) (p < 0.05). Minocycline plus zinc oxide eugenol cement was associated with significantly lower positive rates of HIF-1α and Bcl-2 and lower levels of TNF-α versus minocycline alone (p < 0.05). The patients receiving minocycline plus zinc oxide eugenol cement showed significantly lower visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and faster pain relief versus those given minocycline alone (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Minocycline plus zinc oxide eugenol cement offers a viable alternative for acute pulpitis as it mitigates the pain of patients, alleviates inflammatory responses, and lowers the positive rate of HIF-1α and Bcl-2, so it is worthy of clinical promotion.

Eugenyl-2-Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate-Incorporated Experimental Dental Composite: Degree of Polymerization and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of new dental formulations containing eugenyl-2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (EgGMA) monomer, as restorative dental material, in terms of their degree of photopolymerization and cytotoxicity. The target model composites (TBEg0, TBEg2.5, and TBEg5) were prepared by mixing 35% organic matrix (TEGDMA/BisGMA (50/50 wt%) of which 0, 2.5, and 5 wt%, respectively, were replaced with EgGMA monomer) with 65% filler (silanized hydroxyapatite (HA)/zinc oxide (ZnO₂), 4:3 by weight). The vinylic double-bond conversion (DC) after light-curing was studied using Fourier transform infrared technique whereas cell viability was in vitro tested using primary human gingival fibroblasts cells over 7 days by means of AlamarBlue colorimetric assay. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests. The results revealed no significant difference in DC between TBEg2.5 (66.49%) and control (TBEg0; 68.74%), whereas both differ significantly with TBEg5, likely due to the inhibitory effect of eugenol moiety at high concentration. The cell viability test indicated that all the composites are biocompatible. No significant difference was counted between TBEg2.5 and TBEg5, however, both differed significantly from the control (TBEg0). Thus, even though its apparent negative effect on polymerization, EgGMA is potentially safer than bisphenol-derived monomers. Such potential properties may encourage further investigations on term of EgGMA amount optimization, compatibility with other dental resins, and antimicrobial activity.