Assessment of the impact of the addition of nanoparticles on the properties of glass–ionomer cements

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of incorporation of Al2O3, ZrO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles into glass–ionomer cements (GICs). Two different GICs were used in the study. Four groups were prepared for each material: the control group (without nanoparticles) and three groups modified by the incorporation of nanoparticles at 2, 5 or 10 wt %, respectively. Cements were mixed and placed in moulds (4 mm × 6 mm); after setting, the samples were stored in saline (one day and one week). Compressive strengths were measured and the morphology of the fractured surfaces was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The elements released into the storage solutions were determined by Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Addition of nanoparticles was found to alter the appearance of cements as examined by scanning electron microscopy. Compressive strength increased with the addition of ZrO2 and especially TiO2 nanoparticles, whereas the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles generally weakened the cements. The ion release profile of the modified cements was the same in all cases. The addition of Al2O3, ZrO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles into GICs is beneficial, since it leads to reduction of the microscopic voids in the set cement. Of these, the use of ZrO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles also led to increased compressive strength. Nanoparticles did not release detectable levels of ions (Al, Zr or Ti), which makes them suitable for clinical use

Effect of a double dose of photobiomodulation therapy on orthodontic pain caused by elastomeric separators

BackgroundIt has been reported that 90 per cent of patients experience pain during orthodontic treatment. Laser photobiomodulation (PBM) is the application of light to pathology to encourage tissue regeneration, decrease inflammation and is wieldy used for pain relief. AimsThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of PBM in decreasing pain caused by elastomeric separators at the beginning of the orthodontic treatment.MethodsTwenty-two patients were recruited to participate in this single-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Four elastomeric separators were placed mesially and distally to the upper first molar on each side. The right side of the upper jaw was treated with a low-power diode laser, and the left side was given a placebo (the same treatment with the laser switched off). Two doses of PBM therapy (660nm, 90mW) were delivered 24 hours apart. The participants filled out a questionnaire immediately after the placement of the separators, before the 1st laser treatment (TO) and 12 hours (T1), 24 hours (T2), two days (T3) and three days after the 1st treatment (T4). At each evaluation period, the degree of pain was scored twice, once for each side.ResultsBoth sides perceived greater pain at 12 hours and maximum pain at 24 hours. Pain decreased on day 3 on both sides. A significant reduction in pain (p=0.01) was detected at 24 hours on the laser-treated side compared to the placebo side. No other significant difference between sides was observed.ConclusionBased on this study, we can conclude that PBM therapy significantly reduces pain 24 hours after separator placement, when the pain is at its peak. However, it does not affect the pain at other time intervals. These findings suggest promising effectiveness of PBM therapy

Effect of microencapsulated granulas contained in the natural extracts on postsurgical wound healing

BackgroundThe innovative complex technology of encapsulation of the natural extracts allows the products to be more efficient in surgical wound healing due to penetration of the microcapsules in the soft tissues.AimsThe aim of the randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of microencapsulated natural extracts contained in the gel on wound healing process after oral surgical procedures. Methods The study included 95 patients with indications for endodontic surgery: third molar surgical extraction or dental implants placement. The patients were randomly divided in two groups based on the postsurgical protocol on treating the wound after surgery: A/: Subgroup 1: GinGinat group used a gel composed of different natural products (GinGinat gel, LoB Foundation, Paris, France) for treating the surgical area; B/ Subgroup 2: Standard protocol used saline solution for treating the wound after surgery. At the seven day follow upallpatients were asked to rate their experience and satisfaction on the recovery process after surgery based on a questionnaire. They were observed and evaluated for satisfaction with the recovery process based on using Likert-type scale.Results The results showed a statistically significant difference in the postoperative recovery period between the GinGinat and standard group (p < 0.001) based on a therapist’s evaluation. The GinGinat group was rated with the higher clinical score compared to the standard group (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the recovery postoperative period between the GinGinat and standard group as rated based on the results of a patient’s questionnaire (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe results showed clinical improvement and better postsurgical healing of the wounds as well as the stronger analgesic effect after the application of microencapsulated granulas which are contained in the natural extracts as opposed to the standard postsurgical protocol

Evaluation of efficiency of polymerization, surface roughness, porosity and adaptation of flowable and sculptable bulk fill composite resins

A new category of commercial bulk fill composite resins (CRs) enables the placement of 4-mm-thick layers as an alternative to the traditional time-consuming incremental technique. The purpose of the present study was to compare the efficiency of the polymerization, adaptation and porosity of two high-viscosity ‘sculptable’ bulk fill CRs (Filtek™ Bulk Fill (3M™ ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) and Tetric EvoCeram® Bulk Fill (Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schwan, Liechtenstein)) and two low-viscosity ‘flowable’ bulk fill CRs (SureFil® SDR™ flow (Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC, USA) and Tetric EvoFlow® Bulk Fill (Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein)). Cylindrical samples of the bulk fill CRs (4 mm height x 10 mm diameter) were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Additionally, occlusal cavities were prepared in twelve extracted human molars and restored with the bulk fill CRs (n = 3 for each CR). The adaptation and porosity of the bulk fill CRs were evaluated by X-ray microcomputed tomography (microCT) with a 3D morphometric analysis, and the adaptation was also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on longitudinal vestibulo-oral sections of the restored teeth. The AFM analysis demonstrated that the surface roughness of the SureFil® SDR™ flow was higher than that of the Tetric EvoFlow® Bulk Fill and that the surface roughness of Filtek™ Bulk Fill was higher than that of Tetric EvoCeram® Bulk Fill. CT and SEM confirmed that the flowable bulk fill CRs had excellent adaptation to the cavity walls. The 3D morphometric analysis showed the highest and lowest degrees of porosity in Filtek™ Bulk Fill and Tetric EvoFlow® Bulk Fill, respectively. In general, the flowable bulk fill CRs exhibited better adaptation, a higher efficiency of polymerization and lower porosity than the sculptable materials

Effects of addition of quaternary ammonium antimicrobial compounds into root canal sealers

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the addition of benzalkonium chloride and cetylpyridinium chloride in three commercial root canal sealers. Materials and Methods: Three different root canal sealers were used: EndoRez, N2, and Apexit Plus. The samples were prepared by mixing the components according to the manufacturers’ guidelines and adding 2% in weight of the antimicrobials to the newly mixed cement. The paste was placed in molds and stored in an incubator (37°C, 24 h). The samples were then stored in 5-mL distilled water. Samples without antimicrobials served as a control. All samples were tested at 3 time intervals: 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month following their storage in distilled water. The impact of the antimicrobials on the solubility of the sealers, the release of chloride ions (Cl—), and the pH value were examined. Statistical Analysis Used: Analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference test. Results: Chloride ions are present in storage media with EndoRez, N2, and Apexit Plus samples (without antimicrobials) following all tested storage intervals. The addition of the antimicrobials increased the release of chloride ions. Endodontic cements without addition of antimicrobials show an increase in weight after 1 month. The highest pH value is measured in Apexit Plus samples. The solutions in which N2 samples (with and without addition of antimicrobials) were stored did not have a significant change in their pH, while in the EndoRez solutions, a significant decrease in the pH value after the first week was measured. Conclusions: The addition of antimicrobials might lead to improved characteristics of the root canal sealers

Plasma rich in growth factors in dentistry

BackgroundPlasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) has wider use in many fields of dentistry due to its endogenous biocompatible regenerative potential i.e., their potential to stimulate and accelerate tissue healing and bone regeneration.AimsThis review shows the increasing use of PRGF technology in various fields of dentistry.Methods In the last nine years PubMed has been searched in order to find out published articles upon PRGF in dentistry and 36 papers have been included.Results PRGF technology has many advantages with positive clinical and biological outcomes in tissue healing and bone regeneration.ConclusionIn order to determine the most effective therapeutic value for patients, further research is required

Plasma rich in growth factors in dentistry

Background Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) has wider use in many fields of dentistry due to its endogenous biocompatible regenerative potential i.e., their potential to stimulate and accelerate tissue healing and bone regeneration. Aims This review shows the increasing use of PRGF technology in various fields of dentistry. Methods In the last nine years PubMed has been searched in order to find out published articles upon PRGF in dentistry and 36 papers have been included. Results PRGF technology has many advantages with positive clinical and biological outcomes in tissue healing and bone regeneration. Conclusion In order to determine the most effective therapeutic value for patients, further research is required

Oral Adverse Reactions Caused by Over-the-Counter Oral Agents

Over-the-counter products rarely cause unwanted reactions in the oral cavity. Oral reactions to these agents are not specific and might present with various clinical oral findings. Detailed medical history is a key to the proper diagnosis of these lesions and fortunately other diagnostic procedures are rarely needed. Lesions are usually managed with elimination of the offending agent and with topical steroids. In more severe cases systemic steroids should be applied