Journal of Dental Medicine
Year:2005 | Volume:18 | Issue:2 (43)|Papers Count:15

Statement of Problem: The relatively poor wear resistance of dental composite in stress bearing posterior situations has restricted wider clinical application of this restorative material. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the three body abrasive wear of a dental composite based on a new filler (leucite: KAl Si2O6) and to compare it with the wear resistance of a composite based on commonly used Aluminium – Barium Silicate filler. Materials and Methods: This research was an interventional study done in Iran polymer institute. Five specimens were considered in each group. All ceramic IPS Empress® (Ivoclar- Vivadent) ingots based on leucite crystals were ball milled, passed through an 800 sieve and used as filler. Experimental composites were prepared by mixing the silane- treated fillers with monomers (BisGMA and TEGDMA). Camphorquinone and amine were used as photoinitiator system. Degree of conversion of the light-cured and post-cured composites was measured using FTIR spectroscopy. The prepared pastes were inserted into plexy-glass mold and light cured (700 mw/cm2, 40 s). Then for maximum degree of conversion specimens were post- cured (120ºC, 5 hours). Three body abrasion wear testing was performed using a wear machine with 50 rpm rotational movement. In this machine, pumice (150 meshes) was used as the third body. Weight loss of specimens in each group was measured by balance after each 50 hours. After wear testing SEM examination was made specimens in each group. The data were analyzed and compared using ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (P<0.05). Tetric Ceram was tested as commercial composite. Results: There were significantly differences between three body abrasive wear of composites. The ranking from lowest to highest was as follows: leucite composite (19%) < Tetric Ceram (22%) < glass composite (28%). leucite composite showed the highest wear resistance value, propably due to the crystalliniy and hardness of filler. Conclusion: Introduction of this new filler as an alternative to glass filler, significantly increases the wear resistance of the resin composites. Further investigations on mechanical properties of new composites would be beneficial in the development of new dental materials.    

Statement of Problem: Evaluation of fracture properties is a basic principle for true assessment of brittle materials’ properties. Resin–based composite materials are being used extensively in today’s dentistry. Fracture toughness is considered an important parameter for providing useful information about material’s nature, properties and its resistance to fracture. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture toughness of a resin composite produced in the country and to compare it with that of other standard materials. Materials and Methods: Four types of resin composite materials were used as follow to prepare 60 specimens (n=15 for each group), A) Tetric Ceram (Ivoclar–Vivadent); B) Brilliant (Coltene-Whaledent); C) SpectrumTPH (Dentsply); and D) Ideal Macoo (Ideal Macoo, Iran). Specimens of 5 mm diameter (± 0.1 mm) and 2 mm depth (±0.1 mm) were prepared in a central notch (90° notch angle) PTFE mold. Then specimens were light cured with two applications of overlapping exposures for a total of 120 s and were stored in distilled water at 37ºC for 48 hours, A cylindrical roller of 3 mm diameter was seated inside the V sections and fracture was accomplished in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed by one–way ANOVA and post-hoc paired Tukey HSD test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance. Results: The mean KIC and torque to fracture (T) values for each material tested were; A) 3.08±0.42, 16.99±2.34, B) 2.88±0.63, 16.04±1.98; C) 3.40±0.53, 18.75±2.93 and D) 2.87±0.46, 15.78±2.57 MN/m3/2±SD and N/mm±SD, respectively. Group C showed significantly the highest mean KIC and T values among groups tested which was significantly higher than that of group B and D (P<0.05). The mean KIC and T values for groups A, B, and D were not significantly different (P>0.05). Conclusion: From evaluating the fracture properties of materials tested in this study it was concluded that the mean fracture toughness value for SpectrumTPH (Dentsply) was significantly higher than that of Ideal Macoo resin composite material (Ideal Macoo, Iran). The F.T value for Ideal Macoo was considered acceptable as it was not significantly different from that of other resin composite materials tested.  

Statement of Problem: Ceramic restorations are popular because they can provide the most natural replacement for teeth. However, the brittleness of ceramics is a primary disadvantage. There are various methods for strengthening ceramics such as metal framework, ceramic cores, and surface strengthening mechanisms through glazing, work hardening and ion exchange. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of polish on flexural strength of feldspathic porcelain and to compare it with overglaze and autoglaze. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, one brand of feldspathic porcelain (colorlogic, Ceramco) was used and forty bars (25×6×3 mm) were prepared according to ISO 6872 and ADA No. 69. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups: overglazed, auto glazed, fine polish and coarse polish (clinic polish). Flexural strength of each specimen was determined by three point bending test (Universal Testing Machine, Zwick 1494, Germany). Collected data was analyzed by ANOVA and post-hoc test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance. Results: A significant difference was observed among the studied groups (P<0.0001). According to post-hoc test, flexural strength in overglaze and fine polish group were significantly stronger than clinic polish and autoglaze group (P<0.001). Although the mean value for overglazed group was higher than fine polish group, this was not statistically significant (P=0.9). Also no statistical difference was seen between autoglazed and coarse polish group (P=0.2). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, flexural strength achieved by fine polish (used in this study) can compete with overglazing the feldespathic porcelains. It also can be concluded that a final finishing procedure that involves fine polishing may be preferred to simple staining followed by self-glazing.

Statement of Problem: One of the greatest problems in metal –ceramic restorations is debonding of porcelain from dental alloys. Production of dental alloys by Iranian companies necessitates the evaluation of physical and handling properties of these products. Purpose: In this study the bond strength between porcelain and two types of base metal alloys, Supercast (with beryllium) and Minalux (without beryllium) was investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 10 cylindric bars from each base metal alloy were prepared. The bars were degassed and porcelain was applied around them in a disc form (8 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness). The bond strength of porcelain to metal bars was tested with the shear strength test by Instron. Data were analyzed with student t-test and P<0.05 was considered as the limit of significance. Results: The mean failure load was 71.58±6.4 KgF for Supercast and 67.34±5.48 for Minalux alloy. The bond strength of Supercast and Minalux were 55.85±4.99 MPa and 52.54±4.27 MPa respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusions: This study showed that nickel-chromium-beryllium alloy (Supercast) produced significantly better ceramometal bonding than nickel chromium alloy without beryllium (Minalux).

Statement of Problem: Blood contamination is a common problem in dentistry that can decrease bond strength dramatically which may be affected by methods of decontamination as well. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the influence of blood contamination on shear bond strength of composite and compomer to dentin using Prompt L-Pop as an adhesive system. Also, to assess the effectiveness of different surface treatments on the bond strength. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 120 molar teeth were sectioned to provide flat occlusal dentinal surfaces. Specimens were embedded in acrylic resin with the flat surface exposed. The dentinal expose surfaces were polished to 600 grit. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups of twelve specimens (F1–F5) for compomer material and five other groups (Z1- Z5) for composite resin. After application of Promt L-Pop to dentinal surfaces of specimens, the surfaces in all groups, except for F1 and Z1, (as controls) were contaminated with human blood and then one of the following surface treatments was applied. Groups F2 and Z2 without any treatment, groups F3 and Z3 rinsing with water, groups F4 and Z4 rinsing with water and reapplication of adhesive, groups F5 and Z5 rinsing with NaOCl and using Prompt L-Pop again. Restorative materials were applied to treated surfaces using plastic molds. After thermocycling, shear bond strengths, mode of failures and morphology of dentin-material interfaces were evaluated. The data were statistically analyzed using Factorial analysis of Variance, One-Way ANOVA, Duncan, T-student and Chi-Square tests with P<0.05 as the limit of significance. Results: Compomer showed statistically significant higher bond strength in comparison to composite (P<0.001). Duncan test showed significant differences between all compomer groups, except between groups F4 and F5, and between all composite groups except for groups Z1 and Z4 and for groups Z2 and Z3. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, shear bond strength of compomer material was significantly higher than composite. Blood contamination reduced bond strength, but rinsing contaminated dentin with water or NaOCl and reusing Prompt L-Pop increased bond strength in both materials.   

Statement of Problem: Root canal cleaning and elimination of the source of infection are the most important basis and the main requirements for successful root treatment since the main cause of failure in root treatment is the permeation of bacteria or their products into the periapical tissues. Nowadays, the newly designed and prcsented instruments for canal instrumentation can improve root treatment. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the decrease in the number of intracanal Enterococcus-faecalis (Ef) among three mechanical instrumentation methods: manual (K-type) and rotary (Race, Profile). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 single rooted teeth were selected. Three cases were considered as negative and three cases as posetive controls and 24 remainder cases were divided into three experimental groups. All root canals were inoculated by Ef and samples were taken from all canals to prepare microbial cultures. The three instrumentation procedures were: - Crown- down technique with K-type manual system file - Crown- down technique with Profile rotary system - Crown- down technique wiht Race rotary system After instrumentation, microbial cultures were taken from root canals and the reduction rate of bacteria were evaluated and compared using one way ANOVA test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance. Results: There was no significant difference among the three instrumentation procedures regarding bacterial elimination. Conclusion: According to the finding of this study, K-type manual file, Profile and Race rotary systems, all can be used in canal instrumentaion. However, since manual files are more accessible and require less equipment compared with rotary systems, and since the ability of all of these methods is identical regarding bacterial elimination, manual files can be used in straight canal instead of rotary systems.  

Statement of Problem: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In recent years some evidence has been presented regarding the association between periodontal and cardiovascular diseases. Purpose: The aim of this study was the evaluation of association between hyperlipidemia and periodontitis. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, levels of plasma lipids in 40 subjects with periodontitis (CPITN score III or IV) were measured and compared with 40 age and sex matched controls. Data were analyzed using t-student test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance. Results: Total cholesterol (CHL) and triglyceride (TG) were significantly higher in case group compared with control group. (P=0.045 and P=0.016 respectively). HDL and LDL cholesterols were higher in cases but showed no significant differences with controls. The relative frequency of pathologic values of CHL and TG were significantly greater in cases compared with control group (P=0.005 and P=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, hyperlipidemia may be associated with periodontitis in medically healthy peoples but whether periodontitis causes an increase in levels of serum lipids or whether hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for both periodontitis and cardiovascular disease need to be further investigated.

Statement of Problem: Epulides Fissurata (EF) are common proliferative and denture- induced lesions of the oral cavity with a predilection for female. This suggests a possible role for sex steroid hormones in the development and progression of these lesions. Purpose: The objective of this study was the immunohistochemical evaluation of epulis fissuratum of the oral cavity for estrogen and progesterone receptors expression in epithelial, stromal, inflammatory and endothelial cells populations. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 15 samples of formalin- fixed, paraffin- embedded epulis fissuratums including marginal mucosal tissues in 4 cases as a control group, were immuno-histochemically evaluated for estrogen and progesterone receptors protein expression. Result: In 10 cases, estrogen receptor positivity was found within the epithelium and progesterone receptor immunoreactivity was present in 7 cases. Stromal cells exhibited estrogen and progesterone receptor immunostaining in many cases but only few cases showed expression of these receptors in the inflammatory and endothelial cells. Estrogen and progesterone receptors were also detected in some cases containing salivary glands tissue. Conclusion: Although chronic irritation may be the initiating factor for the occurence of epulis fissuratum, some of the cells in the lesion, could be potential targets for estrogen and progestrone hormones.

Statement of Problem: Despite the improvements achieved in the field of dental composites, their strength, longevity, and service life specially in high stress areas is not confirmed. Finding better fillers can be a promising step in this task. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the filler type on the mechanical properties of a new experimental dental composite and compare these with the properties of composite containing conventional glass filler. Materials and Methods: Experimental composites were prepared by mixing silane-treated fillers with monomers, composed of 70% Bis-GMA and 30% TEGDMA by weight. Fillers were different among the groups. Glass, leucite ceramic and lithium disilicate were prepared as different filler types. All three groups contained 73% wt filler. Comphorquinone and amines were chosen as photo initiator system. Post curing was done for all groups. Diametral tensile strength (DTS), flexural strength and flexural modulus were measured and compared among groups. Data were analyzed with SPSS package using one-way ANOVA test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance. Results: The results showed that the stronger ceramic fillers have positive effect on the flexural strength. Ceramic fillers increased the flexural strength significantly. No significant differences could be determined in DTS among the groups. Flexural modulus can be affected and increased by using ceramic fillers. Conclusion: Flexural strength is one of the most significant properties of restorative dental materials. The higher flexural strength and flexural modulus can be achieved by stronger ceramic fillers. Any further investigation in this field would be beneficial in the development of restorative dental materials.

Statement of Problem: One of the most important complications after tooth extraction and oral and maxillofacial surgery is transient bacteraemia and prescription of prophylactic antibiotic is necessary to prevent postoperative infections in immunocompromised patients. Purpose: The aim of this study was the evaluation of cephalexin and amoxicillin concentrations in dental alveolar sockets following tooth extraction. Materials and Methods: In this interventional study, 80 healthy patients subjected to tooth extraction were divided into two groups. Each group received 1 gr amoxicillin or cephalexin and teeth were extracted 30-60-90-120-180 minutes after antibiotic intake. Blood sampling was performed immediately after extraction and concentrations of two antibiotics were measured in microbiology laboratory. ANOVA test and Post-hoc (Duncan) test were used for statistical analysis with P<0.05 as the limit of significance. Results: The maximum serum concentration was 10.1006 μg/ml for amoxicillin at 120 minutes and 41.5467 μg/ml for cephalexin at 90 minutes after drug intake. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cephalexin and amoxicillin for Streptococcus sanguis was 2 μg/ml and 1 μg/ml respectively. Conclusion: The mean concentration for amoxicillin was 10 times and for cephalexin was 20 times higher than MIC.

Statement of Problem: Today, cross infection control is an integral part of dentistry and many dental health care workers no longer question its necessity. All dental equipments and instruments could be potentially considered as a source of infection. Purpose: The aim of this study was the evaluation of aerobic contaminations of four disposable materials used in routine dental practice. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, random sampling was performed and tryptone soy broth transfer culture medium was used. After 24 hours of incubation, samples were transferred to specific culture media. (Mckangy, Chocolate agar and Blood agar). Cultured bacteria were stained and studied using gram staining method. The study was carried out in a 17 weeks period. Results: All suction tips were infected with Bacillus cereus bacterium. Two cases of cotton roll samples showed contamination with Bacillus cereus, 2 cases with gram positive, coagulase negative cocci, 1 case with Streptococcus viridians and one case with Enterobacter class A. One case of anesthetic cartridges was contaminated with Staphylococcus epidermidis and two cases with Streptococcus viridians. Two cases of gutta-percha samples were contaminated with Bacillus cereus. Conclusion: Based of the findings of this study, the highest level of contamination was observed in saliva ejector tips. Contamination with Bacillus cereus was seen more frequently.

Statement of Problem: Visual loss after traumatic injuries of the maxillofacial area is one of the worst complications of these injuries and if remains untreated will affect seriously the future life of patient. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of blindness associated with midfacial fractures in Kerman Bahonar Hospital from 1996-2002. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was done retrospectively on 207 patients with midface maxillofacial trauma admitted to Kerman Bahonar Hospital from 1996 to 2002. Results: The frequency of unilateral blindness associated with midfacial trauma was 5.3 percent. The main etiologic factor was motor vehicle accidents (81.8%) and the most common area of fracture site of midface associated with blindness was Lefort III, Lefort II and NOE (Naso- Orbito- Ethmoidal) fractures. Conclusion: The evaluated frequency of blindness after midfacial injuries in this study was similar to previous studies. The etiologic factors were different from those of developed countries and similar to developing ones.