Influence of different elastic moduli of dowel and core on stress distribution in root. (9/711)

This study was carried out to investigate the influences of elastic moduli of the dowel-core combination on the stress distribution in the root by the use of 2-dimensional finite element analysis. The peak stress at the dowel-cement interface was influenced strongly by a change of elastic modulus of the post (from 20,000 kg/mm2 as a hard prefabricated post to 8,000 kg/mm2 as a custom cast post) for both vertical and 45 degree oblique loading (rho > 90%). Peak dentinal stress adjacent to the luting cement layer depended only on the post material for vertical loading (rho [symbol: see text] 99%). In contrast, the post and core materials (from 8,000 kg/mm2 as cast core to 300 kg/mm2 as composite resin core) acted in cooperation on the stress magnitude for oblique loading, but the influence of the core material was stronger than that of the post (rho of core [symbol: see text] 41% and rho of post [symbol: see text] 26%). On the other hand, at the marginal region the effect of the core material contributed more than 86% to the peak stress value for both loadings, and the post material affected at most about 11% of the bending resistance.  (+info)

Detection of bisphenol-A in dental materials by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. (10/711)

The xenoestrogenic substance bisphenol-A is widely used as a synthetic precursor of resin monomers, such as bisphenol-A diglycidyl methacrylate. Reports describing the release of bisphenol-A from polymerized resin into saliva have aroused considerable concern regarding exposure to xenoestrogen by dental treatment. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate a reliable methodology of detecting the trace amounts of bisphenol-A in dental materials. Bisphenol-A was separable from bisphenol-A diglycidyl methacrylate, which is often employed as the principal dimethacrylate monomer, by selective extraction with a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge. Using this extraction method in combination with a gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry, we have obtained evidence that all unpolymerized materials used in this study were contaminated with bisphenol-A. Quantitative analysis using a deuterium-labeled compound as an internal standard revealed bisphenol-A contents in commercial dental materials ranging from < 1 microgram/g material to about 20 micrograms/g material. The polymerized dental materials released up to 91.4 ng bisphenol-A/g material into phosphate buffered saline during 24-h incubation. These results indicate that bisphenol-A can be released from dental materials, however the leachable amount would be less than 1/1000 of the reported dose (2 micrograms/kg body weight/day) required for xenoestrogenisity in vivo.  (+info)

New initiation system for resin polymerization using metal particles and 4-META. (11/711)

Fifteen kinds of metal particles were examined to establish whether they could induce the setting of UDMA-based monomer containing BPO without amine under the presence of 4-META at room temperature. FT-IR spectra of the resultant set samples and the monomer were analyzed to see if the setting was caused by the polymerization. The effects of 4-META and BPO concentrations on the setting time were also studied using the metal particles that induced the setting very effectively. As-received Cu, Zn, Mo, Sn, Co, and In particles could initiate the polymerization of the monomer in combination with BPO and 4-META when they were moistened with water. All the three kinds of silver alloy particles examined also could initiate the polymerization, although pure silver metal particles could not. The presence of 4-META drastically shortened the setting time of the mixture of Cu particles and the monomer containing BPO, while higher concentration of BPO in the monomer significantly shortened the setting time.  (+info)

Polymerization of UDMA using zinc particles and 4-META with and without BPO. (12/711)

The polymerization phenomena of zinc particles moistened with a small amount of water, 4-META, and UDMA without amine in the presence and absence of BPO were investigated. The effects of 4-META and BPO on the setting time and the degree of conversion (DC) were studied. Moreover, the effect of zinc ion amount on the setting time was investigated. As-received zinc particles could induce the polymerization either with or without BPO. A higher concentration of 4-META shortened the setting time and increased DC when BPO was absent. However, the presence of BPO generally retarded the setting time and decreased DC, although its effect was dependent on the 4-META concentration. A higher amount of zinc ion retarded the setting reaction in the presence of 4-META. The zinc particles mixed with 10% zinc sulfate and acetic acid solutions could induce the polymerization of UDMA containing BPO when the amine and 4-META were absent.  (+info)

Genetic potential of interfacial guided osteogenesis in implant devices. (13/711)

The purpose of this review is to summarise recent advances in the design and composition of bioactive surface layers of implantabile biomaterials, and thus the genetic potential of osteoprogenitor cells to recognize and respond to these diverse implanted biomaterials. Changes applied to a biomaterial's surface, in general, could improve its biocompatibility, osseointegration and durability properties, which are required for long-term implantation in the living body. In this review, the implant-bone interface was evaluated and interpreted on the basis of osteoblast cell cultures, i.e., on the genetic potential of osteoblasts to express different phenotype markers depending on the type of biomaterials used. The interface formed by in vitro-grown osteoblasts may be used to identify components of the in vivo implant-bone interface. Over the years, a large number of implant systems consisting of many different biomaterials have been introduced in dentistry and orthopaedics. This paper discusses the performance of currently used metals and other biomaterials, by focusing on the events which occur immediately after implantation and on their impact on the bone-implant interface. The review demonstrates that continuous improvements in composition, surface modality and design of implants may benefit osseointegration and clinical longevity of such implants. No load-bearing conditions or clinical status are discussed. Titanium (Ti) and calcium phosphate ceramics are regarded as the most biocompatible synthetic substances known to be used in hard tissue implantation. These biomaterials are osteoconductive, and do not induce ectopic bone formation. Nonetheless, they provide a physical matrix which is suitable for the deposition of new bone and may guide both the growth and extension of the bone. Comparative investigation evaluated that Ti implant systems appear to be apposed by more bone than ceramic systems, although alternatives concerning the type of Ti alloy and bioactive surface layer engineering, generate extremely diverse osseointegration results. Manufacturers have created an extensive range of inorganic or ceramic coatings on Ti implants in order to achieve better bone healing and osteoconduction. Biologically active molecules, added to the implant surface, represent breakthroughs in guided interfacial osteogenesis. This methodology offers an enormous potential of genetic controlling and promoting osteogenesis. The bone growth factors are not fully understood, but most researchers agree that the contact between the bioactive surface layer of the implant and bone is not static but dynamic and that the above factors may maximise the implant osseointegration.  (+info)

Restoration of endodontically treated teeth with carbon fibre posts--a prospective study. (14/711)

BACKGROUND: A prospective study was started in 1995 to evaluate the success of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resin (CFRR) posts used to restore endodontically treated teeth. All the teeth in the study had lost more than 50% of their coronal structure. METHODS: Fifty-nine carbon fibre Composiposts cemented with Metabond and built up with Core Paste cores were placed into the teeth of 47 patients. Each tooth received a full-coverage restoration (porcelain fused to metal crown) and was followed for 6.7-45.4 months (average = 28.0 months, standard deviation = 10.7). RESULTS: Results for 52 teeth in 42 patients were analyzed. There were no fractures. The overall failure rate was 7.7% and the cumulative survival rate was 89.6% at the end of the follow-up period. The only statistically significant finding (p = 0.04) was that posts in lower premolars were at higher risk of failure. CONCLUSION: CFRR posts are among the most predictable systems available today. CFRR posts in the upper anterior teeth are associated with a higher success rate and longer life than those placed in premolars, especially lower premolars. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that supports the use of CFRR posts in the restoration of endodontically treated teeth.  (+info)

HLA-association in patients with intolerance to mercury and other metals in dental materials. (15/711)

A group of selected 25 patients with serious intolerance to heavy metals used for dental restoration were examined for HLA antigens. A significant increase for HLA -- B37, B47 and DR4 was found. The value of the relative risk is not significant after correction for the number of antigens tested and therefore further studies of more patients are needed.  (+info)

The use and maintenance of visible light activating units in general practice. (16/711)

AIM: The present study to investigate the use, care and maintenance of light units in everyday clinical practice was undertaken to complement light unit emission surveys, with a view to developing a protocol for light unit use and care in everyday clinical practice. METHOD: The investigative work comprised a survey of selected practices in the Blackburn area with follow-up practice visits to examine light units in situ, and to glean additional information in respect of light unit use and care in the practice environment. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were returned by 54 of 77 selected practices--a 70% response, including information in relation to 164 light units. Subsequently, 100 (61%) of these light units were examined in 42 practices according to a standardised protocol. The use and care of the light units included in the study was found to be very variable. In addition to finding that 28 (28%) had inadequate light output (<300 mW/cm2), many of the light units were found to be damaged or repaired (47, 47%). Thirty five (35%) of the light units inspected were found to have varying amounts of material adherent to the light guide exit portal. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that practitioners should address practical aspects of their increasing reliance on light units, and to this end, guidance is offered on visible light curing and the care and maintenance of light units.  (+info)