Abstract: Bulk-fill composites are claimed to be restorative materials used in deep preparations and effectively photoactivated in layers up to 4 mm. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the degree of conversion, post-gel volumetric shrinkage, and cytotoxicity of six bulk-fill and two conventional composites. Degree of conversion was determined by FTIR spectroscopy; post-gel volumetric shrinkage was determined using the strain gauge method; and cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts was evaluated indirectly by the MTT assay. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 0.05). All materials, including bulk-fill and conventional composites, were classified as non-toxic, with cell viability higher than 70%. Bulk-fill composites exhibited volumetric shrinkage similar to or lower (1.4 to 0.4%) than that of conventional composites (1.7–2.1%). However, only four of the bulk-fill composites were able to sustain a homogeneous conversion at the 4-mm depth. Despite their non-toxicity and shrinkage similar to that of conventional materials, not all commercial bulk-fill materials were able to maintain a conversion as high as 80% of the superficial layer, at the 4-mm depth, indicating some failure in the bulk-fill design of some commercial brands. Therefore, the use of bulk-fill materials in dental practice is advantageous, but special attention should be given to the selection and correct use of the materials.

Abstract The development of a biodegradable material with antimicrobial properties for local applications is required in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to produce blends of poly-L-lactide acid (PLLA) synthetic polymer associated with several antimicrobials, as an alternative in the prevention and treatment of infections, as well as to evaluate its cytotoxicity, release of antimicrobials and inhibit bacteria growth. Blends of PLLA added with 20% Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, Clindamycin or Azithromicyn were used to produce Films (F) or Meshs (M) by casting and electrospinning methods, respectively. Standardized discs of the films and meshs were stored in buffer solutions (pH 5 or 7.4) and aliquots were analyzed by high performance chromatography (HPLC) during 168 hours. Cytotoxicity on human gingival fibroblasts was tested after 24, 48 and 72h by MTT reaction. The antimicrobial capacity was determined against P. gingivalis and S. pyogenes. The specimens were weighed after 3 and 6 months of storage for degradation analysis. SEM was performed to control interfaces and degradation. Antimicrobials presented a continuous and exponential drug release. Analysis showed that both M and F were able to inhibit S. pyogenes and P. gingivalis growth, indicating the release of active antimicrobial agents. The products were not toxic to the fibroblasts. Amoxicillin-film showed more degradation than PLLA at both pHs (p < 0.05), whereas Azithromycin-meshes were more degraded than PLLA at pH 7.4 (p < 0.05). PLLA association with antimicrobials is biocompatible and may represent a potential tool for the local delivery of antimicrobials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the correspondence between gap formation and apical microleakage in root canals filled with epoxy resin-based (AH Plus) combined or not with resinous primer or with a dimethacrylate-based root canal sealer (Epiphany). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-nine lower single-rooted human premolars were filled by the lateral condensation technique (LC) and immersed in a 50-wt% aqueous silver nitrate solution at 37ºC (24 h). After longitudinal sectioning, epoxy resin replicas were made from the tooth specimens. Both the replicas and the specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The gaps were observed in the replicas. Apical microleakage was detected in the specimens by SEM/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The data were analyzed statistically using an Ordinal Logistic Regression model and Analysis of Correspondence (α=0.05). RESULTS: Epiphany presented more regions containing gaps between dentin and sealer (p<0.05). There was correspondence between the presence of gaps and microleakage (p<0.05). Microleakage was similar among the root-filling materials (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The resinous primer did not improve the sealing ability of AH Plus sealer and the presence of gaps had an effect on apical microleakage for all materials.

A finalidade da presente pesquisa foi avaliar a influência na elasticidade da manipulação de silicones de adição em consistência de massa, por meio de várias técnicas, empregando-se luvas. A polimerização dos materiais foi avaliada por meio de um elasticímetro. Ensaiaram-se quatro silicones, empregando cinco marcas de luvas (uma de vinil, uma de borracha sintética e três de borracha natural). Dependendo do tipo de luva, ela foi lavada ou não e ainda foi utilizada ou não uma espátula para a mistura inicial dos silicones. Os resultados demonstraram que no emprego das luvas de vinil, uma das de borracha sintética e uma das de borracha natural não precisaram ser lavadas, nem a utilização de espátula para a mistura inicial foi necessária. Duas luvas de borracha natural não conduziram a resultados satisfatórios com todos os silicones sem que a mistura inicial fosse feita com a espátula mas, com essa prática, todas as luvas foram compatíveis com todos os silicones. Pode-se concluir que, em caso de dúvida sobre a compatibilidade entre tipo de luva e marca de silicone, o emprego de espátula na mistura inicial contorna o problema.

The handling of vinyl polysiloxane (addition silicone) impression putties with latex gloves is said to interfere with the setting of these impression materials. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of handling techniques on the setting of vinyl polysiloxane impression putties using several types of gloves. The setting of these materials was evaluated by means of an elasticimeter. Four vinyl polysiloxane putty impression materials and five brands of gloves (one made of vinyl, one of synthetic rubber, and three of natural rubber) were studied. Based on the type of glove, they were previously washed or not, and a spatula was used or not for initial mixing (before handmixing). The vinyl, the synthetic and one of the natural rubber gloves did not require the previous washing procedure and/or the use of a spatula for initial mixing. Two other natural rubber gloves - depending on the silicone -, showed satisfactory results only when the initial mixing was performed with a spatula. It was concluded that setting inhibition depends on the kind of vinyl polysiloxane impression material and the kind of gloves used, but when the initial mixing was performed with the spatula this setting inhibition was overcome. The results of this study also showed that it is possible to associate cross-contamination control and satisfactory performance of addition silicone putty materials. When doubts arise from the compatibility between vinyl polysiloxane impression putties and gloves, the initial mixing should be performed with a spatula.