RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The present study examined a technique for reducing dentin permeability through the application of a calcium phosphate (CaP)-based desensitiser with a laser-assisted process and evaluated adhesive-dentin bond strength. Methods: Thirty dentin discs were divided into two groups according to whether the selected desensitiser (TeethMate; Kuraray Noritake) was used prior to dentin bonding. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups (n = 5): A- Adhesive (Single Bond Universal, 3M ESPE), AL- Adhesive + Laser (Nd:YAG 60 mJ) and LAL- Laser + Adhesive + Laser. Dentin permeability values (%) were recorded before and after desensitiser application. Resin composites were placed over the bonded specimens; the latter were aged prior to microtensile bond strength evaluation. Gelatinolytic activity within the hybrid layers was examined with in-situ zymography using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Data were analysed with ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Significant differences in dentin permeability were identified for all groups (p = 0.00). Both laser treatment (p = 0.182) and desensitiser application (p = 0.687) did not significantly improve dentin bond strength. Ultrastructure of the resin-dentin interface identified presence of calcium phosphate within dentinal tubules. Laser treatment did not affect hybrid layer ultrastructure. Both treatment modalities (intratubular CaP occlusion and laser) had no influence on gelatinolytic activity within hybrid layers. CONCLUSION: Although intratubular CaP occlusion and laser treatment were effective in reducing dentin permeability, they did not affect bond strength, interfacial ultrastructure and gelatinolytic activity within hybrid layers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treatment of etched dentin with Nd:YAG Laser at 60 mJ does not adversely affect collagen ultrastructure and gelatinolytic activity within the hybrid layer. The application of a calcium phosphate-based desensitiser to etch dentin does not affect dentin bond strength.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of TRUShape® 3D Conforming Files, compared with Twisted Files, in reducing bacteria load from root canal walls, in the presence or absence of irrigant agitation. METHODS: Extracted human premolars with single oval-shaped canals were infected with Enterococcus faecalis. Teeth in Group I (N=10; NaOCl and QMix® 2in1 as respective initial and final irrigants) were subdivided into 4 subgroups: (A) TRUShape® instrumentation without irrigant activation; (B) TRUShape® instrumentation with sonic irrigant agitation; (C) Twisted Files without irrigant agitation; (D) Twisted Files with sonic irrigant agitation. To remove confounding factor (antimicrobial irrigants), teeth in Group II (N=10) were irrigated with sterile saline, using the same subgroup designations. Specimens before and after chemomechanical débridement were cultured for quantification of colony-forming units (CFUs). Data from each group were analyzed separately using two-factor ANOVA and Holm-Sidak multiple comparison (α=0.05). Canal wall bacteria were qualitatively examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy of Taylor-modified Brown and Brenn-stained demineralised sections. RESULTS: CFUs from subgroups in Group I were not significantly different (P=0.935). For Group II, both file type (P<0.001) and irrigant agitation (P<0.001) significantly affected log-reduction in CFU concentrations. The interaction of these two factors was not significant (P=0.601). Although SEM showed reduced canal wall bacteria, bacteria were present within dentinal tubules after rotary instrumentation, as revealed by light microscopy of longitudinal root sections. CONCLUSIONS: TRUShape® files removed significantly more canal wall bacteria than Twisted Files when used without an antibacterial irrigant; the latter is required to decontaminate dentinal tubules. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Root canal disinfection should not be focused only on a mechanistic approach. Rather, the rational choice of a rotary instrumentation system should be combined with the use of well-tested antimicrobial irrigants and delivery/agitation techniques to establish a clinically realistic chemomechanical débridement protocol.