Restoring flared endodontically treated teeth continues to be a challenge for clinicians. This study evaluated the effect of post types and restorative techniques on the strain, fracture resistance, and fracture mode of incisors with weakened roots. One hundred five endodontically treated bovine incisors roots (15 mm) were divided into 7 groups (n=15). The two control groups were (C) intact roots restored with Cpc (cast posts and core) or Gfp (glass fiber posts). The five experimental groups were (F) flared roots restored with GfpAp (Gfp associated with accessory glass fiber posts), GfpRc (anatomic Gfp, relined with composite resin), and GfpRcAp (anatomized Gfp with resin and accessory glass fiber posts). All teeth were restored with metal crowns. Mechanical fatigue was performed with 3x10(5)/50 N. Specimens were loaded at 45º, and the strain values (μS) were obtained on root buccal and proximal surfaces. Following that, the fracture resistance (N) was measured. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests (α=0.05) were applied, and failure mode was checked. No significant difference in strain values among the groups was found. Cpc presented lower fracture resistance and more catastrophic failures in flared roots. Gfp associated with composite resin or accessory glass fiber posts seems to be an effective method to improve the biomechanical behavior of flared roots.

This study aimed to analyze the microhardness (KHN) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of two hybrid resin composites (TPH Spectrum and Filtek Z250). To this end, the composites were polymerized with six laboratory photo-curing units (LPUs) and the results compared with an alternative polymerization method using conventional halogen light source in conjunction with additional polymerization in an autoclave (15 minutes/100℃). LPUs were used following the manufacturers' instructions. Diametral tensile strength and Knoop hardness tests were conducted for all groups (n=5). Data were statistically compared using ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Among the LPUs, the one that provided light curing in conjunction with heat and nitrogen pressure resulted in a significant increase in KHN and DTS of resin composites. Between the resin composites, Filtek Z250 showed higher hardness values than TPH Spectrum. It was concluded that the use of alternative polymerization with conventional light polymerization and autoclave was feasible with a wide implication for the general public in terms of reduced dental treatment cost.

This study sought to assess the effect of different surface finishing and polishing protocols on the surface roughness and bacterial adhesion (S. sanguinis) to polymethyl methacrylates (PMMA). Fifty specimens were divided into 5 groups (n = 10) according to their fabrication method and surface finishing protocol: LP (3 : 1 ratio and laboratory polishing), NF (Nealon technique and finishing), NP (Nealon technique and manual polishing), MF (3 : 1 ratio and manual finishing), and MP (3 : 1 ratio and manual polishing). For each group, five specimens were submitted to bacterial adhesion tests and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two additional specimens were subjected to surface topography analysis by SEM and the remaining three specimens were subjected to surface roughness measurements. Data were compared by one-way ANOVA. The mean bacterial counts were as follows: NF, 19.6 ± 3.05; MP, 5.36 ± 2.08; NP, 4.96 ± 1.93; MF, 7.36 ± 2.45; and LP, 1.56 ± 0.62 (CFU). The mean surface roughness values were as follows: NF, 3.23 ± 0.15; MP, 0.52 ± 0.05; NP, 0.60 ± 0.08; MF, 2.69 ± 0.12; and LP, 0.07 ± 0.02 (μm). A reduction in the surface roughness was observed to be directly related to a decrease in bacterial adhesion. It was verified that the laboratory processing of PMMA might decrease the surface roughness and consequently the adhesion of S. sanguinis to this material.

The esthetic and functional rehabilitation of patients with multiple missing teeth can be performed with several techniques and materials. Ceramic restorations provide reliable masticatory function and good esthetics. However, fracture can occur in some cases due to their brittle behavior. In some cases, the replacement of an extensive prosthesis is a problem due to the high treatment cost. In this paper, two cases are presented, in which fractures occurred in extensive metal-ceramic fixed partial dentures, and their replacement was not possible. Ceramic repair was chosen and the sequences of treatment with and without presence of the ceramic fragment are also discussed. The cases illustrate that, in some situations, fractured metal-ceramic partial dentures can be successfully repaired when prosthetic replacement is not a choice. Prosthodontists must use alternatives that allow a reliable repair to extensive metal-ceramic fixed partial dentures. Surface preparation of the ceramic with hydrofluoric acid in conjunction with a silane coupling agent is essential for a predictable bonding of composite resin. The repair performed with composite resin is an esthetic and functional alternative when extensive fixed partial dentures cannot be replaced.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ultrasonic vibration on the force necessary to remove pre-fabricated and anatomic and cast posts. Two hundred and forty teeth were divided into two groups. In group I, a 0.8-mm metallic pre-fabricated post, UnimetricMaillefer, was utilized; in group II, cast copper-aluminum alloy posts measuring 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 mm in diameter were used. The root canals were prepared in three different diameters: 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 mm, with a length of 10 mm. The posts were cemented with glass monomer cement resulting in 20 specimens for each subgroup. Half of the sample was submitted to ultrasonic vibration for 3 min, while the other half did not receive any vibration. The specimens were submitted to traction in a universal testing machine. The results were analyzed by non-parametric Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The application of ultrasonic vibration significantly reduced the retention provided by the glass ionomer cement in the fixation of intracanal posts. The ultrasonic action was effective in both pre-fabricated and anatomic and cast posts. The effectiveness of the ultrasonic vibration was not related to the cementation line or the diameter of the post.

Morphology, etching patterns, surface modification, and characterization of 2 different fiber posts: Gfp, Glass fiber post; and Cfp, carbon fiber were investigated by SEM analysis, after different surface treatments. Thirty fiber posts, being 15 Gfp and 15 Cfp were divided into a 5 surface treatments (n = 3): C-alcohol 70% (control); HF 4%-immersion in 4% hydrofluoric acid for 1min; H(3) PO(4) 37%-immersion in 37% phosphoric acid for 30s; H(2) O(2) 10%-immersion in 10% hydrogen peroxide for 20 min; H(2) O(2) 24%-immersion in 24% hydrogen peroxide for 10 min. Morphology, etching patterns, surface modification and surface characterization were acessed by SEM analysis. SEM evaluation revealed that the post surface morphology was modified following all treatment when compared with a control group, for both type of reinforced posts. HF seems to penetrate around the fibers of Gfp and promoted surface alterations. The Cfp surface seems to be inert to treatment with HF 4%. Dissolution of epoxy resin and exposure of the superficial fiber was observed in both post groups, regardless the type of reinforcing fiber, H(2) O(2) in both concentrations. Relative smooth surface area was produced by H(3) PO(4) 37% treatment, but with similar features to untreated group. Surface treatment of fiber post is a determinant factor on micromechanical entanglement to resin composite core. Post treatment with hydrogen peroxide resulted strength of carbon and glass/epoxy resin fiber posts to resin composite core.

The aim of this study was to compare vertical and horizontal adjustments of castable abutments after conducting casting and soldering procedures. Twelve external hexagonal implants (3.75 × 10 mm) and their UCLA abutments were divided according their manufacturer and abutment type: PUN (plastic UCLA, Neodent), PUC (plastic UCLA, Conexão), PU3i (plastic UCLA, Biomet 3i), and PUTN (plastic UCLA with Tilite milled base, Neodent). Three infrastructures of a fixed partial implant-supported bridge with 3 elements were produced for each group. The measurements of vertical (VM) and horizontal (HM) misfits were obtained via scanning electron microscopy after completion of casting and soldering. The corresponding values were determined to be biomechanically acceptable to the system, and the results were rated as a percentage. Statistical analysis establishes differences between groups by chi-square after procedures, and McNeman's test was applied to analyze the influence of soldering over casting (α ≤ .05). For the values of VM and HM, respectively, when the casting process was complete, it was observed that 83.25% and 100% (PUTN), 33.3% and 27.75% (PUN), 33.3% and 88.8% (PUC), 33.3% and 94.35% (PU3i) represented acceptable values. After completing the requisite soldering, acceptable values were 50% and 94.35% (PUTN), 16.6% and 77.7% (PUN), 38.55% and 77.7% (PUC), and 27.75% and 94.35% (PU3i). Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the premachined abutments presented more acceptable VM values. The HM values were within acceptable limits before and after the soldering procedure for most groups. Further, the soldering procedure resulted in an increase of VM in all groups.

This study evaluate the use of bovine teeth as a substitute for human teeth on fracture strength tests of composite fixed partial dentures (Cpd), with and without fiberglass reinforcement (Fg). Eighty teeth were selected, being 40 bovine incisors, 20 human premolars and 20 molars. Bovine incisors were ground to get a platform, simulating an occlusal surface of human molar. Teeth in pairs were embedded in polystyrene resin, simulating the periodontal ligament and divided in 4 groups: B-Cpd-Fg: bovine teeth restored with Cpd with Fg; B-Cpd-NFg: bovine teeth restored with Cpd without Fg; H-Cpd-Fg: human teeth restored Cpd with Fg; and H-Cpd-NFg: human teeth restored with Cpd without Fg. The Cpd were adhesively fixed and submitted to an axial compression load at the pontic center with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. Failure modes were assessed and classified. Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α=0.05). The tooth type had no influence on fracture strength and fracture mode. The inclusion of fiberglass increased significantly the fracture strength. The failure modes were more reparable in groups with fiber-reinforcement. Bovine teeth can be used as a substitute for human teeth in these types of fracture strength tests.