ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of conversion (DC) and mechanical properties of a microhybrid Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE) resin composite after aging.MethodThe specimens were fabricated using circular molds to investigate Vickers microhardness (Vickers hardness number [VHN]) and DC, and were prepared according to ISO 4049 for flexural strength testing. The initial DC (%) of discs was recorded using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transforming infrared spectroscopy. The initial VHN of the specimens was measured using a microhardness tester under a load of 300 g for 15 seconds and the flexural strength test was carried out with a universal testing machine (crosshead speed, 0.5 mm/min). The specimens were then subjected to thermocycling in 5°C and 55°C water baths. Properties were assessed after 1,000–10,000 cycles of thermocycling. The surfaces were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey honest significant difference post hoc test.ResultsStatistical analysis showed that DC tended to increase up to 4,000 cycles, with no significant changes. VHN and flexural strength values significantly decreased upon thermal cycling when compared to baseline (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between initial and post-thermocycling VHN results at 1,000 cycles. SEM images after aging showed deteriorative changes in the resin composite surfaces.ConclusionsThe Z250 microhybrid resin composite showed reduced surface microhardness and flexural strength and increased DC after thermocycling.

This study was carried out to obtain more information about the assembly of hydroxyapatite bundles formed in the presence of Leucine-Rich Amelogenin Peptide (LRAP) and to evaluate its effect on the remineralization of enamel defects through a biomimetic approach. One or 2 mg/mL LRAP solutions containing 2.5 mM of Ca(+2) and 1.5 mM phosphate were prepared (pH = 7.2) and stored at 37 °C for 24 h. The products of the reaction were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Vickers surface microhardness recovery (SMR%) of acid-etched bovine enamel, with or without LRAP surface treatment, were calculated to evaluate the influence of peptide on the lesion remineralization. Distilled water and 1 or 2 mg/mL LRAP solution (pH = 7.2) were applied on the lesions and the specimens were incubated in mineralization solution (2.5mM Ca(+2) , 1.5mM PO4 (-3) , pH = 7.2) for 24 h. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's multi-comparison tests were used for statistical analysis. The pattern of enamel surface repair was studied using FE-SEM. AFM showed the formation of highly organized hierarchical structures, composed of hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals, similar to the dental enamel microstructure. ANOVA procedure showed significant effect of peptide treatment on the calculated SMR% (p < 0.001). Tukey's test revealed that peptide treated groups had significantly higher values of SMR%. In conclusion, LRAP is able to regulate the formation of HA and enhances the remineralization of acid-etched enamel as a surface treatment agent.

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PURPOSEThe aim of this preliminary study was to investigate, for the first time, the effects of addition of titania nanotubes (n-TiO2) to poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) on mechanical properties of PMMA denture base.MATERIALS AND METHODSTiO2 nanotubes were prepared using alkaline hydrothermal process. Obtained nanotubes were assessed using FESEM-EDX, XRD, and FT-IR. For 3 experiments of this study (fracture toughness, three-point bending flexural strength, and Vickers microhardness), 135 specimens were prepared according to ISO 20795-1:2013 (n of each experiment=45). For each experiment, PMMA was mixed with 0% (control), 2.5 wt%, and 5 wt% nanotubes. From each TiO2:PMMA ratio, 15 specimens were fabricated for each experiment. Effects of n-TiO2 addition on 3 mechanical properties were assessed using Pearson, ANOVA, and Tukey tests.RESULTSSEM images of n-TiO2 exhibited the presence of elongated tubular structures. The XRD pattern of synthesized n-TiO2 represented the anatase crystal phase of TiO2. Moderate to very strong significant positive correlations were observed between the concentration of n-TiO2 and each of the 3 physicomechanical properties of PMMA (Pearson's P value ≤.001, correlation coefficient ranging between 0.5 and 0.9). Flexural strength and hardness values of specimens modified with both 2.5 and 5 wt% n-TiO2 were significantly higher than those of control (P≤.001). Fracture toughness of samples reinforced with 5 wt% n-TiO2 (but not those of 2.5% n-TiO2) was higher than control (P=.002).CONCLUSIONTitania nanotubes were successfully introduced for the first time as a means of enhancing the hardness, flexural strength, and fracture toughness of denture base PMMA.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical properties and bioactivity potential of epoxy-based dental sealers modified with synthesized bioactive glass (BAG), hydroxyapatite (HA) and fluorine substituted hydroxyapatite (FHA) nanoparticles.The synthesized powders were incorporated at 10% and 20% into the epoxy-based dental sealer. The setting time, flow and solubility and microhardness of the modified and unmodified samples were examined. The bioactivity was evaluated using FESEM-EDX and elemental mapping, ATR-FTIR and XRD.The flow value of all of the experimental groups except the FHA modified samples, was greater than 20 mm. Concerning solubility, no specimens exhibited more than 1% weight loss. The solubility value of the FHA groups was statistically significant lower than other groups (p ≤ 0.001). The mean hardness values of all of the modified samples were significantly higher than the unmodified group (p ≤ 0.001).Regarding bioactivity, in vitro study revealed that after 3 days immersion in SBF a compact and continuous calcium phosphate layer formed on the surface of epoxy sealers containing BAG and HA nanoparticles.Based on these results, the addition of BAG and HA nanoparticles did not adversely alter the physical properties of epoxy sealers. Additionally, they improved the in vitro bioactivity of the epoxy sealer.