Although it is known that chlorhexidine application may preserve resin-dentin bonds from degradation, the lowest optimal concentration and application time have yet to be established. This study evaluated the effects of different concentrations of chlorhexidine digluconate and different application times on the preservation of resin-dentin bonds formed using two etch-and-rinse adhesives. In experiment 1, after acid etching, the occlusal demineralized dentin was rewetted either with water or with 0.002, 0.02, 0.2, 2, or 4% chlorhexidine for 60 s. In experiment 2, the surfaces were rewetted with water, or with 0.002% or 2% chlorhexidine for 15 or 60 s. After this, both adhesives and composite resin were applied and light-cured. Bonded sticks (0.8 mm(2)) were tested under tension (0.5 mm min(-1)) immediately or after 6 months of storage in water. Two bonded sticks from each tooth were immersed in silver nitrate and analyzed quantitatively using scanning electron microscopy. Reductions in microtensile bond strengths and higher silver nitrate uptake were observed for both adhesives when the rewetting procedure was performed with water. Stable bonds were maintained for up to 6 months under all chlorhexidine conditions tested, irrespective of the chlorhexidine concentration and application time. The use of 0.002% chlorhexidine for 15 s seems to be sufficient to preserve resin-dentin interfaces over a 6-month period.

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Microparticles of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) containing resveratrol were successfully prepared by simple emulsion/solvent evaporation. All formulations showed suitable encapsulation efficiency values higher than 80%. PHBV microparticles revealed spherical shape with rough surface and presence of pores. PCL microparticles were spherically shaped with smooth surface. Fourier-transformed infrared spectra demonstrated no chemical bond between resveratrol and polymers. X-ray powder diffraction patterns and differential scanning calorimetry analyses indicated that microencapsulation led to drug amorphization. These PHBV/PCL microparticles delayed the dissolution profile of resveratrol. Release profiles were better fitted to biexponential equation. The hypochlorous-acid-scavenging activity and 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation discoloration assay confirmed that the antioxidant activity of PHBV/PCL microparticles was kept, but was dependent on the microparticle morphology and dissolution profile. Resveratrol-loaded PHBV/PCL microparticles showed no cytotoxic effect on red blood cells.

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This study evaluated the effects on human enamel after two bleaching procedures: with a fluoridated bleaching agent and with topical fluoride application postbleaching. It used 43 enamel blocks (3 mm(2) ) that were ground flat (600-2,000 grit) and polished with polishing paste (one and one-fourth). Specimens were randomly divided into three groups according to the bleaching procedure: (1) control group, (2) hydrogen peroxide 35% (HPF) and topical application of fluoride 1.23%, and (3) HP 38% (OP) with fluoride in its composition. Bleaching agents were used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Three methodologies were used: nanoindentation, to observe surface hardness and elastic modulus; atomic force microscopy, to observe surface roughness (R(a) - R(z)); and scanning electron microscopy, to observe the enamel surface effects. Group OP had a decrease in the elastic modulus after bleaching, which was recovered at 14 days. An increased roughness (R(a); 32%) was observed on group HPF and had an increased erosion on enamel surface (67%). It was concluded that topical application of fluoride, after using the nonfluoridated whitening agent, increased the roughness values and erosion of enamel.

A quaternary ammonium methacrylate polymer (QAMP) with antimicrobial potential was synthesized. The resulting product (QAMP) was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, visible spectrophotometry, XRPD and TGA. The in vitro susceptibility tests against Streptococcus mutans of QAMP were investigated prior and after incorporation into a commercial adhesive system (Clearfil™ SE Bond). The release of quaternary ammonium compounds from the experimental adhesive system (Clearfil™ SE Bond + 5% QAMP) was performed during 1, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days. Spectroscopic data confirmed that QAMP was successfully obtained. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that QAMP was heat stable. Prior incorporation into the adhesive system, QAMP revealed an inhibition halo of 18.33 ± 0.6 mm. By agar disk diffusion test, Clearfil™ SE Bond containing 5% QAMP presented an inhibition halo (16.67 ± 1.5 mm) similar to Clearfil™ Protect Bond (positive control, 17.00 ± 1.7, p = 0.815) and significantly higher than Clearfil™ SE Bond (negative control, 11.00 ± 1.0, p = 0.006). The minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations for Clearfil™ SE Bond containing 5% QAMP were 20 μL mL(-1). The release of quaternary ammonium compounds from the experimental adhesive containing QAMP was very low (5.1%) when compared to Clearfil™ Protect Bond that released 47.2% of its quaternary ammonium monomer (MDPB) after 30 days. The QAMP can offer enhanced antimicrobial properties for self-etching adhesive systems.

The effect of the addition of nystatin, miconazole, ketoconazole, chlorhexidine, and itraconazole into the soft lining materials Softone and Trusoft on their peel bond strength to a denture base acrylic resin was evaluated. Specimens of soft lining materials (n=7) were made without (control) or with the incorporation of antifungals at their minimum inhibitory concentrations to the biofilm of C. albicans and bonded to the acrylic resin. Peel testing was performed after immersion in distilled water at 37ºC for 24 h, 7 and 14 days. Data (MPa) were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA/Tukey-Kramer test (α=0.05) and the failure modes were classified. The addition of nystatin and ketoconazole did not affect the peel bond strength for up to 14 days. Most failures were predominantly cohesive within soft lining materials. With the exception of itraconazole, incorporating the antifungals into the soft lining materials did not result in values below those recommended for peel bond strength after 7 and 14 days of analysis.