The clinical behavior of Concise and Prisma Shield sealants for pit and fissure was analyzed by clinical/photographic evaluation. A hematoxylin-based staining solution was applied to the occlusal surface 7 days, 18 months, 36 months, and 11 years after the occlusal sealing, thus allowing the sealant material on the surface to be checked. At each analysis time, each occlusal surface was photographed, and the photographs corresponding to each time were submitted to clinical/photographic evaluation. Although the sealant materials showed marginal alterations over time, they did not require reapplication because the region composed of the pit and fissure remained covered.

Introduction:The evolution of light curing units can be noticed by the different systems recently introduced. The technology of LED units promises longer lifetime, without heating and with production of specific light for activation of camphorquinone. However, further studies are still required to check the real curing effectiveness of these units.Purpose:This study evaluated the microhardness of 4 shades (B-0.5, B-1, B-2 and B-3) of composite resin Filtek Z-250 (3M ESPE) after light curing with 4 light sources, being one halogen (Ultralux – Dabi Atlante) and three LED (Ultraled – Dabi Atlante, Ultrablue – DMC and Elipar Freelight – 3M ESPE).Methods:192 specimens were distributed into 16 groups, and materials were inserted in a single increment in cylindrical templates measuring 4mm x 4mm and light cured as recommended by the manufacturer. Then, they were submitted to microhardness test on the top and bottom aspects of the cylinders.Results:The hardness values achieved were submitted to analysis of variance and to Tukey test at 5% confidence level. It was observed that microhardness of specimens varied according to the shade of the material and light sources employed. The LED appliance emitting greater light intensity provided the highest hardness values with shade B-0.5, allowing the best curing. On the other hand, appliances with low light intensity were the least effective. It was also observed that the bottom of specimens was more sensitive to changes in shade.Conclusion:Light intensity of LED light curing units is fundamental for their good functioning, especially when applied in resins with darker shades.

Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate the association of different degradations on the roughness, gloss, and color changes of microhybrid composites. Materials and methods:Ten specimens were prepared for Charisma, Amelogen Plus, Point 4, and Opallis resins. Surfaces were polished and baseline measurements of roughness, gloss, and color were recorded. Specimens were then submitted to chemical and mechanical challenges, and the specimens were reevaluated. Roughness and gloss were analyzed by KruskalWallis and Dunn's test (p < 0.05). Color change (ΔE) was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). The initial and final data were compared using the Wilcoxon test (p < 0.05). Spearman test checked the correlation between the roughness and gloss (p < 0.05). Results:Regarding surface roughness and gloss, there was no difference between composites before challenges. However, all composites showed a significant increase of roughness after challenges, with highest values for Charisma. The gloss was influenced by challenges, evidencing the best gloss for Point 4. Charisma showed the highest value of color change. There was no correlation between surface roughness and gloss for the initial analysis, and after the challenges. Conclusion:Composites were influenced by association of challenges, and Charisma showed the highest changes for roughness, gloss, and color. gloss, and color change. The dentist should be aware of the performance of different brands, to choose the correct required composite resin for each type of patient or region to be restored.

The purpose of this study was to employ photographic evaluation to observe the presence or absence of bubbles in pit and fissure sealants Concise and Prisma Shield, at 7 days, 18 months, 36 months and 11 years after accomplishment of treatment.Methods:A hematoxylin-based staining solution was applied to the occlusal surface at the study periods, which allowed assessment of the sealing material on the surface. All occlusal surfaces were photographed and the photographs corresponding to each period were subjected to photographic evaluation.Results:There was statistically significant difference only at 18 months, with a significantly higher number of specimens with bubbles for the Prisma Shield sealant compared to the Concise, whereas the groups were similar at all other study periods. On the other hand, separate analysis of subsequent periods of the sealants did not reveal any significant difference.Conclusions:According to the results of the present longitudinal investigation, it may be concluded that the sealing materials showed that bubbles came into and went out with time. However, this fact did not interfere with its clinical purpose, provided the remaining material covers the expected region of pits and fissures.

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Introduction: External cervical resorption (ECR) is a physiological or pathological event usually detected on radiographic examination, since there are no symptoms in its initial and intermediate phases. Objectives: This case is an important finding because the early detection of this lesion allowed an effective multidisciplinary approach to be carried out. Case Report: Radiography was taken in a 55-year-old male and revealed a radiolucent area on the distal surface of the permanent mandibular left first molar, suggesting ECR with impaired pulpal vitality. Based on the clinical and radiographic examinations, a multidisciplinary approach was established involving endodontic treatment, periodontal surgery and indirect restoration that provided an option for preserve the affected tooth. The early diagnosis of ECR was essential for the successful treatment in order to maintain the satisfactory function for five-year follow-up. Conclusion: Despite the procedures performed, the idiopathic etiology of the lesion contributed to the appearance of recurrences; however, monitoring and maintenance of the affected tooth proved to be important for the longevity of the treatment.

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the effect of the association of chemical and mechanical degradation on the surface roughness, gloss and color of nano and microfilled composites. Method: Disc-shaped specimens (n=10) were prepared for three nanocomposites (Filtek Z350XT, IPS Empress Direct, Charisma Diamond) and three microfilled composites (Estelite Σ Quick, Durafill VS, Renamel). After polishing, baseline surface roughness, gloss and color measurements were obtained. Specimens were submitted subsequently to the following challenges: chemical for 1 week (Hydrochloric acid, Coca-Cola and Red Wine) and mechanical (Toothbrushing). Surface roughness and gloss data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn’s test. Color difference (ΔE) was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: The initial data were compared with those after challenges using the Wilcoxon test (p<0.05). All composites showed a significant increase (p<0.05) of surface roughness, after overstress. Filtek Z350 XT and Renamel had the lowest final surface roughness values and roughness increase (p<0.05). The comparative analysis revealed that Estelite Σ Quick and Renamel did not significantly change the gloss after challenges (p=0.185). Filtek Z350 XT and IPS Empress Direct had higher color variations, after the challenges than the other resins (p<0.05). Conclusion: Chemical and mechanical challenges influence on characteristics of all composites, except for gloss on Estelite Σ Quick and Renamel composites.