Core Build-up Resin Composites Research Articles

Push-Out Bond Strength of Fiber Posts to Overflared Root Canals in Different Root Regions: Effect of Reinforcement Techniques.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different reinforcement techniques on the push-out bond strength of fiber posts to over-flared root canals. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight extracted human single-canal premolars were endodontically treated, over-flared, and randomly divided into four groups (N=12) including SARC: luting with self-adhesive resin cement, DCC: luting with dual-cure core build-up resin composite, CRR: relining root canal walls with bulk-fill resin composite, and DAP: relining fiber post with bulk-fill resin composite. After 24 hours, the roots were sectioned to obtain three cervical, middle, and apical 3mm slices. The push-out test was performed and failure pattern was examined. Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Dunn-Bonferroni tests were used for statistical analysis (P<0.05). Results: In all three regions, the lowest and highest bond strength was found in the SARC and DAP groups, respectively. In the middle region, there was a statistically significant difference between the bond strength of the SARC group and that of the DCC (P=0.044), CRR (P=0.021), and DAP (P<0.001) groups. There was no significant difference in the apical region. The lowest bond strength was observed in the apical region, and the highest was related to the cervical region. Adhesive failure was the most common failure pattern in all groups. Conclusion: Based on our results DCC, CRR and DAP methods increased bond strength in the middle and cervical sections of over-flared root regions. Considering that DCC is the easiest and most practical method, we propose that CRR and DAP can be replaced with this method in clinical procedures.

Comparative evaluation of shear bond strength at the interface of monolithic zirconia with two distinct core build-up materials: An in vitro study.

The study aimed to evaluate and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) at the interface of monolithic zirconia with zirconomer (Zr) core build-up, a new type of glass ionomer cement to monolithic zirconia with composite resin core build-up material. In vitro a comparative study. A total of 32 disk-shaped samples of monolithic zirconia and two distinct core build-up materials: Zr (n = 16) and composite resin (n = 16) were used. The two components, monolithic zirconia with Zr core build-up and monolithic zirconia with composite resin core build-up, were bonded using zirconia primer and self-adhesive, dual-cure cement. The samples were subsequently thermocycled, and the SBS was tested at their interfaces. The failure modes were determined using a stereomicroscope. Data were evaluated using the descriptive analysis for mean, standard deviation, confidence interval, and independent t-test for intergroup comparison. Descriptive analysis, independent t-test, Chi-square test. The mean SBS (megapascals) of monolithic zirconia to Zr core build-up (0.74) was statistically significant when compared to monolithic zirconia with composite resin core build-up material (7.25) (P ≤ 0.001). Zirconomer core build-up showed 100% adhesive failure; composite resin core build-up had 43.8% cohesive, 31.2% mixed, and 25.0% adhesive failures. When evaluating the two core build-up materials' bindings to monolithic zirconia, Zr and composite resin core build-up showed statistically significant differences. Although Zr has been demonstrated to be the optimal core build-up material; however, additional investigation is required to determine how it bonds to monolithic zirconia more effectively.

Effect of Surface Treatments on Adhesion of Milled Polyetheretherketone Post to Different Composite Resin Core Build-Up Materials.

To evaluate the effect of surface treatments on adhesion of milled PEEK post to two different composite resin core-build up materials. Six PEEK posts were divided into the following groups: G1: no treatment+ Grandio core material, G2: no treatment+ Bulk-fill core material, G3: 98% sulfuric acid for 60 seconds+ Grandio core material, G4: 98% sulfuric acid for 60 seconds+ Bulk-fill core material, G5: 50 μm airborne particle abraded + Grandio core material, G6: 50 μm airborne particle abraded + bulk fill core material. The adhesion of the post to core build-up materials was tested using micro push-out bond strength. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test. There was a significant effect for the surface treatment (p<.001), a non-significant effect for the core build-up materials (p<.289), and a significant effect for their interaction (p<.001) on the bond strength values. Within the limitation of this study, sulfuric acid etching group significantly increased the bond strength compared to other groups. Bulk-fill core material could be a feasible option when restoring ETT in terms of saving chair time and the treatment procedure simplicity. Key words:Bond Strength, Core material, PEEK, Surface Treatment.

Evaluation of Microleakage Using Dye-penetration Method in Three Different Composite Resin Core Build-up Materials: An In Vitro Study

Aim of the current research is to establish and assess the microleakage in bulk-fill composite, nanohybrid ormocer-based resins, and nanofilled composite resin core build-up materials employing the dye-penetration technique. Sixty human mandibular first premolar teeth with a solitary root canal without dental caries were chosen for this research. Each specimen was subjected to decoronation of 2 mm from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), following which the root canal treatment procedure was rendered complete. A space for the post was made for all the 60 samples. Following positioning of the post, specimens were allocated into one of the following three investigational groups (20 specimens in every group) on the basis of the core build-up materials used as group I: bulk-fill composites, group II: nanohybrid ormocer-based resins, and group III: nanofilled resin composites. Direct composite was used for core build-up and subjected to light-curing. Following this, the specimens were immersed in 1% methylene blue solution for 24 hours interval. Each section was evaluated for dye diffusion employing a stereomicroscope with software at a magnifying power of 40× and surface contact between dentin and base of the material was evaluated under scanning electron microscope. Nanohybrid ormocer-based composites exhibited the least microleakage at 1.12 ± 0.14, in pursuit by nanofilled composite resins at 1.79 ± 0.09, and finally the bulk-fill composites at 2.85 ± 0.11, amid the investigational groups studied. A statistically significant difference amid the three dissimilar cores buildup substances was found upon analysis of variance. Despite the study limitations, this research came to a conclusion that each of the three investigated core build-up substances exhibited microleakage. However, amid the three, nanohybrid ormocer-based composites depicted the lowest amount of microleakage in pursuit by the nanofilled resins and the bulk-fill composites. Core build-up is an important requirement as the remaining tooth substance following root canal treatment reduces and needs reinforcement with core build-up to sustain the tooth structure and provide resistance. A vital mandate for enduring efficiency of the restoration in the mouth is high-quality adhesive bond of these agents to cavity walls with diminished microleakage.

Effect of curing mode on the conversion and IIT-derived mechanical properties of core build-up resin composites

The aim of the study was to evaluate the degree of conversion and the mechanical properties of five composite core build-up materials polymerized in dual-curing and self-curing modes. The materials tested were: Clearfil DC Core Plus (CF), Gradia Core (GC), Luxacore-Z Dual Smartmix (LX), Multicore Flow (MC) and Paracore (PC). Disk-shaped specimens were prepared from each material; half the specimens were light-cured, whereas the rest were only self-cured. After a 3-week storage period (dark/dry/37 °C) the Martens Hardness, Indentation Modulus, and Elastic Index were determined by instrumented indentation testing (IIT), while the degree of conversion was assessed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Statistical analysis was performed by 2-way ANOVA and post-hoc testing (α = 0.05). The dual-curing mode resulted in statistically higher Martens Hardness and Elastic Index than the self-curing mode in most materials but showed insignificant differences in Indentation Modulus. MC and PC demonstrated significantly higher degree of conversion in both curing modes. Overall, the self-curing mode was inferior to the dual-curing in conversion and mechanical properties for most products, despite their differences in monomer composition and filler loading.

Fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth restored with novel CAD/CAM ceramic post systems

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the fracture strength (FS) and fracture types of endodontically treated teeth that restored with CAD/CAM made novel ceramic posts.Materials and Methods: Seventy human maxillary central incisors were selected, endodontically treated and expanded to 1.8 mm diameter with leaving of 2-3 mm canal filling. The teeth were randomly divided into 7 post restoration groups (n=10); a glass fiber post system as control (GFbr), monolithic zirconia (GMzr), lithium disilicate (GLds), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (GZr_Lds) ceramics, nanoparticle-filled (GRmc_Cer), resin nano-ceramic (GRmc_Lu), and polymer-infiltrated (GRmc_En) resin matrix ceramic groups. Then composite cores were build-up, crown restorations fabricated, and incubated in a water bath (37 ± 10C, 24 hours). A dynamic load was applied at 135° to the long axis of each specimen with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. FS and fracture types (favorable-catastrophic) were recorded. The FS values were statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (α=.05). Results: While the FS values of GMzr (365.62 ± 28.52 N) was significantly higher than GFbr (261.07 ± 24.51 N), all other groups (167.09-191.64 N) significantly lower, according to the Tukey HSD (P.05). Catastrophic fractures were observed only for GMzr. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the novel CAD/CAM ceramic materials substantially be suitable for the rehabilitation of severely damaged teeth with composite resin core build-up in the anterior region. However, only the monolithic zirconia post restorations may be more durable than the glass fiber post systems.

Effects of different bonding systems with various polymerization modes and root canal region on the bond strength of core build-up resin composite.

Purpose The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of different bonding systems (BSs) with various polymerization modes and root canal regions on the bond strength of core build-up resin composite to dentin.Methods Post cavities were prepared in the roots of 54 bovine teeth. Three types of BS with various polymerization modes (light, chemical, and dual-cure) were applied to the walls of the cavities, which were subsequently filled with core build-up resin composite, and stored in 37°C water for 7 days. Each tooth was then sectioned perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth into 9-disk from the coronal to the apical side. Bond strengths were measured on two-thirds of the disks, while dye penetration was examined in the remaining third.Results Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the bond strengths of BSs with different polymerization modes, indicating chemical-cured BS had higher bond strength than light-cured BS. The chemical-cured BS group showed cohesive failure in both resin composite and dentin regardless of the root canal region, while adhesive failure was observed in the coronal region for dual-cured BS and in the apical region for light-cured BS. Dye penetration was significantly more at the bonding interface at the apical region of the light-cured BS.Conclusions Chemical-cured BS displayed a greater bond strength than light-cured BS. Cohesive failure was observed in both core build-up resin and dentin, indicating that the integration of tooth structure with resin composite was effective for retaining the resin core and sealing the root canal.

Effects of different bonding systems with various polymerization modes and root canal region on the bond strength of core build-up resin composite.

Purpose The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of different bonding systems (BSs) with various polymerization modes and root canal regions on the bond strength of core build-up resin composite to dentin.Methods Post cavities were prepared in the roots of 54 bovine teeth. Three types of BS with various polymerization modes (light, chemical, and dual-cure) were applied to the walls of the cavities, which were subsequently filled with core build-up resin composite, and stored in 37°C water for 7 days. Each tooth was then sectioned perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth into 9-disk from the coronal to the apical side. Bond strengths were measured on two-thirds of the disks, while dye penetration was examined in the remaining third.Results Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the bond strengths of BSs with different polymerization modes, indicating chemical-cured BS had higher bond strength than light-cured BS. The chemical-cured BS group showed cohesive failure in both resin composite and dentin regardless of the root canal region, while adhesive failure was observed in the coronal region for dual-cured BS and in the apical region for light-cured BS. Dye penetration was significantly more at the bonding interface at the apical region of the light-cured BS.Conclusions Chemical-cured BS displayed a greater bond strength than light-cured BS. Cohesive failure was observed in both core build-up resin and dentin, indicating that the integration of tooth structure with resin composite was effective for retaining the resin core and sealing the root canal.

Pre-heating of dual-polymerized resin core foundation system: effect on micro-shear bond strength, degree of conversion and ultimate tensile strength

This study evaluated the effect of pre-heating a dual-polymerized adhesive and a dual-polymerized core build-up resin composite on their dentin micro-shear bond strength (µSBS), degree of conversion (DC%) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS). For µSBS, 45 human molars were divided into 9 groups (n = 5) according to two factors: (1) Adhesive temperature (25 °C/32 °C/40 °C) and 2- Resin composite temperature (25 °C/32 °C/40 °C). Dual-polymerized adhesive (Futurabond U/FBU) was applied over occlusal dentin at each temperature following the manufacturer’s instructions. Four dual-polymerized composites (Rebilda DC/RDC, VOCO) micro-cylinders (1.2 mm diameter × 1 mm height) were built-up over each dentin disc, after being pre-heated at each temperature. After storage (48 h/37 °C), µSBS testing was run at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. DC% of FBU/RDC was evaluated at each temperature after 48 h using FTIR. Hourglass-shaped specimens were fabricated from both materials at each respective temperature and pulled apart to evaluate UTS after 48 h storage. Data were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey’s test/Pearson’s correlation (p = 0.05). Neither adhesive/composite temperature nor their interaction had a significant effect on µSBS. No significant difference in µSBS between groups, except within 40 °C FBU. Predominant failure mode was a mixed type. No significant difference in DC% of FBU groups. RDC at 40 °C had significantly higher DC% than 25 °C. No significant difference in UTS of FBU and RDC groups. Application of both dual-polymerized adhesive and resin composite at 40 °C seemed to reduce µSBS. Raising the temperature to 40 °C improved DC% of resin composite, with no effect on adhesive. Pre-heating did not influence the UTS of both materials.

Effect of surface treatments on repair strength, roughness and morphology in aged metal-free crowns

Aim: The roughness and micromorphology of various surface treatments in aged metal-free crowns and the bond strength of these crowns repaired with composite resin (CR) was evaluated in vitro. Methods: A CR core build-up was confectioned in 60 premolars and prepared for metal-free crowns. Prepared teeth were molded with the addition of silicone, and the laboratory ceromer/fiber-reinforced crowns (SR Adoro/Fibrex Lab) were fabricated. Subsequently, the crowns were cemented and artificially aged in a mechanical fatigue device (1.2 X 106 cycles), then divided into 4 groups (n = 15) according to the surface treatment: 1) phosphoric acid etching (PA); 2) PA + silane application; 3) roughening with a diamond bur + PA; and 4) sandblasting with Al2O3 + PA. After the treatments, the crowns (n = 2) were qualitatively analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface roughness (n = 5) was analyzed before and after the surface treatment (Ra parameter). The remaining crowns (n = 8) received standard repair with an adhesive system (Tetric N-Bond) and a nanohybrid CR (Tetric N-Ceram), and the microshear bond strength (SBS) test was performed (0.5 mm/min). Roughness and SBS data were analyzed by one- and two-way ANOVA, respectively, as well as Tukey’s post-test (α = 0.05). Results: Sandblasting with Al2O3 + PA resulted in the highest final roughness and SBS values. The lowest results were observed in the PA group, whereas the silane and diamond bur groups showed intermediate values. Conclusion: It may be concluded that indirect ceromer crowns sandblasted with aluminum oxide prior to PA etching promote increased roughness surface and bond strength values.

Core build-up resin composites: an in-vitro comparative study

Aim Resin composite (RC) are commonly used under full crowns. However, independent information is lacking to guide practitioners regarding core RC material selection. This study aimed at comparing the flexural properties of a large selection of commercially-available core build-up RCs (CBU-RC), either light-, self- or dual-cure, to conventional light-cure RCs. Methods RCs were injected into a 25 × 2×2mm Teflon mold, and either light-cured during 20 s (materials with claimed light-cure characteristics) or covered by aluminum during 10 min (dual- and self-cure CBU-RCs). They were subjected after a one-week water storage at 37.5 °C to three-point bending, and Flexural modulus (E flex) and Flexural Strength (σ f) were calculated (n = 20). Thermogravimetric analysis (n = 3) was performed to determine inorganic filler content (%). Results For dual-cure CBU-RCs, both RC (p < .0001) and light-curing (p = .0007) had a significant influence on E flex, while only RC was significant for σ f (p < .0001). Between all conventional RCs and CBU-RCs, significant differences were observed (p < .0001), both regarding E flex and σ f, with values ranging from 3.9 to 15.5 GPa and from 76 to 130.3 MPa, respectively. Higher E flex values were observed for light-cure RCs than for self- and dual-cure ones, while no clear trend was noticed regarding σ f. Good linear correlation was found between inorganic filler content and E flex (R 2=0.85, p < .0001), but not with σ f (R 2=0.08, p = .1609). Conclusion This work demonstrated a positive influence of light-curing on dual-cure CBU-RC’s E flex. It also highlighted large differences in flexural properties (especially E flex) among the investigated materials, questioning the use of some CBU-RCs as dentin replacement in case of large tissue loss.

In vitro fracture resistance of zirconia, glass-fiber, and cast metal posts with different lengths.

Aim:Post-and-core restorations require sufficient length of the post for retention of the prosthesis and root strength. The effect of different lengths of prefabricated zirconia posts (ZPs) on the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth needs evaluation. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro fracture resistance of endodontically treated incisors restored with ZP, glass-fiber (GFP), and cast posts (CP) of different lengths.Settings and Design:Comparative in-vitro study.Materials and Methods:Sixty extracted incisors were endodontically treated, tooth preparations were carried out, and the impression of the coronal portion of each prepared tooth was made using polyvinyl siloxane impression material loaded in copper tubes. The coronal portion of each tooth was removed, maintaining a 2 mm ferrule. The teeth were restored with one of the three posts: CPs, GFP, or ZPs, with intraradicular lengths of either 6 or 8 mm (n = 10). The CP and core patterns were fabricated using post space impressions and core buildup and cast using Nickel–Chromium alloy. After composite resin core buildup of GFP and ZPs treated teeth using the previously made copper tube impressions, the teeth were loaded to fracture in an oblique direction in the universal testing machine.Statistical Analysis Used:Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey–Kramer tests (α = 0.05).Results:The highest and lowest values of fracture resistance were reported with ZP8 and GFP6 groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in fracture resistance between the posts of length 6 mm and 8 mm in CP, GFP, and ZP groups. There was no significant difference (P = 0.953) in fracture resistance between CP (284.8 N) and ZP (258.31 N) groups, while the GFP group (160.61 N) had a significantly lower value of fracture resistance than the CP and ZP groups. Two-way ANOVA test for fracture resistance of the post systems and post lengths showed that there was no significant correlation between the post systems and post length on the fracture resistance. There was a greater percentage of favorable fractures in GFP and ZP groups (65% each), than the CP group (20%).Conclusion:For the post systems tested, extending the post length does not significantly increase the fracture resistance of the restored teeth. The ZP represents a viable alternative to the cast metal post during the esthetic restoration of endodontically treated anterior teeth.

Comprehensive micro-mechanical characterization of experimental direct core build-up resin composites with different amounts of filler contents.

Dual-cured resin-based composites are gaining popularity as core build-up materials. Physical and elastoplastic characteristics of new experimental core build-up materials with variable filler contents (+2.5 and +5 wt%) were investigated using classic macroexperiments and nanoindentation. Flexural fracture strength increased from 91.7±11.8 to 114.1±9.1 and 116.6±14.7 MPa in the +2.5 and +5 wt% groups, respectively; similarly, elastic moduli increased from 12.6±0.9 to 15.4±1.2 and 15.3±2.0 MPa, respectively. Fracture toughness increased from 1.82±0.60 to 2.28±0.53 and 2.67±0.88 MPa•m1/2 for the +2.5 and +5 wt% groups, respectively; indentation hardness increased significantly from 0.45±0.03 to 0.55±0.04 and 0.60±0.10 GPa, respectively. The addition of +5 wt% filler content led to a mechanically superior material; the addition of +2.5 wt% filler led to better reliability.

Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Restored with 2 Different Fiber-reinforced Composite and 2 Conventional Composite Resin Core Buildup Materials: An In Vitro Study

IntroductionThe purpose of this in vitro study was to comparatively evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with 2 fiber-reinforced composite resins and 2 conventional composite resin core buildup materials. MethodsSixty noncarious unrestored human maxillary premolars were collected, endodontically treated (except group 1, negative control), and randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 10). Group 2 was the positive control. The remaining 40 prepared teeth were restored with various direct core buildup materials as follows: group 3 teeth were restored with dual-cure composite resin, group 4 with posterior composite resin, group 5 with fiber-reinforced composite resin, and group 6 with short fiber-reinforced composite resin. Fracture strength testing was performed using a universal testing machine. The results were statistically analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey test. Fracture patterns for each sample were also examined under a light microscope to determine the level of fractures. ResultsThe mean fracture resistance values (in newtons) were obtained as group 1 > group 6 > group 4 > group 3 > group 5 > group 2. Group 6 showed the highest mean fracture resistance value, which was significantly higher than the other experimental groups, and all the fractures occurred at the level of enamel. ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, a short fiber-reinforced composite can be used as a direct core buildup material that can effectively resist heavy occlusal forces against fracture and may reinforce the remaining tooth structure in endodontically treated teeth.

An assessment of fracture resistance of three composite resin core build-up materials on three prefabricated non-metallic posts, cemented in endodontically treated teeth: an in vitro study.

Endodontically treated teeth with excessive loss of tooth structure would require to be restored with post and core to enhance the strength and durability of the tooth and to achieve retention for the restoration. The non-metallic posts have a superior aesthetic quality. Various core build-up materials can be used to build-up cores on the posts placed in endodontically treated teeth. These materials would show variation in their bonding with the non-metallic posts thus affecting the strength and resistance to fracture of the remaining tooth structure.Aims. The aim of the study was to assess the fracture resistance of three composite resin core build-up materials on three prefabricated non-metallic posts, cemented in extracted endodontically treated teeth.Material and Methods. Forty-five freshly extracted maxillary central incisors of approximately of the same size and shape were selected for the study. They were divided randomly into 3 groups of 15 each, depending on the types of non-metallic posts used. Each group was further divided into 3 groups (A, B and C) of 5 samples each depending on three core build-up material used. Student’s unpaired ‘t’ test was also used to analyse and compare each group with the other groups individually, and decide whether their comparisons were statistically significant.Results. Luxacore showed the highest fracture resistance among the three core build-up materials with all the three posts systems. Ti-core had intermediate values of fracture resistance and Lumiglass had the least values of fracture resistance.

Effects of different polymerization protocols on the degree of conversion of two dual‐cured core buildup composites polymerized by light‐emitting diode and halogen light‐curing units

ABSTRACTThe aim of study was to investigate the effects of various curing protocols with quartz–tungsten halogen (QTH) or light‐emitting diode (LED) light‐curing units on the degree of conversion (% DC) of two dual‐cured core buildup resin composites. Two dual‐cured core buildup resin composites, Clearfil Dc Core Automix (CLF) and Grandio Core Dc (GR), were selected. Specimens were exposed to the polymerization protocols as follows: there was immediate photoactivation or photoactivation delayed by 2 or 5 min by a QTH or LED source, and one group was allowed to chemically polymerize and served as a control (n = 6). The % DC of the specimens was determined with attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The GR samples polymerized with QTH for the 5‐min‐delayed photoactivation had higher % DC values than those self‐cured, and the Clearfil Dc Core Automix (CLF) samples with immediate or delayed curing protocols with halogen yielded higher % DC values than the samples that were chemically polymerized. The comparison of the two resin composites polymerized with halogen showed a higher % DC for CLF than for GR in the 2‐min‐delayed photoactivation. On the other hand, when they were cured with LED, the % DC values of GR significantly increased after the 2‐min‐delayed photoactivation. In light of the results, it might be stated that CLF polymerized with QTH, could be the better option. GR provided adequate chemical polymerization; therefore, it might be useful in areas in which light curing is not possible. Clinicians should consider the polymerization characteristics of dual‐cured resin composites. The use of different composites may require the modification of the application procedures recommended by the manufacturer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40560.

Influence of light-exposure methods and depths of cavity on the microhardness of dual-cured core build-up resin composites

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the Knoop hardness number (KHN) of dual-cured core build-up resin composites (DCBRCs) at 6 depths of cavity after 3 post-irradiation times by 4 light-exposure methods. Material and MethodsFive specimens each of DCBRCs (Clearfil DC Core Plus [DCP] and Unifil Core EM [UCE]) were filled in acrylic resin blocks with a semi-cylindrical cavity and light-cured using an LED light unit (power density: 1,000 mW/cm2)at the top surface by irradiation for 20 seconds (20 s), 40 seconds (40 s), bonding agent plus 20 seconds (B+20 s), or 40 seconds plus light irradiation of both sides of each acrylic resin block for 40 seconds each (120 s). KHN was measured at depths of 0.5, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10.0 mm at 0.5 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days post-irradiation. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's compromise post-hoc test with a significance level of p<0.05. ResultsFor both DCBRCs, at 0.5 hours post-irradiation, the 20 s and 40 s methods showed the highest KHN at depth of 0.5 mm. The 40 s method showed significantly higher KHN than the 20 s method at all depths of cavity and post-irradiation times, except UCE at depth of 0.5 mm (p<0.05). The 120 s method did not result in significantly different KHN at all depths of cavity and post-irradiation times (p>0.05). In DCP, and not UCE, at 24 hours and 7 days post-irradiation, the B+20 s method showed significantly higher KHN at all depths of cavity, except the depth of 0.5 mm (p<0.05). ConclusionKHN depends on the light-exposure method, use of bonding agent, depth of cavity, post-irradiation time, and material brand. Based on the microhardness behavior, DCBRCs are preferably prepared by the effective exposure method, when used for a greater depth of cavity.

Polymerization shrinkage of dual-cure core build-up resin composites

Polymerization shrinkage of dual-cure core build-up resin composites

Effects of self-curing activator and curing protocol on the bond strength of composite core buildups.

To determine the effect of the polymerization mode of simplified bonding systems and the corresponding core buildup resin composite on the bond strength to dentin. Composite core buildups were bonded to flat prepared dentin surfaces of 320 human molars using a two-step etch-and-rinse (Excite, ER) and a two-step self-etching (AdheSE, SE) bonding system. Bonding systems were used both with and without their respective self-curing activators (Excite DSC, ER+SC; AdheSE DC, SE+SC). Six curing protocols for the dual-curing composite (MultiCore Flow) were examined: self-curing for 5 min (a); irradiation with light from each aspect for 10 s (b), 20 s (c), and 40 s (d); and irradiation with light from the occlusal aspect only for 60 s (e) and 120 s (f). Shear bond strengths were measured immediately after curing. Additional measurements were performed after water storage of the specimens for 24 h at 37°C. These specimens had been cured according the curing protocols given in the manufacturer's instructions (groups a and d). Failure modes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Immediate bond strengths were significantly different among the bonding systems (p < 0.001): SE > ER > ER+SC > SE+SC. Immediate bond strengths of ER and SE were significantly lower when the composite was self-cured (p < 0.05). The use of SC activators reduced the bond strength and promoted adhesive failures to dentin. A severe incompatibility problem was observed between the composite and SE+SC. Dentin bonding of dual-curing composite core buildups in combination with simplified bonding systems is still unsatisfactory, even when SC activators are employed. For adequate bonding to dentin, polymerization of the dual-curing composite should always be light initiated.

Influence of the interaction of light- and self-polymerization on subsurface hardening of a dual-cured core build-up resin composite

Objective. To investigate the influence of time delay and duration of photo-activation on subsurface microhardness of a dual-cured resin composite. Material and methods. A commercially available dual-cured core build-up resin composite (Rebilda DC) was filled in cavities (diameter: 4.0 mm; height: 6.0 mm) of polystyrene molds and light-cured for 20 or 60 s either immediately after the filling procedure (time delay 0 s) or after a time delay of 30, 90, 180 or 300 s. Non-irradiated self-cured specimens served as a control group (n = 15). Specimens were stored in complete darkness and at 100% relative humidity at 37°C for 2 weeks and cross-sectioned. Knoop Hardness Numbers (KHNs) were measured six times per depth and averaged at distances of 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 3.50 and 5.50 mm from the light-exposed surface. Data were statistically analyzed using one- and two-way ANOVA followed by Scheffé's post-hoc test at a level of significance of 0.05. Results. Mean hardness values in all experimental groups ranged between 54.3 ± 2.1 and 58.1 ± 2.3 KHN. Light-curing did not significantly increase composite KHN at any depth measured. Delaying light exposure had no influence on KHN, irrespective of depth. A longer light-exposure time (60 versus 20 s) resulted in significantly higher KHN only at depths of 3.50 and 5.50 mm. Conclusion. Photo-activation of the tested dual-cured resin composite provided no clinically relevant benefit compared to self-curing regarding the degree of hardening.