Dentinal Fluid Research Articles

The Role of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels in the Transduction of Dental Pain.

Dental pain is a common health problem that negatively impacts the activities of daily living. Dentine hypersensitivity and pulpitis-associated pain are among the most common types of dental pain. Patients with these conditions feel pain upon exposure of the affected tooth to various external stimuli. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying dental pain, especially the transduction of external stimuli to electrical signals in the nerve, remain unclear. Numerous ion channels and receptors localized in the dental primary afferent neurons (DPAs) and odontoblasts have been implicated in the transduction of dental pain, and functional expression of various polymodal transient receptor potential (TRP) channels has been detected in DPAs and odontoblasts. External stimuli-induced dentinal tubular fluid movement can activate TRP channels on DPAs and odontoblasts. The odontoblasts can in turn activate the DPAs by paracrine signaling through ATP and glutamate release. In pulpitis, inflammatory mediators may sensitize the DPAs. They could also induce post-translational modifications of TRP channels, increase trafficking of these channels to nerve terminals, and increase the sensitivity of these channels to stimuli. Additionally, in caries-induced pulpitis, bacterial products can directly activate TRP channels on DPAs. In this review, we provide an overview of the TRP channels expressed in the various tooth structures, and we discuss their involvement in the development of dental pain.

Effect of dentinal fluid on enamel permeability under simulated pulpal pressure

Objective: To determine the effect of pulpal perfusion on the fluid flow through human tooth after different treatments at the enamel surface. Changes in mineral density along with fluid flow rate were also analyzed before and after etching.Design: The experiments were carried out on 97 human premolars. Ringer’s solution and distilled water (DW) were applied under pressure of 20 mm Hg to the pulpal cavity of tooth crowns in the Ringer’s-perfused and water-perfused groups respectively. Fluid flow through each specimen was recorded before and 0, 30, 60, 180 min after treatments at the enamel surface. The treatments included DW, 0.2% sodium fluoride solution, 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF), 2.26% fluoride varnish (FV), 37% phosphoric acid gel (Etch) and artificial saliva (AS). Mineral density of the enamel was evaluated using micro-computed tomography.Results: In water-perfused group, fluid flow rates recorded after etching were significantly increased (p = 0.005) with the significant reduction of mineral density (p = 0.018) from baseline. A significant negative correlation was found (r = -0.78, p = 0.015). After FV, the percentage reduction from baseline was significant at 180 min (p = 0.003). In Ringer’s-perfused group, etching immediately produced the greatest mean flow rate and subsequently returned to the baseline within 60 min after treatment (p < 0.001). There were approximately 40, 55, and 63% reductions of flow rates within 60 min after AS, APF and FV respectively.Conclusion: Under simulated pulpal pressure, enamel fluid involves the process of enamel remineralization, particularly after etching.

Effects of different resin adhesives on the microleakage in a new model with simulated subgingival condition and pulpal pressure

Resin adhesive restorations are susceptible to oral fluid contamination and greatly influenced by dentinal tubule fluid because of pulpal pressure, especially when the restorative cavities are near gingival tissues. This study designed a novel model to evaluate the microleakage of self-adhesive flowable composite and traditional resin adhesives under simulated subgingival cavity preparations and pulpal pressure. We applied three different adhesive systems, include Vertise Flow, Optibond all-in-one, and Optibond S, on premolars with V-shaped cavity. All samples exhibited good marginal sealing at resin-enamel interfaces. At resin-dentin interfaces, microleakage in control group was similar among different adhesive systems. Microleakage in group pulpal pressure was greater than that in control group for all adhesive systems except Vertise Flow. All adhesive systems in pulpal pressure and simulated subgingival group exhibited significantly greater microleakage. In total, Vertise Flow exhibited better marginal sealing under pulpal pressure than other traditional adhesives.

Synthesis and characterization of a new methacrylate monomer derived from the cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and its effect on dentinal tubular occlusion

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to synthesize, to characterize and to evaluate the effects on tubular occlusion of new monomer derived from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), also studying the effects of acid challenge (AC) on dentin surfaces treated with desensitizers. MethodsThe intermediary cardanol-epoxy (CNE) was synthesized through epoxidation of CNSL, followed by synthesis of cardanol-methacrylate-epoxy (CNME) through methacryloyl chloride esterification. Products were purified through chromatography column and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Resinous dentin desensitizers were formulated containing either unsaturated cardanol (CNU), CNE or CNME. Dentin disks were divided into seven groups: SL — Smear-layer, EDTA — EDTA-treated only, GLUMA — Gluma Desensitizer, OCB — One Coat Bond, CNU — CNU desensitizer, CNE — CNE desensitizer and CNME — CNME desensitizer. Dentinal fluid rate (DFF) was obtained using a Flodec equipment and tubular occlusion employing a scanning electron microscope (SEM), before and after AC. Data of DFF were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p<0.05). ResultsGLUMA showed the lower reduction in DFF when compared to the other products, which were statistically similar. Even after AC, CNME presented the most homogenous and occluded surface, while CNE and CNU were partially removed, GLUMA was completely removed and OCB keep an occluded, but irregular surface. SignificanceCNME showed a great reduction of DFF and a homogenous occluded surface, suggesting that it may be a suitable and acid-resistant treatment option for dentine hypersensitivity.

Activation of Mechanosensitive Transient Receptor Potential/Piezo Channels in Odontoblasts Generates Action Potentials in Cocultured Isolectin B4–negative Medium-sized Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons

IntroductionVarious stimuli to the dentin surface elicit dentinal pain by inducing dentinal fluid movement causing cellular deformation in odontoblasts. Although odontoblasts detect deformation by the activation of mechanosensitive ionic channels, it is still unclear whether odontoblasts are capable of establishing neurotransmission with myelinated A delta (Aδ) neurons. Additionally, it is still unclear whether these neurons evoke action potentials by neurotransmitters from odontoblasts to mediate sensory transduction in dentin. Thus, we investigated evoked inward currents and evoked action potentials form trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons after odontoblast mechanical stimulation. MethodsWe used patch clamp recordings to identify electrophysiological properties and record evoked responses in TG neurons. ResultsWe classified TG cells into small-sized and medium-sized neurons. In both types of neurons, we observed voltage-dependent inward currents. The currents from medium-sized neurons showed fast inactivation kinetics. When mechanical stimuli were applied to odontoblasts, evoked inward currents were recorded from medium-sized neurons. Antagonists for the ionotropic adenosine triphosphate receptor (P2X3), transient receptor potential channel subfamilies, and Piezo1 channel significantly inhibited these inward currents. Mechanical stimulation to odontoblasts also generated action potentials in the isolectin B4–negative medium-sized neurons. Action potentials in these isolectin B4–negative medium-sized neurons showed a short duration. Overall, electrophysiological properties of neurons indicate that the TG neurons with recorded evoked responses after odontoblast mechanical stimulation were myelinated Aδ neurons. ConclusionsOdontoblasts established neurotransmission with myelinated Aδ neurons via P2X3 receptor activation. The results also indicated that mechanosensitive TRP/Piezo1 channels were functionally expressed in odontoblasts. The activation of P2X3 receptors induced an action potential in the Aδ neurons, underlying a sensory generation mechanism of dentinal pain.

Improved reactive nanoparticles to treat dentin hypersensitivity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different nanoparticles-based solutions for dentin permeability reduction and to determine the viscoelastic performance of cervical dentin after their application. Four experimental nanoparticle solutions based on zinc, calcium or doxycycline-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) were applied on citric acid etched dentin, to facilitate the occlusion and the reduction of the fluid flow at the dentinal tubules. After 24 h and 7 d of storage, cervical dentin was evaluated for fluid filtration. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis, AFM and Nano-DMA analysis were also performed. Complex, storage, loss modulus and tan delta (δ) were assessed. Doxycycline-loaded NPs impaired tubule occlusion and fluid flow reduction trough dentin. Tubules were 100% occluded in dentin treated with calcium-loaded NPs or zinc-loaded NPs, analyzed at 7 d. Dentin treated with both zinc-NPs and calcium-NPs attained the highest reduction of dentinal fluid flow. Moreover, when treating dentin with zinc-NPs, complex modulus values attained at intertubular and peritubular dentin were higher than those obtained after applying calcium-NPs. Zinc-NPs are then supposed to fasten active dentin remodeling, with increased maturity and high mechanical properties. Zinc-based nanoparticles are then proposed for effective dentin remineralization and tubular occlusion. Further research to finally prove for clinical benefits in patients with dentin hypersensitivity using Zn-doped nanoparticles is encouraged. Statement of SignificanceErosion from acids provokes dentin hypersensitivity (DH) which presents with intense pain of short duration. Open dentinal tubules and demineralization favor DH. Nanogels based on Ca-nanoparticles and Zn-nanoparticles produced an efficient reduction of fluid flow. Dentinal tubules were filled by precipitation of induced calcium-phosphate deposits. When treating dentin with Zn-nanoparticles, complex modulus values attained at intertubular and peritubular dentin were higher than those obtained after applying Ca-nanoparticles. Zn-nanoparticles are then supposed to fasten active dentin remodeling, with increased maturity and high mechanical properties. Zinc-based nanogels are, therefore, proposed for effective dentin remineralization and tubular occlusion. Further research to finally prove for clinical benefits in patients with dentin hypersensitivity using Zn-doped nanogels is encouraged.

Dentinal tubule sealing effects of 532-nm diode-pumped solid-state laser, gallic acid/Fe3+ complex, and three commercial dentin desensitizers.

The purpose of this study was to compare dentinal tubule sealing effects of a 532-nm diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser, gallic acid/Fe3+ complex, and three commercially available dentin desensitizers. Human premolars (n = 44) extracted for orthodontics had standardized cervical cavities prepared, etched (37% phosphoric acid) and randomly assigned to either a control (n = 4), or one of five treatment groups (n = 8/group). Desensitizing treatments were either a 532-nm DPSS laser, gallic acid/Fe3+ complex, oxalate-based Super Seal™ (SS), DIO™ Enamel Coating Pen Pro Tooth (Dio), or adhesive-type Hybrid Coat™ (HC). Dentinal fluid flow (DFF) was monitored continuously in real time during the application of each desensitizing agent, by using a nanoliter-scaled fluid flow-measuring device. Following treatment, morphological changes on dentinal surfaces and within tubules were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). DFF rates were significantly reduced after treatment in all experimental groups (P < 0.05), except SS (P > 0.05). The gallic acid/Fe3+ complex reduced DFF rates the most, and significantly (P < 0.05) more than the three commercial dentin desensitizers. There were no significant differences in DFF reduction rates between the gallic acid/Fe3+ complex and the DPSS laser groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in DFF reduction rates among the three commercial dentin desensitizers (P > 0.05). SEM examination of treated dentin showed that the degree of occlusion of dentinal tubules correlated closely with the corresponding reduction in DFF rates. The gallic acid/Fe3+ complex and 532-nm DPSS laser were superior to other desensitizing methods in occluding dentinal tubules and reducing DFF rates.

The Effects of Dentinal Fluid Flow on Remineralization of Early Root Caries Lesions : An In vitro Study

The Effects of Dentinal Fluid Flow on Remineralization of Early Root Caries Lesions : An In vitro Study

MMP-9 in Dentinal Fluid Correlates with Caries Lesion Depth

The analysis of molecular cues in dentinal fluid from an excavated cavity could improve diagnostics in the context of minimally invasive caries treatment. In the current clinical trial we assessed whether the dentinal fluid levels of MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9; neutrophil gelatinase) would increase with the progression of carious lesions. MMP-9 is associated with neutrophil-related tissue breakdown in the pulp. Absolute MMP-9 levels were contrasted against the levels of MMP-2, an enzyme related to normal tissue turnover. Dentinal fluid was collected below deep and shallow caries from molars and premolars within the same patients aged 18 years and older (n = 30, 1 tooth per group/patient). Experimental teeth were isolated under a rubber dam prior to excavation. Dentinal fluid was collected from the bottom of the cavity using a size 25 paper point. MMP levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nonparametric methods were applied to test for differences between groups. Significantly more (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon test) MMP-9 was collected from the deep carious lesions than from the shallow counterparts. Pairwise comparison of MMP-9 values within patients revealed that there was more MMP-9 collected from deep lesions than from shallow counterparts in 27 of the 30 individuals under investigation (pairwise Wilcoxon test, p < 0.001). In contrast, no such difference existed for MMP-2. There was a high correlation between MMP-9 from deep and shallow lesions (Spearman's ρ = 0.72, p < 0.001), indicating that patients with more MMP-9 in the deep carious lesion also tended to have more MMP-9 in the shallow lesion.

Numerical and analytical investigation of irrigant penetration into dentinal microtubules

Irrigation is one of the most important steps in root canal therapy. Sodium hypochlorite is inserted into the root canal to eliminate bacteria and dissolve necrotic tissue. Dentinal tubules are micrometer sized channels along the dentin thickness. An irrigant should have the ability to penetrate into these tubules to remove bacteria residing in them. The difference between the concentrations of the inserted irrigant and the dentinal tubule fluid is the main factor of penetration. This study attempts to model dentinal tubules with precise dimensions and to study the time dependent irrigant penetration into them by using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The effects of needle type and position in the dentinal tubule were also considered. The results showed that concentration distribution would be different when the tubule was modeled as a frustum compared to the cylindrical shape tubule. Dentinal tubule curvature, however, did not have a noticeable effect in irrigant penetration. It was also concluded that when the needle working length is 3 mm, concentration can be considered constant at the tubule's entrance for tubules located at more than 1 mm from the apex. Moreover, by irrigating the root canal with a side-vented needle instead of an open-ended one, the concentration would be less for the tubules located in the apex region. Analytical solutions for different cases were also obtained, and their predictions were found to be in good agreement with the numerical results. Therefore, the presented analytical solutions can be directly used to obtain irrigant concentration in tubules with no need for additional computer simulations.

Unbound monomers do diffuse through the dentin barrier

ObjectivesAssessing the role of dentinal fluid proteins in trans-dentinal diffusion of free monomers in vitro. MethodsAn artificial pulp chamber (APC) topped human dentin disks was used. A simplified two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive was formulated with 2-hydroethyl-methacrylate (HEMA), Bisphenol-A-diglycidyl-methacrylate (BisGMA), using Camphorquinone/tertiary amine as initiators. Two extraction media were used: buffered saline (Control), buffered saline with 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA). Samples were acid-etched, rinsed, air dried. Simplified primer was used, adhesive applied then light cured with a LED curing. Monomer diffusion was assessed by reverse phase HPLC. ResultsQuantifiable amounts of HEMA were detected in both extraction media while BisGMA was present in quantifiable amounts in BSA medium only. Diffused monomers concentrations were significantly higher for both monomers in BSA extraction medium. SignificanceAlbumin is sometimes referred to as taxi protein for its ability to bind and transport hydrophobic ligands. From our results, we hypothesized that albumin can also transport unbound monomers released from dental adhesive through the dentin barrier. However, dentinal fluid proteins like albumin could have significant effect on monomer diffusion through dentin to the dental pulp transporting highly hydrophobic molecules like BisGMA and enhancing diffusion of more hydrophilic ones like HEMA. These results demonstrate a new possible mechanism for cytotoxicity of resin monomers.

Piezo2 Expression in Mechanosensitive Dental Primary Afferent Neurons

Mechanosensitive ion channels have been suggested to be expressed in dental primary afferent (DPA) neurons to transduce the movement of dentinal fluid since the proposal of hydrodynamic theory. Piezo2, a mechanosensitive, rapidly inactivating (RI) ion channel, has been recently identified in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to mediate tactile transduction. Here, we examined the expression of Piezo2 in DPA neurons by in situ hybridization, single-cell reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. DPA neurons with Piezo2 messenger RNA (mRNA) or Piezo2-like currents were further characterized based on their neurochemical and electrophysiological properties. Piezo2 mRNA was found mostly in medium- to large-sized DPA neurons, with the majority of these neurons also positive for Nav1.8, CGRP, and NF200, whereas only a minor population was positive for IB4 and peripherin. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed Piezo2-like, RI currents evoked by mechanical stimulation in a subpopulation of DPA neurons. RI currents were pharmacologically blocked by ruthenium red, a compound known to block Piezo2, and were also reduced by small interfering RNA-mediated Piezo2 knockdown. Piezo2-like currents were observed almost exclusively in IB4-negative DPA neurons, with the current amplitude larger in capsaicin-insensitive DPA neurons than the capsaicin-sensitive population. Our findings show that subpopulation of DPA neurons is indeed mechanically sensitive. Within this subpopulation of mechanosensitive DPA neurons, we have identified the Piezo2 ion channel as a potential transducer for mechanical stimuli, contributing to RI inward currents. Piezo2-positive DPA neurons were characterized as medium- to large-sized neurons with myelinated A-fibers, containing nociceptive peptidergic neurotransmitters.

Biological Markers for Pulpal Inflammation: A Systematic Review.

Background and ObjectivePulpitis is mainly caused by an opportunistic infection of the pulp space with commensal oral microorganisms. Depending on the state of inflammation, different treatment regimes are currently advocated. Predictable vital pulp therapy depends on accurate determination of the pulpal status that will allow repair to occur. The role of several players of the host response in pulpitis is well documented: cytokines, proteases, inflammatory mediators, growth factors, antimicrobial peptides and others contribute to pulpal defense mechanisms; these factors may serve as biomarkers that indicate the status of the pulp. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the presence of biomarkers in pulpitis.MethodsThe electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and other sources were searched for English and non-English articles published through February 2015. Two independent reviewers extracted information regarding study design, tissue or analyte used, outcome measures, results and conclusions for each article. The quality of the included studies was assessed using a modification of the Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale.Results and ConclusionsFrom the initial 847 publications evaluated, a total of 57 articles were included in this review. In general, irreversible pulpitis was associated with different expression of various biomarkers compared to normal controls. These biomarkers were significantly expressed not only in pulp tissue, but also in gingival crevicular fluid that can be collected non-invasively, and in dentin fluid that can be analyzed without extirpating the entire pulpal tissue. Such data may then be used to accurately differentiate diseased from healthy pulp tissue. The interplay of pulpal biomarkers and their potential use for a more accurate and biologically based diagnostic tool in endodontics is envisaged.

Marginal integrity of low-shrinking versus methacrylate-based composite: effect of different one-step self-etch adhesives.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of composite type and adhesive system on the quality of marginal adaptation in standardized Class V cavities before and after thermo-mechanical loading (TML). The cavities were restored using different combinations of three adhesive systems [(Silorane System Adhesive (SSA), Clearfil S3 Bond (S3), G-Bond (G-B)] and two resin composite materials (Filtek Silorane, Clearfil AP-X). Six groups (n=10): Group A (SSA-Primer+SSA-Bond, Filtek Silorane), Group B (SSA-Primer+SSA-Bond, Clearfil AP-X), Group C (S3+SSA-Bond, Filtek Silorane), Group D (S3+SSA-Bond, Clearfil AP-X), Group E (G-B+SSA-Bond, Filtek Silorane) and Group F (G-B+SSA-Bond, Clearfil AP-X) were defined. Marginal adaptation was assessed on replicas in the SEM at 200×magnification before and after TML (3000×5-55°C, 1.2 106×49N; 1.7Hz) under simulated dentinal fluid. The highest scores of continuous margins (%CM) were observed in the group F (G-B+SSA-Bond, Clearfil AP-X: before loading 96.4 (±3.2)/after loading 90.8 (±7.0)). A significant effect of adhesive system, composite type and loading interval was observed on the results (p<0.05). Significantly lower scores of %CM were observed for silorane-based composite (Filtek Silorane) after TML in comparison with methacrylate-based composite (Clearfil AP-X) considering total marginal length (p<0.05). For both Filtek Silorane and Clearfil AP-X, G-Bond performed significantly better than SSA-Primer and Clearfil S3 Bond (p<0.05). For all combinations of one-step self-etch adhesives and SSA-Bond resin coating, silorane-based low-shrinking composite exhibited inferior marginal adaptation than did the methacrylate-based composite.

Effects of a Dicalcium and Tetracalcium Phosphate-Based Desensitizer on In Vitro Dentin Permeability.

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a dicalcium and tetracalcium phosphate-based desensitizer in reducing dentin permeability in vitro. Dentin fluid flow was measured before and after treatment of dentin with patent dentinal tubules using 1 or 3 applications of the dicalcium and tetracalcium phosphate containing agent TeethmateTM (TM) and comparing the results with two sodium fluoride varnishes VellaTM (VLA) and VanishTM (VAN), after storage in artificial saliva for 24 h, 48 h and 7 days. Significant differences were observed among the 4 methods employed for reducing dentin permeability (p < 0.001) and the 3 post-treatment times (p < 0.001). VLA and VAN never achieved 50% permeability reductions consistently in any of the 3 time periods. Only the calcium phosphate-based desensitizer applied for 3 times consistently reduced dentin permeability by 50% after 24 h. When applied once, the permeability reduction of TM increased progressively over the 3 time periods. After 7 days, only one and three applications of the calcium phosphate-based desensitizer consistently reduced dentin permeability by more than 50%. Permeability reductions corresponded well with scanning electron microscopy examination of dentinal tubule orifice occlusion in dentin specimens treated with the agents. Overall, the dicalcium and tetracalcium phosphate-based desensitizer is effective in reducing dentin permeability via a tubule occlusion mechanism. The ability of the agent to reduce dentin permeability renders it to be potentially useful as a clinical dentin desensitizing agent, which has to be confirmed in future clinical studies. By contrast, the two sodium fluoride varnishes are not effective in dentin permeability reduction and should be considered as topical fluoride delivering agents rather than tubular orifice-blocking agents.

지각과민처치제가 초음파 스케일링 처리한 비우식성 치경부 병소가 있는 치아의 지각과민증에 주는 영향

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in dentinal permeability after application of dentin desensitizer on exposed dentin immediately after ultrasonic scaling to teeth with non-carious cervical lesions. Thirty caries-free extracted molars were fixed to slide glasses after horizontally being sectioned at 5 mm below the cemento- enamel junction (CEJ). The prepared specimen was connected to a fluid flow measuring device (nano-Flow), and a V-shaped cavity was formed at the CEJ to imitate the non-carious cervical lesion. After no fluid leakage was confirmed in the connected system with specimen, tooth surface was treated ultrasonic cleaning with piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers until dentinal tubules were exposed. And 6 different desensitizers were applied on exposed dentin. Real-time measurements of dentinal fluid flow were performed during ultrasonic scaling and application of dentin desensitizer. To evaluate the occlusion of exposed dentinal tubules, tooth surface was examined by SEM. Following results were observed. After ultrasonic scaling, more dentinal tubules were exposed on the tooth with non-carious cervical lesions compared to tooth without lesions. The rate of fluid flow measured with nano-Flow system had correlation with the degree of dentin occlusion observed with SEM after application of desensitizers on exposed dentin. Desensitizers with glutaraldehyde and HEMA did not decrease the rate of fluid flow and did not show dentin occlusion. Desensitizers with oxalate showed the limited effects on the rate of fluid flow and dentinal tubule occlusion. Desensitizer with resin monomer showed the significant effect on the rate of fluid flow and dentin occlusion.

Synchrotron-radiation-based X-ray micro-computed tomography reveals dental bur debris under dental composite restorations.

Dental burs are used extensively in dentistry to mechanically prepare tooth structures for restorations (fillings), yet little has been reported on the bur debris left behind in the teeth, and whether it poses potential health risks to patients. Here it is aimed to image dental bur debris under dental fillings, and allude to the potential health hazards that can be caused by this debris when left in direct contact with the biological surroundings, specifically when the debris is made of a non-biocompatible material. Non-destructive micro-computed tomography using the BioMedical Imaging & Therapy facility 05ID-2 beamline at the Canadian Light Source was pursued at 50 keV and at a pixel size of 4 µm to image dental bur fragments under a composite resin dental filling. The bur's cutting edges that produced the fragment were also chemically analyzed. The technique revealed dental bur fragments of different sizes in different locations on the floor of the prepared surface of the teeth and under the filling, which places them in direct contact with the dentinal tubules and the dentinal fluid circulating within them. Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental analysis of the dental bur edges revealed that the fragments are made of tungsten carbide-cobalt, which is bio-incompatible.

In Vitro Evaluation of Dentin Hydraulic Conductance After 980 nm Diode Laser Irradiation.

Dentin hypersensitivity treatments are based on the physical obliteration of the dentinal tubules to reduce hydraulic conductance. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the hydraulic conductance of bovine root dentin after irradiation with a 980-nm diode laser, with or without associated fluoride varnish. Sixty bovine root dentin specimens were divided into six groups (n = 10 in each group): G1, G3, and G5 (0.5 W, 0.7 W, and 1 W diode laser, respectively); G2, G4, and G6 (fluoride varnish application + 0.5 W, 0.7 W, and 1 W diode laser, respectively). The dentin hydraulic conductance was evaluated at four time periods with a fluxmeter: 1) with smear layer, 2) after 37% phosphoric acid etching, 3) after the treatments, and 4) after 6% citric acid challenge. After the dentinal fluid flow measurements, specimens were also evaluated for mineral composition using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Analysis demonstrated a better result with increased irradiation power (P < 0.001), especially if the diode laser irradiation was associated with the application of fluoride varnish (P < 0.001), ensuring a greater reduction in permeability. Considering the groups treated only with laser irradiation, the 1 W group was superior when compared with the 0.5 W and 0.7 W irradiated groups immediately after treatment (P < 0.001). After citric acid testing, all groups showed similar results, except when comparing the 1 W groups with the 0.5 W groups (P = 0.04). EDS results of the irradiated groups showed an increase in the proportion of calcium and phosphorus ions, which demonstrates a superficial composition modification after laser treatments. Laser irradiation of exposed dentin promoted significant reduction in the dentin hydraulic conductance, mainly with higher energy densities and association with fluoride varnish.

Longitudinal Effect of Surface Treatments Modified by NaOCl-Induced Deproteinization and Nd:YAG Laser on Dentin Permeability.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate dentin permeability after dentin hypersensitivity treatments: fluoride, adhesive system, and collagen deproteinization with and without Nd:YAG laser exposure, and after erosive and abrasive challenges. Dentin permeability was assessed by measuring dentinal fluid flow using a permeability device. Eighty bovine dentin specimens (6 mm diameter/1 mm thickness) had permeability measured in the presence of the smear layer and after removal of the smear layer by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). They were then divided into eight groups according to treatment (n = 10): Group C, control; Group L, Nd:YAG laser; Group F, fluoride; Group FL, fluoride plus Nd:YAG laser; Group A, adhesive; Group AL, adhesive plus Nd:YAG laser; Group D, 10% NaOCl plus adhesive; and group DL, NaOCl plus adhesive plus Nd:YAG laser. Nd:YAG laser was irradiated at 60 mJ/pulse/10 Hz/47.7 J/cm2/1 W and applied freehanded without contact for 60 sec. Permeability was measured 24 h after the treatments. The specimens were exposed to erosive and abrasive challenges for 5 days. Erosive challenge was done by immersion in Coca-Cola, four times a day/90 sec each. After the first and last erosive challenge of the day, the abrasive challenge was conducted by brushing the specimens (24,000 cycles/3.8 cm range/200 g weight), and permeability was measured again. Results were analyzed statistically using two factor ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). With the exception of groups FL and A, all treatments reduced permeability. A significant reduction in permeability was seen when the treatments were combined with laser exposure. The association of adhesive and Nd:YAG laser led to the lowest rate of permeability after 24 h. NaOCl-induced deproteinization associated with Nd:YAG laser showed the lowest permeability rate after erosive/abrasive challenges. Dentin hypersensitivity treatments reduced dentin permeability when associated with Nd:YAG laser, even after erosive/abrasive challenges.

Proteolytic activity profile of human dentinal fluid

Proteolytic activity profile of human dentinal fluid