Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aim: An important purpose of adhesive dentistry is restriction of cavity preparation to carious dentin removal and conservation of sound dentin. Application of caries disclosing agents and cavity disinfectants can help achieving this goal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of caries disclosing agents and cavity disinfectants on microleakage of composite resin restorations.

Materials and Methods: This experimental in-vitro study was performed on class V cavities in 48 extracted human sound premolars. The teeth were randomly divided into four equal groups. In group 1 caries detector dye (Seek, Ultradent, USA) and in group 2 cavity disinfectant (Consepsis, Ultradent, USA) were applied on dentinal surfaces. In group 3 both mentioned materials were applied. Group 4 was considered as control group. PQ1 bonding agent and Amelogen composite were used to restore the cavities. Gingival microleakage was assessed by dye penetration. Data were analyzed by Kruskall Wallis and Dunn tests. P<0.05 was the level of significance.

Results: Group 2 showed the least and group 4 showed the highest microleakagehowever no statistical significant difference was found among the groups.

Conclusion: The use of caries disclosing agent (Seek) and cavity disinfectant (Consepsis Liquid) did not adversely affect the sealing ability of dentin bonding resins.

Background and Aim: The final objective of root canal therapy is to create a hermetic seal along the length of the root canal system from the coronal opening to the apical termination and to accomplish the best adaptation of obturation material with canal walls. The purpose of this study was to compare the microleakage during lateral condensation of 0.04 and 0.02 tapered gutta-percha master cones.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental in vitro study, seventy two single canal teeth were selected and the crowns were removed. Canals were prepared using a step-back technique. Patency of the apical foramen was maintained and the teeth were divided into two experimental groups of 31 each Ten teeth were used as control group, out of which five served as negative and five as positive controls. The first and second groups were obturated with 0.02 and 0.04 tapered master cones respectively. All the teeth were obturated using lateral condensation technique. The teeth were placed in 100% humidity and 37^oc for three days. The roots were coated with two layers of nail varnish and one layer of stick wax except for the apical 2 mm. Teeth were placed in Pelikan ink for one week and sectioned vertically. The maximum depth of dye penetration for each tooth was recorded by two evaluators with stereomicroscope. The results were statistically analyzed using t-test with p<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results: The mean linear dye penetration for the first and second groups was 2.53 0.88mm and 4.89 1.20 mm respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that 0.02 tapered gutta-percha master cone, provided a significantly better apical seal than 0.04 tapered gutta-percha master cone.

Background and Aim: As central incisors have a prominent role in esthetics, appropriate preparation, considering natural tooth anatomy and proper planes have always been considered. The aim of this study was to determine the number of planes in labial surface of maxillary central incisors using image processing and mathematical analysis.

Materials and Methods: This pilot study was performed on 32 intact maxillary central incisors in dental students of Tehran university of medical sciences. Photographs were taken from profile view of each tooth by a digital camera. Images were processed and number of planes was obtained using SigmaScan Pro. version 5.00 software and a customized program. Data were analyzed by t-test and regression tests with p<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results: 96.9% of central incisors had three planes and 3.1% had two planes in labial surface. The angle between middle-cervical and middle-incisal planes showed statistically significant difference (p< 0.01).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, a few percentage of maxillary central incisors had two planes and most of them had three planes in their labial surfaces. Thus, considering three planes for restoring maxillary central teeth is closer to principles of tooth preparation and esthetics.

Background and Aim: Incomplete root development caused by trauma ,caries, or pulpal pathosis requires special attention and treatment . Although calcium hydroxide apexification has been used successfully for years but it requires patient cooperation and multiple appointments . Single visit apexification with MTA has been used in recent years. The purpose of this study was to compare bacterial microleakage of two types of MTA (Made in Iran and Brazil) applied as apical barrier in open apex teeth.

Materials and Methods: 48 single root teeth were used in this experimental in vitro study. Teeth apices were prepared as open apex teeth. For canal obturation the 4mm of root end was filled with 2 types of MTA (white Iranian MTA salami co. Iran and Angelus MTA Angelus Brazil) from coronal access. Teeth were mounted in self-cured acryl and put in BHI microbial culture. A suspension of Staphylococcus epidermidis was injected from coronal area into the root canals.The teeth were incubated and examined every 24 hours for microbial microleakage, indicated as turbidity in culture. Data were analyzed using Fisher exact test with p<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results: Microleakage appeared after 15 days in all Iranian and after 17 days in Angelus MTA samples.There was no significant difference between microleakage of two types of MTA (P = 0.48).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, there was no significant difference between microleakage of Iranian and Angelus MTA. If further studies confirm other physical, chemical, biological and sealing properties of Iranian MTA, it could be recommended for clinical application

Background and Aim: Root filling materials are usually in close contact with living tissues. So their biological properties like mutagenicity and cytotoxicity are important. These properties help us determine the potential damage to periapical tissues, or potential DNA mutations, and malignant transformation of the cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of four root canal sealers: AH Plus (Dentsply, DeTrey), Ketac-Endo Aplicap (3M ESPE), Sankin Apatite III (Sankin K.K), and Tubli-Seal EWT (Kerr).

Materials and Methods: In this experimental in vitro study fresh and set specimens from AH Plus, Ketac-Endo Aplicap, Sankin Apatite III, and Tubli-Seal EWT were immersed in culture medium for 1, 2 and 7 days. Cytotoxicity was assessed using tetrazolium bromide reduction assay (MTT) after 1, 2 and 7 days exposure of diluted extracts to L929 cells. Extracts of sealers in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) were used to examine the mutagenic effects by sos-umu test according to standard procedures. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA, Kruskall Wallis, Mann Whitney and Post hoc tests with P<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results: Extracts of all freshly mixed sealers were cytotoxic. Ketac-Endo Aplicap and Sankin Apatite III showed the lowest toxicity respectively and Tubli-Seal EWT the highest. In contrast to other sealers, the cytotoxicity of Tubli-Seal showed no decrease with time. -galactosidase did not increase significantly thus none of the sealers showed mutagenic effects.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, Tubli-Seal EWT showed the highest cytotoxicity with time. Other sealers showed decreasing cytotoxicity with time. No mutagenicity effects was observed in none of  tested materials.

Background and Aim: Complete obturation of the prepared root canal is an essential step in endodontic treatment. Combination of gutta-percha and a sealer is widely used in clinical practice for root canal obturation, thus microleakage studies on sealing properties of these materials constitute an important part of endodontic researches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microleakage of three root canal sealers: Apexit, AH26 and Dorifill by electrochemical method.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 55 extracted human maxillary and mandibular cuspids were used. The coronal part of teeth were removed and the root canals were prepared using the step-back technique. The specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups of 17 samples each. Teeth in each group were filled with one of the sealers and gutta-percha by lateral condensation technique. 4 specimens served as positive and negative controls. An electrochemical method was used for evaluation of apical leakage with the electrical source potential of 10 V. Measurements of current flow through the test system were recorded every 72 hours. Data were analyzed by Kruskall Wallis and Mann Whitney tests. P<0.05 was considered as the level of significance.

Results: All specimens of the three groups showed low initial leakage that increased during the test period. The mean leakage in Apexit group was higher than AH26 and Dorifill groups. The lowest mean leakage was related to Dorifill group. Although no statistically significant difference was observed between this sealer and AH26.

Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the best apical seal was obtained using Dorifill and AH26 sealers. The poorest result was observed in Apexit.

Background and Aim: Sealing the root canal system is of great importance in endodontic treatment especially in infected teeth. Several materials have been introduced for this purpose. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sealing ability of MTA as an orthograde root filling material and compare it with laterally condensed gutta-percha with sealer.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-six extracted human maxillary central and canine teeth were used in this experimental study. After preparation and surface disinfection with 1% NaOCl solution, the crowns of the teeth were cut at cemento-enamel junction.Roots were randomly divided into four groups: two experimental groups  of 15 roots each (gutta-percha with AH26 sealer and MTA) and two control groups of 3 roots each (positive and negative). After root canal preparation and filling, the sealing ability of each technique was assessed by immersion in 1% methylene blue dye for 72 hours. Then the teeth were cleared and the extent of dye penetration was measured with a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed by T-test with P<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results: The results showed that the mean microleakage was 1.1mm (SD=2.1) in the gutta percha group and 3.4mm (SD= 2.1) in the MTA group.This difference was statistically significant (P=0.013).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, canal obturation with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer may provide a better apical seal compared with MTA. However, further studies on microbial leakage are needed for more precise evaluation of the sealing ability of MTA.

Background and Aim: Because of polymerization shrinkage and high viscosity of posterior composites, there are some difficulties in using them in posterior restorations. Several methods have been represented to reduce the effect of shrinkage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of curing flowable composites under condensable ones in adaptation and microleakage reduction of posterior composite restorations.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental in vitro study, forty class II MO cavities were prepared on extracted intact molar and premolar human teeth. Gingival margins were placed 1 mm apical to CEJ. The teeth were divided into two groups. In group 1, flowable composite (Filek Flow, 3M, ESPE, USA) with 0.5-1 mm thickness was applied and cured following application of bonding agent (Single Bond, 3M, ESPE, USA). The rest of the cavity was filled by condensable composite (p60, 3M, ESPE, USA). In group 2 the flowable composite was not cured, and the condensable composite was applied in two increments. After light curing of composites, all the specimens were thermocycled and then immersed in 0.3% basic fuschin. Specimens were sectioned and evaluated for degree of dye penetration under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test with p<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results:. There was no significant difference between the two studied groups regarding microleakage.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, neither cured nor uncured flowable composite under condensable composite can omit microleakage in posterior composite restorations.

Background and Aim: Furcation defects are one of the most challenging problems in periodontal therapy. Regenerative treatment significantly improves the prognosis of the involved teeth. The aim of this study was to compare Bio-Oss plus 10% collagen in combination with either a bioabsorbable collagen barrier (BO/GTR), or coronally advanced flap (BO/CF), in treating human mandibular class II furcation defects.

Materials and Methods: This clinical trial included 10 patients with 10 pairs of similar periodontal defects. Each defect was randomly assigned to treatment with BO/CF or BO/GTR. Following basic therapy, baseline measurements were recorded including probing pocket depth (PPD),closed horizontal probing depth (CHPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival margin position (CEJ-GM), together with plaque and gingival indices. Hard tissue measurements were performed during surgery to determine alveolar crestal height (CEJ-AC), and vertical and horizontal open probing depth (OVPD, OHPD).After 6 months, all sites were re-entered and soft and hard tissue measurements were recorded.

Results: Both surgical procedures significantly reduced probing depth and improved clinical attachment levels, with no significant difference between groups. Gingival margin position (CEJ-GM), was improved in the BO/CF group (0.66±0.51 mm, p<0.05), but not statistically different from BO/GTR group in which remained relatively constant (0.00±0.81 mm). Vertical defect resolution was significant in each groups (BO/CF:3.17±1.47 mm, BO/GTR:3.33±0.51mm). Horizontal defect resolution was also significant with either procedure (BO/CF:3.67±1.31 mm, BO/GTR:3.80±1.83 mm), with no statistically significant difference between groups. Data were analyzed with wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests with p<0.05 as the level of significance.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, treatment of mandibular class II furcation defects with both procedures resulted in statistically significant improvement in open and closed probing measurements, with no significant difference between treatment groups. In BO/CF group there was an additional improvement in gingival recession (CEJ-GM) measurement, which could be attributed to applying crown-attached sutures by the use of orthodontic brackets.

Background and Aim: The use of proper temporary restorative materials between appointments is critical in successful root canal treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the coronal microleakage of four temporary restorative materials including Zonalin, Zamherir, Coltosol and IRM.

Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, standard access cavities were prepared in 120 intact extracted maxillary and mandibular human first molars. Canal preparation was carried out by the step-back technique, and obturation was performed with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer using the lateral condensation technique. Teeth were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups of 25 teeth each and two positive and negative control groups, each containing 10 teeth. In each experimental group the access cavity was restored with one of the tested materials (Zamherir, Zonalin, IRM and Coltosol). In the negative control group the access cavity was filled entirely with sticky wax and in the positive control group no restorative material was applied. Dye penetration technique was used to evaluate microleakage which was measured under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed with one way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests. P<0.05 was considered as the limit of significance.

Results: Dye penetration was observed in all groups. Zonalin and Coltosol had the highest and the lowest dye penetration respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in dye penetration between IRM, and either Coltosol or Zamherir (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that using Coltosol as a temporary restorative material can provide a better coronal seal in endodontic treatments

Background and Aim: Application of varnish and dentin bonding agents can effectively reduce microleakage under amalgam restorations. Also rebonding may show some effects on microleakage and its complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of liner/ adhesives on microleakage of Class V amalgam restoration with or without rebonding.

Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study Class V cavities were prepared on sixty sound human maxillary premolars with the gingival floor 1mm below the CEJ. Cases were divided into six groups of ten teeth each. Specimens in group 1 and 2 were lined with Copalite and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP) respectively. In the third group (control) no liner was applied. The teeth were then restored with spherical amalgam. Specimens in group 4 to 6 received the same treatments but after filling, the interfaces of restorations and teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid gel, rinsed and dried. Adhesive resin of SBMP was applied over amalgam and tooth margins and polymerized (rebonding). Specimens were thermocycled, exposed to dye and sectioned. Microleakage was graded (0-3) using a stereomicroscope at X40 magnification. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon pair wise statistical tests. P<0.05 was considered as the limit of significance.

Results: The groups lined with SBMP showed the lowest and the groups without liner the highest microleakage (p= 0.001). Significant difference was observed in microleakage mean rank of enamel and dentin margins (p=0.048). Rebonding with resin did not improve the seal (p> 0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, total etch adhesive system had significant effect on microleakage of Class V amalgam restorations especially in cervical margin. Rebonding did not show a significant effect on microleakage.

Background and Aim: Several materials have been introduced for retrograde fillings, pulp capping and sealing root perforations, but their biological effect on vital tissues and cells is not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reaction of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts to four root canal filling materials: Pro Root MTA, Root MTA, Portland cement and amalgam.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, impacted or semi impacted third molar teeth were extracted in aseptic conditions and tissues around the roots were used to obtain fibroblast cell line. After proliferation, cells were cultured in chamber slides and extracts of materials were added to wells. Fibronectin, type I collagen and TGF-  expression were measured by immunocytochemistry method. Data were analyzed by SPSS 11.0 using one way ANOVA and Tukey test. P<0.05 was considered as the limit of significance.

Results: Collagen I expression was higher in Pro Root MTA group after 24 hours (p<0.05) and in Portland cement group and positive controls after 48  hours. Portland cement group showed the highest expression of collagen after 1 week. There was no significant difference in fibronectin expression after 24 hours. After 1 week the highest expression of fibronectin was seen in Portland cement, Root MTA and Pro Root MTA groups. TGF-  expression was higher in amalgam, Root MTA and Pro Root MTA specimens after 24 hours and was the highest in Pro Root MTA group after 48 hours.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, Portland cement and Root MTA are comparable with Pro Root MTA and better than amalgam regarding their effects on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts.

Background and Aim: Pit and fissure sealant therapy, is one of the most effective methods, in prevention of occlusal caries. Saliva contamination before curing the resin can increase the risk of failure in this method. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of saliva contamination prior to curing on microleakage of pit and fissure sealants.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental in vitro study 21 sound human pre molars were selected and two standardized V-Shaped fissures were prepared on both buccal and lingual surfaces, then they were randomly divided into two equal groups. In the control group, the sealant was cured without any saliva contamination and in the case group, the sealed teeth were immersed in artificial saliva for ten seconds before curing. After thermocycling the samples were immersed in 2% fouchsin solution for 24 hours and then sectioned longitudinally in bucco - lingual direction. The specimens were then fixed and assessed under stereomicroscope to determine microleakage and dye penetration using paired student t. test. P<0.05 was considered as the level of significance.

Results: Analysis of data showed no significant differences in microleakage, between the two groups (p=0.178).

Conclusion: According to the results of this study saliva contamination of uncured sealant had no influence on microleakage.

Background and Aim: Microleakage has been always a major concern in restorative dentistry. The curing contraction of composites still presents a problem with controlling microleakage and postoperative sensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flowable and dual-cure resin composite liners on gingival microleakage of packable resin composite restorations.

Materials and Methods: Sixty Class II cavities with cervical margins 1 mm below the CEJ were prepared in 30 extracted human molars. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups of 12 each. In control group, each tooth was restored incrementally with Tetric Ceram composite without applying any liner. In the second and forth groups, flowable materials- Tetric Flow and dual-cure composite resin cement Relay X ARC were placed respectively as a 1-mm thick gingival increment and cured before the resin composite restoration, whereas, in the third and fifth groups liners were cured with the first increment of packable composite.The restored teeth were stored for one week in distilled water at 37⁰C, and thermocycled between 5⁰C and 55⁰C, sealed with nail varnish except the tooth - composite interface in cervical restoration margins and immersed in 2% basic fuchsin for 24 hours. Dye penetration was evaluated using a stereomicroscope with 28x magnification. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests with p<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results: The results of this study indicated that there were significant statistical differences between control - cured flowable liner, control-flowable liner without separately curing, control-cured dual cure composite resin cement groups.However there were no significant differences between dual-cure composite resin cement without separately curing-control,cured flowable liner-cured dual cure composite resin cement, flowable liner without separately curing-dual cure composite resin cement without separately curing groups.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that none of techniques could thoroughly eliminate microleakage in gingival floor, however the effect of flowable or a dual-cure liner on reducing the gingival microleakage was found to be statistically significant in tested restorative material.

Background and Aim: Amalgam is one of the mostly used restorative materials, but has some disadvantages. Microleakage is one of the short comings of amalgam which may lead to sensitivity and recurrent caries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three dentin bonding systems on reduction of microleakage in amalgam restorations.

Materials and Methods: Class II amalgam restorations were made in 40 noncarious molar and premolar teeth. Then the specimens were divided into four equal groups. Scotch Bond Multi Purpose, Single bond,
iBond, were used as liner in groups one to three respectively and in group four no liner was used. The teeth were restored with high copper spherical amalgam. After thermocycling for 500 cycles at 5⁰C and 55⁰C, the specimens were immersed in basic fuchsin for 24 hours, bisectioned mesiodistally and evaluated under stereomicroscope at X25 for dye penetration. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-wallis and Scheffe. P<0.05 was considered as the level of significance.

Results: The groups showed significant difference (p=0.003). The group four had significantly less microleakage than the first and second groups (p<0.05). The second and third groups showed significantly different microleakage (p=0.038).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this investigation applying dentin bonding agents has no effect on reducing microleakage in amalgam restorations, however more studies are recommended.

Background and Aim: Fractured anterior teeth can be restored by adhesive bonding of the separated fragment to the remaining tooth structure. This invitro study evaluated the force required for fracture of rebonded fragments which were dried and rewetted for various time intervals prior to bonding.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and eight human mandibular incisors were selected and were divided into 9 groups and then were fractured. The fragments were stored in air at room temperature and ambient humidity. They were air dried for 30 minutes in group 1, 2 and 3,  6 h in group 4 and 5,  24 h in group 6 and 7, and 3 days in groups 8 and 9. The apical parts of the fractured teeth were stored in water.After storage in air, each fragment in group 1 was bonded to the remaining apical tooth structure with a bonding agent and flowable composite.In groups 2, 4, 6 and 8 after air drying the fragments were stored in water for 30min. The time of storage in water in groups 3, 5, 7, 9 was 24 hours. Then each fragment was bonded to the apical part structure. The mean force required for fracture was measured by a mechanical testing machine. One way ANOVA and Tuckey tests were used for analysis.

Results: There were statistically significant differences between different groups (p<0.001).The highest and lowest force required for fracture belonged to groups 3 and 8 respectively. The force required for fracture in group 1 was lower than group 2, 3, 5 and 7 and 9 and more than groups 4,6 and 8 with significant differences.While there were no significant differences among groups 3, 5, 7, 9 and 4, 6, 8 the force required for fracture in groups 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9 was more than 4, 6, 8 with significant differences.

Conclusion: This research revealed that the force required for fracture was affected by air storage of fragments prior to bonding. Also showed that with an increase in duration of drying the force required for fracture decreased and after a period of time it becomes steady. This study showed that in order to increase the fracture strength after air drying the fragment should be immersed in water for at least 24 hours prior to bonding.

Background and Aim: Polymerization shrinkage of resin cements during setting leads to stress on teeth receiving indirect esthetic restorations. Some methods like blocking out undercuts during cavity preparation with glass Ionomer can reduce the mass of resin cement and therefore the amount of stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of molar teeth, receiving class I ceramic inlays with two different methods of blocking out undercut.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty intact molar teeth were randomly divided into three groups of 10 each. One group was maintained intact as the control group. Similar class I cavities with identical undercuts were prepared on the other groups. In group 2 the undercut was filled with light cured glass Ionomer (vitremer 3M) before making impression, and in group 3 they were blocked out in the lab before preparation of the inlay. All the teeth in test groups were restored with indirect ceramic inlays.(vitadur - Alpha/ single bond / Rely X ARC). After thermocycling load causing fracture was assessed by universal testing machine. All the specimens were examined under a steriomicroscope (X40) to determine type of fracture. The results were analyzed by one way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. P< 0.05 was considered as the level of significance.

Results: The restored groups showed significantly less fracture resistance than the control group. The difference between two test groups was not significant. The fracture in group2 had less destruction.

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, blocking out the undercut with two different methods (using glass ionomer/ or blocking it out on the die) made no diferrence in fracture resistance.

Background and Aim: Soft tissue condition around dental implant is an essential part for long term healthy and esthetic outcome. The aim of this study was to compare soft tissue dimensions between implant supported single  tooth replacement and the contra-lateral natural tooth.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was performed on dentate patients treated with anterior single  tooth implant at least 1 year ago. Of twenty eight, fourteen patients had been treated with one stasge method and others with two stage method. Biologic width (BW), papilla index (PI), and mucosal thickness (MT) were evaluated around implants and contra-lateral teeth clinically and compared with each other. The Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney test, and Student pair t-test were used to assess the differences between one stasge and two stage implants, and implant and tooth groups.

Results: The mean BW around one stasge implants, two stage implants, and contra-lateral teeth were 1.42±0.48 mm, 1.67±0.48 mm, and 1.47±0.60 mm, respectively. The mean PI adjacent to one stasge implants, Two stage implants, and contra-lateral teeth were 2.50±0.52, 2.53±0.55, and 2.72±0.47, correspondingly. The mean MT around one stasge implants, two stage implants, and contra-lateral teeth were 3.10±0.48, 3.09±0.75, and 2.57±0.88, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference among one stasge implants, two stage implants, and contra-lateral teeth with regard to measured variables.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this investigation, in standard condition, it seems that there is no noticeable difference in indicators of biologic width, papilla index, and mucosal thickness around one stasge implants, two stage implants, and contra-lateral teeth.

Background and Aim: Since the clinical studies conducted to explore the effect of bonding agents on the success of fissure sealant are limited in number, the present study was conducted to compare the effects of two bonding agents on the success of fissure sealant of the saliva- contaminated teeth.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 63 teeth of 35 students aged 6-8 with healthy and newly-erupted upper jaw molar teeth, were selected and divided into two groups. In one group, single-bond and In the other, SE bond were used. As the teeth were newly erupted and the distopalatal area being in contact with the gingival sulcus and this fact that, this area was impossible to isolate, the distal sulcus of the contaminated teeth and the mesial area capable of adequate isolation were assumed isolated. For each group, after etching, the teeth on one side were treated with a sealant and the teeth on the other side were first bonded and then treated with the sealant. Hence, four groups were formed: bonded/isolated, bonded/contaminated, controlled/isolated and controlled/contaminated for any bonding agent. The results of the treatment were assessed in terms of the success and failure and then analyzed using Mc Nemar, and Chi-square tests and Cochran.

Results: The results of the study indicated that:1. Saliva contamination caused a significant increase in sealant failures(p<0.05).2. Use of the two bonding agents significantly increased the success of the sealant(p<0.05).3. Use of the two bonding agents significantly increased the success of the fissure sealant on the saliva-contaminated teeth, even more than when the teeth had been isolated and with only fissure sealant(p<0.05). 4. For the contaminated enamel, the results of SE bond were better than those of the single bond (p<0.05). However, in isolated condition the results of using single bond were better (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The results of the study supported the use of these two bonding agents in the treatment of fissure sealants under both isolated and contaminated conditions. Further, more SE bond seemed to be less sensitive to saliva contamination.

Background and Aim: Several surgical approaches have been used to achieve root coverage. The Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft (SCTG) procedure has been shown to be a predictable means to treat gingival recession. Semilunar Coronally Positioned Flap (SCPF) is a simple mucogingival surgery to cover the exposed root surface without harvesting the palatal connective tissue. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcome of gingival recession therapy using SCTG and SCPF.

Materials and Methods: Forty Miller class I buccal gingival recessions (≥2mm) were selected. Recessions were randomly assigned to receive either the SCPF or SCTG. Recession Height (RH), Recession Width (RW), Width of Keratinized Tissue (WKT), Probing Depth (PD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), were measured at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. The data were analyzed using independent t-test and Repeated Measure ANOVA.

Results: The average percentages of root coverage for SCPF and SCTG were 88% and 71%, respectively and the complete root coverage observed were 55% and 45%, respectively. There were no significance differences between the two groups with regard to RW, PD, CAL, WKT (except in the third month after surgery which was slightly greater in SCPF group). RH was significantly decreased from 2 to 6 months after surgery in SCPF group.

Conclusion: The findings from this study indicate that if the tissue thickness and initial width of keratinized tissue are sufficient, SCPF may be a good substitute for SCTG in treatment of Miller class I gingival recessions.