Journal of Dental Medicine

---

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pulsed Nd:YAG laser on the dentin surface by scanning electron microscope (SEM) in order to determine the optimum time and power of radiation to seal the exposed dentinal tubules. Horizontal sections were taken from newly extracted impact third molar teeth. Smear layers from the dentin surfaces were removed by phosphoric acid and all samples were treated with the pulsed Nd:YAG laser in different powers and times. The results of this study showed that the laser pulsed Nd:YAG with power: 1.7 w during 60 seconds was able to seal the exposed dentinal tubules.

---

 Polymerization shrinkage of light cure composite resins causes many complications in conservative and esthetic restorations. The objective of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the polymerization shrinkage, degree of conversion and the amount of filler in IDM and tetric ceram composites. Ten disk shaped, uncured specimens (8mm×1.547mm) of each composite were placed on glass slide in the center of the metal attached to it. Then specimens were light cured for 60s from underneath. After 30 minutes, the thickness of specimens, using a micrometer and the percent of the polymerization shrinkage of each sample were measured. Statistical analysis was carried out by t-test (P<0.05). Also the degree of conversion of specimens was evaluated with FTIR and the mineral filler content was measured by burning in electric oven. Polymerization shrinkage in IDM and tetric ceram was not significantly different. Degree of conversion and mineral filler content in tetric ceram was greater than that of IDM.

It is assumed that the low degree of conversion in IDM is due to its chemical composition and filler content. Also, the similarity in linear polymerization shrinkage between IDM and tetric ceram may be caused by the low degree of conversion in IDM.

---

Posterior composite restorations, due to polymerization contraction, result in microleakage. Different methods have presented to reduce this phenomena. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of flowable and condensable composites to reduce microleakage. Seventy extracted human teeth were prepared with proximal class II cavities with gingival margin 1 mm below CEJ. The teeth randomly were divided into 7 groups. Groups I & II were restored with a dentin bonding (DB) agent plus a Prodigy condensable (Kerr Co.) composite, placing incremental or bulky, respectively.. In groups IK IV, V a dentin bonding agent was applied and then cavities were restored with Tetric flow composite resin as a base plus either a hybrid composite (Tetric ceram, Vivadent Co.) or a Prodigy condensable composite (Cond), placing bulky or incremental. Groups VI and VII were restored with a resin modified glass ionomer (GI) (Fuji II Lc Co.) as a base plus either Prodigy condensable or Tetric ceram. Restorations were polished, thermocycled, and immersed in 0.3% basic fushin. After that samples were sectioned and studied under a stereomicroscope to evaluate dye penetration. Results showed that all restorations showed some degree of microleakage and according to kruskall- wallis statistical analysis, there were not any significant differences between all groups (P-0.051). Then fore pair comparison, between groups. Mann-Whitney analysis was used and no statistical difference was observed. However. Gh DB- Tetric group showed the least microleakage and DB+ Cond (bulk) the most one. Due to lack of an" statistical difference among different materials methods, it is concluded that no method or restorative material have been able to eliminate microleakage in margins completely yet, and using a flowable composite resin, in place of resin modified glass ionomer or using a condensable composite, instead of conventional In brid composites, do not have any effect

---

Microkeakage is one of the most important factors in restoration longevity. Microleakage can lead to recurrent caries, marginal fracture, marginal discoloration and tooth sensitivity. Several methods have been used for in-vitro measurement of microleakage. The present study is a review of the articles,from 1967 to 1999, which have been present in Medline.

---

Dentine bonding systems are usually unfilled, and so their shrinkage may be significant. High shrinkage may cause internal stress at the interface between resin-composite restoration and the dentine substrate. Failure of the adhesive interface may be observed due to the interna! stress. The aims of this study were:A) To obtain a suitable method for measuring the kinetics of polymerisation shrinkage in unfilled resm at different thicknesses, particularly for thin films.B) Consideraing the effect of thickness on shrinkage.Scotchbond Multipurpose (3M) adhesive bond resin was used. To overcome the particular challenges presented by thin films, a filled-ring measurement procedure was used. Also, a non-contact laser analogue displacement sensor system was developed and applied to measure polymerisation shrinkage. Regression analysis was performed on a complete data set. Non-linear regression analysis established a logarithmic relationship between polymerisation shrinkage and layer thickness. The method applied in this study was found to be sensitive and accurate procedure for determining photo-polymerisation shrinkage of thin films. Polymerisation shrinkage increased with logarithmic of the adhesive thickness.

---

Dentin bonding agents create stronger bonding between dental composites and dentin. But, none of them can prevent the microleakage. The important factors of progressing microleakage are the stress of polymerization shrinkage of resin composite and removal of smear layer in total-etch technique. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the effect of experimental method (modifying smear layer and etching of enamel margin) and comparison with the total-etch technique. In this experimental method, 60 extracted human molar teeth were disinfected. Then, class 5 cavities were prepared on the buccal surface and 1 mm above CEJ. The specimens were divided randomly to 6 groups with iO samples in each group. The specimens groups were:
1- Scotchbond Muiti- Purpose Plus Adhesive System (S.B.M.P.P) +Tetric composite
2- S.B.M.P.P + Ariston composite
3- Ariston liner + Ariston composite
4- S.B.M.P.P without enamel and dentin etching + Tetric composite + rebonding with Flowable Tetric
5- S.B.M.P.P without enamel and dentin etching + Ariston composite + rebonding with Flowable Tetric
6- S.B.M.P.P without enamel and dentin etching + Tetric composite
After finishing and polishing, the specimens were termocycled, stained with fushin, sectioned within the specimens and evaluated for dye penetration with stereomicroscope. Wilcoxon Sign and Kruskal Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis.
Results showed that group 3 had microleakage more than groups of 1, 2 and 5 (P<0.0 5) and this difference was significant. There was no significant difference among the other groups.

---

Statement of Problem: Recently, investigators have presented new methods to reduce polymerization shrinkage of composite resin restorations. It is claimed that more powerful light cure systems associated with a change in radiation patterns, lead to improved mechanical properties and reduced microleakage.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of two curing systems, known as Soft-Start, Pulse-Delay, on microleakage and degree of conversion of composite resin restorations.

Materials and Methods: To evaluate microleakage, dye penetration method in class V cavities was applied. 30 extracted human molars filled with three different curing techniques, namely conventional, Soft-Start and Pulse-Delay, were compared. Degree of conversion was measured by FTIR Spectroscopy method immediately after sample curing. Kruskal- Wallis and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare groups.
Results: The degree of microleakage in enamel and dentin among three groups was not significantly different, however, microleakage in gingival and occlusal walls showed a significant difference among Pulse-Delay curing (P=0.001) and Soft-Start curing (P=0.28) groups, meaning that leakage gingival in wall was significantly higher than occlusal wall. This difference was not significant in conventional group. Moreover, the degree of conversion was not statistically significant among three groups (P-0.909).
Conclusion: Soft-Start and Pulse-Delay curing systems, with a two intensity start curing light, do not provide better marginal adaptation in class V composite resin restorations. It should be mentioned that polymerization degree is not also reduced in these methods.

---

Statement of Problem: Computer Sciences, in radiology, like other fields, is of high importance. It should also be noted that the accuracy of the technique and work conditions affects the radiographs information considerably. There for, in order to get more accurate diagnostic information, it seems necessary to investigate different digitized radiographic techniques and to compare them with the conventional technique.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of conventional and digitized radiographic images by three digitization techniques in proximal caries detection.
Material and Methods: In this research study, sixty extracted human canines, premolars and molars were mounted in blocks and imaged on E-Kodak film, similar to bitewing radiographs. Ten bitewing radiographs were then scanned at 600 d.p.i with flat bed scanner and a digital camera, then digitized at 300 d.p.i with another digital camera. The digitized images were displayed randomly on a high-resolution monitor. Six
observers assessed the caries status of 120 proximal surfaces by conventional and digitized images. The observer's scores were compared with the results of the macroscopic examination. Reliability of each technique was calculated. Data were analyzed using chi-square and ANOVA tests.
Results: No significant differences were detected between different techniques in intact proximal surfaces and enamel caries diagnosis. However, digital techniques were more sensitive in dentin caries detection (P<0.05).
Conclusions: When conventional film images are digitized, medium resolution (300 d.p.i) seems to be sufficient. At this resolution the file size is decreased and there is no significant loss of the information necessary for caries diagnosis.

---

Statement of Problem: Panoramic radiography seems necessary at examination, diagnosis and treatment plan phases of removable prostheses treatment since most of the patients who request removable prostheses treatment have retained root fragments, impacted teeth, cycts and tumors that might not otherwise be detected.
Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence rate of retained roots, impacted teeth and suspected pathologic conditions in panoramic radiographics of patients referred to removable prosthodontics departments of four dental schools and five public centers.
Materials and Methods: In this case series study, 1232 panoramic radiographs were analyzed to detect retained root fragments, impacted teeth and pathologic conditions.

Results: From among 850 panoramic radiographs of patients seeking complete denture, the incidence rates of impacted teeth, retained roots and pathologic lesions were 1.3%, 9.5% and 4.0% respectively.Also from 382 panoramic radiographs of removable partial denture patients the corresponding measures were 2.9%, 11% amd 0.1%.
Conclusion: Due to the significant and evident problems in residual ridge, as well as pathologic conditions of the remaining teeth structures and their supporting tissues as partial prosthesis base, the necessity for panoramic radiographics in edentolous and semi- edentulous patients is reemphasized.

---

Statement of Problem: Composite reins have recently become popular for posterior teeth restorations. Gap formation and subsequent microleakage are of the complications resulting from such restorations. One of the techniques to overcome polymerization shrinkage of composite resins is sandwich technique (application of glass ionomer as a base beneath the composite resin). Since polymerization patterns in two types of composite resins (light cure and self cure) differ from each other, various effects on the bond strength between glass ionomer and dentin are expected.
Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of self- cure and light- cure composite resins in sandwich technique on the bond strength of light cure glass ionomer and dentin.
Materials and Methods: 40 extracted human premolars were selected and divided into four groups:Group 1: Light cure glass ionomer of 1mm thickness was placed on dentin.Group 2: 1mm thickness of light cure glass ionomer plus a mass of self cure composite resin of 2mm thickness were placed.Group 3: 1mm thickness of light cure glass ionomer plus light cure composite resin as two separate 1mm layer were placed.Group 4: 1mm thickness of light cure glass ionomer with 37% phosphoric acid etching followed by two separate layers of light cure composite resin of 1 mm thickness were placed.SEM was used to determine gap size ai Gl- dentin and Gi- composite interlaces. The findings were analyzed by ANOVA and t-student tests.

Results: Groups 1 and 2 showed no gap at Gl-dentm interface and also cracks were not observed in all these specimens. In group 3, there was gap between light cure GI and light cure composite resin and cracks were seen in GI, too. Group 4 showed gap at both interfaces and more cracks were seen in GI. Groups I and 2 showed the least gap formation and group 4 showed the most. Statistically significant difference was found between groups 3, 4 and group 1 (control), 2.
Conclusion: Base on this study, the application of self-cure composite resin on light cure GI showed no gap and crack formation on Gl-dentin and Gl-composite interfaces and GI itself. However, light cure composite resins and glass ionomer etching aggregated crack and gap formation.

---

Statement of Problem: Considering that the role of collagen fibers in dentin adhesion has not been thoroughly established yet, the removal of exposed collagen fibers with a deproteinization agent such as sodium hypochlorite following etching may facilitate access of adhesive resins to a substrate that is more penetrable and less sensitive to water content which in turn would lead to a more durable bonding system. Furthermore, due to sodium hypochlorite clinical application as a cleanser or canal irrigator, its effects on the surface before etching may influence adhesive bonding strength.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of a two-minute 5.25% NaOCL application on composite restorations microleakage, using two different adhesive systems.

Materials and Methods: In this interventional experimental study, on seventy-two extracted boving incisors class V cavities were prepared on dentinal surfaces. The specimens were then randomly divided into six equal groups: A1) Acid etch (AE) dentin bonding Scontchbond Multipurpose Plus (SBMBP), A2) AE/ dentin bonding One Step (OS), B1) NaOCL/ AE/SBMPp, B2) NaOCL/AE/OS, C1) AE/NaOCL/SBMPp, C2) AE/NaOCL/OS. After bonding procedures according to the manufacturer’s instructions, cavities were restored using Z100 composite. Then, the specimens were thermocycled for 500 times in water baths of 5 and 55C. After thermocycling, the specimens were immersed in a 0.2% solution of basic fuchsin for 24 hours. A buccolingual section at the center of each restoration was obtained and examined with a stereomicroscope to evaluate color penetration into cavities. The data were subjected to two-way variance analysis.

Results: The microleakage of group B was significantly less than those of A and C (P<0.001). No significant difference was found between groups A and C (P=0.73). There were also no significant differences within groups A, B and C (P=0.852). No interaction was observered between dentin bondings and surface treatment (P=0.946).

Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that NaOCL application after etching, for hybrid layer removal, did not make any difference on microleakage as compared with conventional bonding systems. However, its application before etching improved the seal of restoration. Additionally, there was not any significant difference between two different dentin bondings.

---

Statement of Problem: Porcelain restorations are susceptible to fracture and a common method for repairing is the use of silane and composite on etched porcelain. Although HF is very effective in porcelain etching but has detrimental effects on tissues.

Purpose: In this study, the effect of APF and PHA was compared with HF in porcelain etching. Also the role of silane, unfilled resin and dentin bonding in bond strength of composite- porcelain was evaluated.

Methods and Materials: In this experimental in-vitro study, one-hundred twenty porcelain square blocks (552 mm) were prepared and bonding surfaces of each sandblasted. Samples were divided into three groups. The first group (n=40) were etched with buffered HF 9.5% (Ultradent) for 1 min., the second group (n=40) were etched with Iranian APF 1.23% (Kimia) for 10 minutes and the third group (n=40) were etched with Iranian PHA 37% (Kimia) for 1 min. Ultradent silane was applied on the surfaces of half of cases in each group. On the surfaces of half of silane-treated samples unfilled resin was applied and dentin bonding was used on the surfaces of the remaining. Samples without silane were treated in a similar manner. Composite cylinder with 4mm diameter and 2 mm height was bonded to porcelain. Specimens were stored in 37°C distilled water for 24 hours and subjected to 500 cycles. Shear bond strength was measured with an Instron machine and type of fracture was evaluated using a stereomicroscope. Results were analyzed using 3 way ANOVA, Kaplan- Maier and Tukey HSD tests.

Results: Findings showed that PHA and APF roughened the porcelain surface without creating retentive micro undercuts but HF etches porcelain and creates retentive microundercuts. Ultradent silane had no significant effect on bond strength of porcelain- composite. Unfilled resin with Ultradent silane compared with dentin bonding with the same silane is more effective in bond strength of composite- porcelain.

Conclusion: Based on present study, application of Ultradent silane on sandblasted and etched porcelain with PHA or APF cannot be used as an alternative to this silane on sandblasted and etched porcelain with HF.

---

Background and Aim: Today several materials have been used for root- end filling in endodontic surgery. Optimal properties of Pro Root MTA in in-vitro and in-vivo studies has been proven. On the other hand, based on some studies, Root MTA (Iranian Pro Root MTA) and Portland cement are similar to Pro Root MTA in physical and biologic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate bacterial leakage (amount and mean leakage time) of four root- end filling materials.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental in-vitro study, seventy six extracted single- rooted human teeth were randomly divided into six groups for root-end filling with gray Pro Root MTA, white Pro Root MTA, Root MTA (Iranian Pro Root MTA), Portland Cement (type I) and positive and negative control groups. Root canals were instrumented using the step- back technique. Root- end filling materials were placed in 3mm ultra sonic retro preparations. Samples and microleakage model system were sterilized in autoclave. The apical 3-4 mm of the roots were immersed in phenol red with 3% lactose broth culture medium. The coronal access of each specimen was inoculated every 24h with a suspension of Streptococcus sanguis (ATCC 10556). Culture media were observed every 24h for colour change indicating bacterial contamination for 60 days. Statistical analysis was performed using log- rank test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: At the end of study 50%, 56.25%, 56.25% and 50% of specimens filled with Gray Pro Root MTA, White Pro Root MTA. Root MTA and Portland Cement (type I) had evidence of leakage respectively. The mean leakage time was 37.19±6.29, 36.44±5.81, 37.69±5.97 and 34.81±6.67 days respectively. Statistical analysis of data showed no significant difference among the leakage (amount and mean leakage time) of the four tested root- end filling materials (P=0.9958).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, there were no significant differences in leakage among the four tested groups at 60 days. The results suggest that Root MTA and Portland Cement can be used as less expensive root filling materials.

---

Background and Aim: Increasing patient demands for esthetic, put the root coverage procedures in particular attention. Periodontal regeneration with GTR based root coverage methods is the most common treatment used. The purpose of this study was to compare guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with collagen membrane and a bone graft, with sub-epithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG), in treatment of gingival recession.

Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, eleven healthy patients with no systemic diseases who had miller’s class I or II recession defects (gingival recession  2mm) were treated with SCTG or GTR using a collagen membrane and a bone graft. Clinical measurements were obtained at baseline and 6 months after surgery. These clinical measurements included recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Data were analyzed using independent t test with p<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: Both treatment methods resulted in a statistically significant reduction of recession depth (SCTG=2.3mm, GTR=2.1mm P<0.0001). CAL gain after 6 months was also improved in both groups (SCG= 2.5mm, GTR=2.1mm), compared to baseline (P<0.0001). No statistical differences were observed in RD, RW, CAL between test and control groups. Root coverage was similar in both methods (SCTG= 74.2%, GTR= 62.6%, P=0.87).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the two techniques are clinically comparable. Therefore the use of collagen membrane and a bovine derived xenograft may alleviate the need for connective tissue graft.

---

Background and Aim: Achieving adhesion between restorative materials and dentin as a wet and dynamic surface is an important topic in restorative and especially in conservative dentistry. Adhesion of new dentin bonding systems depends on the formation of hybrid layer and micromechanical retention. Nevertheless, an ideal adhesive system has not yet been introduced .Recent studies reveal an increase in bonding stability when the collagen is removed from demineralized dentin surfaces. This study investigates the effect of collagen removal on the shear bond strength of four single bottle dentin bonding systems regarding their structural differences.

Materials and Methods: This experimental study was performed on 56 intact human premolar teeth. Smooth surfaces of dentin were prepared on buccal & lingual aspects of teeth, providing 112 dentin surfaces. The dentin surfaces were etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds and then rinsed. The specimens were divided into 8 groups. Single bottle adhesive systems [Single Bond (3M), One-Step (Bisco), Prime & Bond NT (Dentsply), and Excite (Vivadent)] were then applied on the dentin surfaces of 4 groups using the wet bonding technique. In the other 4 groups, the demineralized dentin surfaces were treated with a 5.25% solution of sodium hypochlorite for one minute in order to remove the surface organic components. The adhesive systems mentioned before were applied to these 4 groups with the same wet bonding technique. A cylinder of Z100 (3M) dental composite with a 3 mm diameter and 2 mm height was placed on the adhesive covered dentin surface of all groups and light-cured (400 mW/cm2 ,40 sec on each side). The specimens were kept in distilled water at room temperature for one week and then thermocycled for 3000 times (5-55 oc). Shear bond strength of specimens was measured using an Instron (1495) universal mechanical testing machine with cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/minute and chisel form shearing blade. Data were analyzed by Two Way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests with p<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: The mean & standard deviation of shear bond strengths (in Mpa unit) of all groups were as follows: One-Step = 19.60 1.83 One-step +H = 19.72 2.01 Single Bond =21.44 3.94 Single Bond +H =18.26 2.85 Prime&Bond NT=26.51 5.02 Prime&Bond NT+H =26.98 5.70 Excite =29.78 3.85 Excite +H =19.07 9.94 Analysis of the results revealed that the use of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for one minute on the surface of demineralized dentin significantly decreased the shear bond strength of Excite and Single Bond (P<0.05). For Prime & Bond NT and One-Step, shear bond strength increased with this treatment but was not statistically significant (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, collagen removal from demineralized dentin surface caused a significant decrease in shear bond strength of alcohol & water/alcohol based bonding systems, while the bonding strength of the acetone based systems was not affected. Therefore, the effect of collagen removal on shear bond strength depends on the bonding system applied and its solvent type.

---

Background and Aim: Use of provisional restorations is one of the important phases in the treatment of patients who need fixed prosthesis. Some physical properties are required for these materials. The purpose of this study was the comparison of some physical properties of 4 kinds of resins: Trim, Tempron, Duralay (Aria Dent) and Acropars TRII.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, transverse-strength (TS), setting time (ST), polymerization shrinkage (PS) and temperature rise (TR) during polymerization were tested. In transverse strength test, 5 samples of each resin were made. TS testing was done with an Instron testing machine. ST testing (5 samples in each group) was done with Gilmore needle. In PS test, 11 cylindric samples were prepared from each resin and the shrinkage was examined with digital micrometer (up to 24 hours). In TR test, after mixing the powder and liquid of resins (8 samples in each group), the temperature rise was recorded with 10 seconds interval (up to 15 minutes). Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests with p<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: In TS test, all samples of Trim were bent and no fracture was observed, while Tempron and Duralay showed no significant difference. Both Tempron and Duralay revealed high significant difference with Acropars TRII (P <0.01). In ST test, the difference between groups was significant (P<0.01). The lowest ST was observed in Acropars TRII (7 min), and the highest in Tempron (9.53 min). In PS test, significant difference was observed between Trim and Acropars TRII (P<0.01). PS was completed after 120 min in Tempron and Trim groups. However, PS continued to increase in other groups. In TR test, the difference between groups was significant (P<0.05). Duralay showed the highest TR and the lowest was seen in Trim.

Conclusion: In this study, Trim showed better properties than other studied groups. Acropars TRII had the lowest strength. The highest temperature rise was recorded for Duralay and Tempron, respectively.

---

Background and Aim: Nanoleakage can cause discoloration around restoration margins, secondary caries, postoperative sensitivity and finally loss of restoration, thus adequate hybrid layer is of primary importance in prevention of nanoleakage in adhesive restorations. Because of structural differences between primary and permanent dentin, evaluation of nanoleakge in primary teeth is very important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nanoleakage in composite restorations following application of self -etch and total-etch adhesives in primary and permanent teeth.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Cl V cavities were prepared in buccal surfaces of 20 extracted primary molars and 20 extracted premolars. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups: In group (A), Gluma One Bond and in group (B), iBond adhesive materials were applied. After silver nitrate staining, specimens were mesiodistally sectioned and polished and then SEM examination was carried out to measure the nanoleakage .Data were analyzed statistically using, ANOVA and Duncan tests with p<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: Factors tested had no significant effect on each other. Primary teeth showed more nanoleakage than permanent teeth (P<0.05). Mean nanoleakage was significantly higher in cervical than occlusal margins (P<0.05) and also in iBond than in Gluma One Bond in primary teeth (P<0.05). In permanent teeth, the lowest nanoleakage was observed in Gluma One Bond.

Conclusion: The result of this study indicates that the use of total etch dentin adhesives (Gluma One Bond) in bonded restorations results in less nanoleakage in primary and permanent teeth.

---

Background and Aim: Many studies have shown that microorganisms are the main cause of pulpal diseases and the main purpose of root canal therapy is their elimination from the root canal system. Antiseptic agents are used to reduce bacteria but their antibacterial activities differ from in vivo to in vitro studies and might be inactivated by dentin and its components in root canal space. This study was designed to investigate the effect of dentin on antibacterial activity of different antimicrobial agents.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, two antibacterial agents (sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine) with different concentrations were used in four experimental groups: Group 1: dentin, Group 2: demineralized dentin with EDTA, Group 3: dentin matrix and Group 4: dentin mineral component. The species used in this study was Entrococcus faecalis. Different concentration of agents were added to mixture of each experimental group and bacteria. At the baseline and after one and 24 hours, samples were collected and cultured. After incubation period, colonies were counted. Data were analyzed by Tukey test with p<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: 2% and 0.2% chlorhexidine, and 5% sodium hypochlorite solutions at the three studied times eliminated Entrococcus faecalis completely. 1% sodium hypochlorite eliminated all bacteria in 1h and 24 hs. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between experimental and control groups (P<0.05). Sodium 1% hypochlorite at time 0, could reduce bacteria significantly (P<0.05) but didn’t eliminate them completely.

Conclusion: Inactivation of intracanal antiseptics was not observed in this study. As elimination of bacteria occurred, application of these antibacterial agents are recommended in endodontic treatment. Further investigations on other antibacterial agents, other concentrations and shorter time intervals are recommended.

---

Background and Aim: An important requirement for a dentin bonding agent is biological compatibility. Since dentin bonding agents are placed in cavity preparations with subgingival extensions, with direct contact to gingival and mucosal tissues, tissue response to these materials must be investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the cytotoxicity of AdheSE, a self etching adhesive, on human gingival fibroblasts.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental in vitro study, primary human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to different dilutions of primer & bond of AdheSE (Vivadent, Liechtenstein). The toxicity of the primer was tested in 30 seconds, 300 seconds and 24 hours. The cytotoxicity of the bond was analyzed in uncured mode after 20 seconds, 5 minutes and 24 hours. In cured mode, tested materials were analyzed after 24 and 48 hours. Cytotoxic effects were evaluated using MTT, cell counting and DNA condensation assays. Data were analyzed by two way repeated measure ANOVA with p<0.05 as the level of significance.
Results: MTT Assay revealed that uncured AdheSE Bond was toxic only in 10-1 dilution and the difference with control group was significant (P<0.05). By increasing the time to 300sec. and 24h, dilutions of 10-2 and 10-4 were the most cytotoxic respectively. Cytotoxicity of uncured primer after 30 sec. and 300 sec. began from 10-2 and after 24h began from 10-2 and reached to 10-1. AdheSE in cured mode showed significant difference with control group in 1:2 (P<0.001),1:4 & 1:6 (P<0.01) dilutions. In cell counting assay only the 1:2 dilution was significantly more toxic than control group. Apoptosis (a morphological and biochemical distinct form of cell death that regulates cell turnover) comprised in less than 5% of total death in both cured and uncured adhesives.
Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, by increasing the exposure time, smaller amounts of bonding could be cytotoxic. Cytotoxicity was related to material, dilution, time of exposure and curing. It would be necessary to identify the toxic ingredients of this adhesive and replace them by more biocompatible components.

---

Background and Aim: Patients always complain about metallic color of amalgam restorations. Covering amalgam by composite can solve this problem. Since polymerization shrinkage is a serious shortcoming in composites, application of the combined amalgam and composite restoration is one of the methods to reduce leakage in the cervical margins of posterior restorations. The aim of this invitro study was to evaluate the microleakage of amalgam/composite interface when Rely-X ARC adhesive resin cement was used in the joint.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four sound extracted premolars were chosen. Mesial and distal class II conventional cavities were prepared and the samples were divided into 4 groups of 12. In all groups, the bases of the cavities were restored with amalgam and then the remaining part was filled by composite resin. Specimens in groups 1 and 2 were restored with composite-resin, immediately after condensing amalgam without or with application of Rely-X ARC (3M, ESPE) respectively. In groups 3 and 4, composite resin were applied 24 hours after condensation of amalgam, without or with application of Rely-X ARC respectively. After polishing and thermocycling, all specimens were prepared for dye penetration and the degree of leakage was scored and analyzed using Kruskall Wallis test with p<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results: The frequency of dye penetration in different groups was obtained. The most and the least scores were observed in groups 3 and 4 respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed in different methods.

Conclusion: None of the methods in this study could seal the amalgam/composite-resin interface.