The European journal of prosthodontics and restorative dentistry, Sep 1, 2010
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a post-cure heat-treatment may improve the flexural... more The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a post-cure heat-treatment may improve the flexural strength of two indirect resin-based composites. Tested factors were: material (Gradia Indirect, Gradia Forte), mass (opaqus dentin, dentin, enamel) and curing mode (light, light and heat). A three-point bending test appliance was developed according to ISO 4049/2000. Three-Way ANOVA and 2-Pameter Weibull cumulative distribution function were performed. Factors material and curing mode were significant (p < 0.001), while the mass type was not (p = 0.181). A post-cure heat treatment may be useful for enhancing the flexural strength of both materials.
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of access cavity preparation and the remaining... more The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of access cavity preparation and the remaining tooth substance on the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth. One hundred sound mandibular first and second molar teeth were selected and divided into 1 control and 9 test groups (n = 10/group) as follows: control group, intact teeth; group 1, teeth prepared with traditional endodontic access cavity (TEC); group 2, teeth prepared with conservative endodontic access cavity (CEC); group 3, teeth prepared with truss endodontic access cavity (TREC); group 4, TEC + 3 residual walls; group 5, CEC + 3 residual walls; group 6, TREC + 3 residual walls; group 7, TEC + 2 residual walls; group 8, CEC + 2 residual walls; and group 9, TREC + 2 residual walls. After access cavity preparation, all test teeth were endodontically treated and restored. The specimens were then loaded to fracture in a universal loading machine (Triaxial Tester T400 Digital; Controls srl, Cernusco, Italy), and fr...
The aim of this review was to summarize the existing scientific literature investigating on cervi... more The aim of this review was to summarize the existing scientific literature investigating on cervical margin relocation technique (CMR) performed prior to the adhesive cementation of the indirect restorations. An electronic search with no date restriction was conducted in the MEDLINE database, accessed through PubMed. The following main keywords were used: "cervical margin relocation", "coronal margin relocation", "deep margin elevation" and "proximal box elevation". Seven in vitro studies and 5 clinical reports investigating on CMR are taken into consideration for the present review. The most frequently investigated parameter in almost all of the in vitro studies was the marginal adaptation of the indirect restorations. One study additionally assessed the influence of CMR on the fracture behavior of the restored teeth and one study assessed the bond strength of the indirect composite restoration to the proximal box floor. Clinical reports prov...
To assess the push-out strength, the cement layer thickness and the interfacial nanoleakage of pr... more To assess the push-out strength, the cement layer thickness and the interfacial nanoleakage of prefabricated fiber posts, CAD/CAM fiber posts and metal cast posts cemented into oval-shaped root canals. Oval-shaped post spaces were prepared in 30 single-rooted premolars. Roots were randomly assigned to three groups (n=10), according to the post type to be inserted: Group 1: Prefabricated fiber post (D.T. Light-Post X-RO Illusion); Group 2: Cast metal post; Group 3: CAD/CAM-fabricated fiber post (experimental fiber blocks). In Group 3, post spaces were sprayed with scan powder (VITA), scanned with an inEos 4.2 scanner, and fiber posts were milled using an inLab MC XL CAD/CAM milling unit. All posts were cemented using Gradia Core dual-cure resin cement in combination with Gradia core self-etching bond (GC). After 24 hours, the specimens were sectioned perpendicular to the long axis into six 1 mm-thick sections, which were differentiated by the root level. Sections from six roots per g...
To compare three different compositions of Yttria-Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramic... more To compare three different compositions of Yttria-Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramic and a lithium disilicate ceramic in terms of flexural strength and translucency. Three zirconia materials of different composition and translucency, Aadva ST [ST], Aadva EI [EI] and Aadva NT [NT](GC Tech, Leuven, Belgium) were cut with a slow speed diamond saw into beams and tabs in order to obtain, after sintering, dimensions of 1.2×4.0×15.0mm and 15.0×15.0×1.0mm respectively. Blocks of IPS e.max CAD LT were cut and crystallized in the same shapes and dimensions and used as a reference group [LD]. Beams (n=15) were tested in a universal testing machine for three-point bending strength. Critical fracture load was recorded in N, flexural strength (σ in MPa), Weibull modulus (m) and Weibull characteristic strength (σ(0) in MPa) were then calculated. Tabs (n=10) were measured with a spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere. Contrast Ratios were calculated as CR=Yb/Yw. SEM of t...
Recently, several 'one-bottle' systems have been introduced for bonding into root canals.... more Recently, several 'one-bottle' systems have been introduced for bonding into root canals. This study evaluated the influence of two brushes used as carriers of a primer-adhesive solution in the formation of resin tags, adhesive lateral branches and hybrid layer when used to bond fiber posts. Twenty root canal treated teeth, extracted for periodontal reasons, were selected for this study. The samples were randomly divided into two groups of 10 samples each: Group 1: Microbrush + One Step + Dual Link resin cement; Group 2: One Step + Dual Link resin cement. The adhesive system and resin cement were used strictly following manufacturers' instructions. The priming-adhesive solution of the 'one-bottle' system was light-cured before placing the resin cement and the post. Twenty translucent fiber posts were used. Then, root samples were processed for SEM observation. The adhesive system showed resin dentin interdiffusion zone (RDIZ), resin tag and adhesive lateral branc...
To measure the microtensile bond strength of different pit and fissure sealants in a simplified f... more To measure the microtensile bond strength of different pit and fissure sealants in a simplified fissure model. Twenty extracted bovine mandibular permanent incisors were randomly divided into 4 groups for treatment: G1: 35% phosphoric acid/Clinpro Sealant; G2: 35% phosphoric acid/Delton; G3: Non-Rinse Conditioner/Dyract Seal; G4: 20% polyacrylic acid/Fuji IILC. Each tooth was sectioned into 6 pieces (4 x 6 mm) of buccal enamel. SEM examination was used to confirm the presence of aprismatic enamel on each tooth. Using a spacer, two pieces of etched enamel were secured to a glass slide at a mean distance of 0.6+/-0.1 mm. The space between enamel substrates was then etched/conditioned and sealed with different materials according to the tested groups. By serially cutting each double-bonded sample, multiple beam-shaped specimens about 0.8mm(2) in cross section were obtained and tested in tension (0.5 mm/min) until failure occurred at either one of the two stressed interfaces. Failure mo...
This review aimed at summarizing the laboratory evidence collected on the retentive ability of ad... more This review aimed at summarizing the laboratory evidence collected on the retentive ability of adhesive posts since their introduction in dentistry. Data were searched in articles published or in press in peer-review journals listed in MEDLINE. Papers were retrieved through PubMed. To collect the evidence of interest, the following search terms were used: bond* AND fiber post AND in vitro; lut* AND fiber post AND in vitro; push-out AND fiber post; pull-out AND fiber post; microtensile AND fiber post. "Related Links" were also considered and articles cited in the initially retrieved papers were included if relevant. No time limit was given to the query. Seventy relevant papers were reviewed. The retentive ability of adhesive posts has been tested with the microtensile technique, post-pull-out and push-out tests. If small-sized specimens are obtained, such as in microtensile and thin-slice push-out, stress uniformity is favoured, local differences in bonding conditions can be discerned, and the number of teeth needed for the test can be reduced. Although adhesion to intraradicular dentin is more challenging to achieve than bonding to crown tissues, the post-retention achieved with current luting systems and techniques is adequate to ensure the clinical success of adhesive post-retained restorations. To enhance the bond at the post-core and post-cement interfaces, several chemical pre-treatments of the post-surface have been tested with positive results. Self-adhesive resin cements, recently proposed to simplify the post-luting procedure, should be investigated further with regard to durability.
The objective of this prospective clinical trial was to investigate the influence of the residual... more The objective of this prospective clinical trial was to investigate the influence of the residual coronal structure of endodontically treated teeth and the type of cement used for luting fiber posts on four-year clinical survival. Two groups (n = 60) were defined, depending on the amount of residual coronal dentin after abutment build-up and final preparation: (1) more than 50% of coronal residual structure; and (2) equal to or less than 50% of coronal residual structure. Within each group, teeth were randomly divided into 2 subgroups (n = 30) according to the material used for luting fiber posts: (A) resin core build-up material, Gradia Core; or (B) self-adhesive universal cement GCem Automix. The rate of success was assessed based on clinical and intra-oral radiographic examinations at the follow-up after 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. The highest 48-month success and survival rates were recorded in group 1A (90% and 100%, respectively), whereas teeth in group 2B exhibited the lowe...
To evaluate the ability of two luting procedures for bonding translucent fibre posts to form resi... more To evaluate the ability of two luting procedures for bonding translucent fibre posts to form resin tags, adhesive lateral branches, and resin dentine interdiffusion zones (RDIZ). Forty root filled teeth, extracted for periodontal reasons, were selected for the study. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 10 each. Group 1: One Step, light-cured (LC) 20 s + dual link resin cement (LC 20 s); group 2: One Step, not light-cured (NLC) + dual link resin cement (LC 30 s); group 3: One Step (NLC) + dual link resin cement (LC 60 s); group 4: One Step (NLC) + dual link resin cement (LC 90 sec). Forty translucent fibre posts (DT posts, RTD) were inserted. Then, root specimens were processed for scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations to assess the continuity of the RDIZ, the presence or absence of gaps and the density and morphology of resin tags using a four-step scale method. With all luting procedures the formation of a RDIZ occurred. However, the microscopic examination of adhesive interfaces revealed that the percentage of RDIZ was significantly higher in group 1 than in the other three groups (P < 0.05). Group 4 had a higher percentage of RDIZ than group 3, which in turn exhibited a greater percentage than group 2, but these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Resin tag formation was evident in all the groups. The characteristic reverse cone shape of resin tags was always noted in the coronal and middle third of all groups, and in the apical third of group 1. In the apical third a shorter length and a less uniform appearance of resin tags were noted in groups 2, 3 and 4. In this laboratory study, when bonding a translucent fibre post into a root canal, the luting procedure including light curing of the adhesive solution before the placement of the cement was more satisfactory, from a SEM standpoint, than the procedure involving the simultaneous curing of adhesive and cement (one step procedure).
The aim of the present study was to assess the fatigue resistance of different types of fiber pos... more The aim of the present study was to assess the fatigue resistance of different types of fiber posts, and to observe their ultrastructure through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after undergoing the fatigue test. Eight types of fiber posts were selected for this study. Easypost (Group 1), Para Post Fiber White (Group 2), FibreKor (Group 3), Ghimas White (Group 4), DT Light-Post radiopaque (Group 5), FRC Postec (Group 6), Luscent Anchors (Group 7), Snowpost (Group 8). Ten out of fifteen posts in each group were used for the fatigue test, and the other five were processed for SEM. A three-point bending machine, loading at an angle of 90 degrees and a frequency of 3 Hz was employed for fatigue testing. The test was carried out until two million cycles were completed or until fracturing of the post. SEM evaluation was performed using a three-step scale method to assess the fiber/resin ratio and fiber dimension. The fatigue test showed statistically significant differences among the different posts. Groups 5 and 6 performed better than all the other groups, withstanding practically all the stipulated number of load cycles. All the other posts fractured before the end of the test. SEM observations of the surface integrity of the fiber posts showed that Groups 4-6 obtained better scores for both longitudinal sections and cross-sections. There was a large variation in the response of different kinds of fiber posts a fatigue resistance test. The absence of correlation between results of fatigue testing and parameters of structural integrity suggests that the latter mostly reflect random variations in the fiber post manufacturing process.
The study evaluated the effect of ozone application on the composite-to-composite bond. Three hun... more The study evaluated the effect of ozone application on the composite-to-composite bond. Three hundred and twenty cylindrical composite specimens were divided into two groups: group 1 was subjected to a 60 s ozone application, whereas group 2 remained untreated. Four subgroups were obtained from each group according to the intermediate repair agent: an adhesive, a silane, silane/adhesive combination, or flowable composite. Repair composite cylinders were built-up. The composite repair strength was tested after 24 h and after thermocycling with a shear test. Additionally, 4 mm × 4 mm × 2 mm composite specimens were prepared and stored 24 h in deionized water. Half of the specimens were subjected to ozone application and the other served as control. The elastic modulus (E) and the Vicker's hardness (VH) of the composite surfaces were tested immediately and after thermocycling. Significant differences among the experimental groups were detected (p < 0.001). The composite repair strength was affected by the pretreatment and by the intermediate agent, whereas, the thermocycling was not significant. The partial eta-squared statistics showed that the intermediate agent was the main factor affecting the composite repair strength, whereas the pretreatment played a minor role. No differences were observed between ozone and control groups when the same intermediate agent and the same aging conditions were applied. Repairing with flowable composite tended to achieve higher bond strengths (20.7 and 26.5 MPa in ozone and control groups, respectively, after 24 h). The use of silane coupling agent showed the lowest composite repair strengths. Ozone did not affect E and VH (p > 0.05) and the thermocycling affected only E (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the application of ozone does not impair the composite-to-composite bond.
The European journal of prosthodontics and restorative dentistry, Sep 1, 2010
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a post-cure heat-treatment may improve the flexural... more The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a post-cure heat-treatment may improve the flexural strength of two indirect resin-based composites. Tested factors were: material (Gradia Indirect, Gradia Forte), mass (opaqus dentin, dentin, enamel) and curing mode (light, light and heat). A three-point bending test appliance was developed according to ISO 4049/2000. Three-Way ANOVA and 2-Pameter Weibull cumulative distribution function were performed. Factors material and curing mode were significant (p < 0.001), while the mass type was not (p = 0.181). A post-cure heat treatment may be useful for enhancing the flexural strength of both materials.
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of access cavity preparation and the remaining... more The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of access cavity preparation and the remaining tooth substance on the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth. One hundred sound mandibular first and second molar teeth were selected and divided into 1 control and 9 test groups (n = 10/group) as follows: control group, intact teeth; group 1, teeth prepared with traditional endodontic access cavity (TEC); group 2, teeth prepared with conservative endodontic access cavity (CEC); group 3, teeth prepared with truss endodontic access cavity (TREC); group 4, TEC + 3 residual walls; group 5, CEC + 3 residual walls; group 6, TREC + 3 residual walls; group 7, TEC + 2 residual walls; group 8, CEC + 2 residual walls; and group 9, TREC + 2 residual walls. After access cavity preparation, all test teeth were endodontically treated and restored. The specimens were then loaded to fracture in a universal loading machine (Triaxial Tester T400 Digital; Controls srl, Cernusco, Italy), and fr...
The aim of this review was to summarize the existing scientific literature investigating on cervi... more The aim of this review was to summarize the existing scientific literature investigating on cervical margin relocation technique (CMR) performed prior to the adhesive cementation of the indirect restorations. An electronic search with no date restriction was conducted in the MEDLINE database, accessed through PubMed. The following main keywords were used: "cervical margin relocation", "coronal margin relocation", "deep margin elevation" and "proximal box elevation". Seven in vitro studies and 5 clinical reports investigating on CMR are taken into consideration for the present review. The most frequently investigated parameter in almost all of the in vitro studies was the marginal adaptation of the indirect restorations. One study additionally assessed the influence of CMR on the fracture behavior of the restored teeth and one study assessed the bond strength of the indirect composite restoration to the proximal box floor. Clinical reports prov...
To assess the push-out strength, the cement layer thickness and the interfacial nanoleakage of pr... more To assess the push-out strength, the cement layer thickness and the interfacial nanoleakage of prefabricated fiber posts, CAD/CAM fiber posts and metal cast posts cemented into oval-shaped root canals. Oval-shaped post spaces were prepared in 30 single-rooted premolars. Roots were randomly assigned to three groups (n=10), according to the post type to be inserted: Group 1: Prefabricated fiber post (D.T. Light-Post X-RO Illusion); Group 2: Cast metal post; Group 3: CAD/CAM-fabricated fiber post (experimental fiber blocks). In Group 3, post spaces were sprayed with scan powder (VITA), scanned with an inEos 4.2 scanner, and fiber posts were milled using an inLab MC XL CAD/CAM milling unit. All posts were cemented using Gradia Core dual-cure resin cement in combination with Gradia core self-etching bond (GC). After 24 hours, the specimens were sectioned perpendicular to the long axis into six 1 mm-thick sections, which were differentiated by the root level. Sections from six roots per g...
To compare three different compositions of Yttria-Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramic... more To compare three different compositions of Yttria-Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramic and a lithium disilicate ceramic in terms of flexural strength and translucency. Three zirconia materials of different composition and translucency, Aadva ST [ST], Aadva EI [EI] and Aadva NT [NT](GC Tech, Leuven, Belgium) were cut with a slow speed diamond saw into beams and tabs in order to obtain, after sintering, dimensions of 1.2×4.0×15.0mm and 15.0×15.0×1.0mm respectively. Blocks of IPS e.max CAD LT were cut and crystallized in the same shapes and dimensions and used as a reference group [LD]. Beams (n=15) were tested in a universal testing machine for three-point bending strength. Critical fracture load was recorded in N, flexural strength (σ in MPa), Weibull modulus (m) and Weibull characteristic strength (σ(0) in MPa) were then calculated. Tabs (n=10) were measured with a spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere. Contrast Ratios were calculated as CR=Yb/Yw. SEM of t...
Recently, several 'one-bottle' systems have been introduced for bonding into root canals.... more Recently, several 'one-bottle' systems have been introduced for bonding into root canals. This study evaluated the influence of two brushes used as carriers of a primer-adhesive solution in the formation of resin tags, adhesive lateral branches and hybrid layer when used to bond fiber posts. Twenty root canal treated teeth, extracted for periodontal reasons, were selected for this study. The samples were randomly divided into two groups of 10 samples each: Group 1: Microbrush + One Step + Dual Link resin cement; Group 2: One Step + Dual Link resin cement. The adhesive system and resin cement were used strictly following manufacturers' instructions. The priming-adhesive solution of the 'one-bottle' system was light-cured before placing the resin cement and the post. Twenty translucent fiber posts were used. Then, root samples were processed for SEM observation. The adhesive system showed resin dentin interdiffusion zone (RDIZ), resin tag and adhesive lateral branc...
To measure the microtensile bond strength of different pit and fissure sealants in a simplified f... more To measure the microtensile bond strength of different pit and fissure sealants in a simplified fissure model. Twenty extracted bovine mandibular permanent incisors were randomly divided into 4 groups for treatment: G1: 35% phosphoric acid/Clinpro Sealant; G2: 35% phosphoric acid/Delton; G3: Non-Rinse Conditioner/Dyract Seal; G4: 20% polyacrylic acid/Fuji IILC. Each tooth was sectioned into 6 pieces (4 x 6 mm) of buccal enamel. SEM examination was used to confirm the presence of aprismatic enamel on each tooth. Using a spacer, two pieces of etched enamel were secured to a glass slide at a mean distance of 0.6+/-0.1 mm. The space between enamel substrates was then etched/conditioned and sealed with different materials according to the tested groups. By serially cutting each double-bonded sample, multiple beam-shaped specimens about 0.8mm(2) in cross section were obtained and tested in tension (0.5 mm/min) until failure occurred at either one of the two stressed interfaces. Failure mo...
This review aimed at summarizing the laboratory evidence collected on the retentive ability of ad... more This review aimed at summarizing the laboratory evidence collected on the retentive ability of adhesive posts since their introduction in dentistry. Data were searched in articles published or in press in peer-review journals listed in MEDLINE. Papers were retrieved through PubMed. To collect the evidence of interest, the following search terms were used: bond* AND fiber post AND in vitro; lut* AND fiber post AND in vitro; push-out AND fiber post; pull-out AND fiber post; microtensile AND fiber post. "Related Links" were also considered and articles cited in the initially retrieved papers were included if relevant. No time limit was given to the query. Seventy relevant papers were reviewed. The retentive ability of adhesive posts has been tested with the microtensile technique, post-pull-out and push-out tests. If small-sized specimens are obtained, such as in microtensile and thin-slice push-out, stress uniformity is favoured, local differences in bonding conditions can be discerned, and the number of teeth needed for the test can be reduced. Although adhesion to intraradicular dentin is more challenging to achieve than bonding to crown tissues, the post-retention achieved with current luting systems and techniques is adequate to ensure the clinical success of adhesive post-retained restorations. To enhance the bond at the post-core and post-cement interfaces, several chemical pre-treatments of the post-surface have been tested with positive results. Self-adhesive resin cements, recently proposed to simplify the post-luting procedure, should be investigated further with regard to durability.
The objective of this prospective clinical trial was to investigate the influence of the residual... more The objective of this prospective clinical trial was to investigate the influence of the residual coronal structure of endodontically treated teeth and the type of cement used for luting fiber posts on four-year clinical survival. Two groups (n = 60) were defined, depending on the amount of residual coronal dentin after abutment build-up and final preparation: (1) more than 50% of coronal residual structure; and (2) equal to or less than 50% of coronal residual structure. Within each group, teeth were randomly divided into 2 subgroups (n = 30) according to the material used for luting fiber posts: (A) resin core build-up material, Gradia Core; or (B) self-adhesive universal cement GCem Automix. The rate of success was assessed based on clinical and intra-oral radiographic examinations at the follow-up after 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. The highest 48-month success and survival rates were recorded in group 1A (90% and 100%, respectively), whereas teeth in group 2B exhibited the lowe...
To evaluate the ability of two luting procedures for bonding translucent fibre posts to form resi... more To evaluate the ability of two luting procedures for bonding translucent fibre posts to form resin tags, adhesive lateral branches, and resin dentine interdiffusion zones (RDIZ). Forty root filled teeth, extracted for periodontal reasons, were selected for the study. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 10 each. Group 1: One Step, light-cured (LC) 20 s + dual link resin cement (LC 20 s); group 2: One Step, not light-cured (NLC) + dual link resin cement (LC 30 s); group 3: One Step (NLC) + dual link resin cement (LC 60 s); group 4: One Step (NLC) + dual link resin cement (LC 90 sec). Forty translucent fibre posts (DT posts, RTD) were inserted. Then, root specimens were processed for scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations to assess the continuity of the RDIZ, the presence or absence of gaps and the density and morphology of resin tags using a four-step scale method. With all luting procedures the formation of a RDIZ occurred. However, the microscopic examination of adhesive interfaces revealed that the percentage of RDIZ was significantly higher in group 1 than in the other three groups (P < 0.05). Group 4 had a higher percentage of RDIZ than group 3, which in turn exhibited a greater percentage than group 2, but these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Resin tag formation was evident in all the groups. The characteristic reverse cone shape of resin tags was always noted in the coronal and middle third of all groups, and in the apical third of group 1. In the apical third a shorter length and a less uniform appearance of resin tags were noted in groups 2, 3 and 4. In this laboratory study, when bonding a translucent fibre post into a root canal, the luting procedure including light curing of the adhesive solution before the placement of the cement was more satisfactory, from a SEM standpoint, than the procedure involving the simultaneous curing of adhesive and cement (one step procedure).
The aim of the present study was to assess the fatigue resistance of different types of fiber pos... more The aim of the present study was to assess the fatigue resistance of different types of fiber posts, and to observe their ultrastructure through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after undergoing the fatigue test. Eight types of fiber posts were selected for this study. Easypost (Group 1), Para Post Fiber White (Group 2), FibreKor (Group 3), Ghimas White (Group 4), DT Light-Post radiopaque (Group 5), FRC Postec (Group 6), Luscent Anchors (Group 7), Snowpost (Group 8). Ten out of fifteen posts in each group were used for the fatigue test, and the other five were processed for SEM. A three-point bending machine, loading at an angle of 90 degrees and a frequency of 3 Hz was employed for fatigue testing. The test was carried out until two million cycles were completed or until fracturing of the post. SEM evaluation was performed using a three-step scale method to assess the fiber/resin ratio and fiber dimension. The fatigue test showed statistically significant differences among the different posts. Groups 5 and 6 performed better than all the other groups, withstanding practically all the stipulated number of load cycles. All the other posts fractured before the end of the test. SEM observations of the surface integrity of the fiber posts showed that Groups 4-6 obtained better scores for both longitudinal sections and cross-sections. There was a large variation in the response of different kinds of fiber posts a fatigue resistance test. The absence of correlation between results of fatigue testing and parameters of structural integrity suggests that the latter mostly reflect random variations in the fiber post manufacturing process.
The study evaluated the effect of ozone application on the composite-to-composite bond. Three hun... more The study evaluated the effect of ozone application on the composite-to-composite bond. Three hundred and twenty cylindrical composite specimens were divided into two groups: group 1 was subjected to a 60 s ozone application, whereas group 2 remained untreated. Four subgroups were obtained from each group according to the intermediate repair agent: an adhesive, a silane, silane/adhesive combination, or flowable composite. Repair composite cylinders were built-up. The composite repair strength was tested after 24 h and after thermocycling with a shear test. Additionally, 4 mm × 4 mm × 2 mm composite specimens were prepared and stored 24 h in deionized water. Half of the specimens were subjected to ozone application and the other served as control. The elastic modulus (E) and the Vicker's hardness (VH) of the composite surfaces were tested immediately and after thermocycling. Significant differences among the experimental groups were detected (p < 0.001). The composite repair strength was affected by the pretreatment and by the intermediate agent, whereas, the thermocycling was not significant. The partial eta-squared statistics showed that the intermediate agent was the main factor affecting the composite repair strength, whereas the pretreatment played a minor role. No differences were observed between ozone and control groups when the same intermediate agent and the same aging conditions were applied. Repairing with flowable composite tended to achieve higher bond strengths (20.7 and 26.5 MPa in ozone and control groups, respectively, after 24 h). The use of silane coupling agent showed the lowest composite repair strengths. Ozone did not affect E and VH (p > 0.05) and the thermocycling affected only E (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the application of ozone does not impair the composite-to-composite bond.
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