EFFECT OF DENTIN TUBULES TO THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF DENTIN.PART Ⅱ:EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

To verify the theoretical models of varying transversely isotropic stress-strain relations of dentin established in the preceding work(Part Ⅰ),we per- form a set of experiments.Because of the very fine tooth size,it usually seems to be difficult to directly measure the inhomogeneous and anisotropic parameters of dentin.In this paper,by the digital speckle correlation method,tensile experiments are made on the small dentin samples either parallel or perpendicular to the dentin tubules.With the theoretically predicted elastic stress-strain relations,an optimiza- tion method is proposed to fit the strain curve adapted to the experimental data. The results show that the theoretical elastic stress-strain relations coincides very well with the experimental observations.The determined Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of dentin matrix are 29.5GPa and 0.44,respectively,in the optimization sense.

EFFECT OF DENTIN TUBULES ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF DENTIN. PART Ⅰ: STRESS-STRAIN RELATIONS AND STRENGTH CRITERION

As known, there is a large number of dentin tubules in dentin. These tubules have varying radii and are shaped into radially parallel pattern. The anisotropy of microstructure of dentin shows that dentin should be treated as a ma- terial of varying transverse isotropy. In this Part, the elastic stress-strain relations and the quadratic strength criterion are established in the form of having varying transverse isotropy, in the framework of micromechanics to take into account of the effect of the microstructures-dentin tubules. Simplified forms for isotropic and ho- mogeneous cases, as well as the corresponding plane stress form of the stress-strain relations are also given. These theoretical models are very well supported by the experiments shown later in the continued paper (Part Ⅱ).

EFFECT OF DENTIN TUBULES ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF DENTIN PART Ⅲ: NUMERICAL ANALYSIS

Imitating a real tooth and the periodontal supporting tissues, we have established a 2D finite element model and carried out a numerical analysis based on the inhomogeneous and anisotropic (IA) stress-strain relation and strength model of dentin proposed in the preceding Parts Ⅰ and Ⅱ, and the conventional homogeneous and isotropic (HI) model, respectively. Quite a few cases of loadings for a non-defected and a defected tooth are considered. The numerical results show that the stress level predicted by the IA model is remarkably higher than that by the HI model, revealing that the effect of the dentin tubules should be taken into a serious consideration from the viewpoint of biomechanics.

Impact of Dentinal Tubule Orientation on Dentin Bond Strength

This study aimed to determine the impact of dentinal tubule orientation on dentin bond strength to provide a reference for clinical cavity preparation in resin-bonded restoration. Patients aged 13-16 years were selected, including 18 males and 21 females. Forty-eight human maxillary first premolars from orthodontic extractions were chosen to prepare the test models with the dentinal tubule orientations perpendicular and parallel to the bonding substrate. The test models in the vertical and parallel groups were divided into three groups： total-etching with 20% phosphoric acid, total-etching with 35% phosphoric acid and self-etching, with the dentinal tubule surfaces bonded with composite resin blocks in each group. After the standard test models of dentinal tubule-composite resin blocks were placed in distilled water and stored at 37℃ for 24 h, shearing tests were performed using a universal material testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The bond strength values in the vertical group were 19.33＋1.59 MPa for the 20% phosphoric acid group, 21.39±2.34 MPa for the 35% phosphoric acid group, and 16.88±1.54 MPa for the self-etching group. The bond strength values in the parallel group were 24.53±1.99 MPa for the 20% phosphoric acid group, 25.16＋2.88 MPa for the 35% phosphoric acid group, and 20.83±1.99 for the self-etching group. After using same total-etching adhesive, the shear bond strength of the parallel group was higher than that of the vertical group, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.05）. Regardless of vertical group or parallel group, the difference in the bond strength value between the total-etching groups and the self-etching group was statistically significant （P〈0.05）. It was concluded that the dentin bonding substrate which was parallel to the direction of the dentin tubule achieved an improved bond strength; the total-etching adhesives achieved higher bond strengths in dentin bond than the self-etching adhesives.

Effect of Calcium Phosphate Glass on Dentinal Tubule Sealing after Irradiation with the Carbon Dioxide Laser

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dentinal tubule sealing and acid resistance of dentin specimens following the application of calcium phosphate glass powder prior to irradiation with a CO2(carbon dioxide)laser.Dentin models simulating open dentinal tubules were divided into two groups:experimental(calcium phosphate glass slurry applied to the dentin surface)and control(no slurry applied to the surface).All specimens in the experimental group and five specimens in the control group were irradiated with a CO2 laser.The defocused laser beams(0.5 and 1 W)were applied(spot size,5 mm in diameter)from a distance of 20 mm for 10 s.The surfaces and cross-sectional areas of the specimens were examined using an SEM(scanning electron microscope).In addition,the resistance to acid was evaluated in these specimens.The open dentinal tubules in the control groups were sealed following irradiation with the CO2 laser at 0.5 W and 1.0 W.Likewise,sealing of open dentinal tubules was observed in the experimental group after CO2 laser irradiation.The acid resistance of the dentin surface was improved after CO2 laser irradiation;specimens in the experimental group presented with significantly lower amounts of Ca ion release compared to those in the control group.These findings indicate that CO2 laser irradiation alone or after the application of calcium phosphate glass powder can effectively seal the dentinal tubules and alleviate dentin hypersensitivity.

The mechanism of dentine hypersensitivity:Stimuli-induced directional cation transport through dentinal tubules

Dentine hypersensitivity is an annoying worldwide disease,yet its mechanism remains unclear.The long-used hydrodynamic theory,a stimuli-induced fluid-flow process,describes the pain processes.However,no experimental evidence supports the statements.Here,we demonstrate that stimuli-induced directional cation transport,rather than fluid-flow,through dentinal tubules actually leads to dentine hypersensitivity.The in vitro/in vivo electro-chemical and electro-neurophysiological approaches reveal the cation current through the nanoconfined negatively charged dentinal tubules coming from external stimuli(pressure,pH,and temperature)on dentin surface and further triggering the nerve impulses causing the dentine hypersensitivity.Furthermore,the cationic-hydrogels blocked dentinal tubules could significantly reduce the stimuli-triggered nerve action potentials and the anionhydrogels counterpart enhances those,supporting the cation-flow transducing dentine hypersensitivity.Therefore,the inspired ion-blocking desensitizing therapies have achieved remarkable pain relief in clinical applications.The proposed mechanism would enrich the basic knowledge of dentistry and further foster breakthrough initiatives in hypersensitivity mitigation and cure.

Bioinspired mineral-in-shell nanoarchitectonics:Functional empowerment of mineral precursors for guiding intradentinal mineralization

Effective mineralization of biological structures poses a significant challenge in hard tissue engineering as it necessitates overcoming geometric complexities and multistep biomineralization processes.In this regard,we propose“mineral-in-shell nanoarchitectonics”,inspired by the nanostructure of matrix vesicles,which can influence multiple mineralization pathways.Our nanostructural design empowers mineral precursors with tailorable properties through encapsulating amorphous calcium phosphate within a multifunctional tannic acid(TA)and silk fibroin(SF)nanoshell.The bioinspired nanosystem facilitates efficient recruitment of mineral precursors throughout the dentin structures,followed by large-scale intradentinal mineralization both in vitro and in vivo,which provides persistent protection against external stimuli.Theoretical simulations combined with experimental studies attribute the success of intradentinal mineralization to the TA-SF nanoshell,which exhibits a strong affinity for the dentin structure,stabilizing amorphous precursors and thereby facilitating concomitant mineral formation.Overall,this bioinspired mineral-in-shell nanoarchitectonics shows a promising prospect for hard tissue repair and serves as a blueprint for next-generation biomineralization-associated materials.

Dentin-desensitizing biomaterials

Dentin hypersensitivity(DH)associated with dentinal tubule exposure is one of the most common causes of toothache with a rapid onset and short duration.Medication,filling repair,laser irradiation,crown therapy,and desensitizing toothpaste are standard clinical treatment strategies,but unsatisfactory treatment modalities are marked by long-term administration,poor dentinal tubule closure,microleakage,and the development of secondary caries.To improve the treatment efficiency of DH,numerous organic or inorganic biomaterials have been developed to relieve toothache and reverse the instability of desensitization.Biomaterials are expected to participate in dental remineralization to achieve desensitization.This review discusses various biomaterials for DH therapy based on different desensitization mechanisms,including dentinal tubule closure and dental nerve blockade,and presents a perspective on the underlying future of dentin regeneration medicine for DH therapy.

Morphology of bacterial flora in root canals associated with apical abscesses

Background Apical abscess is an inflammatory process in the peri-radicular tissues caused by biofilms in the necrotic root canal systems. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the bacterial colonization is required for a better understanding of the pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the patterns of bacterial infection of root canals of teeth with apical abscesses and to determine whether histological and microbiological findings correlated with clinical conditions. Methods Eighteen samples from 18 teeth with apical pathological lesions were analyzed. Nine patients with acute apical abscesses experienced severe pain, and nine patients were asymptomatic with a sinus tract. After extraction, each affected root was divided into two halves. One half was processed for histobacteriologic analysis and examined using light microscopy, and the other half was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy （SEM） to determine the patterns of microbial colonization of the root canals. Results The appearance of each sample subjected to SEM was consistent with the histobacteriologic findings despite the presence or absence of clinical symptoms. Intraradicular biofilms comprising cocci, rods, and/or filaments of amorphous materials were observed in the apical third of the main root canals in all samples. The bacterial biofilms covering the main root canal walls also penetrated the dentinal tubules to varying depths. The morphologies of biofilms varied, and a unique pattern of intraradicular infection was not identified. Conclusion Intraradicular infections formed complex and variable multispecies biofilms and their presence did not correlate with clinical symptoms.