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Biomedical subjects

M Helft

Publications and source records attributed to M Helft.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The effect of irradiation time on the shear strength of composites.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the shear strength of composites at a specific depth by a double shear test and to relate it to irradiation time. METHODS: Aluminum molds filled with three different composites were irradiated for the manufacturer's recommended time, as well as for three longer and two shorter times. Fifteen cylindrical specimens were prepared for each combination of material and exposure time and subjected to a double shear test based on the principle of rivets connecting various structural members. The shear planes were symmetrically located 1.5 mm from both outer surfaces. RESULTS: Shear strength vs. irradiation time was directly but nonlinearly related. All test materials attained a maximum shear strength value which was not exceeded by a further increase of the exposure time. Maximum values obtained were 42.5 MPa for Heliomolar (Vivadent) and Durafill (Kulzer) and 66.9 MPa for P-50 (3M). Only the shear strengths using the shortest light activation time were significantly different for each product. SIGNIFICANCE: Shear strength of composites at a specific depth is a function of the combination of light energy and the attenuating power of the specific material. A double shear test might serve as an adjunct to microhardness in determining the extent of cure of composites at a specific depth. The advantage of this testing is the extra information to be gathered regarding the ability of composites to withstand internal stresses at a predetermined distance.

Acrylic Resins

Prevalence of Candida albicans in denture wearers in an Israeli geriatric hospital.

Thirty-seven patients wearing complete dentures were investigated for Candida albicans. Twenty-five of the patients suffered from denture stomatitis and twelve had clinically normal mucosa. Candida albicans was isolated and identified from Sabouraud dextrose agar culture medium models constructed from impressions of the maxilla and from the upper dentures. The presence of Candida albicans was demonstrated in all denture wearers suffering from denture stomatitis and in 82% of denture wearers in a control group. A higher concentration of Candida was found in the denture stomatitis group. Large quantities of Candida resided in the denture base and not in the palate. Candida was also found in the denture base in areas not related to the lesion. The concentration of Candida was related to denture cleanliness.

Aged

A gingival guard for crown preparation.

A device for subgingival margin preparation is presented. The gingival guard consists of a clamp attached to the high-speed handpiece supporting a stainless steel shank terminating in a sphere. The guard permits nontraumatic subgingival margin preparation.

Crowns

Effect of exposure time on the depth of polymerization of a visible light-cured composite resin.

The effect of exposure time of a visible light source on the depth of polymerization and degree of hardness of a sample of Occlusin posterior composite resin was investigated. The border between cured and non-cured composite resin was identified by a change in colour and by applying pressure with a scalpel. Knoop hardness tests were performed perpendicular to the long axis of illumination. The composite resin nearer to the light source underwent more complete polymerization. Increased exposure time resulted in greater depth of cure. The rate of polymerization was greatest in the first 10 s. Maximum hardness measured up to a depth of 1 mm obtained after 80 s of exposure time. At greater depth, a decrease in Knoop hardness was observed. At exposures under 80 s, maximum hardness was not achieved even at a depth of only 1 mm.

Chemical Phenomena

The continuous brushing acid-etch technique.

The continuous brushing of an acid-etching agent onto the enamel surface of an extracted tooth resulted in a more debris-free surface. SEM photomicrographs showed dissolution of some of the apatite crystals and a reduction in size of the remaining crystals, thus increasing the potential space between them for retention of unfilled composite.

Acid Etching, Dental