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PubMed2004

[Application of hard tissue slicing in research of bone tissue engineering].

OBJECTIVE: To improve the method of hard tissue slicing for research of bone tissue engineering. METHODS: The method of hard tissue slicing especially the key technique-slice mounting had been studied and improved. RESULTS: The experiments showed that our research improved techniques in hard tissue slicing not only in keeping the characteristics of hard tissue slicing, easily stain with HE, Masson, immunohistochemistry, and distinguishing the differences among tissues easily, but also in overcoming the shortcoming of issue shedding easy to happen in the general hard tissue slicing. CONCLUSION: The improved techniques in hard tissue slicing is a more useful hard tissue slicing techniques.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

[Evaluation of a device to measure the hardness of the bean grain (Phaseolus vulgaris) and its use in the determination of cooking time].

A simple equipment named DUR-INCAP was developed to study the factors responsible for the hard-to-cook beans and for other purposes related to this problem. The instrument measures objectively the hardness of individual beans, expressing the result as gram-force. The document describes the equipment. As a first step in establishing the usefulness of the equipment, a study using four white, four black and four red-colored beans, purchased in the market, was undertaken. Likewise, a black bean (Tamazulapa) harvested in January, 1983, and stored for one year at 5 degrees and 25 degrees C, and the same cultivar harvested in January, 1984, were also used. All beans were cooked in boiling water (95 degrees C) at atmospheric pressure for 30, 60, 100, 140 and 180 min. At each cooking time, a sample was withdrawn and its hardness measured individually on 25 kernels, with the DUR-INCAP. With the help of experienced persons in cooking, the hardness at each cooking time was classified into soft cooked beans (less than 100 g-force), medium (between 100-200 g-force) and hard (above 200 g-force). Results were as follows: white and black beans reached softness at 140 min of cooking, with the exception of one black sample which required 180 min. Two of the four red beans required 180 min, and the other two, needed 40 additional min. The effects of storage time and temperature on hardness became evident in the study with the black bean Tamazulapa. The sample stored for one year at 25 degrees C needed 140 min cooking time, while the sample stored at 5 degrees C and the one harvested in January, 1984, required 100 min. These initial results suggest that the DUR-INCAP instrument may be useful for the study of the hard-to-cook bean problem; however, additional analyses are required.

Fabaceae↗
PubMed2005

Knoop hardness of ten resin composites irradiated with high-power LED and quartz-tungsten-halogen lights.

This study compared a high-power light-emitting-diode (LED) curing light (FreeLight 2, 3M ESPE) with a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) light (TriLight, 3M ESPE) to determine which was the better at photo-polymerising 10 resin composites. Class I preparations were prepared 4-mm deep into human teeth and filled with 10 different composites. The composites were irradiated for 50% or 100% of their recommended times using the LED light, and for 100% of their recommended times with the QTH light on either the high or medium power setting. Fifteen minutes later, the Knoop hardness of the composites was measured to a depth of 3.5 mm from the surface. When irradiated by the LED light for their recommended curing times, the Knoop hardness of all 10 composites stayed above 80% of the maximum hardness of the composite to a depth of at least 1.5 mm; three composites maintained a Knoop hardness that was more than 80% of their maximum hardness to a depth of 3.5 mm. Repeated measurements analysis of variance indicated that all the two-way and three-way interactions between the curing light, depth, and composite were significant (p < 0.01). To eliminate the choice of composite as a factor, an overall comparison of the lights was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and distribution free multiple comparisons of the ranked hardness values. The LED light, used for the composite manufacturer's recommended time, was ranked the best at curing the composites to a depth of 3mm (p < 0.01). The LED light used for 50% of the recommended time was not significantly different from the QTH light used for 100% of the recommended time on the high power setting.

Composite Resins↗
PubMed2005

Effect of acidic food and drinks on surface hardness of enamel, dentine, and tooth-coloured filling materials.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acidic food and drinks (Cola soft drink, drinking yogurt, orange juice, sports drink, Tom-yum soup) on surface hardness of various substrates (enamel, dentine, universal composite, microfilled composite, conventional glass ionomer, resin-modified glass ionomer, polyacid-modified resin composite). METHODS: Specimens (n = 10) were alternately immersed, 5 s each, in food or drinks and in artificial saliva for 10 cycles. Baseline and post-immersion Vickers hardness were compared using paired t-test. The difference in hardness between the groups was analysed with one-way ANOVA followed by a least significant different (LSD) test. RESULTS: Cola soft drink significantly reduced surface hardness of enamel, dentine, microfilled composite, and resin modified glass ionomer (p < 0.05). Orange juice and sports drink significantly reduced surface hardness of enamel (p < 0.05). Drinking yogurt and Tom-yum soup did not reduce surface hardness of any substrate. CONCLUSION: This in vitro study confirms the erosive potential of certain acidic food and drinks that public should be aware of.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Barcoll hardness of different resin-based composites cured by halogen or light emitting diode (LED).

The clinical performance of light curing resin composites is greatly influenced by the quality of the light-curing unit (LCU). Halogen LCUs are commonly used for curing composite materials. However, they have some drawbacks. The development of new, blue, super bright light emitting diodes (LED LCU) of 470-nm wavelength with high light irradiance comes as an alternative to standard halogen LCUs of 450-470-nm wavelengths. This study evaluated the surface hardness of the different resin-based composites (flowable, hybrid and packable resin composites) cured by LED LCU or halogen LCU. A Teflon mold 10-mm in diameter and 2-mm in depth was made to obtain five disk-shaped specimens for each experimental group. Then, the specimens were cured by an LED LCU or halogen LCU for 40 seconds. The hardness of the upper and lower surfaces was measured with a Barcoll hardness-measuring instrument. The statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan test at a p=0.05 significance level. The results of the hardness test indicated that the hardness of resin composites cured by an LED LCU were greater than those cured by a halogen LCU. Additionally, for all resin-based composites, the hardness values for the upper surfaces were higher than the lower surfaces. However, for both results no statistically significant differences were observed (p>0.05).

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1990

[Determination of copper alloy hardness, in original form and after casting as a function of casting techniques].

It was evaluated the Vickers hardness of five high-copper casting alloys, in their original package form and after casting, according to the casting method used. That way, ten ingots, supplied by the manufacturers of each alloy, were included in self-curing acrylic resin, polished, numerated and submitted to Vickers hardness test at load of 200 g during 30 seconds. Afterwards the numerated ingots were removed from the acrylic resin and five of those were cast in an electrical casting machine and the other five in a centrifugal casting machine with an air/gas torch. The specimens obtained were included in self-curing acrylic resin, polished and submitted to Vickers hardness test. As a result it was verified that there is a variation of hardness among the alloys tested, and the use of the electrical casting machine produced lower hardness values than those produced when used the centrifugal casting machine with an air/gas torch. Also, there is a decrease of hardness of the cast alloys when they are tested in their original form and after casting.

Copper↗
PubMed2006

Quantitative analysis of muscle hardness in tetanic contractions induced by electrical stimulation in rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo relation between muscle hardness during an electrically induced contracting state and neuromuscular functions (M-wave and developed tension). Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were deeply anesthetized with urethane. Muscle hardness was measured quantitatively at the mid-portion of the gastrocnemius (GS) muscle during tetanic contractions induced by electrical stimulation (50 Hz, 100 micros duration) of the sciatic nerve or of the muscle directly. The M-wave was recorded with a pair of wire electrodes inserted into the muscle, and the developed tension was monitored with a push-pull gauge. Muscle hardness, M-wave amplitude and developed tension increased rapidly with the onset of nerve stimulation. Similar but intensity-dependent increases in muscle hardness and tension were observed following direct tetanic stimulation of the muscle. The hardness measured during nerve stimulation was correlated with the amplitude of the M-wave (r = 0.62, P < 0.0001) and the developed tension (r = 0.85, P < 0.0001). These phenomena were suppressed by pancuronium treatment (2 mg/ml, i.v.). These results suggest that muscle tension might be the most important factor for transcutaneously measured muscle hardness induced by tetanic muscle contraction.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Changes in hardness of the human elbow flexor muscles after eccentric exercise.

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in muscle hardness after eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors muscles that produce muscle shortening and swelling. To assess muscle hardness, a pressure method was used in which the force required to deform the tissue (skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle) was recorded. Eleven healthy male students performed 24 maximal eccentric actions of the elbow flexor muscles with their non-dominant arms. Muscle hardness, maximal isometric force (MIF), muscle soreness, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, relaxed elbow joint angle (RANG), upper-arm circumference (CIR) and B-mode ultrasound transverse images were measured before, immediately after, and 1-5 days after exercise. A long-lasting decrease in MIF, muscle swelling shown by increases in CIR and muscle thickness, large increases in plasma CK activity, and development of muscle soreness indicated that damage occurred to the elbow flexor muscles. The RANG had decreased by approximately 20 degrees at 1-3 days after exercise and showed a gradual recovery thereafter. The CIR increased gradually after exercise and peaked on day 5 post-exercise, the mean amount of increase in CIR being 18 mm. Muscle hardness measured at the relaxed elbow position did not change until 3 days after exercise, but increased significantly (P < 0.01) on days 4 and 5 post-exercise. On the other hand, muscle hardness measured when forcibly extending the shortened elbow joint increased significantly (P < 0.01) with time and peaked at 3 days after exercise. Muscle hardness assessed by the pressure method seems to reflect changes in muscle stiffness and swelling.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Pattern of tongue pressure on hard palate during swallowing.

Contact of the tongue against the hard palate plays an important role in swallowing. This study aimed to clarify the pattern of contact between the tongue and hard palate by analyzing tongue pressure produced in swallowing 15 ml of water by healthy subjects wearing an experimental palatal plate with seven pressure sensors. Tongue pressure was generated initially by close contact with the anteriomedian part of the hard palate, then with the circumferential part, and finally softly with the posteriomedian part. Tongue pressure reached a peak quickly, then decreased gradually before disappearing almost simultaneously at each measured part of the hard palate. Magnitude and duration were significantly larger in the anteriomedian part compared to the other six parts measured, and was significantly smaller in the posteriomedian part. No laterality was found in tongue pressure produced at the circumferential parts of the hard palate. Our findings indicate that the order of tongue contact against each part of the hard palate as well as duration and magnitude of tongue pressure are coordinated precisely during swallowing. These findings could aid assessment of the tongue movement of dysphagic patients during rehabilitation.

Deglutition↗
PubMed2006

Relative curing degree of polyacid-modified and conventional resin composites determined by surface Knoop hardness.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relative curing degree at a depth of 2 mm of several polyacid-modified composites (PAM-Cs) as a function of shade. METHODS: The Knoop hardness of the irradiated top and non-irradiated bottom surfaces of 2 mm thick samples of the PAM-Cs Hytac, F2000, Glasiosite, Dyract, Dyract AP, and Compoglass F and of the resin composites Z100, Herculite Enamel XRV, and Durafill VS, were determined for shades A2 and A4. RESULTS: The top and bottom hardness of F2000 and Glasiosite ranged between that of the two composites Herculite and Z100. Compoglass, Dyract and Dyract AP had a lower top and bottom hardness than the hybrid composites, but higher than that of the microfilled composite Durafill. The top hardness of Hytac compared with that of the first group, whereas the bottom hardness compared with the second group. The bottom-to-top KHN ratio reflecting the relative curing degree at a depth of 2 mm was less than 80% for the two shades of Hytac and Compoglass as well as for the A4 shade of Dyract AP and Herculite. SIGNIFICANCE: A hard top surface of a PAM-C is not an indication of adequate in depth polymerization. Shade A2 results in significantly greater values for the curing degree compared to shade A4, the effect depending quantitatively on the formulation of the material. Some formulations of PAM-C do not reach an adequate curing degree at a depth of 2 mm so that it is recommended to apply the incremental technique even in box-only cavities with layers of maximum 2 mm.

Color↗
PubMed2005

Modified conventional hard gelatin capsules as fast disintegrating dosage form in the oral cavity.

Fast disintegrating capsules for administration in the oral cavity were prepared either by perforation or by vacuum-drying of conventional hard capsules. When compared to other fast disintegrating dosage forms (e.g. lyophilized sponges or tablets), these capsules have various advantages, in particular, a high drug loading capacity and no compression steps. The disintegration time of conventional hard gelatin capsules (HGC) was reduced from 91 to 39 s by introducing 6-10 small holes (diameter =25-50 microm) into the capsule shell. Vacuum-drying of conventional hard gelatin capsules resulted in brittle capsules, which broke rapidly in the oral cavity. The brittleness of the hard gelatin capsules correlated well with their moisture content. The critical moisture value for sufficient brittleness of hard gelatin capsules was <4% w/w. In contrast, HPMC capsules remained flexible, even at low moisture content. The moisture uptake of various capsule fillers was in the order of Avicel PH101 > lactose > Avicel PH112 > or = mannitol. Hard gelatin capsules filled with mannitol and packaged in bottles with silica gel kept their desired brittleness during 6 months storage at various relative humidities.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2004

Effect of different peroxide bleaching regimens and subsequent fluoridation on the hardness of human enamel and dentin.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Bleaching of teeth by "in-office" or "home" bleaching techniques are popular methods of whitening teeth. However, bleaching may reduce the surface hardness of enamel and dentin. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) the effect of different concentrations of 2 "in-office bleaching" and 2 "home bleaching" agents applied for different time periods on the hardness of enamel and dentin and (2) the effect of subsequent immersion in a low-concentration fluoride solution on the hardness of bleached enamel and dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The enamel and dentin of 12 extracted intact human molar teeth were sectioned lengthwise, ground, polished, embedded in acrylic resin and divided into 4 groups each (n=12). An area of approximately 5 x 5 mm of enamel and dentin tested for Knoop hardness number (KHN; kg/mm 2 ) at a load of 100 g for 20 seconds (baseline). The specimens were stored in distilled water for 1 hour and the microhardness testing repeated as a control group. The groups were bleached as follows: Group OX and Group OQ were bleached "in office" with Opalescence Xtra (35% hydrogen peroxide) and Opalescence Quick (35% carbamide peroxide), respectively, for 5, 15, or 35 minutes and retested for KHN at the end of each time period. "Home bleaching" products Opalescence F (15% carbamide peroxide) and Opalescence (10% carbamide peroxide) were applied in 14-hour applications at 24-hour intervals to Groups OF and O, respectively, which were then tested for KHN. Specimens were immersed in 0.05% fluoride solution (Meridol) for 5 minutes and retested for KHN. The hardness values were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Scheffe post hoc test (alpha=.05). Comparisons of KHN between each time and the baseline measurement for each group were of interest. RESULTS: Significant decreases in KHN of enamel and dentin were found after bleaching for all test groups, dependent on the accumulated bleaching time. Group OX showed a 25% KHN reduction for enamel and 22% for dentin after 35 minutes bleaching (P < .0001). Group OQ showed a 13% KHN reduction (P < .0001) for enamel and 10% for dentin after 35 minutes (P < .005). Group OF showed a KHN reduction of 14% for enamel (P < .05) and 9% for dentin (P < .0001) after 14 hours bleaching, and Group O showed an 18% reduction in enamel (P < .0001) and 13% in dentin (P < .0001) for the same period. Fluoridation completely restored the softened dental tissues. CONCLUSION: The "in-office" bleaching technique reduced the hardness significantly more than the "home" bleaching technique. Low-concentration fluoride mouth rinse (Meridol) restored the softened dental tissues.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2005

Effect of microwave sterilization and water storage on the Vickers hardness of acrylic resin denture teeth.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Acrylic resin denture teeth soften upon immersion in water, and the heating generated during microwave sterilization may enhance this process. PURPOSE: Six brands of acrylic resin denture teeth were investigated with respect to the effect of microwave sterilization and water immersion on Vickers hardness (VHN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The acrylic resin denture teeth (Dentron [D], Vipi Dent Plus [V], Postaris [P], Biolux [B], Trilux [T], and Artiplus [A]) were embedded in heat-polymerized acrylic resin within polyvinylchloride tubes. For each brand, the occlusal surfaces of 32 identical acrylic resin denture posterior teeth were ground flat with 1500-grit silicon carbide paper and polished on a wet polishing wheel with a slurry of tin oxide. Hardness tests were performed after polishing (control group, C), after polishing followed by 2 cycles of microwave sterilization at 650 W for 6 minutes (MwS group), after polishing followed by 90-day immersion in water (90-day Wim group), and after polishing followed by 90-day storage in water and 2 cycles of microwave sterilization (90-day Wim + MwS group). For each specimen, 8 hardness measurements were made and the mean was calculated. Data were analyzed with a 2-way analysis of variance followed by the Bonferroni procedure to determine any significance between pairs of mean values (alpha=.01). RESULTS: Microwave sterilization of specimens significantly decreased (P <.001) the hardness of the acrylic resin denture tooth specimens P (17.8 to 16.6 VHN), V (18.3 to 15.8 VHN), T (17.4 to 15.3 VHN), B (16.8 to 15.7 VHN), and A (17.3 to 15.7 VHN). For all acrylic resin denture teeth, no significant differences in hardness were found between the groups MwS, 90-day Wim, and 90-day Wim + MwS, with the exception of the 90-day Wim + MwS tooth A specimens (14.4 VHN), which demonstrated significant lower mean values (P <.001) than the 90-day Wim (15.8 VHN) and MwS (15.7 VHN) specimens. CONCLUSIONS: For specimens immersed in water for 90 days, 2 cycles of microwave sterilization had no effect on the hardness of most of the acrylic resin denture teeth.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2003

Scratch hardness and chipping of dental ceramics under different environments.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this program was to identify promising environments that could efficiently minimize machining-induced damage of dental materials. METHODS: Single point abrasion (SPA) scratch testing was used on five materials to determine the scratch hardness and amount of edge chipping as functions of chemical environment, including air, water, saline and glycerol solutions. Limited testing was also done under additional environments expected to promote chemomachining effects via crack growth promotion or debris removal. A conical diamond indenter and a conventional tungsten carbide machining tool were used in the scratch tests. One-way ANOVA analysis was used to determine statistical differences among the variables. RESULTS: There was a consistent trend across materials that the water and saline yielded the lowest values of scratch hardness, air the next lowest, and the tests performed in glycerol yielded the highest hardness values. The measured hardness values using the conical diamond tool in the glycerol environments were about twice the hardness values measured under water and saline solutions. Environmental effects on chipping were minimal, but a linear relationship between load and per cent chipping was determined for the WC tool within the 10-50 N test range. The choice of scratch tool strongly affected scratch hardness and chipping tendency. SIGNIFICANCE: The chemical environment had an effect on machining characteristics, but the effects were more dependent on tool interactions rather than material specific properties. As a result, it may not be possible to utilize a particular single environment to substantially improve the damage response of dental materials to machining operations. Improvements in damage resistance can be environmentally obtained, but only for shallow cuts (finishing operations).

Air↗
PubMed1996

Bone hardness testing in the trabecular bone of the human patella.

Bone hardness of 10 human patellas in 15 regions and at three depths was measured through in situ indentation tests. Indentation tests were performed perpendicular to the three articular surfaces (lateral and medial facets, and central ridge area) and, thus, parallel to the trabeculae. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated a significant reduction of bone hardness with depth. In addition, the lateral facet had a higher bone hardness than the medial facet, and the proximal and central regions demonstrated higher bone hardness than the distal region. Overall, the proximolateral region of the patella exhibited the highest hardness compared with other regions. As bone hardness is indicative of load bearing, these results may have important consequences for patellar resurfacing and patellar component design.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Effects of fast halogen and plasma arc curing lights on the surface hardness of orthodontic adhesives for lingual retainers.

The aims of this study were to (1) identify the optimum cure times of 2 different lingual retainer adhesives with a conventional halogen, a fast halogen, and a plasma arc light by measuring Vickers surface hardness, and (2) determine whether different lights produce similar surface hardness values for the same adhesive resin material. The investigated plasma arc curing unit was the PowerPac (American Dental Technologies, Corpus Christi, Tex), and the fast halogen unit was the Optilux 501 (Kerr, Orange, Calif). A conventional curing unit, the Ortholux XT (3M Dental Products, St. Paul, Minn) was used as the control. Two orthodontic lingual retainer adhesives were used: Transbond Lingual Retainer (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) and Light Cure Retainer (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, Ill). Concise (3M Dental Products) and diluted Concise were used as controls. Transbond Lingual Retainer was polymerized by the PowerPac light in 6 seconds, by the Optilux in 10 seconds, and by the conventional halogen light in 20 seconds. The minimum curing times for Light Cure Retainer adhesive were 15 seconds for PowerPac, 10 seconds for Optilux, and 40 seconds for conventional halogen. Surface hardness values for each resin did not differ significantly with different curing units. However, different adhesives demonstrated significantly different surface hardness values. Final Vickers surface hardness values (averaged across curing units) of Transbond Lingual Retainer, Concise, diluted Concise, and Light Cure Retainer were 62.8, 52.4, 46.0, and 40.4, respectively. Plasma arc or fast halogen units polymerize resin composite adhesive in much shorter times than do conventional curing units, without a significant loss in surface hardness. Therefore, these units are suggested for clinical use to save chairside time.

Adhesives↗
PubMed2001

Influence of shade and storage time on the flexural strength, flexural modulus, and hardness of composites used for indirect restorations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Fracture resistance, elastic modulus, and hydrolytic degradation resistance are important properties of indirect composite restorations. Composite systems developed specifically for indirect application are said to have enhanced mechanical properties due to their elevated monomer conversion. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the influence of shade and the effect of 30-day water storage on the flexural strength, flexural modulus, and hardness of 4 commercially available indirect composite systems and 1 composite used with the direct technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A variety of commercially available indirect resin composites (Artglass, Belleglass, Sculpture, and Targis) and 1 directly placed composite (Z100, control) were used. Specimens made with either incisal or dentin shade (n = 10) were fractured with a 3-point bending test. Pre-failure loads corresponding to specific displacements of the crosshead were used for flexural modulus calculation. Knoop hardness was measured on fragments (n = 3) obtained after the flexural test. Tests were performed after 24 hours and after a 30-day water storage at 37 degrees C. Flexural strength data were analyzed with the Weibull distribution. Flexural modulus and Knoop hardness data were analyzed with 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: In general, the directly placed composite (Z100) demonstrated flexural strength similar to that of Artglass, Targis, and Sculpture. Belleglass presented the highest flexural strength (221.7 MPa for incisal shade after 24 hours storage; 95% confidence interval: 208.3-235.4). Z100 demonstrated the highest flexural modulus (range: 10.9 +/- 0.6 to 12.0 +/- 0.9 GPa) and Targis the lowest (range: 5.1 +/- 0.5 to 5.9 +/- 0.9 GPa). Sculpture was the only material that showed differences in flexural strength with respect to shade (incisal-24 hours: 149.8 MPa; incisal-30 days: 148.7 MPa; dentin-24 hours: 200.0 MPa; dentin-30 days: 177.9 MPa). The flexural modulus and hardness of the dentin shade of Sculpture were higher than those of the incisal shade after 30 days. Belleglass also showed a significant difference in flexural modulus (dentin-24 hours: 11.1 GPa; incisal-24 hours: 9.6 GPa). The effect of water storage was more evident on hardness since all composite systems softened after 30 days. Prolonged water storage decreased flexural strength only for Artglass-dentin and Z100, both incisal and dentin shades. Water aging did not affect the flexural modulus of any composite tested. CONCLUSION: In general, indirect composites did not show enhanced mechanical properties compared to the directly placed composite. Property differences due to shade were more evident for Sculpture. Prolonged water storage had a deleterious effect on the hardness of all composites tested. However, water storage did not affect the flexural strength of most of the indirect composites or the flexural modulus of any composite tested.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2003

A comparative study on compositional changes and Knoop hardness measurement of the cavity floor prepared by Er:YAG laser irradiation and mechanical bur cavity.

OBJECTIVE: This present study was performed to compare the compositional changes of human dentin and, Knoop hardness of the cavity floor prepared by Er:YAG laser irradiation with that of the conventional bur cavity. BACKGROUND DATA: There are still no reports on the compositional changes of dental hard tissues and microhardness of the cavity floor prepared by Er:YAG laser irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen laser and 15 bur cavities were cross-sectioned, and subjected to atomic analysis by SEM-EDX and Knoop hardness testing. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test; a value of p < 0.01 was considered significant. Cross sections of the remaining five laser and five bur cavities were examined by light microscopy and then by SEM. RESULTS: The results showed that the quantities of Ca (Ca weight %) and P (P weight %) were increased significantly in the laser cavities, but no significant differences were found between the Ca/P ratio and Knoop hardness number of laser and bur cavities. The results of SEM observation revealed that the lased cavity surface was irregular, and there was also the absence of a smear layer; the orifice of dentinal tubules was exposed. CONCLUSION: Er:YAG laser device produces minimal thermal induced changes of dental hard tissue compositions; Ca/P ratio and Knoop hardness of the lased cavity floor was almost similar to the bur cavities.

Calcium↗