Effect of bleaching agents on calcium loss from the enamel surface.

Objectives: To compare the Ca2+ loss of enamel treated with 38% hydrogen peroxide (HP), 35% HP with light, and 10% carbamide peroxide (CP).

Method And Materials: Ten extracted premolars were sectioned buccolingually and longitudinally so that 4 specimens were obtained from each tooth. The specimens were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups to receive the following bleaching agents: 38% HP, 35% HP with light, 10% CP, and no agent (control).

Fluoride release from esthetic restorative materials with and without adhesive.

Objective: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effect of surface coating containing fluoride on patterns and amounts of fluoride release from 5 esthetic restorative materials.

Method And Materials: Twelve cylinders of each material were prepared in a plexiglass mold. The experimental groups (n = 6) were coated with 1 layer of fluoridated adhesive resin, Prompt L-Pop, while the control groups (n = 6) remained uncoated.

Antimicrobial substantivity of cavity disinfectants.

This study involved a comparative examination of different disinfectant solutions and their antimicrobial substantivity against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans. All of the disinfectants containing chlorhexidine and benzalkonium chloride demonstrated substantive antibacterial activity. Chlorhexidine-based solutions displayed the longest and most effective antimicrobial activity.

Clinical performance of a packable resin composite for a period of 3 years.

Objective: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate SureFil packable resin composite for posterior restoration of permanent teeth for a period of 3 years.

Method And Materials: Fifty-five resin composite restorations were placed in 36 patients (16 Class I and 39 Class II restorations). After cavity preparation, the enamel was etched with 34% phosphoric acid.

Two-year clinical evaluation of a packable resin-based composite.

Background: Packable resin-based composites were introduced in 1998, but few clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate them. The authors conducted a clinical study to determine the two-year performance of SureFil (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany) packable posterior resin-based composite in Class I and II restorations.

Methods: An operator (L.