Properties of dual-cure, bulk-fill composite resin restorative materials.

The purpose of this study was to compare the properties of 2 new dual-cure, bulk-fill restorative composite resins to those of a hybrid composite resin material. Depth of cure, fracture toughness, porosity, microleakage, and volumetric shrinkage properties were examined. With the exception of fracture toughness, significant differences were found among materials.

Mechanical properties of new dental pulp-capping materials.

The mechanical properties of pulp-capping materials may affect their resistance to fracture during placement of a final restorative material or while supporting an overlying restoration over time. The purpose of this study was to compare the compressive strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of 2 new pulp-capping materials (TheraCal LC and Biodentine), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and calcium hydroxide over time. Specimens were created in molds and tested to failure in a universal testing machine after 15 minutes, 3 hours, and 24 hours.

Bond strength of silorane- and methacrylate-based composites to resin-modified glass ionomers.

This study evaluated the shear-bond strength of a resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) restorative material to a new silorane-based composite and a methacrylate-based composite in a sandwich technique with various combinations of surface treatments and bonding agents. Two composites, 2 bonding agents and 4 surface preparations were used to create 16 groups with 10 specimens each. After 24 hours storage at 37°C in 100% humidity, the specimens were tested for shear bond strength; means and standard deviations were determined per group.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape as a matrix in operative dentistry.

A method for using PTFE tape as a matrix to prevent the etching and/or bonding of adjacent tooth structure was presented. This technique is simple, quick and inexpensive. PFTE tape in the form of plumber's tape is readily available at any hardware store.