Correlation of bottom-to-top surface microhardness and conversion ratios for a variety of resin composite compositions.

Knoop microhardness (KHN) and degree of conversion (DC) values were obtained from the bottom and top surfaces of 1-, 2- and 3-mm thick samples of three types of resin composite: an anterior microfill, an anterior hybrid and a posterior hybrid, all having differing filler size and loading but similar shade (A2) and basic monomeric content. Sample infrared spectra were obtained using attenuated total reflectance (ATR) in a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. The samples were exposed using a 40-second exposure to a quartz-tungsten-halogen light source with an irradiance of approximately 560 mW/cm2.

Laser fluorescence detection of occlusal caries.

Purpose: This study compared six diagnostic methods with a histologic standard, including diode laser fluorescence, caries detection dye, and an operating microscope.

Materials And Methods: Diagnosis groups included: visual only (VO); visual and bitewing radiograph (VX); visual, bitewing radiograph and explorer (VXE); Global Protege operating microscope at x10 (S); caries detection dye (CDD); diode laser fluorescence (DLF). Three examiners individually evaluated five independent sites on 29 extracted human molars using the above methods.