Effect of Sonic Activation on Push-Out Bond Strength of Fiber Post: An In Vitro Study

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conventional and sonic activation techniques on push-out bond strength of fiber post cemented with two different monomers containing self-adhesive resin cement (SARC). Four groups (n = 19 each) were made based on the type of SARC (Rely X U200 and Panavia SA) and technique (conventional and sonic activation). After placing the fiber post, each root was sectioned into 2 mm coronal, middle, and apical portions, and a push-out bond strength test was performed using a universal testing machine. The least push-out bond strength (13.0 ± 0.9 MPa) was found in Rely X U200 conventional technique and highest with Panavia SA sonic activation technique (15.4 ± 0.9 MPa). A significant difference was found in push-out bond strength at coronal (p = 0.002), middle (p = 0.002), and apical (p = 0.001) root sections using Rely X U200 cement with sonic activation as compared to the conventional technique. However, no difference (p > 0.05) was noticed between conventional and sonic activation techniques in Panavia SA cement at any root level. Sonic activation can be used as an adjunct with a manual technique to increase bond strength. However, it was noted that 10-MDP monomer containing SARC performed well regardless of techniques.

Comparison of the efficacy of sonic irrigation and conventional syringe irrigation in the removal of curcumin and triple antibiotic paste from root canals

Background. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of sonic irrigation and conventional syringe irrigation (CSI) in terms of curcumin (CUR) and triple antibiotic paste (TAP) removal from a standardized groove artificially created in root canals. Methods. The root canals of 72 anterior maxillary teeth were prepared using the Reciproc system to size R50. The teeth were split longitudinally, and a standardized groove was created in the apical region of one root half. The standardized grooves were filled with CUR or TAP with the exclusion of six teeth that served as the negative control group, and then the root halves were reassembled. The teeth were divided into two subgroups according to the irrigation protocols used: sonic activation with EndoActivator (EA) or CSI (n=15). After the removal of the medicament, the residual medicament was assessed under a stereomicroscope. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analyses (P = 0.05). Results. The EA sonic activation method was significantly more efficient in removing CUR medicament from the root canals. Considering the medicament types, more CUR than TAP was removed from the root canals using both CSI and the EA (sonic activation) system (P<0.05). Conclusion. As compared with CSI, the EA was not significantly more efficient in removing TAP, but it was significantly more effective than CSI in removing CUR.

Sonic Activation of a Desensitizing Gel Prior to In-Office Bleaching

SUMMARY This double-blind, randomized, and controlled clinical trial evaluated the effect of sonic activation during the application of a desensitizing agent (DA) containing 5% potassium nitrate and 2% sodium fluoride on the occurrence of tooth sensitivity (TS) associated with in-office dental bleaching. Treatment with or without sonic activation of the DA was randomly assigned to one-half of the maxillary teeth of 34 patients in a split-mouth design. On the side without sonic activation (noSA), the DA was applied and maintained in contact with the teeth for 10 minutes. On the sonic activation side (SA), the DA was activated 30 seconds per tooth. The DA application was followed by application of 35% hydrogen peroxide in two bleaching sessions separated by a one-week interval. The primary outcome was the absolute risk of TS, recorded using a numeric rating scale and a visual analog scale. Color was evaluated with a digital spectrophotometer and a value-oriented shade guide. No significant difference between treatments was observed in the absolute risk of TS, which occurred in 93% (p=1.00) of both noSA and SA groups. The TS intensity was higher in the 24-hour interval after sessions, for both treatments, without differences between them. There was no difference in the color change for the treatments, with the average change in number of shade guide units of the Vita Classical scale of 6.35 for both (p=0.87). Sonic activation of DA containing 5% potassium nitrate and 2% sodium fluoride did not reduce the absolute risk and intensity of TS associated with in-office bleaching.

Comparison of the Effect of Agitation on Whitening and Tooth Sensitivity of In-Office Bleaching: A Randomized Clinical Trial

SUMMARY Objective: This single-blind, split-mouth, randomized trial was aimed at evaluating the bleaching efficacy (BE) and tooth sensitivity (TS) of a 20% hydrogen peroxide (HP) bleaching agent used under active or passive application. Methods and Materials: Twenty-two patients with canines darker than C2 were selected. Teeth were bleached in two sessions, with a one-week interval between treatments. The bleaching agent was applied using active (HPactive) or passive (HPpassive) application. Each tooth in the HPactive-allocated hemiarch received bleaching gel with sonic activation after 10 and 30 minutes from the start of treatment, with rounded movements all over the buccal surface. The color changes were evaluated by subjective (Vita Classical and Vita Bleachedguide) and objective (VITA Easyshade Spectrophotometer) methods at baseline and 30 days after the second session. TS was recorded up to 48 hours after treatment using a 0–10 visual analog scale. Color change in shade guide units (SGUs) and ΔE was analyzed using a Wilcoxon test (α=0.05). The absolute risk and intensity of TS were evaluated using McNemar test and a Wilcoxon test, respectively (α=0.05). Results: Significant whitening was observed in both groups after 30 days of clinical evaluation. The activation did not significantly influence BE (ΔSGU HPpassive=5.6 and HPActive=5.8; p=0.98; and ΔE HPpassive=10.6 and HPactive=10.3; p=0.83). Absolute risk of TS (HPactive=36.4% and HPpassive=31.8%; p=0.94) was similar for both groups (Fisher exact test). TS intensity (visual analogue scale) was higher during the bleaching sessions and up to 24 hours thereafter for both groups, with no differences between groups (twoway analysis of variance and Tukey). Conclusion: The active application of a 20% HP gel did not improve BE and TS.

Sonic Activation Improves Bioceramic Sealer’s Penetration into the Tubular Dentin of Curved Root Canals: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Investigation

Background—The aim was to determine the influence of sonic activation in the tubular dentine penetration of bioceramic sealers. Methods—Forty mesiobuccal curved root canals of mandibular molars with an apical diameter smaller than #30 were prepared, divided into two groups, and filled with EndoSequence BC sealer, with or without sonic activation during its placement. Roots were sectioned at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm from the apex, producing a sample size of 120. The samples were evaluated using a confocal laser scanning microscope and comparing these images to the images obtained from an operatory microscope. The percentage of sealer penetration and maximum sealer penetration were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-tailed Mann–Whitney U test, where statistical significance was set to p < 0.05. Results—Sonic activation showed higher values for the percentage of sealer penetration when compared at the 9 mm level (p = 0.03). A higher value of maximum sealer penetration was observed at all levels when the sealer was activated. Conclusions—The sonic activation of bioceramic cement resulted in higher sealer penetration into dentinal tubules.

Root Canal Filling Quality Comparison of a Premixed Calcium Silicate Endodontic Sealer and Different Carrier-Based Obturation Systems

Background: The number of voids within the root canal obturation is a relevant parameter to describe the quality of the technique, as well as to predict long-term prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of root canal obturation in curved root canals filled with Thermafil, GuttaCore, GuttaFusion and lateral compaction with AH Plus and EndoSequence BC sealer, by means of percentage of gutta-percha and sealer filled area. Methods: 200 curved canals of mandibular molars were divided in five groups (n = 40). Each specimen was evaluated at 3, 6 and 9 mm from the apex. A total of 600 samples were analyzed. Obturation was performed with either Thermafil (TH), GuttaCore (GC), GuttaFusion (GF) or lateral compaction (LC), using AH Plus as sealer. In another group EndoSequence BC sealer (BC) was used. Subgroups (n = 20) were made depending on the use of sonic activation during the placement of the sealer. The percentage of total obturation material was analyzed as an indirect measurement of percentage of voids. Results: GF showed a better performance at the apical level, while GC showed the higher percentage of total obturation at the coronal area. No differences were observed for the activation of sealers in any of the groups. Statistical analysis was performed by using two-way ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at CI: 95% (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Sonic activation of sealers did not show any benefit to avoid the presence of voids within obturation of curved canals. Following the manufacturer recommendations, we found that TH did not show benefits when applied to curved canals.