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The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of fabrication method of restorative resin-based composites on its wear using enamel as antagonist teeth. Wear evaluation was performed via two-body wear test using hemispherical samples of restorative resin-based composite (abrader specimen) fabricated through direct restoration method, indirect restoration method, and CAD/CAM, and bovine enamel (substrate specimen). As a result, there was a difference in wear volume between resin-based composite and bovine enamel depending on the fabrication method. Resin composite used for indirect restoration method showed more wear in both the abrader and substrate specimens. Resin composite used for CAD/CAM crowns showed greater wear volume in the abrader specimen. In conclusion, results clarified that fabrication method of restorative resin-based composite has an influence on the wear of the resin composite itself and enamel as antagonist teeth.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) is a slow-developing cardiomyopathy characterized by ventricular arrhythmias and fibrofatty replacement of the right ventricular (RV) myocardium. Its clinical diagnosis is challenging because of its variable clinical presentation and low genetic penetrance. We describe the case of a 67-year-old man who was diagnosed as having ARVC/D with a desmoplakin mutation that appeared after occlusion of an atrial septal defect (ASD). He underwent patch closure surgery for ASD at the age of 54 years. Four years later, he underwent catheter ablation for multifocal atrial tachycardias. Because of pre-syncope and inducible sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator was implanted. When he was admitted for worsening heart failure at the age of 61 years, the desmoplakin mutation was detected with progressive left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Subsequently, he was diagnosed as having ARVC/D with RV dysfunction. At cardiac autopsy, characteristics of ARVC/D, including dilatation, fibrofatty changes in the right ventricle, and diffuse fibrosis in the left ventricle were detected. Along with the effect of RV dysfunction caused by ASD, the progression of LV dysfunction after ASD closure was also possibly caused by the disease progression of ARVC/D. Physicians should carefully assess the various states of ARVC/D. .

Objective: To investigate the effects of sulfides produced by Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) on the corrosion behavior of titanium., Methods: Commercially pure titanium disks were mirror-polished and immersed in culture medium (BHI), spent medium after culturing P. gingivalis (BHI-S), and culture medium with P. gingivalis (BHI-P), and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 3-14 days. Titanium corrosion was evaluated through surface observation (using scanning electron microscope: SEM), color change (ΔE*ab), glossiness (Gs(20°)), chemical composition and state (using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: XPS), and titanium release., Results: ΔE*ab and Gs(20°) did not significantly differ among specimens placed in test mediums for the study duration (p>0.05). SEM images of specimens showed no signs of localized or overall corrosion. XPS analysis indicated showed clear titanium metal state peaks on all specimens in addition to sulfide and sulfate on BHI-S and BHI-P specimens. Valency fraction of titanium decomposed from Ti2p spectrum of BHI-S and BHI-P specimens indicated no progression of oxidation. No significant levels of titanium release were found regardless of the mediums' sulfide content. Results suggested that sulfides produced by P. gingivalis attached on the surface of titanium specimens but did not cause titanium corrosion over the immersion period of 14 days., Significance: It is imperative for dental practitioners to be aware of any elements which may influence the clinical success of titanium implants., (Copyright © 2017 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) treatment on bond strength of resin cements to root dentin and retention force of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts. Bovine root dentin was endodontically prepared and treated with Ca(OH) 2 for 7 days. Root dentin for bond strength test was adhered to resin-composite with resin cements. For pull-out test, posts consisting of FRC posts and resin-composites were fabricated and cemented to root. Shear bond and pull-out tests were performed using a universal testing machine. No significant differences in bond strength and post retention force were found between Ca(OH) 2 treated and untreated groups. Significant differences were found among the cements. A positive correlation was indicated between bond strength of cements and retention force of FRC posts. In conclusion, Ca(OH) 2 treatment on root dentin did not affect bond strength of resin cements and retention force of FRC posts.

This study assessed the corrosion behavior of titanium in response to sulfide by determining the effects of sulfide concentration and pH over immersion period. Corrosion was evaluated through changes in color, glossiness, surface characterization, and titanium release. Sulfide solutions were prepared in 3 different concentrations with Na2S, each in pH unadjusted (sulfide-alkaline) and pH adjusted to 7.5 (sulfide-neutral). Titanium discoloration increased and glossiness decreased as sulfide concentration and immersion period increased in sulfide-alkaline solutions. Coral-like complexes were observed on the surface of these specimens, which became more pronounced as concentration increased. Small amounts of titanium release were detected in sulfide-alkaline solutions; however, this was not affected by immersion periods. Corrosion was indicated through considerable surface oxidation suggesting the formation of a thick oxide layer. No significant changes in color and glossiness, or titanium release were indicated for titanium specimens immersed in sulfide-neutral solutions indicating that pH had a significant effect on corrosion. Our findings suggest that a thick oxide layer on the titanium surface was formed in sulfide-alkaline solutions due to excessive oxidation., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a dental implant surgery simulator that allows learners to experience the drilling forces necessary to perform an osteotomy in the posterior mandibular bone. The simulator contains a force-sensing device that receives input and counteracts this force, which is felt as resistance by the user. The device consists of an actuator, a load cell, and a control unit. A mandibular bone model was fabricated in which the predicted forces necessary to drill the cortical and trabecular bone were determined via micro CT image-based 3D finite element analysis. The simulator was evaluated by five dentists from the Department of Implantology at Tokyo Dental College. The ability of the evaluators to distinguish the drilling resistance through different regions of the mandibular bone was investigated. Of the five dentists, four sensed the change in resistance when the drill perforated the upper cortical bone. All five dentists were able to detect when the drill made contact with lingual cortical bone and when the lingual bone was perforated. This project successfully developed a dental implant surgery simulator that allows users to experience the forces necessary to drill through types of bone encountered during osteotomy. Furthermore, the researchers were able to build a device by which excessive drilling simulates a situation in which the lingual cortical bone is perforated--a situation that could lead to negative repercussions in a clinical setting. The simulator was found to be useful to train users to recognize the differences in resistance when drilling through the mandibular bone.

This study evaluated the microtensile bond strength ( μ TBS) of 1-step self-etch adhesives (1-SEAs) and 2-step self-etch adhesives (2-SEAs) to pulp chamber dentin immediately after bleaching with 2 types of common bleaching techniques. Pulp chamber dentin of bovine teeth was bleached using 30% hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) solution with quartz-tungsten-halogen light-curing unit (Group 1) and 3.5% H 2 O 2 -containing titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) (Pyrenees®) activated with 405-nm violet diode laser for 15 min (Group 2). Unbleached specimens were placed in distilled water for 15 min and used as controls. After treatment, dentin was bonded with resin composite using 1-SEA or 2-SEA and stored in water at 37°C for 24 h. Each specimen was sectioned and trimmed to an hourglass-shape and μ TBS was measured. Fractured specimens were examined under a scanning electron microscope to determine fracture modes. All specimens in Group 1 failed before proper bonding tests. In Group 2, the μ TBS of 2-SEA was significantly greater (with no failed specimens) than 1-SEA (where 21 out of 36 failed). These results indicate that 2-SEA is a better adhesive system than 1-SEA on bleached dentin. Our results also demonstrated that application of H 2 O 2 significantly decreases bond strength of resin to dentin; however, in the case of nonvital tooth bleaching, Pyrenees® is a better alternative to the conventional 30% H 2 O 2 bleaching., Competing Interests: The authors have no financial relation to any of the companies whose products are included in this article.

This study investigated the effects of different colored tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP) core on the optical properties of TZP framework restorations. Three various colors of TZP discs (Katana Zirconia) 14 mm in diameter and 0.5 mm thickness were layered with 2 shades of veneering ceramics (shade A1 and A4: Cerabian ZR). These specimens were polished to approximately 1.5 mm. CIE L*a*b* coordinates, translucency (TP), and opalescence (OP) on the TZP restorations were evaluated. Consequently, TZP core color affected CIE L*a*b* values of TZP restorations however TP and OP did not significantly differ among the 3 core colors. Translucency and opalescence for colored TZP framework restorations were not influenced by the underlying TZP core color when veneering ceramics were layered to thicknesses of 1.0±0.1 mm.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of the intermediate ceramics and firing temperature on bond strength between tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP) and its intermediate ceramics. Two types of intermediate ceramics, defined as a ceramics placed between the TZP and its veneering ceramics, were used; one including high-strength lithium-disilicate (EP) or feldspathic liner porcelain (SB). The firing temperature of the intermediate ceramics was set at 930°C, 945°C or 960°C. Shear bond strength showed values of 35.8 MPa in SB and 54.9 MPa in EP at a firing temperature of 960°C. Electron probe microanalysis revealed that components of the intermediate ceramics remained on the TZP surface after debonding, indicating that fractures occurred in the intermediate ceramics near the TZP. These results indicate that the bond strength between and a TZP framework and its veneering ceramics could be improved by using a high-strength intermediate ceramics and a comparatively high firing temperature.

The objective of this study was to compare corrosion behavior in several titanium alloys with immersion in acidulated saline solutions containing hydrogen peroxide. Seven types of titanium alloy were immersed in saline solutions with varying levels of pH and hydrogen peroxide content, and resulting differences in color and release of metallic elements determined in each alloy. Some alloys were characterized using Auger electron spectroscopy. Ti-55Ni alloy showed a high level of dissolution and difference in color. With immersion in solution containing hydrogen peroxide at pH 4, the other alloys showed a marked difference in color but a low level of dissolution. The formation of a thick oxide film was observed in commercially pure titanium showing discoloration. The results suggest that discoloration in titanium alloys immersed in hydrogen peroxide-containing acidulated solutions is caused by an increase in the thickness of this oxide film, whereas discoloration of Ti-55Ni is caused by corrosion.

The purpose of this study was to compare the retention of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts luted with either conventional or self-adhesive resin cement. The FRC posts and core resin were built up in bovine teeth. The posts were luted with standard etch-andrinse cement, self-etch cement, or one of two self-adhesive cements. The samples were stored in water for 1 or 14 days or subjected to thermal cycling (TC). Retention value was measured with the pull-out test using a universal testing machine. Conventional adhesive resin cement yielded significantly greater retention than self-adhesive resin cement at 1 day. No significant difference was observed in retention among the adhesive systems tested at 14 days or after TC. During the early luting stage, self-adhesive resin cement yielded lower retention value than conventional resin cement. After 14 days storage or TC, retention was comparable to that with conventional resin cement.

The aim of this study was to estimate the flexural properties of three kinds of experimental fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts and to evaluate their potential use as posts. Experimental FRC posts were fabricated with glass, aramid, and UHMWP fibers. Commercial FRC posts were used for comparison. A three-point bending test was performed at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Experimental glass fiber posts showed significantly higher flexural strengths and moduli than aramid and UHMWP posts. Experimental UHMWP posts demonstrated superior toughness to the commercial posts. The glass fiber posts displayed stiff, strong and brittle features, while the UHMWP posts were flexible, weak and ductile. The flexural properties of the aramid posts fell between those of the glass and UHMWP posts. In conclusion, the glass fiber posts proved excellent in flexural strengths and moduli. However, the superior toughness of UHMWP fibers suggests the possibility of their use as posts in combination with glass fibers.

The mechanical properties of a series of binary Ti-Cr alloys were investigated. Chromium content ranged from 5 to 20 mass%. Dumbbell- and disk-shaped specimens of each alloy were obtained by casting for mechanical testing and microstructural observation. Yield strength (YS) at 0.2%, tensile strength (TS), elongation (EL) and Vickers hardness (Hv) were determined. The TS and YS of Ti-15Cr were similar to those of Ti-20Cr at approximately 880 or 900 MPa and higher than those of cp-Ti by nearly 55%. Among all Ti-Cr alloys, Ti-10Cr showed the lowest EL. At 50 µm below the surface, Hv ranged from 370 to 420. Addition of 15 or 20 mass% chromium to titanium yielded sufficient strength and relatively high elongation values. Judging from the results of the mechanical properties, the suitability of Ti-Cr alloys with 15 or 20 mass% chromium for use in dental prostheses.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the durability of unidirectional and bidirectional fiber-reinforced post systems under static and cyclic loading. Three prefabricated fiber posts with one of two core composite resins each or a post resin were used. Each specimen was subjected to a three-point bending test after cyclic loading (1000 times) by 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 mm deflection. Under cyclic loading, flexure strength and elastic modulus tended to show a decrease with increase in deflection in the unidirectional fiber post specimens. No such tendency, however, was observed in the bidirectional fiber post specimen. In conclusion, use of a prefabricated fiber post in a post-and-core complex improved the flexural properties of the core composite resin, regardless of fiber direction. Although deterioration in flexural properties was observed with cyclic loading in the unidirectional fiber post specimens, no significant difference was observed in the bidirectional fiber post specimen.

This study examined the mechanical properties of roots combined with prefabricated fiber post. Three types of specimens were evaluated: (1) prefabricated fiber post alone (FP); (2) core composite resin with FP (CFP); and (3) root with CFP (RCFP). The volume fractions of the prefabricated fiber post in the core composite resin (FP/CFP ratio) were set to 0, 0.16, 0.22, 0.28, and 0.48. Bending test for FP and CFP, and diametral compression test for FP, CFP, and RCFP were carried out. The FP/CFP ratio showed no effect on the diametral tensile strength (DTS) of RCFP; and there were no significant differences in DTS with/without FP. The flexural strength of CFP increased with increase in FP/CFP ratio. The DTS of CFP declined in comparison with that of core composite resin only.

Objective: The objective of this study was to clarify the influence of chromium content on surface reaction of Ti-Cr alloys in an acidic fluoride-containing saline solution., Methods: Four Ti-Cr alloys containing 5, 10, 15 or 20 mass% chromium were characterized in terms of dissolution of metals in an acidic fluoride-containing saline solution and surface structure by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy., Results: Total amount of metals dissolved from each alloy decreased with increase in chromium content. The surface oxide films of Ti-Cr alloys before and after immersion in an acidic fluoride-containing saline solution consisted of titanic and chromic species, such as oxide, hydroxide, and hydrate. The [Cr]/([Ti]+[Cr]) ratio in the surface oxide film on as-polished Ti-Cr alloys was closely correlated with chromium content. However, the ratio in any alloy approximately doubled after immersion. Although thick oxide films were observed after immersion, all alloys showed a thinner oxide film than commercially pure titanium., Significant: In all alloys, concentration of chromic species such as oxide and hydroxide in the surface oxide film was associated with chromium content, and chromic species improved corrosion resistance to fluoride.

Although fluoride induces corrosion in titanium in an oral environment, the influence of protein on this corrosion remains to be clarified. The objective of this study was to investigate suppression of fluoride-induced corrosion of titanium where albumin was either present in a solution or where albumin was preadsorbed on titanium. Titanium dissolution in titanium specimens and surface characterization of each specimen were determined. Dissolution in a saline solution containing both albumin and fluoride was less than that in only fluoride-containing saline solution. The titanium specimen was covered in an albumin film. The morphology of the titanium in the fluoride-containing saline solution revealed jagged edges, whereas titanium immersed in the saline solution containing albumin and fluoride showed a round and plate-like morphology. When albumin-adsorbed titanium was immersed in a fluoride-containing solution, dissolution within 6 h was less than that in non albumin-adsorbed titanium. Dissolution increased with desorption of adsorbed-albumin from the titanium surface. The results suggest that albumin in a solution suppresses dissolution of titanium compounds, thus influencing their morphology. Albumin adsorbed on titanium reduces fluoride attack and suppresses dissolution.

This study compared differences in discoloration and dissolution in several titanium alloys with immersion in peroxide- or fluoride-containing solution. Commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) and six titanium-based alloys were used: Ti-0.15Pd, Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-7Nb-6Al, Ti-55Ni, Ti-10Cu, and Ti-20Cr. Two test solutions were prepared for immersion of polished titanium and titanium alloys: one consisting of 0.2% NaF + 0.9% NaCl (pH 3.8 with lactic acid) and the other of 0.1 mol/l H2O2 + 0.9% NaCl (pH 5.5). Following immersion, color changes were determined with a color meter and released elements were measured using ICP-OES. Discoloration and dissolution rates differed between the two solutions. In the hydrogen peroxide-containing solution, color difference was higher in Ti-55Ni and Ti-6Al-4V than in any of the other alloys, and that Ti-55Ni showed the highest degree of dissolution. In the acidulated fluoride-containing solution, CP-Ti, Ti-0.15Pd, Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-7Nb-6Al, and Ti-10Cu alloys showed remarkable discoloration and dissolution with immersion. On the contrary, Ti-20Cr alloy showed very little discoloration and dissolution in either solution.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of copper supplementation on lipid profiles in elderly patients with copper deficiency., Methods: Nine long-term bed-ridden, patients (5 men and 4 women, mean age 83.3+/-8.7 years old) with severe copper deficiency, who had a serum copper of 15 microg/dL or less (normal range 70-140 microg/dL), had their diets supplemented with copper sulfate (3 mg/day) over 12 weeks in addition to their diet of only one kind of enteral food with a low concentration of copper. Copper, ceruloplasmin, total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerides (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), c-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine (Cr), zinc (Zn) and albumin (Alb) in the serum were measured before, 4 weeks and 12 weeks after copper supplementation., Results: Serum copper and ceruloplasmin were significantly increased at 4 weeks after copper supplementation. TG was significantly increased at 4 weeks after copper supplementation, but at 12 weeks the increase of TG was not significant. TC, HDL-C, CRP, Cr, Zn and Alb were not changed by copper supplementation., Conclusion: TG was transiently increased by copper supplementation in elderly patients with copper deficiency. TC and HDL-C were not changed by copper supplementation.

Surface wettability is an important physicochemical property of biomaterials, and it would be more helpful for understanding this property if a wide range of wettability are employed. This study focused on the effect of surface wettability on fibroblast adhesion over a wide range of wettability using a single material without changing surface topography. Plasma polymerization with hexamethyldisiloxane followed by oxygen (O2)-plasma treatment was employed to modify the surfaces. The water contact angle of sample surfaces varied from 106 degrees (hydrophobicity) to almost 0 degrees (super-hydrophilicity). O2 functional groups were introduced on polymer surfaces during O2-plasma treatment. The cell attachment study confirmed that the more hydrophilic the surface, the more fibroblasts adhered in the initial stage that includes super-hydrophilic surfaces. Cells spread much more widely on the hydrophilic surfaces than on the hydrophobic surfaces. There was no significant difference in fibroblast proliferation, but cell spreading was much greater on the hydrophilic surfaces. The fibronectin adsorbed much more on a hydrophilic surface while albumin dominated on a hydrophobic surface in a competing mode. These findings suggest the importance of the surface wettability of biomaterials on initial cell attachment and spreading. The degree of wettability should be taken into account when a new biomaterial is to be employed., ((c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The efficacy of hydroxyapatite (HAp) as a carrier was investigated to establish a method of local administration of bisphosphonates (Bps), which has currently been administered systemically. HAp granules (300-500 microm in size) with different physicochemical features were prepared by altering the sintering temperature. To ascertain the physicochemical properties of the HAp granules, their crystallinity was assessed using X-ray diffraction, the surface morphology was examined under scanning electron microscopy, and the specific surface area and calcium dissolution were evaluated. Different Bps-HAp composites were subsequently prepared and the concentration of Bps released from these composites was measured. The influence of Bps-HAp composites on the rate of osteoclast survival was also evaluated. The results revealed that (1) HAp solubility depends on the sintering temperature; (2) The concentration of released Bps could be controlled by regulating the sintering temperature of HAp as a carrier; and (3) Bps released from Bps-HAp composites reduced the number of osteoclasts. These findings indicated that Bps-HAp composites could be locally administered as a drug delivery system to areas with bone resorption.

Objective: This study evaluated the influence of laser irradiation with a high pulse repetition rate on dentin bonding., Background Data: Although resin bonding to erbium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Er:YAG) laserirradiated dentin has frequently been investigated, the effects of a high pulse repetition rate have not yet been sufficiently investigated., Methods: Four groups treated under different laser conditions were evaluated in this study: 100 mJ/pulse-10 pulses per second [pps], 50 mJ/pulse-20 pps, 33 mJ/pulse-30 pps, and the unlased condition as a control. The total energy used to irradiate each group was adjusted to 1.0 W. After bovine dentin specimens were irradiated by an Er:YAG laser, acid conditioners (10% citric acid/3% ferric chloride) were applied to the lased surface. Thereafter, a PMMA rod was bonded to the lased dentin using 4- META/MMA-TBB resin, and mini-dumbbell-shaped specimens were prepared. These specimens were then tested under tensile mode and fractured surfaces were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM)., Results: The bond strength of the unlased control was significantly higher than those of the three lased groups. Among the three lased groups, irradiation with higher output energy and lower pulse repetition rate tended to affect the higher bond strength. Upon SEM observation of the fractured surface, the lased groups showed the mixture of failure in the hybrid layer in almost part. There was no significant difference among the three lased groups., Conclusion: It can be concluded from the results of this study that a higher pulse repetition rate is not effective for resin bonding to laser-irradiated dentin.

To measure the micro-tensile bond strength (MTBS) on sound and caries-affected primary tooth dentin using an original designed jig that was developed for making symmetric and uniformly-sized specimens for the micro-tensile strength testing. The MTBS of dumbbell-shaped specimens and matchstick-shaped specimens were measured. Dumbbell-shaped specimens: The occlusal surfaces of 15 sound primary molars were ground with a water-cooled air turbine using a diamond bur. The adhesive systems and resin-based composites were Clearfil SE Bond and Clearfil AP-X (SE group) and Single Bond and Z250 (SB group). Matchstick-shaped specimens: Sixteen primary molars (5 sound and 11 carious) were used. The occlusal surfaces of sound teeth were ground with a water-cooled air turbine using a diamond bur. Infected dentin was determined by a caries detecting dye solution and removed with a round-shaped steel bur under water-cooling and with a hand instrument. SE was applied. Data was statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD at p < 0.05. The MTBSs (MPa) for the dumbbell-shaped specimens were 8.9 +/- 7.0 in the SE group and 10.3 +/- 5.8 in the SB group and that for the matchstick-shaped specimens were 9.0 +/- 6.3 in the sound-SE group and 9.2 +/- 5.8 in the carious-SE group. No significant difference was observed among them., ((c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Although the effect of copper on bone has been tested in animals and healthy subjects, no studies concerning the effect of copper supplementation on bone metabolism in patients with copper deficiency have been reported because of the rarity of these patients. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of copper supplementation on bone metabolism in copper-deficient patients., Method: This study included 10 patients (83.7 +/- 8.3 years) with dietary copper deficiency under long-term bed rest for more than 12 months. They had their diets supplemented with copper sulfate (3 mg/day) over 12 weeks in addition to their diet of only one kind of enteral food with a low concentration of copper. Serum copper and ceruloplasmin, urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and collagen-type 1 N-telopeptide (NTX) (biomarkers of bone resorption), serum osteocalcin (OC) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (Bone ALP) (biomarkers of bone formation) were analyzed at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks after copper supplementation., Results: DPD and NTX excretion were significantly increased 4 weeks after copper supplementation (p = 0.009 and p = 0.013, respectively). Serum bone ALP and OC were not significantly changed 12 weeks after copper supplementation (p = 0.051 and p = 0.594)., Conclusions: In patients with nutritional copper deficiency, bone resorption markers are increased with copper supplementation., (Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The purpose of this study was to compare the retention force of FRC posts which were built up using direct and direct-indirect fabrication techniques with two fiber-reinforced core build-up systems (FibreKor and i-TFC). Posts were cemented in endodontically treated bovine single roots with resin cement using either direct or direct-indirect technique. Following which, the retention force of post-and-cores and fracture sites were examined. It was found that both the retention force and fracture site depended on the fabrication technique and resin cements. Post-and-cores built up with direct-indirect technique had greater retention force than those fabricated using direct technique. Fracture modes most frequently observed were adhesive failure at Resin/Dentin interface, a mixture of adhesive failures at Post/Resin and Resin/Dentin interfaces as well as cohesive failure of resin cements. Based on the results of this study, we concluded that when it comes to post-and-core build-up for endodontically treated tooth, the direct-indirect technique is more effective than the direct technique on the retention force of FRC posts.