Proteoglycan is highly hydrophilic and negatively charged which enable them attract the water. The objective of study was to investigate the effects of Proteoglycan on microtensile bond strength of dentin adhesives and on architecture of dentin collagen matrix of acid etched dentin by removing the chondroitin sulphate attached on Proteoglycan. A flat dentin surface in mid-coronal portion of tooth was prepared. After acid etching, half of the specimens were immersed in 0.1 U/mL chondroitinase ABC (C-ABC) for 48 h at 37℃, while the other half were stored in distilled water. Specimens were bonded with the dentin adhesive using three different bonding techniques (wet, dry and re-wet) followed by microtensile bond strength test. SEM examination was done with debonded specimen, resin-dentin interface and acid-etched dentin surface with/without C-ABC treatment.

For the subgroups using wet-bonding or dry-bonding technique, microtensile bond strength showed no significant difference after C-ABC treatment (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the subgroup using rewetting technique after air dry in the Single Bond 2 group demonstrated a significant decrease of microtensile bond strength after C-ABC treatment. Collagen architecture is loosely packed and some fibrils are aggregated together and relatively collapsed compared with normal acid-etched wet dentin after C-ABC treatment. Further studies are necessary for the contribution to the collagen architecture of noncollagenous protein under the various clinical situations and several dentin conditioners and are also needed about long-term effect on bond strength of dentin adhesive.

The aim of this study was to investigate the shapes and diameters of the physiological foramen and anatomy of the root canal at 3mm from apex in mandibular first molars.

Sixty mandibular first molars were randomly selected. The apical anatomy of 60 mandibular first molars was investigated by means of a stereomicroscope (60x magnification).

The results were as follows;

1. There was a high percentage of two physiological foramina in mesial (61.67%) and one foramen in distal(71.66%) roots of mandibular first molars.

2.There was a high frequency of accessory foramina in mesial roots with one foramen (26.07%).

3. The diameters of physiological foramen was as follows:

0.329mm in single mesial foramen

4. The most common physiological foramen shape was oval (69.93%).

5. The incidence of isthmus in mesial root at 3mm from apex was 55%. The 3mm-sections contained a complete isthmus 31.66% and a partial isthmus 23.34%.

6. 3mm from the apex, the most common canal shape was oval (50.64%).

Knowledge of the apical anatomy of mandibular first molar would be necessary for success of surgical and nonsurgical endodontic treatment.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine (CHX) on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of dentin bonding systems.

Dentin collagenolytic and gelatinolytic activities can be suppressed by protease inhibitors, indicating that MMPs (Matrix metalloproteinases) inhibition could be beneficial in the preservation of hybrid layers. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is known as an inhibitor of MMPs activity in vitro.

The experiment was proceeded as follows:

At first, flat occlusal surfaces were prepared on mid-coronal dentin of extracted third molars. GI (Glass Ionomer) group was treated with dentin conditioner, and then, applied with 2% CHX. Both SM (Scotchbond Multipurpose) and SB (Single Bond) group were applied with CHX after acid-etched with 37% phosphoric acid. TS (Clearfil Tri-S) group was applied with CHX, and then, with adhesives. Hybrid composite Z-250 and resin-modified glass ionomer Fuji-II LC was built up on experimental dentin surfaces. Half of them were subjected to 10,000 thermocycle, while the others were tested immediately. With the resulting data, statistically two-way ANOVA was performed to assess the µTBS before and after thermocycling and the effect of CHX. All statistical tests were carried out at the 95% level of confidence. The failure mode of the testing samples was observed under a scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Within limited results, the results of this study were as follows;

In all experimental groups applied with 2% chlorhexidine, the microtensile bond strength increased, and thermocycling decreased the microtensile bond strength (P > 0.05).

2% chlorhexidine application after acid-etching proved to preserve the durability of the hybrid layer and microtensile bond strength of dentin bonding systems.

The purpose of this study was to prove that an intermediate resin layer (IRL) can increase the bond strength to dentin by reducing the permeability of single-step adhesives.

Flat dentin surfaces were created on buccal and lingual side of freshly extracted third molar using a low-speed diamond saw under copious water flow. Approximately 2.0 mm thick axially sectioned dentin slice was abraded with wet #600 SiC paper. Three single-step self-etch adhesives; Adper Prompt L-Pop (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA), One-Up Bond F (Tokuyama Corp, Tokyo, Japan) and Xeno III (Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany) were used in this study. Each adhesive groups were again subdivided into ten groups by; whether IRL was used or not; whether adhesives were cured with light before application of IRL or not; the mode of composite application.

The results of this study were as follows;

1. Bond strength of single-step adhesives increased by an additional coating of intermediate resin layer, and this increasement was statistically signigicant when self-cured composite was used (p < 0.001).

2. When using IRL, there were no difference on bond strengths regardless the curing procedure of single-step adhesives.

3. There were no significant difference on bond strengths between usage of AB2 or SM as an IRL.

4. The thickness of hybrid layer was correlated with the acidity of adhesive used, and the nanoleakage represented by silver deposits and grains was examined within hybrid and adhesive layer in most of single-step adhesives.

5. Neither thickness of hybrid layer nor nanoleakage were related to bond strength.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different etching times on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to dentin both initial and after thermocycling with 3 different types of total-etching adhesives.

Fifty four teeth were divided into 18 groups by etching times (5, 15, 25 sec), adhesives types (Scotchbond Multipurpose (SM), Single Bond (SB), One-Step (OS)), and number of thermocycling (0, 2,000 cycles).

Flat dentin surfaces were prepared on mid-coronal dentin of extracted third molars. After exposed fresh dentin surfaces were polished with 600-grit SiC papers, each specimen was acid-etched with 35% phosphoric acid (5, 15, 25 sec) and bonded with 3 different types of total etching adhesives respectively. Then, hybrid composite Z-250 was built up. Half of them were not thermocycled (control group) and the others were subjected to 2,000 thermocycle (experimental group). They were sectioned occluso-gingivally into 1.0 × 1.0 mm² composite-dentin beams and tested with universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min.

Within limited data of this study, the results were as follows

1. There was no statistically significant difference in µTBS between the thermocycled and non-thermocycled groups, except for both SM and SB etched for 25 sec.

2. In thermocycled SM and SB groups, bond strength decreased by extended etching time.

In total etching systems, adhesive durability for dentin could be affected by type of solvents in adhesive and etching time. Especially, extended etching time may cause deteriorate effects on bond strength when ethanol-based adhesive was used.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of calcium hydroxide on dentin bonding strength of various dentin bonding systems as a function of time in composite resin restoration.

Dentin adhesives used in this study were Scotchbond Multipurpose, Single Bond, SE Bond and Prompt L-Pop. Flat dentin surfaces adjacent to pulp chamber were created, then Ca(OH)₂ and saline were mixed and applied on dentin surface of experimental group, then IRM was used to cover the mixture on dentin surface and the specimens were stored at 36.5℃ for experiment period (7 days, 30 days). After removing IRM and Ca(OH)₂, each dentin adhesives were treated on dentin surfaces.

Composite resin (Z-250, 3M) was placed with 5 mm height and was light-cured for 20 seconds. After stored in distilled water for 24 hours, each dentin-composite bonded spicemen was embedded in epoxy resin and sectioned into 1.0 × 1.0 mm² cross section composite-dentin beams. Specimen was mounted on zig of Universal testing machine and µTBS test was performed. SEM analysis was performed to examine the fractured surfaces.

The results suggested that applying calcium hydroxide did not show significant difference in dentin bonding strength.

The fracture toughness test is believed as a clinically relevant method for assessing the fracture resistance of the dentinal restoratives. The objectives of this study were to measure the fracture toughness (K_1C) and microtensile bond strength of dentin-resin composite interface and compare their relationship for their use in evaluation of the integrity of the dentin-resin bond.

A minimum of six short-rod specimens for fracture toughness test and fifteen specimens for microtensile bond strength test was fabricated for each group of materials used. After all specimens storing for 24 hours in distilled water at 37℃, they were tensile-loaded with an EZ tester universal testing machin. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's test at the 95% confidence level, Pearson's coefficient was used to verify the correlation between the mean of fracture toughness and microtensile bond strength. FE-SEM was employed on fractured surface to describe the crack propagation.

Fracture toughness value of Clearfil SE Bond (SE) was the highest, followed by Adper Single Bond 2 (SB), OptiBond Solo (OB), ONE-STEP PLUS (OS), ScotchBond Multi-purpose (SM) and there was significant difference between SE and other 4 groups (p < 0.05). There were, however, no significant difference among SB, OB, OS, SM (p > 0.05). Microtensile bond strength of SE was the highest, followed by SB, OB, SM, OS and OS only showed significant lower value (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between fracture toughness and microtensile bond strength values. FE-SEM examination revealed that dentin bonding agent showed different film thickness and different failure pattern according to the film thickness.

From the limited results of this study, it was noted that there was statistically no correlation between K1C and µTBS. We can conclude that for obtaining the reliability of bond strength test of dentin bonding agent, we must pay more attention to the test procedure and its profound scrutiny.

The objectives of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermocycling on the μTBS (microtensile bond strength) to dentin with four different adhesive systems to examine the bonding durability.

Freshly extracted 3^rd molar teeth were exposed occlusal dentin surfaces, and randomly distributed into 8 adhesive groups: 3-steps total-etching (Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus; SM, All Bond-2; AB), 2-steps total-etching (Single Bond; SB, One Step plus; OS), 2-steps self-etching (Clearfil SE Bond; SE, AdheSE; AD) and single-step self-etching systems (Promp L-Pop; PL, Xeno III; XE). Each adhesive system in 8 adhesives groups was applied on prepared dentin surface as an instruction and resin composite (Z250) was placed incrementally and light-cured. The bonded specimens were sectioned with low-speed diamond saw to obtain 1 × 1 ㎜ sticks after 24 hours of storage at 37 °C distilled water and proceeded thermocycling at the pre-determined cycles of 0, 1,000 and 2,000. The μTBS test was carried out with EZ-tester at 1 mm/min. The results of bond strength test were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA/ Duncan's test at the α〈 0.05 confidence level. Also, the fracture mode of debonded surface and the interface were examined under SEM.

The results of this study were as follows;

3-step total etching adhesives showed stable, but bond strength of 2-step adhesives were decreased as thermocycling stress.

Within limited results of this study, the bond strength of adhesive system was material specific and the bonding durability was affected by the bonding step/ procedure of adhesive. Simplified bonding procedures do not necessarily imply improved bonding performance.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cyanate methacylate on the shear bond strengths to bovine dentin surfaces as a dentin primers.

Seven experimental adhesives were made with different mass fraction of Isocyanatoetylmethacrylate (IEM), 40wt% HEMA (Wako Pure Chemical Industries Osaka, Japan), 0.6% camphoroquinone, 0.4% amine and ethanol as balance. dentin bonding agents (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12%) were made and applied on the surface of bovine dentin specimens of 7 experimental groups.

Shear bond strengths were measured using a universal testing machine (Instro 4466).

To identify the ratio and modes of cohesive failures, microscopic examinationn was performed. The ultra-structure of resin tags were observed under scanning electron microscope.

The results were as follows ;

1) A higher shear bond strengths (33.62 _MPa) in group 8% of Cyanate methacrylate to dentin were found, but there were no statistically significancy between Groups (p > 0.05).

2) The higher ratio of cohesive failures mode in group 2, 6, an 10% could be seen than that in any other groups.

3) A shorter resin tags were observed in all experimental groups.

This could be resulted that the preventing from the cyanate methacrylate penetrate into dentin owing to reacting it with dentin collagen.

Therefore the resin tags were shorter in lengths.

Whether the higher bonding strengths of dentin bonding agents can be affected was not been assured with statistic results.

The results indicated that the relation between tensile strengths of the dentin adhesives to bovine dentin and resin tags formed into the dentin could not affected.

The main reason of increasing the shear bond strength to bovine dentin in experimental groups could not be assured.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of surface treatment and composition of reinforcement material on fracture strength of fiber reinforced composite inlay bridges.

The materials used for this study were I-beam, U-beam TESCERA ATL system and ONE STEP(Bisco, IL, USA). Two kinds of surface treatments were used; the silane and the sandblast. The specimens were divided into 11 groups through the composition of reinforcing materials and the surface treatments.

On the dentiform, supposing the missing of Maxillary second pre-molar and indirect composite inlay bridge cavities on adjacent first pre-molar disto-occlusal cavity, first molar mesio-occlusal cavity was prepared with conventional high-speed inlay bur.The reinforcing materials were placed on the proximal box space and build up the composite inlay bridge consequently. After the curing, specimen was set on the testing die with ZPC. Flexural force was applied with universal testing machine (EZ-tester; Shimadzu, Japan). at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min until initial crack occurred. The data wasanalyzed using one-way ANOVA/Scheffes' post-hoc test at 95% significance level.

Groups using I-beam showed the highest fracture strengths (p < 0.05) and there were no significant differences between each surface treatment (p > 0.05). Most of the specimens in groups that used reinforcing material showed delamination.

The use of I-beam represented highest fracture strengths (p < 0.05).

This article complies a survey on the replacement of the posterior restorations and accesses possible factors that influence the replacement of posterior restorations.

The data was collected from patients that visited department of conservative dentistry from Dec 1st 2003, to Sep 3rd 2004. Teeth was restricted to posterior permanent teeth. 9 dentists recorded age, gender of patients, tooth location, cavity form and restorative material. They rated marginal adaptation, anatomic form, secondary caries of old restoration by modified Ryge criteria system. The statistical analysis was performed with Chi square test (p < 0.05) for replacement ratio according to patients, tooth factor and One-way ANOVA was performed for comparison of old restoration according to restorative material.

The results were as follows;

1. The female (62%) was statistically higher ratio than the male (38%).

2. The distribution of replacement case according to age, the rate of replacement was in descending order, 20's (38.3%), 40's (16.8%), 30's (15.9%), 10's (11.1%), 50's (9.2%), 60's (8.7%).

3. The rate of replacement was 88% for molar and 12% for premolar (p < 0.05).

4. The rate of replacement was 39% for maxillar and 61% for mandible (p < 0.05).

5. The material of restorations was amalgam (69%), gold inlay (17%), composite resin (13%).

6. In rating system by modified Ryge criteria system on margin adaptation, there was statistically significant difference between amalgam and gold inlay. But on anatomic form and caries, there was no statistically significant difference among the material of restorations.

We investigated the secretion of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) from ginviva and periodontal ligament stimulated with Substance P (SP) and Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide (CGRP). Gingiva (GF), periodontal ligament (PDLF) and pulp (PF) tissues were collected from extracted intact 3rd molars.

Cultured cells were stimulated with different concentrations of SP for 4 hrs, and stimulated with SP, CGRP and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) for 8 hrs. Then RNase Protection Assay was carried out. ELISA was performed using supernatants of stimulated cells for quantitative analysis of IL-8. Results were assessed using student t-test with significance of P < 0.05.

According to this study, the results were as follows:

IL-8 mRNA was detected in all type of cells studied (PF, GF and PDLF).

Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide (CGRP) increased Interleukin-8 (IL-8) which plays an important role in chemotaxis of neutrophil in Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide (CGRP) gingival tissue, whereas Substance P increased the secretion of IL-8 from periodontal ligament.

This study was performed to investigate the compatibility between 4 dentin adhesives and 4 resin luting cements.

Dentin adhesives used in this study were All-Bond 2 (Bisco Inc., Schaumbrug, IL, USA), Clearfil SE-Bond (Kuraray Medical Inc, Osaka, Japan), Prompt L-Pop (3M Dental Products, St. Paul, MN, USA), One-Up Bond F (Tokuyama corp., Tokyo, Japan). Resin luting cements used in this study were Choice (Bisco Inc., Schaumbrug, IL, USA), Panavia F (Kuraray Medical Inc, Osaka, Japan), RelyX ARC (3M Dental Products, St. Paul, MN, USA), Bistite II DC (Tokuyama corp., Tokyo, Japan). Combination of each dentin adhesive and corresponding resin cement was made to 16 experimental groups.

Flat dentin surfaces was created on mid-coronal dentin of extracted mandibular third molars, then dentin surface was polished with 320-grit silicon carbide abrasive papers.

Indirect resin composite block (Tescera, Bisco) was fabricated. Its surface for bonding to tooth was polished with silicon carbide abrasive papers. Each dentin adhesive was treated on tooth surface and resin composite overlay were luted with each resin cement. Each bonded specimen was poured in epoxy resin and sectioned occluso-gingivally into 1.0 mm thick slab, then further sectioned into 1.0 × 1.0 mm² composite-dentin beams. Microtensile bond strength was tested at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min. The data were analysed by one-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple comparison tests.

The results of this study were as follows;

2-step self-etching dentin adhesive which has additional bonding resin is more compatible than 1-step self-etching dentin adhesive.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dual bonding technique by comparing micro-shear bond strength between two different luting methods of resin cement to tooth dentin. Three dentin bonding systems(All-Bond 2, One-Step, Clearfil SE Bond), two temporary cements (Propac, Freegenol) were used in this study.

In groups used conventional luting procedure, dentin surfaces were left untreated. In groups used dual bonding technique, three dentin bonding systems were applied to each dentin surface. All specimens were covered with each temporary cement. The temporary cements were removed and each group was treated using one of three different dentin bonding system. A resin cement was applied to the glass cylinder surface and the cylinder was bonded to the dentin surface. Then, micro-shear bond strength test was performed. For the evaluation of the morphology at the resin/dentin interface, SEM examination was also performed.

Conventional luting procedure showed higher micro-shear bond strengths than dual boning technique. However, there were no significant differences.

Mechanical removals in decayed teeth have been performed using drill and sharp hand instruments. These methods have some disadvantages such as pain, local anesthesia and overextended cavities. Therefore chemo-mechanical excavation of dentin carious lesions has been introduced. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of traditional mechanical methods using burs and chemo-mechanical methods (Carisolv) of caries dentin.

Mechanical caries removal was carried with low speed round bur. Chemo-mechanical caries excavation was performed with Carisolv (Medi-team), using the Carisolv hand instruments. The mean time to remove caries with two different methods was evaluated and the data analyzed with SPSS software (ver 11.5) by t-test (p < 0.05). For histomorphometry of caries removal were also carried with mechanical or chemo-mechanical (Carisolv) methods from 20 extracted caries permanent molars. Complete caries removal was verified with a #23 sharp explorers, Caries Detector (Kuraray Co. Japan), and standard apical radiography.

1. Chemo-mechanical method was taken more times than mechanical method (1.5 fold) (p < 0.05).

2. Excavation for caries took more time for molar lesion than premolar lesion, and the least time was taken to remove the caries in incisor lesion (p < 0.05).

3. There were no significant differences to remove the caries between the maxilla and mandible (p > 0.05).

4. The remaining carious dentin was detected after the chemo-mechanical removal of the carious dentin, and no smear layer were seen after the mechanical and chemo-mechanical removal of the carious dentin.

The purpose of this study was to measure the flexural strength and hardness of four core materials in 4 different medias and to evaluate the relationship between the physical properties.

For the flexural strength, the specimens were prepared from each of the following materials: Bisfil Core, Core Max, Fuji IX GP, Miracle Mix and randomly divided into four groups and stored at 37 degree C in the following medias: distilled water for 24 hours (DW/1), distilled water for 30 days (DW/30). 2% NaF for 30 days (NF/30), 0.02N lactic acid for 30 days (LA/30). After storage, the specimens were subjected to flexural strength testing and calculated to flexural modulus.

For hardness testing, specimens were prepared from four materials and storaged in the uniform way. After storage, the specimens were subjected to Vicker's hardness testing.

1. The flexural strength of Core Max were the highest, and the flexural strength of Miracle Mix were the lowest.

2. The hardness of Bisfil Core were the highest.

3. The hardness of Core Max were the highest.

4. The hardness of Miracle Mix were the lowest.

5. 2% NaF and 0.02N lactic acid negatively affected the flexural strength and hardness of four core materials.

This study was performed to observe the antibacterial effect of polyphosphate (polyP) with various chain lengths (P3~P75) on virulent, invasive strains of P. gingivalis A7A1-28 and W50, and multidrug resistant E. faecalis ATCC29212. P. gingivalis strains were grown in brain-heart infusion broth (BHI) containing hemin and vitamin K with or without polyP. PolyP was added at the very beginning of the culture or during the exponential growth phase of the culture. Inhibition of the growth of P. gingivalis was determined by measuring the absorbancy at 540nm of the grown cells. Viable cell counts of the culture and release of intracellular nucleotide from P. gingivalis were measured. E. faecalis was grown in plain BHI with antibiotics alone or in combination with polyP(calgon; 0.1~1.0%) and the bacterial absorbancy was measured.

The overall results suggest that polyP has a strong antibacterial effect on the growth of the virulent strains of P. gingivalis and the antibacterial activity of polyP seems largely bactericidal, accompanying bacteriolysis in which chelation phenomenon is not involved. Although polyP does not exert antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, it appears to increase antibacterial effect of erythromycin and tetracycline on the bacterium. Therefore, polyP alone or in combination with antibiotics may be developed as a candidate for the agent controlling oral infections including endodontic infection.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sealing effect of several root-end filling materials using spectrophotometric analysis. 180 single root teeth with one canal were instrumented and canal filled. Root resected and root end preparation was made. Teeth were randomly classified to 5 experimental group(MTA, EBA, IRM, TCP, ZOE) and 1 control group according to root-end filling material MTA group used PRO ROOT MTA, EBA group used Super EBA, TCP group used NEW APATITE LINER TYPE II main component of which is α-tricalcium phosphate(TCP). According to manufacture's instruction experimental material was mixed and retrfilled. After 2% methylene blue solution penetration absorbance for each test sample was measured with spectrophotometer (JASCO UV-530, Japan).

The mean absorbance of control and experimental group was as follows;

MTA : 0.092, IRM : 0.226, Super EBA : 0.255, ZOE : 0.374, Control : 0.425, TCP : 0.501 and the result analyzed by Turkey test at P=0.05 level.

Conclusions of this study are as follows;

The absorbance increase in follwing sequence MTA, IRM, Super EBA, ZOE, Control, TCP.

The objectiveness of this study was to evaluate whether low-viscosity composite can bond effectively to dentin surface without bonding resin. The low-viscosity composites being 50wt% filler content were made by the inclusion of bonding resin of two self-etching systems(Clearfil SE Bond, Unifil Bond) varied with contents as 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50wt%.

Exposed dentin surfaces of extracted 3rd molars are used. Dentin bond strengths were measured. The tests were carried out with a micro-shear device placed testing machine at a CHS of 1mm/min after a low-viscosity composite was filled into an iris cut from micro tygon tubing with internal diameter approximately 0.8mm and height of 1.0mm.

Flexural strength and modulus was increased with the addition of bonding resin.

Low viscosity composite including some functional monomer may be used as dentin bonding resin without an intermediary bonding agent. It makes a simplified bonding procedure and foresees the possibility of self-adhesive restorative material.

The purpose of this study is to identificate root canal system including ideal access placement, root curvature, canal configuration, incidence of isthmus in mandibular incisors for success of endodontic treatment.

200 mandibular incisors were selected. The ideal access placement was determimed as follows. The teeth were radiographed from mesiodistal and buccolingual views using intraoral dental film. The image was divided into coronal, middle and apical third using the proximal film. Straight line access was determined by measuring the faciolingual canal width and placing points at midway point between the buccal and lingual wall at the junction of the middle and apical third and at the juntion of coronal and middle third of the root canal. A line was drawn connecting these two points extending through the crown of the tooth. The point at which the line crossed the external crown surface was recorded as facial, incisal, lingual. Degree of root curvature was determined by Schneider Protractor Method. Both section method and clearing method were used in this study. By section method, 100 mandibular incisors were embedded in clear resin and transeverse serial sectioned at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0mm level from root apex. The resected surfaces were stained by methylene blue and examined under ×40 magnification with a stereomicroscope. By clearing method, 100 mandibular incisors were cleared in methysalicylate after decalcification with 10% nitric acid and evaluated under ×18 magnification with a stereomicroscope.

The results were as follows ;

1. 29% had the center of the plotted straight-line access facial to incisal edge, whereas 71% had straight-line access at the incisal edge. When incisal wear classified as extensive, the straight-line access was plotted on the incisal edge 95.5%. When incisal wear classified as slight/none, the straight-line access was plotted on the facial 65.9%.

2. Degree of curvature of main canal was straight or almost straight, and only 10% in buccolingual direction had a degree of curvature greater than 20 degrees and 5.5% in mesiodistal direction had.

3. In section method, canal configuration analysis showed that 51% of the specimen classified as type I, 27% as type II, 12% as type III, 10% as type IV. For thoses setions with two canals, the incidence of an isthmus was 26.7%, 64.3%, 79.2%, 96.3%, 97.4%, 97.6% at each level and highest in 3~5mm sections.

4. In clearing method, canal configuration analysis showed that 74% of the specimen classified as type I, 11% as type II, 6% as type III, 9% as type IV.

These results suggested that traditional access from lingual should be moved as far toward the incisal as possible to locate and debride the lingual canal and root canal system should be cleaned, shaped completely and obturated three dimensionally for successful endodontic treatment.

Current composites are made with dimethacrylate monomers and silane-treated silica microfillers, either alone or with silane treated glass fillers. The main reasons for clinical failure of dental composites are secondary caries, wear and fracture. Most of practitioner want to get a composite which is more tougher under occlusal stress, less polymerization contraction, and better handling properties in application clinically. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of resin matrix with various flows on the physical properties such as fracture toughness and degree of conversion of the experimental resins. It was hypothesized that flexible or tough resin composites can be designed by judicious choice of monomer composition.

Various flow resin matrices containing Bis-GMA, UDMA, and TEG-DMA were made by altering the proportion of the monomers. After the unfilled resins were light-cured for different light intensity, the fracture toughness(K_1c) was measured according to ASTM standard using the single edge notched geometry, and degree of conversion(DC) was measured by FTIR. And experimental composites were formulated with variations in the proportion of silanated quartz and strontium glass fillers as 60, 75, and 77wt%. Also, the physical properties of composites with various filler contents were evaluated as same manner. All resulting data were compared by ANOVA/Tukeys test at 0.05 level.

The results were as follows;

1. The degree of conversion of high flow resin containing less Bis-GMA was higher than that of low flow unfilled resin.

2. While the degree of conversion of unfilled resin was increased according to light intensity for polymerization, there was no significant increase with moderate and high light intensity. Also, the fracture toughness was not increased by high light intensity.

3. The fracture toughness was high in the low flow unfilled resin containing higher contents of Bis-GMA.

4. There was a significant increase for fracture toughness and a tendency for degree of conversion to be reduced when the content of fillers was increased.

5. In the experimental composites, the flow of resin matrix did not affected on the fracture toughness, even, which was decreased as increase of viscosity.

These results showed that the physical properties of a dental composite could be attributed to the flow of resin matrix with relative content of monomers. Specific combination of resin monomers should be designed to fulfil the needs of specific indication for use.