In order to examine the immunoresponse of host cells to Enterococcus faecalis, this in vitro study monitored the production of Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in human lymphocytes. Lymphocytes were activated with PHA in the presence or abscence of sonicated extracts of E. Faecalis (SEF) and further incubated for 72 hours. The level of each cytokine was measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test (P < 0.05). PHA-activated group did exhibit higher level of IL-2 and IL-4 than untreated control group. The levels of expression of both cytokines were significantly decreased following the treatment of high (25 µg/ml) and medium concentration (12.5 µg/ml) of SEF (P <0 .05) than those of PHA activated group. But low concentration (5 µg/ml) of SEF showed the similar level of IL-2 and IL-4 production as those of PHA activated group. TGF-β1 was unaffected by SEF treatment. These results suggested that E. faecalis may suppress IL-2 and IL-4 production by lymphocytes and this could be one of possible factors why E. faecalis are found frequently in the teeth with failed endodontic treatment.

The purpose of this study was to compare the sealing ability of root canal obturation with or without the use of dentin adhesive system. Forty extracted human teeth with one canal were selected and decoronated. The teeth were divided into two Groups. The obturation procedure of Group 1 was the same as that of Group 2 with the exception of dentin adhesive system. Group 2 were obturated with dentin adhesive system, AH-26, and gutta-percha.

After obturation, the teeth were immersed in methylene blue solution for 84 hours. The teeth were sectioned horizontally at 1.5 mm (Level 1), 2.0 mm (Level 2), 2.5 mm (Level 3) from the root apex using a low speed microtome. Distance of dye-penetrated surface and total dentinal surface were measured using SigmaScan Pro 5.0, and the ratio of dye-penetrated distance to the total dentinal distance was analyzed statistically by Mann-Whitney U-test.

In both groups, the mean leakage ratio was decreased cervically.

The purpose of present study was to compare the speed of coronal leakage before and after post space preparation using Streptococcus mutans.

Forty straight extracted human teeth were selected. The crowns were removed to a uniform remaining root length 14 mm. Canals were enlarged by 06 taper Profiles® to a size #40 as a master apical file. And these were filled with gutta percha point and Tubuliseal® sealer, using continuous wave technique. Groupings are as follows.

Group 1 - These teeth were obturated without sealer.

Group 2 - These teeth were obturated and covered the surface of the root completely with sticky wax.

Group 3 - These teeth were obturated.

Group 4 - These teeth were obturated and prepared for post space remaining 5 mm of gutta percha.

The teeth were suspended in plastic tubes. The upper chamber received the bacterial suspension everyday to simulate clinical situation. The lower chamber consisted of BHI added Andrade's indicator.

All roots in the positive control group (Group 1) turned yellow within 24 h and those of negative control group (Group 2) remained red throughout the experimental period (70 days). The samples of group 3 were contaminated within an average of 27.2 days. The samples of group 4 were contaminated within an average of 15.7 days, ranging from 9 to 22 days.

There was significant difference between group 3 and group 4 statistically (p < 0.05).

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of surface sealing materials on microleakage and surface roughness in Class V composite restorations.

Twenty five standardized Class V cavity preparations were made on the facial surface of human premolars and were randomly assigned to 5 groups. The teeth were restored with Z-250 after applying Single Bond. Following 7 days storage in distilled water at 37℃, the restorations were sealed as following systems : No sealing ; Single Bond Adhesive ; Biscover ; Fortify ; Optiguard. Then, toothbrush abrasion test was conducted using a wear testing machine.

Surface roughness was measured by means of profilometer before and after toothbrushing and the results were statistically analysed by using a paired t-test and ANOVA. The bonded interfaces and the changes of surface roughness were examined by SEM.

For microleakage test, specimens were stained in a 2% methylene blue solution, then longitudinally sectioned and analyzed for leakage at occlusal and cervical interfaces using stereomicroscope. The results were statistically analysed by using a Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test.

Surface roughness was increasing in all groups after toothbrushing, but no statistically significant differences. In SEM observation, surface sealant was partially retained and partially detached in bonded interfaces. Especially, microgap was identified in cervical margins. In microleakage test, there was better seal in the enamel region and a significant difference between groups at occlusal margin. Control group and Single Bond group had significantly better marginal seal at enamel margin than cervical margin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sealer placement in simulated root canal extensions. Forty resin blocks were attained from the Endo-training Bloc. In each block, the simulated root canal was made with #20, 08taper GT file. After each block was longitudinally split into two halves, a standardized groove was prepared on one canal wall of two halves to simulate the canal extensions with various irregularities. The two halves of each block were assembled and all simulated root canals were obturated by single cone method with AH26 sealer. Four different methods of sealer placement were used: group A, #20 K-file; group B, ultrasonic file; group C, lentulo spiral; group D, EZ-Fill bi-directional spiral. All obturated blocks were stored in 100% humidity at 37℃ for 1 week. Using a low speed saw, each block was sectioned horizontally. Images of the sections were taken using a stereomicroscope at × 30 magnification and a digital camera. The amount of the sealer in the groove was evaluated using a scoring system, a higher score indicated better sealing effectiveness. The data was statistically analysed by Fisher's Exact Test.

The sealing score was the lowest, specially at the middle area of canal extensions in group A, and that was statistically significant difference from other groups. In conclusion, the ultrasonic file, lentulo spiral and EZ-Fill bi-directional spiral were effective methods of sealer placement in simulated canal extensions. The K file was the least effective method, specially at the middle area of canal extensions.

The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the shaping ability of the three different Ni-Ti file systems used by undergraduate students.

Fifty undergraduate students prepared 150 simulated curved root canals in resin blocks with three Ni-Ti file systems - ProFile® (PF), Manual ProTaper® (MPT), Rotary ProTape® (RPT). Every student prepared 3 simulated root canals with each system respectively. After root canal preparation, the Ni-Ti files were evaluated for distortion or breakage. Assessments were made according to the presence of various types of canal aberrations. The pre- and post-instrumented canal images were attained and superimposed. The instrumented root canal width were measured and calculated for the net transportation (deviation) and the centering ratio.

Under the condition of this study, both ProTaper® systems allowed significantly more removal of root canal wall than the ProFile® system. In the important other aspects such as the centering ratio, there was no significant differences between the systems. Novice dental students were able to prepare curved root canals with any kinds of Ni-Ti file systems with little aberration and great conservation of tooth structure. Students want to learn effective methods and at the same time simple rotary procedures. The rotary ProTaper® systems were one of the most compatible to these students from the point of view of cutting ability. The ProFile® system was also compatible in safe and gentle shaping.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of multiple application of all-in-one dentin adhesive system on microtensile bond strength to caries-affected dentin.

Twenty one extracted human molars with occlusal caries extending into mid-dentin were prepared by grinding the occlusal surface flat. The carious lesions were excavated with the aid of caries detector dye. The following adhesives were applied to caries-affected dentin according to manufacturer's directions; Scotchbond™ Multi-Purpose in SM group, Adper Prompt L-Pop™ 1 coat in LP1 group, 2 coats in LP2 group, 3 coats in LP3 group, Xeno® III 1 coat in XN1 group, 2 coats in XN2 group, and 3 coats in XN3 group. After application of the adhesives, a cylinder of resin-based composite was built up on the occlusal surface. Each tooth was sectioned vertically to obtain the 1 × 1 mm² sticks. The microtensile bond strength was determined. Each specimen was observed under SEM to examine the failure mode. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA.

The results of this study were as follows;

1. The microtensile bond strength values were; SM (14.38 ± 2.01 MPa), LP1 (9.15 ± 1.81 MPa), LP2 (14.08 ± 1.75 MPa), LP3 (14.06 ± 1.45 MPa), XN1 (13.65 ± 1.95 MPa), XN2 (13.98 ± 1.60 MPa), XN3 (13.88 ± 1.66 MPa). LP1 was significantly lower than the other groups in bond strength (p < 0.05). All groups except LP1 were not significantly different in bond strength (p > 0.05).

2. In LP1, there were a higher number of specimens showing adhesive failure. Most specimens of all groups except LP1 showed mixed failure.

The purpose of this study was to compare the shaping ability of the three ProTaper® instrumentation techniques in simulated canals.

Thirty resin blocks were divided into 3 groups with 10 canals each. Each group was instrumented with manual ProTaper® (Group M), rotary ProTaper® (Group R), and hybrid technique (Group H). Canal preparation time was recorded. The images of pre- and post-instrumented root canals were scanned and superimposed. The amounts of canal deviation, total canal width, inner canal width, outer canal width and centering ratio were measured at apical 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 mm levels.

1. Canal preparation time was the shortest in R group (p < 0.05).

2. The amounts of total canal width in R group was generally larger than the other groups, but no significant differences were observed except at the 1, 3 mm levels (p > 0.05).

3. The amounts of inner canal width in R group was larger than M group at the 1 mm level and H group was larger than R group at the 6 mm level (p < 0.05). The amounts of outer canal width in R group was larger than H group only at the 1 mm level (p < 0.05).

4. The direction of canal deviation in H, R group at the 1, 2, 3 mm levels was outward and that in M group at the 1, 2 mm levels was inward. The amounts of canal deviation in H group was larger than R group at the 6 mm level (p < 0.05).

5. The amounts of centering ratio in H group was larger than R group at the 6 mm level (p < 0.05).

Periapical cemental dysplasia(PCD) is a condition most commonly seen in the mandibular incisor region. Radiographically it passes through the three phases(osteolytic stage, intermediate stage, and mature stage). At osteolytic stage, the lesion is similar to features associated with granuloma or cyst that arise following pulpal necrosis. So, it is important to confirm the vitality of the pulp to diagnosis.

In this case, it is difficult to confirm the vitality of involved tooth because the tooth was covered with PFG bridge. And it is unusual that the PCD lesion at mandibular incisors has occurred at first and the lesion of mandibular canine and mandibular premolar were occurred afterward.