Proximal caries or coronal defect in posterior teeth may result in the loss of proximal space and drifting of neighboring teeth, which makes restoration difficult. Inability to restore proper contours and to align tooth axis properly are commonly encountered problems when planning tooth restoration. Moreover, tilted teeth aggravate periodontal tissue breakdown, such as pseudo-pocket, and angular osseous defect. The purpose of this case presentation is to describe a simple technique for inducing minor tooth movement with orthodontic separating ring and provisional restoration modification. This method was used to create crown placement space on mesially tilted molar. This method is easy, simple and efficient technique which could be used in interproximal space gaining in selected situation.

The purpose of this study was to compare radiopacity and radiographic discriminability of various FRC-Posts.

Six FRC-Posts were investigated ; 1) FRC Postec Plus (Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein), 2) Snowlight (Carbotech, Lewis center, OH, USA), 3) Dentin Post (Komet Brasseler, Lamgo, Germany), 4) Rely-X Fiber Post (3M ESPE, St.paul, MN, USA), 5) D.T.-Light Post (BISCO, Schaumburg, IL,USA), 6) Luxapost (DMG, Hamburg, Germany)

The radiographs of each post with a reference 1 mm / 2 mm aluminum step-wedge was taken using digital sensor. The optical density were calculated by gray value of 10 × 10 pixel and compared in mm Al equivalent at five points.

Six maxillary incisors of similar radiopacity were used. Radiographs of posts in Mx. incisors of lingual side of dry mandible were taken.

We showed radiographs and asked the questionnaire to 3 radiologists, 3 endodontists, 3 general practitioners. The questionnaire was comprised of choices of the highest, lowest radiopaque individual post and the choices of best discriminable post at apical, coronal area.

The following results were obtained.

Each post system showed various radiopacity.

Although each post showed various radiopacity, the difference of radiopacity did not affect on discriminability.

This study evaluated the influence of the type of restoration and the amount of interdental spacing on the stress distribution in maxillary central incisors restored by means of porcelain laminate veneers and direct composite resin restorations.

Three-dimensional finite element models were fabricated to represent different types of restorations. Four clinical situations were considered. Type I, closing diastema using composite resin. Labial border of composite resin was extended just enough to cover the interdental space; Type II, closing diastema using composite resin without reduction of labial surface. Labial border of composite resin was extended distally to cover the half of the total labial surface; Type III, closing diastema using composite resin with reduction of labial surface. Labial border of the preparation and restored composite resin was extended distally two-thirds of the total labial surface; Type IV, closing diastema using porcelain laminate veneer with a feathered-edge preparation technique. Four different interdental spaces (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 mm) were applied for each type of restorations.

For all types of restoration, adding the width of free extension of the porcelain laminate veneer and composite resin increased the stress occurred at the bonding layer. The maximum stress values observed at the bonding layer of Type IV were higher than that of Type I, II and III. However, the increasing rate of maximum stress value of Type IV was lower than that of Type I, II and III.

This study examined the influence of the storage methods on the viability of oral epithelial cells using conventional cell freezing storage, slow freezing preservation, rapid freezing preservation, and slow freezing preservation with a pressure of 2 Mpa or 3 Mpa. The cell viability was evaluated by cell counting, WST-1 and the clonogenic capacity after 6 days of freezing storage. After 6 days, the frozen cells were thawed rapidly, and the cell counting, WST-1, and clonogenic capacity values were measured and compared.

The results from cell counting demonstrated that conventional cryopreservation, slow freezing under a 2 Mpa pressure and slow freezing under a 3 Mpa pressure showed significantly higher values than slow freezing preservation and rapid freezing preservation (p<0.05).

This study was performed to assess the radiopacity of a variety of root canal sealers according to the specification concerning root canal sealers.

Ten materials including Tubli-Seal™, Kerr Pulp Canal Sealer™, AH 26®, AH plus®, AH plus jet™, Ad sea l™, Sealapex™, NOGENOL™, ZOB seal™, Epiphany™ and dentin were evaluated in this study. In the first part, densitometric reading of an each step of aluminum step wedge on occlusal film was performed at different voltage and exposure time. In the second part, ten specimens were radiographed simultaneously with an aluminum step wedges on the occlusal films under decided condition. The mean radiographic den sity values of the materials were transformed into radiopacity expressed equivalent thickness of aluminum (mm Al).

The following results were obtained.

1. Among the various conditions, the appropriate voltage and exposure time that meet the requirement density was 60 kVp at 0.2 s

2. All of the materials had greater radiopacity than 3 mm Al requirement of ANSI/ADA specification No. 57 (2000) and ISO No. 6876 (2001) standards.

3. The radiopacity of materials increased as thickness of materials increased.

4. The mm Al value of each specimen at 1mm in thickness has a significant difference in the statistics.

It suggests that root canal sealers have a sufficient radiopacity that meet the requirement.

The objective of this study was to compare dentin shear bond strength (DSBS) of dentin bonding agents (DBAs) cured with a plasma arc (PAC) light curing unit (LCU) and those cured with a light emitting diode (LED) LCU. Optical properties were also analyzed for Elipar freelight 2 (3M ESPE); LED LCU, Apollo 95E (DMT Systems); PAC LCU and VIP Junior (Bisco); Halogen LCU. The DBAs used for DSBS test were Scotchbond Multipurpose (3M ESPE), Singlebond 2 (3M ESPE) and Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray). After DSBS testing, fractured specimens were analyzed for failure modes with SEM.

The total irradiance and irradiance between 450 nm and 490 nm of the LCUs were different. LED LCU showed narrow spectral distribution around its peak at 462 nm whereas PAC and Halogen LCU showed a broad spectrum. There were no significant differences in mean shear bond strength among different LCUs (P > 0.05) but were significant differences among different DBAs (P < 0.001)

This study was performed to assess the radiopacity of a variety of canal filling and retrograde root-end filling materials according to the specification concerning root canal obturation materials.

Ten materials including Gutta-percha pellets, amalgam, Fuji II LC, Dyract® AP, Super EBA®, IRM®, AH 26®, Sealapex™, Tubli-Seal™ and dentin were evaluated in this study. In the first part, densitometric reading of an each step of aluminum step wedge on occlusal film were performed at 60 kVp (0.2, 0.3, 0.4 s), 70 kVp (0.2, 0.3, 0.33 s) to decide appropriate voltage and exposure time. In the second part, ten specimens which are 5 mm in diameter and 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 mm in thickness, were fabricated from each material studied. The specimens were radiographed simultaneously with an aluminum step wedge under decided condition (60 kVp, 0.2 s). The mean radiographic density values of the materials were transformed into radiopacity expressed equivalent thickness of aluminum (mm Al).

The following results were obtained.

Among the various conditions including 0.2 s, 0.3 s, 0.4 s at 60 kVp and 0.2 s, 0.3 s, 0.33 s at 70 kVp, the appropriate voltage and exposure time that meet the requirement of density from 0.5 to 2.0 was 0.2 s at 60 kVp.

It suggests that all experimental canal filling and retrograde root-end filling materials have a sufficient radiopacity that meet the requirement concerning root canal obturation materials except for Fuji II LC and Dyract.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity and cytotoxicity of three resin-based (AH 26, EZ fill and AD Seal), a zinc oxide-eugenol-based (ZOB Seal), and a calcium hydroxide-based (Sealapex) root canal sealers. Specimens, 10 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness, were radiographed simultaneously with an aluminum step wedge using occlusal films, according to ISO 6876/2001 standards. Radiographs were digitized, and the radiopacity of sealers was compared to the different thicknesses of the aluminum step wedge, using the Scion image software. Using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the cytotoxicity of each material was determined in immortalized human periodontal ligament (IPDL) cells.

The results demonstrated that EZ fill was the most radiopaque sealer, while Sealapex was the least radiopaque (p < 0.05). AH 26, AD Seal and ZOB Seal presented intermediate radiopacity values. All the materials evaluated, except for Sealapex, presented the minimum radiopacity required by ISO standards. The cell viabilities of resin-based root canal sealers were statistically higher than that of other type of root canal sealers through the all experimental time. Further, EZ fill showed statistically lower cell viability in 24 and 48 hours compared to AD Seal and in 72 hours compared to all other resin-based root canal sealers. However, there was no correlation between the radiopacity and cytotoxicity of three resin-based root canals sealers (p > 0.05).

These results indicate that resin-based root canal sealer is more biocompatible and has advantage in terms of radiopacity.

The purpose of this study was to assess the background color-interceptive ability and opacity of opaque shade composites (Universal composite, Filtek Z350, Charisma, Clearfil ST, Palpaque Estelite, Esthet-X, and Metafil Flo).

Twenty four background specimens (diameter 5.5 mm, thickness 3.0 mm) with Root dentin Mustard (Bisco, Schaumburg, IL, USA) were made. The CIE L^*a^*b^* value of background specimens was measured by a spectrophotometer (Spectrolino, GretagMacbeth, Regensdorf, Switzerland). Three specimens in every group were filled on the background specimens. The surface color of samples was measured by a spectrophotometer in 3.0 mm and every thickness to 0.5 mm while grinding. The color difference in the background color along with 3.0 mm specimen gauged the masking effect in each thickness while grinding and polishing. The opacity was calculated in 1 mm thick specimens.

The opacity was in the decreasing order of Clearfil ST, Metafil Flo, Filtek Z350, Palpaque Estelite, Universal composite, Charisma, and Esthet-X (p < 0.05). As the thickness get reduced, L^* value showed decreasing, a^* increasing tendency. The surface color difference between pair of the 3.0 mm thick specimen and after grinding in same opaque resin was above 3.3 except Clearfil ST and Metafil Flo. The color difference (ΔE^*) between pair of background specimen and opaque resin builtup specimen showed more than 10.0 regardless kinds and thickness.

The variance in opacity characteristics and color of the opaque composites is dependent upon manufacturer. When using the opaque resin, the optical properties of each material must be considered as well as cavity.

The purpose of this study is to develope new dental color-space system. Twelve kinds of dental composites and one kind of dental porcelain were used in this study. Disk samples (15 mm in diameter, 4 mm in thickness) of used materials were made and sample's CIE L^*a^*b^* value was measured by Spectrocolorimeter (MiniScan XE plus, Model 4000S, diffuse/8° viewing mode, 14.3 mm Port diameters, Hunter Lab. USA). The range of measured color distribution was analyzed. All the data were applied in the form of T### which is expression unit in CNU Cons Dental Color Chart.

The value of L^* lies between 80.40 and 52.70. The value of a^* are between 10.60 and 3.60 and b^* are between 28.40 and 2.21. The average value of L^* is 67.40, and median value is 67.30. The value of a^* are 2.89 and 2.91 respectively. And for the b^*, 14.30 and 13.90 were obtained. The data were converted to T### that is the unit count system in CNU-Cons Dental Color Chart. The value of L^* is converted in the first digit of the numbering system. Each unit is 2.0 measured values. The second digit is the value of a^* and is converted new number by 1.0 measured value. For the third digit b^* is replaced and it is 2.0 measured unit apart. T555 was set to the value of L^* ranging from 66.0 to 68.0, value of a^* ranging from 3 to 4 and b^* value ranging from 14 to 16.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of surface roughness on the surface color and translucency of the composite resins.

Two composite resins (Esthet-X, Dentsply, Milford, USA and Charisma, Kulzer, Domagen, Germany) were used to investigate the surface color. Charisma was used to investigate the translucency. 40 disc samples (diameter: 8 mm, thickness: 5 mm) were made by each product to measure the surface color. Polymerized each sample's one side was treated by Sof-Lex finishing and polishing system (Group C, M, F, SF). 40 disc samples (diameter: 6 mm, thickness: 1 mm) were prepared to measure the opacity. 1 mm samples were ground one side with #600, #1000, #1500 and #2000 sandpapers. CIE L*a*b* values of each 5 mm thickness samples, and XYZ values of 1 mm thickness samples on the white and black background were measured with spectrophotometer (Spectrolino, GretagMacbeth, Regensdorf, Switzerland).

Mean surface roughness (Ra) of all samples before and after surface treatment was measured using the Surface Roughness Tester SJ-301 (Mytutoyo, Tokyo, Japan).

Regardless of type and shade of the composite resin, L* values measured in group C were higher than others (p < 0.05), and L* value decreased as the Ra value decreased except B3 shade of Esthet-X. But there were no significant difference in a* values among groups. In control group and SF, highest b* values were measured (p < 0.05), except B1 shade of Esthet-X.

Contrast ratio decreased as the Ra value decreased (p < 0.05).

With the above results, difference of surface roughness has influence on surface color and translucency of dental composite resins.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the obturation efficiency of a non-standardized gutta-percha cone in curved root canals prepared with 0.06 taper nickel-titanium instruments.

Sixty simulated curved root canals in clear resin blocks were prepared with crown-down technique using 0.06 taper rotary ProTaper™ and ProFile (Dentsply-Maillefer) until apical canal was size 30. Root canals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 15 blocks and obturated with cold-laterally compacted gutta-percha technique by using either a non-standardized size medium gutta-percha cone or an ISO-standardized size 30 one as a master cone. Gutta-percha area ratio were calculated at apical levels of 1, 3, and 5 mm using AutoCAD 2000 after cross-sectioning, and the data were analyzed with one-way and two-way ANOVAs and Duncan's multiple range test.

Non-standardized size medium cone groups showed significantly higher gutta-percha area ratio than standardized cone groups at all apical levels (p < 0.01).

Non-standardized cone groups used significantly less accessory cones than standardized cone groups (p < 0.01).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of plugger penetration depth on the apical extrusion of root canal sealer during root canal obturation with Continuous Wave of Condensation Technique.

Root canals of forty extracted human teeth were divided into four groups and were prepared up to size 40 of 0.06 taper with ProFile. After drying, canals of three groups were filled with Continuous Wave of Condensation Technique with System B™ and different plugger penetration depths of 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apex. Canals of one group were filled with cold lateral compaction technique as a control. Canals were filled with non-standardized master gutta-percha cones and 0.02 mL of Sealapex. Apical extruded sealer was collected in a container and weighed. Data was analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. 3 and 5 mm penetration depth groups in Continuous Wave of Condensation Technique showed significantly more extrusion of root canal sealer than 7 mm penetration depth group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between 7 mm depth group in Continuous Wave of Condensation Technique and cold lateral compaction group (p < 0.05).

The result of this study demonstrates that deeper plugger penetration depth causes more extrusion of root canal sealer in root canal obturation by Continuous Wave of Condensation Technique. Therefore, special caution is needed when plugger penetration is deeper in the canal in Continuous Wave of Condensation Technique to minimize the amount of sealer extrusion beyond apex.

The purpose of present study was to evaluate the polymerization shrinkage stress and amount of linear shrinkage of composites and compomers for posterior restoration.

For this purpose, linear polymerization shrinkage and polymerization stress were measured.

For linear polymerization shrinklage and polymerization stress measurement, custom made Linometer (R&B, Daejon, Korea) and Stress measuring machine was used (R&B, Daejon, Korea). Compositers and compomers were evaluated; Dyract AP (Dentsply Detrey, Gumbh. German) Z100 (3M Dental Products, St. Paul, USA) Surefil (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, USA) Pyramid(Bisco, Schaumburg, USA) Synergy Compact (Coltene, Altstatten, Switzerland), Heliomolar (Vivadent/Ivoclar, Liechtenstein), and Compoglass (Vivadent Ivoclar/Liechtenstein) were used. 15 measurements were made for each material. Linear polymerization shrinkage or polymerization stress for each material was compared with one way ANOVA with Tukey at 95% levels of confidence.

For linear shrinkage; Heliomolar, Surefil<Synergy Compact, Z100<Dyract AP<Pyramid, Compoglass F (p<0.05)

For Shrinkage stress; Heliomolar<Z100, Pyramid<Synergy Compact, Compoglass F<Dyract AP<Heliomolar HB, Surefil (p<0.05)

The use of flowable composite resins as liners in class II packable composite restoration has been suggested by some manufacturers. However, the contributions of this technique are unproven. The purpose of this study was to compare the gingival microleakage in class II packable composite restorations with or without the use of flowable composite resins as liners.

Slot cavities were prepared on both proximals of 80 extracted human molars and randomly assigned to 8 groups of 20 each. The gingival margins were located at 1mm above CEJ in 80 cavities (group1-4) and 1mm below CEJ in 80 cavities (group5-8). The prepared teeth were mounted in the customized tray with adjacent teeth to simulate clinical conditions and metallic matrix band (Sectional matrix) and wooden wedges were applied. After acid etching and application of Single Bond, each group was restored with the following materials using incremental placement technique: Group 1,5 (Filtek P60), group 2, 3, 4 and group 6, 7, 8 (AeliteFlo, TetricFlow, Revolution/Filtek P60). All specimens were thermocycled 500 times between 5℃ and 55℃ with 1 mimute dwell time, immersed 2% methylene blue dye for 24 hours and then rinsed with tab water. The specimens were embedded in clear resin and sectioned longitudinally through the center of restoration with a low speed diamond saw. Dye penetration at gingival margin was viewed at 20 magnification and analyzed on a scale of 0 to 4. Kruscal-Wallis One way analysis and Mann-Whitney Rank sum test were used to analyze the results.

The results of this study were as follows.

1. The leakage values seen at the enamel margin were significantly lower than those seen at the dentin margin(P<0.05).

2. On the enamel margin, packable composite resins with flowable liners showed lower leakage than those without flowable liners, but there were no significant differences among the four groups(P>0.05).

3. On the dentin margin, four groups demonstrated moderate to severe leakage, and there were no significant differences in leakage values(P>0.05).