The aim of this study was to develop a method for measuring the slumping resistance of flowable resin composites and to evaluate the efficacy using rheological methodology.

Five commercial flowable composites (Aelitefil flow:AF, Filtek flow:FF, DenFil flow:DF, Tetric flow:TF and Revolution:RV) were used. Same volume of composites in a syringe was extruded on a glass slide using a custom-made loading device. The resin composites were allowed to slump for 10 seconds at 25℃ and light cured. The aspect ratio (height/diameter) of cone or dome shaped specimen was measured for estimating the slumping tendency of composites. The complex viscosity of each composite was measured by a dynamic oscillatory shear test as a function of angular frequency using a rheometer. To compare the slumping tendency of composites, one way-ANOVA and Turkey's post hoc test was performed for the aspect ratio at 95% confidence level. Regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the complex viscosity and the aspect ratio. The results were as follows.

1. Slumping tendency based on the aspect ratio varied among the five materials (AF < FF < DF < TF < RV).

2. Flowable composites exhibited pseudoplasticity in which the complex viscosity decreased with increasing frequency (shear rate). AF was the most significant, RV the least.

3. The slumping tendency was strongly related with the complex viscosity. Slumping resistance increased with increasing the complex viscosity.

The slumping tendency could be quantified by measuring the aspect ratio of slumped flowable composites. This method may be applicable to evaluate the clinical handling characteristics of flowable composites.

This study was aimed to develop an instrument for real-time measurement of fluid conductance and to investigate the hydrodynamics of dentinal fluid. The instrument consisted of three parts; (1) a glass capillary and a photo sensor for detection of fluid movement, (2) a servo-motor, a lead screw and a ball nut for tracking of fluid movement, (3) a rotary encoder and software for data processing.

To observe the blocking effect of dentinal fluid movement, oxalate gel and self-etch adhesive agent were used. BisBlock (Bisco) and Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray) were applied to the occlusal dentin surface of extracted human teeth. Using this new device, the fluid movement was measured and compared between before and after each agent was applied.

The instrument was able to measure dentinal fluid movement with a high resolution (0.196 nL) and the flow occurred with a rate of 0.84 to 15.2 nL/s before treatment. After BisBlock or Clearfil SE Bond was used, the fluid movement was decreased by 39.8 to 89.6%.

The treatment of esthetic areas with single-tooth implants represents a new challenge for the clinician. In 1993, a modification of the forced eruption technique, called "orthodontic extrusive remodelling," was proposed as a way to augment both soft- and hard-tissue profiles at potential implant sites. This case report describes augmentation of the coronal soft and hard tissues around a fractured maxillary lateral incisor associated with alveolar bone loss, which was achieved by forced orthodontic extrusion before implant placement. Through these procedures we could reconstruct esthetics and function in a hopeless tooth diagnosed with subgingival root fracture by trauma.