ESCA-Analysis of tin compounds on the surface of hydroxyapatite

The formation of tin compounds on the surface of hydroxyapatite, the main crystalline component of teeth, is discussed controversially. SnF2 is used as an anticaries agent in toothpaste preparations. Pure hydroxyapatite (HAP) is treated with extracts of commercially available toothpastes containing tin fluoride and analyzed by electron spectroscopy (ESCA). Survey spectra and depth profiles are recorded. The chemical shifts measured for the HAP samples are compared with those of standard tin compounds. It is concluded that on the surface of hydroxyapatite a mixture of two-valent fluoro-phosphato compounds is formed. SnO is not found in the mixture.

Multi-photon imaging of amine-functionalized silica nanoparticles.

A convenient and simple strategy for preparing water soluble, photoluminescent functionalized silica nanoparticles (M-dots) in the absence of fluorophores or metal doping is demonstrated. These M-dots can be used for bioimaging using one and two-photon microscopy. Because of their high photostability, low toxicity and high biocompatibility compared with Lumidot™ CdSe/ZnS quantum dots, functionalized silica particles are superior alternatives for current bioimaging platforms. Moreover, the presence of a free amine group at the surface of the M-dots allows biomolecule conjugation (e.g. with antibodies, proteins) in a single step for converting these photoluminescent SiO(2) nanoparticles into …

Konfokale Laser-Scanning-Mikroskopie (CLSM): Histotomographie veränderter Zahnhartgewebe bei pathologischer Mundhöhlenökologie

There is no consensus regarding the aetiology of radiation-induced caries. Lesion formation is assumed to originate either from direct radiogenic damage of the hard tissue or from the indirect effects correlated with radioxerostomia. A comparative study is presented of sound teeth (group 1), teeth with documented radiation caries (group 2), teeth after in situ radiation (group 3): 60 Gy, fractionated) and teeth after in vitro radiation (group 4: 500-2500 Gy). Radiations were carried out with a 60Co source. The dentoenamel junction was studied with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Axial sections of the teeth were used either fresh or embedded in Technovit (sawing-grinding technique…

Advanced Techniques of Micro-Analysis and Confocal Microscopy: Perspectives for Studying Chemical and Structural Changes at the Interface Between Restorative Materials and the Cavity Wall

Migration of trace amounts of elements and structural changes characterize the interface between immiscible substances. The contact zone among filling materials, saliva, and the cavity wall has the additional function of preventing the progress of leakage and subsequent caries. Difficulties in chemically and structurally analyzing the gradients of composition in an interface of microscopic dimensions characterize the experimental situation. The use of advanced techniques of instrumental micro-analysis and techniques of micro-visualization is our approach to the problem. With confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), effects of the components of the filling material on the structure of the…

Terminal end of the human odontoblast processes

Switching of Polymer Brushes

Polymer coatings of brushlike monolayers composed of two different polymers, polystyrene and poly(2-vinylpyridine), are grafted by radical polymerization on the surface of silicon wafers. Thickness, grafting density, molecular weight of grafted chains, and the composition of the coatings were regulated by grafting time, monomer concentration, and additional initiator in solution. A typical dry film thickness is between 10 and 100 nm, and the molecular weights of the components range from 100 to 300 kg/mol. The fabricated coatings turn out to be sensitive to the composition of the environment. For instance after exposition to toluene the layer becomes hydrophobic and the top of the layer is …

Fluoride-induced precipitates on enamel surface and subsurface areas visualised by electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy

The present study examined the enamel surface after in vitro topical treatments with a neutral 2% NaF solution. For minimising the risk of artefacts, samples were inspected without pre-treatment as fresh, naturally wet specimens by complementary techniques: variable pressure electron microscopy (VP-SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). VP-SEM provided information on the surface morphology, whereas CLSM allowed non-destructive visualisation of subsurface areas. Neutral NaF solutions induced globular precipitates on the enamel surfaces. If the globules formed may be described as "calcium fluoride like material", the additional information of this experiment is that, after intera…

Histotomography of the odontoblast processes at the dentine-enamel junction of permanent healthy human teeth in the confocal laser scanning microscope

The translucency of teeth allows the non-destructive subsurface visualisation of their microstructure by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) at a level of about 150 μm below the surface. The dentine–enamel junction (DEJ) is accessible only directly adjacent to the cervix of the tooth. Therefore teeth have to be sectioned for studying marginal areas of the dental hard tissue. The potential of the technique for (pseudo) three-dimensional visualisation allows the study of an array of individual confocal images, the interpretation of which is similar to that of macroscopic tomographs (CT-scan, MRI). Additionally, the extended focus mode yields the overlay of individual confocal images in …

In vitro evaluation of the biocompatibility of contaminated implant surfaces treated with an Er : YAG laser and an air powder system

Abstract: Titanium platelets with a sand-blasted and acid-etched surface were coated with bovine serum albumin and incubated with a suspension of Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC 33277). Four groups with a total of 48 specimens were formed. Laser irradiation of the specimens (n=12) was performed on a computer-controlled XY translation stage at pulse energy 60 mJ and frequency 10 pps. Twelve specimens were treated with an air powder system. After the respective treatment, human gingival fibroblasts were incubated on the specimens. The proliferation rate was determined by means of fluorescence activity of a redox indicator (Alamar Blue® Assay) which is reduced by metabolic activity related to c…

Long-term response of osteogenic cells on micron and submicron-scale-structured hydrophilic titanium surfaces: sequence of cell proliferation and cell differentiation

Objective: Modifications of surface topography and surface chemistry are key factors for guiding target cells during dental implant healing. Recent in vitro studies confirmed promotion of early osteogenic cell differentiation on submicron scaled surfaces in particular when hydrophilized. However, no long-term observations on both osteogenic cell proliferation as well as on cell maturation have been reported for respectively modified surfaces. Aim of this study was to monitor osteogenic cell proliferation and expression of specific osteogenic cell differentiation markers on a protein level over an extended period of 3 weeks with respect to surface modifications. Material and methods: Modifie…

Complexes of an anionic poly(p-phenylene) polyelectrolyte and dioctadecylammonium bromide at the air–water interface

Abstract By spreading dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide on a subphase containing rigid rod-like anionic poly( p -phenylene) sulfonate, a complex monolayer is formed in situ at the air–water interface. Complexation results in an increase of the area per amphiphile molecule compared to the amphiphile on pure water. The change in structural order upon complexation and subsequent compression of the monolayer can be demonstrated employing UV/Vis spectroscopy: A red-shift of the polymer absorption band upon compression and a subsequent partial reversion of this shift after monolayer collapse can be observed. The peak shift is discussed to be a result of the electronic interaction of the π -syst…

Strukturelle Veränderungen in säuregeätztem Schmelz im konfokalen Laser-Scanning-Mikroskop

The aim of the present investigation was to elucidate structural alternations in enamel subjected to acid etch technique and treatment under remineralizing conditions by means of a new microscopy technique known as confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Blocks of enamel were treated with 37% phosphoric acid and exposed for 3 weeks to an oral environment. Tomographic CLSM images were subsequently obtained and compared with controls. CLSM proved to be a reliable, highly reproducible and simple method of qualitative assessment of structural changes occurring on the surface of enamel and in areas below the surface as deep as 100 microns or more. Structural alterations associated with acid a…

Efficacy of NaOCl/H2O2irrigation and GaAlAs laser in decontamination of root canals in vitro

Background and Objectives To investigate the bactericidal effect of an 809 nm semiconductor laser alone, and in combination with NaOCl/H2O2 irrigation in root canals in vitro. Study Design/Materials and Methods A total of 72 human single-rooted teeth extracted for periodontal reasons were included. The crowns were removed, the roots shortened to a length of 12 mm, and the canals enlarged up to an apical size of #50 file. The specimens were autoclaved and incubated with a suspension of Streptococcus sanguinis (ATCC 10556). Laser irradiation was performed on a PC-controlled XY translation stage. A 200 micron optic fiber was used. Twelve specimens were irradiated at a power output of 1.5, 3.0,…

Influence of titanium-vanadium alloys on cell morphology: electron microscopy and ESCA studies

Titanium and its alloys provide optimum metallurgical properties for implants. The formation of an oxide layer favours compatibility with the adjacent hard and soft tissues. Research focuses on further optimizing the passive layer, particularly with respect to minimizing metal ion migration into the tissues. The present study concentrates on two alloys (Ti6A14V and Til.5A125V) coated with oxide layers generated by different techniques: thermal oxidation, anodic oxidation and sol-gel treatment. Only thermal oxidation fails to reduce surface and subsurface concentrations of vanadium, whereas other treatments avoid the element in the outermost surface areas of the alloys. Additionally, the the…

Optical determination of pH on surfaces using immobilized Fluorescent dyes.

The attachment of pH-sensitive Fluorescent dyes on to hydroxylapatite for measuring the pH of small volumes is described. Fluorescein and acridine were used, both activated with reactive functions, such as isothiocyanate or succinimidyl ester groups, to enhance the possibility of a covalent linkage to the surface. First investigations were carried out on synthetic hydroxylapatite as the surface material. After the preparation of a particular surface with the fluorescent dye, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopies were employed for estimating the pH value of a solution applied to the surface. In this paper we present the results of our investigations done with both method…

Comparative analysis of numerical and experimental data of orthodontic mini-implants

The purpose of this study was to compare numerical simulation data derived from finite element analysis (FEA) to experimental data on mini-implant loading. Nine finite element (FE) models of mini-implants and surrounding bone were derived from corresponding experimental specimens. The animal bone in the experiment consisted of bovine rib. The experimental groups were based on implant type, length, diameter, and angle of insertion. One experimental specimen was randomly selected from each group and was digitized in a microCT scanner. The FE models consisted of bone pieces containing Aarhus mini-implants with dimensions 1.5 × 7 mm and 1.5 × 9 mm or LOMAS mini-implants (dimensions 1.5 × 7 mm, …

Effect of diode laser irradiation on root surfaces in vitro.

The objective of this study was to evaluate possible morphological alterations of root surfaces after GaAlAs-diode laser (809 nm) irradiation under standardized in vitro conditions.Root specimens obtained from extracted periodontally diseased teeth were scaled and root planed with curettes followed by air-powder abrasive treatment prior to lasing. The variable parameters were power output (0.5-2.5 W) and exposure time (10-30 sec per specimen). Additionally, the effect of a saline solution and a human blood film on the root surface was investigated. The root segments were analyzed by means of a reflected light microscope. Photographs before and after irradiation were taken and evaluated. The…

Interactions between cells and titanium surfaces.

The interaction between cells and implant materials is determined by the surface structure and/or surface composition of the material. In the past years, titanium and titanium alloys have proved their superiority over other implant materials in many clinical applications. This predominant behaviour is caused by a dense passive oxide layer which forms within milliseconds in oxidizing media. Titanium dioxide layers of 100 nm thickness were produced on the surface of cp-titanium grade 2, and on an experimental alloy of high vanadium content (Ti1.5Al25V) as a harmful control. The layers were produced by thermal and anodic oxidation and by coating by means of the sol-gel process. The resulting o…

Mixed silane self assembled monolayers and their in situ modification

Mixed self assembled silane monolayers were prepared by coadsorption of Br and methyl terminated trichlorosilanes. By subsequent in situ modification the Br groups were converted into amino groups which can be used to tether polyglutamates to the surface. Here we describe the characterization of the monolayers by means of contact angle measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Both methods clearly indicate that the Br terminated silane is preferentially adsorbed from the solution. Following the in situ modification by XPS a yield of approximately 80% was determined for the substitution of the bromine by azide, whereas the yield for subsequent reduction to the amine is close t…

Incremental lines in root cementum of human teeth: an approach to their ultrastructural nature by microscopy.

In ground sections of human teeth, root cementum shows under the light microscope as alternating, almost concentric, dark and light rings. In paleontology and forensic medicine, the number of these incremental lines or annulations is used to derive the age-at-death of the individual. To find the ultrastructural features underlying these cemental annulations, we used bright-field light microscopy (LM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron-dispersive x-radiation (EDX) in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Annulations visible in ground sections of about 100-μm thickness were no longer visible in semi-thin sections (thickness, 1-2 μ…

Applications of confocal laser scanning microscopy to dental bonding.

The introduction of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) has provided a valuable new technique for the visualization of bonding structures such as a hybrid layer in dentin (Watson, 1989, 1991), In the case of seven commercially-available dentin bonding systems, it could be demonstrated that the CLSM renders considerably more detailed information than the SEM because of its nondestructive nature and because of the possibility of a distinction between components of bonding agents. With most of the bonding systems, measurements of the thickness of the hybrid layer could be carried out when the primer component was labeled with rhodamine B. It was found that this thickness is significantl…

Axial growth of hexactinellid spicules: Formation of cone-like structural units in the giant basal spicules of the hexactinellid Monorhaphis

The glass sponge Monorhaphis chuni (Porifera: Hexactinellida) forms the largest bio-silica structures on Earth; their giant basal spicules reach sizes of up to 3 m and diameters of 8.5 mm. Previously, it had been shown that the thickness growth proceeds by appositional layering of individual lamellae; however, the mechanism for the longitudinal growth remained unstudied. Now we show, that the surface of the spicules have towards the tip serrated relief structures that are consistent in size and form with the protrusions on the surface of the spicules. These protrusions fit into the collagen net that surrounds the spicules. The widths of the individual lamellae do not show a pronounced size …

Using ultrasound transmission velocity to analyse the mechanical properties of teeth after in vitro, in situ, and in vivo irradiation.

Ultrasound transmission velocity (UTV) in isotropic material as a measure for the modulus of elasticity was correlated to mechanical properties. Changes in micromechanical properties of radiated teeth and influence of the oral cavity were to be evaluated nondestructively. UTV was measured in extracted teeth after 36 Gy and 62 Gy of in situ (enorally, with no contact to the oral cavity) and in vitro irradiation. Relative to controls, teeth subjected to 62 Gy in vivo showed higher UTV values for dentine and enamel. Sound teeth irradiated with 60 Gy in situ also showed higher UTV values for enamel, whereas dentine values were not significantly different from those of control. The mechanical pr…

Early root surface colonization by human periodontal ligament fibroblasts following treatment with different biomaterials

The present in-vitro study examined the effects of different biomaterials on early root surface colonization by human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts using confocal-laser-scanning-microscopy (CLSM).Fifteen periodontally-diseased teeth were extracted, treated with scaling/root planing and longitudinally cut to obtain 30 root fragments. Fragments were treated either with 24% EDTA following application of enamel matrix derivative (EMD), 24% EDTA or EMD only, nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (NHA) paste or oily calcium hydroxide suspension (OCHS) for 1 h each. The analogue untreated root specimens served as controls. Root fragments were incubated with human PDL fibroblasts and cellular pro…

Konfokale Laser Scanning Mikroskopie (CLSM) kortikalen Knochens – Vergleichende Darstellung mit konventioneller Mikroskopie

Effect of simulated CO2and GaAlAs laser surface decontamination on temperature changes in Ti-plasma sprayed dental implants

Background and Objective To investigate and compare temperature elevations at the implant-bone interface during simulated implant surface decontamination with a CO2 and a GaAlAs laser. Study Design/Materials and Methods Stepped cylinder implants (Frialit 2® Friadent GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) with a Titanium plasma sprayed surface were inserted into bone blocks cut from pig femurs. An artificial periimplant bone defect provided access for laser irradiation in the coronal third. Both lasers were operated at 1.0–2.5 W in the cw-mode. The bone block was placed into a 37°C water bath in order to simulate in vivo thermal conductivity and diffusitivity of heat. K-type thermocouples connected to a d…

Effects of elevated hydrogen peroxide 'strip' bleaching on surface and subsurface enamel including subsurface histomorphology, micro-chemical composition and fluorescence changes.

Abstract Objectives This study examined the effects of elevated concentration hydrogen peroxide tooth whitening treatments on tooth surface and subsurface integrity. Methods Sound human molars were ground and polished to prepare an uniform substrate for bleaching treatments. A cycling treatment included alternating ex vivo human salivary exposures with bleaching treatments under conditions of controlled temperature and durations of treatment. Bleaching was carried out with prototype bleaching strips containing hydrogen peroxide gel at 13% and 16% concentrations. A non-bleached group was used as a control. Treatments included 28 h of total bleaching exposure in vitro . Surface color was meas…

XPS analysis of sol-gel-generated mixed-oxide layers for biomedical application

The excellent biocompatibility of titanium and its alloys is associated with the properties of their dense TiO2 layer on the surface. The adsorption of proteins of the body fluid to implant surfaces depends on the properties of the surface oxide layer, especially the electronic structure. Therefore, tailoring of the oxide layer is a method for influencing protein adsorption. In this study, titanium platelets are coated by the sol–gel process with mixed oxides containing the biocompatible elements Ti, Nb, Zr and Ta. In order to verify the composition of the produced oxide layer, which can differ from the adjusted precursor composition in the sol because of different reactivities of the precu…

Circumferential spicule growth by pericellular silica deposition in the hexactinellid sponge Monorhaphis chuni.

SUMMARY The giant basal spicule of the hexactinellid sponge Monorhaphis chuni represents the longest natural siliceous structure on Earth. This spicule is composed of concentrically arranged lamellae that are approximately 10 μm thick. In the present study, we investigated the formation of outer lamellae on a cellular level using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. It is shown that the formation of an outermost lamella begins with the association of cell clusters with the surface of the thickening and/or growing spicule. The cells release silica for controlled formation of a lamella. The pericellular (silica) material fuses to a delimited and textured layer of silica with depressions …

Outline and arrangement of enamel rods in human deciduous and permanent enamel. 3D-reconstructions obtained from CLSM and SEM images based on serial ground sections

Human enamel rods were made visible continuously from the dentino-enamel junction (DEJ) up to the enamel surface. From 12 teeth (1st and 2nd dentition) enamel blocks from the cervical third were prepared with perpendicular planes, embedded in resin, and ground down in steps of 15 microm parallel to the enamel surface. Enamel rods were made visible by acid etching (35% H3PO4, 45 s), sputtered and examined in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Prior to this, the enamel blocks were viewed under the CLSM and optical sections at distances of 2 microm were obtained, starting in the same plane as the grinding surface. The outlines of the rods were digitized and reconstructed three dimensional…

Long-term bony integration and resorption kinetics of a xenogeneic bone substitute after sinus floor augmentation: histomorphometric analyses of human biopsy specimens.

In this case series, a systematic histomorphometric analysis of two human bone biopsy specimens was conducted 1 and 5 years after grafting with a xenogeneic bovine bone substitute material (BSM). While the 1-year specimen still showed extensive signs of an active desmal ossification, the specimen after 5 years mainly showed mature lamellar bone without bone turnover or remodeling. A completed bony integration without extensive resorption of the BSM particles could be detected. Altogether, a good integration in the bone with osteoconduction and a high biocompatibility was seen.

Caries Development in Fluoridated and Non-Fluoridated Deciduous and Permanent Enamel in Situ Examined by Microradiography and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

The aim of the study was to compare initial caries development in fluoridated and non-fluoridated deciduous and permanent enamel in situ. Enamel slabs were mounted in removable appliances and worn for 4 wks. Significantly larger lesions developed in deciduous than in permanent enamel when no topical fluorides were used. Fluoride mouthrinsing partly prevented lesion development in deciduous and completely in permanent enamel. Initial enamel caries not detected by microradiography can be visualized by CLSM (confocal laser scanning microscopy).

Neue Erkenntnisse zur Ätiologie der sogenannten Strahlenkaries

Fragestellung Die Atiologie der Strahlenkaries wird trotz vieler Untersuchungen kontrovers diskutiert: Die These einer direkten radiogenen Lasion des Zahnhartgewebes steht der einer indirekten Pathogenese uber die Radioxerostomie gegenuber.

Mikromorphometrie und Stereographie des Rauhtiefenreliefs beschichteter Implantatoberflächen durch Rasterelektronenmikroskopie und konfokale Laser-Scanning Mikroskopie

Effect of cavity preparation instruments (oscillating or rotating) on the composite-dentin interface in primary teeth.

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the effect of preparation of instruments on the interfacial integrity between cavity wall and composite restoration. Methods: Two class II slot preparations were done in 10 primary teeth either with SonicSys® or with a conventional bur. The cavities were filled using an adhesive system. One layer of a flowable composite and one layer of a condensable composite were applied. The specimens were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results: In the SonicSys® group the mean thickness of the hybrid layer was 6.12 (0.60) μm; in the control group it was 6.04 (0.63) μm. The difference was not statistically significant. Two fractures were observed in one to…

Cariostatic effect of a light-cured, resin-reinforced glass-ionomer for bonding orthodontic brackets in vivo

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo the cariostatic potential of the resin-reinforced glass-ionomer (Vitremer core build-up restorative; 3M Dental Product Division) when used as a bonding agent for orthodontic brackets. The mineral distribution and topography of the enamel surface adjacent to the bracket base was determined by quantitative microradiography (TMR) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The study was designed in split-mouth technique using 9 pairs of premolars to be extracted for orthodontic reasons. One tooth of each pair was bonded with the resin-reinforced glass-ionomer, and the control contralateral premolar with the non-fluoridated composite (Concise, 3M…

Bactericidal Effect of the Er:YAG Laser on Dental Implant Surfaces: An In Vitro Study

The aim of the in vitro study was to examine the bactericidal effect of an Er:YAG laser on common dental implant surfaces.Seventy-two titanium platelets with 3 different surfaces--sandblasted and acid-etched (SA), titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS), and hydroxyapatite-coated (HA)--were incubated with a suspension of Streptococcus sanguinis (ATCC 10556). Irradiation at pulse energies of 60 and 120 mJ and a frequency of 10 pps was performed on a computer-controlled XY translation stage. After laser treatment the specimens were sonicated and the bacterial growth examined by counting colony forming units on blood agar plates. Temperature elevations during irradiation were investigated using K-type t…

Microradiography and confocal laser scanning microscopy applied to enamel lesions formed in vivo with and without fluoride varnish treatment

The aim of the present investigation was to combine 2 techniques suitable for lesion characterization: quantitative microradiography (TMR) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) on in vivo induced lesions with and without a fluoride varnish (Duraphat(R)) treatment. Orthodontic bands were attached to premolars to be extracted for orthodontic reasons to induce enamel caries on the buccal surfaces. In the caries development part of the study, 1 tooth of each pair received at the start 1 topical application with the fluoride varnish Duraphat(R), the contralateral tooth serving as untreated control. All teeth were extracted after 4 weeks. In the caries progression part, the premolars were…