Background and Aim: Improving the bond strength at the resin-dentin interface is an important challenge in adhesive dentistry. This study examined the effect of low-power, non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NT-APP) treatments on the adhesion of a self-adhesive resin composite to dentin. Materials and Methods: In this experimental in-vitro study, buccal enamel of extracted bovine incisors was removed using a high-speed diamond bur. The specimens were randomly divided into two groups according to the plasma treatment and thermocycling. The non-thermal atmospheric argon plasma brush was used in this study. One subgroup was subjected to the microshear bond strength (µSBS) test after 24 hours, whereas the other subgroup was subjected to artificial aging with thermocycling for 5000 cycles before being tested. Each specimen was attached to a testing jig and loaded at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute in a universal testing machine until failure occurred. Data were analyzed using two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results of μSBS testing showed that with plasma treatment, the average μSBS increased to 34.20±12.12 MPa compared to 19.47±7.4 MPa in the controls (P=0.002). After 5000 cycles of thermocycling, the adhesive-dentin bonding strengths of the plasma-treated specimens slightly decreased from 34.20±12.12 MPa to 33.64±5.6 MPa (P=0.886), while the strengths of the untreated specimens reduced from 19.47±7.4 MPa to 19.10±5.1 MPa (P=0.461). Plasma treatment improved the µSBS compared to the control group. After thermocycling, the µSBS did not decrease in the plasma and control (non-plasma) groups. Conclusion: Plasma treatment using NT-APP improves the adhesion of self-adhesive flowable resin composites to dentin.

Poly lactic acid (PLA) has made inroads for commercial market segment with lot many unique characteristics such as tenacity, low flame rate, moisture regain percentage, loss of ignition percentage, heat of combustion, UV resistance, Elastic recovery and higher melting point allowed it to be the fastest moving material in today's commercial market. An attempt has been made to test the feasibility and biocompatibility aspect of PLA with cement mix. The basic strength and physical test results were carried out and published in an article, to the continuation of the work, micro-structural study was conducted to evaluate the elemental characteristics. Thermo gravimetric analysis revealed that PLA either in granular form or filament will hold good for the inclusion into construction applications, provided degradation aspects are to be looked out for improvisation. From DSC it was found that PLA in filament form is the best inclusion material for construction application, however the tenacity of fibers has to checked, as currently available filaments in market does not have high tenacity value. From EDX reports, 30% inclusion of PLA as replacement for fine aggregate has constituent members as Calcium carbonate(CaCO3), Silica(SiO2) and Wollastonite (CaK) resulted in best composition among the rest. FESEM images revealed that, proper gradation in size, rough surface of PLA granular form or filament form will definitely enhance the mechanical/physical or even chemical behavior of PLA.

Background:The aesthetic aspect of crown restorations is currently a major challenge for dentists and parents. Given the different results in this area and the technical problems with the use of composite resins, a variety of resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGIs) have been proposed by manufacturers for the restoration of primary teeth. This study was conducted to compare the microleakage of Equia Forte RMGI, simple amalgam restorations and composite resin restorations in class II cavities in pulpotomized primary molars. Materials and methods:Based on the inclusion criteria, 60 extracted first and second primary molars were collected and then cleaned and disinfected. The occlusoproximal class II cavities and the pulp chamber access cavity were prepared and a base made of ZOE cement was inserted. The teeth were then divided into three main groups through simple randomization; first group: self-cured glass ionomer cement base, etching, bonding and composite; second group: conditioner and Equia Forte RMGI; third group: amalgam. The samples underwent thermal cycles, and after sealing the apex, coating the dental surfaces with nail polish and staining with fuchsin solution, they were embedded into self-cure acrylic resin and cut mesiodistally. The edges of the restoration were examined in terms of dye penetration using a stereomicroscope, and the results obtained in the three groups were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis test. Results:The degree of microleakage was lower in the cervical edge of the samples in the amalgam group compared to in the composite and glass ionomer groups, although the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.781). The degree of occlusal microleakage was significantly lower in the samples in the composite group compared to in the glass ionomer and amalgam groups (P<0.001). Conclusion:The Equia Forte RMGIs did not show any supremacy over the composite resins under in-vitro conditions, and they appear useful in extremely difficult clinical conditions and for uncooperative children.