^{October 2026 Abstracts}

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                                                                                                                                                  Research Article

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Influence of contemporary resin-based restorative materials on the microbial composition of in vitro biofilm microcosms

 

Sanjay Nandwani, dds, ms,  Marlus da Silva Pedrosa, dds, phd,  Ceib Phillips, mph, phd, Adalberto Vasconcellos, dds, msc, phd  &  Apoena Aguiar Ribeiro, dds, msc, phd

 

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the influence of contemporary resin-based restorative materials on saliva-derived in vitro biofilm microcosms under cariogenic challenge. Methods: Thirty specimens (7 mm × 1.8 mm) were fabricated from five resin-based restorative materials (n= 6 per material) according to the manufacturers’ instructions: Fuji Ionomer Type II LC (GC), Filtek Supreme Ultra (3M, ESPE), Activa BioActive (Pulpdent), FIT-SA (Shofu America), SDR Flow+ (Dentsply Sirona). Hydroxyapatite (HA) discs (7 mm × 1.8 mm; HiMed Inc.) were used as controls. All specimens were UV sterilized, and biofilms were developed on the specimens using saliva from healthy donors, with and without 0.2% sucrose supplementation to mimic cariogenic challenge. After incubation, biofilm-associated cells were detached and plated onto selective agar plates to quantify total facultative anaerobes, total anaerobic bacteria, mutans streptococci, and Lactobacillus spp. Plates were incubated either under 5% CO₂ or in an anaerobic chamber. CFU counts were normalized to the specimen surface area (log¹⁰ CFU/cm²). Results: Recoverable viable counts were significantly influenced by both material type and environmental conditions. FIT-SA and SDR Flow+ supported higher bacterial loads, particularly for mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus spp., under sucrose-enriched conditions. In contrast, Fuji maintained lower recoverable CFU under all conditions, suggesting reduced bacterial accumulation on this material in this model. Materials like FIT-SA and SDR Flow+ may promote higher recoverable biofilm-associated bacterial loads under sucrose challenge, while Fuji exhibited consistently lower CFU across conditions. (Am J Dent 2026;39:218-225).

 

 

 

 

Mail: Dr. Apoena Ribeiro, Department of Orofacial Sciences, UCSF School of Dentistry, Box 075, 3707 Parnassus Ave., D-1000, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.  E-mail: apoena.ribeiro@ucsf.edu

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                  Research Article

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Chemical and laser desensitization approaches for managing dentin hypersensitivity after non-surgical periodontal therapy: A randomized clinical trial

 

Gözde Erdoğan, dds, Ece Açıkgöz-Alparslan, dds  &  Mediha Büyükgöze-Dindar, dds

 

Abstract: Purpose: This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate and compare the desensitizing efficacy of Gluma, Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation, and their combined application in Stage III/IV periodontitis patients presenting dentin hypersensitivity (DH) following non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Methods: 62 patients were screened; 52 who met the inclusion criteria (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] > 4 and Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale [SS] score 2-3) were randomized into three groups: Gluma (n= 18), Er,Cr:YSGG laser (n= 17) and combination therapy (n= 17). DH was assessed using VAS and SS at baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months. Four participants dropped out; analyses were conducted on 48 participants (16 per group). Statistical significance was set at α= 0.05. Results: All treatment modalities produced significant reductions in both VAS and SS scores over time (P< 0.05). DH was greatest immediately after NSPT and decreased progressively across early follow-ups, with the most pronounced improvement observed up to the second month. At 6 months, a slight recurrence of sensitivity was noted; however, symptom levels remained improved relative to baseline. No statistically significant intergroup differences were detected at any evaluation point for either outcome (P> 0.05), indicating comparable performance of Gluma, Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and the combined protocol throughout the 6-month follow-up. (Am J Dent 2026;39:226-232).

 

 

Mail: Dr. Ece Açıkgöz-Alparslan, Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey. E-mail: eceacikgoz@trakya.edu.tr

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                Research Articles

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Effect of thermocycling and polishing protocols on the optical and mechanical properties of different CAD-CAM and 3D-printed materials

 

Busra Tosun, dds  &  Zeynep Ozturk, dds

 

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the influence of material type and polishing protocol on translucency, surface roughness, hardness, and color stability of CAD-CAM and 3D-printed restorative materials before and after thermocycling. Methods: A total of 144 disk-shaped specimens (10 × 2 mm) were fabricated from VITA Enamic, Cerasmart, Celtra Duo, and a 3D-printed resin. Each was divided into four subgroups (n=9) based on surface treatment: glaze only; glaze, bur reduction, and composite polishing; glaze, bur reduction, and ceramic polishing; and glaze, bur reduction, and re-glazing. TP, Vickers hardness, surface roughness (Ra), and color change (ΔE) were measured before and after 10,000 thermal cycles. One specimen per group was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Data was analyzed with robust ANOVA (α= 0.05). Results: Material type and thermocycling significantly affected TP values (P< 0.001). CAD-CAM materials showed higher translucency and overall hardness values than the 3D-printed resin. Surface roughness was influenced by both material and polishing protocol (P< 0.001); glaze-only generally resulted in smoother surfaces, while ceramic polishing was associated with increased surface roughness in certain material groups. Color stability also varied significantly (P< 0.001); CAD-CAM ceramic polish showed the lowest ΔE values, while several 3D-printed groups exceeded clinically acceptable ΔE thresholds after thermocycling. (Am J Dent 2026;39:233-240).

 

 

Mail: Dr. Busra Tosun, Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, 14030, Bolu, Turkey. E-mail: dtbusra86@hotmail.com

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                 Research Article

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Wear resistance of self-adhesive and universal resin luting cements

 

Miyuki Oshika, dds,  Yukari Odagiri, dds,  Kami Yoneyama, dds,  Mark A. Latta, dmd, ms, Wayne W. Barkmeier, dds, ms   &   Akimasa Tsujimoto, dds, phd

 

Abstract: Purpose: To compare the wear resistance of conventional self-adhesive resin luting cements with that of recently developed universal resin luting cements under both dual-cure and chemical-cure conditions, and to evaluate the influence of mixing method (hand-mix or auto-mix). Methods: Five resin luting cements were evaluated: three universal cements (G-Cem One EM (GUA) and RelyX Universal (RUA) auto-mix types, and G-Cem One neo (GUH) hand-mix type) and two conventional self-adhesive cements (Clearfil SA Luting Multi in hand-mix (SH) and auto-mix (SA) forms, and RelyX Unicem 2 (RA) auto-mix type). Wear resistance was assessed using an Alabama wear-testing machine. Volume loss (mm³) and maximum facet depth (µm) were measured after wear testing. Statistical analyses were performed to compare differences among materials, curing modes, and mixing methods. Results: The volume loss ranged from 0.054–0.167 mm³ and the maximum facet depth ranged from 99.6 to 222.7 µm. Significant differences were observed among the resin luting cements and between dual-cure and chemical-cure conditions. However, no significant differences were found between curing conditions within the universal resin luting cements. Additionally, no significant differences were identified between the hand-mixed and auto-mixed versions of the same or similar materials. (Am J Dent 2026;39:241-246).

 

 

Mail: Dr. Akimasa Tsujimoto, Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, 2-11 Suemori-dori, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8651, Japan. E-mail: aki-tj@dpc.agu.ac.jp

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                 Research Article

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Comparative effects of sodium fluoride and fluoride-free nano-hydroxyapatite dentifrices on viability and acidogenicity of cariogenic biofilms

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beatriz H.D. Panariello, dds, ms, phd,  Brendon M. Brunette, bs, bfa   &   Carson C. Davis, bs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abstract: Purpose: To compare the antibiofilm and antiacidogenic effects of a fluoride-free nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) dentifrice with a sodium fluoride (NaF) dentifrice against Streptococcus mutans biofilms in vitro. Methods: S. mutans UA159 biofilms were grown on hydroxyapatite discs and treated with a dentifrice containing nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) (Boka Ela Mint Fluoride Free Toothpaste), a 0.24% NaF dentifrice (Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste), 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX, positive control), or sterile distilled water (negative control). Two experimental conditions were evaluated: treatment during biofilm development (twice-daily from 0 to 72 hours) and treatment of mature biofilms (treatments applied at 48 hours and evaluated at 72 hours). Outcomes included colony-forming unit (CFU) counts and pH of spent media. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Šídák multiple comparisons (α= 0.05). Results: During biofilm development, both dentifrices significantly reduced bacterial viability compared with the negative control (NaF, P< 0.0001; nHAp, P= 0.0200). However, when directly comparing the two, NaF caused a significantly greater reduction in bacterial viability than nHAp (P< 0.0001). Biofilms treated with NaF maintained higher pH values over time, indicating reduced acid production by S. mutans, whereas nHAp-treated groups showed moderate acidification. In mature biofilms, CHX and NaF demonstrated comparable antibiofilm activity, with no statistically significant difference between them (P= 0.0670). In contrast, nHAp showed significantly higher CFU counts than both CHX and NaF (P< 0.0001), although it still demonstrated a measurable reduction in bacterial viability compared with water control. NaF treatments significantly increased pH at 72 hours, whereas nHAp produced a smaller increase in pH. Altogether, the NaF dentifrice demonstrated superior antibiofilm and antiacidogenic effects compared with the fluoride-free nHAp dentifrice under the tested conditions. (Am J Dent 2026;39:247-252).

 

 

Mail: Dr. Beatriz Panariello, School of Dental Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 4800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34211, USA.  E-mail: bpanariello@lecom.edu

 

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                 Research Article

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Evaluation of the bond strength of monolithic zirconia ceramics subjected to different surface pretreatments to dental tissues

 

Gönül Merve Eyüboğlu-Ateş, dds  &  Ayşe Koçak-Büyükdere, dds, phd

 

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the laboratory bond strength of monolithic zirconia ceramics subjected to four different surface pretreatments when cemented to enamel and dentin using a dual-cure resin cement. Methods: 120 extracted human maxillary central and lateral incisors were prepared at two levels: enamel (E) and dentin (D). Zirconia specimens (0.7 mm thick) were divided into four groups: primer (P), sandblasting + primer (SP), silane (S), and tribochemical silica + silane (TS). Each group was further divided according to the bonding substrate, resulting in eight subgroups (n=15). After surface pretreatments, specimens were cemented, subjected to thermocycling, and tested for shear bond strength (SBS). Data were statistically analyzed (P< 0.05), and failure modes were examined under a stereomicroscope. Results: The type of dental substrate, surface pretreatment, and their interaction significantly affected SBS values (P< 0.001). Enamel groups showed higher bond strength than dentin groups (P< 0.001). The highest SBS values were obtained in the SP-E group (13.3 ± 2.3 MPa), while the lowest SBS values were obtained in the S-D group (2.5 ± 1.0 MPa). (Am J Dent 2026;39:259-265).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mail: Dr. Gönül Merve Eyüboğlu Ateş, Department of Prosthodontics Faculty of Dentistry, Kocaeli University, Başiskele, Kocaeli 41190, Turkey.  E-mail: gmeyuboglu@gmail.com

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                 Research Article

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Prevention of demineralization adjacent to glass-ionomer restorations by immediate laboratory application of topical fluoride agents

 

Yun Jung Kim, dds, ms,  Justine Kolker, dds, ms, phd,  Jeff Banas, phd,  Tabitha Peter, ms, Steve Armstrong, dds, phd,  Leonardo Marchini, dds, msd, phd  &  Erliang Zeng, bs, ms, phd

 

Abstract: Purpose: To determine in the laboratory whether silver diamine fluoride (SDF) or sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish prevents demineralization adjacent to glass-ionomer restorations on root surfaces. Methods: 45 non-carious molar roots were prepared for class V restorations and allocated into nine different groups: Fuji II LC; Fuji II LC + 38% SDF; Fuji II LC + 5% NaF; Equia Forte; Equia Forte + 38% SDF; Equia Forte + 5% NaF; Equia Forte + resin coating; Equia Forte + resin coating + 38% SDF; Equia Forte + resin coating + 5% NaF. Samples were immersed in MRS medium + 5% sucrose containing S. mutans and L. casei to develop a biofilm. Subsequently, the MRS medium was replenished daily and incubated at 37°C for 8 days. The lesion depth adjacent to the restoration was measured from images captured by a polarized light microscope. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the median depth measurements between groups. Dunn tests were used for pairwise comparison after Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The lesion depth was least in restorations with 38% SDF and 5% NaF. Equia Forte and Equia Forte + resin coating + 5% NaF was significantly less demineralized than Fuji II LC without fluoride treatment. 38% SDF and 5% NaF varnish applied to newly placed glass-ionomer restorations reduce dentin demineralization. (Am J Dent 2026;39:266-272).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mail: Dr. Yun Jung Kim, Department of Operative Dentistry, University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, 801 Newton Rd., Iowa City, IA  52242, USA.  E-mail: yunjung-kim@uiowa.edu

 

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                                                                                                                                                     Review Article

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Oral microbiome and inflammatory bowel disease: A scoping review

 

Caifeng Chen, mm,  Hongli Zhang, mm,  Tingting Cheng, bm,  Feng Zhou, bm, Xiuli Chen, bm,  Mengna Fang, bm   &  Peiwen Qi, bm

 

Abstract: Purpose: To examine the association between the oral microbiome and IBD in terms of microbiota diversity, composition, function, and diagnostic potential through a scoping review of the existing literature. Methods: This scoping review was structured following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, with the time frame restricted from database inception to November 17, 2025. Results: This review included 31 studies, among which seven topics for patients with periodontitis and IBD-related periodontitis, three studies assessed single bacterial species, and the remaining 21 articles explored the diversity and phylum-level taxonomic shifts of oral microbiota in IBD patients, functional and metabolic pathway alterations associated with oral dysbiosis, as well as the diagnostic potential and biomarkers derived from oral microbial profiles. (Am J Dent 2026;39:253-258).

 

 

Mail: Peiwen Qi, Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Hangzhou 310000, China. E-mail: qpw@zju.edu.cn and Caifeng Chen,  E-mail: ccf08020603@163.com