Researchers in Dentistry

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Browsing by Author "Mulder, Riaan"

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    The use of laser-based technologies in dentistry: Ethical issues and safety considerations
    (South African Dental Association, 2015) Naidoo, Sudeshni; Mulder, Riaan
    The use of laser-based technologies in general dental practice in South Africa is growing each year both in numbers and in scope of use. It has been shown to be beneficial in treating a wide range of oral and dental conditions as well as being used as a therapeutic tool in tissue management. They have been used in the practice of dentistry for over thirty years and recently there have been numerous advertisements in the dental press regarding the advantages of owning and using lasers and how it can be a good marketing tool for a dental practice. In the United States patients seek out practices utilising laser technology and nearly two thirds of patients surveyed thought that dentists should own a laser. How can practitioners ensure that they are using laser treatment for their patients in a responsible and ethical manner?
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    Volumetric change of flowable composite resins due to polymerization as measured with an electronic mercury dilatometer
    (Herbert Publications Ltd., 2013) Mulder, Riaan; Grobler, Sias Renier; Osman, Yusuf Ismail
    BACKGROUND: To determine the total volumetric change and the relative speed of shrinkage of bulk fill flowable composites during polymerization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A specially designed electronic mercury dilatometer was used to determine the volumetric change. The light intensity was 500mW/cm2. The mercury dilatometer measured the volumetric change every 0.5 seconds during the 35 second irradiation exposure time. The materials tested were Z250 as standard and control. Four bulk fill flowable composites were tested. RESULTS: The sequence of total volumetric change was found to be: Z250 < Filtek bulk fill < Xtra-Base bulk fill < SDR < Venus bulk fill. The speed of shrinkage of the bulk fill flowables was faster than that of Z250, while the 2 flowables with the highest shrinkage speed (SDR and Venus) also had the highest total volumetric change. Of the different materials tested the volumetric change of Z250 (1.13%) was the lowest and significantly less (p<0.05) than that of SDR (1.55%) and Venus (1.72%). The material with the highest filler content (Z250) also showed the lowest shrinkage (1.13%) but this effect could not be seen in the flowables. In general, it was found that a 35 second irradiation period (with a light intensity of 500mW/cm2) was satisfactory for complete polymerization of the resins. CONCLUSIONS: The volumetric changes and speed of shrinkage were higher for all 4 bulk fill flowable composites than for Z250. SDR and Venus flowables had the fastest and highest volumetric shrinkage. Clinical significance: The manufacturers of bulk fill flowable composites advocate filling layers of 4mm. However, because of the high shrinkage values found in this study it should be suggested that the standard 2mm layer increments still be used.