Browsing by Author "Atmeh, Amre R"

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Comparing the softening effect of three gutta-percha solvents on different types of gutta-percha with different application durations.
(2023) Atmeh, Amre R; Abdunabi, Farida; Khamis, Amar Hassan
Introduction: During non-surgical endodontic retreatment, gutta-percha (GP) solvents are indispensable in difficult cases when used with mechanical removal, however studies comparing their efficacy against different types of GP are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the softening effect of three solvents on the conventional (CGP), cross-linked carrier-based (CLGP), and thermoplasticized (TGP) and compare the effect of time on the softening effect of the solvents. Methods: Tested GP were embedded in cuboidal blocks of stone with their upper surfaces exposed (1 mm diameter). Three commercial GP solvents based on D-Limonene (DL), Eucalyptol oil (EO), and orange oil (OO) were added to the exposed GP before an indenter (weight = 1Kg) was applied. Using a digital camera, the indentation depth was measured (mm) directly after applying the solvent and indenter (T = 0), and after 1, 2, and 3 min of application (T = 1,2,3). The means of indentation depth were calculated and compared using a twoway analysis of variance and Tukey’s post-hoc test to assess the effect of the types of solvent, GP for each application duration, and Friedman’s test to evaluate the effect of application duration on the softening effect of solvents. Results: The type of GP (F = 261.43, p < 0.001), type of solvent (F = 3.57, p = 0.015), and application duration (F = 53.088, p < 0.001) were all found to significantly affect GP softening. DL exhibited the highest and only significant effect on CGP after 1 min (p < 0.05), while OO had the only significant effect against CLGP when applied for at least 2 min (p < 0.05). Both OO and EO had significant softening effects on TGP instantly or after 1 min of application, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that the softening effect of GP solvents varies depending on their type, their application duration, and the type of GP.
Comparison of Commercial and Experimental Fibre Reinforced Composites in Restoring Endodontically Treated Teeth with Minimal Coronal Dentine: An In Vitro Study
(MDPI AG, 2025-09-08) Atmeh, Amre R
Aim: To compare the fracture resistance of teeth with varying degrees of residual coronal dentine after restoration using two fibre-reinforced composite core materials. Materials and Methods: Seventy extracted human lower premolars were divided into four groups: sound (control), one missing proximal wall (Cl-II), two missing proximal walls (MOD), and endocrown (EC). Subgroups were restored with either a short fibre-reinforced flowable composite (EverX Flow) or an experimental fibre-reinforced composite. Except for the control, teeth underwent endodontic treatment and were restored accordingly. Fracture resistance was tested using a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis compared fracture resistance across groups. Results: Teeth in EC exhibited the highest fracture resistance (1153.43 ± 332.52 N), comparable to sound teeth (1114.03 ± 185.58 N) and not significantly different from the experimental composite group (1006.89 ± 200.51 N) (p = 0.304). Cl-II restorations with EverX had significantly lower strength (652.48 ± 314.04 N) compared to MOD (773.02 ± 261.18 N) and EC (p < 0.05). The experimental composite showed a similar trend, with MOD having the lowest strength (408.6 ± 168.85 N). Significant differences were noted between materials in the MOD group (p = 0.009). Scanning electron microscopy revealed distinct fracture patterns. Conclusions: Endocrowns using direct fibre-reinforced composites provided protection for endodontically treated teeth with higher fracture resistance compared to teeth with MOD and Cl-II cavities. This gives direct composite endocrowns a potential for high-stress applications, though design and material selection remain critical.