Long-term mechanical properties of EDTA-demineralized dentin matrix.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the long-term ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and modulus of elasticity (E) of EDTA-demineralized human dentin after storage in PBS (phosphate buffered saline) for up to 48 months.


METHODS
Dentin beams measuring 0.7 x 0.7 x 8.0 mm were prepared from the crowns of extracted human third molars. The ends of the beams were covered with resin composite and demineralized for 6 days in 0.5 mol/L EDTA (pH = 7.0). Demineralized control specimens were subjected to tensile testing at 0.5 mm/min after 24 hours of immersion in PBS solution. Experimental specimens were stored in PBS at room temperature (25 degrees C) and tested after 18 and 48 months. The maximum load at failure and the load/displacement curves were used to calculate the UTS as a function of the cross-sectional area and E, respectively. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Student Neuman Keuls tests. TEM micrographs were obtained from the control specimens and from those that were stored and tested after 48 months.


RESULTS
No significant changes in either UTS or E were observed in the specimens after long-term storage. The 48-month values were not statistically significantly different from the values obtained at 24 hours (p > 0.05). TEM images revealed a normal, intact structure of the collagen fibrils with no signs of degradation or denaturation.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term storage of EDTA-demineralized human dentin in PBS solution did not cause any significant reduction of its mechanical properties. The structure of the collagen fibrils as observed by TEM appeared normal and did not seem affected by long-term storage.
Carvalho
R M
RM
Department of Operative Dentistry, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil. rickcarvalho@hotmail.com
Tay
F
F
Sano
H
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Yoshiyama
M
M
Pashley
D H
DH
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002021:Buffers; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003094:Collagen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003648:Decalcification Technique; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008964:Molar, Third; D010710:Phosphates; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013997:Time Factors
D002021:Buffers; D002614:Chelating Agents; D010710:Phosphates; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D003094:Collagen; D004492:Edetic Acid