title: Surface modification of gutta-percha cones by non-thermal plasma.
abstract: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Oxygen and Argon plasma on gutta-percha surfaces. A total of 185 flat smooth gutta-percha surfaces were used. Samples were divided into groups: control: no plasma treatment; Oxygen: treatment with Oxygen plasma for 1min; Argon: treatment with Argon plasma for 1min. Samples were evaluated topographically by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy; and chemically by Fourier Transform-infrared Spectroscopy. A goniometer was used to determine the surface free energy and the wettability of the endodontic sealers. Additionally 60 bovine teeth were filled using pellets of gutta-percha (control, oxygen and argon plasma) and the sealers. Teeth were evaluated by push-out and microleakage tests. Data were statistically analyzed using specific tests. Argon plasma did not change the surface topography, while Oxygen plasma led to changes. Both treatments chemically modified the gutta-percha surface. Argon and Oxygen plasma increased the surface free energy and favored the wettability of AH Plus and Pulp Canal Sealer EWT. Regarding bond strength analysis, for AH Plus sealer, both plasma treatments on gutta-percha favored the bond strength to dentin. However, for Pulp Canal Sealer, there is no statistically significant influence. For leakage test, dye penetration occurred between sealer and dentin in all groups. In conclusion, Oxygen plasma led to both topographic and chemical changes in the gutta-percha surface, while Argon plasma caused only chemical changes. Both treatments increased the surface free energy, favoring the wettability of AH Plus and Pulp Canal Sealer EWT sealers and influenced positively in the adhesion and leakage.
authors: Department of Metallurgic and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Electronic address: maira@metalmat.ufrj.br.
authors: Maíra
authors: M
authors: Prado
authors: Department of Metallurgic and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors: Marilia Santana de Oliveira
authors: MSO
authors: Menezes
authors: Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics Division, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
authors: Brenda Paula Figueiredo de Almeida
authors: BPFA
authors: Gomes
authors: Department of Clinical Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors: Carlos Augusto de Melo
authors: CAM
authors: Barbosa
authors: Social Indicators Division, Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors: Leonardo
authors: L
authors: Athias
authors: Department of Metallurgic and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors: Renata Antoun
authors: RA
authors: Simão
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003804:Dentin / Q000737:chemistry*; D006171:Gutta-Percha / Q000737:chemistry*; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000737:chemistry*; D058626:Plasma Gases / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D058626:Plasma Gases; D006171:Gutta-Percha
keywords: Endodontics; Gutta-percha; Non-thermal plasma; Sealer; Surface changes