Evaluation of the influence of various restoration techniques on fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth with different cavity wall thicknesses.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different restoration techniques on fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth with different wall thicknesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracted and endodontically treated 210 premolars were randomly divided into three thickness groups [2 mm (A), 1.5 mm (B), and 1 mm (C)] and, each group was further divided into seven restoration subgroups (n = 10): direct composite (control) (K), composite with fiber on cavity floor (KT), composite with fiber on occlusal level (KO), fiber post and composite (FP), inlay (L), fiber on cavity floor and inlay (LT), and inlay and fiber on occlusal level (LO). Fracture test was performed, and data were compared with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: There were no differences between the subgroups in A and C statistically (P > 0.05). However, in B, KO subgroup showed statistically higher values (P = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Wall support of 2 mm was adequate, and support of 1 mm was completely insufficient. When the wall thickness was 1.5 mm, direct restoration with fiber at the occlusal level significantly improved resistance.

The efficacy of resin infiltrate on the treatment of white spot lesions and developmental opacities.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in opacities by applying resin infiltrate to developmental enamel opacities and applying resin infiltrate or fluoride varnish to white spot lesions (WSLs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 132 teeth with WSLs and developmental enamel opacities were included in the study. WSLs were treated with resin infiltrate (Group 1) and fluoride varnish (Group 2), and developmental enamel opacities were treated with only resin infiltrate (Group 3). Lesions were evaluated in accordance with International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) criteria and DIAGNOdent Pen scores before applying the material (T0), just after the application (T1), and after 1 month (T2) and 3 months (T3). RESULTS: A significant decrease in DIAGNOdent Pen scores was observed in all the groups and the most important decrease was seen in Group 2 (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in ICDAS II scores was observed in Groups 2 and 3 (T0-T1) and Group 1 (T1-T2) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: DIAGNOdent pen scores decreased and the lesion was partially masked after resin infiltrate was applied to treat developmental enamel opacities; the resin infiltrate application, however, was more successful than fluoride varnish on WSLs. Treating WSLs with resin infiltrate was a good option due to shorter term esthetic recovery and high patient satisfaction.

Evaluation of fracture resistance in root canal-treated teeth restored using different techniques.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different coronal restoration techniques on fracture resistance of root canal-treated mandibular premolars with mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 105 mandibular premolars were selected and randomly distributed into seven groups (n = 15). MOD cavities were prepared except the control group. Root canal treatments were performed. Each tooth was embedded in acrylic resin. Groups were classified as follows; G1: intact teeth (control), G2: unfilled MOD cavity, G3: MOD + composite resin, G4: 10-mm-long fiber post + composite resin, G5: 5-mm-long fiber post + composite resin, G6: Ribbond in the occlusal surface + composite resin, and G7: horizontal fiber post + composite resin. Specimens were loaded using a universal testing machine until fracture occurs. Fracture loads were recorded and statistical interpretations were made (α = 0.05). RESULTS: In Groups 1, 6, and 7, the greatest fracture resistance was shown and there were no significant differences among these groups (P > 0.05). No significant differences were detected among the Groups 3, 4, and 5 (P > 0.05), whereas the fracture resistances of Groups 1, 6, and 7 were significantly greater than these three groups (P < 0.05). Group 2 had the lowest fracture resistance of all groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Usage of horizontal post or occlusal Ribbond usage increased the fracture resistance of root canal-treated premolars with MOD cavities.

[APPLICATION OF SYNTHETIC OSTEOPLASTIC MATERIAL EASYGRAFT® IN MAXILLA SUBANTRAL AUGMENTATION (SINUS-LIFT)].

The problem of complex dental rehabilitation of a patient after partial or complete teeth loss is an urgent issue for dental practice. The most of patients coming to dentist with to make dentures on dental implants after tooth loss in lateral part of maxilla are often observed with atrophy of the alveolar bone resulting in maxillary sinus (sinus Haymori) enlargement. Creating an additional space for dental implant placement in the maxilla is possible by performing a sinus lift (subantral maxilla augmentation) - artificially thickening the lower and outer wall of the maxillary sinus with usage of osteoplastic materials. A clinical case of lateral (open) sinus-lifting performed by "grind-out" technique with the DASK® kit (Dentium Advanced Sinus Kit®) is described. As an osteoplastic material was used an alloplastic self- hardening in wound material easygraft®.

Five-year clinical performance of a silorane- vs a methacrylate-based composite combined with two different adhesive approaches.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the 5-year clinical performance in posterior restorations of three restorative systems including a low-shrinkage system and a methacrylate-based composite combined either with an etch-and-rinse or a self-etch adhesive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each of 25 patients received three class I (occlusal) or class II restorations performed with each one of the three restorative systems: Filtek Silorane Restorative System including a two-step self-etch adhesive, Adper Scotchbond 1 XT (two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive) + Filtek Z250, and Adper Scotchbond SE (two-step self-etch adhesive) + Filtek Z250. All materials were applied as per manufacturer's instructions. Two blind observers evaluated the restorations at four different moments (baseline, after 1, 2, and 5 years) according to the USPHS-modified criteria. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted to compare the behavior of the restorative systems, while Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were applied to analyze the intrasystem data (p < 0.05). RESULTS: After 5 years, marginal staining around the restorations with Adper Scotchbond SE + Filtek Z250 was statistically more frequent and severe than that of the restorations performed with the other two systems. Intrasystem comparisons revealed a deterioration of the marginal adaptation after 5 years for all systems. A significant number of restorations bonded with self-etch adhesives showed marginal staining after 5 years of clinical service. A deterioration of the color appearance and an increase of the surface roughness were also detected in the restorations performed with Adper Scotchbond SE + Filtek Z250. CONCLUSIONS: A deterioration of the marginal adaptation was evidenced for all restorative systems, while marginal staining was more frequently seen only around the restorations performed with self-etch adhesives. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: No advantage was found of the silorane- over the methacrylate-based composite when combined with an etch-and-rinse adhesive.

Practice of Sealants and Preventive Resin Restorations Among Malaysian Dentists.

PURPOSE: To assess the knowledge, attitude and utilisation regarding fissure sealants (FS) and preventive resin restorations (PRR) among Malaysian dentists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 35 questions was distributed by mail or an online survey to 425 registered dentists selected according to place of work by stratified random sampling. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three dentists responded to the survey. A positive attitude towards FS and PRR was noted among most Malaysian dentists. About half of the respondents used FS/PRR occasionally (48.4%), while few (13.7%) applied them routinely. The majority of the dentists agreed that minimally invasive dentistry is important and FS are effective in caries prevention, using them on high caries-risk individuals. Most of the dentists used pumice or paste to clean teeth before placing FS/PRR. A significant number of dentists used a bonding agent prior to placing FS. Although only 57.5% dentists were aware of guidelines for FS use, most dentists agreed that guidelines are important. CONCLUSION: Although there was a positive attitude towards FS/PRR, few dentists applied them routinely. Some of the steps undertaken for placement of FS and PRR were outdated. Updating local guidelines for dentists to ensure uniform practice of FS and PRR is justified.

Indications for Cuspal Coverage.

Cuspal-coverage restorations are important to preserve the integrity of a weakened tooth against the forces of occlusion. This article discusses the clinical indications for both direct and indirect cuspal-coverage restorations and the evidence supporting their use. Factors that modify a tooth's ability to dissipate normal occlusal forces and the effect cuspal-coverage restorations have on force distribution are examined. Clinical criteria, choice of restorative material and methods for tooth preparation are also discussed. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Re-enforcement of weakened teeth with cuspal-coverage restorations provides a minimally invasive alternative to conventional crowns.

British Society of Prosthodontics Debate on the Implications of the Minamata Convention on Mercury to Dental Amalgam--Should our Patients be Worried?.

In 2013, the Minamata Convention on Mercury called for a global phase-down of amalgam use, with a view to reduce environmental mercury pollution. This will significantly impact UK dentistry, given the still extensive use of amalgam in U.K. general dental practice. However, until now there has been little national discussion or debate. In Spring 2015, The British Society of Prosthodontics dedicated a significant part of its Annual Conference to debating the implications of this issue. Clinical case examples were discussed with audience interaction and voting facilitated using innovative Audience Response System Technology. A remarkable range of concerns and opinions were given. The debate elicited specific concerns amongst clinicians regarding the suitability of mercury-free alternatives to amalgam; particularly where cavities are large and extend beneath the gingival anatomy. There are also anecdotal reports of Dental Foundation (DF) dentists not being adequately taught the use of dental amalgam in undergraduate dental schools. CPD/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Many clinicians, especially those treating patients for whom moisture control is challenging, feel that amalgam should remain available for clinicians to choose in certain clinical circumstances for the restoration of posterior teeth, even in the event of a complete phase-down.

Technique Tips--The Cost of One Post-Operative Sensitivity following Placement of a Posterior Composite Restoration.

Use a low shrinkage stress composite but, if not, use incremental placement and a layer of flowable at the gingival box; Ensure good bonding to dentine and enamel and avoid (over) etching the dentine; Ensure good adaptation at the gingival floor of a Class II box; Make sure that the restoration has received sufficient light; Provide good isolation; Use reliable and tested materials throughout.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of the gagging patient using acrylic training plates.

Patients with a hyper-responsive gag reflex pose dentists with a challenging problem. The gag reflex of some patients may be so severe that patients (and operating clinician) may favour extraction of any painful, infected teeth as opposed to more lengthy and complicated procedures such as root canal therapy. However, consistently adopting this approach may render the gagging patient completely edentulous. Such patients may then present to the dental surgeon requesting tooth replacement with some form of denture. This in itself can be a challenging task given the difficulties one may experience whilst taking impressions in this cohort of patients. This article will discuss the prosthetic management of the maxillary arch in edentulous patients with a severe gag reflex. There will be particular emphasis on the aetiology and physiology of the gag reflex, impression-taking techniques to allow the construction of an acrylic training plate (as an interim measure), principles of training plate design and construction of the definitive removable denture. Clinical Relevance: Removable training plates can be used as an interim measure to desensitize edentulous gagging patients before providing them with a definitive removable denture.

Dentistry in the 21st century: challenges of a globalising world.

Oral health is - literally - vital to good general health, not least because the mouth is the sentinel of the body. Dentistry, the Cinderella of health care, faces immense challenges of globalisation. Governments, having spent freely on everything from defence to social security, face mountains of debts which make budget cutbacks essential. Simultaneously, most developed countries have to pay increasing costs of caring for rapidly ageing populations. Dentistry is being pulled two ways: wealthy members of society demand high-end expensive treatment, much of it cosmetic rather than necessary to deal with disease, whereas many millions of poor people in developing countries cannot afford basic dental treatment and may never see a dentist. Too many governments and dentists persist with the expensive and destructive regime of 'drill and fill (and bill)'. International advances in care may not reach the clinician's chair because treatment guidelines and payments are set locally. An international symposium to celebrate Mikako Hayashi becoming Professor of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontology at Osaka University concluded that dentistry should move from an increasingly un-affordable curative model to a cost-effective evidence-based preventive model. The goal is to help people retain healthy natural teeth throughout their lives, as an essential part of enhancing their general health.

Visual labels to facilitate hygiene around implant-supported complete fixed dental prostheses.

This article reports a protocol for facilitating the oral hygiene and maintenance of supporting tissues in patients who wear implant-supported complete fixed dental prostheses. Small notches are placed on the acrylic resin below the prosthesis flange where the hygiene instrument should be inserted. These notches are filled with colored composite resin (blue) so that patients can see the sites of interest, which contributes to adequate plaque control and long-term periimplant health.

Esthetic and function improvement by direct composite resins and biomimetic concept.

AIM: This case report describe a resin layering restorative technique based on biomimetic concept to improve esthetics in a patient with dental defects that affected both enamel and dentin in anterior teeth. BACKGROUND: Severe structural defect in anterior teeth compromises esthetics and it is a high challenge to become the defect imperceptible after the restoration. CASE DESCRIPTION: A clinical sequence of applying different composite resin layers allowed the reproduction of the interaction between hard dental tissues and the restorative material. CONCLUSION: This technique achieved a satisfactory final esthetic outcome, preserving sound teeth structure and at same time, improved the quality of life of the young patient. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The utilization of the biomimetic concept to increase a disharmonic smile with dental defects is based in a conservative approach, which reached a satisfactory and esthetic outcome.

Minimal intervention dentistry and older patients part 2: minimally invasive operative interventions.

UNLABELLED: As described in the first paper of this two part series, the expansion of our older population and the concomitant reduction in levels of edentulism will result in an increase in the number of patients presenting in general practice with complex restorative challenges. The application of the concepts of minimal intervention dentistry and minimally invasive operative techniques may offer a powerful armamentarium to the general dentist to provide ethical and conservative treatment to older patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When it is unavoidable, operative intervention should be as minimally invasive as practicable in older patients to preserve the longevity of their natural dentition.

A technique to salvage endodontically compromised maxillary anterior tooth.

A complication of endodontic treatment is over-preparation of the tooth structure in an attempt to access calcified pulp chambers and root canals. This could result in thin root walls that might compromise the long-term prognosis of the tooth. There are various treatment options when such a complication occurs, among them, extraction of the compromised tooth and its replacement with a dental implant. This clinical report describes a nonsurgical, multidisciplinary treatment alternative where a maxillary anterior tooth with a thinned root wall was successfully saved by repairing the damaged root to its original thickness using a composite resin material and subsequently restoring with a cast post and core and a crown.

Aesthetic outcomes of different materials for delayed, single-tooth restorations for immediately placed implants. A randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare the aesthetic outcomes of metal porcelain (C), lithium disilicate (T1) and porcelain-layered zirconium (T2) immediate implant-supported single crowns in the anterior maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five immediate dental implants were provided for 45 patients that required the extraction of a single tooth in the anterior maxilla. A temporary prosthesis was provided at 8 weeks after placement followed by the final prosthesis at 24 weeks post-implantation. The patients were randomly allocated into 3 groups: 15 patients in the control group (C) received a metal-porcelain restoration, 15 patients (T1) received a lithium disilicate (LD) restoration and 15 patients (T2) received a porcelain-layered, zirconium (Z) restoration. Pink (PES) and White (WES) esthetic scores, radiographic bone levels, periodontal parameters and patient's esthetic satisfaction using a visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated at the time of final restoration placement (t0) and at 12-months post-loading (t12). RESULTS: No implants were lost during the duration of this study. Statistically significant higher WES and VAS scores (p < 0.05) were recorded in T1 vs C and T1 vs T2 groups respectively. Similar radiographic bone levels and periodontal parameters were recorded in all groups. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that T1 restorations provided better WES outcomes when compared to C restorations and better VAS scores when compared to T2 restorations at 12 months post-loading. Besides, different material interphases did not have an impact in PES, bone levels or periodontal parameters. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is limited data comparing aesthetic outcomes of implant supported single crowns made of different ceramic materials based on accepted and comparable indexes and the evaluation of the patient's perspective regarding these aesthetic outcomes.

Implant microdesigns and their impact on osseointegration.

Researchers are in constant search for the ideal implant surface condition in an attempt to improve osseointegration of the implant and to increase bone-to-implant contact. Although introduction of rough surfaces was able to overcome a lot of limitations that presented with machined surfaces, they are still incapable of ensuring predictable results and guaranteed success. Various techniques in implant surface modifications have been proposed, all aimed at improving bone formation around dental implants. Understanding how surface modification of dental implants can impact osseointegration might help the clinician to maximize the success rate of implants and diminish the complications that can be encountered after their placement. In view of that, this article is aimed at assessing the different surface conditioning techniques available and will present a review of the literature that focuses on the influence of microdesign of dental implants on their osseointegration.

Clinical outcome of single porcelain-fused-to-zirconium dioxide crowns: a systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The increasing demand by patients for esthetic and metal-free restorations has driven the development of ceramic restorations with good esthetic and mechanical stability. Recent clinical studies have investigated the use of zirconium dioxide as a core material for complete crowns and computer-aided-design/computer-aided-manufacturing fabricated restorations. PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the clinical survival rates of porcelain-fused-to-zirconia (PFZ) single crowns on anterior and posterior teeth and to compare them with metal ceramic (MC) crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted with PubMed and manual research to identify literature written in English that refers to in vivo studies published from January 1, 1950 through July 1, 2011. Clinical trials that evaluated PFZ and MC single crowns on natural teeth were selected for further analysis. Titles and/or abstracts of articles identified through the electronic searches were reviewed and evaluated for appropriateness. In addition, a hand search of relevant dental journals was peformed, and reference lists of culled articles were screened to identify publications. RESULTS: The search resulted in a total of 488 initial matches. Nineteen studies with a total of 3621 crowns met the inclusion criteria. The survival rates of PFZ crowns (total 300) ranged from 92.7% to 100% for a follow-up time of 24 to 39 months, whereas those of MC crowns (total 3321) ranged from 70% to 100% for a follow-up time of 12 to 298 months. Studies that reported long-term results were found only for the MC crown group. CONCLUSIONS: The scientific clinical data available to compare PFZ and MC crowns are limited. The survival rates may well be influenced by the selection and appropriate use of the veneering ceramic, and, therefore, additional prospective long-term clinical trials are necessary to draw reliable conclusions.

[Fatigue and fracture resistance of the flared roots restored with computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing glass fiber posts].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the fatigue and fracture resistance of the flared roots restored with computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) glass fiber posts. METHODS: In the study, 32 maxillary central incisors with roots longer than 13 mm were selected and their canals were flared, and the roots were allocated into 4 groups (n=8) by a random number chart: CAD/CAM glass fiber posts, prefabricated quartz fiber posts, cast gold alloy posts, and CAD/CAM zirconia posts. The posts were luted to the roots by resin cement and fabricate zirconia crown for every specimen. An addition-type silicone impression material was used to simulate the periodontal ligament. All the specimens were submitted to 1.2×10(6) cycles loaded with a 49 N force, at 45 degree to the long axis of the teeth simultaneously with 3 000 thermal cycles (5 °C-50 °C-5 °C). After that, the specimens were subjected to a load at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min in a servo-hydraulic testing machine applied at 45 degree to the long axis of the tooth until fracture. The data were subjected to ANOVA test and the patterns of the failure were examined. RESULTS: After the cycling loading, 4 crowns from prefabricated quartz fiber posts groups were deboned, and no other failure was found after the cycling loading; the fracture strengths of CAD/CAM glass fiber posts group [(441.5± 103.2) N] and cast gold alloy posts group [(462.9±170.0) N] were higher (F=4.613, P<0.05) than those of CAD/CAM zirconia posts group [(284.1±99.0) N] and prefabricated quartz fiber posts group [(315.4±112.3) N]; the entire specimens presented unfavorable failures. CONCLUSION: Although further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary, the results of this study show that the use of CAD/CAM glass fiber posts and cast gold alloy posts may achieve better outcomes in flared roots than that of CAD/CAM zirconia posts and prefabricated quartz fiber posts.

Posts--when it all goes wrong! Part 1: case assessment and management options.

UNLABELLED: Posts have been used for many years to retain restorations or cores for extra-coronal restorations in endodontically treated teeth.This article discusses the variety of post systems that are available and the incidence and reasons for failure of teeth that have been restored with posts. The treatment options available for the management of such failures are considered, in addition to the indications for both non-surgical and surgical management of endodontic failures. The attitudes of dentists and the perceived complications of attempting post removal are reviewed, along with the evidence to support the prevalence of complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Failure of post-retained restorations is a relatively frequent finding due to failure of the restoration itself or the endodontic treatment. It is therefore important to understand and be aware of the various treatment options available, their indications and associated risks.