Engaging vs. Non-Engaging Abutments: An In Vitro Study Evaluating Changes in Microgap and Screw Morphology.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the microgap size between engaging (E) and non-engaging (NE) abutments and screw morphology changes between E and NE abutments using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after cyclic loading (CL). METHODS: Thirty-six implants were arranged into four groups as follows: Group 1, single units with E abutments; Group 2, single units with NE abutments; Group 3, three-unit fixed partial dentures with a hemi-engaging design; and Group 4, three-unit FPDs with two NE abutments. The microgap was evaluated using a stereomicroscope. SEM was used to qualitatively evaluate screw morphology. The specimens were subjected to axial loading first and then lateral loading (30°) using the settings; one million cycles (1.0 × 106 cycles) for each loading axis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences detected in the microgap sizes between the E and NE abutment groups. In addition, there were no significant changes in the microgap sizes after CL in the E or NE abutment specimens. More damage to the screws was noticed after CL compared to before, with no difference in the patterns of damage detected between the E and NE abutments. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference in microgap size was detected between the E and NE abutments. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in microgap size between the different prosthetic designs. From the SEM qualitative evaluation, there were similar screw morphology changes after CL between the E and NE abutments.

Evaluating color stability and enamel surface roughness following resin infiltration treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of resin infiltration treatment on enamel color stability and surface roughness after simulating daily exposure to coffee stains and regular toothbrushing with standard toothpaste. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, we utilized 47 caries-free human enamel specimens, which were divided into two distinct groups. The teeth in the study group underwent artificial demineralization, Icon resin infiltration, and polishing, while the control group received only polishing. Following this, all teeth from both groups were regularly immersed in freshly brewed coffee for 15 min, twice daily, over a span of 30 days. After each staining session, the teeth underwent 10 heavy circular strokes using a soft toothbrush and standard toothpaste. Color changes were measured on Days 1 and 30 using a spectrophotometer. The L*, a*, b* color system defined by the International Commission on Illumination was used to assess the changes. Surface roughness was evaluated at baseline and after 30 days using a 3D surface Metrology Microscope. RESULTS: After 30 days of immersion in coffee, both the study and control groups showed significant changes in color. However, differences were statistically significant between groups for "L" and "a" parameter but not for "b." The overall color change in the study group was higher than the control group. There were no significant differences in surface roughness within or between the groups before and after staining and brushing. CONCLUSIONS: Resin infiltration leads to a significant increase in staining compared to untreated enamel. These staining properties should be taken into account when making clinical decisions regarding the treatment of white spot lesions.

Effect of Type of Resin Composite Material on Porosity, Interfacial Gaps and Microhardness of Small Class I Restorations.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the best restorative approach for the conservative class I cavity by comparing flowable and nanohybrid composites versus the placement technique regarding surface microhardness, porosity, and presence of interface gaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty human molars were divided into four groups (n = 10). Standardized class I cavities were prepared and restored using one of the following materials: Group I - Flowable composite placed by incremental technique; group II - Flowable composite placed in one increment; group III - Nanohybrid composite placed by incremental technique; and group IV - Nano-hybrid composite placed in one increment. After finishing and polishing, specimens were sectioned into two halves. One section was chosen randomly for the Vickers microhardness (HV) evaluation and the other section was used for the assessment of porosities and interfacial adaptation (IA). RESULTS: The surface microhardness range was 28.5-76.2 (p < 0.05), mean pulpal microhardness range was 27.6-74.4 (p < 0.05). Flowable composites had lower HV than conventional counterparts. The mean pulpal HV of all materials exceeded 80% of occlusal HV. Restorative approaches did not statistically differ in porosities. However, IA percentages were higher in flowable materials compared to nanocomposites. CONCLUSION: Flowable resin composite materials have lower microhardness than Nanohybrid composites. In small class I cavities, the number of porosities was similar between the different placement techniques and the interfacial gaps were highest in the flowable composites. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of nanohybrid resin composite to restore class I cavities will result in better hardness and less interfacial gaps compared to flowable composites.

Evaluation of two implant-supported fixed partial denture abutment designs: Influence on screw surface characteristics.

PURPOSE: To compare screw surface characteristics between hemi-engaging and non-engaging implant-supported fixed partial denture (FPD) designs after cyclic loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four implants measuring 4.3 × 10 mm were mounted on acrylic resin blocks. Specimens were divided into two groups. An experimental group included twelve 3-unit FPD with a hemi-engaging design; a control group included twelve 3-unit FPDs with the conventional design of two non-engaging abutments. Both groups were subjected to two types of cycling loading (CL), first axial loading, and then lateral loading at 30°. Load was applied to the units one million times (1.0 × 106 cycles) for each loading axis. Data on screw surface roughness in three locations and screw thread depth were collected before (BL) and after (AL) each loading type. Screw surface roughness was measured in µm using a mechanical digital surface profilometer and optical profiler. To evaluate screw thread depth in µm, an upright optical microscope Axio-imager 2 was used. To confirm readings made from the optical microscope, four random samples were selected from each group for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The effect of cyclic loading was evaluated by averaging values across the two screws within each specimen, then calculating difference scores (DL) between BL and AL (DL = AL - BL). Additional difference scores were computed between the non-engaging screws in each experimental group specimen, and one randomly selected non-engaging screw in each control specimen. This difference was referred to as the non-engaging DL. Statistical significance was assessed using Mann-Whitney U tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Comparisons of DL and non-engaging DL by loading type revealed one significant difference regarding surface roughness at the screw thread. Significantly greater mean changes were observed after axial loading compared to lateral loading regarding both DL (axial M = -0.36 ± 0.08; lateral M = -0.21 ± 0.09; U = 20; p = 0.003) and non-engaging DL (axial M = -0.40 ± 0.22; lateral M = -0.21 ± 0.11; U = 29; p = 0.013). No significant differences in screw surface roughness in other sites or thread depth were found between the experimental and control abutment designs in DL or in non-engaging DL. No significant differences were found for DL (axial U = 13, p = 0.423; lateral U = 9, p = 0.150;) or non-engaging DL (axial U = 13, p = 0.423; lateral U = 18, p = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that overall, changes in screw surface physical characteristics did not differ between hemi-engaging and non-engaging designs after evaluating screw surface roughness and thread depth before and after axial and lateral cyclic loading.

Preload evaluation of 2 implant-supported fixed partial denture abutment designs.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A hemi-engaging abutment design has been suggested to improve the stability of the implant-to-abutment interface compared with that of a fully nonengaging design to restore implant-supported fixed partial denture. However, controversy persists regarding the benefit of using a hemi-engaging abutment design and prompts the need for specific mechanical testing on the effect of these designs on screw preload under simulated clinical conditions. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine whether significant differences in preload values of the screw before and after cyclic loading exist between hemi-engaging and nonengaging abutment fixed partial denture designs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four conical connection implants measuring 4.3×10 mm (Nobel Biocare Replace Conical Connection; Nobel Biocare) were mounted in acrylic resin blocks. Specimens were divided into 2 groups. An experimental group included 12 three-unit fixed partial dentures with a hemi-engaging design; a control group included 12 three-unit fixed partial dentures with the conventional design of 2 nonengaging abutments. A digital screw torque meter was used to measure screw torque values per the manufacturer's recommendation of 35 Ncm. Reverse torque value was measured before cyclic loading and referred to as initial preload. After cyclic loading, reverse torque value was measured and referred to as final preload. The effect of cyclic loading was evaluated by averaging the reverse torque value across the 2 screws in each specimen and then calculating the changes between the initial preload and final preload. The difference between initial and final preload was referred to as reverse torque difference. An additional reverse torque difference, referred to as reverse torque difference-nonengaging, was calculated for the nonengaging screws in each experimental specimen and for 1 randomly selected screw of the 2 in each control specimen. Preload efficiency before and after cyclic loading was also calculated. All groups went through cyclic loading using a universal testing machine. The specimens went through axial loading first, and then the reverse torque value was measured. Twenty-four new abutment screws were then used, and the specimens then went through lateral loading at 30 degrees. Load was applied to the units (1.0×106 cycles) for each loading axis. The statistical significance of differences between the axial and lateral reverse torque difference and between the 2 groups of reverse torque difference and reverse torque difference-nonengaging were assessed using Mann-Whitney U tests (α=.05). RESULTS: A comparison of reverse torque difference between loading types revealed no significant difference (P=.773). Therefore, data for the 2 loading types were combined before comparing the reverse torque difference and reverse torque difference-nonengaging values between the 2 groups based on abutment design (12 hemi-engaging designs in the experimental group and 12 fully nonengaging designs in the control group). The experimental group mean reverse torque difference was -0.65 ±1.95 Ncm (range -4.0 to 2.4 Ncm), and the control group mean reverse torque difference was -2.5 ±5.44 Ncm (range -15.3 to 5.3 Ncm). No significant difference was found (P=.340). Furthermore, no significant difference was found between the reverse torque difference for the nonengaging screw in each of the 12 implants with a hemi-engaging design versus 1 randomly selected nonengaging screw in each of the 12 implants with a fully nonengaging design (P=.355). CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was found in screw preload between a hemi-engaging and a full nonengaging 3-unit fixed partial denture supported by conical connection implant configurations before and after cyclic loading.

Evaluation of Marginal and Internal Fit of a CAD/CAM Monolithic Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Porcelain Laminate Veneer System.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the marginal and internal fit of monolithic computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) ZLS (Vita Suprinity) glass ceramic porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs), in terms of marginal and internal gap widths, in comparison to monolithic lithium disilicate (LDS) [IPS e.max CAD] CAD/CAM veneers, and, also, to analyze the effect of incisal preparation designs (butt joint and chamfer), on the marginal and internal fit accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty dental stone dies poured from impressions made of two master metal dies with different incisal preparation designs were scanned to produce digital models. Forty ceramic veneers were designed and milled using the virtual models-10 ZLS butt joint, 10 ZLS chamfer, 10 LDS butt joint, and 10 LDS chamfer. The monolithic ceramic veneers produced were then subjected to marginal and internal gap width evaluation using X-ray nano-computed tomography and computerized digital analysis (n = 10). Descriptive analyses of data were performed and the influence of "material" and "preparation design" on the marginal and internal fit of veneers was assessed using 2-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Bonferroni post-hoc multiple comparison tests were used to further analyze the interactions between the material and preparation design after adjusting the α value by Holm-Bonferroni method (α = 0.01). RESULTS: Mean marginal and internal gaps for ZLS PLVs were 65 ±11 µm and 112 ±14 µm for butt joint, and 100 ±24 µm and 100 ±21 µm for chamfer, respectively. Corresponding values for LDS PLVs were 78 ±25 µm and 114 ±17 µm for butt joint, and 104 ±18 µm and 106 ±7 µm for chamfer. Marginal gap and internal gap differences between ZLS and LDS PLVs were not significant (marginal gap: F = 1.786, p = 0.190; internal gap: F = 0.807, p = 0.375). However, the preparation designs (butt joint and chamfer) differed significantly in terms of marginal gaps (F = 23.797, p = 0.000), but not internal gaps (F = 3.703; p = 0.059). CONCLUSIONS: Butt joint margins produced better marginal accuracy in terms of marginal gap, compared to chamfers, for ZLS CAD/CAM laminate veneers.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Barriers to Fluoride Application as a Preventive Measure among Oral Health Care Providers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and possible barriers to fluoride application among oral health-care providers in Kuwait. METHODS: A validated self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 291 dentists. The questionnaire included four categories: dentists' characteristics, knowledge of and attitude towards fluoride application, factors influencing decision-making on prescription of fluoride, and the clinician's perception of own knowledge. Means, group differences, and logistic regression were calculated. RESULTS: 262 completed the questionnaire (response rate of 90%). Half of the participants (49%) reported that water fluoridation is the best method for caries prevention in children. Majority of the participants (80%) acknowledged that topical fluoride prevents dental caries, but only 40% frequently use it in their practices. Fear of overdose was a concern in 57% of the participants. About 31% believed that caries is a multifactorial disease and cannot be prevented. In addition, 32% of the dentists who thought caries is multifactorial and cannot be prevented stated that restorations take precedence over preventive therapy. CONCLUSION: Despite the participants being in favor of topical fluoride application and believing in its effectiveness, certain barriers were apparent such as knowledge deficiencies, products labelling flaw, and lack of participation in effective continuing educational activities.

Double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of intranasal K305 (3% tetracaine plus 0.05% oxymetazoline) in anesthetizing maxillary teeth.

BACKGROUND: The authors compared the local anesthetic efficacy and safety of an intranasally administered formulation of tetracaine and oxymetazoline (K305) with placebo in adult participants undergoing single dental restorative procedures in teeth nos. 4 through 13. METHODS: The authors screened and allocated 150 participants in a double-masked, randomized fashion to either K305 or placebo nasal spray. The authors delivered the study drug as two 0.2-milliliter sprays separated by 4 minutes inside the nostril on the side ipsilateral to the tooth being treated. The authors administered a third 0.2-mL spray, if necessary, and administered 4% articaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine by means of injection if anesthesia was inadequate. Safety evaluations included participant reports of adverse events, vital signs, and alcohol sniff tests during the 2-hour study period and at a 1-day follow-up visit. The primary efficacy end point was anesthetic success defined as the completion of the dental procedure without the need for rescue injectable local anesthetic. The authors evaluated differences in success rates observed between K305 and placebo by using a 1-sided Fisher exact test. RESULTS: The overall success rates were 88.0% (95% confidence interval, 80.0-93.6) and 28% (95% confidence interval, 16.2-42.5) for K305 and placebo, respectively (P < .0001). The most frequent adverse effects in the K305 group were rhinorrhea (57.0%) and nasal congestion (26.0%). No serious adverse events occurred during this study. CONCLUSIONS: K305 was effective and well tolerated during restorative procedures in adult participants. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: K305 provides a needleless alternative for obtaining maxillary pulpal anesthesia on premolars, canines, and incisors.