The Effect of Thermocycling on the Translucency and Color Stability of Modified Glass Ceramic and Multilayer Zirconia Materials.

Aim The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the new, multilayered, translucent zirconia and enhanced glass-ceramics to determine if their translucency (TP) and color stability (ΔE) are affected by thermocycling at 10,000, 30,000, and 50,000 cycles. Materials & methods Two pre-shaded, multilayer zirconia products: Prettau® 2 Dispersive® (PRT) and Prettau® 4 Anterior® Multi® (PRTA), and two glass-ceramic: IPS e.max CAD® HT (E.max) and Vita Suprinity® HT (VS) were used. All were prepared and sectioned to get plate specimens with dimensions 12.5x14.5x1 mm (n=12) for each material. The L*a*b* values were recorded using a spectrophotometer before and after thermocycling for 10,000, 30,000, and 50000 cycles. The translucencies of the specimens were calculated using the TP formula and the color changes were giving by the color differences ΔE formula at each interval. Results One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data followed by Scheffe's post-hoc test and multiple paired t-tests (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant higher TP for E.max before (16.2) and after aging (16.9) (p<0.001**). All the tested groups showed a statistically significant increase in their TP at different intervals. PRT showed significantly higher ΔE (p<0.001**) after 50,000 cycles. Conclusion There was a mild but significant increase in translucency in both Zirconia and glass-ceramic after thermocycling. In addition, all materials showed a significant color change with time, however, this is not clinically perceptible.

Effects of Gingival Retraction Paste and Subsequent Cleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide on the Polymerization of Three Elastomeric Impression Materials: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: It has been hypothesized that there are no effects of Expasyl and subsequent cleaning with hydrogen peroxide on polymerization of selected commonly used impression materials. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Expasyl paste on the polymerization of three impression materials with and without subsequent cleaning using 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine standardized stainless steel specimens were fabricated. One hundred and eighty impressions were made using 3 materials (60 each) as follows: group I: poly(vinyl siloxane) (PVS) (Virtual); group II: polyether (Monophase); group III: polyether (Impregum). Groups were subdivided into 3 categories: control without intervention (n = 20), pre-application of Expasyl and subsequent 1-minute washing with water and air-drying (n = 20), and pre-application of Expasyl and subsequent cleaning with 3% H2 O2 for 10 seconds (n = 20). All impressions were made by one operator using auto-mixing cartridges under standardized conditions at room temperature. Evaluation of the polymerization inhibition was blindly and independently performed by three practitioners with comparable experience using a visual scale. The observation was subjectively categorized as noninhibited or inhibited. Data were tabulated and analyzed using Fisher's exact test with significance level set at p ˂ 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the control group and the impressions made after contamination with Expasyl (p < 0.001). Polymerization inhibition of PVS and Impregum was similar (in 85% and 90% of the specimens, respectively) when washed with water. There was a statistically significant reduction in polymerization inhibition in both upon cleaning with H2 O2 (p < 0.001); however, polymerization inhibition occurred in 100% of Monophase specimens when contaminated with Expasyl despite the washing technique used. CONCLUSIONS: Under these in vitro conditions, it can be concluded that the remnants of Expasyl on specimens caused a significant polymerization inhibition of the 3 impression materials tested. Subsequent cleaning with 3% H2 O2 significantly reduced this inhibitory effect on polymerization. Expasyl should not be used with Monophase polyether material.

Does Surgical Crown Lengthening Procedure Produce Stable Clinical Outcomes for Restorative Treatment? A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: The present systematic review was designed to assess whether surgical crown lengthening (SCL) procedure produces stable clinical outcomes for restorative treatment. METHODS: Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a specific PICO question was constructed: "Does the SCL procedure produce stable clinical outcomes for restorative treatment?" Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register) were searched up to December 2017. The risk of bias was assessed based on the revised recommendations of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement. Forest plots were computed reporting weighted mean difference (WMD) of outcomes and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for crown length (CL), position of gingival margin (PGM), biological width (BW), and bone level changes. RESULTS: Five studies were included. The risk of bias was considered high in all studies. A high degree of heterogeneity was noticed for CL, PGM, and BW. The overall mean difference for CL (WMD = -1.84, 95% CI = -0.103 to 2.05, p = 0.076), PGM (WMD = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.12 to 1.62, p = 0.02), and BW (WMD = -0.11, 95% CI = -2.21 to 1.99, p = 0.91) were not significant at follow-up. The overall mean difference for bone level changes was significant (WMD = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.26 to 2.03, p < 0.001) at follow-up. CONCLUSION: It remains debatable whether SCL produces gingival rebound, or re-establishes BW and changes in clinical attachment level; however, further studies with low risk of bias randomized CCTs and long-term follow-up are recommended to reliably assess the restorative outcomes of SCL.

Association of advanced glycation end products with peri-implant inflammation in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

BACKGROUND: It is postulated that peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are higher with high glycemic levels. PURPOSE: In the present clinico-biochemical study, we explored the clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters and levels of AGEs among prediabetic, type 2 diabetic (T2DM), and non-diabetic patients and to evaluate the correlation of AGEs with clinical peri-implant parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients were divided into three groups of 30 patients each; group 1: patients with prediabetes; group 2: patients with T2DM; and group 3: non-diabetic individuals. Clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters assessed included plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and marginal bone loss (MBL). PISF was collected and analyzed for AGEs levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Between-group comparison of means was verified with Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson correlation coefficient for correlations of AGE levels with peri-implant parameters. RESULTS: Mean peri-implant PI, BOP, PD, and MBL was significantly higher in group 1 and 2 as compared with non-diabetic patients (P < .05). Mean PI, BOP, PD, and MBL were comparable between group 1 and group 2 patients (P > .05). Mean levels of AGEs in PISF were significantly higher among prediabetic and T2DM patients as compared with non-diabetic patients (P < .05). Between group 1 and group 2, mean levels of AGEs was significantly higher in group 2 (P < .05). A significant positive correlations were found between levels of AGEs and PD (P = .0371) and MBL (P = .0117) in T2DM patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters were worse and levels of AGEs in PISF were increased in individuals with prediabetes and T2DM. AGEs may play an important role in peri-implant inflammation in prediabetes and T2DM.

Effectiveness of adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in reducing peri-implant inflammatory response in individuals vaping electronic cigarettes: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There are no studies that have assessed the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in reducing peri-implant inflammatory response in individuals vaping electronic cigarettes (e-cigs). This study explored the effectiveness of aPDT as an adjunct to mechanical debridement (MD) in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis (p-iM) in individuals vaping e-cigs. METHODS: Vaping individuals with p-iM were divided into 2 groups: (a) Group-I: receiving MD with aPDT (test group); and (b) Group-II: MD only (control group). Peri-implant inflammatory parameters including plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), and pocket depth (PD) were assessed at baseline and 12-weeks follow-up. Inter- and intra-group comparisons were made using Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Thirty-eight male patients (20 in Group-I and 18 in Group-II) were included. The mean age of vaping individuals in groups I and II were 33.6 ±â€¯2.8 and 35.4 ±â€¯2.1 years, respectively. Mean daily frequency of vaping e-cigs in groups I and II was 7.3 ±â€¯0.9 and 5.9 ±â€¯1.0 whereas mean duration of vaping e-cigs was 4.8 ±â€¯1.5 and 4.1 ±â€¯1.3 years respectively. There was no significant difference between groups at baseline. There was significant improvement in PI (p < 0.001) and PD (p < 0.001) at 12-weeks follow-up with respect to the baseline visit in both groups. There was a significant reduction in PI (p < 0.001) and PD (p < 0.001) for group-I as compared to group-II at follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference for BoP between groups at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Antimicrobial PDT is more effective compared to MD alone in the treatment of p-iM in individuals vaping e-cigs. The findings of the present study should be considered preliminary and interpreted with caution. Further randomized clinical trials should be performed in order to obtain strong conclusions.

Peri-implant soft tissue inflammatory parameters and crestal bone loss among waterpipe (narghile) smokers and never-smokers with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Peri-implant soft tissue inflammatory parameters and crestal bone loss (CBL) among waterpipe smokers (WS) with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains uninvestigated. The aim of the present study was to assess peri-implant soft tissue inflammatory parameters and CBL among WS and never smokers (NS) with and without T2DM. METHODS: Demographic data and information regarding duration of implants in function, daily frequency of smoking, duration and treatment of T2DM, and daily toothbrushing was collected using a questionnaire. Peri-implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm, CBL, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were assessed in all individuals. Level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: Seventy-nine male individuals (39 patients with T2DM [20 WS and 19 NS] and 40 systemically healthy individuals [21 WS smokers and 19 NS]) were included. The mean age was comparable among individuals in all groups. The mean HbA1c levels were significantly higher among patients with T2DM compared to controls (P < 0.01). Peri-implant PI, BOP, PD, and CBL were comparable among WS and NS with T2DM. Among patients without T2DM, PI (P < 0.05), PD ≥4 mm (P < 0.05) and mesial and distal CBL (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in WS than NS. Among individuals without T2DM, BOP was significantly higher among NS (P < 0.05) than WS. In patients with T2DM, BOP was comparable among WS and NS. CONCLUSIONS: Peri-implant soft tissue inflammatory parameters and CBL were comparable among WS and NS with T2DM. Among individuals without T2DM, these parameters were worse among WS than NS.

Assessment of matrix metalloproteinase-8 and -9 levels in the peri-implant sulcular fluid among waterpipe (narghile) smokers and never-smokers with peri-implantitis.

OBJECTIVES: It is hypothesized that levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 and MMP-9 are significantly higher in the peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) of waterpipe-smokers (WS) compared with never-smokers with peri-implantitis. The aim of the present convenience sample case-control study was to compare the levels of MMP-8 and MMP-9 in the PISF of WS and never-smokers with peri-implantitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Individuals smoking waterpipe (Group 1) and never-smokers (Group 2) were included. Demographic data was collected using a questionnaire. Peri-implant probing depth (PPD) was measured and crestal bone loss (CBL) was measured on digital bitewing radiographs. PISF samples were collected using paper strips and the collected PISF volume was determined. Levels of MMP-8 and MMP-9 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Study sample-size was estimated and statistical analysis was performed. p values < .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Sixty-six individuals (33 individuals in Group 1 and 33 in Group 2) were included. In Groups 1 and 2, 41 and 44 implants, respectively were placed. The mean total PPD (p < .001) and peri-implant CBL (p < .001) was statistically significantly higher around implants affected by peri-implantitis in Group 1 compared with Group 2. The PISF volume (p < .05) collected and levels of MMP-8 (p < .01) and MMP-9 (p < .01) were statistically significantly higher among individuals in Group 1 compared with Group 2. CONCLUSION: PISF levels of MMP-8 and MMP-9 are significantly higher among WS compared with never-smokers with peri-implantitis.

Non-surgical periodontal therapy reduces salivary adipocytokines in chronic periodontitis patients with and without obesity.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of scaling and root planing (SRP) on periodontal parameters and whole salivary resistin and interleukin (IL)-6 levels in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients with and without obesity. METHODS: Participants were divided into two groups; group 1 included obese and non-obese individuals with CP; and group 2 included obese and non-obese individuals without CP. In both groups, bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm and whole salivary resistin and IL-6 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and 6 months after SRP. The number of missing teeth was counted, and marginal bone loss was measured on digital panoramic radiographs at baseline and 6 months' postoperatively. RESULTS: BOP was significantly higher among obese patients in group 1 than obese (P < .001) and non-obese (P < .001) individuals in group 2. At 6 months' follow up, BOP (P < .001) and PD ≥4 mm (P < .001) were significantly lower among obese and non-obese patients in group 1 than their respective baseline values. At 6 months' follow up, BOP (P < .001) and PD ≥4 mm (P < .001) were significantly higher among obese and non-obese individuals in group 1 compared with individuals in group 2. CONCLUSION: SRP is effective in reducing periodontal inflammation in CP patients with and without obesity. CP seems to be the primary factor that influences periodontal status and the expression of resistin and IL-6 levels in obese and non-obese patients.

Peri-implant conditions and levels of advanced glycation end products among patients with different glycemic control.

BACKGROUND: A close relationship between poor glycemic control and peri-implant break down has been demonstrated. It is hypothesized that levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) are higher with increased glycemic levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. PURPOSE: In the present study, we examined the clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters and levels of AGEs among different glycemic levels in diabetic patients and assessed whether the levels of AGEs correlate with clinical peri-implant parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients who participated in this study were divided into four groups; Group-1: HbA1c 6.1%-8%; Group-2: HbA1c 8.1%-10%; Group-3: HbA1c > 10%; Group-4: non-diabetic individuals with HbA1c < 6%. Peri-implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and crestal bone loss (CBL) were recorded. Levels of AGEs in PISF were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Between-group comparison of means was verified with Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson correlation coefficient for correlations of AGE levels with peri-implant parameters. RESULTS: Peri-implant PI, BOP, PD, and CBL were significantly higher in group-1, -2, and -3 as compared to non-diabetic patients (P < .05). These parameters were significantly higher in group-2 and group-3 versus group-1 (P < .01). Mean PI, BOP, PD, and CBL were comparable between group-2 and group-3 patients (P > .05). Mean levels of AGEs in PISF were significantly higher in relation to higher levels of HbA1c levels. Significant positive correlations were found between AGEs and PD (P = .0221) and CBL (P = .0425); and significant negative correlation was found for PI (P = .0376) in patients with HbA1c levels >10%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters were poor and levels of AGEs were significantly high in patients with high glycemic levels. These findings suggest that AGEs may be considered as potential marker of inflammation in diabetic individuals with peri-implantitis.

Comparison of peri-implant clinical and radiographic status around short (6 mm in length) dental implants placed in cigarette-smokers and never-smokers: Six-year follow-up results.

BACKGROUND: It is hypothesized that peri-implant clinical and radiographic inflammatory parameters (probing depth [PD], bleeding on probing [BOP] and plaque index [PI]; and radiographic (crestal bone loss [CBL]) are worse among cigarette-smokers (CS) compared with never-smokers (NS) with short implants. PURPOSE: The present 6-year follow-up retrospective study compared the peri-implant clinical and radiographic parameters in CS and NS with short dental implants (6 mm in length). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six male individuals were included. These individuals divided into 2 groups as follows: (a) Group-1: 29 self-reported systemically healthy CS with 48 short-implants; and (b) Group-2: 27 self-reported systemically healthy NS with 43 short implants. Peri-implant PD, PI, BOP, and CBL were measured. Group comparisons were done using the Kruskal-Wallis test and sample size was estimated. Level of significance was set at P values < .05. RESULTS: In groups 1 and 2, the follow-up durations were 6.2 ± 0.1 years and 6.1 ± 0.3 years, respectively. A cigarette smoking history of 8.9 ± 3.6 pack years was reported by individuals in Group-1. At follow-up, scores of peri-implant PD, BOP, PI, and mesial and distal CBL were comparable around short implants in both groups. CONCLUSION: Under strict oral hygiene maintenance protocols, short dental implants can remain functionally stable in CS in a manner similar to NS.

Comparison of periodontal inflammatory parameters among habitual gutka-chewers and naswar-dippers: a split-mouth retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present split-mouth retrospective study was to compare the clinical periodontal parameters among gutka-chewers and naswar-dippers. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was used to record demographic information. Jaw quadrant in which, gutka or naswar were placed were defined as "test-sites". The remaining jaw quadrants were designated as "control-sites". Clinical [plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL)] and radiographic [alveolar bone loss (ABL)] parameters were compared among gutka-chewers and naswar-dippers in the test- and control sites. Data were analysed using non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank test followed by post hoc analyses with the Bonferroni correction. p < .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Seventy-five gutka-chewers and 72 naswar-dippers with mean ages of 45.2 ± 0.8 years and 47.3 ± 2.8 years, respectively were included. Gutka-chewers and naswar-dippers were consuming their respective smokeless tobacco product 10.2 times and 8.5 times daily for 15.1 ± 2.7 and 12.3 ± 3.4 years, respectively. Among gutka-chewers and naswar-dippers, scores of PI, BOP, PPD ≥4 mm, CAL and ABL were significantly higher in the test-sites compared with their respective control-sites (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal inflammatory parameters were poorer in the test-sites among gutka-chewers and naswar-dippers compared with the control-sites.

Efficacy of periimplant mechanical curettage with and without adjunct antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in smokeless-tobacco product users.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjuvant to mechanical curettage (MC) in the treatment of periimplant mucositis in smokeless tobacco (ST) product users. METHODS: Forty-eight ST product users with periimplant mucositis were randomly divided into 2 groups. In the test-group, participants underwent periimplant MC with adjunct aPDT; and in the control-group, the patients underwent MC alone. Periimplant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were measured at baseline and after 3-months of follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Level of significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: At baseline, periimplant PI, BOP and PD were comparable among individuals in the test- and control groups. At 3-months follow-up, scores of periimplant PI (P<0.05), BOP (P<0.05) and PD (P<0.05) were statistically significantly higher among patients in the control-group compared with the test-group. At 3-months follow-up, the percentages of sites of PI, BOP and PD were statistically significantly higher in the control-sites as compared to the test-sites. CONCLUSION: Among patients with periimplant mucositis, MC with adjunct aPDT is more effective in reducing periimplant inflammation in ST product users as compared to MC alone; however, the present result should be interpreted with caution as they were based on a short-term follow-up. Further long-term studies are needed in this regard.

The effect of various interim fixed prosthodontic materials on the polymerization of elastomeric impression materials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: After tooth preparation, interim fixed prosthodontic materials are used to fabricate interim restorations until the definitive restoration can be delivered. The polymerization of elastomeric impression materials may be inhibited when in indirect contact with interim fixed prosthodontic materials. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to detect whether the polymerization of 6 commonly used types of elastomeric impression materials was affected by direct contact with 6 commonly used interim fixed prosthodontic materials and to further evaluate the efficacy of several decontamination methods to eliminate the indirect effect of the interim fixed prosthodontic materials on the setting of elastomeric impression materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six brands of elastomeric impression material (Virtual, Aquasil, Genie, Correct Plus, Express, Impregum) were evaluated in vitro after direct contact with various interim fixed prosthodontic materials (Trim Plus, Unifast, Integrity, Systemp C&B, Tuff-Temp, Protemp IV) by 3 general practitioners. The setting of the impression materials was visually scored as either inhibited or noninhibited. Latex was used as a positive control. The decontamination part of the study was done indirectly on the dentin of prepared natural teeth after they had been relined with the interim fixed prosthodontic material. The decontamination methods were air-water rinse, mouthwash (chlorhexidine 0.12%), 3% hydrogen peroxide, and pumice. A Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analysis was used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: Statistically significant setting inhibition was found with 5 brands of polyvinyl siloxane impression materials with all tested types of interim fixed prosthodontic material (P<.001) except Trim Plus. No tested interim fixed prosthodontic material caused inhibition with the polyether impression material, except for minimal inhibition with Protemp IV. The decontamination method performed with 3% H2O2 alone proved adequate in preventing impression material inhibition. Interexaminer reliability data were analyzed with the kappa correlation analysis. The examiners were in complete agreement (kappa +1). CONCLUSION: Under these in vitro conditions, the direct contact of polyvinyl siloxane impression materials to some brands of interim fixed prosthodontic materials resulted in polymerization inhibition. Of the decontamination methods tested, only 3% H2O2 showed efficacy in preventing the inhibitory effect of the interim fixed prosthodontic material. For optimal results, definitive impressions should be made before the prepared tooth is exposed to an interim fixed prosthodontic material.

Academic distress, perceived stress and coping strategies among dental students in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sources of stress among students in the dental school environment, their perceived levels of stress and effective coping strategies. METHODS: This study was conducted during the first semester of the academic year, 2009-10, at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. The eligible study group consisted of 556 undergraduate dental students from all five class years; they were surveyed with a detailed assessment tool. The validated and translated questionnaire comprised the modified version of the dental environmental stress (DES) survey, the perceived stress scale (PSS) and the brief coping scale (BCS). RESULTS: The overall findings substantiated with multiple regression indicate that, out of 20 factors of both DES and BC instruments, six factors were significantly and independently related to perceived stress scores (F = 34.638; p < 0.0001). Especially, the factors self-efficacy and workload of DES and the factors behavioral disengagement, denial, positive reframing and venting of BC were positively and independently related to perceived stress scores. CONCLUSIONS: Dental students displayed relatively high perceived stress scores. Female, advanced and married, compared with male, junior and single students reported more stress. Changes in certain environmental factors and coping strategies independently affected the perceived stress score. Strategies for stress management must be incorporated into dental education to ensure the output of effective dentists.

Early peri-implant tissue reactions on different titanium surface topographies.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the early peri-implant soft tissue healing on different titanium surface topographies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Titanium implants with smooth or rough surfaces were placed in the extraction site at 1 month after the maxillary first molar extractions of 15 male Sprague-Dawley rats. At 4 and 7 days after implant surgery, the peri-implant oral mucosa was randomly harvested and analyzed for collagen fiber orientation, and expression of extracellular matrix genes. Descriptive and paired t-tests were performed where appropriate (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The laser scanning microscopic analysis of the Sirius red stained peri-implant connective tissue revealed a parallel and uniform collagen fiber orientation along the smooth implant at both 4 and 7 days. In contrast, the collagen fibers of the comparative peri-implant tissue from rough surface implants at 7 days were not arranged in parallel orientation but in an irregular a "cotton-ball-like." The levels of mRNA of types III and XII collagen and transforming growth factor-ß1 significantly increased in the smooth implant group compared with the rough implant group at both 4 and 7 days or either one of days. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that implant surface characteristics may affect early events of soft tissue healing by influencing collagen fiber orientation and expression of key genes for initial healing.

Foreign-trained dentists in advanced education in prosthodontics programs in the United States: demographics, perspectives on current training, and future goals.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the perspectives of foreign-trained dentists (FTDs) in comparison with US-trained Dentists (USTDs) in Advanced Education in Prosthodontics (AEP) programs on their current clinical training and future goals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted by analyzing data from previously published literature. When appropriate, Chi-square statistical analysis was conducted to determine the influence of where the AEP residents earned their DMD/DDS degree (FTDs/USTDs) on all variables. Only results that yielded significant differences were discussed. RESULTS: A majority of both FTDs and USTDs were male. Most USTDs were married, while most FTDs were single. Most FTDs were not US citizens and most originated from Asia, followed by the Middle East, South America, and Europe. Significantly more FTDs had higher ranks in their dental schools, had more advanced degrees, and spent more time practicing before entering the AEP programs. In selecting AEP programs, FTDs placed significantly higher values on a program's reputation and research opportunities. During their AEP training, FTDs paid significantly higher tuition and received lower stipends, but obtained more financial support from families. On the other hand, USTDs received significantly more financial aid and earned income from part-time work, but had significantly higher total educational debts. USTDs showed a significantly higher interest in becoming a student member of the American College of Prosthodontists and participated actively in prosthodontics organizations. USTDs were more interested in becoming maxillofacial prosthodontists, while FTDs were more interested in pursuing academic careers. CONCLUSION: FTDs differed from USTDs in several ways. Because of their interests in academics and research, FTDs may potentially have a positive impact on the development of the prosthodontics discipline. This information may be beneficial for AEP program directors in accommodating the needs of FTDs, and for FTDs in better preparing for their AEP training.

Advanced education in prosthodontics: residents' perspectives on their current training and future goals.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to identify current prosthodontic residents' demographics and to document prosthodontic residents' perspectives on their clinical training and future goals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 52-item survey was created and distributed to prosthodontic residents in the United States on February 8, 2007. The data collected were analyzed; the means and standard deviations were calculated and ranked. Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney analysis (p = 0.05). RESULTS: A 43% response rate was achieved, representing approximately 48% of the total population of prosthodontic residents in the United States. The majority of residents ranked clinical education as the most important factor in selecting their programs, were satisfied with their training, and planned to pursue the certification of the American Board of Prosthodontics. When asked how often they planned to work, 4 days a week was the most common answer. CONCLUSION: This is the first report identifying current prosthodontic residents' demographics and their perspectives on their clinical training and future goals. Several trends were identified, indicating a bright future for the specialty. By knowing the students' perceptions regarding their training and future goals, the American College of Prosthodontists and/or program directors will be able to use this information to improve residency programs and the specialty.