Esthetic Rehabilitation of Congenitally Peg-Shaped Lateral Incisors Using the Injectable Composite Resin Technique: A Clinical Report.

This report details the esthetic dental rehabilitation of a patient with peg-shaped and malformed lateral incisors, conditions that stem from congenital anomalies in tooth formation, using the injectable composite resin technique (ICRT). The ICRT clinical workflow initiates with a smile analysis and precise shade matching, followed by the construction of a diagnostic wax-up crafted according to esthetic and functional guidelines. Subsequently, a mock-up is developed to ensure that the planned restorations fulfill the patient's functional requirements and esthetic expectations. A transparent silicone index is employed to accurately transfer the patient-approved wax-up into the mouth, utilizing injectable flowable composite resin. This method enhances treatment predictability and ensures that the final direct restoration precisely reflects the approved design within a reasonable chairside timeframe.

Light Polymerization through Glass-ceramics: Influence of Light-polymerizing Unit's Emitted Power and Restoration Parameters (Shade, Translucency, and Thickness) on Transmitted Radiant Power.

Background: This in vitro study assessed light transmission through ceramic discs varying in shade, translucency, and thickness using light-polymerizing units with different radiant power/flux (RP) outputs. Methods: Disc-shaped specimens (0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and 2.0 mm) were made from high and low-translucency glass-ceramic ingots (IPS e.max Press) in shades A1 and A4, totaling 60 discs. Two light-polymerizing units with different power outputs were used, and their emission spectra were verified. The transmitted RP values for each ceramic specimen were measured and irradiance and radiant energy influx were calculated. Differences between the light-polymerizing units and the influence of the three ceramic parameters were evaluated using an independent-samples t-test and three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests (α = 0.05). Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean transmitted RP values between the two light-polymerizing units. Furthermore, the three-way ANOVA test showed a significant effect of shade, translucency, and thickness, as well as a significant interaction between each pair of variables and all three variables on the transmitted RP (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite the significant attenuation in the transmitted RP, especially in ceramics with higher shade chromaticity and thickness and lower translucency, the calculated minimal irradiance values for both light-polymerizing units (their emitted power ≥ 500 mW) were greater than the minimum recommended irradiance threshold (100 mW/cm2). However, the exposure duration needs to be increased to provide the resin with sufficient radiant exposure for adequate polymerization.

Evaluating the impact of scan body angulation and geometric attachments on the accuracy of complete-arch digital implant impressions: A comparison of two intraoral scanners.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of scan body (SB) angulation and geometric attachments (GAs) on the deviations of complete-arch digital implant impressions obtained using intraoral scanners (IOSs), in relation to the gold-standard desktop scanner. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two IOSs (iTero and Omnicam), two SB angulations (0 degrees and 30 degrees), and GAs for the SBs were investigated. SBs were attached to an edentulous maxillary cast with the following implant analogs: parallel 0-degree at positions #13, #23, and #26, and 30-degree posteriorly tilted at position #16. The cast was digitized using a reference desktop scanner, followed by ten consecutive digital scans using each IOS (five scans with GAs and five without GAs, n = 20). Meshes obtained from the IOS scans were superimposed on the master reference mesh. Linear distance and 3D surface deviations from the reference mesh were calculated. A three-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was employed to assess the effects of angulation, IOS type, and GAs on the combined dependent variables (α = 0.05). RESULTS: No significant three-way interaction was observed between IOS type, SB angulation, and GAs for combined deviations from the reference scan (p = 0.56). Simple main effect analysis revealed that iTero exhibited significantly lower mean 3D surface and linear deviations than Omnicam (p < 0.05). Additionally, the use of GAs significantly reduced deviations (p < 0.001), with mean deviation reductions for both scanners ranging from 26-33 micrometers (µm) for 3D deviations and 15-21 µm for linear distance deviations. No differences were found between angled and parallel SBs regarding 3D surface and linear distance deviations (p ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ITero demonstrated significantly smaller deviations, and the use of GAs led to significantly reduced distance and 3D surface deviations. SB angulations did not impact scan deviations.

Thickness-Dependent Light Transmittance and Temperature Rise in Dual-Cure Bioactive and Light-Cure Bulk-Fill Composite Resins.

This study aimed to assess the light transmittance (T) and temperature increase through different increments of dual-cure bioactive bulk-fill restorative material (ACTIVA), light-cure bulk-fill, and conventional composite resin materials. Cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 8 mm and heights of 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm of ACTIVA, Tetric-N-Ceram bulk-fill (TBF), Filtek One bulk-fill (FBF), and Filtek Z250 (FZ) (n = 6 per group, 96 in total) were light-cured with a visible blue low-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) (650-800 mW/cm2 irradiance). T, and the temperature increase, were measured using an optical power meter and a digital thermometer during curing. The T mean values ranged between 0.012 and 0.239 (76.02 to 98.81% light attenuation), while the temperature rise mean values ranged between 9.02 and 20.80 °C. The parameters, including material type (partial eta squared (ηp2) = 0.284, p < 0.0001), thickness (ηp2 = 0.284, p < 0.0001), and their interaction (ηp2 = 0.185, p = 0.047), significantly affected the T values, whereas only the material type (ηp2 = 0.352, p = 0.047) affected the temperature rise values. The T and temperature rise mean values were highest in ACTIVA increments of 1-mm increments, in particular, showing the highest T mean values, followed by similar increments of TBF. A significantly higher T was found in 1-mm increments compared to thicker increments for all materials (p < 0.0001), and a significant positive correlation existed between T and temperature rise values (r = 0.348, p = 0.001). These findings show that the bioactive material ACTIVA and TBF allow for better T than the other materials, with ACTIVA recording a higher temperature rise. However, the large light attenuation observed for all materials, irrespective of thickness, suggests that curing in more than one location with a low-intensity LED is necessary to optimize the curing process. Furthermore, incremental filling of bulk-fill materials using a low intensity LED could be beneficial.

Evaluation of separating media for autopolymerizing acrylic resin fabricated on 3D-printed acrylate-based resin dental casts.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Limited data are available regarding the most suitable separating medium for fabricating dental acrylic resin prostheses or appliances on 3-dimensional (3D)-printed resin casts. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate and evaluate different separating media in terms of the ease of removal and detail reproduction of an autopolymerizing acrylic resin fabricated on acrylate-based 3D-printed resin casts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cube-shaped cast was designed with a built-in truncated cone-shaped hole and a V-shaped groove at the base. Seventy-five casts were 3D-printed using acrylate-based resin and assigned to 5 groups according to the applied separating media: Siliform BEA (silicone-based), IMPRIMO 3D (alginate-based), 3D Modellisolierung (wax-based), TECHNOSIL (alginate-based), and none (control). After the application of the separating media, the truncated cone-shaped holes in the specimens were filled with autopolymerizing acrylic resin. The efficacy of the separating media was evaluated according to the ease of removal on a scale of 1 to 3 and accurate detail reproduction of the V-shaped groove on a scale of 1 to 3 under ×6 magnification. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis rank test was used to identify significant differences among the separating media (α=.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were found among the groups (P<.001). Siliform BEA and 3D Modellisolierung had the best mean rank in both the ease of removal and detail reproduction scores, which were significantly different from those of the alginate-based separating media (IMPRIMO 3D and TECHNOSIL) and the control group (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: The dedicated silicone- and wax-based separating media for 3D-printed casts exhibited the most favorable performance in terms of ease of removal and detail reproduction.

Evaluation of the marginal and internal fit of CAD/CAM crowns designed using three different dental CAD programs: a 3-dimensional digital analysis study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the marginal and internal fit of machine-milled crowns designed using three different CAD software programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Digital impressions of the master zirconia casts containing the prepared molar were obtained using an intraoral scanner. The obtained standard tessellation language (STL) files were imported into three CAD software programs (Multi-CAD, Blue-Sky CAD, and InLab), and crown designs were generated. Crown design digital STL files were used to mill crowns with a five-axis dental milling machine. The internal and marginal fits of the fabricated crowns over the master-prepared tooth were assessed using the triple-scan protocol and digital analysis techniques. The 3D marginal and internal fit values of the fabricated crowns from the designs generated by the three CAD programs were evaluated and statistically compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey's tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the internal fit of the crowns designed by the three CAD programs (p > 0.05). However, there were significant differences in the mean marginal fit (p = 0.009) of the crowns. The marginal fit values for the InLab-designed crowns were significantly better than those for Multi-CAD (p = 0.03) and Blue-Sky CAD (p = 0.012) groups. CONCLUSIONS: All three CAD programs can design clinically acceptable crowns in terms of internal and marginal fit. InLab crowns outperformed the Multi-CAD and Blue-Sky CAD programs in terms of marginal fit. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is critical to test the ability of newly released CAD programs to design acceptable virtual crowns that can be transformed into actual crowns with optimal marginal and internal fit to existing clinical tooth preparations/conditions to ensure the high technical quality and long-term success of fabricated crowns.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Saudi Medical Students about Emergency Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries.

Several studies indicate that physicians lack emergency management knowledge concerning traumatic dental injuries (TDIs), emphasizing the fact that medical students are not taught about this topic. This study aimed to assess the basic knowledge and attitudes of medical students in Saudi Arabia about emergency TDI management. This cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of medical students in their clinical years through social networking sites and asked them to answer a pretested internationally accepted questionnaire that included demographic questions, two case scenarios about crown fractures and avulsion of permanent teeth, and self-assessment questions. The data were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics and the chi-squared test (p < 0.05). A total of 761 medical students responded. Only 5.8% of the students reported receiving information about TDIs in their curriculum. Medical students, mainly those ready to graduate, were more knowledgeable of the emergency management of a crown fractured permanent tooth than an avulsed permanent tooth (p < 0.0001). However, more than half of the students were unable to differentiate between a primary versus permanent fractured tooth and would manage an avulsed primary or permanent tooth similarly. Regarding students' attitudes, less than one-quarter of the students (13.5%) were confident about diagnosing TDIs and/or providing emergency management when required (18.1%). Furthermore, only about one-tenth of the students (9.3%) were satisfied with their self-perceived knowledge, and most (71%) reported needing further education about the topic. Medical students in Saudi Arabia have insufficient knowledge about the emergency management of TDIs. Gaps in students' knowledge of emergency management of avulsion injury were identified in addition to their low confidence level to either diagnose or immediately treat TDIs if required. Students felt dissatisfied with their current knowledge level, this being most prominent among graduating students. There is a need to elaborate the undergraduate medical curriculum in Saudi Arabia to include emergency management of TDIs.

Levels and correlates of knowledge of teething among Saudi Arabian families.

Background: Parental knowledge of teething has been repeatedly investigated; however, little emphasis has been made on the associated sociodemographic factors with good knowledge of the parents and whether or not good knowledge is translated into adopting proper pain-relieving practices. The present study aims to firstly assess the knowledge level and practices of Saudi parents regarding teething and then explore associated sociodemographic variables with good knowledge of teething to determine the relation between parents' knowledge of teething and their adoption of pain-relieving practices. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited parents from the social networking sites Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and they were asked to answer a pretested three-part internationally accepted questionnaire. Data were examined using descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis, and Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient analysis. Results: One thousand four hundred ninety-nine parents responded and returned completed questionnaires. Of those, only 11.2% had good knowledge of teething. The majority of parents did not have basic knowledge of the teething period as well as believed that teething was associated with a runny nose (87.5%), diarrhea (77.9%), and sleep disturbance (72%). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that parents with no primary school education (Odds Ratio: 0.29), or those who had an intermediate or secondary education level (OR: 0.55 and 0.78) were less likely to have good knowledge compared with parents who had a university degree. However, parents who earned intermediate monthly income (OR: 6.63) were more likely to have good knowledge of teething. With regards to practices used to relieve teething pain, inappropriate practices were observed regarding bottle feeding at night to soothe the child's pain (72%) and applying topical analgesics to rub the gum (72.4%). A significant positive correlation was found between the knowledge score and the practice score of both fathers and mothers (r = 0.22 and 0.13, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: A very low percentage of Saudi parents, mainly those with the highest education level and intermediate monthly income, had good knowledge of teething, which translated into appropriate practices to soothe the child's pain regardless of the parent's gender. Saudi parents should receive anticipatory guidance related to teething from all health professionals to ensure an uneventful teething period for their children.

Reduction of aerosols and splatter generated during ultrasonic scaling by adding food-grade thickeners to coolants: an in-vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of using food-grade coolant thickener solutions on the amount of aerosols generated and splatter contamination spread distance during simulated ultrasonic scaling was examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed using a phantom lower jaw placed on a black box. Simulated ultrasonic scaling was performed for 2 min using four coolant solutions: distilled water (control), 2% wt. polyacrylic acid (PAA), 0.4% wt. xanthan gum (XA), and 0.4% wt. carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The simulation was repeated 10 times for each coolant group. The generated aerosols and droplets were quantified using a handheld particle counter, and the splatter contamination spread distance was evaluated by adding tracing fluorescent dye to the coolant reservoir supplying the scaler unit. One-way multivariate analysis of variance was performed to determine the difference among coolant groups (a = .05). RESULTS: The amount of aerosols and droplets and splatter contamination distance (p < .001) pertaining to the three food-grade coolant thickener solutions were considerably lower than those for the distilled water (control). The PAA group exhibited a significantly lower splatter contamination distance (p < .001) and a number of generated droplets (p = .031) than those of the XA group. The CMC group exhibited a significantly lower splatter contamination distance (p < .001) than that of the XA group. No statistically significant difference was observed between the PAA and CMC in terms of the three dependent variables (p > .05). CONCLUSION: The food-grade coolant thickeners could reduce the amount of generated aerosols and splatter contamination distance but not completely eliminate them. PAA and CMC solutions were more effective in reducing the aerosol/splatter during scaling compared to XA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Many dental procedures generate aerosols and splatter, which pose a potential risk to the patients and dental personnel, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Effect of ambient lighting conditions on tooth color quantification in cross-polarized dental photography: A clinical study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Limited data are available in the dental literature regarding the effect of ambient lighting on the consistency of color quantification in cross-polarized photography. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to investigate the effects of ambient lighting conditions and postprocessing photograph calibration on color quantification in cross-polarized dental photography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve volunteers with intact maxillary central incisors were recruited. Cross-polarized photographs were captured under light-emitting diode (LED), fluorescent ceiling, and natural lighting. The photographs were repeated after a 1-week interval, yielding a total of 72 photographs. The average Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L∗a∗b∗ coordinates of the right central incisor were obtained with a software program before and after calibration by using a neutral gray reference card. The color difference (ΔE) values were calculated for each participant between the repeated photographs under the change and no change in illumination both before and after calibration. A 3-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare these values (α=.05). RESULTS: A statistically significant 3-way interaction was found between the illuminant type, change in illumination, and calibration (P<.001); however, all the ΔE values were within a clinically acceptable threshold (ΔE≤3.7). Before calibration, when photographs were captured under no change in illumination, LED lighting was found to have a significantly lower ΔE than fluorescent (P=.008) and natural and fluorescent lightings (P=.011), but when there was a change in illumination, no significant differences (P>.05) were found. After calibration, all the ΔE values were ≤1 and significantly lower than the values before calibration (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both the ambient illuminant type and change in illumination had minimal effects on ΔE. Calibration through the use of a neutral gray reference card was found to result in reduced and imperceptible color change (ΔE≤1) for all illuminant types.

Comparison of color difference and reliability of two intraoral spectrophotometers

Aim: to evaluate the intra and inter-device reliability of two intraoral spectrophotometers in measuring the Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) L*a*b* color coordinates and to compare the color difference (ΔE) between both devices. Methods: the central region of the labial surface of the maxillary central incisor of 31 participants was measured twice by each of the devices (VITA EasyShade and Degudent Shadepilot) by one examiner. CIE L*a*b* color coordinates were obtained for all teeth and ΔE was measured and compared. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Mann-whitney U test were used to analyze the data (p<0.05). Results: inter-device reliability ICCs in measuring CIE L*a*b* color coordinates ranged between 0.08-0.49 with significant difference between devices only concerning the b coordinate (p<0.05). While intra device reliability ICCs ranged between 0.86-0.89 for VITA EasyShade and 0.81-0.86 for Degudent Shadepilot. The mean ΔE for CIE L*a*b* color coordinates of VITA EasyShade was 3.61 (±1.93) compared to 3.60 (± 1.45) for Degudent Shadepilot with insignificant difference between both devices (p>0.05). Conclusions: high intra device reliability in measuring CIE L*a*b* color coordinates was achieved particularly of Vita EasyShade, and both devices had clinically acceptable color difference (ΔE <3.7) however, inter device reliability was low to moderate. Consequently, the same spectrophotometer should be used throughout the steps of performing any tooth- colored restoration

Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical and Dental Students and Fresh Graduates from Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge level and attitudes of graduating Saudi medical and dental students and fresh graduates from those faculties about pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and the relation of their knowledge level to sociodemographic variables. In this cross-sectional study, 722 graduating students and fresh graduates were requested to answer a questionnaire pretested for validity and reliability. The data were analyzed statistically. Results revealed that medical participants scored 15.45 (out of 22), with 38% of them showing good knowledge about pediatric OSA, while dental participants scored 14.59, with 25.2% of them showing good knowledge. By regression analysis, medical participants (odds ratio (OR): 1.529) were more likely to have good knowledge than dental participants, while participants who belonged to institutions located in the central region (OR: 0.546) were less likely to have good knowledge than those from southern region institutions. In addition, participants from public institutions (OR: 0.290) were less likely to have good knowledge than those from private institutions. Regarding attitudes, medical participants scored 14.13 (out of 20), and dental participants scored 14.64. We detected a significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores of dental participants. Given these findings, the knowledge level of graduating Saudi medical and dental students and fresh graduates about pediatric OSA was not optimal. The college type, institution sector, and location in the kingdom were factors associated with good knowledge. There is a need for further education and training about pediatric OSA in the undergraduate Saudi medical and dental curricula and continuing professional development programs about the topic after graduation.

Risk Factors of Early Childhood Caries Among Preschool Children in Eastern Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to determine the risk factors of early childhood caries (ECC) among preschool children from eastern Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, 241 carers and their children from 10 daycares were recruited and asked to complete a questionnaire aimed at assessing their sociodemographic profile and oral health-related behaviors. This was followed by a dental examination of the children by two calibrated dentists. Caries status was recorded using the dmft index. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to analyze the data (p < 0.05). The mean dmft of the children was 4.39 (SD ± 4.25). According to logistic regression analysis, children who were bottle-fed between 7 and 12 months (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 0.110) or breastfed between 13 and 18 months (AOR: 0.028) were less likely to have ECC than those with a prolonged feeding duration (>18 months). Also, those with smoking carers (AOR: 0.176) were less likely to have ECC than those with nonsmoking carers. On the other hand, children who had working carers, mainly mothers, in the education sector (AOR: 11.105), were more likely to have ECC (p < 0.05). The risk factors associated with the presence of ECC among preschool children in eastern Saudi Arabia include the mother's occupation and the carer's smoking status, as well as feeding practices (particularly bottle feeding). These factors can be modified by encouraging carers to completely wean their children (particularly from the bottle) by 18 months of age and advising working mothers to perform tooth brushing for their children in the morning before they go to work and in the evening before the children go to bed.

Fabrication of Custom Post-And-Core Using a Directly Fabricated Silicone Pattern and Digital Workflow.

This report introduces an alternative clinical and laboratory technique for the direct fabrication of a custom post-and-core pattern using poly (vinyl siloxane) (PVS) occlusal registration material, followed by a digital workflow. This technique decreases chairside time, eliminates the risk of locking the pattern into the postspace and improves accuracy of the custom post-and-core.

The use of sectional matrix in direct restoration of a structurally compromised posterior tooth: a clinical technique.

This report describes a clinical technique to facilitate the placement of direct composite resin restorations in structurally compromised posterior teeth, to restore proper anatomical contours and interproximal contacts using sectional matrix kit and thermoplastic impression material.

Effect of cooling water temperature on the temperature changes in pulp chamber and at handpiece head during high-speed tooth preparation.

OBJECTIVES: It was the aim of this study to evaluate the effect of cooling water temperature on the temperature changes in the pulp chamber and at the handpiece head during high-speed tooth preparation using an electric handpiece. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight intact human molars received a standardized occlusal preparation for 60 seconds using a diamond bur in an electric handpiece, and one of four treatments were applied that varied in the temperature of cooling water applied (control, with no cooling water, 10°C, 23°C, and 35°C). The temperature changes in the pulp chamber and at the handpiece head were recorded using K-type thermocouples connected to a digital thermometer. RESULTS: The average temperature changes within the pulp chamber and at the handpiece head during preparation increased substantially when no cooling water was applied (6.8°C and 11.0°C, respectively), but decreased significantly when cooling water was added. The most substantial drop in temperature occurred with 10°C water (-16.3°C and -10.2ºC), but reductions were also seen at 23°C (-8.6°C and -4.9°C). With 35°C cooling water, temperatures increased slightly, but still remained lower than the no cooling water group (1.6°C and 6.7ºC). CONCLUSIONS: The temperature changes in the pulp chamber and at the handpiece head were above harmful thresholds when tooth preparation was performed without cooling water. However, cooling water of all temperatures prevented harmful critical temperature changes even though water at 35°C raised temperatures slightly above baseline.

A technique to facilitate ceramic veneer cementation.

This report describes a technique to facilitate ceramic veneer cementation. By stabilizing a ceramic veneer in its fully seated position with miniature wooden spring clips before resin polymerization, excess luting resin cement can be removed from ceramic veneer margins without the risk of veneer dislodgement or fracture.

Microleakage of Glass Ionomer-based Provisional Cement in CAD/CAM-Fabricated Interim Crowns: An in vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare in vitro the marginal microleakage of glass ionomer-based provisional cement with resin-based provisional cement and zinc oxide non-eugenol (ZONE) provisional cement in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-fabricated interim restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen intact human premolars were prepared in a standardized manner for complete coverage of crown restorations. Interim crowns for the prepared teeth were then fabricated using CAD/CAM, and the specimens were randomized into three groups of provisional cementing agents (n = 5 each): Glass ionomer-based provisional cement (GC Fuji TEMP LT™), bisphenol-A-glycidyldimethacrylate (Bis-GMA)/ triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) resin-based cement (UltraTemp® REZ), and ZONE cement (TempBond NE). After 24 hours of storage in distilled water at 37°C, the specimens were thermocycled and then stored again for 24 hours in distilled water at room temperature. Next, the specimens were placed in freshly prepared 2% aqueous methylene blue dye for 24 hours and then embedded in autopolymerizing acrylic resin blocks and sectioned in buccolingual and mesiodistal directions to assess dye penetration using a stereomicroscope. The results were statistically analyzed using a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Dunn's post hoc test with a Bonferroni correction test was used to compute multiple pairwise comparisons that identified differences among groups; the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: All groups exhibited marginal microleakage; the Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin-based provisional cement demonstrated the lowest microleakage scores, which were statistically different from those of the glass ionomer-based provisional cement and the ZONE cement. CONCLUSION: The provisional cementing agents exhibited different sealing abilities. The Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin-based provisional cement exhibited the most effective favorable sealing properties against dye penetration compared with the glass ionomer-based provisional cement and conventional ZONE cement. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Newly introduced glass ionomer-based provisional cement proved to be inferior to resin-based provisional cement as far as marginal microleakage is concerned.

Technique to verify the accuracy of a definitive cast before the fabrication of a fixed dental prosthesis.

This report describes a straightforward technique for verifying the accuracy of a definitive cast by using a maximal intercuspation record fabricated from polyvinyl siloxane occlusal registration material. This precise verification method detects inaccurate casts before the dental prosthesis is fabricated, thus saving chairside and laboratory time while reducing the number of costly prosthesis remakes.