In-Vitro Evaluation of Photofunctionalized Implant Surfaces in a High-Glucose Microenvironment Simulating Diabetics.

The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of photofunctionalization on commercially available dental implant surfaces in a high-glucose environment. Discs of three commercially available implant surfaces were selected with various nano- and microstructural alterations (Group 1-laser-etched implant surface, Group 2-titanium-zirconium alloy surface, Group 3-air-abraded, large grit, acid-etched surface). They were subjected to photo-functionalization through UV irradiation for 60 and 90 min. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the implant surface chemical composition before and after photo-functionalization. The growth and bioactivity of MG63 osteoblasts in the presence of photofunctionalized discs was assessed in cell culture medium containing elevated glucose concentration. The normal osteoblast morphology and spreading behavior were assessed under fluorescence and phase-contrast microscope. MTT (3-(4,5 Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and alizarin red assay were performed to assess the osteoblastic cell viability and mineralization efficiency. Following photofunctionalization, all three implant groups exhibited a reduced carbon content, conversion of Ti4+ to Ti3+, increased osteoblastic adhesion, viability, and increased mineralization. The best osteoblastic adhesion in the medium with increased glucose was seen in Group 3. Photofunctionalization altered the implant surface chemistry by reducing the surface carbon content, probably rendering the surfaces more hydrophilic and conducive for osteoblastic adherence and subsequent mineralization in high-glucose environment.

Comparative evaluation of implant stability quotient trends, crestal bone loss and survival of photofunctionalised and untreated dental implants: A split-mouth randomised controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the crestal bone loss and implant stability quotient trends of photofunctionalised versus untreated implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 34 patients (age 46.94 ± 12.03 years) with bilateral single missing teeth in the same arch were enrolled in this study. Each patient received an untreated implant on one side (control group, n = 34) and a photofunctionalised implant on the contralateral side (test group, n = 34). Crestal bone loss was assessed at the time of crown insertion and 1 year later. The osseointegration speed index was evaluated for both the control and test group. An independent t test was used for intergroup comparisons of crestal bone loss and osseointegration speed index. Bivariate analysis was performed for the confounding variables. RESULTS: The test group showed a statistically significantly higher osseointegration speed index (3.07) as compared to the control group (1.29) (P < 0.01). Statistically significantly higher crestal bone loss was observed in the control group (-0.57 ± 0.41 mm) as compared to the test group (-0.27 ± 0.35 mm) (P < 0.01). The difference between mean Plaque Index and Bleeding Index in the control (0.74/0.38) and test group (0.73/0.35) was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). A negative correlation (r = -0.272) was noted between implant diameter and crestal bone loss. A positive correlation (r = 0.402) was observed between implant length and osseointegration speed index. CONCLUSION: Implants with photofunctionalised surfaces reduce overall healing time and crestal bone loss. Photofunctionalisation is an effective aid for chairside conditioning of implant surfaces to achieve faster osseointegration with good crestal bone stability.

Anatomic variations of the osteomeatal complex and its relationship to patency of the maxillary ostium: A retrospective evaluation of cone-beam computed tomography and its implications for sinus augmentation.

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of obliterated osteomeatal complex (OMC) due to the presence of anatomic variants. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective Study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 71 patients, 34 males and 37 females, aged 35-65 years were included in the study. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients were assessed to identify the status of the OMC in the presence of anatomic variants and their incidence was recorded. The radiological assessment of the anatomical variants was made by viewing the coronal sections of the scans. The variants observed were deviated nasal septum, uncinate process), agger nasi, Haller cells, middle turbinate variants, enlarged bulla, accessory ostium, and maxillary sinus abnormalities). Ostium patency was evaluated in the coronal section of each sinus and classified as "patent" or "obstructed." The most common variants observed were then correlated with the patency of the ostium. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi square test was performed to assess the association between the anatomic variants and the patency of the OMC. RESULTS: In the present study, the incidence of an obliterated OMC due to the presence of anatomic variants was 73.2%. The four most common variants associated with the possibility of an obliterated OMC were the deviated nasal septum (76.2%), middle turbinate (86.4%), enlarged bulla (77.8%), and sinus cavity variants (80.0%). A statistically significant association was noted between middle turbinate variants and Haller cells and the patency of the OMC. CONCLUSION: Thorough pretreatment CBCT evaluation should be performed to assess the presence of anatomic variants and thereby, the patency of the ostium before sinus floor elevation procedures. The pre and postsurgical treatment plans and regimes can be modified according to anticipated postsurgical sequelae, thereby avoiding postsurgical complications and enhancing the success of the graft procedure.

Effect of simulated chairside grinding procedures using commercially available abrasive agents on the surface properties of zirconia.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the change in physical properties (surface roughness, surface hardness and phase transformation) after surface grinding of zirconia by using three commercially available abrasives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty sintered zirconia specimens were prepared and divided into three groups namely Group M (grinded using Mani Dia diamond bur standard grit), Group T (grinded using Tri Hawk diamond bur coarse grit) and Group P (grinded using Predator carbide bur). A customised assembly was used to follow a standardised protocol for surface grinding. The surface roughness, surface hardness and phase transformation was recorded before and after the grinding procedure. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test were used to assess the values obtained after the testing the surface roughness and surface hardness. RESULTS: The results of the present study revealed the average values of change in surface roughness as Group M (0.44 µm) and Group T (1.235 µm) and Group P (-0.88 µm). The average values of change in surface hardness were Group T (19.578 HV), Group M (46.722 HV) and Group P (36.429 HV). The change in surface hardness was not statistically significant. There was no phase transformation seen after the grinding procedure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Carbide burs along with copious water irrigation when used to grind zirconia intra-orally produces has a polishing effect, minimal change in hardness & no phase transformation. The present study advocates the use of carbides for chair-side grinding of zirconia.