A time-saving method for transferring occlusal vertical dimension and centric relation of complete denture to a full arch implant prosthesis.

AIM: This clinical report describes a time-saving recording procedure for implant prosthesis. BACKGROUND: In implant prosthodontics, a few procedures have been suggested to record jaw relationships. Record bases with occlusion rims supported by healing abutments, or screw retained bases are the conventional methods used for mounting definitive implant casts in the articulator. CONCLUSION: The method described in this article reduces the chair time and is comfortable for both the patient and clinician. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In this article, a chair side technique is presented for articulating the definitive implant casts that maintains the established OVD and CR of the patient's existing complete dentures.

In vitro effect of zirconia type on shear bond strength to feldspathic porcelain and wear of the opposing teeth.

Background: Multilayer zirconia has more optical and aesthetic features than regular zirconia. Therefore, its mechanical properties should be compared with monochromatic zirconia. Among the mechanical characteristics that can be checked are the wear of the opposite tooth and the bond to the porcelain. This study assessed the effect of zirconia type (multilayer versus monochromatic) on the shear bond strength (SBS) to feldspathic porcelain and the wear of the opposing teeth. Methods: The present in vitro study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, 15 multilayer and 15 monochromatic zirconia blocks measuring 10×5×5 mm were designed, milled, sintered, veneered with porcelain, and underwent thermocycling. Their SBS was then measured in a universal testing machine. In the second phase, 15 multilayer and 15 monochromatic zirconia blocks were placed in a chewing simulator, and 30 sound premolars served as antagonistic teeth. The magnitude of wear of the buccal cusp of premolars was quantified from a 4-mm reference point after 100000 cycles. Data were analyzed by independent t test (α=0.05). Results: The mean SBS of monochromatic zirconia to porcelain (24.49±3.58 MP) was slightly higher than that of multilayer zirconia (22.98±2.98 MP), but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The mean wear of the opposing teeth was also slightly higher in the monochromatic group (284.1±66.53 µm) than in the multilayer group (263.2±58.69 µm), but this difference was not significant either (P>0.05). Conclusion: Monochromatic and multilayer zirconia showed comparable SBS to feldspathic porcelain and caused comparable wear of the opposing teeth in vitro. Thus, multilayer zirconia may serve as an alternative to monochromatic zirconia.

Microstructure, ion adsorption and magnetic behavior of mesoporous γ-Fe2O3 ferrite nanoparticles.

Magnetic nanoparticles with capacity for surface functionalisation have potential applications in water purification and biomedicine. Here, a simple co-precipitation technique was used to synthesize mesoporous ferrite nanoparticles in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micellular surfactant. The as-synthesized ferrite nanoparticles were calcined at 250 °C for 5, 10, 15, and 24 h to remove the surfactant and create a mesoporous structure. The prepared samples were characterised using a wide range of analytical techniques. Microscopical images showed that all uncalcined particles have cauliflower shape without porosity. However, after calcination, surface and deep pores were created on the synthesized nanoparticles. In addition, transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of calcined nanoparticles revealed a wormhole-like structure, which is typical for the mesoporous architectures. Based on X-ray diffraction (XRD), the uncalcined and calcined samples exhibit pure Fe3O4 (magnetite) and γ-Fe2O3 (maghemite) ferrite phases, respectively. The γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles demonstrated a high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area with pore diameters smaller than 10 nm and a type IV isotherm similar to the mesopores. Hysteresis loops measured by vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) showed the superparamagnetic nature for mesoporous γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The first-order reversal curve (FORC) diagram revealed the formation of a mesoporous structure in calcined materials which reduces coercive distribution (Hc) and magnetostatic interaction (Hu) once compared to non-calcined samples. Mesoporous γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were successfully employed as an adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions of Pb(ii) from an aqueous solution. The highest lead ion adsorption was observed in mesoporous γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles prepared with 3% CTAB.

Characteristics of anatomical landmarks in the mandibular interforaminal region: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess appearance, visibility, location and course of anatomical landmarks in mandibular interforaminal region using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). STUDY DESIGN: A total of 96 CBCT examinations was re-evaluated to exploit anatomical landmarks. The examinations used the Promax 3D CBCT unit. A sole examiner carried out all the measurements. Visibilities of the anatomical landmarks were scored using a four-point rating scale. RESULTS: The mandibular foramen, anterior loop, incisive canal and lingual foramen were observed in 100, 84, 83, 49% of the images, respectively. The mean size, diameter and width of anterior loop, incisive canal and lingual foramen were obtained 3.54 ± 1.41, 1.47 ± 0.50 and 0.8 ± 0.09 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: It is not safe to recommend any definite distance mesially from the mental foramen. The diameter of the canals and foramens should be determined on a case-by-case basis to exploit the appropriate location for each individual.

Full-mouth rehabilitation of a patient with severely worn dentition and uneven occlusal plane: a clinical report.

Severe tooth wear is frequently multifactorial and variable. Successful management is a subject of interest in dentistry. A critical aspect is to determine the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) and a systematic approach that can lead to a predictable and favorable treatment prognosis. Management of patients with worn dentition is complex and difficult. Accurate clinical and radiographic examinations, a diagnostic wax-up, and determining OVD are crucial. Using mini-implants as orthodontic anchorage may facilitate orthodontic movement of teeth to improve their position, which is necessary for favorable prosthetic treatment. A 46-year-old man was referred for restoration of his worn and missing teeth. After diagnostic work-up, provisional removable prostheses were fabricated for both jaws, evaluated clinically, and adjusted according to esthetic, phonetic, and vertical dimension criteria. Clinical crown lengthening and free gingival graft procedures were performed in appropriate areas. Drifting of the left posterior mandibular teeth was corrected using mini-implants as orthodontic anchorage. Two conventional implants were inserted in the right mandibular edentulous area. After endodontic therapy of worn teeth, custom-cast gold dowels and cores were fabricated, and provisional removable prostheses were replaced with fixed provisional restorations. Metal-ceramic restorations were fabricated, and a removable partial denture with attachments was fabricated for maxillary edentulous areas. An occlusal splint was used to protect the restorations. Full-mouth rehabilitation of the patient with severely worn dentition and an uneven occlusal plane was found to be successful after 3 years of follow-up. This result can encourage clinicians to seek accurate diagnosis and treatment planning to treat such patients.

Designing a custom made gauge device for application in the access hole correction in the dental implant surgical guide.

Anatomic limitation and restorative demands encourage the surgeon to gain precision in planning and surgical positioning of dental implants. Ideal placement facilitates the establishment of favorable forces on the implants and the prosthetic component as well as ensures an esthetic outcome. The predictability of success can be increased, if the implants are placed properly. During oral implant placement, the drill must be guided by the surgeon according to the final form of the restoration. A surgical template would be helpful in more accurate placement of the dental implants. Surgical guides fabricated in laboratory are still being used. But these guides often need correction after computed tomography (CT) scan evaluation. For their correction and reducing the possibility of error, a scaled milling machine is usually required. But this scaled milling machine is not available omnipresent. In this article a simple device is described that can be attached to any milling machine and surveyor. The presented device can correct the diagnostic template easily and predicts dental implants placement with more favorable esthetic and occlusal outcome.

Comparison of Conventional Pressure-packed and Injection Molding Processing Methods for an Acrylic Resin Denture based on Microhardness, Surface Roughness, and Water Sorption.

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a widely used material in prosthetics and is used to fabricate denture bases. The main disadvantage of this material is its polymerization shrinkage which causes clinical problems during use. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the microhardness, surface roughness, and water sorption of a commercial acrylic resin denture, which were processed by two different methods including conventional and pressure-packed injection molding techniques. A total of 60 polymethyl methacrylate samples were prepared in two groups: conventional acrylic resin (vertex) for the compression molding method and injection acrylic resin (vertex) for the injection molding method (10 samples of each material per test). The microhardness test was performed using a Vickers microhardness test device, the surface roughness test was performed by using a profilometer, and the water sorption test was performed using a digital scale. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t-test with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 17. The significant level was considered to be 0.05. According to the results, there was a significant difference between microhardness, surface roughness, and water sorption of the samples in the two groups. The results of the independent t-test showed that the microhardness of injection vertex acrylic resin samples was significantly higher than that of conventional pressure-packed vertex acrylic resin samples (P value<0.05). Also, the surface roughness and water sorption of injection vertex acrylic resin samples were significantly lower than those of conventional pressure-packed vertex acrylic resin samples (P value <0.05). According to the obtained results, denture fabrication by the injection molding method can improve the quality and durability of dentures due to the increased microhardness, the decreased surface roughness, and the decreased water absorption of the denture base compared with the conventional method.

Evaluation of microhardness in two types of denture bases after using sodium hypochlorite and NatureDent disinfecting agents.

Background. Chemical agents, in combination with mechanical methods, play an important role in reducing microbial plaque on denture surfaces. However, these methods might change the mechanical behavior of acrylic resins, including microhardness and surface roughness. This in vitro study investigated the effect of two disinfectants, i.e., water and sodium hypochlorite, on the microhardness of conventional heat-cured and TiO2 nanoparticle-reinforced acrylic resins. Methods. Sixty acrylic resin specimens were divided into two groups, and the samples in each group were randomly assigned to three subgroups (n=10). Heat-cured specimens and 1 wt% TiO2 acrylic resin were prepared and immersed in three solutions: water, a solution prepared with NatureDent pills, and 1% sodium hypochlorite for 30, 60, and 90 days. Microhardness tests were performed on each sample at each immersion stage. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, three-way and one-way ANOVA, repeated-measures t test, and Tukey HSD tests using SPSS 17. P values<0.05 were considered significant. Results. All three independent parameters, including resin, solution, and time, significantly affected microhardness (P<0.05). The microhardness of both specimen types, i.e., conventional heat-cured and TiO2 nanoparticle-reinforced acrylic resins, immersed for 30, 60, and 90 days, was the highest and lowest in water and hypochlorite solutions, respectively. Regarding 90 days, the microhardness values of conventional heat-cured and TiO2 nanoparticle-reinforced acrylic resins were 17.050±0.094 and 19.953±0.053 in water, 15.675±0.069 and 18.965±0.037 in hypochlorite, and 16.713±0.122 and 19.39±20.113 in NatureDent solutions, respectively. Conclusion. Disinfecting two types of acrylic resin specimens decreased their microhardness as a function of immersion time for up to 90 days in the three solutions. However, the magnitude of hardness lost was less for TiO2 nanoparticles-reinforced acrylic resin.

Evaluation of Surface Roughness of a Ni-Cr Alloy Treated With the Nd/YAG Laser and the Sandblast Technique.

Introduction: This study was to assess the effect of various output parameters of laser treatment on roughening the surface of a commercial nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloy as compared to the sandblasting technique. Materials and Methods: Ninety-six disk-shaped (5 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness) specimens in total were made of a nickel-chromium alloy by using the lost-wax technique. Air-abrasion surface treatment was used for sixteen specimens. Specimens were divided into six groups; one of them was sandblasted and the rest were irradiated by different Nd:YAG laser output parameters as follows: Group A: energy: 122 mJ, frequency: 20 Hz, irradiation duration: 20 seconds, spot size: 1.5 mm; Group B: energy: 122 mJ, frequency: 20 Hz, irradiation duration: 20 seconds, spot size: 3.5 mm; Group C: energy: 122 mJ, frequency: 10 Hz, irradiation duration: 20 seconds, spot size: 3.5 mm; Group D: energy: 102 mJ, frequency: 10 Hz, irradiation duration: 20 seconds, spot size: 3 mm; Group E: energy: 102 mJ, frequency: 20 Hz, irradiation duration: 20 seconds, spot size: 3 mm. The surface roughness of all surface-treated specimens was evaluated by using a profilometer, and their average roughness (Ra) was calculated. The average value of each group was analyzed by t test and one-way ANOVA (SPSS 17). Results: Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed between the study groups. The highest Ra was achieved for the sandblasted group. The Ra value in group C was the highest value among the laser-etched groups. Conclusion: Based on the results, Nd:YAG laser irradiation increases surface roughness, but it is not as efficient as the sandblasting method as a gold standard.

Effect of chemical passivation on corrosion behavior and ion release of a commercial chromium-cobalt alloy.

Background. Corrosion resistance and ion release of alloys play a crucial role in biomedical applications. The present study aimed to investigate an increase in corrosion resistance and reduction in ion release in a commercial Co-Cr-Mo alloy by the chemical passivation method. Methods. Based on ADA97, 20 samples of Flexicast alloy were cast, surface-polished, and electrolytically passivated at room temperature for 24 h in a sodium sulfate solution. Corrosion and ion release of the alloys before and after passivation were studied in normal saline solution. Corrosion resistance and the ion release rates were measured by the weight loss method and atomic absorption spectroscopy, respectively, before and after passivation after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. The surface morphology of the samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests using SPSS 20 at a significance level of <0.05. Results. The corrosion rate in the passivated samples was significantly lower than the non-passivated samples at the intervals (1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks) (P<0.05). The passivation of the alloy significantly reduced Co and Cr ion release in the first and fourth weeks, and in the first, second, and fourth weeks, respectively (P<0.05). SEM images revealed localized pitting associated with the corrosion, which was less significant in passivated samples. Conclusion. Chemical passivation of the CR-Co alloy significantly reduced corrosion and ionic release of Cr and Co over time.

Effect of thermal and mechanical cycles on shear bond strength of zirconia core to porcelain veneer under different surface treatments.

Background. Due to the fragile nature of all-ceramic restorations, it is necessary to provide an appropriate (core) infrastructure to support the veneering porcelain. The veneer detachment and chipping are disadvantages of these restorations. Several techniques have been proposed to minimize these problems. This study evaluated the effect of thermal and mechanical cycles on the shear bond strength of zirconia core to porcelain veneer under different surface treatments. Methods. Sixty disk-like zirconium samples were randomly divided into three groups. The first group was polished and veneered with porcelain, without additional surface treatments. The two other groups were subjected to different surface treatments (modified aluminum oxide by silica and activator‒aluminum oxide and primer) and veneering with porcelain. Half of the samples in each group were subjected to 6000 thermal cycles and 20,000 masticatory cycles of 50 N to imitate the intraoral conditions; the other half were placed in distilled water at 37°C until the shear strength test. Each sample was then buried using PMMA in a mounting jig so that the gap between the core and the veneer could be placed upward. Then, they were exposed to shear stress using a universal testing machine at a rate of 1 mm/min until fracture. The maximum force leading to the fracture was recorded. Results. Comparison of the groups showed that the highest shear bond strength was related to the samples treated with aluminum oxide and primer, without applying thermal and masticatory cycles, which indicated no significant difference from the group treated with aluminum oxide and primer, with thermal and masticatory cycles. The lowest shear bond strengths were related to the polished samples without surface treatment by applying thermal and masticatory cycles (P=0.001), which indicated no significant difference from the untreated group without thermal and masticatory cycles. Conclusion. Based on the results, treatment with aluminum oxide and primer increased the shear bond strength of zirconia core to porcelain veneer. Thermocycling and masticatory cycles failed to reduce the shear bond strength in all the three groups significantly.

Effect of adding TiO2 nanoparticles on the SEM morphology and mechanical properties of conventional heat-cured acrylic resin.

Background. The current study evaluated the compressive, flexural and impact strengths of heat-cured acrylic resins reinforced by TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). Methods. TiO2 NPs were provided and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine their morphology and crystalline structure. For three mechanical tests, 12 acrylic resin groups (n=9), totaling 108 specimens, were prepared using a special mold for each test, with TiO2 nanoparticle contents of 0, 0.5, 1 or 2 wt% in different groups. After curing, the compressive, flexural and impact strengths of the specimens were examined according to ISO 1567. Results. In the SEM and XRD study of TiO2 NPs, anatase was identified as the major crystalline phase followed by rutile (average particle size: 20.4 nm). SEM images showed that the nanocomposite with 1 wt% NPs had a more homogenized blend. 1 wt% TiO2 nanocomposite exhibited a higher, but non-significant, impact strength compared to the controls. ANOVA showed significant differences in the impact and flexural strengths between nanocomposites with various contents of TiO2 NPs. Conclusion. The nanocomposite with 1 wt% TiO2 NPs exhibited fewer micro-pores and micro-cracks in the SEM crosssections. A non-significant increase was also observed in the impact strength with TiO2 NPs at 1 wt%. Further increase in TiO2 NPs decreased both the impact and flexural strengths. The compressive strength of the heat-cured acrylic resin was not affected by the incorporation of NPs.

Corrosion Behavior of a Nickel-Base Dental Casting Alloy in Artificial Saliva Studied by Weight Loss and Polarization Techniques.

OBJECTIVES: Nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) base dental alloys with desirable properties have been employed in prosthodontics for years. Corrosion behavior of a Ni-Cr base alloy in artificial saliva with different pH values is determined in this work. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Corrosion behavior of Ni-Cr alloy was studied in artificial saliva with different pHs (2.5, 5, 7, and 9), using weight loss described by corrosion rate (CR) in mils per year (mpy) and potentiodynamic polarization described by corrosion potential (CP) in mV and current density (CD) in mA/cm2. Surface morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical difference was determined using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference test with a difference significance of 95%. RESULTS: In the weight loss method, CR was 71.95±3.40, 17.26±1.03, 8.92±0.35, and 6.93±0.54 mpy at pH values of 2.5, 5, 7, and 9, respectively. Significant differences in CR were observed only at pH=2.5, while in CD, they were found at PH=2.5 and 5 (P<0.05). In the polarization method, CP values were significantly different. SEM exhibited the formation of preferential sites of corrosion attacks influenced by pH. CONCLUSION: Both techniques revealed consistent results. Corrosion resistance increases as pH increases towards less acidic conditions. In more acidic saliva, the corrosion rate is greater. The less acidic saliva leads to formation of a more stable passive film on Ni, and the dissolution of Ni decreases, leading to lower CRs.

Effect of Nanoclay on Thermal Conductivity and Flexural Strength of Polymethyl Methacrylate Acrylic Resin.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The mechanical and thermal properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) acrylic resin should be improved to counterweigh its structural deficiencies. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the flexural strength and thermal conductivity of conventional acrylic resin and acrylic resin loaded with nanoclay. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The methacrylate monomer containing the 0.5, 1 and 2 wt% of nanoclay was placed in an ultrasonic probe and mixed with the PMMA powder. Scanning electron microscopy was used to verify homogeneous distribution of particles. Twenty-four 20×20×200-mm cubic samples were prepared for flexural strength test; 18 samples containing nanoclay and 6 samples for the control group. Another 24 cylindrical samples of 38×25 mm were prepared for thermal conductivity test. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis, followed by multiple-comparison test (Scheffé's test). Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. RESULTS: Increasing the concentration of nanoclay incorporated into the acrylic resin samples increased thermal conductivity but decreased flexural strength (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, adding nanoclay particles to PMMA improved its thermal conductivity, while it had a negative effect on the flexural strength.

Efficacy of Disinfection of Dental Stone Casts: Virkon versus Sodium Hypochlorite.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this experimental study was to compare the disinfection efficacy of sodium hypochlorite and peroxygenic acid (Virkon) solutions for dental stone casts contaminated with microbial strains. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 960 spherical stone beads with a diameter of 10 mm were prepared and used as carriers of bacterial inoculums. They were individually inoculated by soaking in broth culture media containing each of the four understudy microorganisms. Different concentrations of Virkon and hypochlorite solutions were prepared using distilled water and then were sprayed on the surfaces of dental casts contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans. The pour plate technique was used to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of each solution. Microbicidal effect (ME) was calculated according to the log10 of control colony counts minus the log10 of the remaining colony counts after the antimicrobial procedure. Statistical difference was assessed using the Kruskal Wallis and the Man Whitney U tests with a significance of 95%. RESULTS: We observed different bactericidal effects of Virkon at various concentrations; 1% Virkon killed S. aureus, P aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, while 3% Virkon solution was required to kill B. subtilis. For S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, no significant difference was observed between 1% Virkon and 0.525% sodium hypochlorite (P >0.05). For B. subtilis, the efficacy of 3% Virkon and 0.525% sodium hypochlorite was not significantly different (P >0.999). CONCLUSION: According to the obtained results for Virkon and based on its low toxicity and good environmental compatibility, it may be recommended as an antimicrobial disinfectant for dental stone casts as non-critical items.

Single Tooth Replacement Using InCeram Resin Bonded Fixed Partial Denture: A Clinical Report.

This clinical report describes a treatment option for replacement of a missing mandibular anterior tooth using InCeram resin bonded fixed partial denture (RBFPD). The conventional approach for replacing mandibular incisors dictates the placement of either a conventional porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) bridge, Maryland bridge, or fiber-reinforced composite veneer bridge and several appearance-related disadvantages have been reported in the use of a prosthesis that incorporates a metal substructure. The InCeram bridge is a minimally invasive restoration and eliminates undesirable incisal graying frequently observed in metal RBFPDs. This method was successfully clinically applied to overcome shortcomings of other approaches that may require a minimal invasive technique to preserve lasting sound tooth structure.

Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Tensile Strength of Dental Acrylic Resins.

Background and aims. Adding further fillers to dental resins may enhance their physical characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tensile strength of heat-curing acrylic resin reinforced by TiO2nanoparticles added into the resin matrix. Materials and methods. Commercially available TiO2 nanoparticles were obtained and characterized using X-ray diffrac-tion (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine their crystalline structure, particle size and morphology. TiO2-acrylic resin nanocomposite was prepared by mixing 0.5, 1 and 2 (wt%) of surface modified TiO2 nanoparticles in an amalgamator providing three groups of samples. Before curing, the obtained paste was packed into steel molds. After cur-ing, the specimens were removed from the molds. The tensile strength test samples were prepared according to ISO 1567. Results. Two crystalline phases were found in TiO2 nanoparticles including: (i) anatase as the major one, and (ii) rutile. The average particle size calculated according to the Scherrer equation was 20.4 nm, showing a normal size distribution. According to SEM images, the nanocomposite with 1wt% TiO2 nanoparticles had a better distribution compared to other groups. In addition, the group by 1wt% TiO2 exhibited higher tensile strength with a significant difference compared to other groups. ANOVA showed significant differences between the contents of TiO2 particles in acrylic resin (F = 22.19; P < 0.001). Conclusion. A considerable increase in tensile strength was observed with titania NPs reinforcement agents in 1wt% by weight. Further increase of TiO2 nanoparticles decreased the tensile strength.

Effect of microwave disinfection on compressive and tensile strengths of dental stones.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although microwave irradiation has been used for disinfection of dental stone casts, there are concerns regarding mechanical damage to casts during the process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of microwave irradiation on the compressive strength (CS) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of stone casts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, 80 cylindrical type III and IV stone models (20 × 40 mm) were prepared and divided into 8 groups of 10. The DTS and CS of the specimens were measured by a mechanical testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 cm/min after 7 times of frequent wetting, irradiating at an energy level of 600 W for 3 minutes and cooling. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test. RESULTS: Microwave irradiation significantly increased DTS of type III and IV to 5.23 ± 0.64 and 8.17 ± 0.94, respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: According to the results, microwave disinfection increases DTS of type III and IV stone casts without any effects on their CS.

Effect of different energy levels of microwave on disinfection of dental stone casts.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Current chemical methods may not efficiently disinfect dental stone casts. The aim of this study was to investigate if microwave irradiation is effective for disinfection of stone casts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this laboratory study, three groups (n = 162) of prepared spherical stone beads as carriers with a diameter of 10 mm were inoculated by separately soaking in three broth culture media, each containing a study microorganism-Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans. Six inoculated carriers were used for every test, including irradiation in a household microwave oven at 300, 450, 600 or 900 W energy level, or soaking in 0.03%, 0.06%, 0.12%, 0.25% or 0.50% concentration of sodium hypochlorite solution, at 1, 2, or 3-minute test times. Positive and negative control groups were considered for each test. All treated carriers were then individually transferred to nutrient broth culture medium and one milliliter from each tube was cultured in nutrient agar media over night. Colony forming unit per milliliter (CFU/mL) was counted, and multi-factor ANOVA was used to analyze data (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Microwave irradiation at 600 W resulted in high-level disinfection in 3 minutes. Immersion of the stone casts in hypochlorite solution at 0.06% concentration resulted in disinfection after 2 minutes. CONCLUSION: According to the results, high level disinfection of the stone casts can be achieved by microwave irradiation at 600 W in 3 minutes, similar to a validated chemical method.

Accuracy of implant placement using a CAD/CAM surgical guide: an in vitro study.

PURPOSE: To determine and compare the accuracy of an advanced surgical template based on computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) with the conventional surgical template in different respects such as entry point, length, and osteotomy angle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scanning of a dentate epoxy mandible was performed and its three-dimensional computerized model was simulated. Sixteen rapid-prototyped models were fabricated and divided into two groups. In the first group, a radiographic template was fabricated and placed on the model during CT scanning and then was modified to the conventional surgical template form. In the second group, a coordinate measuring machine was used to reformat a nonanatomic radiographic template fabricated by a stereolithographic machine, and four implants were planned and then placed in the jaw. The differences between planned and actual mesiodistal and buccolingual entry points, lengths, and angles of the implants were measured. Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney and Friedman tests to detect differences between groups. RESULTS: The average differences between the planned and actual entry points in the mesiodistal and buccolingual directions, lengths, and angles of the implants and the osteotomy showed a considerable reduction in the CAD/CAM group versus the conventional group (P < .005). CONCLUSION: The accuracy of implant placement was improved using an innovative CAD/CAM surgical template.