Evaluating the relation of posterior occlusal plane to ala-tragal line according to age and sex.

INTRODUCTION: Occlusal plane orientation affects the esthetic, function, and success of removable or fixed prostheses. The most prevalent index for determination of this plane is the ala-tragus line while there are controversies in the exact location of tragus reference point.

Evaluating the effect of different combination of impression and pouring materials on marginal and internal adaptation of zirconia crowns / Evaluación del efecto de diferentes combinaciones de materiales de impresión y vertido en la adaptación marginal e interna de las coronas de circonio

Purpose: Two important factors in dental prosthesis are making an accurate impression and producing a suitable cast which represents the exact relationship between prepared tooth and oral structures. This study, aimed to investigate the effects of different combinations of impression and pouring materials on marginal and internal adaptation of premolar zirconia crowns. Material and Methods: Forty maxillary premolars were prepared considering round shoulder finish line. The impressions were made either by additional (Panasil) or condensation (Speedex) silicon, and poured by two different types of gypsum materials (Siladent or GC gypsum) (N=10). Zirconia crowns were fabricated using a CAD-CAM system. The crowns were cemented, and the samples were cut in bucco-lingual direction. Marginal and internal gaps were measured by stereomicroscope (×25). Results: The mean marginal gaps for Pansil-Siladent, Panasil-GC, Speedex-Siladent, and Speedex-GC were 141 µm, 143 µm, 131 µm, and 137 µm respectively. The internal gaps were 334 µm, 292 µm, 278 µm, and 257 µm respectively. The independent T-Student test showed no significant differences in average marginal or internal gap among various impression and gypsum materials or their interactions (p>0.05). Two-way ANOVA test showed no significant differences in maximum marginal or internal gap among various impression and gypsum materials and their interactions (p>0.05). Conclusion: The present study revealed no statistically significant difference in marginal/internal gap among crowns prepared using different combinations of impression-pouring materials evaluated.

Introducción: Dos factores importantes en la prótesis dental son hacer una impresión precisa y la producción de un modelo adecuado que represente la relación exacta entre el diente preparado y las estructuras orales. Este estudio, tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos de diferentes combinaciones de materiales de impresión y vertido sobre la adaptación marginal e interna de coronas de zirconio premolar. Material y Métodos: Se prepararon cuarenta premolares maxilares considerando la línea de meta del hombro redondo. Las impresiones se realizaron con silicio adicional (Panasil) o de condensación (Speedex) y se vertieron con dos tipos diferentes de materiales de yeso (yeso Siladent o GC) (N = 10). Las coronas de zirconio se fabricaron utilizando el sistema CAD-CAM. Las coronas se cementaron y las muestras se cortaron en dirección buco-lingual. La brecha marginal e interna se midió con estereomicroscopio (×25). Resultados: Las brechas marginales medias para Pansil-Siladent, Panasil-GC, Speedex-Siladent y Speedex-GC fueron de 141µm, 143µm, 131µm y 137µm, respectivamente. Las brechas internas fueron 334µm, 292µm, 278µm y 257µm, respectivamente. La prueba de T-Student independiente no mostró diferencias significativas en la brecha marginal o interna promedio entre varios materiales de impresión y yeso o sus interacciones (p>0.05). La prueba ANOVA bidireccional no mostró diferencias significativas en el espacio marginal o interno máximo entre varios materiales de yeso y de impresión y sus interacciones (p>0.05). Conclusión: El presente estudio no reveló diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la brecha marginal/interna entre las coronas preparadas con diferentes combinaciones de materiales de impresión y vertido evaluados.

Comparison of the mandibular bone densitometry measurement between normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare the mandibular bone density between postmenopausal women with normal skeletal bone mass density (BMD) and those with low skeletal BMD using digital panoramic radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifteen postmenopausal women were divided into normal and osteoporotic/osteopenic groups. Digital panoramic radiographs were prepared using Digora PCT Sorodex equipment and Promax panoramic X-ray unit (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland, Kvp=68 and mA=9). The mandibular bone density of an area (approximately 4×4 mm), exactly near the distal edge of the right mental foramen was determined in digital panoramic radiographs using Digora for Windows (DfW) Software. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in mandibular bone density between the normal and osteoporotic/osteopenic participants (P >0.05). Mandibular bone density was not statistically different in normal and osteoporotic individuals with SBMD or FBMD T-score -2.5 (P >0.05). Density of the region of interest differed significantly between the normal and the osteoporotic group with SBMD and FBMD T-score -2.5 (P <0.05). The same results also gained in women who were osteoporotic only in the femoral region (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Mandibular bone density in subjects with low BMD was related to FBMD. So, digital panoramic radiographs could be beneficial in the diagnosis of postmenopausal women who are at risk of osteoporosis.

Effect of gravity and capillarity on human saliva penetration in coronally unsealed obturated root canals.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of gravity and capillarity on penetration of human salivary bacteria into the entire length of obturated root canals, and to demonstrate the dye penetration configuration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty single-rooted premolars were decoronated, prepared to a standardized length of 15 mm, instrumented, and randomly divided into two groups (A and B) of 25 teeth each. Each group consisted of experimental (15 samples) and negative and positive controls (five samples each). The experimental groups were obturated with gutta-percha and root canal sealer. The positive control groups were obturated with a single cone of gutta-percha and root canal sealer. The outer surfaces (except for the apical 2 mm) were covered with two layers of nail varnish. An apparatus containing Brain Heart Infusion broth was designed, in which the teeth were placed. The samples in Group A were placed upside down, while Group B was placed normally. The coronal portions of the samples were placed in contact with fresh saliva. The number of days required for bacteria to penetrate the entire length of canals was determined. The samples were then immersed in India ink to determine the dye penetration configuration. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test. RESULTS: The extent of dye penetration was significantly greater in Group B compared to Group A, and they were in a pattern rather than linear form. CONCLUSIONS: Gravity and capillarity insignificantly affected bacterial leakage. Although gravity and capillarity did not affect bacterial penetration when applied to the coronal access of endodontically treated teeth, it seems that they can promote penetration of India ink into the canal after the bacterial test on the same tooth.