Combining the effects of undersized drilling and bone density on implant insertion torque

Aim: This study evaluated the influence of surgical undersized drilling on insertion torque of an implant system at low bone density. Methods: Implant site preparations were made in two polyurethane foam blocks with different densities, where two preparation techniques were considered: Control group (C): conventional drilling, following the manufacturer's instructions; and Group (E): undersized drilling, experimental technique using a final surgical drill with reduced diameter. The artificial bone blocks were selected based on density: D1 (0.64 g/cm3) and D2 (0.32 g/cm3). Three groups were considered according to the preparation technique and bone density used (n=10): CD1 ­ conventional drilling technique in artificial bone with higher density; CD2 ­ conventional drilling technique in artificial bone with lower density; and ED2 ­ undersized drilling in artificial bone with lower density. Externalhexagon implants (11 × 4 mm) were inserted and the insertion torque values were measured using a digital torque-meter. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (α=0.05). Results: The results showed significant statistical differences between groups (p<0.001), where the highest insertion torque was found for the Group CD1 (48.9 Ncm) followed by Group ED2 (22.6 Ncm) and Group CD2 (11.7 Ncm). Conclusions: The undersized drilling technique for implant site preparation leads to increased insertion torque on low bone density. (AU)

Influence of preparation height and luting agent type on crown retention in molars

Aim: Mechanical characteristics of the preparation along with luting agent are significant elements on the maintenance of fixed prostheses. This study aimed at assessing the retention of metal complete crowns luted with two different luting agents under different preparation height. Methods: Forty human third molars were selected and prepared to receive total crowns, and were randomly divided in 4 groups: (1) 5-mm preparation height (PH) and RelyX U100 self-adhesive resin cement (SA); (2) 5-mm PH and zinc phosphate (ZP); (3) 3-mm PH and SA; and (4) 3-mm PH and ZP. Crowns were cast in nickel-chromium alloy. The tensile strength was tested in a universal testing machine. Results: Mean tensile strength values to crown displacement (kgf) and standard deviation were 39.6 (13.0) for group 1; 16.9 (8.1) for group 2; 32.2 (7.9) for group 3; and 10.6(3.2) for group 4. Overall, the crowns cemented with SA presented significantly higher mean tensile strength values than ZP, and the 5-mm PH presented significantly higher mean tensile strength values than 3-mm PH. Conclusions: The self-adhesive resin cement and higher preparation height improved crown retention.