MRI compatibility of several early transition metal based alloys and its influencing factors.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility of three early transition metal (ETM) based alloys was assessed in vitro with agarose gel as a phantom, including Zr-20Nb, near-equiatomic (TiZrNbTa)90 Mo10 and Nb-60Ta-2Zr, together with pure tantalum and L605 Co-Cr alloy for comparison. The artifact extent in the MR image was quantitatively characterized according to the maximum area of 2D images and the total volume in reconstructed 3D images with a series of slices under acquisition by fast spin echo (FSE) sequence and gradient echo (GRE) sequence. It was indicated that the artifacts extent of L605 Co-Cr alloy with a higher magnetic susceptibility (χv ) was approximately 3-fold greater than that of the ETM-based alloys with χv in the range of 160-250 ppm. In the ETM group, the MRI compatibility of the materials can be ranked in a sequence of Zr-20Nb, pure tantalum, (TiZrNbTa)90 Mo10 and Nb-60Ta-2Zr. In addition, using a rabbit cadaver with the implanted tube specimens as a model for ex vivo assessment, it was confirmed that the artifact severity of Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy is significantly reduced in comparison with the L605 alloy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 377-385, 2018.

The responses of endothelial cells to Zr6 1Ti 2Cu25Al12 metallic glass in vitro and in vivo.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of newly developed Zr61Ti2Cu25Al12 metallic glass (denoted ZT1) and its parallel material, commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti), as dental implants. To this end, we evaluated their cytotoxicity in vitro using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in vivo by performing an oral mucosa irritation test in hamsters. Specifically, cytotoxicity was determined in HUVECs by evaluating their cell morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their cell viability using CCK-8 assays. Moreover, we examined the mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and von Willebrand factor by quantitative PCR (qPCR). In the early stages of proliferation and differentiation, no differences were observed between HUVECs inoculated on ZT1 compared to those on CP-Ti. However, in the later stages of proliferation and differentiation, the HUVECs inoculated on ZT1 were significantly better than the cells cultured on CP-Ti. In the oral mucosa irritation test, we sutured sample discs into the cheek pouch of hamsters. After 2, 3, and 4weeks, we harvested the corresponding mucosal tissues, stained them with hematoxylin and eosin, obtained blood samples for biochemical analysis, and finally, observed the topography of the sample discs by SEM. Immunohistochemistry and hematology analyses showed no differences in the biocompatibility of ZT1 and CP-Ti, and neither of these compounds caused irritation of the mucosa. In addition, SEM images showed that no pitting occurred on the sample discs. Together, these data indicate that ZT1 may be a good candidate for dental implants and should be further studied.

MRI-compatible Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy used for vascular stents: haemocompatibility and its correlation with protein adsorption.

Nb-60Ta-2Zr is a newly developed MRI-compatible alloy used for vascular stents. In this work, its haemocompatibility was investigated, including platelet adhesion (lactate dehydrogenase activity), platelet activation (P-selectin expression), coagulation and haemolysis. For comparison, parallel assessments for these factors were performed for the niobium, tantalum, 316L stainless steel (316L SS) and L605 Co-Cr alloy (L605). In addition, albumin and fibrinogen were selected to examine the correlation of protein adsorption with platelet adhesion and metal surface properties. The propensity for platelet adhesion and activation on the Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy was at nearly the same level as that for Nb and Ta but was slightly less than those of 316L SS and L605. The mitigated platelet adhesion and activation of the Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy is associated with its decreased adsorption of fibrinogen. The Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy has a longer clotting time and exhibits significantly superior thromboresistance than 316L SS and L605. Moreover, the haemolysis rate of the Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy satisfies the bio-safety requirement of the ISO 10993-4 standard. The favourable haemocompatiblity of the Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy provides evidence of its good biocompatibility and of its suitability as a candidate stent material.

Zr61Ti2Cu25Al12 metallic glass for potential use in dental implants: biocompatibility assessment by in vitro cellular responses.

In comparison with titanium and its alloys, Zr61Ti2Cu25Al12 (ZT1) bulk metallic glass (BMG) manifests a good combination of high strength, high fracture toughness and lower Young's modulus. To examine its biocompatibility required for potential use in dental implants, this BMG was used as a cell growth subtract for three types of cell lines, L929 fibroblasts, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and osteoblast-like MG63 cells. For a comparison, these cell lines were in parallel cultured and grown also on commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) and Ti6-Al4-V alloy (Ti64). Cellular responses on the three metals, including adhesion, morphology and viability, were characterized using the SEM visualization and CCK-8 assay. Furthermore, real-time RT-PCR was used to measure the activity of integrin ß, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and type I collagen (COL I) in adherent MG63 cells. As indicated, in all cases of three cell lines, no significant differences in the initial attachment and viability/proliferation were found between ZT1, CP-Ti, and Ti64 until 5d of incubation period. It means that the biocompatibility in cellular response for ZT1 BMG is comparable to Ti and its alloys. For gene expression of integrin ß, ALP and COL I, mRNA level from osteoblast cells grown on ZT1 substrates is significantly higher than that on the CP-Ti and Ti64. It suggests that the adhesion and differentiation of osteoblasts grown on ZT1 are even superior to those on the CP-Ti and Ti64 alloy, then promoting bone formation. The good biocompatibility of ZT1 BMG is associated with the formation of zirconium oxide layer on the surface and good corrosion-resistance in physiological environment.

Activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway during the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells cultured on substrates modified with various chemical groups.

The current study examined the influence of culture substrates modified with the functional groups -OH, -COOH, -NH2, and -CH3 using SAMs technology, in conjunction with TAAB control, on the osteogenic differentiation of rabbit BMSCs. The CCK-8 assay revealed that BMSCs exhibited substrate-dependent cell viability. The cells plated on -NH2- and -OH-modified substrates were well spread and homogeneous, but those on the -COOH- and -CH3-modified substrates showed more rounded phenotype. The mRNA expression of BMSCs revealed that -NH2-modified substrate promoted the mRNA expression and osteogenic differentiation of the BMSCs. The contribution of ERK1/2 signaling pathway to the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs cultured on the -NH2-modified substrate was investigated in vitro. The -NH2-modified substrate promoted the expression of integrins; the activation of FAK and ERK1/2. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation by PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the ERK signaling pathway, blocked ERK1/2 activation in a dose-dependent manner, as revealed for expression of Cbf α -1 and ALP. Blockade of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in BMSCs by PD98059 suppressed osteogenic differentiation on chemical surfaces. These findings indicate a potential role for ERK in the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs on surfaces modified by specific chemical functional groups, indicating that the microenvironment affects the differentiation of BMSCs. This observation has important implications for bone tissue engineering.

Improvement on the performance of bone regeneration of calcium sulfate hemihydrate by adding mineralized collagen.

Comparative investigations of bone regeneration performance for calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaSO(4).(1/2)H(2)O; CSH) only and CSH with mineralized collagen are reported in this article. The mineralized collagen is the nanohydroxyapatite/collagen (nHAC). The investigations included biocompatibility in vitro and performance of bone repair in vivo. Quantitative and qualitative biocompatibility assays with bone stromal stem cells were performed. A critical box-shaped defect model in the mandible of the rabbit was used to evaluate the bone-remodeling ability of CSH and nHAC/CSH. Results in vitro indicated that the nHAC/CSH significantly improved bioactivity compared with that of CSH, especially in promoting cell adhesion. Further, a higher bone remodeling activity was observed around nHAC/CSH composite than the CSH, especially at the early stage of remodeling. This result means that nHAC/CSH could cause an earlier accelerator and better osseointegration for bone repair than CSH only.

[Resistance to cyclic fatigue of pulpless teeth with flared root canals restored with three kinds of post-and-cores].

PURPOSE: To observe the resistance to cyclic fatigue of maxillary incisors with flared canals restored with three post-and-core materials. METHODS: Standard cylindrical samples with flared canals were made of 48 human maxillary central incisors and were assigned randomly to two groups (without ferrule and 2mm ferrule). Each main group was then divided into 3 sub-groups of 8 specimens and restored with cast metal post-core-crown,carbon fiber+resin composite post-core-crown ,and glass fiber+resin composite post-core-crown, respectively. Each group was subjected to a cyclic fatigue test, and the numbers of load cycles that had tooth fracture were measured with cyclic fatigue testing machine. All data were analyzed statistically for two-way ANOVA with SPSS 12.0 software package. RESULTS: Fiber+resin composite post-core-crown showed significantly higher fatigue strength than cast metal post-core-crown in the two groups(P<0.05). Preparing dentin ferrules increased significantly fatigue resistance(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Fiber post-and-core system may get a long fatigue life in restoring pulpless teeth.Dentin ferrule preparation is necessary to enhance resistance to cyclic fatigue.

[The identification of electronic surveying lines on 3-D digital models of dentition defects].

OBJECTIVES: To develop a mathematical algorithm and a software package for the process of electronically surveying a scanned point cloud cast. To provide a principal premise to the subsequent computer aided design and computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) of removable partial denture framework, and to provide a method to improve quality control in the dental laboratory. METHODS: Point cloud data of a partially edentulous cast, a mandibular Kennedy Class II Modification 2 arch, was captured using an optical scanning system with projective grating and high-resolution digital camera. Using commercial CAD/CAM software system (Geomagic Studio 6), this point cloud data was processed and the 3-D digital model of partially edentulous cast was reconstructed. From a suggested surveying angle the contour points of height were identified, and then the digital surveying lines were traced using Projection and Contour Extraction software package. The depth of undercut was measured and defined to determine the clasp termination of retainer. RESULTS: Electronic surveying line of 3-D digital dentition defect model was achieved. Digital surveying line defined the cast into undercut and non-undercut areas. Different virtualized paths of insertion could be automatically suggested when the cast was surveyed and analyzed from different angles. The depth of undercut was automatically measured and the retentive clasp termination was determined. CONCLUSIONS: The mathematical algorithm and the software package in this study can be used to survey and analyze 3-D digital models of dentition defects, and to identify an electronic surveying line.

[Single cell gel electrophoresis of a magnesium alloy coated with beta-tricalcium phosphate].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the genotoxicity of a magnesium alloy coated with beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP). METHODS: Four groups were designed. In the first group, AZ31B magnesium alloy surface was coated with beta-TCP using chemical bath deposition, and in the second group magnesium alloy was tested. The other two groups were negative control (pure titanium) and positive control groups (0.5 mg/L bleomycin). Single cell gel electrophoresis was adopted to investigate genotoxicity of the alloy samples in different groups, and 60 cells from each group were analysed. Tail moment and tail DNA percentage were used as reliable indicators to show DNA damage in lymphocytes induced by every testing sample. Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) test was used to compare results from 4 groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in tail moment and tail DNA percentage between magnesium alloy group [(0.52 +/- 0.12), (6.82 +/- 1.81)%] and magnesium alloy coated with beta-TCP group [(0.51 +/- 0.12), (6.89 +/- 1.93)%, P > 0.05]. Tail moment and tail DNA percentage in negative group were (0.47 +/- 0.14) and (6.29 +/- 1.64)%, and tail moment and tail DNA percentage in positive group were (5.17 +/- 1.23) and (22.09 +/- 4.51)%. CONCLUSIONS: No significant increase was found in DNA damage in lymphocytes induced by magnesium alloy coated with beta-TCP.

[Study on the compatibility of yttria-stabilized zirconia framework bonded to the corresponding veneering ceramic].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the bonding properties and interface characterization of a domestic 3mol yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconium polycrystal (3Y-TZP) framework fired on with 4 different veneering ceramics for zirconia. METHODS: 4 different commercial veneering ceramics for zirconia (VITA VM9, SHOFU VINTAGE ZR, IPS e.max Ceram, Cercon ceram kiss) were sintered on 3Y-TZP rectangulars (15 mmx5 mmx5 mm) according to the manufacturers' instructions for shear bond strength test, a metal-ceramic system(Ni-Cr alloy/VITA VMK95) was fabricated in the same type as a control group. Two bilayered specimens (3Y-TZP/VITA VM9, Ni-Cr/VMK95) were prepared for scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy distribution spectrum (EDS). RESULTS: The values of shear bond strength test were (18.83 +/- 1.77) MPa for 3Y-TZP/VITA VM9, (23.83 +/- 7.05) MPa for 3Y-TZP/SHOFU VINTAGE ZR, (17.87 +/- 2.30) MPa for 3Y-TZP/IPS e.max Ceram, (22.26 +/- 7.45) MPa for 3Y-TZP/Cercon ceram kiss, (20.55 +/- 5.13) MPa for Ni-Cr alloy/VITA VMK95. There was no statistically significant between all-ceramic groups and the control group (P > 0.05). The failure modes in all-ceramic groups showed predominately adhesive at the interface. SEM showed the 3Y-TZP/VITA VM9 contacted tightly at the interface, while EDS detected Si element diffused into 3Y-TZP material. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that domestic 3Y-TZP has a good interface compatibility with 4 commercial veneering ceramics, as a dental framework material, it can satisfy the clinical requirements.

Comparison of biological characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells grown on two different titanium implant surfaces.

This study examined the biological characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) grown on sand-blasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surface and hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on the SLA (HA/SLA) surface of titanium dental implants. The HA/SLA surfaces of titanium dental implants were formed by the ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD) method. Rabbit bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured in vitro were seeded onto the surface of SLA and HA/SLA; the growth states of MSCs on the two samples were observed by a scanning electron microscope; the proliferation index, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OCN) content of MSCs and mRNA relative expression level of osteopontin (opn) were compared between two groups. MSCs were found to be easier to adhere to the HA/SLA surface compared to the SLA surface. At the same time, the ALP activity and the OCN content of MSCs grown on the HA/SLA surface were obviously higher, and the relative expression level of opn mRNA was 4.78 times higher than that on the SLA surface. The HA coating formed by the IBAD method on the SLA surface of titanium dental implants significantly improves proliferation and well-differentiated osteoblastic phenotype of MSCs, which indicates a promising method for the surface modification of titanium dental implants.

[A study on the influence of fluid shear stress on the expression of COX-2 in HPDLF].

PURPOSE: To utilize the fluid shear stress to simulate occlusion trauma in vitro. Different density of FN was given to HPDLF and the amount of COX-2 mRNA of HPDLF was measured at different time. METHODS: Young healthy permanent teeth which were extracted for orthodontic treatment were collected. The HPDLF was primarily cultured via the method for tissue block. The third generation cells were taken as the study objects. There were two groups in this study. Group A were cultured with the fluid shear stress given by a special swing bed(35r/min). Group B were cultured quietly. Different density of FN (0,20,40,60microg/ml)was added into Group A and B. The cells were cultured for 6 and 12 hours without serum. RESULTS: After 24 hours, 80% tissue block anchoraged. After 7-10 days,there were cells moving from the tissue block,After about 14 days, the cell overgrew the culture flask.Immuocytochemistry showed that anti- filamin was positive while anti- ceratin was negative. The expression of COX-2 mRNA was positive after 6 hours in group A,and the amount of the expression decreased with the increase of the amount of FN . The expression of COX-2 mRNA after 12 hours in group A was higher than that after 6 hours. The result of electrophoresis for group B was negative. The electrophoresis optical density of beta-actin amplification fragment was uniform. CONCLUSIONS: The fluid shear stress can revoke the inflammatory reaction of HPDLF. Human plasma FN can decreased the expression of COX-2 mRNA of HPDLF,which is dose and time dependent.

[The ultrastructure and activities of free radical scavenger in discolored gingiva adjacent to porcelain fused to metal crowns].

PURPOSE: This study was designed to study the discolored gingiva adjacent to porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns in terms of ultrastructure , SOD and GSH activities in 40 cases. METHODS: The discolored gingival ultrastructures were observed and metal X-ray energy level was analyzed;The activities of SOD and GSH were measured and compared with normal control by student's t test and one-way ANOVA with SPSS10.0 software package. RESULTS: The discolored gingival ultrastructure had changes compared with the normal gingiva. Nickel and chromium were not found in the particles through X-ray energy machine within the discolored gingiva adjacent to PFM crown. The activities of SOD and GSH in discolored gingiva were significantly different from control(P<0.05) and the values at 6 to 18 months were significantly different from those at other times. CONCLUSION: The ultrastructure underwent changes in discolored gingiva after PFM restoration; the activity of SOD and GSH in discolored gingiva changed to result in apoptosis, and discoloration.

[Study of the relative factors of cure depths of light curing composite resin].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of different composite resin, different light curing units, different irradiation time, different irradiation distance on cure depths of light curing composite resin. METHODS: Designed by factorial experiment, 192 Cylindrical samples were made with 4mm internal diameter and 6mm high mold. The whole samples were scanned by Planmeca ProMax panoramic X-ray unit, cure depths were measured using a scoping method described in the ISO standard for resin-based composites. The data was statistically analyzed by SPSS11.5 software package for ANOVA. RESULTS: The differences of four factors-composite resin, light curing units, irradiation time, irradiation distance were significant (P<0.01), and the effects between-subjects were involved among four factors (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: From this study, we conclude that cure depths may be affected by two kinds of light curing units, two kinds of composite resin, four kinds of irradiation time and four kinds of irradiation distances, once each factor is strengthened, cure depths could reach a more ideal effect. Supported by Key Research Project of Science and Technology Committee of Liaoning Province (Grant No.00225001).

[Computer aided design and computer aided manufacture of sacrificial pattern of removable partial denture framework].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a method applied in computer aided design and computer aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) of removable partial denture framework for rehabilitating edentulous arch of Kennedy Class II and found a basis for this project. METHODS: Point cloud data of dental stone model was obtained by laser scanning. The following processes were made: drawing framework outline on the reconstructed triangle mesh model, picking up and processing its inner side data as the data of tissue surface, shelling it for 3-D model of framework, and transferring the data to rapid prototyping equipment for manufacture. RESULTS: 3-D model of the removable partial denture framework was preliminarily accomplished. The resin framework used as a sacrificial pattern was manufactured with the rapid prototyping equipment. The fit between resin framework and plaster model was good. CONCLUSIONS: This method, as an integrated procedure including data acquisition, 3-D computer modeling and fabrication by rapid prototyping, is feasible to implement CAD-CAM of removable partial denture framework.

[Design of geometric models of the removable partial denture framework].

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to introduce a method on computer aided design (CAD) of removable partial denture(RPD) framework based on domestic CAD/CAM software system, which contributes to the further research to develop the domestic software system applied in restorative dentistry. METHODS: Point cloud data of a partially edentulous cast, a mandibular Kennedy Class II modification 2 arch, was captured by an optical scanning system with projective grating and high-resolution digital camera. Using domestic CAD/CAM software system, the above point cloud data was reduced, digital surveying line and inserting path were determined. In terms of the principle of clinical design, the tissue surfaces and polishing surfaces of every component of RPD were built such as clasp, rest, lingual bar, and mesh construction, et al. As well as the characteristic structures of the framework, including the half-pear shaped cross section of lingual bar, the internal and external finish lines, the tissue stop at the tissue surface of mesh construction and so on, were fabricated on the base of reduced data model. 3-D surface model of the RPD framework was created. RESULTS: Geometric model of the RPD framework was fabricated successfully, which took on good fitting, high visibility and editing conveniently. And the data converted to STL file format that could be read by any other CAD/CAM software system and was in preparation for subsequent computer aided manufacture (CAM) of RPD framework. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that this method based on domestic software in CAD of RPD framework be feasible.

[Effect of bite force lost on the expression of iNOS in the rat periodontium].

PURPOSE: To investigate the molecular mechanism of the effect of bite force loss on periodontium remodeling. METHODS: For establishing a rat model of different bite forces for the study, the left maxillary molars of Wistar rats were extracted and the left mandibular molar area was used as the model of the bite force lost. The animals were sacrificed after 6 hours,1,2,3 days and 1,2,3,4weeks. The prepared tissue specimens were processed for the study of the change in the histologic morphology and the expression of iNOS protein in PDLC and osteoblasts with HE staining, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR techniques, and the results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA,Dunnet t test and paired samples test. RESULTS: In the group of lost biting force, the derangement of periodontal ligament and resorption of alveolar bone were observed in histologic study: the structure of periodontal ligament deranged ,fibers and cells arrayed abnormally, there were many holes in the alveolar bone, even osteoclasts were present; the expression of iNOS was observed dramatically changed: the expression of iNOS in periodontal ligament fibroblasts and osteoblasts was higher than normal, especially at 2 days and 3 weeks,so as the results of RT-PCR.There was a significant correlation between bite force lost and the increased expression of iNOSmRNA. CONCLUSIONS: Bite force lost significantly increased the expression of iNOSmRNA in PDLC and osteoblasts, which suggests that iNOS may play an important role in the process of periodontium remodeling.

[Evaluating the integrated force induced by high quality magnet and elastics in orthodontic fixed appliance].

PURPOSE: To investigate the stability and effective working distance of integrated forces induced by high quality magnet and elastics in orthodontic fixed appliance. METHODS: N48 NdFeB magnets resembling brackets in size and volume were combined with 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, and 3/8 inch orthodontic elastics respectively to induce integrated forces that had super-long working distance. Magnetic, elastic, and integrated forces were tested by universal material test system and curves of the forces were draw. The characteristics of integrated forces, complementary effects of magnetic and elastic forces, and the proportion between elastic and magnetic forces in integrated forces at different extension distances were analyzed. Unpaired t test was used to analyze the differences between integrated and elastic forces. RESULTS: With the increase of the extension distance, the magnitude of the magnetic forces decreased significantly and the elastic forces increased in a liner manner, while the integrated forces were stable and changed mildly. Four kinds of integrated forces achieved 86 g, 138 g, 163 g, and 192 g stable forces within super-long distance respectively. Magnetic forces accounted for 34.94%-93.98% of the integrated force at 3 mm distance, 12.60%-37.89% at 6 mm distance, and only 2.69%-5.98% at 12 mm distance. The differences between four integrated forces and elastic forces at 3 mm (P<0.01), 6 mm (P<0.01), and 9 mm distance (P<0.05) were significant. CONCLUSION: Integrated forces composed of magnetic and elastic forces were a new ideal stable orthodontic force with super-long working distance.

[The use of modified inlay in restoration of posterior molars with large defect].

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of Co-Cr alloy inlays/onlays in the restorations of posterior teeth with large defects. METHODS: 96 inlays were examined in 83 patients. The interval between placement and assessment was 6 months,1 year and 2 years. Restorations still present at the time of evaluation were clinically assessed according to modified USPHS criteria. Rank sum test was used to assess the difference in each of these criteria by SPSS11.5 software. RESULTS: 2 inlays failed, one was due to dislocation and the other due to recurrent caries. No significant difference was observed in each of these criteria at the time of 2 years after placement. A success rate of 97.9% at 2 years was estimated. CONCLUSIONS: The innovative preparation design of dovetail with adaptable pin hole or groove yielded a better retention for inlay/onlay and was proved to be practicable in the restoration of posterior teeth. However, very careful consideration of clinical operation and laboratory work must be taken for a successful restoration.

[Weibull analysis and flexural strength of glass-infiltrated alumina composite machined by CAD/CAM].

PURPOSE: To explore the structural reliability of machined infiltrated ceramic made from ultrafine alumina powder for dental CAD/CAM by means of flexural strength together with Weibull analysis. METHODS: Ultrafine grain-sized alumina powder made from ammonium aluminum sulfate was sintered into one kind of porous machined ceramic block. After being infiltrated by lanthanum glass powder, a glass infiltrated alumina composite was produced. Thirty bar specimens were prepared. The flexural strength was measured with the three-point bending test. The fracture stress values were analyzed by Weibull analysis to determine the Weibull modulus values(m). The strength values at failure probabilities of 1% and 5% failure were also calculated. X ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were conducted. RESULTS: The mean flexural strength and standard deviation were (375.5+/-66.88) MPa coupled with Weibull modulus of 6.2. Strength values at failure probability of 1% and 5% were 191.79 MPa and 249.83 MPa, respectively. The micrograph under SEM indicated the prefabricated sintered alumina block retained a structure of continuous three-dimensional open pores, whereas the composite characterized itself as a pore-free structure after glass infiltration. XRD indicated the major crystal phase was alpha-alumina. CONCLUSIONS: The average fracture strength can not be used reliably as a design parameter for brittle all-ceramic crown materials. Compared with the average fracture strength alone, the use of flexure strength test combined with the Weibull analysis as a method of predicting survival rates from the strength data could be favorable in identifying the failure mechanisms involved in ceramic crown fracture, which would result in an improved validation of the strength data.