Clinical Performance of Glass Ionomer Cement in Load-Bearing Restorations: A Systematic Review.

Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is a self-adhesive dental restorative material composed of a polyacrylic acid liquid and fluoro-aluminosilicate glass powder. It is commonly used for cementation during dental restoration. This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature regarding the clinical performance of GIC in load-bearing dental restorations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in EBSCO, PubMed, Embrace, and Cochrane databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the search, and a broad search technique was used, where inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. After a thorough evaluation, 12 RCTs were extensively reviewed, and whether GIC is suitable for load-bearing restorations was determined. Significant variations in staining surface or margin, color match, translucency, esthetic anatomical form, retention, material fracture, marginal adaptation, surface luster, occlusal contour, wear, and approximal anatomical form indicated the unsuitability of GIC. By contrast, significance differences in patient view and periodontal response indicated that GIC is suitable. No significant differences in postoperative sensitivity, recurrence of caries, or tooth integrity were observed. Nevertheless, the results of the review demonstrated that the clinical performance of GIC is comparable to that of traditional restorative materials with regard to the parameters analyzed. GIC is a suitable restorative material for load-bearing restorations regarding surface margin, esthetic anatomical form, material retention and fracture, marginal adaptation, occlusal contour, wear, and approximal anatomical form. It reduces other parameters, such as postoperative sensitivity, recurrence of caries, and tooth integrity.

A Systematic Review of Publications on Perceptions and Management of Chronic Medical Conditions Using Telemedicine Remote Consultations by Primary Healthcare Professionals April 2020 to December 2021 During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Telemedicine technologies allow distribution of health-related services and information and can include electronic and telecommunication technologies, remote patient and clinician contact, referral and prescribing, patient education, and monitoring. This systematic review aimed to evaluate publications on the perceptions and management of chronic medical conditions using telehealth remote consultations by primary healthcare professionals between April 2020 and December 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic databases, including Cinhal, PubMed, Science Direct, and ProQuest were searched to extract qualitative studies relevant to the topic. Inclusion criteria were developed based on the Population, Exposure, and Outcomes scoping framework. The target population was healthcare professionals working in primary care settings. Included studies encompassed various types of telemedicine, such as synchronous telemedicine, video conferencing, telephone conversations, and smart devices. Eight studies were included. Synchronous telemedicine was highly effective in ensuring the continuity of care and treatment, providing patients with convenience, improved access to treatment, and earlier disease management. Video conferencing and telephone consultations were the most common methods used. Challenges included concerns about patient privacy, technology literacy, and acceptance. Telemedicine was commended for its ability to provide access to immediate expert medical advice and eliminate the need for long-distance travel, contributing to increased patient compliance. Synchronous telemedicine is a promising solution for managing chronic conditions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, offering benefits to patients and healthcare professionals. To maximize its potential, concerns regarding patient privacy, confidentiality, and technology literacy need to be addressed. Proper legislation and regulations are required for long-term success of telemedicine, making it a valuable component of healthcare systems.

A Comparative Analysis of Marginal Adaptation Values between Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramics and Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Endocrowns: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies.

This systematic review aimed to identify and analyze in vitro studies on the marginal adaptation values of computer-aided-design/computer-aided-manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and heat-pressed lithium disilicate glass ceramics and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicates and endocrown restorations. A full literature search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ProQuest electronic databases. The following keywords: endocrown [(marginal adaption) or (marginal fit) or internal fitting)], endocrown [(molar(s)) or (premolar(s) or (posterior teeth) or (maxillary arch) or (mandibular arch)] and ceramic materials as [(lithium disilicate glass ceramic CAD/CAM) or (zirconia) or (heat-press)] were used. Articles were manually searched utilizing their reference lists. Study selection was restricted or limited to the time of publication but not to the type of tested teeth or ceramic material, endocrown design, system of endocrown construction, abutment scanning, and system of the marginal adaption measurement. A total of 17 in vitro studies published between 2016 and 2023 were included in this systemic review. Less than half of the studies were published during 2023. Most studies used lithium disilicate glass ceramic and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate all-ceramic materials by CAD/CAM or heat-press systems. Marginal adaptation, or marginal gap, was almost equal in the 2 materials, while it was slightly or marginally higher in the heat-press than in the CAD/CAM system. All-ceramic lithium disilicate glass ceramic and/or zirconia endocrowns fabricated for posterior teeth in both arches using CAD/CAM or heat-press had recorded marginal adaptation values within an acceptable range.