Comparative Study of the Microstructure and Properties of Cast-Fabricated and 3D-Printed Laser-Sintered Co-Cr Alloys for Removable Partial Denture Frameworks.

Since additive technologies in dentistry are gradually replacing metal casting technology, it is necessary to evaluate new dental constructions intended for the development of removable partial denture frameworks. The aim of this research was to evaluate the microstructure and mechanical properties of 3D-printed, laser-melted and -sintered Co-Cr alloys, and perform a comparative study with Co-Cr castings for the same dental purposes. The experiments were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of samples produced by conventional casting of the Co-Cr alloy. The second group consisted of 3D-printed, laser-melted and -sintered specimens produced from a Co-Cr alloy powder divided into three subgroups, depending on the technological parameters chosen for manufacturing (angle, location and heat treatment). Examination of the microstructure was carried out by classical metallographic sample preparation, using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. A structural phase analysis was also performed by XRD. The mechanical properties were determined using a standard tensile test. The microstructure observation showed a dendritic character in the case of castings, while in the case of 3D-printed, laser-melted and -sintered Co-Cr alloys, the microstructure was typical for additive technologies. The XRD phase analysis confirmed the presence of Co-Cr phases (ε and γ). The results of the tensile test showed remarkably higher yield and tensile strength values and slightly lower elongation of the 3D-printed, laser-melted and -sintered samples than those produced by conventional casting.

Can Fiber-post Placement Reinforce Structurally Compromised Roots?

PURPOSE: Immature teeth are characterized by short roots, thin root canal walls, and open apices, which makes them prone to fracture. The aim was to investigate whether fiber-post placement had an influence on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated immature teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To simulate immature teeth, the apical third of 20 intact mandibular premolars was resected. After the access cavity was prepared, root canals and apices were enlarged. A 4-mm apical barrier was placed using calcium-silicate based material (Biodentine, Septodont). The teeth were then randomly assigned to two groups (n = 10). Root canals in group 1 were sealed using Acroseal (Septodont, France) and gutta-percha, followed by composite resin for the coronal restoration (Evetric, Ivoclar Vivadent). In group 2, fiber posts (FRC Postec Plus, Ivoclar Vivadent) were luted using self-adhesive composite cement (SpeedCEM Plus, Ivoclar Vivadent), followed by the same coronal restoration. The teeth were then subjected to fatigue and static load testing. RESULTS: The average loads (± SD) that led to tooth fracture were: 401.40 ± 296.83 N in group 1 and 636.20 ± 204.95 N in group 2. Unfavorable fractures were noted in 9 specimens from group 1 and in 7 specimens in group 2. No statistically significant difference in fracture resistance or fracture mode was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: Fiber-post placement had no significant influence on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated immature teeth.

Influence of Solid Drug Delivery System Formulation on Poorly Water-Soluble Drug Dissolution and Permeability.

The majority of drugs have a low dissolution rate, which is a limiting step for their absorption. In this manuscript, solid dispersions (SD), solid self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SMEDDS) and solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SNEDDS) were evaluated as potential formulation strategies to increase the dissolution rate of carbamazepine. Influence of increased dissolution rate on permeability of carbamazepine was evaluated using PAMPA test. In S-SMEDDS and S-SNEDDS formulations, the ratio of liquid SMEDDS/SNEDDS and solid carrier (Neusilin(®) UFL2) was varied, and carbamazepine content was constant. In SD formulations, the ratio of carbamazepine and Neusilin(®) UFL2, was varied. Formulations that showed the best dissolution rate of carbamazepine (SD_1:6, SMEDDS_1:1, SNEDDS_1:6) were mutually compared, characterization of these formulations was performed by DSC, PXRD and FT-IR analyses, and a PAMPA test was done. All formulations have shown a significant increase in dissolution rate compared to pure carbamazepine and immediate-release carbamazepine tablets. Formulation S-SMEDDS_1:1 showed the fastest release rate and permeability of carbamazepine. DSC, PXRD and FT-IR analyses confirmed that in S-SMEDDS and S-SNEDDS carbamazepine remained in polymorph form III, and that it was converted to an amorphous state in SD formulations. All formulations showed increased permeability of carbamazepine, compared to pure carbamazepine.