Evaluation of antibacterial activity against Candida albicans according to the dosage of various denture cleansers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the antibacterial activity of currently purchasable denture cleansers against Candida albicans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used tablet-type denture cleansers, Polident®, Coolingdent® and Fittydent®, along with liquid denture cleansers, Hexamedine®, Listerine® and Apple vinegar®. The antibacterial activities of denture cleansers were evaluated based on the number of C. albicans and concentrations of the denture cleansers. RESULTS: In the 0.5 × 106 cfu/ml culture medium, the C. albicans' death rate of Polident® was significantly lower than those of Fittydent®, Hexamedine®, Listerine®, and Apple vinegar®(P<.05). In the 0.5 × 107 cfu/, the C. albicans' death rates of Polident® and Coolingdent® were significantly lower than those of Fittydent®, Hexamedine®, Listerine® and Apple vinegar®(P<.05). The C. albicans' death rates of Polident® and Coolingdent® were significantly decreased at 0.02 g and 0.01 g. The C. albicans' death rate of Fittydent® was significantly decreased at 0.005 g (P<.05). The C. albicans ' death rate of Hexamedine® was significantly decreased at 1/16 dilution. The C. albicans' death rate of Listerine® was decreased at 1/8 dilution, and the antibacterial activity of Apple vinegar® was decreased at 1/4 dilution (P<.05). CONCLUSION: As the number of C. albicans increased, the antibacterial activities of the denture cleansers decrease. In the tablet-type denture cleanser, all denture cleansers showed 100% C. albicans' death rate when used at a dose of 1 tablet. One denture cleanser showed the same antibacterial effect with only 1/3 of a tablet. In the liquid type denture cleanser, the level of dilution required was different for each denture cleanser.

The effects of surface grinding and polishing on the phase transformation and flexural strength of zirconia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of surface grinding and polishing procedures using high speed zirconia diamond burs with different grit sizes on the phase transformation and flexural strength of zirconia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty disc shape specimens (15 × 1.25 mm) with a cylindrical projection in the center of each disc (1 × 3 mm) were fabricated with 3Y-TZP (Prettau, Zirkonzahn, Italy). The specimens were divided into 4 groups (n=10) according to the grinding and polishing procedures: Control group - grinding (coarse-grit diamond bur), Group 1 - grinding (coarse-grit diamond bur) + polishing, Group 2 - grinding (fine-grit diamond bur) + polishing, and Group 3 - grinding (fine grit diamond bur). Each specimen was analyzed by 3D-OM, XRD analysis, and biaxial flexural strength test. RESULTS: Based on the surface morphology by 3D-OM images, polished specimens showed smoother surface and lower roughness value (Ra). In the result of XRD analysis, partial phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic zirconia occurred in all groups. Control group, ground with a coarse grit diamond bur, showed more t→m phase transformation and lower flexural strength than Groups 1 and 2 significantly. CONCLUSION: The flexural strength in all specimens after grinding and polishing showed over 500 MPa, and those were clinically acceptable. However, grinding with a coarse grit diamond bur without polishing induced the phase transformation and low strength. Therefore, surface polishing is required for the occlusal adjustment using a high speed zirconia diamond bur to reduce the phase transformation and to prevent the decrease of flexural strength of zirconia.

Contour of lingual surface in lower complete denture formed by polished surface impression.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the shapes of lingual polished surfaces in lower complete dentures formed by polished surface impressions and to provide reference data for use when manufacturing edentulous trays and lower complete dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with mandibular edentulism were studied. After lower wax dentures were fabricated, wax was removed from the lingual side of the wax denture and a lingual polished surface impression was obtained with tissue conditioner. The definitive denture was scanned with a three-dimensional scanner, and scanned images were obtained. At the cross-sections of the lingual frenum, lateral incisors, first premolars, first molars, and anterior border of the retromolar pads, three points were marked and eight measurements were taken. The Kruskal-Wallis test and a post hoc analysis with the Mann-Whitney test were performed. RESULTS: Each patient showed similar values for the same areas on the left and right sides without a statistically significant difference. The height of the contour of the lingual polished surface at the lingual frenum was halfway between the occlusal plane and lingual border, it moved gradually in a downward direction. The angle from the occlusal plane to the height of the contour of the lingual polished surface was increased as it progressed from the lingual frenum towards the retromolar pads. CONCLUSION: The shape of the mandibular lingual polished surface was convex at the lingual frenum, lateral incisors and gradually flattened towards the first molars and retromolar pads.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract for mouthwash and denture cleaning solution.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract for assessing whether Dendropanax morbifera Léveille can be used for the development of natural mouthwash and denture cleaning solution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extract was obtained from branches of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille. The solvent fractions were acquired by fractionating Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and butanol solvent. Paper disc test was used to evaluate the antimicrobial and antifungal activity of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract and solvent fractions against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. The analysis of antioxidant activity was carried out through DPPH radical scavenging assay. The cytotoxicity of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract was analyzed through MTT assay using normal human oral keratinocytes. RESULTS: Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract showed antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and especially Candida albicans. The solvent fractions of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille showed strong antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans in n-hexane and butanol solvent fraction, respectively. Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract also showed outstanding antioxidant activity. Butanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform solvent fraction of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille tended to have increased antioxidant activity as the concentration increased. Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract showed high cell survival rate in cytotoxicity test. CONCLUSION: Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract turned out to have antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and cytophilicity. Based on these results, it is expected that Dendropanax morbifera Léveille is applicable as an ingredient for natural mouthwash and denture cleanser.

Effect of different grinding burs on the physical properties of zirconia.

PURPOSE: Grinding with less stress on 3Y-TZP through proper selection of methods and instruments can lead to a long-term success of prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the phase transformation and physical properties after zirconia surface grinding with 3 different grinding burs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty disc-shaped zirconia specimens were fabricated. Each Ten specimens were ground with AllCeramic SuperMax (NTI, Kahla, Germany), Dura-Green DIA (Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan), and Dura-Green (Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan). Ten specimens were not ground and used as a control group. After the specimen grinding, XRD analysis, surface roughness test, FE-SEM imaging, and biaxial flexural strength test were performed. RESULTS: After surface grinding, small amount of monoclinic phase in all experimental groups was observed. The phase change was higher in specimens, which were ground with Dura-Green DIA and AllCeramic SuperMax burs. The roughness of surfaces increased in specimens, which were ground with Dura-Green DIA and AllCeramic SuperMax burs than control groups and ground with Dura-Green. All experimental groups showed lower flexural strength than control group, but there was no statistically significant difference between control group and ground with Dura-Green DIA and AllCeramic SuperMax burs. The specimens, which were ground with Dura- Green showed the lowest strength. CONCLUSION: The use of dedicated zirconia-specific grinding burs such as Dura-Green DIA and AllCeramic SuperMax burs decreases the grinding time and did not significantly affect the flexural strength of zirconia, and therefore, they may be recommended. However, a fine polishing process should be accompanied to reduce the surface roughness after grinding.