Masking capacity of minimally invasive lithium disilicate restorations on discolored teeth-The impact of ceramic thickness, the material's translucency, and the cement color.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate minimally invasive restorations' capacity to mask discolored teeth and explore the impact of ceramic thickness, translucency, and cement color. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four assessment pairs of naturally colored and discolored bovine dentin samples were formed, using lithium disilicate specimens in six different thicknesses (0.3-0.8 mm), two different translucencies (high, low), and two cements (transparent, tooth-colored). Evaluators assessed the color differences in each assessment pair, and the threshold for detecting a color difference was determined using sequential testing and the Bonferroni-Holm method. RESULTS: A thickness of 0.6 mm effectively masked color differences using high translucent ceramic with transparent cement, detectable differences were still observed at 0.7/0.8 mm. A threshold thickness of 0.4 mm was seen using high translucent ceramic and tooth-colored cement, with color differences still discernible at 0.5 and 0.8 mm. A threshold thickness of 0.4 mm was detected using low translucent ceramic and transparent cement, while detectable differences persisted at 0.5, 0.7, and 0.8 mm. A 0.5 mm threshold thickness was observed when using low translucent ceramic and tooth-colored cement, and no detectable color differences were detected beyond this thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Masking can be achieved with a thickness of 0.4-0.5 mm using a low translucent material and tooth-colored cement. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the impact of ceramic thickness, translucency, and cement color can aid clinicians in making informed decisions for achieving the best esthetic outcomes while preserving tooth structure. Effective masking can be accomplished with ceramic thicknesses starting at 0.4 mm, especially when employing a low translucent material and tooth-colored cement. However, clinicians should be aware that discolorations may still be detectable in certain scenarios when using minimally invasive lithium disilicate restorations.

Clinical use of digital applications for diagnostic and treatment planning in prosthodontics: A scoping review.

AIM: This scoping review aimed to compile and evaluate clinical trials investigating digital applications in prosthetic diagnostics and treatment planning by assessing their clinical relevance and future potential. METHODS: Following the PCC-framework for scoping reviews and combining the source of analysis (Population/P: "prosthodontics"), the technique of interest (Concept/C: "digital application") and the field of interest (Context/C: "diagnostics"), a three-pronged search strategy was applied in the database PubMed and Web of Science. Clinical trials (≥10 study participants, English/German) were considered until 2023-03-09. Reporting adhered to the PRISMA-ScR statement. RESULTS: The search identified 520 titles, of which 18 full-texts met the inclusion criteria for data extraction. The trials involved a total of 14,457 study participants and were mapped for prosthetic subdisciplines: fixed (n = 9; 50%) and removable (n = 4; 22%) prosthodontics, reconstructive dentistry in general (n = 3; 17%), and temporo-mandibular joint disorders (n = 2; 11%). Data merging of medical format files, as DICOM+STL, was the dominant digital application (n = 7; 39%); and virtual treatment simulation using digital smile design or digital wax-up represented the most frequent prosthetic diagnostics (n = 6; 33%). CONCLUSION: This scoping review identified a relatively low number of clinical trials. The future potential of digital diagnostics appears to be mostly related to the subdiscipline of fixed prosthodontics, especially regarding virtual treatment simulation for communication with the patient and among dental professionals. Artificial intelligence emerged as a key technology in many of the identified studies. Further research in this area is needed to explore the capabilities of digital technologies in prosthetic diagnostics and treatment planning.

Survival and complication rates of two dental implant systems supporting fixed restorations: 10-year data of a randomized controlled clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical, radiographic, biological and technical long-term outcomes of two types of dental implants over a period of 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight implants were placed in 64 patients, randomly allocated to one of two manufacturers (AST and STM). All implants were loaded with fixed restorations. Outcome measures were assessed at implant insertion (Ti), at baseline examination (TL), at 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10 (T10) years. Data analysis included survival, bone level changes, complications and clinical measures. RESULTS: Re-examination was performed in 43 patients (23 AST and 20 STM) at 10 years. The implant level analysis was based on 37 (AST) and 32 (STM) implants. Survival rates of 100% were obtained for both groups. The median changes of the marginal bone levels between baseline and T10 (the primary endpoint) amounted to a loss of 0.07 mm for group AST and a gain of 0.37 mm for group STM (intergroup p = 0.008). Technical complications occurred in 27.0% of the implants in group AST and in 15.6% in group STM. The prevalence of peri-implant mucositis was 29.7% (AST) and 50.1% (STM). The prevalence of peri-implantitis amounted to 0% (AST) and 6.3% (STM). CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of the implant system used, the survival rates after 10 years were high. Minimal bone level changes were observed, statistically significant but clinically negligible in favor of STM. Technical complications were more frequently encountered in group AST, while group STM had a higher prevalence of peri-implant mucositis.

Additively and subtractively manufactured implant-supported fixed dental prostheses: A systematic review.

AIM: To compare and report on the performance of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (iFDPs) fabricated using additive (AM) or subtractive (SM) manufacturing. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, Epistemonikos, clinical trials registries) with a focused PICO question: In partially edentulous patients with missing single (or multiple) teeth undergoing dental implant therapy (P), do AM iFDPs (I) compared to SM iFDPs (C) result in improved clinical performance (O)? Included were studies comparing AM to SM iFDPs (randomized clinical trials, prospective/retrospective clinical studies, case series, in vitro studies). RESULTS: Of 2'184 citations, no clinical study met the inclusion criteria, whereas six in vitro studies proved to be eligible. Due to the lack of clinical studies and considerable heterogeneity across the studies, no meta-analysis could be performed. AM iFDPs were made of zirconia and polymers. For SM iFDPs, zirconia, lithium disilicate, resin-modified ceramics and different types of polymer-based materials were used. Performance was evaluated by assessing marginal and internal discrepancies and mechanical properties (fracture loads, bending moments). Three of the included studies examined the marginal and internal discrepancies of interim or definitive iFDPs, while four examined mechanical properties. Based on marginal and internal discrepancies as well as the mechanical properties of AM and SM iFDPs, the studies revealed inconclusive results. CONCLUSION: Despite the development of AM and the comprehensive search, there is very limited data available on the performance of AM iFDPs and their comparison to SM techniques. Therefore, the clinical performance of iFDPs by AM remains to be elucidated.

[Minimally invasive treatment of erosions to regain health, function and aesthetics with indirect restorations]. / Minimalinvasive Versorgung von Erosionen zur Wiederherstellung von Gesundheit, Funktion und Ästhetik mit indirekten Restaurationen.

This article discusses the treatment of tooth structure loss due to erosion using indirect lithium disilicate ceramic restorations. Minimally invasive approaches, in which the eroded teeth are conservatively prepared and restored with minimally invasive restorations, are recommended. Lithium disilicate ceramics are currently the material of choice for this type of treatment as they can withstand maximum occlusal forces in the posterior region. The restorative process should be guided by diagnostic procedures that define the clinical therapeutic goal at the beginning of treatment. Adhesive cementation with the correct protocol is crucial for full mechanical strength of the restoration. At the end of the treatment, in addition to preventive measures, an overnight protective splint is recommended to ensure long-term clinical stability.

Strength of implant-supported lithium disilicate and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network restorations after thermomechanical aging.

AIM: To evaluate the fracture load and type of failure of two different monolithic restorative materials bonded to standardized titanium bases and fabricated by two different procedures regarding the bonding interface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All screw-retained implant crown specimens (n = 40), subjected to fatigue by thermomechanical loading, differed in the restorative material (lithium disilicate [LDS] or polymer-infiltrated ceramic network [PICN], referred to as 'hybrid ceramic' [HYC]) and the interface type between the restorative material and the titanium base abutment (prefabricated ex-factory or produced during a CAM-milling procedure). This resulted in the following groups (n = 10/group): 1) LDS-M: lithium disilicate crown with a CAM-milled interface; 2) LDS-P: lithium disilicate crown with a prefabricated interface; 3) HYC-M: PICN crown with a CAM-milled interface; and 4) HYC-P: PICN crown with a prefabricated interface. Aged specimens underwent static fracture load testing. The load (N) at which the initial crack occurred was denoted as Finitial, and the maximal load (N) at which the restorations fractured as Fmax. All specimens were examined under a stereomicroscope to determine the failure mode. RESULTS: The median Finitial values were 180 N for LDS-M, 343 N for LDS-P, 340 N for HYC-M, and 190 N for HYC-P. The median Fmax values were 1822 N for LDS-M, 2039 N for LDS-P, 1454 N for HYC-M, and 1581 N for HYC-P. The intergroup differences were significant for Finitial (KW: P = 0.0042) and for Fmax (KW: P = 0.0010). The failure types also showed differences between the restorative groups. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of restorative material had a stronger influence on the fracture load than the abutment interface workflow. Lithium disilicate showed the highest load for initial crack appearance (Finitial) and for complete fracture of the restoration (Fmax).

Tissue integration and biodegradation of soft tissue substitutes with and without compression: an experimental study in the rat.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the influence of compression on tissue integration and degradation of soft tissue substitutes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six subcutaneous pouches in twenty-eight rats were prepared and boxes made of Al2O3 were implanted and used as carriers for soft tissue substitutes: a collagen matrix (MG), two volume-stable collagen matrices (FG/MGA), and a polycaprolactone scaffold(E). The volume-stable materials (FG/MGA/E) were further implanted with a twofold (2) and a fourfold (4) compression, created by the stacking of additional layers of the substitute materials. The samples were retrieved at 1, 2, and 12 weeks (10 groups, 3 time points, n = 5 per time point and group, overall, 150 samples). The area fraction of infiltrated fibroblasts and inflammatory cells was evaluated histologically. Due to within-subject comparisons, mixed models were conducted for the primary outcome. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: The area fraction of fibroblasts increased in all groups over time. At 12 weeks, the densely compressed materials FG4 (1.1%), MGA4 (1.7%), and MGA2 (2.5%) obtained lower values as compared to the other groups, ranging between 4.7 (E2) and 6.5% (MG). Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between groups FG4 vs MG/FG2/E/E4 as well as between MGA4 vs MG/FG2/E/E4 and E vs MGA2. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of compression led to delayed tissue integration. The effect of different compression levels was more distinct when compared to the differences between the materials. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: All biomaterials demonstrated tissue integration and a minimal concomitant inflammatory reaction. Clinically, it might be more favorable to obtain a sufficient flap release or to reduce the material size to improve the tissue integration processes.

Randomized controlled pilot study assessing efficacy, efficiency, and patient-reported outcomes measures of chairside and labside single-tooth restorations.

OBJECTIVES: To test whether or not a chairside workflow (CHAIR) is similar to a labside workflow (LAB) in terms of efficacy (primary outcome) and efficiency (secondary outcome). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen subjects in need of a single-tooth restoration in the posterior region of the maxilla or mandible were consecutively recruited and randomly assigned to the CHAIR or LAB workflow. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; efficacy) were assessed using a questionnaire with visual analog scale. The white AEsthetic score (WES) was applied to evaluate the AEsthetic outcome objectively. The clinical and laboratory time (efficiency) were recorded. Nonparametric methods were applied for the group comparisons. RESULTS: The overall median AEsthetic evaluation after treatment was 10 (interquartile range = IQR: 9.5-10) in group CHAIR and 10 (IQR: 9.5-10) in-group LAB (Mann-Whitney [MW] test p = 1.000). The WES amounted to 4 (IQR: 3-5) (CHAIR) and to 8 (IQR: 7-9) (LAB) (MW test p < 0.0001). The median total working time for the clinician in-group CHAIR was 49.9 min. (IQR: 40.9-63.7) and 41.4 min. (IQR: 37.2-58.2) in-group LAB (MW test p = 0.387). CONCLUSIONS: Subjective PROMs of single-tooth supported restorations fabricated in a CHAIR or LAB workflow led to similar scores of patients' satisfaction and a moderate negative correlation for the objective evaluation of the clinician in the LAB workflow. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: PROMs can be considered a key element in the decision-making process for restoring single-tooth restorations. The patients' perception of AEsthetics was similar for the CHAIR or LAB workflows. The additional efforts undertaken with the LAB workflow did not result in a patient benefit when compared to a CHAIR workflow.

The Capacity to Change the Lightness of Discolored Tooth Substrates by Means of Minimally Invasive Restorations: Perception by Dentists, Dental Technicians, and Laypersons

PURPOSE: To evaluate the minimal ceramic thickness needed to increase the lightness by one value by means of glass-ceramic restorations perceived by dental technicians, dentists, and laypersons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 15 assessment pairs (reference and test samples) were formed using glass-ceramic blocks in four different colors. Each assessment pair was comprised of two underground blocks differing in one value of lightness. On top of the underground blocks, glass-ceramic platelets were cemented in five different thicknesses (0.1 to 0.5 mm) and in the same color as the reference. Dental technicians, dentists, and laypersons (n = 41/group) were asked to determine the presence of a color difference between the two samples under standardized lighting conditions. The threshold ceramic thickness was defined as the thickness at which ≥ 50% of the evaluators were not able to perceive a difference within an assessment pair. The thresholds were analyzed, and groups were compared by applying chi-square test (P < .05). RESULTS: The majority of dentists and dental technicians (> 50%) detected a lightness difference between the test and reference samples up to a ceramic thickness of 0.5 mm. The majority of laypersons (≥ 50%) did not perceive a lightness difference with ceramic thickness of 0.5 mm. If separated by the different color changes, the threshold ceramic thickness started at 0.4 mm and varied within the groups of evaluators and by the lightness of the assessed color. CONCLUSION: A considerable number of evaluators perceived a lightness difference when minimally invasive ceramic restorations of 0.5-mm thickness were applied. The threshold ceramic thickness, however, was reduced when the lightness of the substrate was lower.

Load-bearing capacity of pressable lithium disilicates applied as ultra-thin occlusal veneers on molars.

PURPOSE: The aim was to investigate the load bearing capacity of different pressable lithium disilicates cemented as occlusal veneers on molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One control group and six test groups were formed consisting of 20 specimens each (n = 20). The six test groups differed in the utilizing pressable lithium disilicate to fabricate occlusal veneers. As a control group, "group Lis", the lithium disilicate with the highest reported flexural strength was used (initial LiSi Press, GC Europe; Leuven, Belgium / flexural strength: 508 MPa). The test groups consisted of other pressable lithium disilicates with lower flexural strength values: "Ema" (IPS e.max press), "Vit" (VITA Ambria), "Liv" (Livento Press), "Amb" (Amber Press), "Mas" (Amber Press Master) and "Ros" (Rosetta SP)". After the preparation of 140 extracted human molars, which included the removal of the central enamel, the specimens were scanned using a desktop scanner. With the aid of a design software, the occlusal veneers were designed in a standardized thickness of 0.5 mm. To fabricate the restorations, all tested materials were processed using heat-pressing technique. All restorations were adhesively cemented. Afterwards, the specimens underwent cyclic fatigue during an aging procedure in a chewing simulator (1'200'000 chewing-cycles, 49 N force, 5-55°C temperature changes). Subsequently, the specimens were statically loaded and the load which was necessary to fracture the specimen (Fmax) were measured. Differences between the groups were compared applying the Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-Test (WMW: p < 0.05). The two-parameter Weibull distribution values were calculated. RESULTS: The fatigue resistance was 100% for the groups Lis, Vit, Liv, Amb, Mas and Ros, whereas the group Ema showed a fatigue resistance of 95%. The control group Lis showed median Fmax values of 2'328 N. The median Fmax values for the test groups ranged between 1'753 N (Vit) and 2'490 N (Ros). Statistically significant difference was observed among the groups Lis (control) and Vit (KW: p < 0.001). Weibull distribution presented the highest shape values for the group Ros (12.83) and the lowest values for the group Ema (4.71). CONCLUSION: Regarding their load-bearing capacity different pressable lithium disilicates can be recommended to fabricate ultra-thin occlusal veneers on molars when restoring occlusal tooth wear.

Randomized controlled clinical study comparing two types of two-piece dental implants supporting fixed restorations-Results at 8 years of loading.

OBJECTIVES: To assess clinical, technical, biological, and radiographic outcomes of implants supporting fixed restorations using two types of dental implants with non-matching implant-abutment junctions at 8 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned to receive one of two implant systems (S1 or S2) and eventually fixed restorations. Patients were examined at loading (TL ), one (T1 ), three (T3 ), five (T5 ), and eight years (T8 ). Outcome measures included implant and restoration survival, technical and biological complications, and radiographic bone levels. All data were analyzed on the implant and patient level. RESULTS: Ninety-eight implants were inserted in 64 patients and loaded with fixed restorations. At 8 years, 49 patients with 42 (S1) and 36 (S2) implants (25 in group S1 and 24 in group S2 on the patient level) were re-examined. The survival rates on the patient level were 97.6% (S1) and 97.2% (S2). The marginal bone levels (the primary endpoint) amounted to a gain of 0.21 mm (Q1: -0.11 mm; Q3: 0.5 mm) (S1) (p = .007) and to a loss of 0.24 mm (Q1: -0.79 mm; Q3: 0.05 mm) (S2) (p = .001) between baseline (TL ) and T8 (intergroup p < .001). The technical complication rates were 28% (S1) and 12.5% (S2) (intergroup p = .289). Peri-implant mucositis was observed in 24% (S1) and 50% (S2) of the implants on the patient level (intergroup p = .792). The respective figures for peri-implantitis were 0% (S1) and 12.5% (S2) (intergroup p = .11). CONCLUSIONS: Dental implants with non-matching implant-abutment junctions supporting fixed restorations resulted in high survival rates independent of the system used. Differences, mainly observed in terms of technical complications (in favor of S2), biological complications (in favor of S1), and marginal bone-level changes (in favor of group S1), appear to be clinically negligible.

An in vitro comparison of the marginal and internal adaptation of ultrathin occlusal veneers made of 3D-printed zirconia, milled zirconia, and heat-pressed lithium disilicate.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Whether additively produced zirconia could overcome problems with conventional computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) such as milling inaccuracies and provide accurate occlusal veneers is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the marginal and internal fit of 3D-printed zirconia occlusal veneers with CAD-CAM-fabricated zirconia or heat-pressed lithium disilicate ceramic (LS2) restorations on molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The occlusal enamel in 60 extracted human molars was removed, with the preparation extending into dentin. Occlusal veneers at a thickness of 0.5 mm were designed and manufactured according to their group allocation: 3DP, 3D-printed zirconia; CAM, milled zirconia; and HPR, heat-pressed LS2. The prepared teeth and restorations were scanned and superimposed, and the marginal and internal adaptation were measured 2- and 3-dimensionally; the production accuracy (trueness) was also measured. The comparisons of the group medians were performed with nonparametric methods and a pairwise group comparison (α=.05). RESULTS: Three-dimensionally printed zirconia revealed median outcomes of 95 µm (margin), 252 µm (cusp), 305 µm (fossa), and 184 µm (3D internal adaptation). CAM showed median values of 65 µm (margin), 128 µm (cusp), 203 µm (fossa), and 120 µm (3D internal adaptation). The respective values for the group HPR were 118 µm (margin), 251 µm (cusp), 409 µm (fossa), and 180 µm (3D internal adaptation). Significant differences (P<.001) between CAM and 3DP (cusp, fossa, 3D internal adaptation) and between CAM and HPR (all regions) were found, with the former group showing higher accuracies. The trueness showed median discrepancies of 26 µm (3DP), 13 µm (CAM), and 29 µm (HPR) with significant differences (P<.001) for the comparisons 3DP-CAM and CAM-HPR. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensionally printed zirconia occlusal veneers produced by means of lithography-based ceramic manufacturing exhibit a marginal adaptation (95 µm) and a production accuracy (26 µm) similar to those of conventional methods.

Effect of tooth brush abrasion on the color, gloss and surface roughness of internally and externally stained monolithic ceramic materials.

PURPOSE: To measure the durability of the color, change in surface roughness and gloss of stained monolithic ceramic materials subjected to artificial tooth brush abrasion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized specimens were manufactured from pressable lithium-disilicate glass ceramic (PC; IPS e.max Press), machinable lithium-disilicate glass ceramic (MC; IPS e.max CAD), and zirconia (ZR; Zenostar). Ceramic staining was applied before (internal; in) and after crystallization/sintering (external; ex). Of each ceramic material, specimens without staining were prepared (no staining; no). Porcelain-fused-to-metal specimens served as control (PFM). Each group consisted of 15 specimens. Tooth brushing was simulated with tooth brushing strokes of 21.6 k, 43.2 k, and 64.8 k. Color, gloss and roughness were measured at baseline and after cycle intervals. Kruskal-Wallis and paired Post-hoc Conover tests were applied to detect statistical differences between treatment groups. Differences before and after aging were calculated by Wilcoxon signed rank test (α=0.05). RESULTS: In all groups, color difference (∆E) was statistically significant after aging: no-PC (P<.001, 95% CI[0.14,0.84]), no-MC (P=.003, 95% CI[0.23,1.12]), no-ZR (P=.003, 95% CI[0.33,0.62]), in-MC (P=.003, 95% CI[0.35,0.73]), in-ZR (P=.003, 95% CI[0.09,0.32]), ex-PC (P=.003, 95% CI[0.54,0.98]), ex-MC (P<.001, 95% CI[0.23,1.26]), ex-ZR (P=.003, 95% CI[0.27,0.55]), and PFM (P=.002, 95% CI[0.22,0.34]). Aging increased surface roughness and decreased the gloss within all subgroups showing statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Color, gloss and roughness of stained monolithic ceramic materials changed significantly by means of tooth brush abrasion in vitro. Color changes were below the threshold value for the detection by the human eye (∆E 1.8).

Change in Color and Gloss Parameters of Stained Monolithic Resin-Ceramic CAD/CAM Materials After Simulated Aging: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To measure the effect of simulated aging on stained resin-ceramic CAD/CAM materials regarding the durability of color and gloss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Test specimens (n = 15 per material) were prepared out of CAD/CAM ingots from two resin nanoceramics (Lava Ultimate [LVU], Cerasmart [CER]) and a polymer-infiltrated ceramic (ENA, VITA Enamic) stained with the manufacturer's recommended staining kit using photopolymerization. Control specimens were made of feldspathic ceramic (VITA Mark II [VM2]) and stained by means of ceramic firing. Negative control specimens (n = 15) (no staining) were prepared for each group. Color and gloss measurements were performed before and after each aging cycle by means of mechanical abrasion with a toothbrush. Groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test and paired post hoc Conover test. Changes within a group were calculated using Wilcoxon signed-rank test (α = .05). RESULTS: The color difference (ΔE) was statistically significant for all stained CAD/CAM materials after simulated aging: CER (P < .001, 95% CI: 2.96 to 3.69), LVU (P = .004, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.46), ENA (P = .004, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.42), and VM2 (P < .001, 95% CI: 0.29 to 1.08). Aging resulted in a statistically significant increase in gloss in the LVU group (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 13.78 to 17.29), whereas in the ENA (P < .001, 95% CI: 7.83 to 12.72), CER (P < .001, 95% CI: 2.69 to 8.44), and VM2 (P = .014, 95% CI: 0.22 to 1.87) groups, a significant decrease in gloss was noted. CONCLUSION: Color and gloss of stained resin-ceramic CAD/CAM materials changed significantly after aging by means of toothbrush abrasion in vitro.

Effect of Thermomechanical Loading on the Cementation Interface of Implant-Supported CAD/CAM Crowns Luted to Titanium Abutments.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of aging on the morphology of the interface between monolithic implant crowns and standardized titanium base abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups of hybrid abutment crowns differing in restorative material (lithium disilicate [LD] or polymer-infiltrated ceramic network [PICN]) and in fabrication procedure of the interfacial zone for luting to a titanium abutment (milled during CAD/ CAM procedure [M] or prefabricated [P]) were formed: LDS-M, LDS-P, PICN-M, and PICN-P (n = 10 each). The morphology of the crown-abutment interface was examined before and after artificial aging using scanning electron microscopy. The total gap length per specimen was measured at both time points, and intergroup (Kruskal-Wallis [KW]) plus pairwise (Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney [WMW]) comparisons were performed (α = .05). RESULTS: Before aging, statistically significant differences in gap length were identified among groups (KW: P = .0369) for PICN-P > LDS-P (WMW: P = .0496) and LDS-M > LDS-P (WMW: P = .0060). The effect of aging among the groups, expressed as an increment of total gap length, was 50% in LDS-M, 30% in LDS-P, 20% in PICN-M, and 30% in PICN-P. After aging, the statistically significant differences in gap length identified among groups (KW: P = .0048) were for PICN-P > LDS-P (WMW: P = .0134); LDS-M > PICN-M (WMW: P = .0204); PICN-P > PICN-M (WMW: P = .0486); and LDS-M > LDS-P (P = .0022). However, comparison of the difference in gap length from before to after aging among the groups was not statistically significant (KW: P = .3549). CONCLUSION: The cementation interfaces of CAD/CAM crowns on standardized titanium base abutments demonstrated a high percentage of gaps before and after thermomechanical loading. The composition of the restorative material and the nature of the interface influenced the interfacial gap dimension.

Antibiotics in reconstructive dentistry / Antibiotikarichtlinien Rekonstruktive Zahnmedizin

These guidelines concern the administration of systemic antibiotics in reconstructive dentistry. While the general guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis apply to patients at risk, the prophylactic administration of antibiotics is only indicated in very rare cases in healthy patients: chamber-preserving measures with autologous grafts during extractions in the hygiene phase and implantation with controlled bone regeneration in the surgical phase.

The effect of different cooling procedures on mechanical properties of denture base materials measured by instrumented indentation testing.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the different cooling procedures on the mechanical properties of five heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture materials. METHODS: 250 specimens were made equally from Meliodent (ME), Paladon 65 (PA), Probase Hot (PB), Stellon QC-20 (QC) and Vertex Rapid Simplified (VE) implementing five different cooling procedures (n=10/procedure): A) removal from water bath, bench-cooling (10min) and cooling under water (15min), B) remain in water bath till room temperature, C) removal from water bath and cooling in water for 15min, D) removal from water bath and bench cooling till room temperature and E) removal from water bath, bench cooling for 30min and cooling under water for 15min. The specimens were immersed in distilled water (15 days/37ºC) and then subjected to Instrumented Indentation Testing for Martens Hardness (HM), indentation modulus (EIT) and elastic index (ηΙΤ). Results were statistically analyzed by two- and one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) plus Tukey post hoc tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: The highest values for HM were recorded for QC, PA, VE with B cooling procedure, PB with A and ME with E, for EΙΤ for QC, PB with A, for PA, VE with B and ME with E, and for ηIT for QC, PB with B, PB with E, ME with C and VE with D. CONCLUSIONS: The cooling procedures recommended for PB resulted in the lowest mechanical properties. A and B may be considered as universal short- and long-cooling procedures respectively providing the highest mechanical properties for the materials tested.

Prospective randomized controlled clinical study comparing two types of two-piece dental implants supporting fixed reconstructions-Results at 5 years of loading.

OBJECTIVES: Compare clinical outcomes of two types of dental implants with non-matching implant-abutment junctions loaded with fixed implant-borne reconstructions at 5 years of loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 64 patients, one of two implant systems (S1, S2) was randomly used to support fixed dental prostheses (FDP). At loading (TL ), after 1 (T1 ), 3 (T3 ) and 5 years (T5 ), the implant and reconstruction survival, biological and technical complications, radiographic marginal bone levels, clinical outcomes were recorded. The implants of the groups S1 and S2 contained of two-piece titanium implants with a non-matching implant-abutment junction. Data were analyzed on the patient level (1 implant/patient) using the non-parametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Ninety-seven implants were placed and loaded with fixed reconstructions in 64 patients. At T5 , 29 S1 and 28 S2 implants were available for the patient-level analysis. Two implants in group S1 had to be removed in the same patient due to severe peri-implantitis, resulting in a survival rate of 96.1% on the implant level and 96.6% on the patient level. No implant in group S2 was lost. The technical complication rate on patient-level amounted of 24.2% (S1) and of 6.5% (S2) (p > .05). Biological complications on patient-level were observed in 15.2% (S1) and 16.1% (S2) (p > .05). From TL to T5, the medians of the mean marginal bone level changes wer a gain of 0.15 mm in group S1 and a loss of 0.14 mm in group S2 (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Both implant systems revealed high survival rates and minimal changes of the marginal bone levels during 5 years. Few biological complications occurred in both groups. S1 revealed a high rate of technical complications. Therefore, both implant systems can be recommended for fixed reconstructions.

The use of digital technologies in dental practices in Switzerland: a cross-sectional survey

The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to identify the extent of digital technology infiltrating dental practices for the management and the treatment of patients. A survey (68 questions) was mailed to all members of the Swiss Dental Association (SSO). An online as well as postal answer was offered in order to maximise the response rate. The survey was mailed in June 2016 and answers were collected till the end of 2016. The total number of completed surveys was 1,238, which resulted in a response rate of 40%. Most dentists (97%) owned a private computer device and 74% used it for both, private and professional life. 69% of the dental offices had a homepage (69%), whereas a limited number (10%) used social media. The location of the practice influenced the extent of online presence. For patient administration a software application was used in 95% of the practices. The management of appointments was mainly organized by a digital agenda (73%). Patient's dental history was recorded digitally in half of the practices (53%), whereas in one third (38%) also dental/ endodontic/periodontal charts were recorded digitally. One quarter of the dentists (24%) used an additional dental software for patient treatment/ planning other than the administration software. In 23% of the dental practices a chairside CAD/CAM system was available. The survey demonstrated that i) the younger the dentist, ii) the more recent the opening of the practice, iii) the greater the patient catchment area, and iv) the more treatment rooms, the higher the grade of digitalisation of the dental practice.

Load-bearing capacities of ultra-thin occlusal veneers bonded to dentin.

OBJECTIVES: To test whether the load-bearing capacity of occlusal veneers made of ceramic or hybrid materials bonded to dentin does differ from those of porcelain-fused-to metal or lithium disilicate glass ceramic crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 80 human molars, occlusal tooth substance was removed so that the defects extended into dentin, simulating defects caused by attrition/erosion. Restorations at a standardized thickness of either 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm were digitally designed. For both thicknesses, 4 test groups (n = 10 per group) were defined, each including a different restorative material: "0.5-ZIR": 0.5 mm thick zirconia (Vita YZ HT); "1.0-ZIR": 1.0 mm thick zirconia (Vita YZ HT); "0.5-LDC": 0.5 mm thick lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e.max Press); "1.0-LDC": 1.0 mm thick lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e.max Press); "0.5-HYC": 0.5 mm thick PICN (Vita Enamic); "1.0-HYC": 1.0 mm thick PICN (Vita Enamic); "0.5-COC": 0.5 mm thick tooth shaded resin composite (Lava Ultimate) and "1.0-COC": 1.0 mm thick tooth shaded resin composite (Lava Ultimate). Consecutively, the specimens were thermo-mechanically aged and then loaded until fracture. The load-bearing capacities (Fmax) between the groups were statistically compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05) and pairwise group comparison applying the Dunn's method. In addition, the results were compared to those of conventional lithium-disilicate ceramic crowns ("CLD") and to porcelain-fused to metal crowns ("PFM"). RESULTS: The median Finitial values for the 0.5 mm thin restorations were 1'350 N for 0.5-ZIR, 850 N for 0.5-LDC, 1'100 N for 0.5-HYC and 1'950 N for 0.5-COC. With CLD as the control, a significant difference was found between the groups 0.5-COC and 0.5-LDC (KW: p = 0.0124). With PFM as the control, the comparisons between PFM and 0.5-LDC as well as between 0.5-COC and 0.5-LDC were significant (KW: p = 0.0026). Median Fmax values of 2'493 N in the group 0.5-ZIR, 1'165 in the group 0.5-LDC, 2'275 N in the group 0.5-HYC and 2'265 N in the group 0.5-COC were found. The medians of the Finitial values for the 1.0 thick restorations amounted of 2'100 N in 1.0-ZIR, 1'750 N in 1.0-LDC, 2'000 N in 1.0-HYC and 2'300 N in 1.0-COC. Testing the multiple comparisons with Dunn's method no significant differences were found (p > 0.05). The median Fmax values of the 1.0 mm thick restorations were: 2'489 N in the group 1.0-ZIR, 1'864 N in the group 1.0-LDC, 2'485 N in the group 1.0-HYC and 2'479 N in the group 1.0-COC. With CLD as the control group, a significant difference between zirconia and lithium-disilicate was found for the 0.5 (p = 0.0017) and 1.0 mm (p = 0.0320) thick specimens. Comparing the 0.5 mm thick specimens with CLD as the control, a significant difference was found between 0.5-HYC and 0.5-LDC (p = 0.0017). With PFM as the control, the comparison of lithium disilicate and zirconia was statistically significant for both thicknesses (p = 0.0009 for the 0.5 mm thick specimens; p = 0.0074 for the 1.0 mm thick specimens). In addition, with PFM as control group, significant differences were seen between 0.5-LDC and all other groups with restorations in 0.5 mm thickness (p = 0.0017). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding their maximum load-bearing capacity, minimally invasive occlusal veneers made of ceramic, hybrid materials or polymeric materials can be applied to correct occlusal tooth wear with exposed dentin and thus replace conventional crown restorations in cases of normally expected intraoral bite forces.