Push-Out Bond Strength of Glass Fiber Endodontic Posts with Different Diameters.

(1) Background: The retention of intraradicular posts is an important factor for the prognosis of endodontically treated teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the push-out bond strength (PBS) of the posts relating to their diameter and region of the root. (2) Methods: A total of 40 premolar teeth (decoronated and root canal-filled) were divided into four groups (n = 10). After post-space preparation, different sizes (1.0, 1.2, 1.5, and 2.0 mm) of glass fiber posts were luted with resin cement into the root canals. After placement, 2 mm thick slices were cut from the roots according to their apical, middle, and coronal regions (n = 116). Push-out tests were carried out in a universal testing machine on each slice. A statistical evaluation of the data was applied. (3) Results: When comparing the diameter, the 2.0 mm posts had the highest PBS (111.99 ± 10.40 N), while the 1.0 mm posts had the lowest PBS (99.98 ± 8.05 N). Divided by the surface of the bonded area, the average PBS value was the highest for the 1.0 mm posts (18.20 ± 1.67 MPa) and the lowest for the 2.0 mm posts (12.08 ± 1.05 MPa). (4) Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, when comparing the regions of the roots, no significant differences were found among the PBS values of the three regions (p = 0.219). When comparing the diameters, significant differences were shown between the PBS values of the four groups (p = 0.023 and p = 0.003, respectively).

Trueness of five different 3D printing systems including budget- and professional-grade printers: An In vitro study.

Problem: Several types of 3D printers with different techniques and prices are available on the market. However, results in the literature are inconsistent, and there is no comprehensive agreement on the accuracy of 3D printers of different price categories for dental applications. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of five different 3D printing systems, including a comparison of budget- and higher-end 3D printing systems, according to a standardized production and evaluation protocol. Material and methods: A maxillary reference model with prepared teeth was created using 16 half-ball markers with a diameter of 1 mm to facilitate measurements. A reference file was fabricated using five different 3D printers. The printed models were scanned and superimposed onto the original standard tesselation language (.stl) file, and digital measurements were performed to assess the 3-dimensional and linear deviations between the reference and test models. Results: After examining the entire surface of the models, we found that 3D printers using Fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology -120.2 (20.3) µm create models with high trueness but high distortion. Distortions along the z-axis were found to be the highest with the stereolithography (SLA)-type 3D printer at -153.7 (38.7) µm. For the 4-unit FPD, we found 201.9 (41.8) µm deviation with the digital light processing (DLP) printer. The largest deviation (-265.1 (55.4) µm) between the second molars was observed for the DLP printer. Between the incisor and the second molar, the best results were produced by the FFF printer with -30.5 (76.7) µm. Conclusion: Budget-friendly 3D printers are comparable to professional-grade printers in terms of precision. In general, the cost of a printing system is not a reliable indicator of its level of accuracy.

Effect of different parameters utilized for image guided endodontic root canal preparation on temperature changes: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Navigated endodontics is a cutting-edge technology becoming increasingly more accessible for dental practitioners. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the ideal technical parameters of this procedure to prevent collateral damage of the surrounding tissues. There is a limited number of studies available in published scientific literature referencing the possible collateral thermal damage due to high-speed rotary instruments used in guided endodontic drilling. The aim of our study was to investigate the different drilling parameters and their effect upon the temperature elevations measured on the outer surface of teeth during guided endodontic drilling. METHODS: In our in vitro study, 72 teeth with presumably narrow root canals were prepared using a guided endodontic approach through a 3D-printed guide. Teeth were randomly allocated into six different test groups consisting of 12 teeth each, of which, four parameters affecting temperature change were investigated: (a) access cavity preparation prior to endodontic drilling, (b) drill speed, (c) cooling, and (d) cooling fluid temperature. Temperature changes were recorded using a contact thermocouple electrode connected to a digital thermometer. RESULTS: The highest temperature elevations (14.62 °C ± 0.60 at 800 rpm and 13.76 °C ± 1.24 at 1000 rpm) were recorded in the groups in which drilling was performed without prior access cavity preparation nor without a significant difference between the different drill speeds (p = 0.243). Access cavity preparation significantly decreased temperature elevations (p < 0.01) while drilling at 800 rpm (8.90 °C ± 0.50) produced significantly less heating of the root surface (p < 0.05) than drilling at 1000 rpm (10.09 °C ± 1.32). Cooling significantly decreased (p < 0.01) temperature elevations at a drill speed of 1000 rpm, and cooling liquid temperatures of 4-6 °C proved significantly (p < 0.01) more beneficial in decreasing temperature elevations (1.60 °C ± 1.17) than when compared with room temperature (21 °C) liquids (4.01 °C ± 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of our study, guided endodontic drilling at drill speeds not exceeding 1000 rpm following access cavity preparation, with constant cooling using a fluid cooler than room temperature, provides the best results in avoiding collateral thermal damage during navigated endodontic drilling of root canals.

Does implant drill design influence the accuracy of dental implant placement using static computer-assisted implant surgery? An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the accuracy of implant placement in model surgeries according to the design of the drills (straight drills or step drills) used to finalize the implant bed during pilot-guided static computer-assisted implant surgery (sCAIS). METHODS: Model surgeries were carried out on resin models randomly assigned to three study groups. Virtual planning software (coDiagnostiX 10.6, Dental Wings, Montreal, Canada) was used to plan the implant positions. In Groups 1 and 2, pilot-guided sCAIS was performed. Straight drills were used in Group 1, and step drills were used in Group 2 to finalize the implant beds. In Group 3, fully guided sCAIS was performed using a universal fully guided kit (RealGUIDE Full Surgical Kit 3DIEMME, RealGUIDE, Cantù, Como, Italy). A total of 90 dental implants (Callus Pro, Callus Implant Solutions GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany) were placed (six implants per model, five models per study group). The primary outcome variables (angular deviation, coronal global deviation, and apical global deviation) were calculated for all implants based on the comparison of the preoperative surgical plan with the postoperative scans. RESULTS: Group 2 (coronal global deviation, 0.78 ± 0.29 mm; apical global deviation, 1.02 ± 0.56 mm) showed significantly lower values of both global deviation variables than Group 1 (coronal global deviation, 0.95 ± 0.20 mm; apical global deviation, 1.42 ± 0.49 mm). However, there was no significant difference in angular deviation between Groups 1 and 2 (7.56 ± 2.92° and 6.44 ± 2.84°). Group 3 produced significantly lower values of all three primary outcome variables (angular deviation, 2.36 ± 0.90°; coronal global deviation, 0.59 ± 0.28 mm; apical global deviation, 0.90 ± 0.29 mm) than Group 1 and significantly lower angular deviation and coronal global deviation values than Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The design of the drills used to finalize implant osteotomies during pilot-guided sCAIS influences dental implant placement accuracy. Using step drills instead of straight drills for final osteotomies decreases deviation from the surgical plan. The fully guided approach performed better than the pilot-guided sCAIS.

Self-Assessment of Hungarian Dentists Regarding Removable Partial Denture Design and Communication with the Dental Technician.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the extent to which dentists elaborate removable partial denture (RPD) design themselves and what they leave to the dental laboratory, as well as to assess the quality of information transferred to the technicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected using a questionnaire, and the responses of 211 dentists were analyzed. The categorized variables were analyzed using chi-square test and Fisher exact test. The significance level was considered as the standard P < .05. RESULTS: More than half (59.0%) of the dentists reported making an accurate, clear design for the dental technician before fabrication of the metal-framework RPD; 191 dentists (91.0%) specified the abutment teeth, 70.8% chose the type of clasps, and 60.7% gave instructions for the major connectors. The respondents largely took into account periodontal hygiene considerations (82.4%), and about one-third (37.7%) reported they were sending clear, precise instructions to the lab. The denture design was sent to the technician mainly (65.0%) in both drawing and text form. About half of the dentists (55.6%) gave only guidelines and left more details to be defined by the dental technician. Most dentists took responsibility in case of esthetic problems, irrespective of whether the dentist or technician prepared the denture design. CONCLUSION: Everyday practice concerning RPD design is far from the professional, legal, and ethical guidelines and rules relating to the duties and responsibilities of the dentist in relation to RPD design, and the situation therefore needs to be improved. Int J Prosthodont 2022;36:131-137. doi: 10.11607/ijp.7523.

Comparison of surface aspects of turned and anodized titanium dental implant, or abutment material for an optimal soft tissue integration.

Objectives: Soft tissue integration of dental implants lags behind natural biological integration of teeth mainly because of non-optimal surface features. Peri-implant infections resulting in loss of supporting bone jeopardize the success of implants. Our aim was to compare an anodized surface design with a turned one for a more optimal surface. Methods: Morphological and chemical structures of turned and anodized Ti surfaces (grade 5: Ti6Al4V) discs were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The hydrophilic or hydrophobic features of the surfaces were determined by dynamic contact angle measurement. Results: SEM and AFM revealed significant differences in the morphology and roughness (Ra) of the samples. Anodized discs presented a granular structure, while turned ones had circular grooves. The roughness was significantly higher for the anodized samples compared to the turned ones. XPS and EDS confirmed typical elements for both Ti6Al4V samples. Due to anodization, the amount of Ti (IV) had increased and Ti (III) had decreased in the thicker oxide layer. Anodized samples resulted in a more hydrophilic surface than the turned ones. Significance: The results suggest that the tested anodized samples present optimal surface characteristics to be used as abutment material for an optimal soft tissue integration.

Manufacturing a First Upper Molar Dental Forceps Using Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFR) Additive Manufacturing Technology with Carbon-Reinforced Polyamide.

3D printing is an emerging and disruptive technology, supporting the field of medicine over the past decades. In the recent years, the use of additive manufacturing (AM) has had a strong impact on everyday dental applications. Despite remarkable previous results from interdisciplinary research teams, there is no evidence or recommendation about the proper fabrication of handheld medical devices using desktop 3D printers. The aim of this study was to critically examine and compare the mechanical behavior of materials printed with FFF (fused filament fabrication) and CFR (continuous fiber reinforcement) additive manufacturing technologies, and to create and evaluate a massive and practically usable right upper molar forceps. Flexural and torsion fatigue tests, as well as Shore D measurements, were performed. The tensile strength was also measured in the case of the composite material. The flexural tests revealed the measured force values to have a linear correlation with the bending between the 10 mm (17.06 N at 5000th cycle) and 30 mm (37.99 N at 5000th cycle) deflection range. The findings were supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Based on the results of the mechanical and structural tests, a dental forceps was designed, 3D printed using CFR technology, and validated by five dentists using a Likert scale. In addition, the vertical force of extraction was measured using a unique molar tooth model, where the reference test was carried out using a standard metal right upper molar forceps. Surprisingly, the tests revealed there to be no significant differences between the standard (84.80 N ± 16.96 N) and 3D-printed devices (70.30 N ± 4.41 N) in terms of extraction force in the tested range. The results also highlighted that desktop CFR technology is potentially suitable for the production of handheld medical devices that have to withstand high forces and perform load-bearing functions.

Course induced dexterity development and cerebellar grey matter growth of dentistry students: a randomised trial.

This study primarily focuses on the assessment of dentistry students' improvement of manual skills resulting from their participation in courses. We aimed to prove that systematic manual skills development significantly improves dexterity. We hypothesized that the dexterity training regimen improves manual dexterity demonstrated by the HAM-Man (Hamburg Assessment Test for Medicine-Manual Dexterity) test scores and CGM (cerebellar grey matter) growth. Thirty volunteers were randomly divided into two equal groups (study and control). Firstly, volunteers were examined by the HAM-Man test and baseline MRI scans. Afterwards, a manual skills development course was launched for the "study group". Secondly, all the manual skills of the students were evaluated longitudinally, by the HAM-Man test. Simultaneously, the follow-up MRI scans were taken to observe morphologic changes in the cerebellum. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Student Paired t-test were used for statistical analyses. Value p < 0.05 was considered significant. After the training, significant growth of CGM as well as improvement on manual skill assessment tests, were found in the study group. Training courses are suitable for preparing students with low levels of dexterity for performing demanding tasks. The improvement is demonstrable by a wire bending test and by bilateral CGM enlargement as well.

[Comparing the function of the temporomandibular joint before and after surgical treatment in a young patient with idiopathic scoliosis. Case presentation]. / Fiatalkori idiopathiás scoliosis mutéti korrekciójának hatása az állkapocs mozgástartományára.

From an anatomic and functional point of view, the stomatognathic system and the upper cervical spine are closely connected. Together with the complex neuromuscular relationships, this generates an important field of cooperation between dentists and orthopedics. The aim of this case report was to demonstrate the improvements of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function after orthopedic surgery in case of a patient with idiopathic scoliosis. A 15-year-old female patient who had adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was surgically treated in 2016. Functional analyses of the TMJ were performed before the day of the operation and 10 months after the surgery. For detection, an ultrasound-based testing machine was used. The analyses of the data showed that almost all ranges of motions (ROM) were improved. The deviation to the right side was reduced from 8 mm to 2 mm during mouth opening. The patient had limited left lateral movement before the operation, however, after 10 months following the operation, there were free motions towards both sides. The originally asymmetrical protrusion became almost completely symmetrical. Regarding the functions of the TMJ, the surgery was successful; this in itself had a beneficial effect on the range and the path of the mandibular movements without any other treatment. These improved functions are indirect evidences for the connection of the function of the spine and TMJ. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(50): 2144-2149.

[Maxillary sinusitis as a diagnostical adverse finding of the dental cone-beam computed tomography study]. / Sinusitis maxillaris mint a fogászati cone-beam komputertomográfiás vizsgálat melléklelete.

INTRODUCTION: Cone-beam computed tomography is a frequently used diagnostical method in the head and neck region. The thickening of the maxillary sinus mucosa is often observed in these images. AIM: Determining the prevalence of teeth and roots that can be identified as cause of maxillary odontogenic sinusitis, and recording the average observed mucosa thickening on these images. METHOD: The scans that give the base of the study have been performed by the Department of Dentistry of Medical University of Pécs between 2015-2016. The size of the voxels had been varied between 0.25 and 0.4 mm and the size of the image had been set up to 15×12 cm. The acquisition time had been set up to 27 seconds. RESULTS: 170 cases of the 260 revised records fulfilled the initial criterion conditions. The average mucosa thickness was 8.8 mm. During the present study, the upper first molars palatal and the second molars mesiobuccal roots were mainly associated with maxillary odontogenic sinusitis. CONCLUSION: Whether in the case of chronic maxillary sinusitis that is not or only temporarily responsive to conventional therapy, may it be justifiable to provide dental consultation and cone-beam computed tomography to exclude the dental origin of sinusitis. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(44): 1747-1753.

[Performance indicators of maxillofacial surgery inpatient departments]. / Az arc-, állcsont-szájsebészeti aktív fekvobetegosztályok teljesítménymutatói.

INTRODUCTION: In Hungary, the number and structure of the maxillofacial surgery departments underwent significant changes in recent decades. AIM: The aim of our study was to present the actual performance indicators of maxillofacial inpatient departments and based on the available data to compare the departments. METHOD: The study was based on the number of beds founded by the National Health Insurance Fund. Performance data were supplied by the National Health Insurance Fund Administration. The assessment included the following indicators: number of beds institutional breakdown by type, number of reimbursed cases, the weighted case number, hospital stay, bed occupancy rates and average length of stay. RESULTS: In the examined period 40% of active beds (65) were in university hospitals. The distribution of reimbursed cases was similar. The university hospitals showed higher weighted case number and case-mix index. The oral surgery departments' bed occupancy rate (45.75%) was below the national average. CONCLUSION: The indicators show significant differences among different departments in the examined period. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(12), 447-453.

[Incidence of combination syndrome based on the orthopantomograms made between 2009 és 2014 at the Department of Prosthodontics, University of Pécs, Hungary]. / A kombinációs szindróma gyakorisága a Pécsi Tudományegyetem Klinikai Központ Fogpótlástani Tanszékén a 2009 és 2014 között készült orthopantomogramok alapján.

The treatment of patients having a completely edentulous maxillary arch and lower anterior teeth present is frequent in the dental practice. In these cases some specific changes can be detected in the oral cavity and on orthopantomograms. These signs were summarized and described first by Kelly (1972). Aim of the study was to examine the presence of the specific signs of the combination syndrome among the patients between 2009 and 2014. With the help of the electronic patient registry system used by the University of Pécs, 319 patients were filtered who were diagnosed with anodontia code (K0000 International Classification of Diseases (ICD)) in the examined period. 220 patients' orthopantomograms were evaluated searching for specific symptoms of the combination syndrome. 34 patients had complete edentulous maxilla and anterior teeth in the mandible. 4 patients (11.7%) showed the main sign of the combination syndrome, i.e. the maxillary anterior bone loss. Hypertrophy of maxillary tuberosity (9 cases, 26.4%), extrusion of the lower anterior teeth (6 cases, 17.6%) and great resorption of the distal mandibular ridge (16 cases, 47%) was diagnosed on the X-rays. The clinical examination of three patients supported the radiological findings. The combination syndrome was detectable, but the incidence rate was lower in this population in comparison with the data available in dental scientific publications.

Comparison of working length control consistency between hand K-files and Mtwo NiTi rotary system.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the consistency of working length control between hand instrumentation in comparison to engine driven Mtwo nickel-titanium rotary files. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty extracted maxillary molars were selected and divided onto two parallel groups. The working lengths of the mesiobuccal root canals were estimated. The teeth were fixed in a phantom head. The root canal preparation was carried out group 1 (n=20) with hand K-files, (VDW, Munich, Germany) and group 2 (n=20) with Mtwo instruments (VDW, Munich, Germany). Vestibulo-oral and mesio-distal directional x-ray images were taken before the preparation with #10 K-file, inserted into the mesiobuccal root canal to the working length, and after preparation with #25, #30 and #40 files. Working lenght changes were detected with measurements between the radiological apex and the instrument tips. RESULTS: In the Mtwo group a difference in the working competency (p<0.05) could be noticed only in the vestibulo-oral direction from #10 to #40 file. The hand instrument group showed a significant difference in working length competency for each larger file size (p<0.05) (ANOVA). Regression analysis in the hand instrumentation group indicated a working length decrease with a mean of 0,2 mm after each consecutive file size (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of our trial indicated a high consistency in working length control for root canal preparation under simulated clinical condition using Mtwo rotary files. Mtwo NiTi rotary file did therefore proved to be more accurate in comparison to the conventional hand instrumentation. KEY WORDS: Working length, Mtwo, nickel-titanium, hand preparation, engine driven preparation.

[Reimbursement of public dental care in Germany, the United Kingdom, Hungary and Poland]. / A fogászati ellátás finanszírozása Németországban, az Egyesült Királyságban, Magyarországon és Lengyelországban.

INTRODUCTION: Dental treatments have the highest rate among medical interventions and their reimbursement is also significant. AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of the reformed healthcare system process on public dental services in four European countries. METHOD: Assessment base for the comparison of reimbursement of dental treatments and dental fee schedules provided by the health insurance funds were used. The following indicators were examined: the ratio of public dental services and the main oral health indicators. Among dental fee schedules, reimbursement of general dental activity, prevention, operative dentistry, endodontic and oral surgery were selected. RESULTS: The lowest value of population to active dentist ratio was found in Germany (population to active dentist ratio: 1247) and the highest in Hungary (population to active dentist ratio: 2020). Oral health indicators showed significant differences between the West-European and East-European countries. On the other hand, the ratio of completely edentulous people at the age of 65yrs did not show great variations. Reimbursement of public dental treatments indicated significantly higher value in Germany and the United Kingdom compared to the other countries. CONCLUSIONS: Reimbursement of public dental services varies considerably in the selected European countries.

[Health insurance reimbursement of dental care in Hungary]. / A fogászati ellátás egészségbiztositási finanszírozása Magyarországon.

The aim of this study was to assess the annual health insurance reimbursement of dental health service in Hungary. The assessment base of the study was the annual reports of National Health Insurance Fund Administration (OEP). Only the data collected from the services in contractual relationship with the OEP and delivered in 2008 were evaluated. Dental care services are organised in different levels: general dental service, specialist dental care, special dental care on university level and inpatient departments. Our study covers primary, outpatient and hospital dental care. Dental care was supplied by 3.378 general and specialist dental care services at the end of 2008. For the hospital treatment of more serious cases 17 inpatient departments are available with 154 patient beds. Within the period of examination (2008) 23.6 million interventions were carried out in 7.6 million cases. The total health insurance reimbursement of dental care (including primary, outpatient and hospital care) was 24.92 billion HUF (88.82 million Euro) in 2008. The health insurance reimbursement of dental care in Hungary is approximately 2% of the total health insurance expenditures of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration (OEP). Within the period under investigation, the health insurance reimbursement of dental care did not change significantly.

Chemomechanical preparation by hand instrumentation and by Mtwo engine-driven rotary files, an ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the disinfecting efficacy of the sodium hypochlorite irrigation by root canal preparation with stainless steel hand files, taper 0.02 and nickel-titanium Mtwo files with taper 0.04-0.06. STUDY DESIGN: 40 extracted human teeth were sterilized, and then inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212). After 6 day incubation time the root canals were prepared by hand with K-files (n=20) and by engine-driven Mtwo files (VDW, Munich, Germany) (n=20). Irrigation was carried out with 2.5% NaOCl in both cases. Samples were taken and determined in colony forming units (CFU) from the root canals before and after the preparation with instruments #25 and #35. RESULTS: Significant reduction in bacterial count was determined after filing at both groups. The number of bacteria kept on decreasing with the extension of apical preparation diameter. There was no significant difference between the preparation sizes in the bacterial counts after hand or engine-driven instrumentation at the same apical size. Statistical analysis was carried out with Mann-Whitney test, paired t-test and independent sample t-test. CONCLUSIONS: Significant reduction in CFU was achieved after the root canal preparation completed with 2.5% NaOCl irrigation, both with stainless steel hand or nickel-titanium rotary files. The root canal remained slightly infected after chemo mechanical preparation in both groups. Key words:Chemomechanical preparation, root canal disinfection, nickel-titanium, conicity, greater taper, apical size.

Impaired oral health-related quality of life in Hungary.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of impaired oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in the adult Hungarian population and to determine population-based norms for three Hungarian versions of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-H). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a survey of 1059 randomly selected subjects, OHIP responses, age, gender, and denture status [natural dentition or fixed partial dentures (FPDs), removable partial dentures (RPDs), or complete dentures (CDs)] were collected. Study outcomes were item prevalence and OHIP summary score frequency ('norms'). RESULTS: The prevalence of OHIP items ranged from 2% to 43%, with a mean item prevalence of 14%. The distribution of summary scores was characterized by decile norms. Median scores for OHIP-H49, the 49-item questionnaire, were 6 OHIP units for subjects with FPDs, 10 OHIP units for subjects with RPDs, and 6 OHIP units for subjects with CDs. The median scores were 0, 0, and 1 OHIP units for the 14-item OHIP-H, and 0, 0, and 0 OHIP units for the five-item OHIP-H. CONCLUSIONS: Our sample demonstrates substantial OHRQoL impact in the Hungarian general population. The derived norms provide a framework for interpretation of data in future studies using the Hungarian OHIP versions, as well as data on how oral conditions and cultural factors affect perceived oral health when compared with international findings.

Does gender and experience influence shade matching quality?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of gender and level of experience on shade matching quality. METHODS: A study was simultaneously performed at 15 universities located in 9 countries. A total of 614 color normal participants completed all phases of the experiment. Among them, there were 305 females and 309 males, 319 dental students and 295 dental professionals. A lecture on color matching in dentistry was given to all participants. Initial training was performed using Toothguide Trainer software (TT), while Toothguide Training Box (TTB) was used for both training and testing of participants' shade matching results. The test task was to successively match 15 shade guide tabs with the corresponding shade guide. The shade matching score for each participant was computed as a sum of color differences (SigmaDeltaE(ab)(*) score) between target tabs and selected tabs. Lower scores corresponded to better shade matching results and vice versa. Means and standard deviations were calculated. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis of the data (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: The mean shade matching score (S.D.) for all participants was 41 (21). The score for female and male participants was 38 (20) and 44 (21), respectfully (p<0.001). The difference in scores between dental students, 42 (20), and dental professionals, 39 (21), was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, females achieved significantly better shade matching results than males, indicating that gender plays an important role in shade matching. The level of experience was not found to be significant factor in shade matching.

[Direct comparison of working length determination by ProPex electronic apex locator and radiographic method--an in vitro study]. / ProPex apexlokátorral és radiológiai módszerrel végzett munkahossz-meghatározás összehasonlítása in vitro direkt eljárással.

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of electronic and radiographical working length determination in extracted molars. Palatal root canals of twenty maxillary molars were used. Teeth were randomly divided into two groups. In case of the first group the working length was measured by apex locator (Propex, Dentsply-Maillefer), and in the second group it was measured with radiographic method (RVG, Trophy). The files, used for measuring the working length, were cemented into the teeth. The apical half of the root was ground, and the tips of the files visualised as well as the apical region of the root canal with the apical constriction. Standard digital photographs were taken from the prepared samples, and the distance between the tip of the file and the physiological foramen was measured. Two sample t test was used for statistical analysis. The physiological foramen was approached on average to 0.11 mm by the electronic method and to 0.58 mm by the radiological method. There was no significant difference in the measuring accuracy between the two methods (p=0.10). The electronic and radiological working length determination may prove to show an equivalent consistency.

[Impact of prosthetic care on oral health related quality of life]. / Protetikai terápiás lehetoségek eletminoségre gyakorolt hatása.

Patients' perception of oral health can be characterized by Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Therefore, it should be able to be used to measure their perceived benefits of prosthodontic treatment. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) is one of the technically most sophisticated and most widely used instruments measuring OHRQoL. The aim of this study was to measure the impact of prosthodontic treatment on Oral Health Related Quality of Life. The Hungarian version of OHIP (OHIP-H 53) was applied for a sample of 63 prosthodontic patients at baseline, and at 1 as well as at 6 and 12 months following treatment. OHRQoL impairment is characterized by OHIP-H 53 scores. A linear regression model was used to estimate the rate of improvement of OHRQoL in different prosthodontic treatment groups (FPD, RPD and CD) at baseline and at follow-ups. OHRQoL improved rapidly within 1 month after treatment (76% of patients) and it underwent further but moderate improvement within the following 6 to 12 months after treatment in subjects with fixed, removable and complete dentures (90%) as indicated by the reduced OHIP-H scores. The largest improvement was observed in patients treated with fixed prosthodontics. Patients receiving removable or complete dentures had poorer OHRQoL than respondents treated with fixed prosthodontics. It can be concluded that OHRQoL can be improved by prosthodontic treatment, especially by using fixed prosthodontics. Besides considering clinical factors in prosthodontics, subjective conditions should also be involved in treatment planning in order to achieve a higher rate of acceptance of prosthetic care by the patient.