Effect of Repeated Moist Heat Sterilization on Titanium Implant-Abutment Interface-An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVES: Sterilization eliminates microbial viability by decreasing the biological load, but likewise have the ability to deteriorate the mechanical properties of an implant material. This study intended to evaluate the effect of repeated moist heat sterilization on implant-abutment interface using two different implant systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty screw-retained titanium implant-abutment combinations (fixture 3.5 ×10 mm, abutment 2 mm diameter), twenty each from Genesis (Aktiv Implant Systems, United States) and Bredent (SKY, Germany), were divided into four different groups (n = 10) and placed in a computer-aided diagnostic model. The abutments from each group were exposed to first and second autoclave cycle (121°C for 30 minutes), connected back to the fixture and analyzed under scanning electron microscope for marginal gap and surface roughness. RESULTS: Genesis group showed higher marginal gaps on both sides (buccal/mesial [2.8 ± 0.47]; lingual/distal [2.8 ± 0.33]), while Bredent implant-abutment system (IAS) did not show any changes in marginal gaps after autoclaving. Differences within and between the group were found to be statistically significant. Surface roughness for Genesis (243.7 ± 70.30) and Bredent groups (528.9 ± 213.19) was highest at second autoclave, with Bredent implant-abutment showing higher values for surface roughness than Genesis IAS. CONCLUSION: Marginal vertical gap increased with autoclaving for Genesis IAS, while Bredent implant abutments were more stable. Surface roughness increases with autoclaving for both Genesis and Bredent group of IAS.

Prosthodontic Rehabilitation's Role in Alleviating Anxiety and Depression in Mucormycosis-Induced Maxillectomy Patients Post-COVID-19.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the influence of maxillofacial prosthodontic rehabilitation on anxiety/depression severity in patients with rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) after maxillectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty post-mucormycotic patients treated with maxillectomy (33 males, 27 females) were divided into 5 groups based on maxillectomy types (unilateral/bilateral, subtotal/total) and treatment given (psychotherapy/obturator/implant/orbital/ocular prosthesis). Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using appearance anxiety inventory (AAI) and patient health questionnaire (PHQ9). Data were collected at 4 time intervals [T0 (before prosthesis), T1 (2 weeks after prosthesis), T2 (6 months) and T3 (1 year). Frequency distribution and mean values were determined for individual group/subgroups/total cohort. Differences between groups were determined using one-way ANOVA (single-factor/Friedman's) followed by post hoc correction (Bonferroni) and t test for unequal variance with probability P value being statistically significant at <0.05. RESULTS The mean scores for appearance anxiety were 29.13±4.72 (diagnostic for existing body dysmorphic disorder) at T0, which decreased to 16.88±3.02 at T3 for the total cohort. The differences for the gender-based cohort, its various groups, and respective subgroups were significant (P<0.05) at various time intervals. The mean scores in the total cohort for depression symptom severity were 16.81±4.89 (moderately severe) at T0, which increased to 18.5±4.94 at T1, followed by reduction at T2 (12.0±4.43; moderate) and T3 (7.38±3.37; mild). Gender differences for both variables were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive rehabilitation that included a diagnosis of psychological symptoms followed by psychotherapeutic/pharmacotherapeutic/prosthodontic intervention reduced the anxiety/depression symptom levels to normal at 1 year.

Ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots: bridging the gaps in dentistry.

Maintaining a microbe-free environment in healthcare facilities has become increasingly crucial for minimizing virus transmission, especially in the wake of recent epidemics like COVID-19. To meet the urgent need for ongoing sterilization, autonomous ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots have emerged as vital tools. These robots are gaining popularity due to their automated nature, cost advantages, and ability to instantly disinfect rooms and workspaces without relying on human labor. Integrating disinfection robots into medical facilities reduces infection risk, lowers conventional cleaning costs, and instills greater confidence in patient safety. However, UV-D robots should complement rather than replace routine manual cleaning. To optimize the functionality of UV-D robots in medical settings, additional hospital and device design modifications are necessary to address visibility challenges. Achieving seamless integration requires more technical advancements and clinical investigations across various institutions. This mini-review presents an overview of advanced applications that demand disinfection, highlighting their limitations and challenges. Despite their potential, little comprehensive research has been conducted on the sterilizing impact of disinfection robots in the dental industry. By serving as a starting point for future research, this review aims to bridge the gaps in knowledge and identify unresolved issues. Our objective is to provide an extensive guide to UV-D robots, encompassing design requirements, technological breakthroughs, and in-depth use in healthcare and dentistry facilities. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of UV-D robots will aid in harnessing their potential to revolutionize infection control practices in the medical and dental fields.