Lithium Disilicate Ceramics in Prosthodontics: Unveiling Innovations, Current Trends, and Future Horizons

In contemporary dentistry, ceramic restorations have experienced a surge in popularity. This paper aims to review the current state of literature and recommendations concerning the application of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic IPSTM e.Max. This comprehensive review also covers material science, mechanical intricacies, and optical properties of glass-ceramic material. Further, this review extends valuable clinical insights, presenting recommendations for the effective utilization of IPS e.Max CAD restorations in dental practices

Prosthodontic management of subtotal maxillectomy with minimally invasive interim obturator: a case report

The interim obturator serves as a pathway between the immediate or surgical obturator and the final prosthesis, offering functional and aesthetic benefits until the delivery of the definitive prosthesis. Furthermore, it acts as a guide during the fabrication of the definitive prosthesis, influencing aspects such as prosthesis extension, teeth arrangement, and the positioning of retentive aids. These aids may encompass orthodontic wiring, surgical suturing, and other non-invasive techniques. This case report details a conservative and less invasive method for retaining an interim obturator in maxillectomy patients, providing an alternative approach in prosthodontic care

Evaluation of radio-morphometric indices of mandible using digital panoramic radiography: a radiographic study

Background: Bone mineral density (BMD) varies with race, ethnicity, age, and gender. Thus arises the need for population-specific value ranges. Qualitative and quantitative indices of the mandible have also been used for panoramic radiographs to assess bone quality and to observe signs of resorption and osteoporosis. Aim: To measure the radio-morphometric indices in a digital panoramic radiograph and to find the inter-relationship of the indices with the age and sex of the patients.  Materials and Methods: The study included 100 digital panoramic radiographic images of patients, and the samples were divided into four age groups. A panoramic radiograph of each patient was taken, and radio-morphometric indices were determined. Four indices, namely, cortical width at the gonion (GI) and below the mental foramen (MI), Mandibular cortical index (MCI) and Panoramic Mandibular Index (PMI), were measured bilaterally in all panoramic radiographs. All images were analyzed, and index values were calculated by applying linear measurements on the panoramic radiographs. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed among the study population. Conclusion: Radio-morphometric indices in a panoramic radiograph may possibly be used as a potential screening tool in identifying individuals with osteoporosis

Cemental tear on the first maxillary premolar in the patient with facial palsy: an uncommon type of root fracture

A 56-year-old female patient came to the department complaining of pain in the upper right back tooth region. The patient reported a history of paralysis in the right half of the body. There is neither swelling nor inflammation in the gingiva. No sinus tract is present in the vestibular area. There were no noticeable caries lesions. Right first maxillary premolar with significant periodontal pocket and grade 2 mobility on palpation. There is tenderness in the percussion. The patient refused treatment alternatives and had the tooth extracted. The middle third of the root contains a completely detached fragment in the middle third. The root fragment was sent for biopsy for histological analysis. Cementum, dentin, and inflammatory cells were found during histological examination and were suggestive of cemental tear

CAD/CAM in Orthodontics – A Magnanimous Journey

Orthodontics is one branch of dentistry which deals with dynamic manipulation and function of the stomatognathic system. Likewise, it has to witness the dynamic changes in its diagnosis method and treatment planning. The field of orthodontics has witnessed many revolutionary techniques and evolved enormously in terms of benefiting the patient. CAD/CAM is one promising methodology that has shown a significant impact in modern dentistry and surpassed some of the challenges an orthodontist has been facing all these years. It has changed the view through which we see the patient’s condition. The application of 3D technology allows the practitioner and patient to utilize virtual treatment planning software to better identify case objectives and visualize treatment outcomes. CAD/CAM has many applications in orthodontics, which include aids for diagnosis and treatment planning, clear aligner treatment, customized lingual appliances, customized brackets with patient-specific torque, machine-milled indirect bonding jigs, robotically bent archwires, indirect bonding systems, customization of orthodontic appliances like distalization appliance etc., Acceleration of orthodontic treatment (OT) has received growing attention in recent years, especially in adult patients. Digital workflow is the current trend in orthodontic practice and has speckled every aspect of orthodontics in terms of documentation, study casts, analysis of dental malocclusion, smile designing, treatment planning and fabrication of orthodontic appliances. The current article aimed to establish a narrative description of the digital workflow and applications of the CAD/CAM process in Orthodontics

Photodynamic therapy: a distinct therapeutic modality

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative treatment modality that utilizes a combination of a photosensitizing agent, specific wavelengths of light, and molecular oxygen to selectively target and destroy abnormal cells or tissues while sparing healthy surrounding structures. This approach has gained significant attention in the medical field due to its potential to provide effective and less invasive treatment options for various conditions. The development of PDT was driven by the need for treatments that overcome the limitations of conventional modalities such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. PDT offers several benefits over these approaches, including its ability to provide targeted therapy, reduced side effects, minimal damage to healthy tissues, and versatility in treating different diseases. One of the key advantages of PDT is its selectivity. By utilizing photosensitizers that accumulate in diseased or abnormal cells, PDT can precisely target the affected tissue while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This selectivity allows for focused treatment, reducing the potential for unnecessary harm to surrounding structures. Furthermore, PDT offers faster recovery times and potentially better cosmetic outcomes compared to surgery, as it does not require extensive incisions or removal of tissues. Additionally, the localized nature of PDT minimizes systemic toxicity and long-term complications, making it a well-tolerated treatment option. PDT has demonstrated efficacy in various medical fields, including oncology, dermatology, and ophthalmology. It has been used to treat different types of cancers, including skin, lung, oesophagal, and bladder cancer, as well as manage conditions like age-related macular degeneration and certain dermatological disorders. This article reviewed the development, mechanism, and applications of PDT in the medical field

Role of Nanotechnology in Prosthodontics: a review

In the present-day context, a considerable portion of the population faces the challenge of edentulism. Various treatment approaches, including both fixed and removable prostheses, are available for restoring missing teeth. Noteworthy progress has recently been observed in the characteristics of commonly used dental materials, attributed to the emergence of nanotechnology. This technological advancement has significantly contributed to improving the outcomes of dental treatments. Nanotechnology represents a multidisciplinary domain that amalgamates principles from both the arts and sciences, involving the manipulation of structures and functional materials at a minuscule scale. This field leverages various physical and chemical methodologies to operate at dimensions where sizes of particles, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers, give rise to what is termed as Nanoparticles. The integration of nanoparticles in dentistry, particularly within dental materials such as ceramics, acrylic resin, tissue conditioners, and denture adhesives, has exhibited a discernible positive impact on their inherent properties. This review predominantly delves into an exploration of diverse applications of nanoparticles within the realm of dentistry, with a specific emphasis on their role in prosthodontics

Comparative evaluation of bonding between composite relined fibre post and Conventional fibre post: an in-vitro study

Background: Fiber posts are widely used aesthetic material in restorative dentistry. These materials were introduced to overcome the inherent shortcomings of cast posts. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the pull-out bond strength of fibre posts with relining and without relining. Materials and methods: Twenty maxillary canines were extracted and underwent endodontic treatment, involving the removal of their crown portion. Post-space preparation was performed, and the appropriate post size was selected. In Group 1, ten samples were coated with a layer of composite, reinserted into the post space of the canal, and then light-cured outside the canal. The other ten samples (Group 2) were without relining. The fibre posts from both groups were cemented with RMGIC. The samples were mounted in tensile fixtures of the universal testing machine and subjected to a tensile load until the posts were debonded. The debonded samples were analysed using a stereo microscope for bond failure analysis. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis.   Results: The mean pull-out force in group 1 and group 2 was 72.2100±8.56420 and 61.3700±11.00611, respectively. One-way ANOVA analysis showed a significant difference in the pull-out force among the groups (P=0.043). In Group 1, 30% of the samples reported adhesive-2 failures and 70% adhesive-1&2 failures. But in Group 2, all samples were reported with adhesive-3 failures. Fisher’s Exact test displayed a significant difference in the type of bond failure between the groups (P=0.003). Conclusions: This study concluded that the coating of the fibre posts improves their tensile strength

The effect of irrigating solutions on the hydration of tricalcium silicate cements: an in vitro study

Background: Calcium silicate cements are hydraulic cements, routinely used for perforation repairs. During such repairs, these cements are invariably exposed to irrigating solutions. Aim: This study aimed to understand the effect of irrigating solutions on the hydration of calcium silicate cements.  Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted teeth were taken and horizontal sections of 2mm were obtained. These samples were randomly divided into two groups viz. Biodentine and BioMTA Plus groups later these cements were condensed into the canal spaces and allowed to set until their setting time. These samples were further subdivided and allowed to encounter three irrigating solutions viz. Normal saline, 17% EDTA, and 2% Chlorhexidine for 5 minutes. These were allowed to mature in an incubator for seven days and subjected to Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis. Results: The SEM analysis of the Biodentine/control group displayed a petal-like appearance, with a Ca/Si ratio of 2. Whereas, the Biodentine/Normal saline, Biodentine/17% EDTA and Biodentine/2% Chlorhexidine group displayed crumbled paper-like appearance. The Ca/Si ratios for the Biodentine/Normal saline, Biodentine/17% EDTA and Biodentine/2% Chlorhexidine were 2.72, 1.6, and 4.21, respectively. In the BioMTA Plus group, all the SEM analyses displayed round crystalline structures in all groups. The Ca/Si ratio of BioMTA Plus/Control, BioMTA Plus/17% EDTA and BioMTA Plus/2% Chlorhexidine were 25.5, 17.42, 24.1, and 39.4, respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded that the irrigating solutions did not affect the hydration mechanism of Biodentine and BioMTA Plus despite the variations in the Ca/Si ratios and surface morphology

Biomaterials in Endodontics: a review

Biomaterials have evolved over the past three decades and are relatively specialized, highly biocompatible, but low-strength dental materials. Bioactive materials can interact with living tissues or systems. The newly emerging bioactive category of dental materials has expanded clinical uses in restorative dentistry and endodontics. Examples of bioactive materials are  Calcium Silicate containing Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (Portland cement); Calcium Silicate cements lacking aluminium and containing phosphate: Bioagrregate,  iRoot SP and iRoot BP (Endosequence), Calcium Silicate cements containing predominantly Tricalcium Silicate: Bio-active Glass, Calcium Phosphate based materials: Tricalcium Phosphate, Hydroxyapatite, Calcium Phosphate cements and Calcium Aluminate based materials: GIC based luting cements; Bioactive Glass. Other biomimetic materials include Emdogain, Platelet Rich Plasma, Platelet Rich Fibrin, Bone grafts and barrier membranes. Thus, the objective of this review was to compare and review the composition, and properties of these bioactive materials in endodontics