Post-Retained Single Crowns versus Fixed Dental Prostheses: A 7-Year Prospective Clinical Study

Biomechanical integrity of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) is often compromised. Degree of hard tissue loss and type of final prosthetic restoration should be carefully considered when making a treatment plan. The objective of this prospective clinical trial was to assess the influence of the type of prosthetic restoration as well as the degree of hard tissue loss on 7-y clinical performance of ETT restored with fiber posts. Two groups (n = 60) were defined depending on the type of prosthetic restoration needed: 1) single unit porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns (SCs) and 2) 3- to 4-unit PFM fixed dental prostheses (FDPs), with 1 healthy and 1 endodontically treated and fiber post-restored abutment. Within each group, samples were divided into 2 subgroups (n = 30) according to the amount of residual coronal tissues after abutment buildup and final preparation: A) >50% of coronal residual structure or B) equal to or <50% of coronal residual structure. The clinical outcome was assessed based on clinical and intraoral radiographic examinations at the recalls after 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 84 mo. Data were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier log-rank test and Cox regression analysis (P < 0.05). The overall 7-y survival rate of ETT restored with fiber post and either SCs or FDPs was 69.2%. The highest 84-mo survival rate was recorded in group 1A (90%), whereas teeth in group 2B exhibited the lowest performance (56.7% survival rate). The log-rank test detected statistically significant differences in survival rates among the groups (P = 0.048). Cox regression analysis revealed that the amount of residual coronal structure (P = 0.041; hazard ratio [HR], 2.026; 95% confidence interval [CI] for HR, 1.031–3.982) and the interaction between the type of prosthetic restoration and the amount of residual coronal structure (P = 0.024; HR, 1.372; 95% CI for HR, 1.042–1.806) were statistically significant factors for survival (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01532947)

Functional implant prosthodontic score of a one-year prospective study on three different connections for single-implant restorations

Aim The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to analyze, using the Functional Implant Prosthodontic Score (FIPS), the clinical resultsof three different abutment-implant connections (1 hexagon vs 2 conical types) single-unit restorations after one year of clinical service. Material and methods Thirty patients were restored with cement-retained crowns on soft tissue level implants (10 TTc Windmix, 10 TTk Windmix and 10 Aadva GC) in posterior sites and followed-up for 1 year. FIPS was applied for objective outcome assessment beside clinical and radiographic examinations. Five variables were defined for evaluation, resulting in a maximum score of 10 per implant restoration. The patients’ level of satisfaction was recorded and correlated with FIPS. Results All implants and connected crowns revealed survival rates of 100% without any biological or technical complications after three years of loading. The total FIPS recorded for group 1 was 44, 43 in group 2 and 42 in group 3. The mean total FIPS score was 8.6±1.1, ranging from 6 to 10. The variable “bone” revealed the highest scores (2.0; range: 2–2), as well “occlusion” (2.0; range: 2–2). Mean scores for “design” (1.7 ±0.4; range: 1–2), “mucosa” (1.6±0.5; range: 1–2), and “interproximal” (1.5±0.6; range: 1–2) were more challenging to satisfy. The patients expressed a high level of functional satisfaction (80.5±2.5; range: 65–100). No type of connection showed to be superior to the other two. No statistically significant differences were found among the three tested groups. A significant correlation was found between FIPS and the subjective patients’ perception with a coefficient of 0.80 (P < 0.0001). Conclusions The findings of the clinical trial indicated the great potential of both conical and hexagon connections and their good performance after 1 year of clinical service. FIPS showed to be an objective and reliable instrument to assess implant success

A new generation of orthodontic retainer using 3D printing technology: report of two cases

Aim In this article the fabrication and use of new type 3D printed splint of retainer after orthodontic treatments is reported. Case report Two cases, one of an adoescent female patient and the other of an adult female, are presented, describing step-by-step the clinical and laboratory procedures. The controls after 6 months are also reported. Conclusion Further randomized clinical trials are required in order to evaluate durability and efficacy and periodontal parameters in patients treated with this new type of retainer