Microleakage in composite and ceramic restorations—a review of staining protocols

Introduction: Various kinds of dye infiltration protocols for the inspection of microleakage in composite and ceramic restorations have been described in the literature.Aim: The aim of this article is to briefly present the different staining methods used to inspect microleakage in composite and ceramic restorations.Materials and Methods: This review includes articles searched without date restriction in the Medline/PubMed database. A variety of keywords and their combinations were used: “microleakage”, “staining methods”, “ceramic restorations”, “fuchsine”, “methylene blue”, “silver nitrate”, “composite restorations”, “dye infiltration”.Results: The review was based upon 71 references. The literature provided information regarding the different staining protocols used for the inspection of microleakage in composite and ceramic restorations.Conclusion: Numerous types of protocols have been reported. The most common staining agents used for research purposes are fuchsine, methylene blue, and silver nitrate. In order to make the results between different experimental studies comparable, it will be beneficial to have standardized methodologies

Factors influencing the communication between dental specialists and patients

The profession of a dental specialist is complex. It has a social element and can be successfully practiced only if dental doctors have acquired theoretical knowledge and practical communication skills. According to Alan Pease, words make up 35% of a message, and the remaining vocal and non-verbal elements comprise 65%. The aim of the present study is to systematize the factors influencing the communication between dental professionals and their patients. A research was carried out in the scientific databases PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science to obtain the information needed. The keywords used were: influencing factors, effective doctor-patient communication, child communication, and geriatric dentistry. The factors influencing the communication between the dentist and the patient are divided into three groups: factors from the patient’s side, factors from the dentists and their team’s side, and factors pertaining to the working microclimate (working environment) in the dental practice. The age of the patient is one of the most important factors influencing the communication in the dental practice. Another factor that is extremely important is the patient’s health management and competence. In order for the dental practice to be successful and for the patients to be satisfied with the quality of the dental services provided, one of the most important factors is effective communication

Marginal adaptation of ceramic inlays—an in vitro study

Introduction: Class II approximal defects are very common in the clinical practice, in many cases extending subgingivally and beyond the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). For large defects in the posterior region, indirect ceramic restorations provide a better solution than direct composite restorations.Aim: The aim of this experimental in vitro study is to compare the marginal adaptation of hybrid ceramic and lithium disilicate inlays, fabricated using classic and hybrid technique and cemented with two different types of dental cements.Materials and Methods: Forty extracted human molars and premolars were randomly divided into 8 groups and class II cavities (medio-oclusal or disto-oclusal) with the same dimensions were prepared. Hybrid ceramic and lithium disilicate inlays were fabricated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The marginal gap after cementation was measured using a microscope at 40x magnification.  Results: The lowest cement thickness was registered for Group 4—lithium disilicate inlays, classic technique, cemented with composite cement, closely followed by Group 3—hybrid ceramic inlays, classic technique, cemented with composite cement. The highest mean cement thickness values were registered for Group 1—hybrid ceramic inlays, classic technique, cemented with glass ionomer cement, followed by Group 5—hybrid ceramic inlays, hybrid technique, cemented with glass ionomer cement.Conclusion: Under the limitations of this experimental in vitro study, we can conclude the following: lithium disilicate and hybrid ceramic inlays cemented with composite cement have better marginal adaptation than the ones cemented with glass ionomer cement. Lithium disilicate restorations and inlays without cervical margin relocation (classic technique) have a slightly better marginal fit than hybrid ceramic inlays and restorations with hybrid technique. For a more detailed insight, microleakage evaluation should also be carried out

Cervical margin relocation - basic principles and influence on the periodontal tissues

INTRODUCTION: Cervical margin relocation (CMR) involves the placement of a base layer of direct resin composite material in order to elevate the proximal cavity margins located below the gingiva. CMR is applied prior to the cementation of indirect bonded restorations.AIM: The aim of this review is to briefly present the basic principles of the CMR technique and to assess whether the execution of this method before the cementation of indirect bonded restorations is beneficial to the long-term outcome of the treatment and to the periodontal tissues according to the literature.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review includes articles searched without date restriction in the Medline/PubMed database along with bibliographic data. A variety of keywords and their combinations were used: "cervical margin relocation", "proximal box elevation", "indirect restorations", "adhesion", "marginal adaptation", "marginal sealing", "deep margin elevation".RESULTS: The review is based upon 41 references. The literature data provided information on the basic principles of cervical margin relocation and its relation to periodontal health.CONCLUSION: Further research, scientific evidence and longer follow-up results are needed in order to conclude that CMR is entirely beneficial to the long-term outcome of the treatment and to the periodontal tissues