Prosthetic outcomes and clinical performance of CAD-CAM monolithic zirconia versus porcelain-fused-to-metal implant crowns in the molar region: 1-year results of a RCT

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical performance of monolithic zirconia implant crowns as compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) implant crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-six healthy patients received reduced diameter implants in the molar region. Following random allocation, either a monolithic zirconia crown (Mono-ZrO$_{2}$ ) or a (PFM) was inserted. Crown and implant survival rates, modified USPHS criteria, clinical measurements, and interproximal marginal bone level (MBL) were assessed at crown delivery (baseline, BL) and at the 1-year follow-up (1y-FU). Data were analyzed descriptively. Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were applied for statistical analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at p < .05. RESULTS Thirty-nine Mono-ZrO$_{2}$ and 37 PFM crowns were delivered. At the 1y-FU, one crown in each group was lost due to loss of the implant. Technical complications occurred in the PFM group and were limited to four minor ceramic chippings resulting in a total technical complication rate of 11.1% (p = .024). Anatomical form and color match compared to the adjacent dentition were rated significantly inferior for the Mono-ZrO$_{2}$ crowns. Patient satisfaction was high in both groups at BL (34 Mono-ZrO$_{2}$ 34 PFM) and at 1y-FU (36 Mono-ZrO$_{2}$ 31 PFM). No significant differences between the groups were detected with respect to the change in MBL and to the soft tissue parameters. CONCLUSIONS Monolithic zirconia crowns are a similarly successful alternative option to PFM crowns for restoring single implants in the posterior area

In-vitro evaluation of photofunctionalized implant surfaces in a high-glucose microenvironment simulating diabetics

The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of photofunctionalization on commercially available dental implant surfaces in a high-glucose environment. Discs of three commercially available implant surfaces were selected with various nano- and microstructural alterations (Group 1—laser-etched implant surface, Group 2—titanium–zirconium alloy surface, Group 3—air-abraded, large grit, acid-etched surface). They were subjected to photo-functionalization through UV irradiation for 60 and 90 min. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the implant surface chemical composition before and after photo-functionalization. The growth and bioactivity of MG63 osteoblasts in the presence of photofunctionalized discs was assessed in cell culture medium containing elevated glucose concentration. The normal osteoblast morphology and spreading behavior were assessed under fluorescence and phase-contrast microscope. MTT (3-(4,5 Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and alizarin red assay were performed to assess the osteoblastic cell viability and mineralization efficiency. Following photofunctionalization, all three implant groups exhibited a reduced carbon content, conversion of Ti4+ to Ti3+, increased osteoblastic adhesion, viability, and increased mineralization. The best osteoblastic adhesion in the medium with increased glucose was seen in Group 3. Photofunctionalization altered the implant surface chemistry by reducing the surface carbon content, probably rendering the surfaces more hydrophilic and conducive for osteoblastic adherence and subsequent mineralization in high-glucose environment.International Team for Implantolog

A Comparative Study on Simulated Chairside Grinding and Polishing of Monolithic Zirconia.

This study evaluated the effects of different simulated chairside grinding and polishing protocols on the physical and mechanical properties of surface roughness, hardness, and flexural strength of monolithic zirconia. Sintered monolithic zirconia specimens (15 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm) were abraded using three different burs: diamond bur, modified diamond bur (zirconia specified), and tungsten carbide bur, along with a group of unprepared specimens that served as a control group. The study was divided into two phases, Phase 1 and Phase 2. Surface roughness, surface hardness, and flexural strength were assessed before and after the grinding procedure to determine the 'best test group' in Phase 1. The best abrasive agent was selected for Phase 2 of the study. The specimens in Phase 2 underwent grinding with the best abrasive agent selected. Following the grinding, the specimens were then polished using commercially available diamond polishing paste, a porcelain polishing kit, and an indigenously developed low-temperature sintered zirconia slurry. The physical and mechanical properties were again assessed. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. Specimens were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for their microstructure and crystalline phases, respectively. Grinding with diamond burs did not weaken zirconia (p &gt; 0.05) but produced rougher surfaces than the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Tungsten carbide burs did not significantly roughen the zirconia surface. However, specimens ground by tungsten carbide burs had a significantly reduced mean flexural strength (p &lt; 0.05) and SEM revealed fine surface cracks. Phase transformation was not detected by XRD. Polishing with commercially available polishing agents, however, restored the surface roughness levels to the control group. Dental monolithic zirconia ground with tungsten carbide burs had a significantly reduced flexural strength and a smooth but defective surface. However, grinding with diamond burs roughened the zirconia surface. These defects may be reduced by polishing with commercially available polishing agents. The use of tungsten carbide burs for grinding dental zirconia should not be advocated. Grinding with diamond abrasives does not weaken zirconia but requires further polishing with commercially available polishing agents

Ultrasound and CBCT analysis of blood flow and dimensions of the lingual vascular canal: A case control study

Objective To assess the correlation between the diameter of the mandibular lingual vascular canal (MLVC) as determined on CBCT examination to blood flow and arterial diameter as determined by ultrasound Doppler analysis (USG) in dentate and edentulous patients. Methods 20 subjects were equally distributed into two groups based on the status of their dentition. Group 1 included dentate subjects (DE) and Group 2 included edentulous subjects (ED).The subjects from both the groups underwent CBCT scan for the assesement of the diameter of the MLVC.Similarly, USG was done to assess the diameter of the sublingual artery anastomosis and blood flow in the anterior mandible. Data was analysed using Karl Pearson’s Correlation coefficient test and Student’s unpaired ‘t’ test. Results Irrespective of the status of the dentition and age, a positive correlation was noted between the diameter of foramen on CBCT examination and the diameter of anastomosing artery as studied by the USG (r ​= ​0.290).Similarly, a positive correlation was observed between the diameter of foramen on CBCT and the volume of blood entering the mandible (r ​= ​0.447).A positive correlation (r ​= ​0.138) was observed between the diameter of the anastomosing artery and the volume of blood entering the mandible. Conclusion The anterior mandible has a rich vascular supply independent of age and status of the dentition.The dimensions and location of MVLC could be assessed on a CBCT prior to implant placement so that the operating surgeon has an idea about the vascularity of the region. Further studies with higher sample size should be undertaken to confirm these findings

Effect of crown-to-implant ratio on the marginal bone level changes and implant survival - A systematic review and meta-analysis

The purpose of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the existing evidence regarding the effect of crown-to-implant ratio (CIR) on the peri-implant crestal bone level change and implant survival. Randomized controlled clinical trials, prospective as well as retrospective studies with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months and 10 patients per group were included for this systematic review. Statistical analysis was performed to determine CIR effects on the peri-implant marginal bone level changes and implant survival. A total of 28 articles (14 prospective studies and 14 retrospective studies) from a database of 201 articles, with 2097 patients and 4350 implants, were included. A mean CIR ranging from 0.6 to 2.44 was presented by the study groups. A weighted mean implant loss of 0.19% per year and peri-implant marginal bone level change of 0.63 mm ± 0.55 over 46.8 ± 5.2 months was calculated from the included studies. The peri-implant marginal bone level change (p = 0.155) and the rate of implant loss (p = 0.245) showed a statistically insignificant difference between implant restorations of a high (>1.5:1) and low (1.5:1) or a low (<1.5:1) CIR does not significantly affect the peri-implant marginal bone level change and implant survival rate. However, until further evidence becomes available, extrapolation to long term clinical success cannot be ascertained

Comparative evaluation of marginal bone levels, ISQ trends and implant survival rates between conventional drilling and osteotome technique using implants of varied lengths: A split mouth randomized controlled clinical trial

PURPOSE To assess marginal bone loss and implant stability when implant site preparation was performed with conventional drilling vs the osteotome technique in the posterior maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 30 patients (age 46.97 ± 7.48 years) receiving 60 implants were enrolled in this study. In each patient, implant site preparation was performed using conventional drilling (control group; n = 30) or the osteotome technique (test group; n = 30). Implant sites were further divided into groups based on implant length (implant length < 10 mm, implant length ≥ 10 mm). Marginal bone level (MBL) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were evaluated at the time of crown placement and 1 year thereafter. Independent and paired t tests were used for intergroup and intragroup comparison, respectively. RESULTS The test group showed statistically significantly higher initial ISQ (ISQi) and final ISQ (ISQf) values (ISQi: 61 ± 3.6; ISQf: 64.08 ± 3.7) in comparison to the control group (ISQi: 58.01 ± 4.6; ISQf: 61.32 ± 4.8). Statistically significantly higher mean MBL was noted in the control group (-0.33 mm ± 0.12 mm) compared to the test group (-0.26 mm ± 0.10 mm). Higher MBL was noted in the test group (-0.32 mm ± 0.09 mm) compared to the control group (-0.30 mm ± 0.14 mm) for implants < 10 mm in length. For implants ≥ 10 mm, significantly higher marginal bone loss was noted in the control (-0.37 mm ± 0.09 mm) compared to the test (-0.19 mm ± .06 mm) group. CONCLUSION The osteotome technique could be used as an alternative technique to conventional drilling, especially when implants longer than 10 mm are planned in the posterior maxilla

Comparison of photographic and conventional methods for tooth shade selection: A clinical evaluation

Aim: This study aimed to compare three different methods used for shade selection, i.e., visual method, spectrophotometer, and digital photography method. Materials and Methods: Fifty participants were selected from the Out Patient Department of Prosthodontics. Presence of the maxillary right central incisor with no history of any restorative or endodontic procedures was the primary inclusion criterion. The shade of the right maxillary central incisor was determined using all the three shade selection procedures, namely, visual, spectrophotometric, and digital photography method for all the selected participants. The shades obtained in the visual method using a shade guide were noted down for further comparisons. The spectrophotometer reported the L*, a*, and b* values along with the actual shade whereas the digital photography method reported only the L*, a*, and b* values. The agreement between the readings obtained by the three different methods was compared and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that when the three methods studied were compared, there was a statistically significant proportion of agreement between spectrophotometric and visual method (P < 0.01) with higher proportion of “yes” (agreement) and between the spectrophotometric and digital photography method (P < 0.01) with higher proportion of “yes” (agreement). Coefficient of agreement (using Kappa coefficient) between spectrophotometric and visual shades revealed a fair agreement. The mean ΔE was 1.69. There was a statistically significant difference between the proportion of ΔE more than and <2, between spectrophotometric and digital photography methods (P < 0.01) with higher proportion of <2 ΔE. Furthermore, percentage of agreement between shades obtained by the visual and spectrophotometric method showed maximum agreement with A1 shade. Conclusion: It was concluded that the digital photography method emerged as a reliable method for shade selection in a clinical setup

Effect of newly developed pigments and ultraviolet absorbers on the color change of pigmented silicone elastomer

Aim and Objective: The aim and objective of the study is to evaluate effect of ultraviolet (UV) stabilizer (UV absorber Chimassorb 81) on color change of pigmented silicone elastomer when commercially available (red and yellow), and newly developed pigments (sicotrans red and sicopal brown) were used. Materials and Methods: Two commercially available pigments – red (P112 Brilliant Red) and yellow (P106 Yellow) and two newly developed pigments – sicotrans red and sicopal brown were studied. In total eight groups made up of nine samples each were fabricated using elastomer with the combinations of the above pigments and UV stabilizer (Chimassorb 81). Groups 1, 3, 5, and 7 contain elastomer in combination with sicotrans red, sicopal brown, yellow and red pigments, respectively. Similarly, groups 2, 4, 6, and 8 along with elastomer and pigments (sicotrans sed, sicopal brown, yellow and red, respectively) contain the UV stabilizer (Chimassorb 81). Samples were subjected to aging in an accelerated weathering chamber (Weather-Ometer). Color values CIE (Commission Internationale d'Eclairage) L*, a*, and b * were measured at baseline and after 1000 h of weathering. Change in color (Delta E) was calculated. Results: All groups showed a significant color change at 1000 h. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 showed a statistically significant less change in both colors (sico trans red and sicopal brown) compared to groups 5,6,7, and 8 (commercial pigments-Red and Yellow). Overall, the change in the color in groups with the UV stabilizer (Chimassorb) was less when compared to the groups where the stabilizer was not used. Conclusion: The newly developed pigment led to increased color stability as compared to commercially available pigments. Addition of UV stabilizer, Chimassorb led to a further reduction in color change of the pigmented elastomer

Evaluation of mechanical and adhesion properties of glass ionomer cement incorporating nano-sized hydroxyapatite particles.

Glass ionomer cement is a widely used luting agent for indirect restorations but presents inferior mechanical properties compared to resin cement due to its low elastic modulus. This study evaluated the mechanical and adhesion properties of glass ionomer luting cements reinforced with nano-sized hydroxyapatite particles (HA). The nano-sized HA particles were synthesized using the co-precipitation technique and the resulting precipitate was characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), field emission scanning electron (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HA particles were incorporated into the glass powder (FUJI I, GC) and the luting agent was manipulated in a liquid to powder ratio of 3:1 into 6% by weight after determining the best ratio. The flexural strength of the luting agent and shear bond strength of dentin were analyzed and compared to other luting agents namely, (a) glass ionomer (FUJI I), (b) resin-modified glass ionomer (RelyX Luting Plus) and (c) adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200). Failure types after debonding from dentin were evaluated under SEM. Flexural strength and bond strength data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (alpha = 0.001). Addition of 6 w % HA particles in the range of 80-150 nm enhanced the flexural strength (30.97 ± 5.9 versus 11.65 ± 5.63) and shear bond strength (0.97 ± 0.41 versus 0.39 ± 0.16) of a conventional glass ionomer luting agent significantly compared to the non-reinforced ones when manipulated at a liquid to powder ratio of 3:1 (P < 0.001). While conventional glass ionomer, HA-reinforced glass ionomer and resin-modified glass ionomer specimens showed exclusively mixed type of failures, adhesive resin cement showed cohesive failures within the resin cement. Increased mechanical and adhesion potential of the experimental glass ionomer luting agent after incorporation of HA particles could expand the scope of application of this cement

Correction To: Evaluation of mechanical and adhesion properties of glass ionomer cement incorporating nano-sized hydroxyapatite particles.

In the original publication of the article, the family name of the author