Marginal and internal fit evaluation of conventional metal-ceramic versus zirconia CAD/CAM crowns

The purpose of this in vivo study was to compare the marginal and internal gap widths of monolithic zirconia crowns fabricated by CAD/CAM technique and metal-ceramic crowns fabricated by conventional technique. 10 participants needing a single restoration were selected. Zirconia crowns using CAD/CAM technology (Group A) (n=10) and metal-ceramic crowns (Group B) (n=10) using lost wax casting technique were fabricated for each selected tooth. The marginal and internal gaps of crowns were recorded using a replica technique with light body silicone material stabilized with a regular set putty. Each replica was sectioned buccolingually and mesiodistally and then evaluated at five pre-determined sites. The points measured were PM for marginal gap, PA for axial gap, PAO for axio-occlusal transition gap and PO and PCO for occlusal gaps using a stereomicroscope at 30× magni?cation. The Paired Sample (t) test was used to detect significant differences between the two groups in terms of marginal and internal fit (?= 0.05). The mean for the marginal gap was 77.42?m (±39.5?m) for Group A compared with 95.86?m (±55.12?m) for Group B. Mean values for internal gap was 87.24 (±21.7 µm) for Group A and 132.91 µm (± 50.63 µm) for Group B. Significant differences were observed between both the groups for marginal (p=.010) and internal (p=.000) fit. The CAD/CAM fabricated zirconia crowns demonstrated a better accuracy of fit when compared to metal-ceramic crowns fabricated by conventional technology

Hollow Bulb Definitive Obturation of a Post-Covid Mucormycosis Maxillectomy Defect – A Case Report.

The novel Coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), causes COVID-19.In the wake of COVID-19, incidences of mucormycosis were rising alarmingly, especially rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis.Most cases required surgical intervention followed by the fabrication of obturators.A hollow obturator is the most practical, convenient, and cost-effective solution for prosthodontic rehabilitation. A patient with pain overthe maxillary region (left) reported to the department of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge. His past medical history revealed that he tested and recovered from SARS-CoV-2. Clinical, radiographic, and smear tests confirmed rhino-cerebral mucormycosis with post covid pneumonia. Surgical left partial maxillectomy performed 4 months back. His intra-oral examination revealed a large maxillary defect extending from the left-sided alveolar bone, along with a missing base of the maxilla and palatal bone.The case report presents a hollow bulb definitive obturator fabrication for the treatment of acquired maxillary defects after COVID-19-caused mucormycosis

Comparative evaluation of salivary cortisol levels in bruxism patients before and after using soft occlusal splint: An in vivo study

Introduction: Bruxism is defined as a nonfunctional activity or a parafunctional habit characterized by the unconscious repetitive motion of clenching and/or grinding of the teeth. Soft occlusal splints have been considered as the first-line strategy for treating nocturnal bruxism. Cortisol is a major steroid hormone secreted by fascicular zone of the adrenal cortex, belonging to the glucocorticosteroidal group of hormones. Clinical studies have shown that when humans are placed under stress, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis is activated, leading to an increase in cortical secretion. However, the effect of splint is questionable by some researchers, and best way to perceive the effect of soft splints in patients with bruxism is by evaluating the stress levels. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 individuals suffering from bruxism were selected from the Outpatient Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, JSS Dental College and Hospital, Mysore. Saliva samples were collected before and after using the occlusal soft splints and subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for determining the salivary cortisol levels. Results: The collected data were subjected to appropriate descriptive statistics, paired sample t-test, and one sample t-test. The paired sample t-test shows that intragroup comparison of the mean cortisol level in the study group shows near significant values, which means there is a decrease in the salivary cortisol levels in patients after using soft occlusal splint, but statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion: In the present study, it has been found that 70% of individuals after using the soft occlusal splint showed decreased cortisol levels

Knowledge, Awareness, Attitude and Behaviour about Prosthodontic Treatment for Missing Teeth among Indian Population: A Cross Sectional Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness, knowledge, attitude and behaviour of the population aged 16-84 years toward the presence of missing teeth and prosthodontics treatment options available for replacing those missing teeth. Study Selection: A pre-structured multiple-choice questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic questions was given to 300 patients randomly after obtaining their informed consent. The questions included in the survey helped to assess the patient's level of knowledge and awareness of the prosthodontic treatment as a whole. Results: All the age group population were aware of missing teeth in their mouth and are aware of the replacement of those missing teeth. Among subjects, with a degree qualification, 18% choice of removable, 38.5% choice was fixed partial denture, and the other 38.5 % choice was implant option. For 61.6% of the elder group, 47.6% of the middle age group, and 32.7% of the younger adults, friends and relatives were the sources of information. Conclusion: This study found that patients' understanding, and awareness of prosthodontic treatment had improved. Removable dentures were the treatment option of choice for the geriatric age group when considering prosthodontic treatment alternatives. Higher-educated individuals opted for fixed dentures and implants as treatment choices