The effect of Parylene coating on the surface roughness of PMMA after brushing

Acrylic resins, used in the manufacturing of different types of intra-oral prostheses, are vulnerable to, colonisation by microorganisms which potentially endanger the general health of the prostheses, wearers. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a novel coating (Parylene) on, surface roughness of poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) samples after simulated cleansing using an, electric toothbrush and two brushing media (paste and pumice)

The effect of platform switching on the levels of metal ion release from different implant-abutment couples

The improved peri-implant bone response demonstrated by platform switching may be the result of reduced amounts of metal ions released to the surrounding tissues. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of metal ions released from platform-matched and platform-switched implant-abutment couples as a result of accelerated corrosion. Thirty-six titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) and cobalt-chrome alloy abutments were coupled with titanium cylinders forming either platform-switched or platform-matched groups (n=6). In addition, 18 unconnected samples served as controls. The specimens were subjected to accelerated corrosion by static immersion in 1% lactic acid for 1 week. The amount of metal ions ion of each test tube was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and energy dispersive spectroscopy X-ray analyses were performed pre- and post-immersion to assess corrosion at the interface. The platform-matched groups demonstrated higher ion release for vanadium, aluminium, cobalt, chrome, and molybdenum compared with the platform-switched groups (P<0.05). Titanium was the highest element to be released regardless of abutment size or connection (P<0.05). SEM images showed pitting corrosion prominent on the outer borders of the implant and abutment platform surfaces. In conclusion, implant-abutment couples underwent an active corrosion process resulting in metal ions release into the surrounding environment. The highest amount of metal ions released was recorded for the platform-matched groups, suggesting that platform-switching concept has a positive effect in reducing the levels of metal ion release from the implant-abutment couples

Survey on the use of CAD-CAM technology by UK and Irish dental technicians

Statement of the problem Digital workflows (CAD/CAM) have been introduced in dentistry during recent years. No published information exists on dental technicians' use and reporting of this technology.Purpose The aim of this cross sectional survey was to identify the extent digital technology has infiltrated the workplace and to investigate the factors affecting the use of CAD-CAM technology by dental laboratory technicians within Ireland and the UK.Materials and methods A web-based questionnaire was composed (Opinio, Object Planet Inc. Oslo, Norway) and distributed to UK and Irish dental technicians. Answers to all questions were anonymous and grouped such that general information was gathered initially, followed by branching of the survey into two sections depending on whether or not the respondent worked with CAD-CAM technology. Results were compiled and statistical analysis (Fisher's Exact test, SPSS, IBM, Armonk, New York, USA) was performed in order to investigate any correlation between various demographic variables and the answers provided.Results The survey was distributed to 760 UK technicians and 77 Irish technicians. The total number of completed surveys was 105, which yielded a total response rate of 14%. Most technicians reported using some form of CAD/CAM aspect in the workflow, and this was more significant for technicians working in large laboratories. Most training received was company-led. Large laboratories were also significantly correlated with less outsourcing of CAD/CAM work and a change in dental material use leading to the increase of zirconia and the decrease of noble alloys. Dental technicians did not report any significant change in working relationships and staffing as a result of CAD/CAM incorporation. High initial investment cost was the most common reason quoted from non-users, along with the lack of such technology in their working environment

Reduction of Tribocorrosion Products When using the Platform-Switching Concept

The reduced marginal bone loss observed when using the platform-switching concept may be the result of reduced amounts of tribocorrosion products released to the peri-implant tissues. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the tribocorrosion product release from various platform-matched and platform-switched implant-abutment couplings under cyclic loading. Forty-eight titanium implants were coupled with pure titanium, gold alloy, cobalt-chrome alloy, and zirconia abutments forming either platform-switched or platform-matched groups ( n = 6). The specimens were subjected to cyclic occlusal forces in a wet acidic environment for 24 h followed by static aqueous immersion for 6 d. The amount of metal ions released was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Microscopic evaluations were performed pre- and postimmersion under scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy X-ray for corrosion assessment at the interface and wear particle characterization. All platform-switched groups showed less metal ion release compared with their platform-matched counterparts within each abutment material group ( P < 0.001). Implants connected to platform-matched cobalt-chrome abutments demonstrated the highest total mean metal ion release (218 ppb), while the least total mean ion release (11 ppb) was observed in the implants connected to platform-switched titanium abutments ( P ≤ 0.001). Titanium was released from all test groups, with its highest mean release (108 ppb) observed in the implants connected to platform-matched gold abutments ( P < 0.001). SEM images showed surface tribocorrosion features such as pitting and bands of fretting scars. Wear particles were mostly titanium, ranging from submicron to 48 µm in length. The platform-matched groups demonstrated a higher amount of metal ion release and more surface damage. These findings highlight the positive effect of the platform-switching concept in the reduction of tribocorrosion products released from dental implants, which consequently may minimize the adverse tissue reactions that lead to peri-implant bone loss

Biomarkers associated with periodontitis and peri-implantitis: a systematic review

Purpose: The pathology of peri-implantitis is still not fully understood and there have been recent challenges to the consensus on its aetiology and pathology, especially in comparison with periodontitis. The assessment of biomarkers allows a comparison of the pathology of these diseases. The aim of this systematic review was to answer the research question: “Is there a difference in the biomarkers associated with peri-implantitis compared with periodontitis in adult humans?” Methods: Electronic databases were searched and screened, and a manual search was also undertaken. The inclusion criteria were adults with peri-implantitis who had been compared to adults with periodontitis with the outcome of biomarkers assessed via biopsies or crevicular fluid samples in primary or secondary care settings, as recorded in case-control, case series and retrospective, prospective and cross-sectional observational studies. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and assessed full text articles for eligibility and inclusion. Both reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Differences in biomarker levels were the primary outcome and a narrative review was undertaken due to the heterogeneity of studies. Results: In total, 2,374 articles were identified in the search, of which 111 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 13 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Five of the 13 included studies were deemed to be at high risk of bias, with the others having moderate risk. All studies were cross-sectional and performed at university hospitals. Nine of the 13 included studies found significant differences in the levels of biomarkers or their ratios between peri-implantitis and periodontitis. Four of the studies found no significant differences. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the included studies, it appears that there may be a difference in biomarker levels and ratios between peri-implantitis and periodontitis, suggesting that these disease processes are somewhat distinct

The effect of metal ions released from different dental implant-abutment couples on osteoblast function and secretion of bone resorbing mediators

OBJECTIVES: The etiology of the reduced marginal bone loss observed around platform-switched implant-abutment connections is not clear but could be related to the release of variable amounts of corrosion products. The present study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of metal ions released from different implant abutment couples on osteoblastic cell viability, apoptosis and expression of genes related to bone resorption. METHODS: Osteoblastic cells were exposed to five conditions of culture media prepared containing metal ions (titanium, aluminum, vanadium, cobalt, chromium and molybdenum) in different concentrations representing the amounts released from platform-matched and platform-switched implant-abutment couples as a result of an earlier accelerated corrosion experiment. Cell viability was evaluated over 21days using the Alamar Blue assay. Induction of apoptosis was measured after 24h of exposure using flow cytometry. Expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, cyclooxygenase-2, caspase-8, osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) by osteoblastic cells were analysed after exposure for 1, 3 and 21days using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay RESULTS: Metal ions in concentrations representing the platform-matched groups led to a reduction in cell viability (P<0.01) up to 7days of exposure. Stimulated cells showed higher rates of early apoptosis (P<0.01) compared to non-treated cells. Metal ions up-regulated the expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, cyclooxygenase-2 and RANKL in a dose dependent manner after 1day of exposure (P<0.05). The up-regulation was more pronounced in the groups containing the corrosion products of platform-matched implant-abutment couples. CONCLUSION: Osteoblastic cell viability, apoptosis, and regulation of bone resorbing mediators were significantly altered in the presence of metal ions. The change in cytokine levels expressed was directly proportional to the metal ion concentration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The observed biological responses to decreased amounts of metal ions released from platform-switched implant-abutment couples compared to platform-matched couples may partly explain the positive radiographic findings in respect to crestal bone level when utilising the "platform-switching" concept, which highlights the possible role of corrosion products in the mediation of crestal bone loss around dental implants

Comparison of Accuracy Between a Conventional and Two Digital Intraoral Impression Techniques

Aims: The objective of this study was to compare the precision and trueness of full-arch impressions using either a conventional polyvinylsiloxane (PVS) material or 2 intraoral optical scanners. Methods: Full arch impressions were obtained of a reference model using addition silicone impression material (Aquasil Ultra; Dentsply Caulk, Delaware, USA) and two optical scanners (Trios, 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark and CEREC Omnicam, Sirona, Wals, Austria). Surface matching software (Geomagic® Control™, 3D Systems©, Rock Hill, SC, USA) was used to superimpose the scans within groups in order to determine the mean deviations (μm) between the scans. The overall mean precision and trueness for each group was calculated and compared statistically using one-way analysis of variance with post-hoc Bonferroni (trueness) and GamesHowell (precision) tests (IBM© SPSS® ver 24, IBM UK Ltd, Portsmouth, England). Qualitative analysis was also carried out from three-dimensional maps of differences between scans. Results: Mean and standard deviations (SD) of precision for conventional, Trios and Omnicam groups were 21.7 (±5.4), 49.9 (±18.3), and 36.5 (±11.12), respectively. Mean and standard deviations (SD) for trueness were 24.3 (±5.7), 87.1 (±7.9), and 80.3 (±12.1) respectively. The conventional impression showed statistically significant improved mean precision (P<.006) and mean trueness (P<.001) compared to both digital impression procedures. There were no statistically significant differences in precision (P=0.153) or trueness (P=0.757) between the digital impressions. The qualitative analysis revealed local deviations along the palatal surfaces of the molars and incisal edges of the anterior teeth in the order of <100μm. Conclusion: Conventional full-arch PVS impressions exhibited improved mean accuracy compared to 2 direct optical scanners. No significant differences were found between the two digital impression methods

Comparison of Fit Between Zirconia and Metal Copings Fabricated Conventionally or Using Different CAD/CAM Technique

This study was designed to assess the fit of cobalt chromium copings fabricated using direct metal laser sintering and to compare with copings fabricated from nickel chromium (traditional casting) and zirconia (milled from partially sintered blanks). For both cobalt chromium and zirconia groups, impressions were generated using direct or indirect digitization. There were 5 experimental groups of 12 copings fabricated for a prepared maxillary right molar. The intimacy of fit (measured at the margin, axial wall and occlusal) was assessed using a replica method technique. The results showed that zirconia copings produced using direct digitization had significantly smaller marginal, axial and occlusal measurements compared to other groups (p⟨0.05). Nevertheless, all groups had a mean marginal gap within accepted clinical values. Though there was a decrease in the intimacy of fit from the margin to axial wall to the occlusal surface. It can be concluded that the fit of zirconia copings fabricated using direct digitization was significantly better than the other groups. However, it can be expected that further enhancement and refinement of additive technology such as direct metal laser sintering will offer clinicians a viable alternative to nickel chromium analogue production methods in the future

A novel network data envelopment analysis model for performance measurement of Turkish electric distribution companies

Electric distribution companies have a significant role for both households and industries. Benchmarking of the electric distribution companies in the energy sector has become a subject that is studied widely nowadays due to the effect of privatization policies for developing countries. Since there are multiple production stages regarding the generation and supply procedures of electric power, Network DEA technique is used. Directional Distance Function is also integrated into Network DEA technique. Electric distribution companies are organizations that are aiming at maximizing profit while minimizing the expenses. The main problem is how the profit idea can be integrated into the evaluation process. The aim of the proposed model is to evaluate profit efficiency of electric distribution companies while taking into account expansion cost for additional energy supply. This two stage approach is applied to Turkish electric distribution companies. Results are presented based on radial and profit efficiency measures. The proposed model is demonstrates realistic results by considering the expenses and incomes of distribution companies

A novel network data envelopment analysis model for performance measurement of Turkish electric distribution companies

Electric distribution companies have a significant role for both households and industries. Benchmarking of the electric distribution companies in the energy sector has become a subject that is studied widely nowadays due to the effect of privatization policies for developing countries. Since there are multiple production stages regarding the generation and supply procedures of electric power, Network DEA technique is used. Directional Distance Function is also integrated into Network DEA technique. Electric distribution companies are organizations that are aiming at maximizing profit while minimizing the expenses. The main problem is how the profit idea can be integrated into the evaluation process. The aim of the proposed model is to evaluate profit efficiency of electric distribution companies while taking into account expansion cost for additional energy supply. This two stage approach is applied to Turkish electric distribution companies. Results are presented based on radial and profit efficiency measures. The proposed model is demonstrates realistic results by considering the expenses and incomes of distribution companies