Clinical and histopathological analysis of intramucosal zirconia inserts used for improving maxillary denture retention

Intramucosal inserts made of zirconia ceramic have been used for the rehabilitation of edentulous patients. This study aimed to follow up on patients with complete dentures having intramucosal zirconia inserts and to perform a histological analysis of biopsies of the epithelium surrounding the inserts. Twelve 31-66-year-old subjects of both genders received complete denture treatment having the intramucosal inserts in place. Detailed clinical, prosthetic and surgical procedures were described. Clinical exams were done on postoperative days 3, 7, 15, 120 and 360. One year after denture placement, the subjects received local anesthesia and the tissues surrounding the insertion sites in the alveolar ridge were removed using a scalpel blade. Biopsies were fixed for up to 48 h in 10% phosphate-buffered formaldehyde and 5-µm-thick sections were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Gomori Trichrome. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify endothelium (anti-CD3) and T lymphocytes (anti-CD31). Removing and reinserting the denture was painful until day 15, but all patients reported a marked increase in the retention and stability of the complete denture with little or no discomfort after 30 days. The histopathological analysis showed that zirconia inserts were well tolerated by the oral mucosa, with the presence of collagen fibers in the tissue around the insert, with mild inflammatory response and allowing reepithelialization, expressed by parakeratosis, epithelial hyperplasia and presenting granular layer. In conclusion, intramucosal zirconia inserts did not affect the health of oral mucosa and provide adequate retention and stability of the complete denture and comfort to the patients

Fracture Resistance of CAD/CAM Lithium Disilicate of Endodontically Treated Mandibular Damaged Molars Based on Different Preparation Designs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of 2 different types of all-ceramic crown using immediate dentin sealing (IDS), obtained using a CAD/CAM system on molars with different preparations. Forty extracted lower molars were endodontically treated and divided into four groups (n = 10) according to the dental preparation. Group 1 (SP0) was prepared without filling the pulp chamber and crown-root junction was located at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Group 2 (SP1) was prepared without filling the pulp chamber and crown-root junction was located 1-mm above the CEJ. Groups 3 and 4 contained a flat preparation surface with no axial wall height. Group 3 (CP0) was made IDS with complete filling of the pulp chamber with composite resin and crown-root junction was located at the CEJ. Group 4 (CP1) was prepared with complete filling of the pulp chamber and crown-root junction was located 1-mm above the CEJ. All groups were restored with CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramic crowns. Specimens were subjected to the fracture test and statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Fracture mode was determined using a stereoscopic microscope, classified as repairable or nonrepairable, and analyzed using Fischer’s exact test. Results indicated that there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of fracture resistance or fracture pattern (p >0.05). Fracture resistance was the lowest in the SP0 group, followed by the SP1 group (1634.38 N) of CP0 (1821.50 N), and it was the highest in the CP1 group. There was a predominance of nonrepairable fractures and there were no significant differences in the fracture resistance and fracture mode of CAD/CAM lithium disilicate molar all-ceramic crowns. Endodontically treated molars teeth might be restored with endocrowns or all-ceramic crowns on flat preparation; however tooth fracture failures that affect reliability of these types of restorations should be considered

Removable partial denture models and comunication among dentists and laboratory technicians in the city of de Teresina, Piauí, Brazil

Objective: To evaluate the quality of models for making removable partial dentures. Methods: In this Study, 140 models were analysed in 05 dental prosthesis laboratories in the city of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, registered with the Conselho Regional de Odontologia. A form containing 14 closed questions was applied, and the data collected were submitted to statistical analysis using the SPSS program. The models were analysed under natural or artificial light and photographed for record and illustration purposes. Results: The results showed that in 100% of the cases the molding material used was alginate, and 93.43% of the models were poured by the dentist. Of these, 64.47% were poured in stone plaster and 36.43% in special plaster. According to criteria such as surface quality, reproduction of details, presence of bubbles and/or nodules, adequate reproduction of the edentulous area, 78.57% of the models were considered inadequate. The majority of the models (96.43%), were mounted in an articulator by the Dental Laboratory Technician, but only 1 dentist sent the record for mounting the models. The hinge type articulator was used in 97.14% of the mountings. In 94.29% of the cases, the planning and design were not executed by the dentist and in 87.86% of the cases no evidence of mouth preparation was found. In 80% of the cases, communication between the dentist and the Dental Laboratory Technician was done by telephone. Conclusion: Thus it was verified that the removable partial denture continues to be neglected as regards its clinical and laboratorial fabrication, through an excessive transfer of responsibilities from the dentist to the Dental Laboratory Technician and an inefficient communication between the two

Influence of Nd:YAG laser on the penetration of a bioceramic root canal sealer into dentinal tubules: A confocal analysis.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this in vitro study, is to evaluate the penetration of a bioceramic root canal sealer into dentinal tubules at 3 mm and 5 mm from the apex after Nd:YAG laser irradiation. METHODS:Forty freshly extracted human mandibular premolars were prepared using Reciproc® and irrigated with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Teeth were divided into 4 groups: group 1, obturated with control sealer (AH Plus®); group 2, obturated with bioceramic sealer (Endosequence BC Sealer®); group 3, Nd:YAG laser + control sealer (AH Plus®); and group 4, Nd:YAG laser + bioceramic sealer (Endosequence BC Sealer®). The samples were transversely sectioned 3 mm and 5 mm from the apex and examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Two parameters were measured: 1) sealer penetration into dentinal tubules of the root canal and 2) sealer penetration into the perimeter of the root canal walls. RESULTS:Penetration analysis showed that bioceramic sealer had a higher penetration at depths of 3 and 5 mm than that of the control sealer, regardless of laser use (p <0.05). Perimeter analysis showed that there was no difference between both sealers at a depth of 3 mm (p <0.05), regardless of laser use. At a depth of 5 mm, bioceramic sealer and laser showed a greater perimeter of penetration (p <0.05) than the control sealer. CONCLUSION:The use of Nd:YAG laser did not compromise the penetration of bioceramic sealer into dentinal tubules of root canals at 3 mm and 5 mm from the apex