ARTICLES-COMPLETE LIST by Mutlu Özcan
Introduction: Ceramic laminate veneers (CLVs) play a vital role in esthetic dentistry; however, t... more Introduction: Ceramic laminate veneers (CLVs) play a vital role in esthetic dentistry; however, the impact of preparation design on clinical outcomes remains inconclusive. Objectives: This prospective clinical study evaluated the clinical success of CLV restorations fabricated with different preparation techniques. Methods: CLVs (N = 110; 55 minimally invasive, 55 prepless) were placed in 12 patients (7 female and 5 male). After 1 year, restorations were assessed via United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Chewing pressure was measured; restorations were checked for fractures, cracks, or debonding. Periodontal health was evaluated by probing depths; patient satisfaction was recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis used chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05). Results: No significant differences were observed in adaptation, color, form, or roughness (p > 0.05). Fractures were observed in 0% and 9.1% (n = 5), debonding in 0% and 1.8% (n = 1), and cracks in 3.6% (n = 2) and 0% of the minimally invasive and prepless groups, respectively. Fracture incidence differed significantly (p = 0.022). Chewing force showed no correlation with complications. Pocket depth changes were nonsignificant, and patient satisfaction was higher in the prepless group (median VAS = 10) than in the minimally invasive group (median = 9; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Preparation type did not significantly affect esthetic or periodontal outcomes after 1 year. Complications were more common in prepless veneers, suggesting minimal prep might improve stability. Chewing forces did not significantly impact performance, indicating functional loads do not damage veneers. Clinical Significance: Both minimally invasive and prepless CLVs yield positive short-term outcomes. Yet, proper case selection and occlusal management are essential to prevent complications and secure long-term success. Ceramic laminate veneers (CLVs) represent a minimally invasive restorative approach to enhance the esthetic appearance of anterior teeth. They are indicated in cases involving morphological abnormalities, such as conical-shaped teeth like peg laterals, or for closing diastemas and interdental spaces. Furthermore, CLVs are suitable when procedures such as
To evaluate how restorative material, mechanical surface treatment, and universal adhesive system... more To evaluate how restorative material, mechanical surface treatment, and universal adhesive system affect the micro-shear bond strength (µSBS) of repaired additively manufactured resin composites (AM-RCs) after artificial aging. Disc specimens were fabricated from Saremco Print Crowntec (CR) and BEGO VarseoSmile TriniQ (VS). After 24 h water storage, all specimens were thermocycled (10,000 cycles). Surfaces received no treatment (control), diamond bur roughening (ST-DB), or airborne-particle abrasion (ST-SB). Repairs were performed using Tokuyama Universal Bond (AD-TO) or Ivoclar Universal Bond (AD-IV) with a nanohybrid resin composite. µSBS was measured using a universal testing machine, and failure modes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The three-way interaction (material × surface treatment × adhesive) was significant (p < 0.05). The restorative material and adhesive system showed significant main effects on µSBS (p < 0.05), whereas surface treatment did not as an isolated factor (p > 0.05). Post hoc comparisons indicated that surface conditioning benefits were material adhesive dependent, with ST-DB or ST-SB improving µSBS versus control in selected groups. Failures were predominantly mixed and adhesive. Repair performance of AM-RCs is governed by the combined influence of material composition, surface conditioning, and universal adhesive selection. Accordingly, repair protocols should be tailored to the specific AM material-adhesive combination to maximize bonding effectiveness.
Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) and their ceramic counterparts are gaining prominence in tiss... more Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) and their ceramic counterparts are gaining prominence in tissue engineering due to their tunable composition, controlled degradation, and high bioactivity. In this study, phosphatebased MBGs doped with therapeutic Ti and Bi ions (PMBGs), along with their derived glass-ceramics (PMBGCs), were synthesized using the sol-gel method. The influence of calcination temperature and composition on their structural features and biological performance was systematically assessed using various characterization techniques. FESEM and TEM analyses revealed a transition from loosely aggregated amorphous nanoparticles to compact nanocrystalline domains with increasing calcination temperature. XRD confirmed the progressive formation of Ca₃(PO₄)₂, CaTi₄(PO₄)₆, and Ca₁₀Li(PO₄)₇ phases, indicating controlled glass-to-glass-ceramic conversion. HRTEM of PMBGC600 further revealed lattice fringes (~0.30 nm) corresponding to the (300) plane of Ca₃(PO₄)₂, supported by SAED ring patterns, in agreement with the crystalline phases identified by XRD. All samples exhibited clear bioactivity through the formation of hydroxyapatite in simulated body fluid, while degradation and pH studies showed that glass-ceramics dissolved more slowly than the amorphous PMBG, suggesting improved long-term stability. Zeta potential became increasingly negative after immersion, supporting enhanced surface activation for apatite nucleation. Cytocompatibility assays demonstrated > 80% MG-63 cell viability, and hemolysis values remained below 5%, confirming good in-vitro biocompatibility. Antibacterial tests showed concentration-dependent inhibition, with PMBG300 displaying the strongest response and PMBGC600 maintaining moderate activity. Overall, controlled calcination provides an effective approach to tailor the structure and biological behavior of PMBG/PMBGC systems. Among the investigated compositions, PMBGC600 exhibited the most balanced combination of structural stability, controlled ionic release, and favorable in-vitro biological responses, suggesting its potential for bone tissue engineering applications, although further in-vivo studies are required to confirm its suitability for clinical use.
Objectives This study evaluated how distinct surface-modification protocols and storage time affe... more Objectives This study evaluated how distinct surface-modification protocols and storage time affect the wettability, surface free energy (SFE), and elemental composition of zirconia. Materials and methods Zirconia specimens were subjected to six surface conditioning methods: Control (CT), alumina airborne-particle abrasion (110 μm) (AL), tribochemical silica coating (30 μm) (SI), chemical etching (ET), alumina+etching (AL-ET), and laser treatment (LS). Measurements were taken at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Wettability was evaluated with water and diiodomethane contact angles to calculate work of adhesion (WoA) and surface free energy (SFE) via the Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaelble method. Elemental composition was assessed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Data analysis involved one-way ANOVA with Tukey`s post-hoc tests for treatment comparison and two-way ANOVA for storage-time effects. Results Surface conditioning significantly affected contact angle, WoA, and SFE (p < 0.05), compared to storage. SI had the lowest water contact angles, highest WoA, and highest SFE, with a strong polar component. AL improved wettability and SFE, but less than SI. While ET showed the least hydrophilic properties at baseline but improved over time, LS was intermediate and stable. CT became more hydrophilic after 6-12 months and SI remained best. EDS confirmed these trends, with persistent silica, low aluminum after alumina treatment, and treatment-dependent elemental changes. The CT and LS spectra resembled those of the substrate. Conclusions Both the surface-modification strategy and storage time affected zirconia wettability, with surface modification playing a greater role. While tribochemical silica coating created a durable, hydrophilic surface, Al 2 O 3 was less effective. Etching needed time to remove residues and laser treatment offered intermediate stability. Clinical relevance Tribochemical silica coating provided the best zirconia implant surface by maintaining a durable, hydrophilic, high surface-free energy state that may promote early protein interaction and predictable osseointegration.
This study examined how sample size affects the reliability of adhesion testing using Weibull ana... more This study examined how sample size affects the reliability of adhesion testing using Weibull analysis, aiming to find the minimum number of specimens needed for accurate estimates of characteristic bond strength (η) and Weibull modulus (β). Square specimens were made from resin composite, lithium disilicate, zirconia, and titanium, then surface conditioned by air abrasion or hydrofluoric acid etching. Surface roughness (Ra and Rz) was measured before bonding. Four resin-based luting agents were applied, with specimens stored at 37 • C for 24 h or aged by thermocycling. Shear bond strength was tested, failure modes classified, and Weibull parameters calculated for sample sizes of 10, 20, 30, and 40. Resin composite and lithium disilicate had higher roughness than zirconia and titanium, with weak correlations to η. Larger sample sizes reduced η across all groups, while β stayed stable or increased, indicating better reliability. A smaller sample size showed higher η, especially before aging; at n ≥ 30, η decreased, notably after aging. Zirconia and titanium showed decreasing η with larger samples. Failure analysis indicated mainly adhesive failures for zirconia and titanium, and more cohesive failures within cement for resin composite and lithium disilicate. Results suggest small samples overestimate adhesive performance; at least 30 specimens are needed for reliable Weibull-based adhesion assessment.
Objectives: To quantitatively assess masticatory function with instrumental measures in a group o... more Objectives: To quantitatively assess masticatory function with instrumental measures in a group of patients suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia, and to compare the results with symptom-free controls. Methods: Data of bite force, variance-of-hue-based (VOH) chewing efficiency, chewing frequency, the bilateral pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the temporalis and masseter muscles, and mandibular range of motion (RoM) were collected in a sample of TMJ arthralgia patients (n = 14) and controls (n = 19). The diagnosis of arthralgia was obtained following the DC/TMD protocol. Comparison between the groups was conducted using independent samples t-tests (level of significance α = 0.05). Associations within the arthralgia group were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: In comparison to the controls, arthralgia patients showed significantly restricted pain-free and maximum unassisted mouth opening (p < 0.001, p = 0.022 respectively) as well as a significant decrease in both bite force (p < 0.001) and chewing frequency (p = 0.01). The average chewing efficiency for the arthralgia group was 0.14 ± 0.08 VOH. The PPT for both masseter muscles did not show significant differences in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: In patients with TMJ arthralgia, functional markers such as RoM, bite force, and chewing frequency exhibited significant limitations compared to the control group. The employment of instrumental measurements in the documentation of symptoms in clinical practice provides an objective basis for the assessment of functional limitations. Hence, we recommend integrating them into the longitudinal patients' observation during therapy.
Background and Objectives: Bruxism involves involuntary jaw activities like clenching or grinding... more Background and Objectives: Bruxism involves involuntary jaw activities like clenching or grinding, linked to changes in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) vibrations, but its independent role is debated. This study used joint vibration analysis (JVA), a non-invasive method, to analyse TMJ vibrations in individuals with potential bruxism. Methods: Adults (N = 195), aged 18-45, were included in this retrospective study divided into two groups: those with possible bruxism and TMD features (n = 175) and asymptomatic controls (n = 20). The classification was based on clinical examination and self-report, without differentiating sleep and awake bruxism. TMJ function was evaluated with JVA, assessing peak frequency, median frequency, vibration amplitude, and vibrational energy. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman correlation and regression (α = 0.05). Results: Participants with possible bruxism showed higher peak frequency (42.3 ± 5.6 Hz vs. 38.7 ± 4.2 Hz, p = 0.023), median frequency (28.9 ± 4.8 Hz vs. 25.6 ± 3.9 Hz, p = 0.015), vibration amplitude (6.5 ± 1.2 mm/s vs. 4.9 ± 1.0 mm/s, p < 0.001) and vibrational energy (12.7 ± 3.4 μJ vs. 9.2 ± 2.8 μJ, p < 0.001) than controls. Bruxism severity correlated with higher JVA parameters, explaining about 35% of the variance in vibration amplitude and 30% in energy (p < 0.001). Effect sizes ranged from moderate to large . These results reflect patterns in a mixed bruxism-TMD group, not bruxism-specific effects. Conclusions: Findings show higher TMJ vibrational parameters in those possibly bruxing, many with TMD features. JVA helps characterise TMJ patterns but should not be used alone for bruxism diagnosis without imaging or TMD controls. Trial Registration: Clini calTr ials. gov. tr: NCT07070141
This study investigated the effect of varying acid etching durations using nitric and hydrofluori... more This study investigated the effect of varying acid etching durations using nitric and hydrofluoric acid solution on the surface roughness and adhesion of luting cements to 4-mol yttria-stabilized zirconia (4YSZ) and compared the results with those of silica coating. Zirconia specimens (IPS e.max ZirCAD MT) (N = 192, n = 12 per group) were randomly assigned to two surface conditioning methods: a) silica coating (CoJet) (20 s, 2.5 MPa) (SC) and b) acid etching (Zircos E, ZE). Etching was performed for 30 min, 1 h, and 2 h. After elemental analysis (energydispersive spectroscopy, EDS), surface roughness (Ra, Rz, Rv, and Rc, RzJIS, Rp) measurements (3D microscopy), two adhesive luting systems (PV: Panavia 21 and ML: Multilink Hybrid Abutment) were bonded onto the conditioned substrates. Half of the specimens were tested dry, and the other half were tested after thermocycling (x6000 cycles, 5-55 • C) conditions. Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured in a universal testing machine (1 mm/min). Failure modes were analyzed using 3D digital microscopy. Data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc, and Pearson's correlation tests (α = 0.05). Only ZE for 30 min produced surface roughness similar to that of SC for the Ra, Rz, Rv, and Rc, but showed higher values for the RzJIS and Rp parameters. SBS results were not significant in Dry conditions in all groups (19.38 + 5.35-14.5 + 7.39) (p > 0.05). While for ML, roughness parameters showed mostly weak or negative correlations for SC and ZE (30 min, 1 h, and 2 h) under both Dry and TC conditions, for PV, a moderate to strong positive correlation was observed in SC and ZE (2h) after TC, with weaker or mixed trends in ZE (30 min) and ZE (1h). After aging, SBS decreased by 12-66 % across all groups, and failure types were more frequently mixed types of failures (50-100 %) for all conditions and luting agents. Etching with a nitric and hydrofluoric acid solution for 30 min can be considered an alternative to silica coating to improve adhesion to 4YSZ ceramic with the tested resin cements, provided that after aging, a decrease in adhesion was observed in all combinations.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical performance of cantilevered zirconia resin-bonded fixed denta... more Objective: To evaluate the clinical performance of cantilevered zirconia resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) pretreated with nanostructured alumina coating (NAC) as a non-invasive surface modification alternative to airborne-particle abrasion (APA). Materials and Methods: In this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 57 patients requiring replacement of a maxillary or mandibular incisor received 64 zirconia RBFDPs, randomly assigned to APA (n = 32) or NAC (n = 32) groups. APA surfaces were air-abraded with 50-μm alumina, whereas NAC surfaces were coated with NAC. Restorations were further classified by pontic position. Retention and survival rates were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests; patient-specific factors were assessed with Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests (α = 0.05). Debonded surfaces were examined under scanning electron microscopy. Results: Over a mean observation period of 61.4 ± 22.1 months (range, 8.3-97.4 months), six debondings occurred, corresponding to an overall survival rate of 100% and retention rates of 88.4% for NAC and 89.1% for APA (p = 0.99), with no significant differences among pontic groups (p = 0.18). Failures were predominantly adhesive, characterized by partial coating delamination at the NAC-zirconia interface. Conclusions: NAC-pretreated zirconia RBFDPs achieved mid-to long-term retention comparable to APA and represent a minimally invasive, clinically reliable pretreatment alternative. Clinical Significance: NAC provides a minimally invasive zirconia pretreatment, particularly for RBFDPs fabricated from damage-prone translucent zirconia, mitigating mechanical failures while maintaining long-term retention comparable to APA. Cantilevered zirconia resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) are increasingly utilized for single anterior tooth replacement, providing favorable biological, esthetic, and mechanical outcomes [1]. Among fixed restorative options, RBFDP preparation requires the least tooth reduction [2], yet its design offers no mechanical retention and provides only a limited bonding surface. Therefore, the long-term success of this treatment modality depends almost entirely on the adhesion .
Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) and their ceramic counterparts are gaining prominence in tiss... more Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) and their ceramic counterparts are gaining prominence in tissue engineering due to their tunable composition, controlled degradation, and high bioactivity. In this study, phosphatebased MBGs doped with therapeutic Ti and Bi ions (PMBGs), along with their derived glass-ceramics (PMBGCs), were synthesized using the sol-gel method. The influence of calcination temperature and composition on their structural features and biological performance was systematically assessed using various characterization techniques. FESEM and TEM analyses revealed a transition from loosely aggregated amorphous nanoparticles to compact nanocrystalline domains with increasing calcination temperature. XRD confirmed the progressive formation of Ca₃(PO₄)₂, CaTi₄(PO₄)₆, and Ca₁₀Li(PO₄)₇ phases, indicating controlled glass-to-glass-ceramic conversion. HRTEM of PMBGC600 further revealed lattice fringes (~0.30 nm) corresponding to the (300) plane of Ca₃(PO₄)₂, supported by SAED ring patterns, in agreement with the crystalline phases identified by XRD. All samples exhibited clear bioactivity through the formation of hydroxyapatite in simulated body fluid, while degradation and pH studies showed that glass-ceramics dissolved more slowly than the amorphous PMBG, suggesting improved long-term stability. Zeta potential became increasingly negative after immersion, supporting enhanced surface activation for apatite nucleation. Cytocompatibility assays demonstrated > 80% MG-63 cell viability, and hemolysis values remained below 5%, confirming good in-vitro biocompatibility. Antibacterial tests showed concentration-dependent inhibition, with PMBG300 displaying the strongest response and PMBGC600 maintaining moderate activity. Overall, controlled calcination provides an effective approach to tailor the structure and biological behavior of PMBG/PMBGC systems. Among the investigated compositions, PMBGC600 exhibited the most balanced combination of structural stability, controlled ionic release, and favorable in-vitro biological responses, suggesting its potential for bone tissue engineering applications, although further in-vivo studies are required to confirm its suitability for clinical use.
Unlike well-established computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) composit... more Unlike well-established computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) composite resins, little is known about how different surface treatments and aging conditions affect adhesion to 3-dimensionally (3D) printed resins, raising concerns about their long-term clinical reliability. Purpose. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the bond strength to dentin of 3D printed and milled resins subjected to different surface treatments and aging. A total of 270 cylindrical specimens (Ø2×2 mm; n=15 per resin) were made from 3D printed (3D-Nanolab3D), milled (CAD-Tetric CAD), and conventional composite resin (C-Tetric N-Ceram). The surface treatments included a control group with no treatment, airborne-particle abrasion, and a silica coating. The specimens were bonded to bovine dentin using a universal adhesive and a dual-polymerizing resin cement: half underwent thermocycling (10 000 cycles), while the other half were stored for 24 hours at 37 °C. Shear bond strength (SBS) test and failure mode analysis were performed. Data for SBS were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA, the Tukey pairwise comparisons test (α=.05), and Weibull analysis. Results. Silica coating (27.2 MPa) and airborne-particle abrasion (27.1 MPa) significantly improved SBS compared with the control (15.2 MPa). The highest values were achieved for silica coating on CAD (36.1 MPa) and airborne-particle abrasion on 3D (35.1 MPa), while the control group on conventional composite resin showed the lowest (11.6 MPa). Aging significantly reduced SBS only in the CAD (from 27.2 to 22.6 MPa) (P=.0077). Adhesive failures predominated in control groups, with mixed failures more common in treated specimens. Conclusions. Airborne-particle abrasion or silica coating significantly improved the dentin SBS of all resins, while aging reduced adhesion only for milled resin. The 3D printed resins achieved bonding comparable with that of milled resins under identical protocols, supporting their integration into digital workflows. (J Prosthet Dent xxxx;xxx:xxx-xxx)
This study assessed the micro-shear bond strength (μSBS) of glass-ionomer cements (GIC) and glass... more This study assessed the micro-shear bond strength (μSBS) of glass-ionomer cements (GIC) and glass hybrids (GH) comparing to a conventional resin composite under different saliva contamination conditions, dentin levels, and caries affection. Caries-free (CF) human molars (N = 60) were collected and randomly divided into six groups [CG: control group, resin composite; TG1: Conventional GIC; TG2: light-activated GIC; TG3: experimental GIC; TG4: bulk-fill GH; TG5: bulk-fill GH2 (high strength)]. Each group was further subdivided into mild saliva contamination (MSC) and severe saliva contamination (SSC). Each tooth was cut into superficial dentin (SD) and deep dentin (DD) levels to bear fillings under CF and artificial caries-induced (CI) conditions. A universal testing machine was used to measure μSBS (0.5 mm/min). Data were analyzed using Cox regression, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's post-hoc tests (α = 0.05). While SSC notably reduced the bond strength of CG (p = 0.0005) and TG1 (p = 0.0278), bond strength was significantly reduced when restored in DD in CG (p < 0.0001), TG1 (p < 0.0001), TG2 (p = 0.0004), and TG4 (p = 0.0033). Caries conditions had no significant impact on the bond strengths (p > 0.05). Under MSC, CG demonstrated higher bond strength and in SSC, CG, and TG2 showed superior bond strength. GICs and GHs functioned ideally in situations simulating saliva contamination and DD restorations in quasi-bench-experiment setups, as these conditions do not have significant effects on their bond strength but enhancing their bond strength is recommended for optimal performance.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the fatigue behavior a... more This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the fatigue behavior and internal/ marginal adaptation of monolithic 4YSZ crowns luted on a dentin-analogue substrate made of FRC material. Fifty crowns were fabricated and randomly assigned to five groups according to the inner surface treatment: control (CTRL), air abrasion with 45 μm aluminum oxide (AlOx), air abrasion with 30 μm silica-coated aluminum oxide (CJT), glaze spray (GLZ), and Zircos-E treatment (ZRC). Internal/marginal adaptation were assessed using the replica technique. The crowns were cemented onto glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin dies, thermocycled for 25,000 cycles, and stored in distilled water at 37 • C for 20 days. Fatigue testing was performed at 20 Hz using a stepwise loading protocol, starting at 100 N for 10,000 cycles, followed by load increments of 100 N every 10,000 cycles up to 500 N; thereafter, the increment was reduced to 50 N per 10,000 cycles until crack detection. Fatigue data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank tests, while adaptation data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-hoc tests (α = 0.05). ZRC showed the best marginal adaptation in occlusal regions compared to CTRL, whereas no differences were observed in other regions. Surface treatments significantly affected fatigue performance, with CTRL, AlOx, and CJT showing the highest values, ZRC intermediate performance, and GLZ the lowest. SEM analysis revealed distinct surface topographies among treatments. Although internal/marginal adaptation are clinically relevant, they did not predominantly influence the mechanical behavior of monolithic 4YSZ crowns.
Strontium-incorporated bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics are promising materials for bone tiss... more Strontium-incorporated bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics are promising materials for bone tissue engineering due to the well-known restorative and osteogenic effects of Sr 2+ ions. In this study, mesoporous strontium-doped bioactive glass-ceramic (Sr:MBGC, SiO 2 -CaO-SrO) particles were synthesized via an acid-hydrolysis sol-gel route, and the influence of high strontium content on their structural, physico-chemical, optical, and biological properties was systematically investigated for bone repair applications. Textural analysis revealed a high specific surface area of 60.617 m 2 g -1 for the 15Sr composition, while TEM confirmed the presence of uniformly distributed mesopores. Structural and compositional analyses using XRD, FTIR, and FESEM-EDS verified the formation of a hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer on the particle surfaces following immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), confirming their bioactive nature. The pH of the SBF increased gradually from 7.32 to 7.92, reaching a maximum on the 14th day before decreasing, indicating controlled ionic exchange during dissolution. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed that the initial particle sizes (533-587 nm) increased significantly to 2583-3277 nm after 21 days of SBF immersion due to HAp deposition. Negative zeta potential values further supported enhanced surface reactivity. UV-Visible spectroscopy revealed increased absorption intensity and a reduction in optical bandgap with increasing strontium content (3.67 eV for 5Sr to 3.46 eV for 15Sr), establishing a direct correlation between optical properties, pH variation, and bioactivity. Biological evaluations demonstrated improved MG-63 cell viability and migration, with Sr:MBGC extracts outperforming the control after 72 h. Excellent hemocompatibility was observed, with hemolysis below 1 % even at 30 μg/mL. Additionally, the materials exhibited effective antibacterial activity against E.coli and P.aeruginosa. The key novelty lies in the isolated investigation of high strontium incorporation (up to 15 %) using a surfactant-free synthesis route and correlating optical behavior with bioactivity, highlighting the multifunctional potential of Sr:MBGCs for biomedical applications.
Background Apical voids reduce cement thickness uniformity and increase the risk of post dislodgm... more Background Apical voids reduce cement thickness uniformity and increase the risk of post dislodgment. This study evaluated the pull-out force, resin cement thickness, and the volume of voids and gaps in the apical third of two fiberglass posts (Exacto and Reforpost®) luted with RelyX™ ARC (R-ARC) or RelyX™ U200 (R-U200). Methods Thirty-two endodontically treated single-rooted teeth were assigned to two post groups (Exacto, Reforpost®; n = 16), each subdivided according to the resin cement used (R-ARC or R-U200; n = 8). Micro-CT was used to quantify resin cement thickness and apical voids/gaps. Pull-out testing and failure mode analysis were performed. Voids/gaps and pull-out force were analyzed using two-way ANOVA/Tukey, resin cement thickness with three-way ANOVA/Tukey, and failure mode with chi-square. Reforpost® showed significantly higher pull-out force and thinner cement layers than Exacto (p < 0.05). With R-ARC, the void volume did not differ between posts (p > 0.05), whereas R-U200 used with Reforpost® produced significantly fewer voids than with Exacto (p < 0.05). R-ARC consistently exhibited voids at the post tip and gaps at the post-dentin interface, while R-U200 showed minimal or no voids and improved apical adaptation. The parallel-sided serrated post (Reforpost®) combined with a self-adhesive dual-cure resin cement (RelyX™ U200) resulted in superior apical adaptation, fewer voids, and higher pull-out strength compared with the smooth tapered post (Exacto) or the conventional cement (RelyX™ ARC). Clinically, selecting a post with better anatomical conformity, together with a self-adhesive resin cement, may enhance post retention and reduce the risk of debonding in endodontically treated teeth.
Background This study examined how different levels of clinical experience affect the amount of d... more Background This study examined how different levels of clinical experience affect the amount of dental material removed during tooth preparation. It used a digital volumetric method to measure deviations from the ideal preparation objectively. Methods A master model with typodont teeth (#46) was used to create 40 samples divided into four groups (n=10) based on operator experience: Group 1 included fourth-year undergraduates; Group 2, fifth-year undergraduates; Group 3, PhD students in Prosthodontics; and Group 4, prosthodontic specialists with over five years of practice. Standardized full crown preparations were performed on phantom heads, and 3D scans were obtained with an intraoral scanner. Volumetric deviations from the ideal were analyzed with VRMesh Studio, focusing on buccal, distal, mesial, occlusal, and palatal surfaces. Data involved Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA tests, and comparisons of preparation durations among groups. The results showed significant differences in material loss on the occlusal surface, especially in Group 2 (-0.575 ± 0.83 mm³, p < 0.05), compared to buccal (-0.126 ± 0.42 mm³) and lingual (-0.2 ± 0.39 mm³) surfaces. Preparation times varied significantly between the most experienced (Group 4: 7.99 ± 1.41 min) and least experienced (Group 1: 45.44 ± 10.47 min) (p < 0.05). All groups showed excessive reduction compared to the master model. The level of education affected the amount of tooth structure removed and preparation time. Less experienced students, though slower, produced outcomes closer to ideal, highlighting the importance of precisionfocused training in prosthodontics.
The study evaluated how often pharmacological therapies were started, modified, or discontinued a... more The study evaluated how often pharmacological therapies were started, modified, or discontinued after a consultation in a sample of orofacial pain patients and identified potential factors associated with treatment choices in the pharmacological management of orofacial pain. Methods: For this study, patient files (N = 208) originating from the daily routine of the Orofacial Pain Unit, University of Zurich (January 2017-December 2022) were analysed. Demographics, lifestyle, pain characteristics, diagnosis, and pharmacological therapy pre-and post-consultation with an orofacial pain specialist were recorded. Changes in pharmacotherapy, pain perception, and therapeutic success were assessed. Descriptive statistics, paired McNemar and chi-square tests were conducted. Results: A total of 208 patients were included in the study (64.4% females, mean age 45.9 years). The mean pain intensity was 6.93 for maximum pain and 4.62 for average pain. The most common pain locations were the face (64.3%), followed by the head (33.3%). At the initial consultation, 51.4% of patients were already using pharmacological therapy. The most common pre-diagnosis medications were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (44.9%), antidepressants with pain-modulating properties (9.3%), and magnesium (7.5%). After consultation, myofascial orofacial pain was the most common diagnosis (50.5%). The prescription of medications increased significantly to 74.5% (p < 0.001). Topical NSAIDs (64.0%) and magnesium supplements (40.0%) were the most prescribed. A significant relationship between therapy changes and diagnosis was observed, particularly for myofascial pain (p = 0.024) and temporomandibular joint disorders (p < 0.001). Therapy outcomes were positive for 67.0% of the observed patients. Conclusions: Age, psychological distress, and pain location significantly influenced pharmacological management of orofacial pain. Pharmacological therapy differed between before and after consultation at the Orofacial Pain Unit. Accurate diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment can significantly improve therapy success.
Ag-BGC nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a modified Stöber method. • TEM analysis... more Ag-BGC nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a modified Stöber method. • TEM analysis confirmed a uniform particle size distribution in the range of 190-240 nm. • HAp layer deposition improved with Ag doping and assessed with XRD, FTIR and SEM. • Silver doping enhanced hemocompatibility, osteoblast proliferation and growth. • The nanoparticles exhibited strong antibacterial activity against E.coli and S.aureus strains.