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Introduction: In dentistry, there has been an increasing demand for aesthetics and biocompatible restorations with low plaque affinity. The success of any restoration is based on three main factors: marginal fit, fracture resistance, and aesthetics. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a polymeric material that has emerged as a novel thermoplastic material with wide applications. Aim: To evaluate the marginal fit and fracture resistance of PEEK and zirconia copings fabricated using Computer-aided Design (CAD)/Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAM) technology. Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, MM College of Dental Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India, from November 2022 to March 2024. The present study compared the marginal fit and fracture resistance of PEEK and zirconia copings fabricated using CAD/CAM technology. All-ceramic tooth preparations were performed on extracted maxillary first premolars, and the prepared teeth were scanned. Using three dimensional (3D) printing technology, 20 resin dies were obtained. These dies were divided into two groups: 10 for PEEK and 10 for zirconia. Ten copings for zirconia and PEEK were fabricated using CAD/CAM technology, and two reference points were marked on the copings. The copings were luted with resin cement on the dies, and marginal fit and fracture resistance were recorded. The observations were statistically analysed using a two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test and a two-sample t-test. Results: The lowest mean marginal discrepancy values (18.469±6.55 μm for the palatal aspect and 17.116±6.34 μm for the buccal aspect) were observed for the zirconia copings. These values were significantly better compared to the PEEK copings (23.941±7.73 μm on the palatal aspect and 22.338±7.89 μm on the buccal aspect). In terms of fracture resistance, PEEK copings demonstrated a higher load-bearing capacity (523.11±117.27 N) and significantly better results compared to zirconia copings (395.4±150.93 N). Conclusion: The results revealed that, when comparing both PEEK and zirconia copings, zirconia copings demonstrated a better marginal fit compared to PEEK copings. However, for fracture resistance analysis, PEEK copings exhibited better load-bearing capacity than zirconia copings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With increasing age, patients experience a reduction in immunity and an increase in systemic illnesses. These factors significantly contribute to the occurrence of candidiasis in the oral cavity. New approaches to treating and preventing a wide range of oral disorders may become possible through host immunity modulation. Natural agents are preferred for complete denture wearers to prevent candidiasis, which is one of the leading causes of denture stomatitis. Aim: To assess the efficacy of herbal oral rinses (Triphala) and probiotics against Candida species in denture-wearing patients. Materials and Methods: This randomised double-blinded study clinical study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics at MM College of Dental Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India, from August 2022 to January 2023. Ethical clearance was obtained and 60 patients were randomly divided into two groups (n=30): Group-A (Probiotics group) and Group-B (Triphala group). Sample collection was performed at baseline and after an 8-week experimental period. The collected samples were inoculated in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with Chloramphenicol and incubated for 48 hours at 37°C±2°C in a Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) incubator. The number of Candida colonies was scored and counted using a Digital Colony Counter, reported as Colony-forming Units (CFU) at baseline and after eight weeks. Data analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon matched-pair test for comparisons within groups and the Mann-Whitney U-test for pair-wise comparisons (p<0.05). Results: The mean age of patients in Group-A was 61±3 years, while in Group-B it was 60±2 years. The mean CFU for the probiotics group was 44.70±72.5 and for the Triphala group, it was 79.60±58.7 before treatment. After treatment, the mean CFU for the probiotics group was 24.70±271.4 and for the Triphala group, it was 50.67±196.4. Although no significant difference (p-value>0.05) was observed between the two groups, both rinses proved effective against Candida species in denturewearing patients. However, the mean reduction in CFUs was significantly higher for Triphala (p-value=0.021). Conclusion: Both probiotics and Triphala showed a significant reduction in CFU after eight weeks of use. However, Triphala was more effective in reducing Candida compared to probiotics. Therefore, it can be considered an efficient agent for denturewearing patients against Candida species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]