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This study was aimed at preparing zirconia samples via additive manufacturing (AM) and subtractive manufacturing (SM) and testing the following aspects: (1) the manufacturing accuracy of the zirconia samples and (2) the bond strength of porcelain to zirconia to evaluate the applicability of the zirconia fabricated by AM in dental clinics. We used three milling machines for SM (AR, K5, and UP) and a 3D printer for AM (AO). The manufacturing accuracy of the zirconia specimen in the internal and marginal areas was evaluated by superimposing techniques to calculate the root mean square (RMS) values. The bond strengths of porcelain to zirconia prepared via SM and AM were measured using a universal testing machine. The internal and marginal RMS values of the zirconia prepared by AM (AO) were within the range of those of the zirconia prepared by SM (AR, K5, and UP). Moreover, the bond strength value of the zirconia prepared by AM (35.12 ± 4.09 MPa) was significantly higher than that of the zirconia prepared by SM (30.26 ± 5.20 MPa). Therefore, AM technology has significant potential for applications in dentistry.

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Colocasia antiquorum var. esculenta (CA) on Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) growth, inflammation, and osteoclastogenesis. CA was effective in inhibiting the growth of P. gingivalis when applied together with an experimental fluoride varnish. CA also significantly decreased the release of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitric oxide from lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells. No significant differences in viability were noted between the cells treated with CA and the controls. In addition, CA significantly attenuated osteoclast differentiation on bone marrow macrophages. In conclusion, CA inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis and showed anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoclastogenic effects. Therefore, CA may have the potential to act as a novel natural agent for preventing periodontitis.

We investigated the inhibitory effect of antibacterial agents mixed with experimental fluoride varnish (EFV) on Streptococcus mutans. The antibacterial agents used were (1 and 10) mM of xanthorrhizol, bakuchiol, bavachalcone, isobavachromene, and bavachromene. Agar diffusion tests were performed on S. mutans (1.1×1010 CFU/mL), using antibacterial agents without and with EFV. Bavachalcone showed the highest inhibition zone without and with EFV at both (1 and 10) mM (p 0.05), except xanthorrhizol and bakuchiol at 1 mM. All antibacterial agents were effective, while antibacterial agents with EFV co-formulations were more effective than EFV alone. Bavachalcone was the most effective agent against S. mutans, indicating its potential usefulness with fluoride varnish in preventing dental caries.

This study evaluated the shear bond strengths of various types of resin cements between three types of adherends (composite resin, metal, and ceramic) and bovine teeth with and without thermocycling. A conventional resin cement (Variolink N), two adhesive resin cements (PANAVIA F 2.0, Multilink N), and three self-adhesive resin cements (MAXCEM ELITE, Rely X Unicem 2, Speed CEM) were used. The adherends were cemented on the superficial dentin of bovine incisors using each resin cement. Herein, 10 specimens from each group were thermocycled 5,000 times, and the other 10 were stored without thermocycling. With the resin and ceramic adherends, the shear bond strengths of Rely X Unicem 2 were significantly higher than those of the other resin cements both with and without thermocycling (p0.05). With the metal adherend, the shear bond strengths were not significantly different among the cement groups, except MAXCEM ELITE, which showed the lowest strength.

Background and Objectives: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease in which gradual destruction of tissues around teeth is caused by plaque formed by pathogenic bacteria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of 75% ethanol extract of Colocasia antiquorum var. esculenta (CA) as a prophylactic and improvement agent for periodontal disease in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial efficacy of CA against Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis, ATCC 33277) was evaluated using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) test, and cytotoxicity was confirmed by CCK-8 assay. For the in vivo study, P. gingivalis was applied by oral gavage to BALB/c mice. Forty-two days after the first inoculation of P. gingivalis, intraoral swabs were taken for microbiome analysis, and the mice were sacrificed to evaluate the alveolar bone loss. Results: The MIC of CA against P. gingivalis was 31.3 μg/mL, the MBC was 62.5 μg/mL, with no cytotoxicity. The diversity of the oral microbiome decreased in the positive control group, while those of the VA (varnish) and VCA (varnish added with CA) groups increased as much as in the negative control group, although the alveolar bone loss was not induced in the mouse model. Conclusions: CA showed antibacterial effects in vitro, and the VA and VCA groups exhibited increased diversity in the oral microbiome, suggesting that CA has potential for improving periodontal disease.

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Colocasia antiquorum var. esculenta (CA) on Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) growth, inflammation, and osteoclastogenesis. CA was effective in inhibiting the growth of P. gingivalis when applied together with an experimental fluoride varnish. CA also significantly decreased the release of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitric oxide from lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells. No significant differences in viability were noted between the cells treated with CA and the controls. In addition, CA significantly attenuated osteoclast differentiation on bone marrow macrophages. In conclusion, CA inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis and showed anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoclastogenic effects. Therefore, CA may have the potential to act as a novel natural agent for preventing periodontitis.

We investigated the inhibitory effect of antibacterial agents mixed with experimental fluoride varnish (EFV) on Streptococcus mutans. The antibacterial agents used were (1 and 10) mM of xanthorrhizol, bakuchiol, bavachalcone, isobavachromene, and bavachromene. Agar diffusion tests were performed on S. mutans (1.1×10

The Sp7/Osterix transcription factor is essential for bone development. Mutations of the Sp7 gene in humans are associated with craniofacial anomalies and osteogenesis imperfecta. However, the role of Sp7 in embryonic tooth development remains unknown. Here we identified the functional requirement of Sp7 for dentin synthesis and tooth development. Sp7-null mice exhibit craniofacial dysmorphogenesis and are completely void of alveolar bone. Surprisingly, initial tooth morphogenesis progressed normally in Sp7-null mice. Thus the formation of alveolar bone is not a prerequisite for tooth morphogenesis. Sp7 is required for mineralization of palatal tissue but is not essential for palatal fusion. The reduced proliferative capacity of Sp7-deficient ectomesenchyme results in small and misshapen teeth with randomly arranged cuboidal preodontoblasts and preameloblasts. Sp7 promotes functional maturation and polarization of odontoblasts. Markers of mature odontoblast (Col1a, Oc, Dspp, Dmp1) and ameloblast (Enam, Amelx, Mmp20, Amtn, Klk4) are barely expressed in incisors and molar tissues of Sp7-null mice. Consequently, dentin and enamel matrix are absent in the Sp7-null littermates. Interestingly, the Sp7 expression is restricted to cells of the dental mesenchyme indicating the effect on oral epithelium-derived ameloblasts is cell-nonautonomous. Abundant expression of Fgf3 and Fgf8 ligand was noted in the developing tooth of wild-type mice. Both ligands were remarkably absent in the Sp7-null incisor and molar, suggesting cross-signaling between mesenchyme and epithelium is disrupted. Finally, promoter-reporter assays revealed that Sp7 directly controls the expression of Fgf-ligands. Together, our data demonstrate that Sp7 is obligatory for the differentiation of both ameloblasts and odontoblasts but not for the initial tooth morphogenesis. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

The visible light reactions of noble metal-based photocatalysts have been increasingly utilized to investigate their antibacterial activities. Furthermore, the photoreactions at various visible light wavelengths for specific combinations of titania nanotubes and noble metal nanoparticles have been found to promote osteogenic functionality. In this investigation, a novel multi-coating combination of noble metals (gold and platinum) on titania nanotubes was assessed using plasmonic photocatalysis and low-level laser therapy at 470 and 600 nm. The results showed that this coating on the nanotubes promoted antibacterial activity and osteogenic functionality. The order in which the gold and platinum coatings were layered onto the titania nanotubes strongly affected the osteogenic performance of the human mesenchymal stem cells. These results have identified a new approach for the development of efficient novel combinations of noble metal nanoparticles and titania nanotubes with visible light responses, sustainable antimicrobial activity, and osteogenic functionality.

Background and Objectives:Asplenium incisum, a natural plant, is known to possess numerous pharmacological and biochemical properties. However, the inhibitory effect of A. incisum against Porphyromonas gingivalis and other factors related to periodontal disease have not yet been demonstrated. This study aimed to investigate the potential of A. incisum extract as a phytotherapeutic candidate for improving periodontal diseases by assessing its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoclastogenic activities. Materials and Methods: The inhibition of proliferation of P. gingivalis by A. incisum and the sustainability of its antibacterial activity were evaluated in this study. The production of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) and nitric oxide (NO) from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To identify the anti-osteoclastogenic activity, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and TRAP activity analyses were performed on bone marrow macrophages. Results: The proliferation of P. gingivalis was significantly inhibited by A. incisum (p &lt, 0.001), and the antibacterial activity was sustained for up to 3 days. A. incisum showed anti-inflammatory activities by significantly decreasing the release of TNF-α, IL-6 (p &lt, 0.05), and NO (p &lt, 0.01). In addition, A. incisum significantly suppressed TRAP-positive cells and TRAP activity (at 30 μg/mL, p &lt, 0.01) without causing any cytotoxicity (p &gt, 0.05). Conclusions:A. incisum showed antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoclastogenic activities, suggesting it has strong therapeutic potential against periodontal diseases.

This study aimed at evaluating the visible light mediated antimicrobial and osteogenic applications of noble metal, such as gold (Au) and platinum (Pt) coated titania (TiO2) nanotubes (NTs). In this study, the Au and Pt nanoparticles (NPs) were deposited on anodized 100 nm TiO2 NTs by ion plasma sputtering. The Au and Pt NPs were mainly deposited on the top surface layer of TiO2 NTs and showed light absorbance peaks around the 470 and 600 nm visible light region used in this study, as seen from the surface characterization. From the results of antibacterial activity test, Au and Pt NPs that were deposited on TiO2 NTs showed excellent antibacterial activity under 470 nm visible light irradiation due to the plasmonic photocatalysis based on the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of the Au and Pt NPs. In addition, alkaline phosphate activity test and quantitative real-time PCR assay of osteogenic related genes resulted that these NPs promoted the osteogenic functionality of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) under 600 nm visible light irradiation, because of the synergic effect of the photothermal scattering of noble metal nanoparticles and visible light low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Therefore, the combination of noble metal coated TiO2 NTs and visible light irradiation would be expected to perform permanent antibacterial activity without the need of an antibacterial agent besides promoting osteogenic functionality.

The infection control of implants is one of the hot issues in the field of medicine and dentistry. In this study, we prepared gold nanorod–sputtered titania nanotubes on titanium surface, which is the main component of implant material, and aimed to estimate the remote-controlled tetracycline release and resulting antibacterial effects of gold nanorod–sputtered titania nanotubes using near-infrared laser irradiation. Gold nanorods prepared by ion plasma sputtering (aspect ratio = 1:3) showed optical properties like those of chemically synthesized gold nanorods, exhibiting photothermal effects in the near-infrared region, as demonstrated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and diffuse ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared spectrophotometry. In addition, a 2 wt% tetracycline/polycaprolactone mixture was found to be the most suitable experimental group to demonstrate the biological compatibilities and antibacterial activities. The results of antibacterial agar diffusion tests and near-infrared-mediated tetracycline release tests in vivo confirmed that remote-controlled tetracycline elution using near-infrared laser irradiation was highly effective. Therefore, gold nanorod–sputtered titania nanotubes would be expected to enable the continued use of the photothermal therapy of gold nanorods and extend the limited use of titania showing photocatalytic activity only within the ultraviolet-to-near-infrared region.

The Sp7/Osterix transcription factor is essential for bone development. Mutations of the Sp7 gene in humans are associated with craniofacial anomalies and osteogenesis imperfecta. However, the role of Sp7 in embryonic tooth development remains unknown. Here we identified the functional requirement of Sp7 for dentin synthesis and tooth development. Sp7-null mice exhibit craniofacial dysmorphogenesis and are completely void of alveolar bone. Surprisingly, initial tooth morphogenesis progressed normally in Sp7-null mice. Thus the formation of alveolar bone is not a prerequisite for tooth morphogenesis. Sp7 is required for mineralization of palatal tissue but is not essential for palatal fusion. The reduced proliferative capacity of Sp7-deficient ectomesenchyme results in small and misshapen teeth with randomly arranged cuboidal preodontoblasts and preameloblasts. Sp7 promotes functional maturation and polarization of odontoblasts. Markers of mature odontoblast (Col1a, Oc, Dspp, Dmp1) and ameloblast (Enam, Amelx, Mmp20, Amtn, Klk4) are barely expressed in incisors and molar tissues of Sp7-null mice. Consequently, dentin and enamel matrix are absent in the Sp7-null littermates. Interestingly, the Sp7 expression is restricted to cells of the dental mesenchyme indicating the effect on oral epithelium-derived ameloblasts is cell-nonautonomous. Abundant expression of Fgf3 and Fgf8 ligand was noted in the developing tooth of wild-type mice. Both ligands were remarkably absent in the Sp7-null incisor and molar, suggesting cross-signaling between mesenchyme and epithelium is disrupted. Finally, promoter-reporter assays revealed that Sp7 directly controls the expression of Fgf-ligands. Together, our data demonstrate that Sp7 is obligatory for the differentiation of both ameloblasts and odontoblasts but not for the initial tooth morphogenesis. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine whether the push-out bond strengths between the radicular dentin and fiber reinforced-composite (FRC) posts with various resin cements decreased or not, according to the coronal, middle or apical level of the root. MATERIALS AND METHODS FRC posts were cemented with one of five resin cement groups (RelyX Unicem: Uni, Contax with activator & LuxaCore-Dual: LuA, Contax & LuxaCore-Dual: Lu, Panavia F 2.0: PA, Super-Bond C&B: SB) into extracted human mandibular premolars. The roots were sliced into discs at the coronal, middle and apical levels. Push-out bond strength tests were performed with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min, and the failure aspect was analyzed. RESULTS There were no significant differences (P>.05) in the bond strengths of the different resin cements at the coronal level, but there were significant differences in the bond strengths at the middle and apical levels (P.05); all other groups had a significant decrease in bond strength at the middle or apical level (P

The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of 70% reduced inlay and 4-unit bridge models of International Standard (ISO 12836) assessing the accuracy of laboratory scanners to measure the accuracy of intraoral scanner. Four intraoral scanners (CS3500, Trios, Omnicam, and Bluecam) and one laboratory scanner (Ceramill MAP400) were used in this study. The height, depth, length, and angle of the models were measured from thirty scanned stereolithography (STL) images. There were no statistically significant mean deviations in distance accuracy and precision values of scanned images, except the angulation values of the inlay and 4-unit bridge models. The relative errors of inlay model and 4-unit bridge models quantifying the accuracy and precision of obtained mean deviations were less than 0.023 and 0.021, respectively. Thus, inlay and 4-unit bridge models suggested by this study is expected to be feasible tools for testing intraoral scanners.

We cultured human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on TiO2nanotubes with diameters of 30–100 nm to assess the size-effect of TiO2nanotubes on the behavior and osteogenic functionality of hMSCs. Most studies of the expression of genes encoding alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and integrin-β (INT-B), after 1 week of incubation, supported the results of cell viability and MTT assays at 48 hrs of plating. However, after 2 weeks of incubation, expression of ALP, OPN, INT-B, and protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK) genes were significantly higher in cells cultured on 70 nm TiO2nanotubes than that in cells cultured on other TiO2nanotubes and Ti. This biphasic osteogenic characteristic of hMSCs is supposed to relating to the nature of the hMSCs adhering to the substrate at the beginning of incubation, and the nanostructural stimulation caused by the topography of TiO2nanotubes at a later stage of incubation. The discovery of these biphasic characteristics of hMSCs cultured on different-sized TiO2nanotubes may contribute to resolving the discrepant results relating to the size-effect of TiO2nanotubes on the adhesion, proliferation, and functionality of cells.

We investigated the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic functionality of osteoblasts cultured on titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanotubes in response to different sterilization methods (dry autoclaving vs. wet autoclaving). We prepared various sizes (30–100 nm diameter) of TiO 2 nanotubes on titanium substrates by anodization, sterilized nanotubes by different conditions, and seeded osteoblast cells onto the nanotube surfaces with two different cell seeding densities (10,000 vs. 50,000 cells/well in 12-culture well). The result of this study indicates that the adhesion, proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity of osteoblasts cultured on only the larger 70 and 100 nm TiO 2 nanotube arrays were dramatically changed by the different sterilization conditions at a low cell seeding density. However, with a higher cell seeding density (50,000 cells/well in 12-cell culture well), the results revealed no significant difference among altered nanotube geometry, 30–100 nm diameters, nor sterilization methods. Next, it was revealed that the nanofeatures of proteins adhered on nanotubular TiO 2 morphology are altered by the sterilization method. It was determined that this protein adhesion effect, in combination with the cell density of osteoblasts seeded onto such TiO 2 nanotube surfaces, has profound effects on cell behavior. This study clearly shows that these are some of the important in vitro culture factors that need to be taken into consideration, as well as TiO 2 nanotube diameters which play an important role in the improvement of cell behavior and functionality.

Introduction This study compared the fracture resistances and the failure patterns of 100 simulated mandibular premolars of a different number of coronal walls (zero to four walls) with or without fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts. In addition, the photoelastic stress distribution was analyzed. Methods The fracture resistance was measured at a 45° angle with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, and the failure patterns were observed. The photoelastic stress distribution of specimens with or without FRC posts was also evaluated. The fracture resistance was analyzed by analysis of variance and a Duncan's multiple range test (p Results In the no post groups, the fracture resistances decreased significantly in groups with two or fewer walls. The FRC post increased fracture resistances significantly, except for the zero-wall group, and optimized the failure patterns. A high stress concentration was observed along the canal space in the no post groups; stress seemed to be distributed in post groups in photoelasticity. Conclusion Within the limitation of the experimental methods of this study, the FRC post was advantageous in lower premolars, especially with two or more walls in terms of the fracture resistance and stress distribution.

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and nitric oxide (NO)-inducing effects of bismuth oxide (Bi(2)O(3))-containing Portland cement (BPC) on human dental pulp cells. We also assessed whether heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is involved in BPC-induced cytotoxicity in dental pulp cells. Cytotoxicity and NO production induced by BPC were higher than those induced by Portland cement at 12 and 24 hours, and the former gradually decreased to the level observed for PC. HO-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase messenger RNA expressions in the BPC group showed maximal increase at 24 hours, and it gradually decreased with increasing cultivation time. Hemin treatment reversed the BPC-induced cytotoxicity, whereas zinc protoporphyrin IX treatment increased the cytotoxicity. These results suggested that NO production by BPC correlates with HO-1 expression in dental pulp cells. Moreover, BPC-induced HO-1 expression in dental pulp cells plays a protective role against the cytotoxic effects of BPC.

Statement of problem Many studies concerned with the microleakage of endodontically treated teeth restored with posts and cores and subjected to loading can be found in the literature. However, no studies have investigated microleakage under dynamic loading with simultaneous dye penetration, which is more relevant to clinical situations. Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare microleakage and to classify fracture patterns of endodontically treated teeth restored with various post systems under dynamic loading. Material and methods The crown portions of 40 human mandibular incisors were sectioned at the cementoenamel junction, and the teeth were endodontically treated. Teeth were divided into 4 groups (n=10): teeth restored with a cast post and core, prefabricated metal post (ParaPost), fiber-reinforced composite resin post (FRC Postec), and ceramic post (Cosmopost). After preparing the post space, each post was cemented with dual-polymerized resin cement (DuoLink). With the exception of the cast post-and-core group, the cores were formed directly using a light-polymerized composite resin (Light-Core). An intermittent load of 98 N at 1 Hz was applied for 50,000 cycles at an angle of 135 degrees to the long axis of the restored teeth, which were immersed in a 0.5% basic fuchsin solution. The ratio of the dyed surface area to the total area of the sectioned root surface was determined using an image analysis program. The data were analyzed by a 1-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test (α =.05). The fracture patterns of the teeth were classified according to their fracture propagation lines. Results The cast post group showed a significantly higher level of microleakage compared to the other groups (P=.001). Regarding the failure mode, the FRC Postec and Cosmopost groups showed fracture patterns that would favor retreatment. The number of cycles of repeated loading was not significantly different among the groups (P=.161). Conclusions Both FRC Postec and Cosmopost groups showed less microleakage under dynamic loading and fracture patterns favoring a retreatment of fractured specimens.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamic fatigue strengths at 10(5) cycles and the strains of particulate filler composite resins with and without reinforcing fibers. An UHMWPE (Ribbond), a polyaromatic polyamide fiber (Fibreflex), and three glass fibers (GlasSpan, FibreKor, Vectris Frame) were used to reinforce the particulate filler composite resins. The fatigue properties were measured in three-point bending mode using a servohydraulic universal testing machine at a frequency of 5 Hz, until failure occurred or 10(5) cycles had been completed. The fatigue strengths at 10(5) cycles were determined by the staircase method. The fractured aspects of specimens were evaluated by an optical and scanning electron microscope. The fatigue strengths of particulate filler composite resins were 49-57 MPa, and those of fiber-reinforced were 90-209 MPa. Unidirectional glass fibers showed higher reinforcing effects on the fatigue strengths of composite resins. The strain of UHMWPE-reinforced composite was largest.

Tooth formation is a multifaceted process involving numerous interactions between oral epithelium and neural crest derived ecto-mesenchyme from morphogenesis to cyto-differentiation. The precise molecular regulator that drives the cyto-differentiation and dynamic cross-talk between the two cell types has yet to be fully understood. Runx2 along with its downstream target Sp7 are essential transcription factors for development of the mineralizing cell types. Global knockout of the Runx2 gene results in an arrest of tooth morphogenesis at the late bud stage. Like Runx2, Sp7-null mutants exhibit peri-natal lethality and are completely devoid of alveolar bone. However, the role of Sp7 in tooth development remains elusive. Here, we report the effects of Sp7 deletion on tooth formation. Surprisingly, tooth morphogenesis progresses normally until the mid bell stage in Sp7-homozygous mutants. Incisors and multi-cusped first and second molars were noted in both littermates. Thus, formation of alveolar bone is not a prerequisite for tooth morphogenesis. Tooth organs of Sp7-null however, were significantly smaller in size when compared to WT. Differentiation of both ameloblasts and odontoblasts was disrupted in Sp7-null mice. Only premature and disorganized ameloblasts and odontoblasts were noted in mutant mice. These data indicate that Sp7 is not required for tooth morphogenesis but is obligatory for the functional maturation of both ameloblasts and odontoblasts.

Statement of problem No study has yet evaluated the strength of complete dentures reinforced with glass fiber meshes with different content and structures. Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the reinforcing effects of glass fiber mesh with different content and structures with that of metal mesh in complete dentures. Material and methods Two types of glass fiber mesh were used: SES mesh (SES) and glass cloth (GC2, GC3, and GC4). A metal mesh was used for comparison. The complete dentures were made by placing the reinforcement 1 mm away from the tissue surface. A control group was prepared without any reinforcement (n=10). The compressive properties were measured by a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. The results were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Duncan multiple range test (α=.05). Results The fracture resistance of the SES group was significantly higher than that of the control, GC4, and metal groups (asymptotic P =.004), but not significantly different from the GC2 and GC3 groups. The toughness of the SES and GC3 groups was significantly higher than that of the others (asymptotic P Conclusions SES and GC3, which have different structures but similar volume content, were the most effective in reinforcing complete dentures. The content of the glass fiber mesh seemed more important than the structures.

The purpose of this research was to prepare gold nanorod- (GNR-) grafted TiO2nanotubes by thiolactic acid treatment and evaluate remote-controlled drug elution and antibacterial activity by infrared (IR) light irradiation. Tetracycline used as an antibiotic was loaded into GNR-grafted TiO2nanotubes by using 2 w/v% polylactic acid solutions. A near-IR laser (830 nm) was used for remote-controlled IR light irradiation. Results of SEM, TEM, XRD, and EDX revealed that GNR chemically bonded to the whole surface of the TiO2nanotubes. An antibiotic release test revealed that on-off drug elution was triggered effectively by the photothermal effect of GNR grafted on TiO2nanotubes. Furthermore, an antibacterial agar zone test indicated that the annihilated zone ofStreptococcus mutansin the experimental group with IR light irradiation was significantly larger than that of the corresponding group without IR light irradiation (P<0.05). Therefore, GNR-grafted TiO2nanotubes would be expected to extend the limited usage of TiO2, which show photocatalytic activity only within the ultraviolet (UV) to IR region, thereby allowing the development of novel fusion technologies in the field of implant materials.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reinforcing polyaromatic polyamide (aramid) fibers with various orientations on the flexural properties of denture base resin. Aramid fibers with four orientations of unidirectional, woven, non-woven and paper-type were pre-impregnated and placed at the bottom of a specimen mold. Heat-polymerized denture base resin was packed over the fibers and polymerized. A three-point bending test was performed using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. The flexural strengths and flexural moduli of the unidirectional and woven groups were significantly higher than those of the control and other experimental groups.For the flexural moduli, all experimental groups showed significantly higher reinforcing effects than the control group. In conclusion, the unidirectional group located perpendicular to the direction of the load was most effective in reinforcing the denture base resin, followed by the woven group.

We have developed nitrogen-dopedTiO2nanotubes showing photocatalytic activity in the visible light region and have investigated the triggered release of antibiotics from these nanotubes in response to remote visible light irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations indicated that the structure ofTiO2nanotubes was not destroyed on the conditions of 0.05 and 0.1 M diethanolamine treatment. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that nitrogen, in the forms of nitrite (NO2-) and nitrogen monoxide (NO), had been incorporated into theTiO2nanotube surface. A drug-release test revealed that the antibiotic-loadedTiO2nanotubes showed sustained and prolonged drug elution with the help of polylactic acid. Visible light irradiation tests showed that the antibiotic release from nitrogen-dopedTiO2nanotubes was significantly higher than that from pureTiO2nanotubes (P<0.05).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reinforcing effects of three types of fibers at various concentrations and in different combinations on flexural properties of denture base resin. Glass (GL), polyaromatic polyamide (PA) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (PE) fibers were added to heat-polymerized denture base resin with volume concentrations of 2.6%, 5.3%, and 7.9%, respectively. In addition, hybrid fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) combined with either two or three types of fibers were fabricated. The flexural strength, modulus and toughness of each group were measured with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. In the single fiber-reinforced composite groups, the 5.3% GL and 7.9% GL had the highest flexural strength and modulus; 5.3% PE was had the highest toughness. Hybrid FRC such as GL/PE, which showed the highest toughness and the flexural strength, was considered to be useful in preventing denture fractures clinically.

Statement of problem Current implant systems cannot completely prevent microleakage from the access holes of screw-retained implant prostheses, which may constitute risks to the clinical success of the implants. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of microleakage through the access holes of screw-retained implant prostheses sealed with different materials. Material and methods An implant with an internal hexagonal configuration was connected to a temporary abutment with an acrylic resin crown. The apical 6.5 mm of the access hole was filled with 1 of the following materials: cotton pellet, silicone sealing material, vinyl polysiloxane, or gutta-percha. The remaining coronal 3 mm was sealed with composite resin. Cyclic loading with 21 N at 1 Hz was applied 16 000 times to the specimens in 0.5% basic fuchsin solution according to the long axis of the tooth. Basic fuchsin dye which penetrated into the internal wall of the abutment through the access hole was dissolved with methyl alcohol. Then the absorbance was measured by a spectrophotometer at 540 nm to evaluate the degree of microleakage. The results were statistically analyzed with 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test. Results From greatest to least, the levels of microleakage were in the following order: cotton pellet, silicone sealing material, vinyl polysiloxane, and gutta-percha. The microleakage associated with gutta-percha was not significantly different from that of vinyl polysiloxane. Conclusions When sealing the access holes of screw-retained implant prostheses, gutta-percha or vinyl polysiloxane would help reduce microleakage.

Customized zirconia abutments are increasingly applied for the fabrication of esthetic implant restorations aimed at imitating the natural situation. These abutments are individually shaped according to the anatomical needs of the respective implant site.This study sought to compare the fracture resistance and fit accuracy of prefabricated and customized zirconia abutments using an internal hexagonal implant system (TSV®, Zimmer, Carlsbad, CA, USA).Two zirconia abutment groups were tested: prefabricated zirconia abutments (ZirAce, Acucera, Seoul, Korea) and customized zirconia abutments milled by the Zirkonzahn milling system. Twenty zirconia abutments per group were connected to implants on an acrylic resin base with 30-Ncm torque. The fracture resistance of zirconia abutments was measured with an angle of 30° at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min using the universal testing machine (Z020, Zwick, Ulm, Germany). Marginal and internal gaps between implants and zirconia abutments were measured after sectioning the embedded specimens using a digital microhardness tester (MXT70, Matsuzawa, Tokyo, Japan).The customized abutments were significantly stronger (1,430.2 N) than the prefabricated abutments (1,064.1 N). The mean marginal adaptation of customized abutments revealed a microgap that was increased (11.5 µm) over that in prefabricated abutments (4.3 µm).Within the limitations of this study, the customized abutments are significantly stronger than prefabricated abutments, but the fit is less accurate. The strength and fit of both abutments are within clinically acceptable limit.

Background: Customized zirconia abutments are increasingly applied for the fabrication of esthetic implant restorations aimed at imitating the natural situation. These abutments are individually shaped according to the anatomical needs of the respective implant site. Purpose: This study sought to compare the fracture resistance and fit accuracy of prefabricated and customized zirconia abutments using an internal hexagonal implant system (TSV®, Zimmer, Carlsbad, CA, USA). Materials and Methods: Two zirconia abutment groups were tested: prefabricated zirconia abutments (ZirAce, Acucera, Seoul, Korea) and customized zirconia abutments milled by the Zirkonzahn milling system. Twenty zirconia abutments per group were connected to implants on an acrylic resin base with 30-Ncm torque. The fracture resistance of zirconia abutments was measured with an angle of 30° at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min using the universal testing machine (Z020, Zwick, Ulm, Germany). Marginal and internal gaps between implants and zirconia abutments were measured after sectioning the embedded specimens using a digital microhardness tester (MXT70, Matsuzawa, Tokyo, Japan). Results: The customized abutments were significantly stronger (1,430.2 N) than the prefabricated abutments (1,064.1 N). The mean marginal adaptation of customized abutments revealed a microgap that was increased (11.5 µm) over that in prefabricated abutments (4.3 µm). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the customized abutments are significantly stronger than prefabricated abutments, but the fit is less accurate. The strength and fit of both abutments are within clinically acceptable limit.

Controversy exists regarding the "All-on-Four" concept for a mandibular full-arch fixed prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to examine photoelastically the effect of the inclination of the two distal implants according to the All-on-Four concept on the stress distribution within the supporting structure.Two photoelastic models of a human edentulous mandible were fabricated. Each model had four screw-type implants embedded in the interforaminal area. The two distal implants were placed axially in one model and tilted 30 degrees distally in the other model. Two cantilevered acrylic resin prostheses, which used angulated abutments for the distal tilted implants and straight abutments for the axial implants, were fabricated and delivered. Vertical loads of 13 kg were applied at three loading points on the prosthesis: the central fossa of the first molar, the distal fossa of the first premolar, and the distal fossa of the second premolar. Stresses that developed in the supporting structure were monitored photoelastically and recorded photographically.Whereas all cantilever loadings concentrated the stresses at the distal crest of the distal implant sites in both models, the posterior tilting of distal implants splinted in a full-arch fixed prosthesis did not increase the stresses in bone around the distal implants versus the axial-implant model.Within the limitations of this photoelastic stress analysis, the use of tilted implants reduced the maximum stress in the distal crestal bone of the distal implant by approximately 17% relative to the axial implants.

The aim of this study was to estimate the flexural properties of three kinds of experimental fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts and to evaluate their potential use as posts. Experimental FRC posts were fabricated with glass, aramid, and UHMWP fibers. Commercial FRC posts were used for comparison. A three-point bending test was performed at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Experimental glass fiber posts showed significantly higher flexural strengths and moduli than aramid and UHMWP posts. Experimental UHMWP posts demonstrated superior toughness to the commercial posts. The glass fiber posts displayed stiff, strong and brittle features, while the UHMWP posts were flexible, weak and ductile. The flexural properties of the aramid posts fell between those of the glass and UHMWP posts. In conclusion, the glass fiber posts proved excellent in flexural strengths and moduli. However, the superior toughness of UHMWP fibers suggests the possibility of their use as posts in combination with glass fibers.