Evaluation of antibacterial activity against Candida albicans according to the dosage of various denture cleansers

PURPOSE@#The purpose of this study is to compare the antibacterial activity of currently purchasable denture cleansers against Candida albicans. @*Materials and methods@#This study used tablet-type denture cleansers, PolidentⓇ , CoolingdentⓇ and FittydentⓇ , along with liquid denture cleansers, HexamedineⓇ , ListerineⓇ and Apple vinegarⓇ . The antibacterial activities of denture cleansers were evaluated based on the number of C. albicans and concentrations of the denture cleansers. @*Results@#In the 0.5 × 106 cfu/㎖ culture medium, the C. albicans’ death rate of PolidentⓇ was significantly lower than those of FittydentⓇ , HexamedineⓇ , ListerineⓇ , and Apple vinegarⓇ (P <.05). In the 0.5 × 107 cfu/, the C. albicans’ death rates of PolidentⓇ and CoolingdentⓇ were significantly lower than those of FittydentⓇ , HexamedineⓇ , ListerineⓇ and Apple vinegarⓇ (P <.05). The C. albicans’ death rates of PolidentⓇ and CoolingdentⓇ were significantly decreased at 0.02 g and 0.01 g. The C. albicans’ death rate of FittydentⓇ was significantly decreased at 0.005 g (P <.05). The C. albicans’ death rate of HexamedineⓇ was significantly decreased at 1/16 dilution. The C. albicans’ death rate of ListerineⓇ was decreased at 1/8 dilution, and the antibacterial activity of Apple vinegarⓇ was decreased at 1/4 dilution (P<.05). @*Conclusion@#As the number of C. albicans increased, the antibacterial activities of the denture cleansers decrease. In the tablet-type denture cleanser, all denture cleansers showed 100% C. albicans’ death rate when used at a dose of 1 tablet. One denture cleanser showed the same antibacterial effect with only 1/3 of a tablet. In the liquid type denture cleanser, the level of dilution required was different for each denture cleanser.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity against Candida albicans according to the dosage of various denture cleansers

PURPOSE@#The purpose of this study is to compare the antibacterial activity of currently purchasable denture cleansers against Candida albicans. @*Materials and methods@#This study used tablet-type denture cleansers, PolidentⓇ , CoolingdentⓇ and FittydentⓇ , along with liquid denture cleansers, HexamedineⓇ , ListerineⓇ and Apple vinegarⓇ . The antibacterial activities of denture cleansers were evaluated based on the number of C. albicans and concentrations of the denture cleansers. @*Results@#In the 0.5 × 106 cfu/㎖ culture medium, the C. albicans’ death rate of PolidentⓇ was significantly lower than those of FittydentⓇ , HexamedineⓇ , ListerineⓇ , and Apple vinegarⓇ (P <.05). In the 0.5 × 107 cfu/, the C. albicans’ death rates of PolidentⓇ and CoolingdentⓇ were significantly lower than those of FittydentⓇ , HexamedineⓇ , ListerineⓇ and Apple vinegarⓇ (P <.05). The C. albicans’ death rates of PolidentⓇ and CoolingdentⓇ were significantly decreased at 0.02 g and 0.01 g. The C. albicans’ death rate of FittydentⓇ was significantly decreased at 0.005 g (P <.05). The C. albicans’ death rate of HexamedineⓇ was significantly decreased at 1/16 dilution. The C. albicans’ death rate of ListerineⓇ was decreased at 1/8 dilution, and the antibacterial activity of Apple vinegarⓇ was decreased at 1/4 dilution (P<.05). @*Conclusion@#As the number of C. albicans increased, the antibacterial activities of the denture cleansers decrease. In the tablet-type denture cleanser, all denture cleansers showed 100% C. albicans’ death rate when used at a dose of 1 tablet. One denture cleanser showed the same antibacterial effect with only 1/3 of a tablet. In the liquid type denture cleanser, the level of dilution required was different for each denture cleanser.

The effects of surface grinding and polishing on the phase transformation and flexural strength of zirconia

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of surface grinding and polishing procedures using high speed zirconia diamond burs with different grit sizes on the phase transformation and flexural strength of zirconia.

Corrosion Behaviors of Dental Implant Alloy after Micro-sized Surface Modification in Electrolytes Containing Mn Ion

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the corrosion behaviors of dental implant alloy after micro-sized surface modification in electrolytes containing Mn ion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mn-TiO₂ coatings were prepared on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy for dental implants using a plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) method carried out in electrolytes containing different concentrations of Mn, namely, 0%, 5%, and 20%. Potentiodynamic method was employed to examine the corrosion behaviors, and the alternating-current (AC) impedance behaviors were examined in 0.9% NaCl solution at 36.5℃±1.0℃ using a potentiostat and an electrochemical impedance spectroscope. The potentiodynamic test was performed with a scanning rate of 1.667 mV s⁻¹ from −1,500 to 2,000 mV. A frequency range of 10⁻¹ to 10⁵ Hz was used for the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The amplitude of the AC signal was 10 mV, and 5 points per decade were used. The morphology and structure of the samples were examined using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and thin-film X-ray diffraction. The elemental analysis was performed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. RESULT: The PEO-treated surface exhibited an irregular pore shape, and the pore size and number of the pores increased with an increase in the Mn concentration. For the PEO-treated surface, a higher corrosion current density (I(corr)) and a lower corrosion potential (E(corr)) was obtained as compared to that of the bulk surface. However, the current density in the passive regions (I(pass)) was found to be more stable for the PEO-treated surface than that of the bulk surface. As the Mn concentration increased, the capacitance values of the outer porous layer and the barrier layer decreased, and the polarization resistance of the barrier layers increased. In the case of the Mn/Ca-P coatings, the corroded surface was found to be covered with corrosion products. CONCLUSION: It is confirmed that corrosion resistance and polarization resistance of PEO-treated alloy increased as Mn content increased, and PEO-treated surface showed lower current density in the passive region.

Case of making maxillary palatal augmentation complete denture for patient with dysphagia after partial glossectomy

If complication arises after glossectomy which leads to trouble in forming food bolus or transfer of the food, it is possible that either food bolus may block the airway or dysphagia may occur as the food bolus goes down into the airway. To solve the issue, palatal augmentation prosthesis could be used. In this case, the patient with an oral cancer is having difficulties swallowing food after glossectomy. Through taking impressions of polishing surface of his denture referring his tongue movement, the complete denture for the upper jaw was created using the concept of palatal augmentation prosthesis. This new upper denture increases the palatal-tongue contact pressure, allowing the patient to perform better swallowing and better pronunciation.

Effect of different grinding burs on the physical properties of zirconia

PURPOSE: Grinding with less stress on 3Y-TZP through proper selection of methods and instruments can lead to a long-term success of prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the phase transformation and physical properties after zirconia surface grinding with 3 different grinding burs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty disc-shaped zirconia specimens were fabricated. Each Ten specimens were ground with AllCeramic SuperMax (NTI, Kahla, Germany), Dura-Green DIA (Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan), and Dura-Green (Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan). Ten specimens were not ground and used as a control group. After the specimen grinding, XRD analysis, surface roughness test, FE-SEM imaging, and biaxial flexural strength test were performed. RESULTS: After surface grinding, small amount of monoclinic phase in all experimental groups was observed. The phase change was higher in specimens, which were ground with Dura-Green DIA and AllCeramic SuperMax burs. The roughness of surfaces increased in specimens, which were ground with Dura-Green DIA and AllCeramic SuperMax burs than control groups and ground with Dura-Green. All experimental groups showed lower flexural strength than control group, but there was no statistically significant difference between control group and ground with Dura-Green DIA and AllCeramic SuperMax burs. The specimens, which were ground with Dura- Green showed the lowest strength. CONCLUSION: The use of dedicated zirconia-specific grinding burs such as Dura-Green DIA and AllCeramic SuperMax burs decreases the grinding time and did not significantly affect the flexural strength of zirconia, and therefore, they may be recommended. However, a fine polishing process should be accompanied to reduce the surface roughness after grinding.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract for mouthwash and denture cleaning solution

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract for assessing whether Dendropanax morbifera Léveille can be used for the development of natural mouthwash and denture cleaning solution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extract was obtained from branches of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille. The solvent fractions were acquired by fractionating Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and butanol solvent. Paper disc test was used to evaluate the antimicrobial and antifungal activity of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract and solvent fractions against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. The analysis of antioxidant activity was carried out through DPPH radical scavenging assay. The cytotoxicity of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract was analyzed through MTT assay using normal human oral keratinocytes. RESULTS: Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract showed antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and especially Candida albicans. The solvent fractions of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille showed strong antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans in n-hexane and butanol solvent fraction, respectively. Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract also showed outstanding antioxidant activity. Butanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform solvent fraction of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille tended to have increased antioxidant activity as the concentration increased. Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract showed high cell survival rate in cytotoxicity test. CONCLUSION: Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract turned out to have antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and cytophilicity. Based on these results, it is expected that Dendropanax morbifera Léveille is applicable as an ingredient for natural mouthwash and denture cleanser.

Clinical problems of computer-guided implant surgery / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The utilization of a cone-beam computed tomography (CT)-assisted surgical template allows for predictable results because implant placement plans can be performed in the actual surgery. In order to assess the accuracy of the CT-guided surgery, angular errors and shoulder/apex distance errors were evaluated by data fusion from before and after the placement. METHODS: Computer-guided implant surgery was performed in five patients with 19 implants. In order to analyze differences of the implant fixture body between preoperative planned implant and postoperative placed implant, angular error and distance errors were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean angular errors between the preoperative planned and postoperative placed implant was 3.84°± 1.49°; the mean distance errors between the planned and placed implants were 0.45 ± 0.48 mm horizontally and 0.63 ± 0.51 mm vertically at the implant neck and 0.70 ± 0.63 mm horizontally and 0.64 ± 0.57 mm vertically at the implant apex for all 19 implants. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to be able to utilize these methods in actual clinical settings by improving the various problems, including the considerations of patient mouth opening limitations, surgical guide preparation, and fixation.

Contour of lingual surface in lower complete denture formed by polished surface impression

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the shapes of lingual polished surfaces in lower complete dentures formed by polished surface impressions and to provide reference data for use when manufacturing edentulous trays and lower complete dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with mandibular edentulism were studied. After lower wax dentures were fabricated, wax was removed from the lingual side of the wax denture and a lingual polished surface impression was obtained with tissue conditioner. The definitive denture was scanned with a three-dimensional scanner, and scanned images were obtained. At the cross-sections of the lingual frenum, lateral incisors, first premolars, first molars, and anterior border of the retromolar pads, three points were marked and eight measurements were taken. The Kruskal-Wallis test and a post hoc analysis with the Mann-Whitney test were performed. RESULTS: Each patient showed similar values for the same areas on the left and right sides without a statistically significant difference. The height of the contour of the lingual polished surface at the lingual frenum was halfway between the occlusal plane and lingual border, it moved gradually in a downward direction. The angle from the occlusal plane to the height of the contour of the lingual polished surface was increased as it progressed from the lingual frenum towards the retromolar pads. CONCLUSION: The shape of the mandibular lingual polished surface was convex at the lingual frenum, lateral incisors and gradually flattened towards the first molars and retromolar pads.

Color stability, water sorption and cytotoxicity of thermoplastic acrylic resin for non metal clasp denture

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the color stability, water sorption and cytotoxicity of thermoplastic acrylic resin for the non-metal clasp dentures to those of thermoplastic polyamide and conventional heat-polymerized denture base resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three types of denture base resin, which are conventional heat-polymerized acrylic resin (Paladent 20), thermoplastic polyamide resin (Bio Tone), thermoplastic acrylic resin (Acrytone) were used as materials for this study. One hundred five specimens were fabricated. For the color stability test, specimens were immersed in the coffee and green tee for 1 and 8 weeks. Color change was measured by spectrometer. Water sorption was tested after 1 and 8 weeks immersion in the water. For the test of cytotoxicity, cell viability assay was measured and cell attachment was analyzed by FE-SEM. RESULTS: All types of denture base resin showed color changes after 1 and 8 weeks immersion. However, there was no significant difference between denture base resins. All specimens showed significant color changes in the coffee than green tee. In water sorption test, thermoplastic acrylic resin showed lower values than conventional heat-polymerized acrylic resin and thermoplastic polyamide resin. Three types of denture base showed low cytotoxicity in cell viability assay. Thermoplastic acrylic resin showed the similar cell attachment but more stable attachment than conventional heat-polymerized acrylic resin. CONCLUSION: Thermoplastic acrylic resin for the non-metal clasp denture showed acceptable color stability, water sorption and cytotoxicity. To verify the long stability in the mouth, additional in vitro studies are needed.

Clinical evaluation of retained preload and cement washout in screw- and cement-retained implant prosthesis / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of screw- and cement-retained implant prosthesis (SCP) design in terms of retained preload of abutment screws and cement washout. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with the partial posterior edentulous areas comprised the study group. Implants were placed, and SCPs were delivered after 3 to 6 months healing. Follow-up examinations were performed. The implant survival rate and the prosthetic success rate were evaluated. The retained preload ratio of abutment screws and the prosthetic decementation ratio were measured. RESULTS: Twenty one SCPs (forty three implants)in twenty patients were followed up to 64 months. All of the implants survived during the follow-up period (mean follow-up: 34 months). The prosthetic success rate was 100 % considering no abutment, screw, porcelain or metal frame fractures, as well as no screw loosening. The retained preload ratio of SCPs at the end of follow-up period was 97.61% (+/-16.29) and the decementation ratio was 9.5 %. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this clinical study, SCP design showed favorable short-term clinical performances in respect of screw loosening and cement washout.

Effect of cement washout on loosening of abutment screws and vice versa in screw- and cement- retained implant-supported dental prosthesis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the abutment screw stability of screw- and cement-retained implant-supported dental prosthesis (SCP) after simulated cement washout as well as the stability of SCP cements after complete loosening of abutment screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six titanium CAD/CAM-made implant prostheses were fabricated on two implants placed in the resin models. Each prosthesis is a two-unit SCP: one screw-retained and the other cemented. After evaluating the passive fit of each prosthesis, all implant prostheses were randomly divided into 3 groups: screwed and cemented SCP (Control), screwed and noncemented SCP (Group 1), unscrewed and cemented SCP (Group 2). Each prosthesis in Control and Group 1 was screwed and/or cemented, and the preloading reverse torque value (RTV) was evaluated. SCP in Group 2 was screwed and cemented, and then unscrewed (RTV=0) after the cement was set. After cyclic loading was applied, the postloading RTV was measured. RTV loss and decementation ratios were calculated for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in RTV loss ratio between Control and Group 1 (P=.16). No decemented prosthesis was found among Control and Group 2. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this in vitro study, the stabilities of SCP abutment screws and cement were not significantly changed after simulated cement washout or screw loosening.

Effect of various intraoral repair systems on the shear bond strength of composite resin to zirconia

PURPOSE: This study compared the effect of three intraoral repair systems on the bond strength between composite resin and zirconia core. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty zirconia specimens were divided into three groups according to the repair method: Group I- CoJet(TM) Repair System (3M ESPE) [chairside silica coating with 30 microm SiO2 + silanization + adhesive]; Group II- Ceramic Repair System (Ivoclar Vivadent) [etching with 37% phosphoric acid + Zirconia primer + adhesive]; Group III- Signum Zirconia Bond (Heraus) [Signum Zirconia Bond I + Signum Zirconia Bond II]. Composite resin was polymerized on each conditioned specimen. The shear bond strength was tested using a universal testing machine, and fracture sites were examined with FE-SEM. Surface morphology and wettability after surface treatments were examined additionally. The data of bond strengths were statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tamhane post hoc test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Increased surface roughness and the highest wettability value were observed in the CoJet sand treated specimens. The specimens treated with 37% phosphoric acid and Signum Zirconia Bond I did not show any improvement of surface irregularity, and the lowest wettability value were found in 37% phosphoric acid treated specimens. There was no significant difference in the bond strengths between Group I (7.80 +/- 0.76 MPa) and III (8.98 +/- 1.39 MPa). Group II (3.21 +/- 0.78 MPa) showed a significant difference from other groups (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The use of Intraoral silica coating system and the application of Signum Zirconia Bond are effective for increasing the bond strength of composite resin to zirconia.

Retrospective study of implant stability according to the implant length, diameter and position / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the influence of implant diameter, length and placement to implant stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 90 implants (US II plus(TM), Osstem co, Busan, Korea) of 72 patients were determined as experimental samples. The factors of diameters(o 4 mm, o 5 mm), lengths (10 mm, 11.5 mm, 13 mm), and implant placement (maxilla, mandible) were analyzed. The stability of the implants was measured by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at the time of implant placement and impression taking. The difference of ISQ values according to patient's gender was evaluated by Independent t-test. ISQ values were compared between implant diameter, length and placement using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (alpha=.05). To compare ISQ values between at the time of surgery and impression taking, paired t-tests were used (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The change of implant length did not show significant different on the ISQ value (P>.05). However, 5 mm diameter implants had higher ISQ values than 4 mm diameter implants (P<.05). Implants placed on the mandible showed significantly higher ISQ values than on the maxilla (P<.05). CONCLUSION: In order to increase implant stability, it is better to select the wider implant, and implants placed on mandible are possible to get higher stability than maxilla. ISQ values at impression taking showed higher implant stability than ISQ values at implant placement, it means that RFA is clinically effective method to evaluate the change of implant stability through the osseointegration. The consideration of the factors which may affect to the implant stability will help to determine the time of load applying and increase the implant success rate.

Comparison of condylar guidance using ARCUSdigma 2 and Checkbite / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: Nowadays, checkbite methods and a digital sensor are used to analyze the movement of mandible. However, there are no study comparing two methods. Therefore, this study has compared measuring the condylar inclination methods by using the new ARCUSdigma 2 system and the checkbite method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Young 20 adults without any orthodontic treatment experiences, missing teeth, and restorations with the change of occlusal plane were tested. Angles of condylar path were measured 3 times each, based on Camper's line, by using two methods. KaVo PROTAR Evo 7 semi-adjustable articulator was used and the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The anterior sagittal condylar inclination by ARCUSdigma 2 system were measured as 26.97degrees(+/-7.38degrees) on the left side and 29.80degrees(+/-8.19degrees) on the right side. The lateral condylar inclination were measured as 5.75degrees(+/-3.47degrees) on the left side and 8.10degrees(+/-4.98degrees) on the right side. 2. The anterior sagittal condylar inclination by checkbite method were measured as 25.20degrees(+/-6.53degrees) on the left side and 28.18degrees(+/-7.38degrees) on the right side. The lateral condylar inclination were measured as 10.97degrees(+/-5.63degrees) on the left side and 12.03degrees(+/-5.22degrees) on the right side. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female (P>.05). 3. The lateral condylar inclinations of ARCUSdigma 2 were statistically significantly smaller than that of checkbite method (P.05). However, the lateral condylar inclinations of ARCUSdigma 2 were statistically significantly smaller than that of checkbite method (P<.05).

Comparison of fatigue fracture strength by fixture diameter of mini implants / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to obtain difference in fracture strength according to the diameter of one-body O-ring-type of mini implant fixture, to determine the resistance of mini implant to masticatory pressure, and to examine whether overdenture using O-ring type mini implant is clinically usable to maxillary and mandibular edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study, 13 mm long one body O-ring-type mini implants of different diameters (2.0 mm, 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm) (Dentis, Daegu, Korea) were prepared, 5 for each diameter. The sample was placed at 30degrees from the horizontal surface on the universal testing machine, and off-axis loading was applied until permanent deformation occurred and the load was taken as maximum compressive strength. The mean value of the 5 samples was calculated, and the compressive strength of implant fixture was compared according to diameter. In addition, we prepared 3 samples for each diameter, and applied loading equal to 80%, 60% and 40% of the compressive strength until fracture occurred. Then, we measured the cycle number on fracture and analyzed fatigue fracture for each diameter. Additionally, we measured the cycle number on fracture that occurred when a load of 43 N, which is the average masticatory force of complete denture, was applied. The difference on compressive strength between each group was tested statistically using one-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: Compressive strength according to the diameter of mini implant was 101.5 +/- 14.6 N, 149 +/- 6.1 N and 276.0 +/- 13.4 N, respectively, for diameters 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm. In the results of fatigue fracture test at 43 N, fracture did not occur until 2x106 cycles at diameter 2.0 mm, and until 5x106 cycles at 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm. CONCLUSION: Compressive strength increased significantly with increasing diameter of mini implant. In the results of fatigue fracture test conducted under the average masticatory force of complete denture, fracture did not occur at any of the three diameters. All of the three diameters are usable for supporting overdenture in maxillary and mandibular edentulous patients, but considering that the highest masticatory force of complete denture is 157 N, caution should be used in case diameter 2.0 mm or 2.5 mm is used.

Gingival recontouring by provisional implant restoration for optimal emergence profile: report of two cases

PURPOSE: The emergence profile concept of an implant restoration is one of the most important factors for the esthetics and health of peri-implant soft tissue. This paper reports on two cases of gingival recontouring by the fabrication of a provisional implant restoration to produce an optimal emergence profile of a definitive implant restoration. METHODS: After the second surgery, a preliminary impression was taken to make a soft tissue working cast. A provisional crown was fabricated on the model. The soft tissue around the implant fixture on the model was trimmed with a laboratory scalpel to produce the scalloped gingival form. Light curing composite resin was added to fill the space between the provisional crown base and trimmed gingiva. After 4 to 6 weeks, the final impression was taken to make a definitive implant restoration, where the soft tissue and tooth form were in harmony with the adjacent tooth. RESULTS: At the first insertion of the provisional restoration, gum bleaching revealed gingival pressure. Four to six weeks after placing the provisional restoration, the gum reformed with harmony between the peri-implant gingiva and adjacent dentition. CONCLUSIONS: Gingival recontouring with a provisional implant restoration is a non-surgical and non-procedure-sensitive method. The implant restoration with the optimal emergence profile is expected to provide superior esthetic and functional results.

Anthropometric analysis of maxillary anterior buccal bone of Korean adults using cone-beam CT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the thickness of buccal and palatal alveolar bone and buccal bony curvature below root apex in maxillary anterior teeth of Korean adults using Cone-beam CT images. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 3D image was reconstructed with dicom file obtained through CBCT from 20 - 39 year old Korean subjects (n = 20). The thickness of buccal and palatal plate, root diameter, the buccal bony curvature angle below root apex and the distance from root apex to the deepest point of buccal bony curvature were measured on maxillary anterior teeth area using OnDemand3D program. RESULTS: Mean thickness of buccal plate 3 mm below CEJ was 0.68 +/- 0.29 mm at central incisor, 0.76 +/- 0.59 mm at lateral incisor, and 1.07 +/- 0.80 mm at canine. Mean thickness of palatal plate 3 mm below CEJ was 1.53 +/- 0.55 mm of central incisor, 1.18 +/- 0.66 mm of lateral incisor, 1.42 +/- 0.77 mm of canine. Bucco-lingual diameter 3 mm below CEJ was 5.13 +/- 0.37 mm of central incisor, 4.58 +/- 0.46 mm of lateral incisor, and 5.93 +/- 0.47 mm of canine. Buccal bony curvature angle below root apex was 134.7 +/- 17.5degrees at central incisor, 151.0 +/- 13.9degrees at lateral incisor, 153.0 +/- 9.5degrees at canine. Distance between root apex and the deepest point of buccal bony curvature of central incisor was 3.67 +/- 1.28 mm at central incisor, 3.90 +/- 1.51 mm at lateral incisor, and 5.13 +/- 1.70 mm at canine. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study in Korean adults, the thickness of maxillary anterior buccal plate was very thin within 1mm and the thickness of palatal plate was thick, relatively. The buccal bony curvature below root apex of maxillary central incisor was higher than that of lateral incisor and canine and it seems that the buccal bony plate below root apex of central incisor is most curved.

Sinking and fit of abutment of locking taper implant system

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Unlike screw-retention type, fixture-abutment retention in Locking taper connection depends on frictional force so it has possibility of abutment to sink. PURPOSE: In this study, Bicon(R) Implant System, one of the conical internal connection implant system, was used with applying loading force to the abutments connected to the fixture. Then the amount of sinking was measured. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 10 Bicon(R) implant fixtures were used. First, the abutment was connected to the fixture with finger force. Then it was tapped with a mallet for 3 times and loads of 20 kg corresponding to masticatory force using loading application instrument were applied successively. The abutment state, slightly connected to the fixture without pressure was considered as a reference length, and every new abutment length was measured after each load's step was added. The amount of abutment sinking (mm) was gained by subtracting the length of abutment-fixture under each loading condition from reference length. RESULTS: It was evident, that the amount of abutment sinking in Bicon(R) Implant System increased as loads were added. When loads of 20 kg were applied more than 5 - 7 times, sinking stopped at 0.45 +/- 0.09 mm. CONCLUSION: Even though locking taper connection type implant shows good adaption to occlusal force, it has potential for abutment sinking as loads are given. When locking taper connection type implant is used, satisfactory loads are recommended for precise abutment location.

Abrasion of abutment screw coated with TiN

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Screw loosening has been a common complication and still reported frequently. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate abrasion of the implant fixture and TiN coated abutment screw after repeated delivery and removal with universal measuring microscope. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Implant systems used for this study were Osstem and 3i. Seven pairs of implant fixtures, abutments and abutment screws for each system were selected and all the fixtures were perpendicularly mounted in liquid unsaturated polyesther with dental surveyor. After 20 times of repeated closing and opening test, the evaluation for the change of inner surface of implant and TiN-coated abutment screw, and weight loss were measured. Mann-Whitney test with SPSS statistical software for Window was applied to analyze the measurement of weight loss. RESULTS: TiN-coated abutment screws of Osstem and 3i showed lesser loss of weight than non-coated those of Osstem and 3i (P < .05, Mann-Whitney test). CONCLUSION: Conclusively, TiN coating of abutment screw showed better resistance to abrasion than titanium abutment screw. It was concluded that TiN coating of abutment screw would reduce the loss of preload with good abrasion resistance and low coefficient of friction, and help to maintain screw joint stability.