A novel technique to detect cover screw location at stage two uncovery surgery over conventional technique - A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The conventional technique of implant uncovery using a blade and scalpel is associated with various drawbacks, including profuse bleeding, soft-tissue trauma, delayed healing, and patient noncompliance. Therefore, there is a need to explore the alternative approaches that offer improved accuracy and time efficiency during the cover screw location at the second stage of recovery. This study aims to assess the accuracy and time efficiency of a novel technique that utilizes an apex locator in comparison to conventional locating techniques for implant uncovery. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study employed a simple randomized controlled trial with a sample size of 161. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study employed apex locator (Woodpecker Woodpex III Gold 5th generation) in conjunction with a K-file (Mani k-file #10, 21 mm) for detecting the implant location. The accuracy of the novel technique was determined based on the values measured on the apex locator, with positive values indicating soft-tissue response and negative values indicating the cover screw (metal). The accuracy was cross-verified using radiovisiography (RVG). The clinician-based scoring was also done, considering RVG evaluation, amount of incision given, and ease of the procedure. The time required to locate the cover screw was recorded using a timer for both the novel technique and the conventional method. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: All the recorded values were statistically analyzed using the independent t-test (P < 0.005) with the SPSS software (version 23). RESULTS: The results revealed a significant difference in terms of incision given, ease of treatment, and time taken for the procedure (P < 0.05), while the accuracy of the novel technique was not disturbed (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this in vivo study, the use of an apex locator as an alternative to conventional methods for detecting cover screw location at the second stage of recovery is recommended. The novel technique demonstrated faster uncovering of implants without posing any risks to the surrounding tissues or implants.

Surface roughness and marginal adaptation of stereolithography versus digital light processing three-dimensional printed resins: An in-vitro study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess surface roughness and marginal adaptation of Stereolithographic versus Digital Light Processed three-dimensional (3D) printed provisional resins. Materials and Methods: A 3-unit fixed partial denture (FPD) preparation was done on ideal model irrespective to 44-46. The Model was scanned and a 3-unit FPD was designed using 3-shape software. The STL file was transferred to two different 3D printers - Sprintray digital light processing (DLP) and Formlabs stereolithography (SLA). Eight samples were printed per group (total of 16 samples) using C and B temporary tooth-colored resin and cured according to the manufacturer's instructions. Marginal adaptation was checked for six surfaces per tooth for all the samples using a stereomicroscope. Surface roughness was also calculated for four samples from each group before and after polishing (pumice slurry + rouge and cotton buff) using a contact profilometer. Results: The mean maximum marginal gap overall, was seen for the DLP group on the mesiobuccal surface of the first premolar, i.e., 178.8 ± 8.35 µm, while the minimal marginal gap was seen for the SLA group on the mesiolingual surface of first molar - 32.5 ± 7.07 µm. Furthermore, all the DLP samples showed a statistically significant higher mean marginal gap as compared to SLA samples (P < 0.005). All the samples showed surface roughness within the acceptable range. There was a statistically significant difference noted in Rz (roughness depth) before and after polishing (P < 0.05). Conclusion: 3D printed temporary resin FPD via SLA showed a much better marginal adaptation (49.6 µm mean marginal gap for 46 and 106.8 µm for 44) as compared to those printed via DLP (101.8 µm mean marginal gap for 46 and 157.5 µm for 44). All the samples showed an acceptable surface roughness. Clinical Relevance: 3D printed temporaries have shown good marginal fit and adaptation and are a viable choice in patients where temporaries has to be given for long term before a final prosthesis can be fabricated (especially for full mouth rehabilitations).