STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Zirconium oxide can be a substitute to titanium as implant materials to solve the esthetic problems of dark color in the gingival portion of implant restorations. PURPOSE: This study was performed to define attachment and growth behavior of osteoblast- like cells cultured on grooved surfaces of zirconium oxide and evaluate the genetic effect of zirconium oxide surfaces using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on (1) commercially pure titanium discs with smooth surface (T group), (2) yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) with machined surface (ZS group), and (3) Y-TZP with $100{\mu}m$ grooves (ZG group). Cell proliferation activity was evaluated through MTT assay and cell morphology was examined by SEM. The mRNA expression of Runx2, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, TGF-${\beta}1$, IGF-1, G3PDH in E1 cells were evaluated by RT-PCR. RESULTS: From the MTT assay, after 48 hours of adhesion of MC3T3-E1 cells, the mean optical density value of T group and ZG group significantly increased compared to the ZS group. SEM images of osteoblast-like cells showed that significantly more cells were observed to attach to the grooves and appeared to follow the direction of the grooves. After 24 hours of cell adhesion, more spreading and flattening of cells with active filopodia formation occurred. Results of RT-PCR suggest that T group, ZS group, and ZG group showed comparable osteoblast-specific gene expression after 24 hours of cell incubation. CONCLUSION: Surface topography and material of implants can play an important role in expression of osteoblast phenotype markers. Zirconia ceramic showed comparable biological responses of osteoblast-like cells with titanium during a short-time cell culture period. Also, grooves influence cell spreading and guide the cells to be aligned within surface grooves.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Interpoximal papilla could be re-established without immeidate support with a provisional resotration following an immdiate implant placement. PURPOSE: Successful esthetic outcomes were reported utilizing immediate provisionalization following immediate implant placements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the soft tissue esthetics around immediately placed single tooth implant restorations with or without immediate provisional restorations. METHODS: A total of ten patients, who had a hopeless maxillary anterior tooth, were enrolled in this study. Screw retained provisional restorations were delivered to the randomly chosen 5 patients (immediate provisionalization group) on the day of immediate implant placement and maintained for about 5 months. For the remaining five patients (non-immediate provisionalization group), healing abutments were delivered on the day of surgery, replaced with screw retained provisional restorations approximately 3 months afterwards, and the provisional restorations were maintained for about 3 months. Digital photographs were taken at the delivery of final restorations in order to assess following variables; mesial papilla, distal papilla, soft tissue level, soft tissue contour and facial soft tissue prominence. The variables were compared to those of the contralateral natural tooth and scored by prosthodontists, periodontists, orthodontists and dental students. RESULTS: The immediate provisionalization group marked significantly higher scores on the following variables; soft tissue level and facial soft tissue prominence. In evaluating each variable, there were no notable differences in opinion between four dentist groups. CONCLUSION: Immediate provisionalization can be a treatment option to achieve superior soft tissue esthetics around immediately placed single implant restorations rather than non-immediate provisionalization approaches.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The cast abutment has advantages of overcoming angulation problem and esthetic problem. However, when a gold-machined UCLA abutment undergoes casting, the abutment surfaces in contact with the implant may change. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the detorque values of prefabricated machined abutments with gold-premachined cast-on UCLA abutments before and after casting in two types of internal implant-abutment connection systems: (1) internal hexagonal joint, (2) internal octagonal joint. Furthermore, the detorque values of two implant-abutment connection systems were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty internal hexagonal implants with an 11-degree taper and twenty internal octagonal implants with an 8-degree taper were acquired. Ten prefabricated titanium abutments and ten gold-premachined UCLA abutments were used for each systems. Each abutment was torqued to 30 N㎝ according to the manufacturer's instructions and detorque value was recorded. The detorque values were measured once more, after casting with gold alloy for UCLA abutment, and preparation for titanium abutments. Group means were calculated and compared using independent t-test and paired t-test (${\alpha}$=0.05). RESULTS: The results were as follows: 1. The detorque values between titanium abutments and UCLA-type abutments showed significant differences in internal octagonal implants (P<0.05), not in internal hexagonal implants (P>0.05). 2. In comparison of internal hexagonal and octagonal implants, the detorque values of titanium abutments had significant differences between two connection systems on the initial analysis (P<0.05), not on the second analysis (P>0.05) and the detorque values of UCLA-type abutments were not significantly different between two connection systems (P>0.05). 3. The detorque values of titanium abutments and UCLA-type abutments decreased significantly on the second analysis than the initial analysis in internal hexagonal implants (P<0.05), not in internal octagonal implants (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Casting procedures of UCLA-type abutments had no significant effect on screw loosening in internal implant-abutment connection systems, and UCLA-type abutments showed higher detorque values than titanium abutments in internal octagonal implants.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Preparation of implant beds with lasers is considered a safe and reliable method, but the accuracy of this technique has not been examined. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of implant bed preparation using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An Er,Cr:YSGG laser was applied to pig rib bone. The laser was employed at a 5.75 W power setting, 30 Hz/sec pulse repetition, and 70 ${\mu}s$ pulse duration with 50 % water and 60% air spray. According to laser tips the groups were divided as follows; Group 1: paralleled - shaped sapphire tip (0.6 mm${\Phi}$), Group 2: paralleled - shaped zirconia tip (0.6 mm${\Phi}$), Group 3: tapered sapphire tip (0.4 mm${\Phi}$). The Er,Cr:YSGG laser tip was separated by 1 mm from the bone and applied for 15 seconds in a non-contact mode. After the application, the bone was sectioned for specimens. Histologic measurements were determined by computerized morphometry. The length of the prepared bone surface was measured and the width of the entrance was measured. The results were analyzed with one-way ANOVA (P<0.05). RESULTS: The prepared length of group 3 was longer than that of group 2. The prepared bone width was larger than the width of the laser tip in every group. Additional bone removal was observed adjacent to the prepared area and displayed an irregular surface. CONCLUSION & DISCUSSION: Different cutting effects were observed according to the laser tip, emphasizing the importance of proper tip selection in the clinical setting. This preliminary study supported the existence of hydrokinetic effects.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Detachment of the magnetic assembly from the denture base has been a problem in magnetic overdenture patients. PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to compare the dislodging force by the fixing materials and the designs of the magnetic assembly, and to compare the effect between the fixing materials and the designs of the magnetic assembly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two fixing materials, Jet denture repair $acrylic^{(R)}$ and Super-$Bond^{(R)}$ C&$B^{(R)}$ and two types of magnetic assembly designed with or without wing were used. Each magnetic assembly was fixed in the chamber of the denture base resin block ($Lucitone^{(R)}$199) with each fixing material respectively. These specimens were thermocycled 2,000 cycles in the water held at $4^{\circ}C$ and $60^{\circ}C$ with a dwell time of 1 min each time. Each specimen was seated in a testing jig and then a push-out test was performed with a universal testing machine at a cross head speed of 0.5 mm/min to measure the maximum dislodging forces. RESULTS: Comparing the fixing materials, Super-Bond C&$B^{(R)}$ showed superior dislodging force than Jet denture repair $acrylic^{(R)}$. Comparing the design of the magnetic assemblies, the wing design magnetic assembly showed better dislodging force. Combination of the Super-Bond C&$B^{(R)}$ as a fixing material and wing design magnetic assembly revealed a greatest dislodging force. The kind of fixing material was more influential than the type of magnetic assembly. CONCLUSION: The dislodging force of Super-Bond C&$B^{(R)}$ was significantly higher than Jet denture repair $acrylic^{(R)}$. And the dislodging force of magnetic assembly which have wing design was significantly higher than magnetic assembly which have no wing design.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Recently, various all-ceramic crowns fabricated with CAD/CAM systems have come into wide use in dental clinic. However, there are only few domestic studies on CAD/CAM restorations. PURPOSE: Purpose of this study was to compare the fidelity (absolute marginal discrepancy and internal gap) between various cores fabricated with different CAD/CAM systems (Procera system, Lava system, Cerec inLab system) and conventional metal cast core. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 cores per each system were fabricated. The absolute marginal discrepancies were measured using measuring microscope and digital counter. The internal gaps were calculated using a silicone paste. The results were statistically analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test and Tukey's HSD test. RESULTS: Within the limits of this study the results were as follows. 1. The absolute marginal discrepancies were $32.5{\pm}3.7\;{\mu}m$ for metal cast core, $72.2{\pm}7.0\;{\mu}m$ for Procera core, $40.8{\pm}5.4\;{\mu}m$ for Lava core, and $55.3{\pm}8.7\;{\mu}m$ for Cerec inLab core. The internal gaps were $38.4{\pm}5.7\;{\mu}m$ for metal cast core, $71.4{\pm}5.3\;{\mu}m$ for Procera core, $45.9{\pm}7.3\;{\mu}m$ for Lava core, and $51.8{\pm}6.2\;{\mu}m$ for Cerec inLab core. 2. The fidelity of metal cast core showed the smallest gaps, followed by Lava core, Cerec inLab core, and Procera core. CONCLUSION: The fidelities of 4 core groups were all within the clinically acceptable range ($120\;{\mu}m$).

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Recent data regarding the effects the cement type and abutment heights on the retentive force of a prosthetic crown are inconsistent and unable to suggest clinical guidelines. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study evaluated the effects of different types of temporary cements and abutment heights on the retentive strength of cement-retained implant-supported prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prefabricated implant abutments, 4 mm in diameter, $8^{\circ}$taper per side, and light chamfer margins, were used. The abutment heights of the implants were 4 mm, 5.5 mm and 7 mm. Seven specimens of a single crown similar to a first premolar were fabricated. Six commercially available temporary cements, TempBond, TempBond NE, Cavitec, Procem, Dycal, and IRM, were used in this study. Twenty-four hours after cementation, the retentive strengths were measured using a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The cementation procedures were repeated 3 times. The data was analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and a Tukey test (${\alpha}$=0.05). RESULTS: The tensile bond strength ranged from 1.76 kg to 19.98 kg. The lowest tensile strengths were similar in the TempBond and Cavitec agents. Dycal showed the highest tensile bond strength (P<0.01). More force was required to remove the crowns cemented to the long abutments (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: TempBond and Cavitec agents showed the lowest mean tensile bond strength. The Dycal agent showed more than double the tensile bond strength of the TempBond agent.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Implant-supported fixed cantilever prostheses are influenced by various biomechanical factors. The information that shows the effect of implant number and position of cantilever on stress in the supporting bone is limited. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of implant number variation and the effect of 2 different cantilever types on stress distribution in the supporting bone, using 3-dimensional finite element analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 3-D FE model of a mandibular section of bone with a missing second premolar, first molar, and second molar was developed. $4.1{\times}10$ mm screw-type dental implant was selected. 4.0 mm height solid abutments were fixed over all implant fixtures. Type III gold alloy was selected for implant-supported fixed prostheses. For mesial cantilever test, model 1-1 which has three $4.1{\times}10$ mm implants and fixed prosthesis with no pontic, model 1-2 which has two $4.1{\times}10$ mm implants and fixed prosthesis with a central pontic and model 1-3 which has two $4.1{\times}10$ mm implants and fixed prosthesis with mesial cantilever were simulated. And then, 155N oblique force was applied to the buccal cusp of second premolar. For distal cantilever test, model 2-1 which has three $4.1{\times}10$ mm implants and fixed prosthesis with no pontic, model 2-2 which has two $4.1{\times}10$ mm implants and fixed prosthesis with a central pontic and model 2-3 which has two $4.1{\times}10$ mm implants and fixed prosthesis with distal cantilever were simulated. And then, 206N oblique force was applied to the buccal cusp of second premolar. The implant and superstructure were simulated in finite element software(Pro/Engineer wildfire 2.0). The stress values were observed with the maximum von Mises stresses. RESULTS: Among the models without a cantilever, model 1-1 and 2-1 which had three implants, showed lower stress than model 1-2 and 2-2 which had two implants. Although model 2-1 was applied with 206N, it showed lower stress than model 1-2 which was applied with 155N. In models that implant positions of models were same, the amount of applied occlusal load largely influenced the maximum von Mises stress. Model 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3, which were loaded with 155N, showed less stress than corresponding model 2-1, 2-2 and 2- 3 which were loaded with 206N. For the same number of implants, the existence of a cantilever induced the obvious increase of maximum stress. Model 1-3 and 2-3 which had a cantilever, showed much higher stress than the others which had no cantilever. In all models, the von Mises stresses were concentrated at the cortical bone around the cervical region of the implants. Meanwhile, in model 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3, which were loaded on second premolar position, the first premolar participated in stress distribution. First premolars of model 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3 did not participate in stress distribution. CONCLUSION: 1. The more implants supported, the less stress was induced, regardless of applied occlusal loads. 2. The maximum von Mises stress in the bone of the implant-supported three unit fixed dental prosthesis with a mesial cantilever was 1.38 times that with a central pontic. The maximum von Mises stress in the bone of the implant-supported three-unit fixed dental prosthesis with a distal cantilever was 1.59 times that with a central pontic. 3. A distal cantilever induced larger stress in the bone than a mesial cantilever. 4. A adjacent tooth which contacts implant-supported fixed prosthesis participated in the stress distribution.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Effect of surface treatment of ceramic under loading does not appear to have been investigated. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of surface treatment of esthetic ceramic, which is performed to increase the bonding strength, on the fracture stress under controlled cyclic loading condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty 1.0 mm-thick specimens were made from Mark II Vitablocs (Vita Zahnfabrik, Germany) and divided into 3 groups: polished (control), sandblasted, and etched. Specimens of each group were bonded to a dentin analog material base including micro-channels to facilitate the flow of water to the bonding interface. Bonded ceramics were cyclically loaded with a flat-end piston in the water (500,000 cycles, 15Hz). Following completion of cyclic loading, specimens were examined for subsurface crack formation and subsequent stress was determined and loaded to next specimen by the staircase method according to the crack existence. RESULTS: There were significant differences of mean fatigue limit in the sandblasted (222.86 ${\pm}$ 23.42 N) and etched group (222.86 ${\pm}$ 14.16 N) when compared to polished group (251.43 ${\pm}$ 10.6 N) (P<.05; Wald-type pair-wise comparison and post hoc Bonferroni test). Of cracked specimens, surface treated group showed longer crack propagation after 24 hours. All failures originated from the radial cracking without cone crack. Fracture resistance of this study was very low and comparable to failure load in the oral cavity. CONCLUSION: Well controlled cyclic loading could induce clinically relevant cracks and fracture resistance of Mark II ceramic was relatively low applicable only to anterior restorations. Surface treatment of inner surface of feldspathic porcelain in the matsicatory area could influence lifetime of restorations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: It is known that an anodic oxidation technique, one of the methods for the implant surface treatment, remarkably increased surface area, enhanced wettability and accelerated the initial bone healing. Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the wettability of anodized titanium surface which has a nanotubular structure, to assess osseointegration after the placement of implant with nano-size tubes on tibia of rats and to analyze quantitatively transferable rhBMP-2 on each surface. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Four different kinds of surface-treated titanium discs (polished (machined surface) group, micro (blasting surface) group, nano (anodizedmachined surface) group, and nano-micro (anodized-blasting surface) group) were fabricated (n=10). Three different media were chosen to measure the surface contact angles; distilled water, plasma and rhBMP-2 solution. After a single drop (0.025 $m{\ell}$) of solution, the picture was taken with the image camera, and contact angle was measured by using image analysis system. For the test of osseointegration, 2 kinds of anodized surface (anodized-machined surface, anodized-blasting surface) implants having 2.0 mm in diameter and 5.0 mm in length inserted into the tibia of Wistar rats. After 3 weeks, tibia were harvested and the specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis. To test the possibility of drug delivery, after soaking sample groups in the concentration of 250 ng/$m{\ell}$l of rhBMP-2 for 48 hours, the excess solution of rhBMP-2 were removed. After that, they were lyophilized for 24 hours, and then the rhBMP-2 on the surface of titanium was resolved for 72 hours in PBS. All the extracted solution was analyzed by ELISA. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the data. RESULTS: The wettability is improved by anodic oxidation. The best wettability was shown on the nano-micro group, and it was followed by nano group, micro group, and polished group. In the histological findings, all implants showed good healing and the new bone formation were observed along the implant surface. After 3 days, nano-micro group delivered the most amount of rhBMP-2, followed by nano group, micro group, and polished group. CONCLUSION: It indicated that anodic oxidation on blasting surface produce functionally graded nano-micro porous structure and enhance hydrophilicity of the surface and osseointegration. The findings suggest that the nano-micro porous structure could be a useful carrier of osteogenic molecules like rhBMP-2.