• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2021

Purpose: This study was performed to compare the ability of limited- and large-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to display isthmuses in the apical root canals of mandibular molars. Materials and Methods: Forty human mandibular first molars with isthmuses in the apical 3 mm of mesial roots were scanned by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and their thickness, area, and length were recorded. The samples were examined using 2 CBCT systems, using the smallest voxels and field of view available for each device. The Mann-Whitney, Friedman, and Dunn multiple comparison tests were performed (α=0.05). Results: The 3D Accuitomo 170 and i-Cat devices detected 77.5% and 75.0% of isthmuses, respectively (P>0.05). For length measurements, there were significant differences between micro-CT and both 3D Accuitomo 170 and i-Cat(P<0.05). Conclusion: Both CBCT systems performed similarly and did not detect isthmuses in the apical third in some cases. CBCT still does not equal the performance of micro-CT in isthmus detection, but it is nonetheless a valuable tool in endodontic practice.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.1656-1666
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• 2021

Dental pathogens lead to chronic diseases like periodontitis, which causes loss of teeth. Here, we examined the plausible antibacterial efficacy of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesized using Cupressus macrocarpa extract (CME) against periodontitis-causing bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of CME-CuNPs were then assessed against oral microbes (M. luteus. B. subtilis, P. aerioginosa) that cause periodontal disease and were identified using morphological/ biochemical analysis, and 16S-rRNA techniques. The CME-CuNPs were characterized, and accordingly, the peak found at 577 nm using UV-Vis spectrometer showed the formation of stable CME-CuNPs. Also, the results revealed the formation of spherical and oblong monodispersed CME-CuNPs with sizes ranged from 11.3 to 22.4 nm. The FTIR analysis suggested that the CME contains reducing agents that consequently had a role in Cu reduction and CME-CuNP formation. Furthermore, the CME-CuNPs exhibited potent antimicrobial efficacy against different isolates which was superior to the reported values in literature. The antibacterial efficacy of CME-CuNPs on oral bacteria was compared to the synergistic solution of clindamycin with CME-CuNPs. The solution exhibited a superior capacity to prevent bacterial growth. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) of CME-CuNPs with clindamycin recorded against the selected periodontal disease-causing microorganisms were observed between the range of 2.6-3.6 ㎍/ml, 4-5 ㎍/ml and 0.312-0.5, respectively. Finally, the synergistic antimicrobial efficacy exhibited by CME-CuNPs with clindamycin against the tested strains could be useful for the future development of more effective treatments to control dental diseases.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.69-78
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• 2021

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the change in the temperature of the adhesive resin in polycrystalline ceramic brackets irradiated using a diode laser at different irradiation energy levels and times. Materials and Methods: For the measurement of the temperature of the adhesive resin, it was applied at the base of the ceramic bracket, a thermocouple was placed at the center of the base surface, the bracket was placed on prepared resin specimens for light curing, and a laser was irradiated to the center of the bracket slot at 5, 7, and 10 W. For the measurement of the temperatures of the enamel under the bracket and pulp cavity, extracted premolar was fixed to a prepared mold and the ceramic bracket was bonded to the buccal surface of the premolar. The Kruskal-Wallis H test and Friedman test were used for statistical analysis. Result: At 5 W, the temperature of the adhesive resin did not reach the resin softening temperature of 200℃ within 30 seconds. At 7 W, it reached 200℃ when the ceramic bracket was irradiated continuously for 28 seconds. At 10 W, it reached 200℃ when the ceramic bracket was irradiated continuously for 15 seconds. During laser irradiation, the temperature of the enamel under the bracket increased by over 5℃ within 15 seconds. Conclusion: The use of diode laser irradiation for bracket debonding should be carefully considered because the pulp cavity temperature increases by over 5℃ within the irradiation time for resin thermal softening.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.399-406
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• 2021

Purpose: This in vitro study measured and compared 3 intraoral scanners' accuracy (trueness and precision) with different span lengths. Materials and Methods: Three master casts were prepared to simulate 3 different span lengths (fixed partial dentures with 3, 4, and 5 units). Each master cast was scanned once with an E3 lab scanner and 10 times with each of the 3 intraoral scanners (Trios 3, Planmeca Emerald, and Primescan AC). Data were stored as Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files. The differences between measurements were compared 3-dimensionally using metrology software. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance with post hoc analysis by the Tukey honest significant difference test for trueness and precision. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the 3 intraoral scanners in trueness and precision (P<0.05). Primescan AC showed the lowest trueness and precision values(36.8 ㎛ and 42.0 ㎛;(39.4 ㎛ and 51.2 ㎛; and 54.9 ㎛ and 52.7 ㎛) followed by Trios 3 (38.9 ㎛ and 53.5 ㎛; 49.9 ㎛ and 59.1 ㎛; and 58.1 ㎛ and 64.5 ㎛) and Planmeca Emerald (60.4 ㎛ and 63.6 ㎛; 61.3 ㎛ and 69.0 ㎛; and 70.8 ㎛ and 74.3 ㎛) for the 3-unit, 4-unit, and 5-unit fixed partial dentures, respectively. Conclusion: Primescan AC had the best trueness and precision, followed by Trios 3 and Planmeca Emerald. Increasing span length reduced the trueness and precession of the 3 scanners; however, their values were within the accepted successful ranges.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.70-77
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• 2022

PURPOSE. This study evaluated screw loosening and 3D crown displacement after cyclic loading of implant-supported incisor crowns cemented with original titanium bases or with three compatible, nonoriginal components. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of 32 dental implants were divided into four groups (n = 8 each): Group 1 used original titanium bases, while Groups 2-4 used compatible components. The reverse torque value (RTV) was evaluated prior to and after cyclic loading (1,200,000 cycles). Samples (prior to and after cyclic loading) were scanned with a microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Preload and postload files were superimposed by 3D inspection software, and 3D crown displacement analysis was performed using root-mean-square (RMS) values. All datasets were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc analysis. RESULTS. Significant variations were observed in the postload RTV, depending on the titanium base brand (P < .001). The mean postload RTVs were significantly higher in Groups 1 and 2 than in the other study groups. While evaluating 3D crown displacement, the lowest mean RMS value was shown in the original Group 1, with the highest RMS value occurring in Group 4. CONCLUSION. Within the limitations of this in vitro study and under the implemented conditions, it was concluded that the manufacturer brand of the titanium base significantly influenced screw loosening following the fatigue test and influenced 3D crown displacement after cyclic loading.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Dental Administration
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.38-43
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• 2021

Based on data from the Korean Academy for Dental Administration, which has been conducting the Dental Quality Improvement (QI) Contest since 2010, we aimed to provide basic data for the development of dental quality improvement indicators by analyzing the trends of dental quality improvement activities. A total of 54 articles in the dental QI contest from 2015 to 2021 were used to search for frequently used words and to classify the quality of dental care. The criteria for the quality dimension of dental care were first classified into structure, process, and outcome, and secondary classification was performed into patient safety, timeliness, patient-centeredness, equity, efficiency, effectiveness, and accessibility. The frequently used key terms were satisfaction (five times), efficiency (four times), system (three times), and implant (three times). The activities for process evaluation were high at 62.26%, structural evaluation activities at 35.85%, and outcome evaluation activities at 1.89%. According to the components of dental care quality improvement, the activity performed under efficiency was the highest (33.96%), followed by patient-centeredness (18.87%), effectiveness (16.98%), patient safety (15.09%), accessibility (5.66%), timeliness (1.89%), and the equity (1.89%). QI activities in dental hospitals were mainly activities on improvement in structure and process, as well as activities on efficiency, patient-centeredness, effectiveness, and patient safety.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.422-432
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare straight and tapered implant designs in terms of marginal bone loss, the modified plaque index (mPI), and the modified bleeding index (mBI) for 5 years after functional loading. Methods: Twelve patients were recruited. Two types of implants were placed adjacent to each other: 1 straight implant and 1 tapered implant. Marginal bone loss, mPI, and mBI were measured every year for 5 years after loading. Results: The straight implants showed 0.2±0.4 mm of marginal bone loss at 5 years after loading, while the tapered implants showed 0.2±0.3 mm of marginal bone loss; this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.833). Our analysis also showed no statistically significant differences in mPI (straight implants: 0.3±0.3 vs. tapered implants: 0.2±0.3; P=0.414) or in mBI (straight implants: 0.3±0.4 vs. tapered implants: 0.2±0.3; P=0.317) at 5 years after prosthesis delivery. Conclusions: Straight and tapered implants showed no significant differences with respect to marginal bone loss, mPI, and mBI for 5 years after loading.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2023

PURPOSE. Accuracy of image matching between resting and smiling facial models is affected by the stability of the reference surfaces. This study aimed to investigate the morphometric variations in subdivided facial units during resting, posed and spontaneous smiling. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The posed and spontaneous smiling faces of 33 adults were digitized and registered to the resting faces. The morphological changes of subdivided facial units at the forehead (upper and lower central, upper and lower lateral, and temple), nasal (dorsum, tip, lateral wall, and alar lobules), and chin (central and lateral) regions were assessed by measuring the 3D mesh deviations between the smiling and resting facial models. The one-way analysis of variance, Duncan post hoc tests, and Student's t-test were used to determine the differences among the groups (α = .05). RESULTS. The smallest morphometric changes were observed at the upper and central forehead and nasal dorsum; meanwhile, the largest deviation was found at the nasal alar lobules in both the posed and spontaneous smiles (P < .001). The spontaneous smile generally resulted in larger facial unit changes than the posed smile, and significant difference was observed at the alar lobules, central chin, and lateral chin units (P < .001). CONCLUSION. The upper and central forehead and nasal dorsum are reliable areas for image matching between resting and smiling 3D facial images. The central chin area can be considered an additional reference area for posed smiles; however, special cautions should be taken when selecting this area as references for spontaneous smiles.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.33-43
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• 2023

PURPOSE. This study investigated the physical and mechanical changes in the titanium base of three different hybrid abutment materials after cyclic loading by estimating the post-load reverse torque value (RTV), compressive side fulcrum wear pattern of titanium base, and surface roughness. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of 24 dental implants were divided into three groups (n = 8 each): Group Z, LD, and P used zirconia, lithium disilicate, and polyetheretherketone, respectively, for hybrid abutment fabrication. RTV was evaluated after cyclic loading with 50 N for 1.2 × 10⁶ chewing cycles. The compressive sides of the titanium bases were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, and the roughness of the affected areas was measured using an optical profilometer after loading. Datasets were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney tests with the Bonferroni correction (α = .05). RESULTS. Twenty-three samples passed the test; one LD sample fractured after 770,474 cycles. Post-load RTV varied significantly depending on the hybridabutment material (P = .020). Group P had a significantly higher median of post-load RTVs than group Z (16.5 and 14.3 Ncm, respectively). Groups LD and P showed minor signs of wear, and group Z showed a more pronounced wear pattern. While evaluating compressive side affected area roughness of titanium bases, lower medians were shown in group LD (Ra 0.16 and Rq 0.22 ㎛) and group P (Ra 0.16 and Rq 0.23 ㎛) than in group Z (Ra 0.26 and Rq 0.34 ㎛); significant differences were found only among the unaffected surface and group Z. CONCLUSION. The hybrid abutment material influences the post-load RTV. Group Z had a more pronounced wear pattern on the compressive side of titanium base; however, the surface roughness was not statistically different among the hybridabutment groups.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.48.1-48.10
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects on bone repair of different concentrations of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) added to AH Plus. Materials and Methods: Bone tissue reactions were evaluated in 30 rats (Rattus norvegicus) after 7 and 30 days. In the AH + MTA10, AH + MTA20, and AH + MTA30 groups, defects in the tibiae were filled with AH Plus with MTA in proportions of 10%, 20% and 30%, respectively; in the MTA-FILL group, MTA Fillapex was used; and in the control group, no sealer was used. The samples were histologically analyzed to assess bone union and maturation. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were performed for multiple pairwise comparisons (p ≤ 0.05). Results: At the 7-day time point, AH + MTA10 was superior to MTA-FILL with respect to bone union, and AH + MTA20 was superior to MTA-FILL with respect to bone maturity (p < 0.05). At the 30-day time point, both the AH + MTA10 and AH + MTA20 experimental sealers were superior not only to MTA-FILL, but also to AH + MTA30 with respect to both parameters (p < 0.05). The results of the AH + MTA10 and AH + MTA20 groups were superior to those of the control group for both parameters and experimental time points (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest the potential benefit of using a combination of these materials in situations requiring bone repair.