International Journal of Dental Materials
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Revisiting Microleakage: Persistent Challenges in Restorative Dentistry
Get PDFThe infiltration of fluids, bacteria, and ions at the interface between dental restorations and tooth structure remains a persistent challenge in restorative dentistry, significantly impacting the longevity and clinical success of restorations. This review comprehensively examines the factors contributing to microleakage, evaluates various detection methodologies, and explores strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. Emphasizing an evidence-based approach, the review highlights key considerations in restorative techniques, material selection, and adhesive protocols that enhance marginal integrity. By synthesizing current research and clinical recommendations, this article provides practical guidance for clinicians to minimize microleakage and improve the durability of dental restorations
Dental Amalgam Waste in Dentistry: Sources, Environmental Impact and Management Strategies
Get PDFAmong the restorative materials, dental amalgam is one of the most commonly used due to its superior characteristics, including clinical durability, affordability, and clinically reliable properties. However, its mercury content has raised environmental concerns, especially regarding the waste generated during routine procedures such as placing, removing, finishing, and replacing old amalgam restorations. This waste can enter dental wastewater systems through plumbing and suction, which is why dental clinics are such an important source of mercury for municipal wastewater treatment plants, even though dentistry only contributes a small amount of global anthropogenic mercury emissions. Once released, amalgam particles can build up in sewage sludge or enter water bodies. Mercury can turn into methylmercury and accumulate in living things, which is considered the most hazardous for the environment and public health. As a result, various regulatory bodies have set guidelines to limit the amount of mercury that can be released from dental offices. Best management practices, including separating waste, recycling, and using ISO-certified amalgam separators, have been shown to significantly lower the amount of mercury released. This review provides insights into the recent information regarding the sources of amalgam waste, its effect on the environment, the regulatory framework, and ways to manage it. It also emphasizes how important it is for dental professionals to use environmentally friendly methods to reduce the environmental impact of dental amalgam
Artificial Intelligence–Driven Advancements in Dental Implants: A Narrative Review
Get PDFWe are in the era of advancements with digital innovative technologies, which have taken dental systems to the next level through the discovery of artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, AI systems have gained significant popularity in the field of prosthodontics, particularly in implant dentistry. Various studies have emphasized the impact of AI on oral implants, particularly in terms of diagnostic efficiency, treatment planning ability, and subsequent patient outcomes, thereby highlighting the accuracy, rapidity, and precision of decision-making. AI continues to expand in future and promises to amend the view of implant dentistry and lead it to an efficient and personalized part of the oral healthcare system. This review mainly focuses on the advancements of AI-based research in dental implantology and also explores the various applications of AI models. Inclusive data from databases in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were thoroughly explored, and the role of AI in implant identification, planning, prediction, and complication management was described. Although there are a few drawbacks present, which make AI a challenging factor for continued use in clinical practice. Further research with numerous clinical trials can break through the limitations and be used as an excellent supportive tool
Green Dentistry: Sustainable Practices and Materials for a Healthier Planet
Get PDFClimate change and environmental degradation have heightened the urgency for sustainable practices across healthcare sectors, including dentistry. Green dentistry, also known as eco-friendly dentistry, aims to integrate dental care with principles of sustainability by utilising resources responsibly, reducing waste, employing eco-friendly materials, and designing clinics with an environmentally conscious approach. This narrative review examines the key domains of sustainable dental practice, including the adoption of bio-based and biodegradable dental materials, low-carbon ceramics and composites, and innovative waste-to-resource approaches, such as hydroxyapatite derived from by-products. Effective waste management strategies, such as reducing single-use plastics, using amalgam separators, and ensuring safe disposal of chemical and infectious waste, are highlighted as essential measures. Digital technologies, including CAD/CAM systems, teledentistry, and electronic health records, further contribute to reducing material waste, paper use, and travel-related emissions. Energy and water saving measures, such as energy-efficient equipment, solar-powered clinics, and water recycling systems, offer additional opportunities to minimize environmental impact. By embracing eco-friendly innovations, dentistry can reduce its ecological footprint while maintaining high standards of patient care, contributing meaningfully to global sustainability goals
Integrative Structural, Functional and Aesthetic Rehabilitation of Fractured Non-vital Maxillary Central Incisor with Open Apex: A Case Report
Get PDFAnterior teeth, due to their prominent visibility during smiling, speech, and other facial expressions, are integral to dental aesthetics, phonetics, psychosocial confidence and self-esteem. Traumatic injuries sustained before the closure of the apex interrupt root development and result in incomplete apical closure. Management of fractured nonvital permanent anterior teeth with open apex remains challenging owing to thin radicular dentin and structurally compromised crowns, necessitating a strategic approach. This case report highlights a meticulously coordinated, conservative strategy to rehabilitate a fractured nonvital maxillary central incisor with an open apex. A 23-year-old male patient presented with a fractured, nonvital maxillary central incisor with an open apex resulting from trauma at the age of 9 years. Initial endodontic management includes access cavity preparation, followed by which the root canal system was thoroughly debrided using conventional cleaning and shaping protocols, augmented with laser-assisted disinfection to enhance microbial control and optimize canal cleanliness. Due to the presence of an open apex, a mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apical plug was placed to establish an apical seal, induce an artificial apical barrier and promote periapical healing. Given the thin root canal walls, a custom-fabricated anatomic post was created to provide reinforcement and improve internal adaptation, reducing the risk of root fracture. Advanced digital techniques were incorporated through intraoral scanning and CAD/CAM design, enabling precise fabrication of a zirconia crown, ensuring excellent fit, strength, and aesthetics. This case illustrates that combining biomaterials, laser technology and digital dentistry can provide a conservative structural, functional, and aesthetic outcome in the management of structurally compromised permanent anterior teeth with open apex
Debonding Resistance of Various Glass Ionomer Cements to Saliva-Contaminated Dentin: An in vitro Study
Get PDFBackground: Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are widely used in dentistry as they can effectively bond to the tooth structure and release fluoride ions. However, saliva contamination during the setting process can impair bond strength and reduce the longevity of the restoration.
Aim: To evaluate the debonding resistance of different glass ionomer cements with saliva-contaminated dentin.
Materials and methods: Forty-five extracted human premolar teeth were embedded in an acrylic block. The teeth were sectioned until the dentin surface was exposed and contaminated with saliva. Then, the Poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene tube was placed on the dentin surfaces of the specimens, and the different glass ionomer cement mixes, type IX GIC, resin-modified GIC (RMGIC), and hybrid GIC, were condensed into it. The specimens were subjected to 500 cycles of thermocycling for 20s at 5º to 55º temperature and were stored in distilled water for 10 days. Debonding resistance of the specimens was measured using a universal testing machine (UTM). The specimen was mounted on the UTM, and the load was applied at a crosshead speed of 1 mm per minute until debond occurs. The obtained data was subjected to one-way ANOVA analysis followed by post-hoc analysis.
Results: Light-cure RMGIC showed the highest debonding load (45.358 ± 15.171 N), followed by Type-IX GIC (8.048 ± 3.717 N) and Hybrid GIC (7.574 ± 3.501 N). One-way ANOVA showed significant differences among groups (p=0.000). The pair-wise comparison revealed light-cure RMGIC differed significantly from Type-IX and Hybrid GIC (p=0.000), while Type-IX and Hybrid GIC showed no significant difference (p=0.989).
Conclusion: Light-cure RMGIC exhibited superior debonding resistance compared to Type-IX and Hybrid GICs
Hollow Bulb Obturator Fabrication Using Glycerin Soap for Management of Hemi Maxillectomy Patient: A Case Report
Get PDFThe incidence of mucormycosis, particularly rhino-orbital-cerebral involvement, has seen a concerning surge, with many cases necessitating surgical resection followed by prosthetic rehabilitation using obturators. Among various options, the hollow bulb obturator stands out as a practical, economical, and efficient choice for restoring function post-maxillectomy. However, obturators can often become excessively heavy within the defect area, compromising comfort and retention. To address this, hollowing the prosthesis is a well-recognised strategy to reduce weight. This case report outlines a technique for fabricating a closed hollow bulb obturator using a glycerin soap to make it weigh less for an adult patient who underwent maxillectomy. This case report outlines an innovative technique for glycerin soap, which was used to reduce weight, emphasising both functional restoration and prosthetic optimisation
Effect of Recasting Nickel-Chromium Alloy on Surface Roughness: An in vitro Study
Get PDFBackground: Dental casting alloys play a crucial role in the restoration of partial dentition. Among these, Nickel-Chromium (Ni-Cr) alloys are widely used due to their ease of availability, low cost and favourable physical properties. Incorporating at least 50% new alloy into recast Ni-Cr alloy does not significantly alter the mechanical properties of porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations. From both environmental and economic perspectives, recycling dental alloys is a highly beneficial practice.Aim: To study the influence of recasting Nickel-chromium base metal alloy on surface roughness.Materials and Methods: A total of 120 wax patterns (10 × 6 × 1 mm) were prepared using modelling wax and invested with phosphate bonded investment material. After setting, they were subjected to burnout to eliminate wax. A Nickel-Chromium (Ni-Cr) alloy was melted using a torch flame as per manufacturer instructions and cast using a centrifugal casting machine. Castings were bench-cooled, divested, and cleaned. Sprues were removed with high-speed cutting discs, and residual investment was eliminated by sandblasting with 250-μm aluminum oxide for five minutes at a 50 mm distance, followed by ultrasonic cleaning in distilled water. Specimens were divided into six groups (n = 20 each): Group 1 used 100% new alloy, while Groups 2–6 were sequentially cast with 50% new alloy and 50% reused alloy from the preceding group. The surface roughness (Ra) of each specimen was measured using a surface roughness tester, and values were recorded in micrometres (μm). The obtained data was subjected to one-way ANOVA.Results: Recasting of the alloy showed an increased surface roughness from groups 1 to 6. One-way ANOVA displayed a significant difference among the groups.Conclusion: Reusing the Ni-Cr alloy resulted in a progressive increase in surface roughness. With each cycle of reuse, a statistically significant rise in the average surface roughness (Ra) was observed
Harnessing Recombinant DNA Technology for Modern Innovations: A Review
Get PDFIn the past century, controlling gene expressions to enhance desirable traits in living organisms through recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology was merely a concept. However, in recent times, this field has made significant advancements, offering unique benefits to human life. rDNA technology allows for the safe, accessible, and abundant production of crucial proteins for addressing various health issues. Through laboratory methods of genetic manipulation, scientists generate rDNA molecules by merging genetic material from different origins that wouldn’t naturally occur within organisms. Although the chemical structure of DNA is the same across all organisms, the nucleotide sequences vary. The application of rDNA technology extends to diverse fields such as regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, and tissue engineering, allowing for the production of proteins with specific characteristics and effectiveness. This article explores the widespread uses of rDNA technology in basic research, highlighting its crucial role in modern efforts within biological and biomedical sciences, especially in regenerative medicine and nanotechnology fields
Efficacy of Bio-active Varnish Application on Microleakage of Class II Composite Resin Restorations: An in vitro Study
Get PDFBackground: Microleakage at the Cavo surface margins of Class II composite restorations remain a significant challenge, contributing to postoperative sensitivity, secondary caries, and restoration failure. Conventional composite resins undergo polymerisation shrinkage, resulting in marginal gaps and compromised seal integrity. To address these limitations, bioactive materials that can form chemical bonds with tooth structure and release therapeutic ions are being explored. Bioactive calcium phosphate-based fluoride varnishes offer potential in improving the marginal seal by reducing microleakage.Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of bio-active varnish application on microleakage at the Cavo surface margins of restorations.Materials and methods: Twenty extracted human maxillary premolars were divided into two groups (n = 10 each). Box-only cavities were prepared in 20 samples and restored with preheated bulk-fill composite. The samples in the control group (n = 10) were left untreated, without the application of varnish. Whereas, in the test group, the cavo surface margins of the restorations (n = 10) were sealed with MI varnish. All samples were then immersed in a 0.5% basic fuchsin dye for 24 hours. They were sectioned mesiodistally and observed under a stereomicroscope at 20x for dye penetration. Cervical microleakage was recorded following the ISO score system. The data were analysed statistically with a chi-square test.Results: No significant difference in microleakage was observed in the control and test groups. However, the cavo surface margins of the test group samples showed improved performance, with only 10% of the samples demonstrating score-1 leakage.Conclusion: No significant difference in microleakage was observed in the control and test groups. However, the cavo surface margins of the test group samples showed improved performance, with only 10% of the samples demonstrating score-1 leakage