Non-destructive three-dimensional evaluation of pores at different welded joints and their effects on joints strength.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to measure the porosity in different laser welded cast alloys non-destructively using X-ray micro-focus computerized tomography (micro-CT) and to evaluate the effect of porosity on the tensile strength of the welded joints.

Materials And Methods: The welding procedure was conducted in rectangular cast metals, CoCr, Ti and platinum added gold alloy (AuPt). The metal plates were butted CoCr to CoCr (CoCr/CoCr) or Ti to Ti (Ti/Ti) for welding of similar metals and Ti to AuPt (Ti/AuPt) for welding of dissimilar metals.

Survey on use of titanium dentures in Tsurumi University Dental Hospital for 11 years.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to survey the production of titanium dentures in Tsurumi University Dental Hospital and to study the actual use of titanium dentures in our university.

Methods: The survey was based on the metal base dentures produced at Tsurumi University Dental Hospital during an 11-year period between April 1995 and March 2006, with relation to the types of metals used in the dentures, types of dentures, dental condition, and the number of artificial teeth.

Results: 1871 metal base dentures were produced in the study period.

A new retainer using magnetic attachment.

Patient: A 58-year-old man with a complaint of masticatory disturbance presented. His mandibular left premolars and molars were missing, and the mandibular left canine, which was neighboring to the missing part, showed marked labial tipping. A cobalt-chromium removable partial denture was fabricated using a new magnetic attachment retainer because it seemed difficult to apply a conventional clasp for this case.

A technique for making a diagnostic and surgical template.

Implant-supported restorations can restore function and esthetics provided that the implants are placed in the predetermined location and properly angulated. This article describes the fabrication of a diagnostic template incorporating a silicone radiopaque marker as a guide for achieving 3-dimensional evaluation of bone without artifacts using computed tomography. The diagnostic template may be easily transformed into a surgical template by removing the silicone marker.