The Thermomechanical, Functional and Biocompatibility Properties of a Au-Pt-Ge Alloy for PFM Dental Restorations.

A high-noble Au-Pt-Ge porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental alloy without the known adverse metallic elements and with the addition of germanium (Ge) was produced as a more cost-effective alternative to other precious alloying metals, with investigations for determining the functionality and clinical use of this alloy. The thermomechanical, biocompatibility, durability, workability and economic characteristics of the produced dental alloy were investigated. These properties were investigated with in vitro biocompatibility testing on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs); static immersion testing for metal ion release; DSC analysis; hardness, tensile testing, density and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) measurements; metallographic and SEM/EDX microstructure investigations; and finally with the production of a test PFM dental bridge.

Unraveling the Antibiofilm Activity of a New Nanogold Resin for Dentures and Epithesis.

Dentures and epitheses are mostly made from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which does not show antimicrobial properties. They present reservoirs of microorganisms grown in biofilms. The aim of this study is to prepare a PMMA enriched with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-PMMA/AuNPs and the examination of its physical, mechanical and antimicrobial properties.

Experimental Investigation of the Biofunctional Properties of Nickel-Titanium Alloys Depending on the Type of Production.

Nickel-titanium alloys used in dentistry have a variety of mechanical, chemical, and biofunctional properties that are dependent on the manufacturing process. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical and biofunctional performances of a nickel-titanium alloy produced by the continuous casting method (NiTi-2) with commercial nitinol (NiTi-1) manufactured by the classical process, i.e.

Survival rate of disk and screw-type implants used for the retention of extraoral prostheses.

Statement Of Problem: Implant-supported and implant-retained extraoral prostheses are reliable treatment options for patients with craniofacial defects. They provide stable retention and therefore enhance the patient's appearance and quality of life. Despite studies on survival rates of extraoral implants, little attention has been paid to the design of the implants used to support and retain extraoral prostheses.

Microstructure Characterisation and Identification of the Mechanical and Functional Properties of a New PMMA-ZnO Composite.

In this research work, we synthesised poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) enriched with 2 wt.% zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) through conventional heat polymerisation and characterised its microstructure. It was found that the distribution of ZnO nanoparticles was homogeneous through the volume of the PMMA.

Occlusal stabilization splint for patients with temporomandibular disorders: Meta-analysis of short and long term effects.

Background: Psychological discomfort, physical disability and functional limitations of the orofacial system have a major impact on everyday life of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). In this study we sought to determine short and long term effects of stabilization splint (SS) in treatment of TMDs, and to identify factors influencing its efficacy.

Methods: MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SS to: non-occluding splint, occlusal oral appliances, physiotherapy, behavioral therapy, counseling and no treatment.

Assessment of Stability of Craniofacial Implants by Resonant Frequency Analysis.

Implant stability is a principal precondition for the success of implant therapy. Extraoral implants (EO) are mainly used for anchoring of maxillofacial epithesis. However, assessment of implant stability is mostly based on principles derived from oral implants.

Association of Functional Polymorphisms in Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Glutathione S-Transferase T1 Genes with Temporomandibular Disorders.

Aims: To investigate the potential role of polymorphisms in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genes as risk factors for development of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a Serbian population.

Methods: This case-control study included 282 subjects: 100 with TMD and 182 healthy controls. Genotyping was done by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis (C-1562T MMP-9 and C677T MTHFR) or multiplex PCR and real-time PCR methods for deletion analysis (GSTM1, GSTT1) of DNA obtained from buccal swabs.

The effect of disinfectants on dimensional stability of addition and condensation silicone impressions.

Background/aim: Dimensional stability and accuracy of an impression after chemical disinfection by immersion in disinfectants are crucial for the accuracy of final prosthetic restorations. The aim of this study was to assess the deformation of addition and condensation silicone impressions after disinfection in antimicrobial solutions.

Methods: A total of 120 impressions were made on the model of the upper arch representing three full metal-ceramic crown preparations.

Reliability of conventional shade guides in teeth color determination.

Background/aim: Color matching in prosthodontic therapy is a very important task because it influences the esthetic value of dental restorations. Visual shade matching represents the most frequently applied method in clinical practice. Instrumental measurements provide objective and quantified data in color assessment of natural teeth and restorations.

Possibilities of reconstruction and implant-prosthetic rehabilitation following mandible resection.

Introduction: Mandible reconstruction is still very challenging for surgeons. Mandible defects could be the consequence of ablative surgery for malignancies, huge jaw cysts, infection and trauma. Segmental resection of the mandible may compromise orofacial function and often lead to patients psychological disorders.

[Immediate implant loading with fixed dental restorations--an animal model study].

Background/aim: Immediate loading is considered to be the most innovative technique in contemporary implant dentistry. Recent clinical and experimental findings have demonstrated that only implants with high primary stability can be subjected to immediate loading protocol with predictable results. It is generally accepted that the most important prerequsite for successful osseointegration is achievement and maintenance of implant stability.

[Accuracy of optical scanning methods of the Cerec 3D system in the process of making ceramic inlays].

Background/aim: One of the results of many years of Cerec 3D CAD/CAM system technological development is implementation of one intraoral and two extraoral optical scanning methods which, depending on the current indications, are applied in making fixed restorations. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of precision of optical scanning methods by the use of the Cerec 3D CAD/CAM system in the process of making ceramic inlays.

Methods: The study was conducted in three experimental groups of inlays prepared using the procedure of three methods of scanning Cerec 3D system.

Nasal epithesis retained by basal (disk) implants.

Aim: To report the case of a patient who underwent facial reconstruction with nasal epithesis anchored on basal (disk) implants after ablation of midface squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods: Ablative surgery of the midface region and insertion of 3 basal implants into the glabellar area of the frontal bone, the upper part of the right side of the alveolar crest, and the lateral side of the maxillary bone, which forms the left lateral wall of the nose, respectively, was performed. Implants were placed at the time of the primary surgical attempt.

Relationship between microstructure, cytotoxicity and corrosion properties of a Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloy.

Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been investigated as materials for medical devices, but their biomedical application is still limited. The aim of this work was to compare the microstructure, corrosion and cytotoxicity in vitro of a Cu-Al-Ni SMA. Rapidly solidified (RS) thin ribbons, manufactured via melt spinning, were used for the tests.

[Clinical impact of platelet rich plasma in treatment of gingival recessions].

Introduction: Root coverage supported with complete regeneration of lost periodontal tissues represents the ultimate goal of gingival recession treatment.

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate clinical effectiveness of platelet rich plasma gel (PRP) with connective tissue graft (CTG) in the treatment of gingival recession.

Method: 15 gingival recessions Miller class I or II were treated with CTG and PRP (group PRP).

[Computerized occlusal analysis in bruxism].

Introduction: Sleep bruxism as nocturnal parafunction, also known as tooth grinding, is the most common parasomnia (sleep disorder). Most tooth grinding occurs during rapid eye movement - REM sleep. Sleep bruxism is an oral habit characterized by rhythmic activity of the masticatory muscles (m.

Occlusion splint therapy in patients with craniomandibular disorders (CMD).

The etiology of craniomandibular disorders (CMD) is multi-factorial and the treatment should be selected with recognition of the different factors. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of occlusion splint therapy (Michigan splint), physical exercises and transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) on CMD symptomatology. At the Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery in Belgrade, in the period from May, 2001-December, 2003, 168 patients were examined by the CMD working group.