Isis Andréa Venturini Pola Poiate

Silver Nanoparticles in Dental Biomaterials

Silver has been used in medicine for centuries because of its antimicrobial properties. More recently, silver nanoparticles have been synthesized and incorporated into several biomaterials, since their small size provides great antimicrobial effect, at low filler level. Hence, these nanoparticles have been applied in dentistry, in order to prevent or reduce biofilm formation over dental materials surfaces. This review aims to discuss the current progress in this field, highlighting aspects regarding silver nanoparticles incorporation, such as antimicrobial potential, mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, and long-term effectiveness. We also emphasize the need for more studies to determine the optimal concentration of silver nanoparticle and its release over time.

Three-Dimensional Stress Distribution in the Human Periodontal Ligament in Masticatory, Parafunctional, and Trauma Loads: Finite Element Analysis

BACKGROUND The presence of the periodontal ligament (PDL) makes it possible to absorb and distribute loads produced during masticatory function and other tooth contacts into the alveolar process via the alveolar bone proper. However, several factors affect the integrity of periodontal structures causing the destruction of the connective matrix and cells, the loss of fibrous attachment, and the resorption of alveolar bone. METHODS The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution by finite element analysis in a PDL in three-dimensional models of the upper central incisor under three different load conditions: 100 N occlusal loading at 45 degrees (model 1: masticatory load); 500 N at the incisal edge at 45 degrees (model 2: parafunctional habit); and 800 N at the buccal surface at 90 degrees (model 3: trauma case). The models were built from computed tomography scans. RESULTS The stress distribution was quite different among the models. The most significant values (harmful) of tensile and compressive stresses were observed in models 2 and 3, with similarly distinct patterns of stress distributions along the PDL. Tensile stresses were observed along the internal and external aspects of the PDL, mostly at the cervical and middle thirds. CONCLUSIONS The stress generation in these models may affect the integrity of periodontal structures. A better understanding of the biomechanical behavior of the PDL under physiologic and traumatic loading conditions might enhance the understanding of the biologic reaction of the PDL in health and disease.

Three Dimensional Finite Element Analyses of Oral Structures by Computerized Tomography

Our aim was to document the benefits of three dimensional finite element model generations from computed tomography data as well as the realistic creation of all oral structures in a patient. The stresses resulting from the applied load in our study did not exceed the structure limitations, suggesting a clinically acceptable physiological condition.

Stress distribution in the cervical region of an upper central incisor in a 3D finite element model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution in the cervical region of a sound upper central incisor in two clinical situations, standard and maximum masticatory forces, by means of a 3D model with the highest possible level of fidelity to the anatomic dimensions. Two models with 331,887 linear tetrahedral elements that represent a sound upper central incisor with periodontal ligament, cortical and trabecular bones were loaded at 45 masculine in relation to the tooths long axis. All structures were considered to be homogeneous and isotropic, with the exception of the enamel (anisotropic). A standard masticatory force (100 N) was simulated on one of the models, while on the other one a maximum masticatory force was simulated (235.9 N). The software used were: PATRAN for pre- and post-processing and Nastran for processing. In the cementoenamel junction area, tensile forces reached 14.7 MPa in the 100 N model, and 40.2 MPa in the 235.9 N model, exceeding the enamels tensile strength (16.7 MPa). The fact that the stress concentration in the amelodentinal junction exceeded the enamels tensile strength under simulated conditions of maximum masticatory force suggests the possibility of the occurrence of non-carious cervical lesions such as abfractions.

Evaluation of Stress Distribution in Implant-Supported Restoration Under Different Simulated Loads

Technical and scientific developments, in the form of osseointegrated implants, have made Restorative Dentistry evolve to become a highly successful form of treatment (Adell et al., 1981; Binon, 2000), considered as an additional safe tool oral surgeons have at their disposal to rehabilitate partially and totally edentulous patients. However, many negative factors can interfere in the treatment, causing clinical and functional complications that may culminate in the loss of osseointegration (Adell et al., 1981; Jemt et al., 1989; Naert et al., 2001a, 2001b; Isidor, 2006). The attachment of the crown to the abutment and of the latter to the implant, the loosening of the fixation screw, and even its fracture may arise from a poor distribution of occlusal loads in the prosthesis-implant set (Binon, 1994).