Meiko Oki

In vitro evaluation of the wear resistance of composite resin blocks for CAD/CAM

UNLABELLED The aim of the study was to investigate two- and three-body wear of CAD/CAM blocks. Four composite resins, one hybrid ceramic and one feldspar ceramic block material were examined. Six specimens each were tested in a ball-on-disc wear device fitted with a zirconia ball (50 N load, 1.2 Hz, 50 k cycles) in water for two-body and in poppy seed slurry for three-body wear evaluation. Volume loss after each 10 k cycle was quantified using a digital CCD microscope. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS ANOVA and Tukeys multiple comparisons (α=0.05). Two-body wear for composite resin blocks was small, hybrid ceramic and ceramic blocks showed larger volume loss. Threebody wear was very low for all materials. All CAD/CAM block materials investigated displayed low wear compared to previous data for direct posterior composites carrying out the same wear test. The block materials are considered suitable for fabrication of single full crown restorations on premolar teeth.

Discoloration of various CAD/CAM blocks after immersion in coffee

Objectives This study evaluated color differences (ΔEs) and translucency parameter changes (ΔTPs) of various computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) blocks after immersion in coffee. Materials and Methods Eight CAD/CAM blocks and four restorative composite resins were evaluated. The CIE L*a*b* values of 2.0 mm thick disk-shaped specimens were measured using the spectrophotometer on white and black backgrounds (n = 6). The ΔEs and ΔTPs of one day, one week, and one month immersion in coffee or water were calculated. The values of each material were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukeys multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). The ΔEs after prophylaxis paste polishing of 1 month coffee immersion specimens, water sorption and solubility were also evaluated. Results After one month in coffee, ΔEs of CAD/CAM composite resin blocks and restorative composites ranged from 1.6 to 3.7 and from 2.1 to 7.9, respectively, and ΔTPs decreased. The ANOVA of ΔEs and ΔTPs revealed significant differences in two main factors, immersion periods and media, and their interaction except for ΔEs of TEL (Telio CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent). The ΔEs significantly decreased after prophylaxis polishing except GRA (Gradia Block, GC). There was no significant correlation between ΔEs and water sorption or solubility in water. Conclusions The ΔEs of CAD/CAM blocks after immersion in coffee varied among products and were comparable to those of restorative composite resins. The discoloration of CAD/CAM composite resin blocks could be effectively removed with prophylaxis paste polishing, while that of some restorative composites could not be removed.

Trends in domiciliary dental care including the need for oral appliances and dental technicians in Japan

The need for domiciliary dental care (DDC) for people requiring long-term nursing care is increasing as the super-aged society of Japan grows still older. Dysphagia diagnosis and rehabilitation are becoming more important in DDC; thus, the need for prostheses used for dysphasia rehabilitation is presumed to be increasing. To identify DDC trends in Japan, as well as the need for prostheses and dental technicians for DDC, we sent a self-administered questionnaire to dentists providing DDC and analyzed responses from 138 dentists (valid response rate, 39.8%). The results showed that 37.7% of respondents reported treating ≥50 patients per month. The most frequently performed procedures were removable prosthetic treatment and oral care, followed by dysphagia rehabilitation. Use of palatal augmentation prostheses was experienced by 54.3% of respondents, and most indicated that the prostheses were effective for improvement of oropharyngeal function. The rates of cooperation with primary care doctors and nursing care professionals were 76.8% and 85.5%, respectively. Only 6.5% of respondents reported accompanying dental technicians to DDC. The present analysis of trends in DDC indicates that oral care and dysphagia rehabilitation have become more frequent and that cooperation with healthcare professionals other than dental technicians has increased in recent DDC.

Effect of long-time immersion of soft denture liners in water on viscoelastic properties

Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of long-time immersion of soft denture liners in 37°C water on viscoelastic properties. Six silicone-based and two acrylic resin-based soft denture liners were selected. Cylindrical specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 6 months. Viscoelastic properties, which were instantaneous and delayed elastic displacements, viscous flow, and residual displacement, were determined using a creep meter, and analyzed with 2-way analysis of variance and Tukeys comparison (α=0.05). Viscoelastic properties and their time-dependent changes were varied among materials examined. The observed viscoelastic properties of three from six silicone-based liners did not significantly change after 6-month immersion, but those of two acrylic resin-based liners significantly changed with the increase of immersion time. However, the sum of initial instantaneous elastic displacement and delayed elastic displacement of two acrylic resin-based liners during 6-month immersion changed less than 10%, which might indicate clinically sufficient elastic performance.

A modified indirect method for fabricating silicone soft-lined complete dentures

A method is described of polymerizing silicone soft lining materials with a hard acrylic resin base by using a photoactivated spacer. The use of a photoactivated spacer is convenient because of the ease in determining the correct location covering the attached mucosa but not extending to the border margins. By using this method, the optimum shape and thickness of the spacer can also be ensured. Thus, the long-term durability of soft lining dentures is achieved without invasion by microorganisms or peeling away from the denture margin.

Osteoradionecrosis Following Carbon Ion Radiotherapy: Case History Report of a Soft Palate Defect.

Carbon ion radiotherapy, a form of charged particle radiotherapy that has been used to treat various inoperable and radio-resistant tumors, has been associated with less severe late effects than conventional radiotherapy. A 63-year-old woman with a soft palate defect received carbon ion radiotherapy (total dose: 64 Gray equivalents). Several late effects were observed, and osteoradionecrosis was observed not only on the tumor side but also on the other side and gradually expanded during maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation. While the definitive prosthesis improved her speech and eating ability, careful adjustments and close follow-up should continue with respect to postradiation effects.