Purpose: In curriculum evaluation, the perspectives of students are crucial, as they are the primary consumers of educational programs. The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions of young prosthodontists in India regarding the adequacy of the currently taught postgraduate (PG) curriculum in prosthodontics for contemporary clinical practice. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online English-language questionnaire administered through the Google Forms application. The participants were graduated prosthodontists with not >5 years of clinical experience after completing their Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) from Indian dental colleges. The survey was designed to assess perceptions regarding the adequacy of the PG prosthodontics curriculum and its preparedness for contemporary clinical practice. The questionnaire included items related to preclinical training, clinical exposure, and overall curriculum adequacy. The target sample size was set at 750 participants. The questionnaire link was shared via e-mail and WhatsApp applications. A total of 870 responses were obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods (frequencies and percentages) using Microsoft Excel. Results: Among the respondents, 60% reported overall satisfaction with the PG prosthodontics curriculum, while 40% perceived it to be inadequate for independent clinical practice. Perceived inadequacies were more frequently reported in the clinical syllabus (56.5%) compared to the preclinical syllabus (47.2%). In addition, respondents highlighted limited exposure to contemporary prosthodontic practices, including implant prosthodontics, digital workflows, and advanced laboratory procedures (CAD/CAM, digital impressions, and virtual planning), as well as variability in clinical training experiences across institutions. Conclusion: In India, a substantial proportion of recently graduated prosthodontists perceived that the existing PG curriculum in prosthodontics, as prescribed by the regulating authority, is not fully adequate for independent prosthodontic practice in the current clinical scenario. Feedback from PG trainees provides a valuable insider perspective on curricular strengths and gaps. Respondents emphasized the need for greater exposure to contemporary prosthodontic procedures, including implant prosthodontics, full-mouth rehabilitation, maxillofacial prosthetics, and smile designing, to better prepare graduates for confident and competent practice of their specialty.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as an etching agent following phosphoric acid (PA) and hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching on the fracture strength and surface roughness of lithium disilicate veneers. Materials and methods: A total of 36 lithium disilicate samples were fabricated based on inclusion criteria. The samples were divided into three groups based on the etching agent used. Group A samples were etched using 9% HF, group B samples were etched using 37% PA followed by NaOCl, and group C samples were etched using 9% HF followed by NaOCl. The surface roughness of all the samples was tested using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All samples were subjected to a universal testing machine to assess the fracture strength. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. Results: Samples etched with 9% HF followed by NaOCl (group C) demonstrated the highest fracture strength (120.358 ± 26.286 N), followed by samples etched only with 9% HF (group A) (52.171 ± 3.875 N) and samples etched with 37% PA followed by NaOCl (group B) (22.158 ± 7.511 N). The surface roughness was maximum in group A (1.453 ± 0.314 µm) while group B showed the lowest roughness (0.356 ± 0.258 µm). One-way ANOVA showed significant differences among the groups for both fracture strength and surface roughness (p = 0.001). Tukey's post hoc test showed a significant difference between all the groups for fracture strength and surface roughness, except between group A and group C; the difference in surface roughness was insignificant (p = 1.000). Collectively, the SEM findings highlight clear morphological variation among the treatment groups, each producing a distinct pattern of surface roughness that may influence adhesive performance. Conclusion: The lithium disilicate veneers treated with HF and NaOCl achieved higher fracture strength and surface roughness with enhanced mechanical properties. Within the limitations of the in vitro design and loading condition, this combined protocol demonstrated potential to improve surface characteristics and bonding behavior.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the von Mises stress distribution patterns in cortical and cancellous bone surrounding titanium and porous tantalum implants placed at crestal and subcrestal levels in the mandibular first molar region under vertical and oblique loading using three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA). Materials and methods: Four 3D finite element models were developed in SolidWorks 2024 and analyzed using ANSYS 17.0, simulating D2-quality mandibular bone with a 2 mm cortical layer and cancellous core. Titanium or tantalum implants (4.5 × 10 mm) were placed at crestal or subcrestal levels and restored with zirconia crowns. A 300 N occlusal load was applied vertically and at a 30° buccolingual angle. Von Mises stress in cortical and cancellous bone was recorded. Models were standardized, and mesh convergence confirmed FEA reliability. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests. Results: Crestally placed titanium implants demonstrated the highest cortical bone stress values under vertical (126.61 MPa) and oblique loading (180.03 MPa). In comparison, crestal tantalum implants showed lower cortical stresses of 84.92 MPa (vertical) and 70.08 MPa (oblique). Subcrestal placement reduced cortical stress for both materials, with titanium showing values of 54.18 MPa (vertical) and 60.24 MPa (oblique), while tantalum demonstrated slightly lower stresses of 51.76 MPa and 59.26 MPa, respectively. In cancellous bone, tantalum implants produced higher stress values than titanium at both placement depths. At the crestal level, tantalum recorded 12.32 MPa (vertical) and 19.34 MPa (oblique), compared with titanium values of 5.84 MPa and 6.29 MPa. Similarly, at the subcrestal level, tantalum showed cancellous stresses of 12.15 MPa and 14.65 MPa, whereas titanium demonstrated lower values of 5.75 MPa and 5.04 MPa. Statistically significant differences were mainly observed in cancellous bone stress at the subcrestal level (p = 0.026). Conclusion: Tantalum implants showed superior stress distribution, especially in cancellous bone, with lower cortical peak stress. These findings suggest that tantalum implants particularly with subcrestal placement, exhibited efficient stress distribution indicating improved biomechanical performance and longevity.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in completely edentulous adults and its association with body mass index (BMI) and duration of edentulism. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 55 completely edentulous patients aged 60 years or older. The primary outcome variable was the risk of OSA assessed using the Berlin Questionnaire risk classification and Friedman tongue position (FTP). High-risk individuals predominantly exhibited higher FTP scores. Body mass index and duration of edentulism were recorded as associated clinical parameters and compared with OSA. Appropriate parametric (independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA) and nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskal–Wallis tests) were used for comparison of continuous variables, while Pearson's Chi-square test was applied for categorical variables. Results: Among 55 participants (mean BMI: 26.18 ± 3.72 kg/m²), 19 (34.5%) were classified as high risk for OSA and 36 (65.5%) as low risk for OSA. A significant association was observed between Berlin Questionnaire risk classification and FTP (p = 0.001). Participants at high risk for OSA had significantly higher BMI (29.86 ± 2.00 kg/m²) and longer duration of edentulism (133.26 ± 67.04 months) when compared with average normal BMI reference values (24.25 ± 2.86 kg/m²; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Higher FTP grades, increased BMI, and prolonged duration of edentulism were strongly associated with elevated OSA risk in completely edentulous elderly individuals. Incorporating simple screening tools such as the Berlin Questionnaire risk classification and FTP into prosthodontic evaluation can facilitate early identification of OSA risk. Timely prosthetic rehabilitation restoring vertical dimension and mandibular posture may help maintain airway patency and improve sleep-related health outcomes.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of nanohydroxyapatite and GLUMA (glutaraldehyde 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) desensitizer in reducing postvital tooth preparation dentinal hypersensitivity at baseline, after tooth preparation, 2 weeks, and 1 month. Materials and methods: The study was a double-blind, prospective, single-center, interventional, parallel randomized controlled trial following CONSORT guidelines. This study consisted of 42 patients requiring fixed dental prosthesis. Subjects were randomly assigned into 2 groups based on desensitizer used: nanohydroxyapatite group (n = 21) and GLUMA group (n = 21). After tooth preparation, desensitizing agents were applied according to the group allocated. Sensitivity was recorded using Schiff's cumulative index at baseline, after tooth preparation, 2 weeks, and 1 month. Score data were statistically analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA and independent t-test. Results: There was no significant difference in sensitivity in 2 groups after tooth preparation (p = 0.405) and after 2 weeks (p = 0.171). Although not statistically significant, slightly lower sensitivity scores were observed in the GLUMA group (1.29 ± 0.78) compared to the nanohydroxyapatite group (1.48 ± 0.68) after tooth preparation and at 2 weeks (0.33 ± 0.58 vs 0.62 ± 0.74, respectively). After 1 month, both groups reported complete resolution of sensitivity. Intragroup comparison revealed that the changes after tooth preparation, at 2 weeks, and 1 month were statistically significant within both groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results from the study confirmed the effectiveness of both nanohydroxyapatite and GLUMA desensitizer in reducing postoperative dentinal hypersensitivity over time. Nanohydroxyapatite, owing to its bioactive and biocompatible nature, may be considered a viable alternative to conventional chemical desensitizers (GLUMA) for the management of postoperative dentinal hypersensitivity following vital tooth preparation.
Purpose: The purpose of this finite element analysis (FEA) was to investigate the stress distribution and pain perception in complete dentures with different silicone soft denture liner (SSDL) thicknesses on sharp ridges. Materials and methods: Clinical replications of mandibular complete dentures (CDs) with a sharp ridge via cone beam computed tomography were designed. The models included: one CD without SSDL, one CD with 2 mm SSDL, one CD with 3 mm SSDL, and one CD with 4 mm SSDL. The load of 100 N was applied at the regions with the highest chewing forces (first premolar, second premolar, and first molar) in the axial direction and in the oblique direction with a 100 N load using ANSYS software. FEA was used to evaluate stress distribution. Pain perception was assessed by ratioing the stress distribution relative to the average pressure–pain threshold (PPT) value in mandible, i.e., 0.630 MPa. Stress distribution was visualized and evaluated as von Mises stress (in MPa). Results: Mandibular CDs with SSDL provided more uniform stress distribution compared to those without liners. Under axial load, CDs with SSDL demonstrated maximum stress values (0.501 MPa) values below the threshold. However, under oblique load, SSDL with 3 mm (0.660 MPa) and 4 mm (0.791 MPa) thicknesses showed stress values exceeding the PPT of 0.630 MPa. Under axial loading, the highest stress was concentrated in the anterior region, while under oblique loading, it was in the posterior region. Oblique forces, in contrast, align with the cuspal inclination of the posterior teeth, concentrating stress in the posterior region. Conclusion: In sharp-edged ridges, CDs without SSDL showed high stress concentrations in both axial and oblique loads exceeding the PPT of 0.630 MPa. In contrast, a 2 mm thick SSDL significantly reduced stress concentrations, kept them below the PPT, and can help in preventing pain in a clinical scenario.
Purpose: To evaluate and compare the dimensional accuracy and stability of dental casts produced using digital light processing (DLP) and stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing technologies over a 3-month period. Materials and methods: 60 maxillary dental casts were 3D printed (n = 30 DLP, n = 30 SLA) from a master STL file. Dimensional accuracy was assessed using root-mean-square (RMS) analysis at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Casts were stored in controlled conditions and scanned at each time point. RMS values were calculated using best-fit alignment in metrology software. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests with Shapiro–Wilk test for normality and Welch's correction applied where necessary. Results: SLA casts demonstrated significantly lower RMS values (136.5 ± 12.7 μm) than DLP (153.7 ± 21.9 μm) at baseline (p < 0.001), at 1 month (133.7 ± 14.2 μm and 151.4 ± 17.2 μm, respectively) (p = 0.015). At 3 months, the difference was insignificant (132.8 ± 16.9 μm vs 145.6 ± 29.2 μm, p = 0.826). Both technologies showed a slight decrease in RMS values over time. Color maps revealed more localized deviations in DLP models compared to SLA, with DLP exhibiting primarily minor positive discrepancies on posterior palatal and occlusal surfaces, whereas SLA showed more uniform and neutral or slightly negative deviations. Conclusion: SLA exhibited superior dimensional accuracy compared to DLP, particularly at earlier time points. Both technologies maintained dimensional stability over 3 months under controlled storage. SLA may be more suitable for applications requiring long-term precision, while DLP could suffice for short-term use. Proper storage of models is recommended to maintain dimensional stability.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the volumetric polymerization shrinkage (VPS) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of self-cure composite resins to that of light-cure composite resins. Materials and methods: In this study, self-cured composite resin samples (Stela Automix and Cention N) were compared with light-cured composite resins (Nanofiller FiltekTM Z350 XT and FiltekTM One BulkFill). VPS was assessed via maxillary premolars prepared with class I cavities, followed by the application of composite resin according to the manufacturer 's instructions. Cavities filled with resin were scanned via micro-CT. VPS data were analyzed via the Kruskal−Wallis test. To determine the DTS, each composite resin was molded into cylinders (6 mm diameter, 3 mm height), incubated at 37°C, and immersed in artificial saliva for 24 hours. DTS testing was conducted with a compressive load (crosshead speed: 1 ± 0.1 mm/minute) via a universal testing machine. The significant difference in DTS was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tamhane's T2 post hoc test. Results: The self-cured composite resin Stela Automix had the lowest gap volume value of 0.843 ±0.255 mm³, but the difference was statistically insignificant compared to Cention N (1.174 ± 0.115 mm³), Nanofiller FiltekTM Z350 XT 3 M (2.986 ± 1.113 mm³), and FiltekTM One BulkFill 3 M (1.551 ± 0.446 mm³). Meanwhile, self-cure Stela Automix composite resin presented the highest DTS value of 49.45 ± 7.7 MPa, although the difference was insignificant compared to self-cure Cention N (p = 0.407). In contrast, a significant difference in DTS was observed between self-cure and light-cure composite resins. Conclusion: Self-cured composite resins showed reduced VPS tendency and had higher tensile strength compared to light-cured composites. The result of the study suggests that self-cured composite resins possess improved marginal integrity and better resistance to fracture, which can enhance their efficacy during clinical use.
