Variations in teaching of removable partial dentures in Spanish dental schools
Objectives: Despite the increasing demand for implant-based treatments, removable partial dentures (RPDs) are frequently used in the oral rehabilitation of partially dentate patients. Furthermore, the Bologna Declaration Agreement (1999) promotes the freedom of movement both of students among dental schools and of graduates across the European Union (EU). Given that inconsistency in teaching among dental schools may lead to confusion, this study aimed to evaluate the status of teaching and clinical experience reached by undergrad uate dentalstudents in Spanish dental schools in relation to RPDs. Study design: A questionnaire seeking information on the preclinical and clinical teaching of RP…
A zinc-doped endodontic cement facilitates functional mineralization and stress dissipation at the dentin surface
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate nanohardness and viscoelastic behavior of dentin surfaces treated with two canal sealer cements for dentin remineralization. Material and Methods: Dentin surfaces were subjected to: i) 37% phosphoric acid (PA) or ii) 0.5 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) conditioning prior to the application of two experimental hydroxyapatite-based cements, containing sodium hydroxide (calcypatite) or zinc oxide (oxipatite), respectively. Samples were stored in simulated body fluid during 24 h or 21 d. The intertubular and peritubular dentin were evaluated using a nanoindenter to assess nanohardness (Hi). The load/displacement responses were used f…
Effect of alloy type and casting technique on the fracture strength of implant-cemented structures.
Objectives: To evaluate the influence of alloy type and casting procedure on the fracture strength (FS) of metallic frameworks for implant-supported fixed prostheses. Study design: Thirty three-unit structures for lower posterior bridges were waxed-up and randomly assigned to two groups (n=15) according to alloy type and casting technique: Group 1 (C): cobalt-chromium cast in a centrifugal machine (TS1, Degussa-Hüls); Group 2 (T): titanium cast in a pressure-differential device (Cyclarc II, Morita). Each structure was cemented onto two prefabricated abutments under a constant seating pressure. After 6 months of water aging, samples were loaded in a static universal testing machine (EFH/5/FR…
Teaching the placement of posterior resin-based composite restorations in Spanish dental schools
Objectives: In an area of esthetic dentistry such as posterior composites, in which new materials and techniques are being devolved continuously, it is important to confirm that dental students have a clear understanding of the basic principles of clinical application of this knowledge. Considering that the preparation of dental graduates in Spain may be of interest to competent dental authorities and employers with whom they can work worldwide, this study investigated the teaching of posterior composite restorations in Spanish dental schools. Study design: In late 2009/ early 2010, a questionnaire seeking information on the teaching of posterior composites was emailed to the professor resp…
?Reliability of new poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) membranes treated with oxygen plasma plus silicon dioxide layers for pre-prosthetic guided bone regeneration processes?
Background: The use of cold plasmas may improve the surface roughness of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) membranes, which may stimulate the adhesion of osteogenic mediators and cells, thus accelerating the biodegradation of the barriers. Moreover, the incorporation of metallic-oxide particles to the surface of these membranes may enhance their osteoinductive capacity. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to evaluate the reliability of a new PLGA membrane after being treated with oxygen plasma (PO) plus silicon dioxide (SiO) layers for guided bone regeneration (GBR) processes. Material and Methods: Circumferential bone defects (diameter: 11 mm; depth: 3 mm) were created on the top of ei…
Silver-loaded nanoparticles affect ex-vivo mechanical behavior and mineralization of dentin
Background: The aim was to evaluate the effect of silver loaded nanoparticles (NPs) application on the triboscopic, crystallographic and viscoelastic properties of demineralized dentin. Polymethylmetacrylate-based NPs and Ag loaded NPs were applied on demineralized dentin. Material and Methods: Treated and untreated surfaces were probed by a nanoindenter to test viscoelasticity, and by atomic force microscopy to test nanoroughness and collagen fibril diameter. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy through selected area diffraction and bright-field imaging were also used. Results: Dentin treated with Ag-NPs attained the lowest complex modulus, and the highest tan delta value…