ABSTRACT: To evaluate the stresses generated in upper premolars rehabilitated with ceramic fragments (table-top) of lithium disilicate on the occlusal surface. An upper premolar was modeled following its anatomical references using computer aided design software (Rhinoceros version 5.0 SR8, USA). The dental tissues were individually designed containing enamel, dentin and periodontal ligament. The main anatomical points were used as parameters for model creation. Ceramic fragments were modeled varying their maximum thicknesses as: 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm. Solid geometries were exported to the analysis software (ANSYS 17.2, USA) in STEP format. The materials were considered isotropic, homogeneous and linear, and the values of the elastic modulus of the materials and structures were used to perform a static structural mechanical analysis. The set was submitted to 200 N load. The system fixation was defined on the basis of the three- dimensional model, and the results were obtained in MPa according to the failure criteria of the analyzed materials (tensile stress). Occlusal restoration was not detrimental to mechanical behavior. Stress distribution in the internal region of the restoration was similar between the groups. Thicker fragments presented a lower concentration of tensile stress, therefore suggesting better prognosis in attenuating tensile stresses in the tooth region. More conservative occlusal ceramic fragments presented worse prognosis. However, all evaluated thickness for table-tops support the occlusal rehabilitation of upper premolars when submitted to 200 N loading.

RESUMEN: El objetivo fue evaluar las tensiones generadas en los premolares superiores rehabilitados con fragmentos cerámicos (tablero) de disilicato de litio en la superficie oclusal. Se modeló un premolar superior siguiendo sus referencias anatómicas utilizando un software de diseño asistido por computadora (Rhinoceros versión 5.0 SR8, EE. UU.). Los tejidos dentales se moldearon individualmente conteniendo esmalte, dentina y ligamento periodontal. Los principales puntos anatómicos se utilizaron como parámetros para la creación del modelo. Los fragmentos cerámicos se modelaron variando sus espesores máximos como: 0,5 mm, 1,0 mm y 1,5 mm. Las geometrías sólidas se exportaron al software de análisis (ANSYS 17.2, EE. UU.) En formato STEP. Los materiales se consideraron isotrópicos, homogéneos y lineales, y los valores del módulo elástico de los materiales y estructuras se utilizaron para realizar un análisis mecánico estructural estático. El conjunto se sometió a una carga de 200 N. La fijación del sistema se definió a partir del modelo tridimensional, y los resultados se obtuvieron en MPa según los criterios de falla de los materiales analizados (tensión de tracción). La restauración oclusal no perjudica el comportamiento mecánico. La distribución de la tensión en la región interna de la restauración es similar entre los grupos. Los fragmentos más gruesos presentaron una menor concentración de tensión de tracción, lo que sugiere un mejor pronóstico en la atenuación de las tensiones de tracción en la región dentaria. Los fragmentos cerámicos oclusales más conservadores presentaron peor pronóstico. Sin embargo, todos los espesores evaluados para tableros de mesa en disilicato de litio apoyan la rehabilitación oclusal de los premolares superiores cuando se someten a una carga de 200 N.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in an occlusal veneer according to the restorative material, restoration thickness, and cement layer thickness. A tridimensional model of a human maxillary first molar with an occlusal veneer preparation was constructed using a modeling software of finite element analysis. The model was replicated 9 times to evaluate the factors: restoration thickness (0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mm) and cement layer thickness (100, 200, and 300 μm). Then, each model received different restorative materials (High Translucency Zirconia – [YZHT], Lithium Disilicate – [LD], Zirconia Reinforced Lithium Silicate – [ZLS], Feldspathic – [F], and Hybrid Ceramic – [HC]), totaling forty-five groups. An axial load (600 N) was applied on the occlusal face for static structural analysis. Solids were considered isotropic, homogeneous, and linearly elastic. Contacts were considered perfectly bonded. Fixation occurred in the dental root and a mechanical static structural analysis was performed. Descriptive statistical analysis and one-way ANOVA (α =10%) were performed for tensile stress peak values in the restoration and cement layer. The difference between groups was compared using the Tukey's test with 10% significance to match the percentage of the mesh convergence test. According to the results, the cement layer thickness did not influence stress distribution in the restoration (p ≥ 0.10). The thicker the restoration, the higher the tensile stress concentration in the restoration. The graphs showed higher stress concentration in the YZHT, followed by LD, F, ZLS, and HC. Also, the restorative material influenced stress concentration on the cement layer, which decreased according to the sequence HC>YZHT>ZLS>LD>F. HC stood out for causing the least stress concentration in the restoration. Cement layer thickness did not interfere in the mechanical performance of the restorations.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine if multiple processing (heat-pressing) of a dental ceramic influences flexural strength, hardness, and microstructure. Ninety bar-shaped specimens (15 mm × 4 mm × 2 mm) of a pressed ceramic (Vita PM9) were fabricated and randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 15) according to the factors “number of pressings” (C1, C2, and C3, fired 1, 2, and 3 times, respectively) and “mechanical cycling” (M). Half of the specimens were mechanically cycled (106 cycles, 45 N, 3.4 Hz, in water) and all specimens were tested for 3-point bending (0.5 mm/min, load 1000 kgf) and Vickers hardness (19.6 N for 20 s). X-ray diffraction was used to characterize the phases and scanning electron microscopy to characterize the microstructure. The flexural strength data was statistically analyzed with Weibull analysis, ANOVA, and Tukey test. Hardness data was evaluated by 2-way ANOVA and Fisher test. All tests were performed with a significance level of 0.05. Two-way ANOVA revealed that neither “number of pressings” (p=0.085) or “mechanical cycling” (0.055) significantly affected flexural strength. But Weibull analysis showed significant difference for Weibull moduli and characteristic strength between groups. For hardness, a statistical difference was seen for the interaction “Number of pressings * Mechanical cycling”, (p = 0.016). Hardness decreased in the following order: C1 (775±17.2), CM3 (751±101), CM2 (735±45), C3 (701±82), CM1 (671±82), and C2 (663±92). Fewer defects were observed with an increased number of firings. Therefore, the possibility of recycling PM9 ceramic does not interfere in the evaluated mechanical properties and improves microstructure.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of implantoplasty on different bone insertion levels of exposed implants. A model of the Bone Level Tapered implant (Straumann Institute, Waldenburg, Switzerland) was created through the Rhinoceros software (version 5.0 SR8, McNeel North America, Seattle, WA, USA). The abutment was fixed to the implant through a retention screw and a monolithic crown was modeled over a cementation line. Six models were created with increasing portions of the implant threads exposed: C1 (1 mm), C2 (2 mm), C3 (3 mm), C4 (4 mm), C5 (5 mm) and C6 (6 mm). The models were made in duplicates and one of each pair was used to simulate implantoplasty, by removing the threads (I1, I2, I3, I4, I5 and I6). The final geometry was exported in STEP format to ANSYS (ANSYS 15.0, ANSYS Inc., Houston, USA) and all materials were considered homogeneous, isotropic and linearly elastic. To assess distribution of stress forces, an axial load (300 N) was applied on the cusp. For the periodontal insert, the strains increased in the peri-implant region according to the size of the exposed portion and independent of the threads’ presence. The difference between groups with and without implantoplasty was less than 10%. Critical values were found when the inserted portion was smaller than the exposed portion. In the exposed implants, the stress generated on the implant and retention screw was higher in the models that received implantoplasty. For the bone tissue, exposure of the implant’s thread was a damaging factor, independent of implantoplasty. Implantoplasty treatment can be safely used to control peri-implantitis if at least half of the implant is still inserted in bone.