A Push-out Bond Strength Study and Interface Analysis of New Porous Titanium Dental Post Luted with Resin Cement This study aimed to compare the push-out bond strength (PBS) between a new porous titanium post (PTP) and other marketed dental posts cemented with two types of dual-cure resin cement. A total of 96 extracted single-rooted human teeth were recruited. Four types of dental posts (n = 24 each), namely: stainless steel post (SSP), commercially-pure titanium post (CTP), fibre glass post (FGP), and PTP were cemented with two types of resin cements (RelyX U200 and ParaCore) and then sectioned at coronal and middle root levels. The specimens were subjected to a PBS test at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The interface analysis was performed using a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant for all statistical tests. PBS recordings showed that the highest PBS mean value in RelyX group was 2.68±1.10 MPa for PTP. The differences in PBS between PTP and SSP and FGP were not significant (p = 0.098 and p = 0.075, respectively). The null hypothesis for RelyX group at both coronal and middle sections of the root was retained (p > 0.05). No failure at the post-cement interface was found in the PTP group, which was founder superior over the other posts (no gap for this interface was observed). The PTP showed similar bonding strength and adhesion to the other tested posts when using RelyX U200 cement. The PTP can be considered a new alternative option for the dental post system.

ENHANCEMENT OF ANTIFUNGAL EFFECT ON DENTURE BASE RESIN THROUGH MICROCAPSULES DRUG DELIVERY TECHNOLOGY USING TEA TREE OIL AND ITS CHARACTERISATION The introduction of organic materials into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin has been implemented to reinforce the antimicrobial properties in oral denture bases. A new drug delivery technique using polylactic acid (PLA) microcapsules infuses with organic ingredients such as tea tree oil (TTO). When incorporated into PMMA resin, these microcapsules will provide an effective antifungal effect on the denture surface. The objective is to investigate the antifungal interaction of PLA/TTO microcapsules in polymerised PMMA denture base resin against Candida albicans. An advanced encapsulation technique was performed to synthesise PLA microcapsules containing TTO. The TTO/PLA microcapsules were characterised using Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR), Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Three different concentrations of prepared microcapsules (TTO: PLA (% w/w)), 10%, 50% and 100% were incorporated into polymerised PMMA denture resin. The tested materials were subsequently evaluated for antifungal activity for several weeks at intervals of 7, 14 and 30 days using the well diffusion test. Further observation through SEM was included to assess the attachment of oral microorganisms to the surface of the modified denture base. From the spectroscopic analysis, the microcapsules were successfully synthesised using a new drug delivery encapsulation method. The antifungal activity of polymerised PMMA denture incorporated with TTO/PLA microcapsules demonstrated a significant effect (p<0.05) against C. albicans, where the inhibition area increased as the concentration increased. The study demonstrated that organic TTO can be encapsulated with PLA, potentially serving as a drug delivery vehicle for controlling drug release. Incorporating TTO/PLA microcapsules into PMMA denture base can significantly enhance the antifungal effect on the denture surface, offering potential usefulness for denture users in the future.

ABSTRACT Globally, non-syndromic tooth agenesis is commonly seen in clinical practice. However, its management is often complex and requires a multidisciplinary team approach for the maximal outcome. While various treatment options are possible, considerations for the treatment are not only based on the dentofacial conditions but also cultural and social background and personal preference of the patient. Thus, patientcentred care approach should always be practised for an optimal outcome. In the present case, a patient with established craniofacial growth presenting with bilateral agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors and over-retained deciduous maxillary left canine sought for aesthetic improvements. The patient did not prefer any orthodontic treatment citing a prolonged treatment duration and sub-optimal motivation as a hindrance. Thus, a prosthodontic only approach was taken by providing a conventional cantilever bridge and ceramic veneers to achieve the aims of treatment. This article discusses the possible limitation of such prosthodontic only solution in managing tooth agenesis.
Prosthodontics ; Anodontia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate hardness (indicator for polymerization) and thickness of two types of resin cement at coronal, middle and apical level of tooth root canal. Ten extracted maxillary incisors were instrumented and post space was prepared for cementation of titanium post. Samples were divided into two groups and each group was cemented either of the two types of resin cements; Panavia F [dual-cured (PF)] and Rely X Luting 2 [self-cured (RL)]. The teeth were longitudinally sectioned; hardness and thickness was measured using Vickers hardness tester and a microscope (Leica DMLM). SEM observations along the cement line at the 3 different root levels were performed. Statistical analysis was performed to test significance of differences in hardness and thickness of the two types of cement (t-test; p= 0.05) and at different levels of the same type (one-way ANOVA followed by multiple comparison; p= 0.05). Significant difference of hardness was found at the apical level between the two groups and between the coronal and apical level of PF (p<0.05); no significant differences in hardness and thickness were observed in RL (p>0.05). Moreover, voids were more obvious within the dual-cured group of cement. Dual-cured resin cement was found to be less polymerized than self-cured type at apical level. Increased thicknesses of resin cements in comparison to post space size were observed in both groups. Use of metallic post with resin cements needs further evaluation.