Influence of Zirconia/Glass Veneer Thickness and Implant Abutment Material on the Final Shade of Implant Restorations

Background

Achieving an optimal shade match for these restorations is crucial for aesthetic outcomes. The thickness of zirconia/glass veneer and the choice of implant abutment material play vital roles in determining the final shade of implant restorations.

Materials and Methods

This study investigated the influence of zirconia/glass veneer thickness (0.5 mm and 1.0 mm) and implant abutment material (zirconia and titanium) on the final shade of implant restorations. A total of 60 identical implant restorations were fabricated and divided into four groups based on the combinations of veneer thickness and abutment material. The shade of each restoration was assessed using a shade guide, and color differences (ΔE) were measured with a spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using statistical tests (e.g., ANOVA).

Results

The results indicated that the veneer thickness significantly influenced the final shade of implant restorations. Restorations with 0.5 mm veneer thickness exhibited a lower ΔE value (indicating a closer shade match) compared to those with 1.0 mm veneer thickness. Additionally, the choice of implant abutment material had a minor but statistically significant effect on shade. Zirconia abutments yielded slightly better shade-matching results compared to titanium abutments.

Conclusion

In implant restorations, the thickness of the zirconia/glass veneer plays a critical role in achieving a desirable shade match. A veneer thickness of 0.5 mm is recommended for optimal aesthetic outcomes.

Comparing Patient Outcomes for Teeth Treated with Traditional Root Canal Therapy Versus Pulpotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Root canal therapy (RCT) and pulpotomy are two common treatment modalities for managing dental pulp infections, but their comparative effectiveness in terms of patient outcomes remains unclear. This root canal therapy (RCT) aimed to assess and compare patient outcomes between teeth treated with traditional RCT and pulpotomy.

Materials and Methods

In this single-center RCT, a total of 120 patients presenting with symptomatic dental pulp infections were randomly assigned to either the RCT group or the pulpotomy group. The RCT group received conventional root canal treatment, which involved complete removal of infected pulp and obturation of the root canals. The pulpotomy group underwent a procedure where only the coronal pulp tissue was removed, followed by the placement of a medicament. Pain levels, infection resolution, and tooth survival were assessed at 6 months and 1 year posttreatment.

Results

At the 6-month follow-up, patients in the RCT group reported significantly lower pain scores (2.5 ± 0.8) compared with the pulpotomy group (4.3 ± 1.2, P < 0.001). Infection resolution was also higher in the RCT group (92%) compared with the pulpotomy group (78%) at 6 months. Tooth survival rates at 1 year were significantly higher in the RCT group (95%) compared with the pulpotomy group (81%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This RCT demonstrates that traditional RCT is superior to pulpotomy in terms of pain reduction, infection resolution, and tooth survival. Patients who underwent RCT experienced less pain, faster infection resolution, and better tooth survival rates compared with those who received pulpotomy. These findings support the use of RCT as the preferred treatment modality for dental pulp infections.

Ectopic endometrium in omentum. Uterine perforation by Lippes loop

A case of ectopic endometrium in the omentum following perforation of the uterus by a Lippes Looptm is reported. Evidence is presented substantiating Sampson's theory of endometrial implantation.