Effect of Deep Margin Elevation on CAD/CAM-Fabricated Ceramic Inlays

YouTube as an information source in deep margin elevation: Reliability, accuracy and quality analysis

The objective of this research was to assess the accuracy, quality, content, and demographics of videos on YouTube concerning deep margin elevation (DME). Initially, 100 videos for each of the three keywords were analyzed. The content categories of these videos were diverse, encompassing educational materials, teaching techniques, advertisements, and other types of content. The evaluation of the videos was carried out based on the Global Quality Scale (GQS), the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark, and the modified-DISCERN questionnaire (m-DISCERN). Non-distributed data were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis test and the Spearman correlation coefficient. The JAMA score was 1 for four videos, 2-3 for 38, and 4 for 14 videos; the GQS score was 1-2 for 18 videos, 3 for 11 videos, and 4-5 for 27 videos; and the m-DISCERN score was < 3 for 39 videos, 3 for four videos, and > 3 for 13 (for a total of 56 videos). Statistically significant differences were observed only for the JAMA scores when comparing the video source groups (p = 0.001). There were significant positive correlations between the GQS and m-DISCERN and m-DISCERN and JAMA scores (p < 0.001 and p = 0.049, respectively). The findings indicated that YouTube videos related to DME generally exhibited high-quality content but only moderate accuracy and poor reliability.

Effect of Cervical Margin Relocation With Different Injectable Restorative Materials on Fracture Resistance of Molars Received MOD CAD/CAM Onlay Restorations

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of cervical margin relocation with four different injectable restorative materials on the fracture resistance of molars receiving mesio-occluso-distal CAD/CAM nanoceramic onlay restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and five sound mandibular molars received a standardized mesio-occluso-distal onlay preparation, with cervical margins located 2 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction. The molars were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 21) according to the cervical relocating materials used: Group I had no cervical margin relocation; Group II used a highly viscous glass ionomer; Group III used a highly-filled injectable resin composite; Group IV used a resin-modified glass ionomer; and Group V used a bioactive ionic resin. All groups received immediate dentin sealing before nanoceramic resin-based CAD/CAM onlay restorations. After the specimens were subjected to thermo-mechanical loading, they underwent fracture resistance testing and failure mode analysis.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference in fracture resistance was observed among the tested groups. Regarding the mode of failure, irreparable failure was significantly dominant, with no significant difference among the groups.

CONCLUSION

Employing injectable restorative materials for cervical margin relocation had no detrimental effect on the fracture resistance of molars receiving nanoceramic resin-based CAD/CAM onlay restorations.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

CAD/CAM onlay restorations preceded by cervical margin relocation using injectable restorative materials could tolerate compressive loading comparably to those without cervical margin relocation.

Enhancing subgingival margin restoration: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of deep margin elevation's impact on microleakage

INTRODUCTION

Restorative dentistry faces complex challenges with deep proximal surface destruction, requiring novel approaches like DME (Deep Margin Elevation). In order to achieve the best results while treating severe tooth damage, this study examines the advantages, disadvantages, and possible collaborations of different treatments.

AIMS

This systematic review investigates the efficacy of DME as an adjunctive procedure in restorative dentistry, specifically focusing on its impact on microleakage.

METHODS

The study adheres to PRISMA guidelines and employs the PICOS framework for eligibility criteria. 394 potentially qualifying studies were discovered and thorough literature search was carried out via databases. After applying inclusion criteria, 7 studies were included in the analysis. Articles were selected based on criteria that included indirect restoration and performing DME and were compared with indirect restorations without DME. Composite resin was used for DME. Other materials for DME performing, including GI and composite flow, were systematically reviewed. Data analysis was done by biostat software (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The meta-analysis of selected studies reveals a statistically significant positive effect of DME on reduction of microleakage (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study underscore the potential of DME in addressing subgingival margin challenges and provide valuable insights for restorative dentistry practices.

Influence of Deep Margin Elevation Technique With Two Restorative Materials on Stress Distribution of e.max Endocrown Restorations: A Finite Element Analysis

Objective: The impact of the deep margin elevation (DME) technique and its associated materials on the stress distribution in ceramic endocrowns remains to be fully understood. This finite element analysis (FEA) aimed to assess the effects of flowable composite and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) as DME materials on the maximum Von Mises stress (VMS) values and overall stress distribution within ceramic endocrowns and the surrounding tooth structure. Materials and Methods: A mandibular molar featuring a class II mesio occlusal (MO) cavity with the gingival margin of the mesial cavity positioned 2 mm below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) was prepared and scanned using a Medit i500 scanner. The digital file was then transferred to computer-aided design (CAD) software to create the models. The study generated four scenarios: an intact tooth model (model of intact tooth (MIT)), a prepared tooth model without a DME layer (model without DME (MWD)), a model with a 2 mm DME layer using composite material (model with DME of composite (MDC)), and a model employing RMGI (model with DME of RMGI (MDR)). Stress distribution under axial loads was evaluated based on the Von Mises criterion. Results: The MIT model demonstrated the highest stress concentration at the CEJ region yet exhibited lower stress levels than others. The MWD model showed the highest stress levels. No significant differences in stress distribution patterns were observed between the MDR and MDC models. All models displayed similar stress distributions in the bone. Conclusion: Regardless of the material used, incorporating a DME layer in cavities extending below the CEJ is advisable to achieve uniform stress distribution. Minimizing tooth preparation and preserving tooth structure are recommended. Clinical Significance: Employing a DME layer in cavities with margins below the CEJ is beneficial for reducing stress, irrespective of the material choice.

Fracture resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated premolars reconstructed by different preparation approaches: Cervical margin relocation and crown lengthening with complete and partial ferrule with three different post and core systems

PURPOSE

To assess the fracture resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated premolars reconstructed by different preparation approaches: cervical margin relocation (CMR) and crown lengthening (CL) with complete ferrule (CLF) and partial ferrule (CLPF) with three different post and core systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this in vitro study, 100 maxillary premolars were assigned to the following 10 groups according to their preparation approach and type of post and core system (n = 10): (I) control (intact teeth), (II) prefabricated fiber post (PFP) and composite core with CMR (PFP-CMR), (III) polyethylene fiber-reinforced composite (PEFRC) with CMR (PEFRC-CMR), (IV) casting post (CP) and core with CMR (CP-CMR), (V) PFP-CLPF, (VI) PEFRC-CLPF, (VII) CP-CLPF, (VIII) PFP-CLF, (IX) PEFRC-CLF, and (X) CP-CLF. After thermomechanical loading, the fracture resistance and failure mode were assessed. Data were analyzed statistically (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

In all post and core systems, the CLPF approach had lower fracture resistance than CMR (p < 0.05); CLF showed higher fracture resistance than CLPF only in the PFP system (p = 0.038). In PEFRC and CP systems, the difference between CLF and CLPF was not significant (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found in fracture resistance of different post and core systems with the same preparation approach (p > 0.05). CLPF showed the highest frequency of favorable, and CLF showed the highest frequency of unfavorable fractures.

CONCLUSION

CLPF yielded lower fracture resistance than CMR. The difference in fracture resistance was not significant between CLF and CMR but the frequency of unfavorable fractures was higher in CLF than in other groups.

In Vitro Effect of the Length of Relocated Cervical Margin with Casting Post and Core, Prefabricated Fiber Post, and Polyethylene Fiber with a Composite Core on Fracture Resistance and Marginal Integrity

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effect of length of the relocated cervical margin with casting post and core (CP), prefabricated fiber post and composite core (PFP), and polyethylene fiber-reinforced composite (PEFRC) on fracture resistance and marginal integrity.

Materials and Methods

In this in vitro study, 70 sound human maxillary premolars were divided into seven groups according to the type of post and core system and length of the relocated cervical margin (n = 10): control (no preparation), PFP-3, PEFRC-3, CP-3 with 3 mm of cervical margin relocation (CMR), PFP-6, PEFRC-6, and CP-6 (with 6 mm of CMR). The samples were restored with zirconia crowns (except the control group). Epoxy resin replicas were fabricated before and after thermomechanical loading. Marginal integrity was assessed at the luting cement-core, core-tooth, and luting cement-enamel interfaces under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) (×200). Fracture resistance and failure mode were subsequently assessed. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, paired t-test, ANOVA, Tukey-Games Howell, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney with Bonferroni correction, and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The marginal integrity of the groups with 3 mm of CMR followed the following order: PEFRC > PFP > CP at all interfaces (P  < 0.05). In 6-mm CMR groups, this order was CP < PFP = PEFRC at the luting cement-core and (CP < PEFRC) = PFP at the core-tooth interface. No significant difference was found in fracture resistance when comparing the 3-mm CMR groups with each other (P  > 0.05). PFP-6 showed higher FR than CP-6 (P  < 0.001). PEFRC-6 had no significant difference with PFP-6 and CP-6 (P  > 0.05). In each post and core system, 3-mm CMR groups showed higher marginal integrity and fracture resistance (P  < 0.05).

Conclusion

Increasing the length of the relocated cervical margin decreased the marginal integrity and fracture resistance of all three systems of CP, PFP, and PEFRC.

Advanced Material Strategy for Restoring Damaged Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Comprehensive Review

The restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) remains a significant challenge in modern dentistry. These teeth often suffer from substantial structural damage due to both the original pathology and the invasive nature of endodontic procedures. Consequently, ETT are more susceptible to fractures compared to vital teeth, necessitating restorative strategies that can effectively restore both function and aesthetics while minimizing the risk of failure. In recent years, advances in adhesive dentistry and the development of high-strength ceramics have further expanded the restorative options for ETT. Bonded restorations have gained popularity as they preserve more tooth structure and enhance the overall strenght of the tooth-restoration complex. The choice of restorative material and technique is influenced by numerous factors, including the amount of remaining tooth structure, the functional requirements of the tooth, and the aesthetic demands of the patient. Despite the plethora of available materials and techniques, the optimal approach to restoring ETT remains a topic of ongoing research and debate. In this comprehensive review, the current state of and recent advances in restoring damaged endodontically treated teeth are explored. Numerous therapeutic options exist, involving a wide range of materials. This article aims to present the biomaterial advancements of the past decade and their applications, offering alternative approaches to treating damaged ETT with the goal of prolonging their retention on the dental arch and serving as a valuable resource for dental practitioners who face this issue daily.

Deep margin elevation in restorative dentistry: A scoping review

OBJECTIVES

Deep margin elevation (DME) is a restorative approach offering the possibility of performing stepwise elevation of deep proximal cavities to create more favourable margins for direct or indirect restorations. The objectives of this scoping review were to explore what is known or unknown about DME by describing a wide ranging evidence base including peer reviewed literature and non-traditionally published information on the web.

DATA

Data were extracted from the included evidence in order to describe the following: the extent and nature of the evidence base; the situations which are appropriate for DME; the materials and techniques which are used; the outcomes which have been measured in empirical studies; the risks which have been reported; and the findings which have been reported in studies which compared DME to surgical crown lengthening.

SOURCES

This scoping review included a wide range of published evidence and extensive web searching for grey literature, including CPD, training and multimedia information.

STUDY SELECTION

The findings revealed a range of published literature as well as freely available, online information advising practitioners about DME. Most empirical evidence was based on in vitro studies, and there were few clinical studies comparing DME to crown lengthening. Online information included recent, multimedia sources.

CONCLUSIONS

DME is a technique that can be used with motivated patients with good oral hygiene if rubber dam isolation is achieved, if there is no invasion of the connective tissue space, and if a strict restorative protocol is adhered to.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

With phasing out of amalgam and adhesive dentistry increasing in popularity, DME addresses multiple clinical problems associated with sub-gingival margins prior to restoration.

Effect of cervical margin relocation on marginal adaptation and microleakage of indirect ceramic restorations

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the effect of cervical margin relocation (CMR) with two different materials and contamination with hemostatic agents on the margin adaptation and microleakage of ceramic restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mesial-occlusal-distal cavities were prepared in 60 human first molars and distributed to 3 groups (n = 20) according to the margin relocation procedure. The groups were: group F; flowable composite applied in two 2 mm increments, group B; bulk-fill flowable composite applied as a bulk increment of 4 mm thickness and group C (control); no CMR was done. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups (subgroup N; no hemostatic agent applied and subgroup H; hemostatic agent was applied). In all groups, ceramic inlays were prepared and cemented. The samples were subjected to thermocycling (10,000 cycles). The adaptation of the cervical margin was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (200×). Samples were then assessed for microleakage analysis with the dye penetration method. Marginal adaptation data were normally distributed and analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Ordinal microleakage score data were analyzed using cumulative link models followed by the analysis of deviance using Wald chi-square tests.

RESULTS

Both CMR and contamination with a hemostatic agent had significant effects on the margin adaptation of the cervical margin. Group C showed the highest adaptation with no significant difference from group F. The lowest adaptation was revealed in group B with a significant difference from group C. Subgroup N (in all groups) showed a statistically higher adaptation than subgroup H. Regarding microleakage assessment, CMR had no significant effect but hemostatic agent application showed a significantly higher microleakage score for all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the CMR procedure and contamination with AlCl3 hemostatic agent had a negative effect on marginal adaptation. For microleakage assessment, only contamination with hemostatic agent negatively affected the microleakage with no effect on the margin relocation procedure.

Influence of the cervical margin relocation on stress distribution -

Aim: Evaluate the influence of the cervical margin relocation (CMR) on stress distribution in the lower first molar restored with direct nano-ceramic composite (zenit). Methods: A 3D model of the lower first molar was modeled and used. Standardized mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) preparation consisted in two models used in this study with mesial subgingival margin in model II. (CMR) was applied in model II using flowable composite or resin glass ionomer (Riva). Both models were restored with nanoceramic composite and then subjected to six runs (2 for the model I and 4 for model II) with load (100N) as two load cases, one at (11º) and other at (45º) from the vertical axis. The stress distributions (FEA) in the final restoration and (CMR) material were analyzed using 3D models. Results: The two models recorded an equivalent Von Mises stress and Total deformation in the final restoration, regardless of the difference in the oblique angle incidence from (11º to 45º) or the type of the material used for (CMR) there was no significant difference in the (FEA) between the model with CMR (model II) and the model without CMR (model I). Conclusions: (CMR) technique seems to be biomechanically beneficial with high eccentric applied stress, (CMR) with resin glass ionomer or flowable composite resin in combination with nanoceramic composite improved the biomechanical behavior of (MOD) cavities extended below cement enamel junction (CMR) with high modulus elasticity material like (Riva) exhibits a more uniform stress distribution. 

Periodontopathic bacterial adhesion to different restorative materials used to elevate proximal subgingival margins

This study compared the periodontopathic bacterial adhesion to four restorative materials used for deep margin elevation at 2, 24, and 48-h after incubation. Discs were produced from four restorative materials: resin modified glass ionomer, glass hybrid, flowable bulk fill resin composite, and bioactive ionic resin. Root dentin was used as control. Specimens were coated with saliva and used to culture a biofilm comprised of three strains of periodontopathic bacteria; Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Bacterial adherence was assessed by colony count assay, crystal violet staining, and visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc tests. The adhesion values for the control specimens were significantly higher than for other materials, while those for the flowable bulk fill were significantly lower than for any other material within all evaluation assays. The 2-h incubation period showed the lowest adhesion values regardless of the group. The 48-h adhesion values were higher than the 24-h results in all groups except the flowable bulk fill. Microscopic imaging partially supported the findings of the measurements. In terms of periodontopathic bacterial adhesion, the tested flowable bulk fill may be preferable for subgingival use over other tested materials.

Deep margin elevation-Present status and future directions

OBJECTIVE

Deep margin elevation (DME) is a treatment approach to relocate the cervical margin of teeth with subgingival defects to a supragingival position with a direct restoration to facilitate rubber dam isolation, impression taking, and bonding of indirect restorations. This article provides an overview of the current scientific evidence on DME and future directions for research.

OVERVIEW

The review included 38 studies on DME, most conducted in vitro. These studies indicate that DME has no detrimental effect on the fracture resistance of restored teeth. Evidence on the impact of DME on marginal quality is conflicting, but most in vitro studies observed no negative effect. Clinical studies, most comprising small patient cohorts, demonstrated favorable restorative outcomes and suggest that DME restorations made with scrupulous care are compatible with periodontal health. Bleeding on probing may occur more frequently at sites with DME, though evidence on this is not unequivocal.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence, based largely on laboratory studies and limited clinical data, supports DME as a viable approach to restore teeth with localized subgingival defects. However, further clinical studies with long-term follow-ups are required to provide corroborative evidence.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Current evidence suggests that DME is a viable approach to restore teeth with localized subgingival defects as a possible alternative to surgical crown lengthening. Proper working field isolation, meticulous care in the bonding and buildup procedure, and biofilm removal through patient-performed oral hygiene and professional maintenance care are crucial. As scant clinical trial-based evidence is available today, further research is needed to evaluate the long-term performance of DME restorations and their impact on periodontal health.

Deep Margin Elevation: Current Concepts and Clinical Considerations: A Review

Dietschi and Spreafico first proposed deep margin elevation (DME) in 1998 to address the multiple clinical problems associated with sub-gingival margins, where sub-gingival margins will be repositioned coronally using composite resin restorations. Given that dentistry is directing towards conservatism, its use is currently trending. Materials and Methods: a search was performed through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar search engines to obtain relevant articles with no time restriction. Results: With biological width taken into consideration, well-defined and polished sub-gingival restorations are compatible with periodontal health. Marginal integrity in the DME technique seems to be affected by the type of adhesive, restoration, and incremental layering of the restoration. Regarding fracture resistance, DME has no significant effects. Conclusion: The DME technique seems to be a minimally invasive alternative to surgical crown lengthening (SCL) and orthodontic extrusion (OE) with respect to biological width. Well-controlled clinical trials are limited in this field; further long-term follow-up studies emphasizing the periodontal outcomes and prevention of complications are needed.

In vitro marginal and internal adaptation of four different base materials used to elevate proximal dentin gingival margins

Background

There is still debate about the most appropriate restorative material category to relocate the proximal deep cervical margins, thus, this study aimed to compare the marginal and internal adaptation of four base materials used for deep margin elevation, and to evaluate each base material/overlying composite interface.

Material and Methods

Fifty six molars received class II cavities with dentin/cementum gingival margins. They were divided into four groups and their gingival margins were elevated using either; resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI), highly viscous conventional glass ionomer (HV-GIC), flowable bulk fill resin composite (Bulk Flow) and bioactive ionic resin (Activa). The rest of the cavities were completed with the same overlying composite. Half of each group was either; kept in sterile water for 1 week, or subjected to 18 months water storage and 15,000 thermal cycles. Base materials/gingival dentin interfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope at different magnifications, and percentage of continuous margin (% CM) and maximum gap width (MGW) were analyzed, in addition to base materials/overlying composite interfaces evaluations. % CM values were statistically analyzed using Two-way analysis of variance, Tukey post hoc tests (at p<0.05) and Pearson’s correlation while MGW values were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U tests and Spearmen correlation

Results

Both Bulk Flow and Activa had better marginal integrity than RMGI and HV-GIC. All base materials were adversely affected by aging. All base materials/overlying composite interfaces were continuous and age defying.

Conclusions

In terms of marginal integrity, Bulk Flow and Activa might be preferable for proximal dentin margin elevation under direct restoration compared to the other tested base materials.

Key words:Deep proximal margin, interface analysis, marginal quality, open sandwich technique.

Deep proximal margin rebuilding with direct esthetic restorations: a systematic review of marginal adaptation and bond strength

This review aimed to characterize the effect of direct restorative material types and adhesive protocols on marginal adaptation and the bond strength of the interface between the material and the proximal dentin/cementum. An electronic search of 3 databases (the National Library of Medicine [MEDLINE/PubMed], Scopus, and ScienceDirect) was conducted. Studies were included if they evaluated marginal adaptation or bond strength tests for proximal restorations under the cementoenamel junction. Only 16 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. These studies presented a high degree of heterogeneity in terms of the materials used and the methodologies and evaluation criteria of each test; therefore, only a descriptive analysis could be conducted. The included studies were individually evaluated for the risk of bias following predetermined criteria. To summarize the results of the included studies, the type of restorative material affected the test results, whereas the use of different adhesive protocols had an insignificant effect on the results. It could be concluded that various categories of resin-based composites could be a suitable choice for clinicians to elevate proximal dentin/cementum margins, rather than the open sandwich technique with resin-modified glass ionomers. Despite challenges in bonding to proximal dentin/cementum margins, different adhesive protocols provided comparable outcomes.

Influence of Manual and Ultrasonic Scaling on Surface Roughness of Four Different Base Materials Used to Elevate Proximal Dentin-Cementum Gingival Margins: An In Vitro Study

AIM

To evaluate and compare the effects of both manual and ultrasonic scaling on surface roughness of four different base materials, used for elevating dentin/cementum gingival margins of proximal cavities.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Eighty human upper molars with compound Class II mesial cavities, with gingival margins 1 mm below the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), were divided into four different groups according to the type of the base material used; resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI), glass hybrid (HV-GIC), flowable bulk-fill resin composite (Bulk Flow) and bioactive ionic resin (Activa). This was followed by completing the restorations with the same resin composite. All materials were used according to the manufacturers' instructions. All groups were further subdivided into two subgroups according to the scaling technique: manual (hand) or ultrasonic. All restorative and scaling procedures were performed after fixation of specimens with acrylic beside neighboring teeth to simulate natural contact. The mean surface roughness (Ra, μm) of all specimens was measured quantitatively and qualitatively by a three-dimensional (3D) surface analyzer system at two stages; (1) after thermal cycling for 5000 cycles without scaling and (2) after scaling. Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey post hoc tests, and paired sample t-tests (at α=0.05).

RESULTS

For baseline readings, the Bulk Flow group had the lowest Ra values, while HV-GIC group had the highest. RMGI and Activa groups had no statistical significant difference between their Ra values (p>0.05). For post scaling readings, hand scaling had significantly lower Ra values than ultrasonic scaling in all the material groups (p<0.05), except in the Bulk Flow group, where both scaling methods were not significantly different from each other (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Bulk Flow had the smoothest surfaces when cured against a matrix band compared with the other tested base materials. When hand and ultrasonic scaling methods were compared, the latter technique had more detrimental effect on the surface texture of the four tested base materials.

Deep Margin Elevation: A Literature Review

A conservative approach for restoring deep proximal lesions is to apply an increment of composite resin over the preexisting cervical margin to relocate it coronally, the so-called “deep margin elevation” (DME). A literature search for research articles referring to DME published from January 1998 until November 2021 was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Ovid, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Semantic Scholar databases applying preset inclusion and exclusion criteria. Elevation material and adhesive system employed for luting seem to be significant factors concerning the marginal adaptation of the restoration. This technique does not affect bond strength, fatigue behavior, fracture resistance, failure pattern or repairability. DME and subgingival restorations are compatible with periodontal health, given that they are well-polished and refined. The available literature is limited mainly to in vitro studies. Therefore, randomized clinical trials with extended follow-up periods are necessary to clarify all aspects of the technique and ascertain its validity in clinical practice. For the time being, DME should be applied with caution respecting three criteria: capability of field isolation, the perfect seal of the cervical margin provided by the matrix, and no invasion of the connective compartment of biological width.

Fatigue behavior and stress distribution of molars restored with MOD inlays with and without deep margin elevation

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the effect of deep margin elevation (DME) and restorative materials (leucite-reinforced glass-ceramics [C] vs. indirect resin composite [R]) on the fatigue behavior and stress distribution of maxillary molars with 2-mm deep proximal margins restored with MOD inlay.

METHODS

Fifty-two extracted human third molars were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 13): C; DME + C; R; and DME + R. Inlays were fabricated in CAD-CAM and bonded to all teeth. The fatigue behavior was assessed with the stepwise stress test (10,000 cycles/step; step = 50 N; 20 Hz; initial load = 200 N). Fatigue failure loads and the number of cycles were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05) and Kaplan-Meier survival plots. The stress distribution was assessed with finite element analysis. The models were considered isotropic, linear, and homogeneous, and presented bonded contacts. A tripod axial load (400 N) was applied to the occlusal surface. The stress distribution was analyzed with the maximum principal stress criterion.

RESULTS

For fatigue, there was no difference for DME factor (p > 0.05). For the material factor, the load and number of cycles for failure were statistically higher in the R groups (p < 0.05). The finite element analysis showed that resin composite inlays concentrated more stress in the tooth structure, while ceramic inlays concentrated more stress in the restoration. Non-reparable failures were more frequent in the resin composite inlays groups.

CONCLUSIONS

DME was not negative for fatigue and biomechanical behaviors. Resin composite inlays were more resistant to the fatigue test, although the failure mode was more aggressive.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

DME does not impair mechanical behavior. Resin composite inlays failed at higher loads but with a more aggressive failure mode.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Deep Margin Elevation (DME) among dental practitioners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objectives:

To evaluate Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) regarding deep margin elevation (DME) among dental practitioners in Riyadh city.

Materials and Methodology:

A cross-sectional study that comprised a total number of 535 dental practitioners: 255 (47.7%) were males and 280 (52.3%) females. A self-constructed 21 close-ended self-administered questionnaire was utilized in the study. The data were entered and analyzed by Chi-square test and descriptive analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

Results:

Although the majority of the respondents have heard about DME, only 30.4% have utilized this technique in their clinical practice by having general practitioners and specialists utilize this technique more often than consultants. Among the participants, 65.4% of them have agreed that adhesion by bonding to deep cervical dentin is predictable and related to the success of the final restoration.

Conclusion:

The knowledge level of DME among the study participants was adequate. The findings of this study revealed that the total number of dentists who utilize the technique in restoring large subgingival defects of posterior teeth with proximal caries is very minimal. Thus, it is recommended that dental practitioners have this technique introduced in their dental clinics as an alternative to surgical crown lengthening. Although years of experience and dentist rank may influence the clinical decision, in-depth factorial analysis with a greater sample size is necessary.