In Vitro Evaluation of marginal adaptation of polyether ether ketone and zirconia copings

Background

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has emerged as a new thermoplastic material with potential applications as a restorative material. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the marginal adaptation of PEEK copings compared to zirconia copings using field emission scanning electron microscopy.

Materials and Methods

A freshly extracted maxillary central incisor was prepared for a full-coverage restoration following standard principles of tooth preparation. The tooth was sent to a laboratory for fabrication of samples using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Twenty samples of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) copings (group A) and 20 of zirconia copings were fabricated (group B). The copings were scanned under a field emission scanning electron microscope and measurements were taken at four distinct points. The marginal adaptation over the buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal margins for both groups was evaluated. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t test were applied.

Results

Our findings indicate that PEEK showed better marginal adaptation than zirconia at all measurement points. The mean marginal gap value of the PEEK group was 33.99 ± 8.81 μm and of the zirconia group was 56.21 ± 15.07 μm. On comparing marginal adaptation among the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual aspects, PEEK showed better adaptation on all four margins, with the best adaptation on the buccal margin that had the lowest mean gap value of 29.27 ± 6.07 μm. The zirconia group adapted best at the distal margin, with a lowest mean gap value of 53.58 ± 15.25 μm (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

PEEK copings had better marginal adaptation and fit compared to zirconia copings. It may have applications as a restorative material in fixed prostheses.

Evaluation of the marginal microleakage of CAD-CAM compared with conventional interim crowns luted with different types of cement: An in-vitro study

Background

Temporary stage in crowns and bridgework plays an important role in the success and failure of the final restorations. Lack of marginal seal of the temporary restorations can lead to further complications. Recently, digital dentistry has been improved in terms of marginal integrity.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the marginal leakage between CAD/CAM and conventionally made Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) interim crowns cemented with different temporary luting cements.

Materials and Methods

Sixty resin dies of a maxillary right first premolar were prepared according to the protocol of the tooth preparation for all-ceramic crown. Interim crowns were then fabricated and assigned to two main groups according to the fabrication technique (CAD/CAM technique and conventional technique). Furthermore, the samples were sub-grouped (n = 10) according to the type of the luting cements: Zinc oxide eugenol (RelyX temp E), Zinc oxide non-eugenol (RelyX temp NE), and Zinc polycarboxylate cement (pentron). The specimens were then subjected to thermocycling at 5°C and 55°CC for 30 sec and transfer time of 15 seconds for 1500 cycles. After that, the specimens were immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution for 24 hours. The cemented specimens were sectioned buccolingually and the amount of marginal leakage was evaluated under digital microscope at magnification 50x. The scores of dye penetration were recorded and analyzed using one-way ANOVA at P < 0.05 for all tests.

Results

For the fabrication technique, CAD/CAM-made interim crowns had significantly better performance in terms of lower microleakage in comparison to conventionally built interim crowns (P < 0.001). Overall, Zinc Oxide non-eugenol also showed significantly least microleakage as a luting cement then Zinc Oxide Eugenol and the most microleakage was found with Zinc Polycarboxylate regardless of the fabrication method.

Conclusion

Interim crowns fabricated by CAD-CAM system are better suited for temporization. Zinc-oxide non-eugenol cements showed the least amount of microleakage in both types of crown.