PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare two novel impression methods and a conventional impression method for edentulous jaws using 3-dimensional (3D) analysis software. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five edentulous patients (four men and one woman; mean age: 62.7 years) were included. Three impression techniques were used: conventional impression method (CI; control), simple modified closed-mouth impression method with a novel tray (SI), and digital impression method using an intraoral scanner (DI). Subsequently, a gypsum model was made, scanned, and superimposed using 3D analysis software. Mean area displacement was measured using CI method to evaluate differences in the impression surfaces as compared to those values obtained using SI and DI methods. The values were confirmed at two to five areas to determine the differences. CI and SI were compared at all areas, while CI and DI were compared at the supporting areas. Kruskal-Wallis test was performed for all data. Statistical significance was considered at P value <.05. RESULTS In the comparison of the CI and SI methods, the greatest difference was observed in the mandibular vestibule without statistical significance ( P >.05); the difference was < 0.14 mm in the maxilla. The difference in the edentulous supporting areas between the CI and DI methods was not significant ( P >.05). CONCLUSION The CI, SI, and DI methods were effective in making impressions of the supporting areas in edentulous patients. The SI method showed clinically applicability.

Graphene-based approaches have been influential in the design and manipulation of dental implants and tissue regeneration to overcome the problems associated with traditional titanium-based dental implants, such as their low biological affinity. Here, we describe the current progress of graphene-based platforms, which have contributed to major advances for improving cellular functions in in vitro and in vivo applications of dental implants. We also present opinions on the principal challenges and future prospects for new graphene-based platforms for the development of advanced graphene dental implants and tissue regeneration.

PURPOSETo analyze stress distribution in premolars restored with inlays or onlays using various materials.MATERIALS AND METHODSThree-dimensional maxillary premolar models of abutments were designed to include the following: 1) inlay with O cavity (O group), 2) inlay with MO cavity (MO group), 3) inlay with MOD cavity (MOD group), and 4) onlay (ONLAY group). A restoration of each inlay or onlay cavity was simulated using gold alloy, e.max ceramic, or composite resin for restoration. To simulate masticatory forces, a total of 140 N static axial force was applied onto the tooth at the occlusal contact areas. A finite element analysis was performed to predict the magnitude and pattern of stresses generated by occlusal loading.RESULTSMaximum von Mises stress values generated in the abutment teeth of the ONLAY group were ranged from 26.1 to 26.8 MPa, which were significantly lower than those of inlay groups (O group: 260.3–260.7 MPa; MO group: 252.1–262.4 MPa; MOD group: 281.4–298.8 MPa). Maximum von Mises stresses generated with ceramic, gold, and composite restorations were 280.1, 269.9, and 286.6 MPa, respectively, in the MOD group. They were 252.2, 248.0, 255.1 MPa, respectively, in the ONLAY group.CONCLUSIONThe onlay design (ONLAY group) protected tooth structures more effectively than inlay designs (O, MO, and MOD groups). However, stress magnitudes in restorations with various dental materials exhibited no significant difference among groups (O, MO, MOD, ONLAY).

[Purpose] This study examined how the application of Low-Dye (LD) taping affected the pain and stability of patients with plantar fasciitis. [Subjects] The subjects were 30 patients with plantar fasciitis who were divided into two groups: a Low-Dye taping group (LTG, n=15) and a conservative treatment group (CTG, n=15). [Methods] The treatments were performed three times a week for six weeks in both groups. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain and stability of patients with plantar fasciitis, and the transfer area of the center of gravity (TAOCOG) was measured to evaluate stability using a BioRescue device. [Results] In the within-group comparison of the VAS, the LTG and CTG values significantly decreased. In the post-test between-group comparison, the VAS pain decreased more significantly in LTG than in CTG. In the within-group comparison of the TAOCOG, the LTG value significantly increased. In the post-test between-group comparison, the TAOCOG value increased more significantly than in LTG than in CTG. [Conclusion] Utilizing Low-Dye taping for patients with plantar fasciitis appears to be an effective intervention method for reducing pain and enhancing stability.

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