Objectives This article presents a review of published literature examining fibre-based endodontic post systems. Data sources A MEDLINE search was carried out for any articles in dental journals pertaining to fibre-based post systems. Wherever possible articles cited were obtained from the journals and where this was not possible abstracts were obtained. Where no abstract was available the article was not considered for evaluation. Data extraction Articles were reviewed by a single observer and subject to meeting inclusion criteria were included in the review. Fifty-nine articles were considered suitable for inclusion. Data synthesis Articles were divided into categories and a subjective description of the articles was made. Conclusions Review indicated that (1) most published literature on fibre-based posts took the form of laboratory analyses; (2) evidence for carbon-fibre posts far exceeds that for quartz-fibre posts; (3) laboratory evidence was contradictory and could not be used to inform practice reliably; (4) few clinical studies have been carried out though these have suggested fibre based posts may be clinically appropriate for restoration of the endodontically treated tooth; and (5) controlled prospective clinical trials evaluating fibre-based posts should be undertaken to inform use for clinical practice.

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Background The study reports on implant survival outcomes in head and neck cancer patients who received implant-based oral rehabilitation in a regional service centre. Methods A retrospective analysis of implant survival outcomes in patients treated in a regional service from 2012 to 2017 was performed. The primary outcome measure was implant survival. The secondary outcome measure was to assess the effect of covariates associated with implant failure including bone type, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, gender and surgical implant complications. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were applied to compare differences in the survival rates of groups of variables. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to identify covariates associated with implant failure. p value was set at 0.05. Results The sample was composed of 167 head and neck cancer patients who had 779 dental implants placed. Implant survival estimates were calculated: 3 years, 95.7% [95%CI 94.3–97.2%] and 5 years, 95.5% [95%CI 93.9–97.0%], with a median follow-up of 38 months. Gender ( p = 0.09), radiotherapy ( p = 0.16) and chemotherapy ( p = 0.17) did not significantly influence implant survival, whereas implant failure was higher in transported (reconstructed) bone sites in comparison with native bone ( p < 0.01). Conclusion The result of this study suggests that overall implant survival as part of the routine oral rehabilitation is high in this patient cohort; however, implant failure was found to be statistically higher for implant placed into transported bone in comparison to native bone.

PRACTICE• Highlights the rise of clinical guidelines in dentistry.• Explores the purpose of guidelines.• Provides advice on how guidelines should be used.• Gives examples of useful guidelines and where these may be found.

This study assessed bonding of orthodontic brackets to porcelain teeth using two different surface preparation techniques and comparing two bonding systems, Fuji Ortho L.C. and Transbond. Four groups of 20 porcelain premolar teeth were bonded with metal orthodontic brackets (0.022 inch Minitwin, 3M Unitek) according to the following protocol: Transbond with a phosphoric acid etch (group 1), Transbond with a hydrofluoric acid etch (group 2), Fuji Ortho L.C. with a hydrofluoric acid etch (group 3), and Fuji Ortho L.C. with a phosphoric acid etch (group 4). All groups were bonded with a silane coupling agent. The teeth were debonded with an Instron universal testing machine. Bond strength, site of bond failure and adhesive remnant index (ARI) were recorded for each group. Differences between groups were analysed statistically. The composite resin groups (groups 1 and 2) had the highest mean bond strength values at 7.9 and 9.7 MPa, respectively. The resin-modified glass ionomer cement groups (RMGIC; groups 3 and 4) had the lowest mean bond strength values at 6.3 and 1.8 MPa, respectively. The mean bond strength of group 3 was significantly lower than all other groups (P < 0.0001). The Fuji groups had also significantly (P < 0.001) lower ARI scores than the composite groups (groups 1 and 2). Most samples experienced porcelain surface damage, except group 4. In conclusion, the highest bond strength levels were achieved with a conventional composite resin cement (groups 1 and 2). No significant differences in bond strength were found between the hydrofluoric and phosphoric acid etch technique.

This report describes the unusual appearance seen on a panoramic radiograph of an orthodontic patient which the authors argue may represent ectopia or concomitant hypohyperdontia of the mandibular premolar teeth. A literature review describes the frequency of such anomalies in this area from previous studies. The presenting features of the patient and the differential diagnoses are explored. Treatment planning is discussed and treatment carried out in this particular case is detailed. The unusual symmetrical bilateral anomalies in this patient may point to a genetic determinant of tooth germ position and/or movement.

Knowledge of crown lengthening techniques, and where these might be prescribed, may be a useful addition to practitioners' treatment planning options, or to decide when referral may be more appropriate.

Modern post preparation techniques reflect a change from what was once considered a prosthodontic procedure to one which marries endodontic principles with sound understanding of mechanical objectives. This article presents a rationale for techniques in materials selection and post-space preparation. A review of literature is presented and practical clinical guidelines are suggested when post placement is considered the treatment of choice.