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Background: Finite element analysis (FEA) is one of the best methods for evaluating the stress distribution of restorations, such as fixed partial dentures. The development of resin cement has transformed prosthesis bonding and retention properties. Resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPD) have been considered minimally invasive treatment options for the prosthetic rehabilitation of single missing teeth.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress load and distribution in four different designs of acid-etched RBFPDs using FEA.Materials and Methods: The designs included standard tooth preparation principles and additional features. The first premolar and first molar abutments replaced the missing second premolar. Designs 1, 2, 3, and 4 included (1) lingual wings and occlusal rests; (2) wings and proximal slices; (3) wings, rests, and grooves; and (4) wings, rests, grooves, and occlusal coverage. The prepared models were restored with RBFPDs. A load of 100 N was applied to the central groove of the pontic to simulate occlusal forces. The materials used in the models were considered to be isotropic, homogeneous, and linearly elastic. FEA was used to reveal stresses acting on the abutment, bone, and connector in all prosthesis designs.Results: The stresses transmitted to the abutment and bones were lowest for design 3, using wings, rests, and grooves. The stresses acting on the connector were the weakest in design 2. The stresses transmitted to the abutment and bone were highest in designs 1 and 4. The stresses transmitted to the connector were highest in design 3.Conclusion: The wings, rests, and grooves design is possibly the ideal and conservative tooth preparation design to receive a posterior RBFPD. This design transmits less stress to the abutments and less bone resorption in the FEA. It is most likely to be successful in the clinical provision and ensures the longevity of the prosthesis.

Dentists have an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and precautions and care should be exercised to prevent detrimental irreversible changes occurring.

Aim: This study aims to assess the stress levels, stress busters (stress relievers), and coping mechanisms among Saudi dental practitioners (SDPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Methodology: Self-administered questionnaire was sent to SDPs via Google forms. Cohen’s stress score scale was used for stress evaluation, and the mean scores were compared based on age, gender, qualification, and occupation. In addition, comparisons of the utilization of stress coping mechanisms and stress busters based on gender, age, and occupation were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were carried out using SPSS (Version 21.0, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: A total of 206 SDPs (69% males and 31% females) participated in the study. Male SDPs showed a higher score than females (P>0.05). SDPs around 50 years and above obtained high-stress scores (25±7.4) as compared to other age groups (P<0.05). The occupational level showed higher stress scores (22.6 ± 4.6 than the other occupation groups (P<0.05). The majority of the SDPs used watching TV/mobile/computer (80%) as a stress buster, followed by binge eating (64%), exercise (44%), smoking (32%), do it yourself (DIY-23%), and meditation (17%). Conclusion: SDPs are experiencing stress levels during this COVID-19 pandemic time. Male SDPs above 50 years and private practitioners showed higher levels of stress scores. An overall commonly used stress buster was smoking in males and meditation in females.

The global pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put the world in a panic situation. It has been evident that the geriatric population is more susceptible to acquire this infection. Thus, due to this ongoing crisis, geriatric individuals cannot visit a dental operatory, and there is the possibility of their dental needs and emergencies to remain unattended. Partial or complete edentulism is very prevalent among the geriatric population, and prosthodontic management of these patients is essential for their well-being. However, the prosthesis can lead to various emergencies of the oral and its supporting structures. There are currently no available recommendations to address these prosthodontic emergencies in geriatric individuals during this pandemic period. Hence, the aims of this minireview were to discuss the common prosthodontic emergencies in the geriatric population and provide recommendations to manage these issues during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.