Hungarian Journal of Dentistry

Polymerization stress induced crack propensity of different fiber-reinforced direct restorative procedures in deep cavities

2026-01-03T10:43:07+00:00

Introduction: The aim of our study was to determine whether there is a difference in the number of enamel cracks formed
when applying three different restorative techniques.
Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted wisdom teeth of similar size were divided into three groups (n = 20). Standardized
MOD cavities were prepared and restored as follows: in the first group, only SFRC was used; in the second group,
a conventional flowable composite base was applied before the SFRC; in the third group, a polyethylene fiber was placed
into the flowable base layer, followed by the SFRC. After polymerization, the enamel surfaces were examined using a
D-Light Pro lamp in “detection mode” to record the number of the cracks formed. The total number of cracks was recorded
immediately after restoration, as well as after one and four weeks.
Results: No significant difference was found in the total number of cracks between the groups at any given time point;
however, within all groups, the number of cracks increased significantly over time.
Conclusion: An increase in the number of post-polymerization cracks over time can be observed regardless of the
restoration technique applied.

Nanoindentation hardness study of dental composite filling materials

2026-01-03T10:43:07+00:00

Background: Short fiber-reinforced composites (SFRCs) offer a promising alternative for restoring deep cavities with high
volume factor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface hardness of flowable SFRC using nanoindentation, applying
different restorative techniques.
Materials and Methods: Composite specimens were prepared in four groups (n = 18 / group), each representing a different
restorative technique: layered conventional composite, layered SFRC, bulk-fill SFRC, and bulk-fill composite. The
hardness of the specimens was measured on their top, side, and bottom surfaces using a nano indenter, both before
and after water storage. All specimens were prepared in standardized moulds simulating deep Class I cavities. Nanoindentation
was performed in 19 locations per sample using a Berkovich diamond tip, following the ISO 14577 standards.
Results: The bulk-fill composite group showed significantly lower hardness values across all measurement levels. In
contrast, both the layered and bulk-fill SFRC groups demonstrated higher or comparable surface hardness values to the
layered conventional composite group. Water storage reduced surface hardness in all groups, but the effect was more
pronounced in the bulk-fill composite group.
Conclusions: Based on our results, flowable SFRC can be applied using either a layered or bulk-fill technique without
significant differences in mechanical properties. This material may be particularly advantageous for restoring deep cavities
with high volume factor, as it provides adequate surface hardness at both coronal and apical levels.

The management of a large radicular cyst by cystostomy, decompression, and enucleation using a custom-made removable appliance for decompression fabricated through a hybrid workflow

2026-01-03T10:43:07+00:00

The sequence of cystectomy, decompression, and enucleation is a less invasive treatment modality compared to cystectomy
in the treatment of large odontogenic cysts, reducing complications to the anatomical landmarks included in the
cavity of large cysts. The conventional workflow of fabricating a decompression appliance commences after cystostomy
and involves several visits. However, virtual planning and computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/
CAM) enable the delivery of a decompression appliance at the ti me of cystostomy, reducing the number of visits and
patient discomfort.
In the present case report, the successful treatment of a large radicular cyst is presented by the sequence of cystectomy,
decompression, and enucleation, with the delivery of a custom-made removable appliance for decompression
fabricated through a hybrid workflow.
A 49-year-old male patient presented at our Department with a large odontogenic cyst in the lower jaw spanning from
the lower right first molar to the lower left first molar. After virtual planning, the appliance was fabricated through rapid
prototyping. Denture teeth were added to the decompression device using the conventional workflow. On the day of the
first surgery, the lower incisors, which were deemed to have a hopeless prognosis, were removed, a cystostomy was
performed, and the appliance was delivered. After a 12-month-long decompression period, the bone remodeling led to
a significant reduction in the volume of the radicular cyst, strengthening the structure of the mandible. This process created
a safe zone around the mental nerves and the roots of the teeth that were originally affected by the cyst. Therefore,
during enucleation surgery, complications to these landmarks could be avoided and the risk of an intraoperative fracture
diminished. Following enucleation surgery, missing teeth were replaced by a porcelain fused to metal bridge. At the twoyear
follow-up, the bone of the lower jaw had undergone complete remodeling with no signs of recurrence.