In this research work, we synthesised poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) enriched with 2 wt.% zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) through conventional heat polymerisation and characterised its microstructure. It was found that the distribution of ZnO nanoparticles was homogeneous through the volume of the PMMA. The mechanical testing of the PMMA-ZnO composite primarily included the determination of the compressive properties on real dentures, while density measurements were performed using a pycnometer. The testing of functional properties involved the identification of the colour of the new PMMA-ZnO composite, where pure PMMA acted as a control. In the second step, the PMMA-ZnO cytotoxicity assays were measured in vitro, which were shown to be similar to the control PMMA. Based on this, it could be concluded that the newly formed PMMA-ZnO composite did not induce direct or indirect cytotoxic effects in L929 cell cultures; therefore, according to ISO/DIN 10993-5:2009, this composite was categorised as non-cytotoxic.

Due to the unique functional properties of shape memory alloys (SMAs) and current scientific interest in Cu-containing biomaterials, a continuously cast Cu-Al-Ni alloy in the form of rods has been investigated as a potential candidate for biomedical application. Additionally, the fact that Cu- complexes have an antitumour effect served as a cornerstone to develop more efficient drugs based on trace element complexes. In line with that, our study aimed to analyse the basic properties of the Cu-Al-Ni alloy, along with its anticancer properties. The detailed chemical analysis of the Cu-Al-Ni alloy was performed using XRF and SEM/EDX analyses. Furthermore, a microstructural and structure investigation was carried out, combined with hardness measurements using the static Vickers method. Observations have shown that the Cu-Al-Ni microstructure is homogeneous, with the presence of typical martensitic laths. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of two phases, β′ (monoclinic) and γ′ (orthorhombic). The viability of osteosarcoma cells in contact with the Cu-Al-Ni alloy was evaluated using epifluorescence microscopy, while their morphology and attachment pattern were observed and analysed using a high-resolution SEM microscope. Biocompatibility testing showed that the Cu-Al-Ni alloy exerted a considerable antineoplastic effect.

Introduction/Objective. Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is followed by orofacial pain and psychological problems that influence patients’ quality of life and work ability. Hypothesis: work ability is affected by psychosocial status changes following temporomandibular dysfunction. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the impairment of Work ability in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. Methods. Forty-four patients with TMD were admitted to the Clinic for Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade. Patients were treated with medication therapy with ibuprofen, ibuprofen and diazepam, or a stabilizing maxillary occlusal splint. Clinical and functional assessment was based on the diagnostic protocol Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. The study protocol was composed of data on clinical signs, a numerical pain scale and VAS, and a work ability-related questionnaire (Symptoms Check List, SCL-90R). The statistical software package SPSS for Windows (18.0) was used for data processing. Univariate regression analysis was used to examine the relationship of each factor individually, while multivariate regression analysis was used to examine the factors of difference. Results. A statistically significant difference was not recorded in work ability, social life, and daily activities in patients regardless of the chosen therapeutic approach. There was a statistically significant difference in work ability between respondents in relation to psychosocial status (p = 0.002). Univariate regression analysis showed significant values assessing work ability, social life, and daily activities (0.010*, 0.001*, 0.029*) respectively. In multivariate regression analysis, the assessment of social life was significant (p = 0.028). Conclusion. Work ability is influenced by temporomandibular dysfunction proportionally to the level of psychosocial status.

Introduction/Objective. Orofacial pain and depression are frequent symptoms when temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is present. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the influence of pain intensity on the level of depression in patients with TMD. Methods. This study included 44 patients, heterogeneous in sex and age from 25 to 45 years. Subjects were evaluated for signs of painful TMD based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD protocol. The study protocol was composed of a combination of data on clinical signs, a pain scale numerical, visual analogue scale, and a depression related questionnaire symptoms check list (SCL-90R). Results. When assessed the type of dysfunction and degree of the depression no statistically significant differences were found (p = 0.420). No statistically significant difference was observed in the age of respondents without depression, with moderate and severe depression (p = 0.859), There was no statistically significant difference observed in the degree of chronic pain in patients without depression and patients with a moderate and severe form of depression (p = 0.119). Pain on a numerical scale did not differ significantly in relation to the occurrence and degree of depression (p = 0.171; p = 0.068; p = 0.091). However, there was a statistically significant difference in the psychosocial status between the respondents in relation to the degree of depression regarding social life and daily activity (p = 0.010; p = 0.002). Conclusion. Depression can be one of the causes, but also a consequence of chronic oro-facial pain, and thus indirectly a factor that affects the psychosocial state and quality of life of the patients.

This study aimed to analyze the frequency and type of technical complications in different categories of removable dentures. We examined clinical health records of 637 denture wearers who presented for repair and collected information on fracture type (tooth, base, clasp), arch location (maxilla vs. mandible), and denture type. Tooth fractures were the most common complication in both arches. In the upper arch, complete dentures showed the highest incidence of base fractures (20.1%), while in the lower arch, the most common complication was acrylic partial denture clasp fractures (56,7%), followed by base fractures (48.4%). Because the prevalence and distribution of denture fractures vary significantly by denture type and arch location, our findings emphasize the critical role of material selection and reinforcement techniques in extending the service life of removable dentures.

This study aims to investigate biomechanical behaviour of the bond between prefabricated acrylic teeth and heat-polymerised denture base resin under different loading angles, using 2D Digital Image Correlation method (2D DIC), a method that enables real-time, full-field analysis of displacement and deformation field. The experimental setup involves samples loaded at 45° and 90°, representing clinically relevant angulations that simulate forces encountered during mastication. A two-part positioning tool is developed via 3D printing to guarantee uniform samples positioning. Stochastic pattern is applied to each sample to enable 2D DIC method tracking. 2D DIC enables visualisation of displacement and von Mises strain fields, particularly in the critical regions of the tooth-resin interface. The results show differences in force, deformation, and displacement between samples angle loaded both at 90° and 45°. That suggests significant impact of loading angle and contact area between tooth and denture base.