Polyetheretherketone is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer that can be used in 3D printing by fused deposition modeling, and is a promising material for dental applications. Some printing parameters are sensitive and can influence the properties of the printed object. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the influence of the print layer thickness on the surface roughness of polyetheretherketone before and after polishing and to verify the effectiveness of the polishing method used, as well as to compare it with the results obtained using polymethyl methacrylate as the control group. Specimens with different impression layer thicknesses were printed with polyetheretherketone (Group A—0.1 mm and Group B—0.3 mm). Additionally, a control group with polymethyl methacrylate specimens was milled. Roughness evaluation was conducted using a contact profilometer after the specimens had been printed (before polishing). Then, silicon carbide sandpaper was used to polish the surface, and the roughness was reassessed. Differences were observed between specimens regarding the print layer thickness and the roughness, with the 0.3 mm layer thickness showing the lowest roughness values. The results of this pilot study suggest that the surface roughness of fused deposition modeling printed polyetheretherketone is influenced by print layer thickness, with the lowest roughness seen at a thickness of 0.3 mm.

Background. Occlusal splints with sensors help in the bruxism diagnosis and monitoring, by recording the patient’s bite force. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a pressure sensor when it is covered with different thicknesses of a 3D printing resin (Anycubic 405nm Translucent Green UV Resin, Anycubic, UK). Methods. In this preliminary study, the evaluated sensor (FlexiForce A201 Sensor, Tekscan) was firstly calibrated without any type of cover material, and later tested with 3D printing resin with different thicknesses (1 mm, 1.15 mm, 1.4 mm and 1.6 mm). The load tests were performed by a force tester (MultiTest 2.5 dV, Mecmesin). Results. When the pressure sensor was covered with resin of 1mm and 1.6 mm thick specimens, a higher difference was found between the applied load and the corresponding sensor reading. Conclusion. It was concluded that it is possible to use this type of pressure sensor and that it showed better accuracy with the 1.15 mm and 1.4 mm 3D printing resin covering.

Introduction: Dental fear and anxiety are highly prevalent conditions that negatively affect participant attendance, cooperation and clinical outcomes. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as aromatherapy, have been proposed as adjunctive strategies to reduce anxiety in dental settings. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil inhalation on dental anxiety and physiological parameters in a clinical context. Methodology: A single-subject (N-of-1) crossover study (ABBA design) was conducted. One participant attended four clinical sessions under alternating lavender (2%) and placebo conditions. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y1 and STAI-Y2) and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Physiological parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation, were recorded before and after each session. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: A reduction in state anxiety (STAI-Y1) was observed across all sessions, regardless of condition, with consistent decreases in scores, while MDAS scores showed variable changes and were interpreted as exploratory. Physiological parameters demonstrated no consistent or clinically relevant differences between conditions. Conclusion: Lavender aromatherapy may contribute to reduced perceived dental anxiety; however, similar improvements observed under placebo conditions suggest a relevant contextual or placebo effect. These findings highlight the need for further controlled studies to clarify the specific clinical effectiveness of aromatherapy in dental practice