Clinical outcomes of dental restorations depend primarily on the choice of materials used, and nowadays, dental CAD-CAM (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing) materials have strongly changed daily clinical practice. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze CAD-CAM dental materials according to their mechanical properties and in relation to their clinical applications. A literature review was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library. Articles addressing at least one of the following topics regarding dental materials for CAD-CAM systems: manufacturers, mechanical features, materials’ composition, optical properties, clinical indications, and/or outcomes were included in the review. A flowchart was performed as described in the PRISMA guidelines. Among the 564 articles found, 63 were analyzed and evaluated. Within the limitations of this systematic review, it can be concluded that CAD-CAM materials present a wide range of clinical applications due to their improved mechanical properties. Specifically, in addition to materials that have been in use for a long time (such as feldspathic ceramics), resin block composites can also be used for permanent restorations.

Clinical outcomes of dental restorations depends primarily on the choice of materials used and their fabrication processes. The spectrum of dental CAD-CAM (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing) materials presents a wide range of variables on what may be the most suitable material for the clinical case. This narrative review focuses on CAD-CAM dental materials based on their mechanical properties and in relation to their clinical applications. A literature review was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Library. Articles addressing at least one of the following topics regarding dental materials for CAD-CAM systems: manufacturers, mechanical features, materials ’composition optical properties, clinical indications and / or outcomes were included in the review. A flowchart was performed as de-scribed in the PRISMA guidelines. Among the 564 articles found, 63 were analyzed and evaluated. Within the limitation of this narrative review, it can be concluded that all CAD-CAM materials presents a wide range of clinical applications due to their improved mechanical properties. Specifically, in addition to materials that have been in use for a long time (such as feldspathic ceramics), resin block composites can also be used for permanent restorations.

High-translucency zirconia and lithium disilicate are among the most used materials in contemporary fixed prosthodontics because of their excellent esthetic and mechanical properties. However, their different cementation techniques, physical properties, and biocompatibility profiles can influence the clinician's choice. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the mechanical strength and adhesive cementation techniques for zirconia and lithium disilicate materials through mechanical testing, including compressive and pull-out tests. The biocompatibility of these materials was also assessed. A total of 72 human maxillary molars that were free from damage were embedded in acrylic resin and prepared 1 mm occlusal to the enamel-cementum junction. The specimens were divided into 3 groups: lithium disilicate (CAD), zirconia High-Translucency HT (CAD), and lithium disilicate (PRESS). Following the recommended cementation protocols, compression and pull-out tests were performed. Twelve disks of each group were fabricated to test the integration of gingival fibroblasts. Human gingival fibroblasts were isolated from gingival biopsies and cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium (DMEM). Cell viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-di-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, serving as an indicator of cellular respiration. Zirconia was the most mechanically efficient material, with a high resistance value (2081.4 ±405.4 N). The pull-out test determined that CAD-CAM lithium disilicate had similar adhesive cementation strength (244.3 ±29.3 N) to the other groups. In terms of biocompatibility, all materials demonstrated good results, with lithium disilicate CAD emerging as the most biocompatible material. Statistically significant differences were observed between the zirconia HT material and lithium disilicate PRESS (P=.006) and between lithium disilicate CAD and lithium disilicate PRESS (P=.002). All the monolithic restorations analyzed have shown excellent results in terms of mechanical properties, adhesion, and biocompatibility. Zirconia exhibited outstanding mechanical properties, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring high strength. To achieve adhesion results comparable with those of lithium disilicate, a protocol using airborne-particle abrasion and silane with 10-MDP is recommended. This approach ensures optimal adhesion, enhancing the longevity and effectiveness of the restoration.

To investigate the therapeutic and prophylactic use of antibiotics in dentistry in two countries. This study used questionnaires to examine the prescribing habits of dentists in Italy (9th country in Europe for systemic antibiotic administration) and Albania an Extra European Union Country. A total of 1300 questionnaires were sent to Italian and Albanian dentists. In total, 180 Italian and 180 Albanian dentists completed the questionnaire. Penicillin use was higher in Italy (96.6 %) than Albania (82.8 %). Only 26.1 % of Italian dentists and 32 % of Albanian dentists followed the national guidelines for antibiotic administration. Dentists tend to overprescribe antibiotics for treating existing conditions or as prophylaxis. They also highlighted a lack of adherence to established guidelines for antibiotic use. In addition, factors such as age, nationality, and sex appeared to influence the choice of antibiotics. Recently, the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a global concern. The authors of this article highlight how dentists often prescribe antibiotics without a real need. Limiting the use of antibiotics in this category may help mitigate antibiotic resistance.

Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) has shown the ability to significantly reduce inflammation and marginal bone loss (MBL) at the 1-year follow-up but limited data exist regarding its long-term efficacy in peri-implant stability. The objective was to compare the long-term effects (5 years of follow-up) of a placebo gel (16 patients in Group A) or a 0.20% CHX gel (15 patients in Group B) used at each previous surgical and prosthetic stage. Control visits were conducted in 2022, investigating the long-term effects by biological, radiological, and clinical evaluation. The data were statistically analyzed. The research achieved a 96.7% implant success rate over five years, but 41.9% of patients did not attend annual oral hygiene check-ups. The average MBL was 1.04 ± 0.39 mm, with no significant differences between the two groups. Notably, patients who attended regular periodontal check-ups experienced significantly less MBL than those who did not (p < 0.05). At five years, direct effects of CHX were absent, with both groups showing moderate bone loss. However, the results suggest that early disinfection could enhance both short- and long-term outcomes. In fact, patients with initial minor MBL due to use of CHX, preserve this advantage also after 5 years of follow-up. Additionally, the data underscore the importance of annual check-ups in early detection and management of biological complications.

Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) has shown the ability to significantly reduce inflammation and marginal bone loss (MBL) at 1-year follow-up but limited data exists regarding its long-term efficacy in peri implant stability. The objective was to compare the long-term effects of a placebo gel (16 patients in Group A) or a 0.20% CHX gel (15 patients in Group B) used at each previous surgical and prosthetic stage. Follow-ups were conducted in 2022, investigating by biological, radiological, clinical, mechanical evaluation the long-term effects. Data were statistically analyzed. The research achieved a 96.7% implant success rate over five years, but 41.9% of patients didn't attend annual oral hygiene check-ups. The average MBL was 1.04 ± 0.39 mm, with no significant differences between the two groups. Notably, patients who attended regular periodontal check-ups experienced significantly less MBL than those who didn't (p <0.05). At five years, the effects of CHX were reduced, with both groups showing moderate bone loss. The results suggest early disinfection could enhance both short and long-term outcomes. In fact, patient with initial minor MBL preserve this advantage also at 5 years of follow-up. Additionally, the data underscore the importance of annual check-ups in early detection and management of biological and mechanical complications.