https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/16121 2026-09-09T16:00:33Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149002 Title: Biological and prosthodontic outcomes of conventional and mini-implants immediately loaded with overdentures : results of a five-year prospective cohort study Authors: Mifsud, David Paul; Attard, Nikolai J. Abstract: Objectives: The aims of this study are to report on an ongoing prospective study evaluating the biological and prosthodontic outcomes of patients treated with immediately loaded mandibular overdentures using two conventional or two mini-implants for up to five years.; Methods: Two groups of edentulous patients with functional complete dentures had the lower prostheses converted into an overdenture using either two conventional (4.0mm) or mini-implants (<3.0mm) using unsplinted attachments (Locators) and followed up. Implant survival, peri-implant bone profile and prosthodontic events were assessed. Statistics to compare between baseline, one and five years and between groups were performed using Mann-Whitney U Test. Chi-square test was used to analyze prosthetic maintenance and complication interventions between groups.; Results: 30 patients were followed–9 deaths were reported (5 in CI group and 4 in MI group). 11 patients were lost to follow-up (4 in CI group and 7 in MI Group). In CI group, 16 patients age (70.8±6.7yrs) and MI group, 14 patients (73.8±7.7yrs) were analysed. The mean observation period was 56.1 months (S.D.±22.48) for CI group and 51.35 months (S.D.±21.12) for the MI group and was equal in both groups (MW Test, p>0.05). Implant success rate was 96.8% in the CI group and 89.3% for MI group (Fisher’s exact test, p=0.34). There was no difference in cumulative survival rates of implants in both groups (Log Rank Mantel-Cox, p=0.65). Mean±S.E. bone loss differences between CI (0.41±0.08mm) & MI (0.81±0.13mm) groups were significant (MW Test, p=0.022). With regards to prosthodontic outcomes, significant differences were observed for fractures of the overdenture and antagonist, and debonding of the matrices (p<0.05).; Conclusion: Bone loss was still significantly higher among the MI group. The two-implant mandibular overdenture required regular maintenance which was significantly higher in the CI group.; Clinical Relevance: Further modifications to the prosthodontic protocol are required to further improve the clinical effectiveness of treatment. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148593 Title: Effect of sintering speed of large laboratory furnaces on marginal and internal gaps of CAD-CAM monolithic zirconia crowns Authors: Wilkin, Ewa; Cuschieri, Laura Althea; No-Cortes, Juliana; Cassar, Glenn; Mifsud, David Paul; Cortes, Arthur R. G. Abstract: Purpose: High-speed sintering protocols have been used to expedite the production of zirconia crowns. However, information on the impact of different sintering speeds on the marginal and internal crown adaptation is sparse and only available for chairside systems. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of different sintering speed protocols on Sintering Speed on Marginal and Internal Gaps of CAD-CAM Monolithic Zirconia Crowns. Material and Methods: This in-vitro study was performed on a total of 45 prefabricated standardized resin tooth preparations for study models. Each preparation received a monolithic zirconia crown designed and milled using a high-end computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) system. The crowns were divided in 3 groups of 15 crowns each, according to the sintering protocols available in the system of the laboratory furnace used: conventional (8h), fast (3.5h) or ultra-fast sintering (75 min). Marginal and internal gaps of all crowns were assessed using a high-resolution digital microscope. Statistically significant differences among groups were assessed with the one-way ANOVA test. Results: Regarding marginal gap, conventional sintering (37.83 ± 10.41μm) was slightly outperformed by both fast (30.64 ± 9.32μm) and ultra-fast (24.01 ± 5.62μm) groups (p=.003), with a significant pairwise difference between the first and the latter (p=.006). In addition, there were no statistically significant differences among groups for internal gap measurements (p=.393). Conclusion: All three groups obtained satisfactory marginal and internal gap values. However, the present findings suggest that ultra-fast sintering speed protocols lead to smaller marginal gap of CAD-CAM zirconia crowns, as compared to the conventional counterparts. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/136547 Title: Periodontal status in long‐term care: a comparative study in older adults with & without dementia at St. Vincent De Paul residence Abstract: In literature, health is often contrasted with disease, yet its definition varies by context, ranging from physical and social to economic well‐being. In dentistry, periodontal health specifically refers to the clinical state of periodontal structures (Mariotti & Hefti, 2015). Traditionally, periodontal health is understood as the absence of inflammation, shallow probing depths, and no gingival bleeding. However, definitions vary, incorporating indicators such as probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Research highlights the relevance of periodontal status in cognitive decline. Nascimento et al. (2019) link periodontal inflammation to neuroinflammation. Lauritano et al. (2019) found no major differences in oral health between older adults with and without dementia, though the authors noted higher gingival bleeding in those with dementia. This study aims to compare the periodontal health of older adults with and without dementia in long‐term care, identifying clinical trends and cognitive‐related risk factors over time. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/136546 Title: The effectiveness of podcasts in enhancing students’ foundational knowledge compared to traditional reading materials Abstract: Although students are commonly provided with reading materials to prepare for class, many do not engage with them effectively. This lack of preparation may impede their comprehension of course content and limit active participation in class discussions and activities. Alternative content delivery formats, such as podcasts, may present a more engaging and accessible approach, potentially enhancing the retention and understanding of foundational knowledge. This study investigates the comparative effectiveness of podcasts versus traditional reading materials in improving students' foundational knowledge on a given topic. Description: All authors contributed equally 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z