https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/426 2026-09-15T03:54:30Z 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/123456789/148353 Title: Dental clinical procedures using artificial intelligence Authors: Cortes, Arthur R. G. Abstract: This book explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms in contemporary dentistry and offers step-by-step guidance through real-life cases. It is divided into two main sections. The first section presents a systematic approach to AI-assisted diagnostic procedures, including anatomical assessment of the jaws, detection of caries and tooth wear, evaluation of oral lesions, and periodontal analysis. It also examines the current limitations and ethical considerations surrounding the deployment of AI in diagnostic contexts. The second section delves into AI-based digital planning tools, covering advanced techniques in tissue segmentation, orthodontic treatment planning, oral surgical simulations, and prosthetic and restorative design. Each chapter integrates theoretical foundations with clinical applications, supported by emerging research and case-based insights. This book serves as a resource for integrating artificial intelligence into dental workflows, offering evidence-based guidance and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between dental science and computational innovation. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148349 Title: Foreword [Dental Clinical Procedures using Artificial Intelligence] Abstract: I was delighted to be invited to write the foreword to this book. My son Arthur also invited his brother Thomaz to contribute to a chapter, which made this task particularly meaningful to me. [excerpt] 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z