https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/16121 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 20:31:56 GMT 2026-08-28T20:31:56Z 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. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148593 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. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/136547 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 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/136546 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/136545 Title: Attitudes and perceptions of health professionals on oral health and quality of life in a long-term care facility for older adults Abstract: Encouraging better oral hygiene practices is crucial for preventing periodontal disease. The foundation of periodontal care particularly focuses on maintaining personal oral hygiene to remove supra and subgingival plaque, a key factor in preventing periodontal disease. Mechanical removal, through practices like brushing and flossing, significantly influences periodontal tissue stability. Effective oral hygiene relies on motivated individuals with proper skills and access to cleaning devices and instructions (Mariotti & Hefti, 2015). Encouraging better oral hygiene practices is crucial for preventing periodontal disease and caries. Understanding factors motivating these practices, such as age and gender, aids behaviour change initiatives (Raison et al., 2020). Periodontal treatment success depends on individuals' commitment to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Prevention strategies involve patient-performed biofilm control and professional plaque removal, effectively reducing inflammation and periodontitis prevalence (Newton & Asimakopoulou, 2017). Specialized oral health aids and simplified instructions are vital for geriatric individuals, especially those with cognitive impairments. Therefore, educating health professionals and caregivers and customizing oral maintenance appointments, further optimize oral health care in long term care facilities. Effective prevention and tailored care are essential for preserving oral well-being across all ages (Grusovin, 2019). The objective of this study is to evaluate the perspectives regarding daily oral care and the quality of life among health professionals working at St. Vincent de Paul, a long-term care facility for older adults. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/136545 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z