Xiangfeng Meng

Digitally collect data on the preparation space of the molar occlusal surface for full crown restoration and analyze the minimum preparation spaces and areas prone to insufficient preparation. A total of 846 molars (excluding third molars) designated for repair with zirconium dioxide crowns were selected. All molars were prepared by using the fixed-depth groove method under visual guidance. A digital impression was collected, and the occlusal surface of the preparation was divided into regions: mesiobuccal area, mesiolingual area, distobuccal area, distolingual area, mesial marginal ridge, and distal marginal ridge. Image measurement software (3Shape Unite) was employed to record the smallest preparation space on the molar occlusal surface, and a space of P<0.05). Notably, the area with the smallest preparation space on the occlusal surface of the maxillary first molar was most frequently found in the mesiobuccal area, whereas the smallest preparation spaces on other molars were predominantly located in the distolingual area. The insufficient preparation of the occlusal surface occurred in 41.0% (347 cases) of teeth. The distribution of prone areas corresponded with the distribution of the smallest spatial areas. Although the fixed-depth groove method is employed, the preparation space on the molar surface unavoidably remains uneven under visual guidance. The identification of the areas prone to minimum preparation spaces can serve as a valuable guide for clinicians to prevent insufficient preparation.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) with regard to digital dental technologies among dentists in Jiangsu province. Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study enrolled dentists in Jiangsu province during June, 2023. A web-based questionnaire was used to collect the demographic characteristics of the participants and KAP regarding digital dental technologies. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyze the associations between KAP dimensions. Results: A total of 284 questionnaires were collected, of which 212 (74.65%) were valid, and 108 (50.94%) of the participants were male. Their knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 14.33 ± 3.59 (possible range: 0–19), 26.17 ± 3.40 (possible range: 8–40), and 10.73 ± 3.11 (possible range: 4–16), respectively, indicating sufficient knowledge, a positive attitude, and proactive practice. Cone–beam computed tomography (CBCT) was the most well-understood digital dental technology among the dentists (205, 96.70%), followed by intraoral scanning/models and digital impression scanning/facial scanning (198, 93.40%), computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) (177, 83.49%), three-dimensional printing (175, 82.55%), and surgical guides (175, 82.55%). CBCT was the most frequently used technique (90.09%), followed by intraoral scanning (72.17%), impression scanning (54.25%), and CAD/CAM (42.45%). The SEM showed that knowledge had a direct effect on attitude (β = 0.283, p < 0.001), and attitude had a direct effect on practice (β = 0.280, p < 0.001), demonstrating that knowledge had an indirect effect on practice. Knowledge also had a direct effect on practice (β = 0.310, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dentists in Jiangsu province had sufficient knowledge, a positive attitude, and proactive practice with regard to digital dental technologies. However, policies should encourage dentists to integrate digital technologies into their practice by establishing sufficient understanding and positive attitudes.

To evaluate the effect of the labiolingual diameter and construction of an endodontically treated (ET) anterior tooth with crown restoration on stress distribution and biomechanical safety under occlusal loading.