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Objectives: This study aimed to survey dentists in Germany to identify their favored materials for the fabrication of tooth-supported single crowns (SCs) depending on the location of the abutment teeth and the preparation margin. Materials and methods: The survey included questions regarding demographic characteristics of dentists/their dental practice and preferred restorative materials for the fabrication of SCs for abutment teeth 16, 11, 34, and 36 with either supra- or subgingival preparation margins. Results: Between August 2019 and February 2020, 721 dentists participated in the survey; responses from 33 dentists were excluded from data analysis because the dentists did not work in Germany or provided less than one fixed dental prosthesis/month. Dentists favored ceramic materials independent of the location of the abutment tooth and preparation margin (56.6–92.2%). CAD/CAM resin composites or full metals were preferred by only a few participants. A significantly higher proportion of dentists recommended porcelain fused to metal for subgingival preparation margins than for supragingival margins (p < 0.001). Characteristics of dentists/dental practices influenced a single scenario (11 subgingival) that was dependent on the dentist's time since graduation. When asked to specify the ceramic materials, numerous participants wrote a free response (5.7–7.8%) or did not answer (0.7–4.8%). Conclusions: Dentists in Germany selected restorative materials for SCs depending on the clinical scenario. Since numerous dentists did not specify the ceramic materials, postgraduate information and education might help to extend expertise. Clinical relevance: The results of this survey provide insight into the favored materials of dentists for the fabrication of tooth-supported SCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and Objective: The aim and objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the cutting efficacy of two different nickel titanium rotary instruments by a novel methodology: the operative torque (torque and time needed to progress toward the apex)., Materials and Methods: Ten fresh extracted upper first premolars with two canals were instrumented with a KaVo (Biberach, Germany) and a KaVo 1:1 handpiece at 300 rpm with maximum torque set at 2 N. One canal was instrumented with ProGlider NiTi rotary instruments (Dentsply Sirona Endodontics, Ballaigues, Switzerland), with tip size of 16.02, and the other one with EgdeGlidePath rotary instrument (EdgeEndo, Albuquerque, New Mexico). Mean instrumentation time, mean torque values, and maximum torque values were evaluated for each instrument. The significance level was set at p <0.05., Results: EdgeGlidePath instruments reached the working length in significantly less time with a significantly smaller amount of torque when compared to ProGlider ( p >0.05). No instruments exhibited flute deformation or underwent intracanal failure., Conclusions: Operative torque is related to the capability to cut dentin and progress toward the apex: the smaller the torque values, the higher the cutting ability (and safety). Operative torque is also dependent on debris removal and irrigation techniques. Nevertheless, both operative torque and instrumentation time are clinically relevant parameters for evaluating instruments' performance (i.e., cutting ability)., Clinical Significance: Operative torque during endodontic instrumentation helps understanding the overall performance in terms of both cutting efficiency and safety.

Aim: To evaluate the bending, buckling and torsional resistance of ProGlider (PG) (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), R-Pilot (RP) (VDW, Munich, Germany) and WaveOne Gold Glider (WOGG) (Dentsply Sirona)., Methodology: Ninety instruments were used: 30 PG (size 0.16, .02v taper), 30 RP (size 0.125, .04 taper) and 30 WOGG (size 0.15, .02v taper). The bending resistance test was performed on 10 randomly selected instruments of each system according to ISO 3630-1 specifications. For the buckling resistance test, a loading was applied in the axial direction of each instrument using a universal test machine, with a 20 N cell and 15 mm min -1 speed, in the axial direction. When a lateral elastic displacement of 1 mm occurred, the force was registered. The torsional resistance test was performed according to ISO 3630-1 specifications. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way anova and post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test (P < 0.05)., Results: WOGG had the lowest bending resistance, whilst RP had the highest bending resistance (P < 0.05). RP also had the highest buckling resistance, and WOGG had the lowest (P < 0.05). PG had intermediate results regarding bending and buckling resistance, with significant differences to RP and WOGG (P < 0.05). RP had the highest torsional strength and the lowest angular deflection when compared to PG and WOGG (P < 0.05). No differences in the torsional strength and angular deflection were observed between WOGG and PG (P> 0.05)., Conclusion: The glide path instruments had different behaviours in term of bending, buckling and torsional resistance., (© 2020 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: To evaluate the state and level of pre-clinical endodontic education in German dental schools and to evaluate differences with regard to intensity and extent of teaching, time devoted to teaching pre-clinical endodontics, personnel resources in teaching and technical equipment., Methodology: Twenty-eight questionnaires were e-mailed to those in charge of pre-clinical endodontic education in German dental schools. The extent of education, the student-teacher ratio, the teaching content as well as the application of teaching materials and technologies were asked. If, after 4 weeks, no response had been received, the questionnaire was sent out by e-mail again. In the absence of a reply, a phone call was made to the corresponding university to conduct the survey by phone., Results: With feedback from 27 of 28 dental schools, the response rate was 96%. Pre-clinical endodontic education at German universities varied considerably. Theory classes ranged from 5 to 30 h (13.3 h mean), practical classes from 12.5 to 60 h (45.4 h mean). The student to staff ratio varied between 9 : 1 and 30 : 1 (16 : 1 mean). Forty-eight per cent of the universities had a specialist in endodontics or a teacher with a special interest. A dental microscope was available for pre-clinical teaching purposes in 38% of the universities. The majority (63%) of universities taught root canal preparation with rotary nickel titanium instruments., Conclusion: Pre-clinical endodontic education varied considerably between German universities because of differences in programme design, staff and course content.

Statement of Problem: Opinions concerning proper restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) vary. A variety of techniques and materials for post-and-core restorations are available. The rationale for post placement performed by German dentists was unknown., Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine current opinions, applied techniques, and materials for the restoration of ETT in Germany., Material and Methods: A nationwide questionnaire-based survey containing 18 multiple choice questions regarding treatment philosophies, favored post type, and materials for core foundations was mailed to 36,500 German general dentists. A total of 6029 questionnaires (16.5%) were returned. Data were evaluated in terms of the dentists' occupational experience and the frequency of post placement. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data., Results: Irrespective of their occupational experience, 52% of the surveyed dentists consider post placement for almost every postendodontic restoration of ETT. The majority of dentists (54%) believe that a post reinforces ETT. Cast posts and cores are used by 55% of all dentists, whereas 34% use prefabricated posts exclusively. Screw posts are the most popular prefabricated post type (47%). Composite resin (51%) is preferred for core foundation, followed by glass ionomer cements (GICs) (26%). Amalgam is seldom used (0.5%). Posts are placed primarily with zinc phosphate cement (51%), followed by GIC (38%)., Conclusion: The treatment philosophy of German dentists is not in complete agreement with recommendations found in the literature. The belief that a post would reinforce an ETT might explain the high frequency of post placements. Due to the partially inconsistent responses, it is difficult to derive a generalized treatment concept.

The German Environmental Specimen Bank found that students suffering from diseases of the thyroid or the immune system had increased palladium urinary values compared to healthy individuals. Since the immunotoxic features of palladium are well known, there may be a causal relationship. Sources of palladium were identified as dental alloys, the chemical industry, oil- or coal-driven power plants and the consumption of meat products.