MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF CAD/CAM FABRICATED DENTURES & ITS CORRELATION WITH SURFACE PROPERTIES: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Background: Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) techniques have lately become a popular treatment option for complete dentures fabrication. The two principal CAD-CAM techniques milling and 3D printing used in complete dentures construction have been approved and documented in showing clinically good results. Surface characteristics of dentures fabricated by these new techniques have a great effect on microbiological adherence to denture fitting surfaces. Aim: As other clinical trials and/or in-vitro studies evaluating the microbiological effect and its correlation with the surface roughness of the two advanced manufacturing techniques and comparing it with the conventional technique are lacking. Thus, this study aimed to further assess the microbiological and surface properties of different widely used denture base materials. Methodology: Thirty-six completely edentulous patients were selected and divided randomly into three groups Group I patients received conventional complete denture, Group II patients received CAD/CAM milled complete dentures and Group III patients received 3D printed complete dentures. All denture`s surface roughness were evaluated, also all patients were recalled after 3, 9 & 12 months respectively to evaluate the microbiological adherence. Results: Microbiological count significantly increased (P < 0.05) after 12 months in all groups, after 12 months there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between three groups as group II (Milled) was significantly the lowest, then the group I (conventional), while group III (3D printed) was significantly the highest. Regarding surface roughness of group II (milled) was significantly the lowest, while group III (3D printed) was significantly the highest. Finally, there was a strong positive significant correlation between microbiological adherence and surface roughness in all groups as (r > 0.5). Conclusion: Group II (Milled) appeared to be the best regarding microbiological adherence and surface roughness followed by the group I (conventional) and finally group III (3D printed). Furthermore, it was evident that surface roughness has a great effect on microbiological adherence regardless of the fabrication technique utilized.