Surface roughness and internal porosity of partial removable dental prosthesis frameworks fabricated from conventional wax and light-polymerized patterns: a comparative study

Abstract

Statement of problem: Surface roughness and internal porosity are 2 potential risk factors that threaten the biocompatibility and long-term mechanical stability of cast partial removable dental prostheses frameworks.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the material, of conventional wax patterns, and the recently introduced light-polymerized patterns on the initial surface roughness and internal porosity of the cobalt-chromium castings of partial removable dental prostheses.

Material and methods: Twenty-eight identical partial removable dental prosthesis frameworks were fabricated on a cast of a maxillary Kennedy Class III modification 1 partially edentulous patient. Fourteen frameworks were fabricated from each pattern material. The initial surface roughness, Ra (μm), of the resultant castings was measured with a profilometer. Radiographs of the castings were made on dental occlusal films with a dental x-ray unit with the following exposure conditions: tube voltage 70 kV; exposure time 1.0 seconds; tube current 7 mA; and source-film distance 35 cm. The number and size of porosities in the 3 main components (clasp units, major connectors, denture base meshwork) were assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted with the independent sample t test for surface roughness and the Mann Whitney test for internal porosity (α=.05).

Results: The statistical analysis of mean surface roughness and internal porosity revealed no significant difference between the 2 groups.

Conclusions: The surface roughness and internal porosity of frameworks fabricated from conventional wax and Liwa patterns were comparable, with no significant differences between the 2 pattern materials.