The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of final impressions and prescriptions for fixed restorations that were received by private and educational institute's laboratories in Sudan.

Two hundred and seventeen questionnaires were distributed to eight private laboratories and seven dental schools in Sudan. The questionnaires were filled by the dental technicians and who were trained and instructed to complete one questionnaire per one final impression for fixed restoration immediately after it was received.

Total response rate was 87%; the responding technicians had found evidence of obvious contamination in 23.8% of the examined impressions; blood was clear in 68.9% of these cases. Metal stock trays were used in 57.1% of the examined sample. About two-third of the impressions had been taken using condensation silicone (64.6%). Poor or no written instructions were observed in half of the sample (n = 103).

According to results of this study there was widespread use of inappropriate impression materials; the cross-infection control of sent impressions was below standard and there were poor prescriptions and communications with laboratory technicians in Sudan.

Mahmood RN, Abu-bakr NH, Sanhouri NM, Ibrahim YE. Quality of Final Impressions and Prescriptions for Fixed Prosthodontics. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(3):87-91.

Ce-TZP/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite (NANOZR) has not only higher strength, but also higher fracture toughness than conventional Y-TZP. NANOZR is generally machined from densely sintered block. However, it is more efficient to sinter densely after machining partially sintered block, if the mechanical strength of final product is enough. Moreover, as for NANOZR, it has been reported that mechanical strength changes with surface treatments. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of sintering process and surface treatment on biaxial flexure strength and fatigue durability of NANOZR.

Two kinds of NANOZR specimens were prepared (Pre-sinter and Full-sinter). Pre-sinter and Full-sinter were given machine polish (MP) or shot-blast and fluoric acid etching (SB + HF). Biaxial flexure strength was measured as recommended by ISO 6872. The cyclic loading test of the load equivalent to 480 MPa was performed by the application of a cyclic load in the bending mode at a frequency of 10 Hz, for 10⁶ cycles in distilled water at 37°C.

Biaxial flexure strength of MP was 1244 ± 43 MPa and 1320 ± 50 MPa in Pre-sinter and Full-sinter, respectively. and it of SB + HF was 1070 ± 60 MPa and 1069 ± 12 MPa in Pre-sinter and Full-sinter, respectively. In the cyclic fatigue test, the durability over the 106 cycle load equivalent to 480 MPa was shown on all the conditions.

Even if NANOZR was densely sintered after machining partially sintered block, having satisfactory biaxial flexure strength and fatigue durability on clinical application as dental prosthetic material was shown.

Takano T, Tasaka A, Yoshinari M, Sakurai K. Flexure Strength and Fatigue Durability of Ce-TZP/Al₂O₃ Nanocomposite with Different Sintering Process and Surface Treatment. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(3):92-95.

Ramugade MM, Chandwani ND, Sapkale KD, Metkari SS. A Conservative Esthetic Rehabilitation of Complicated Tooth Fracture: Two Case Reports. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(3):96-100.

Atara RR, Shenoi PR, Mute WR, Makade CS, Mahajan AK. Endodontic Management of Patient with Hemophilia. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(3): 101-104.

Chande KP, Manwar NU, Chandak MG, Lokade J. Retreatment of a Mutilated Tooth with Open Apex by using PRF, MTA and Anatomic Post. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(3):105-110.

Tuncel I, Kilic G. Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Patient with Avulsed Anterior Teeth. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(3):111-114.

Yadav B, Guttal SS. Implant O-ring Attachment used for Tooth-borne Overdenture. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(3):115-119.

Acar O, Kaya B, Saka M, Yuzugullu B. Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of Cleft Lip and Palate Patients using Conventional Methods: A Case Series. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(3):120-124.