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Background: zirconium (Zr) implants are known for having an aesthetically pleasing tooth-like colour Unlike the grey cervical collar that develops over time when titanium (Ti) implants are used in thin gingival biotypes. However, the surface qualities of Zr implants can be further improved. This present study examined using thermal vapour deposition (TVD) to coat Zr implants with germanium (Ge) to improve its physical and chemical characteristics and enhance soft and hard tissue responses. Materials and methods: Zr discs were divided into two groups; the uncoated (control) group was only grit-blasted with alumina particles while the coated (experimental) group was grit-blasted then coated with Ge via TVD. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), water contact angle test, and cross-hatch adhesion tests were then used for surface characterization Results: An XRD analysis of the Ge-coated Zr samples revealed the substrate while the FESEM results revealed a continuous coating with no cracks. The mean surface roughness and hydrophilicity of the Ge-coated Zr substrate was significantly higher than that of the uncoated Zr substrate (P≤0.01). The cross-hatch adhesion of all the samples was 0%, thereby indicating good coating adhesion. Conclusion: Therefore Coating Zr implants with Ge via TVD enhances its physical and chemical properties.

Choosing an appropriate impression material is a challenge for many dentists, yet an essential component to provide an excellent clinical outcome and improve productivity and profit. The purpose of present study was to compare wettability, tear strength and dimensional accuracy of three elastomeric impression materials, with the same consistencies (light-body). Three commercially available light body consistency and regular set 3M ESPE Express polyvinylsiloxane (PVS), 3M ESPE Permadyne polyether (PE), and Identium (ID), impression materials were comparedTear strength test, contact angle test and linear dimensional accuracy were evaluated for three elastic impression material. Among the three experimental groups PE impression material exhibited the higher mean values of tear strength, followed by ID group then PVS which showed the lowest mean value. For wettability test, Polyether group exhibited the lowest mean values of contact angle, followed by mean values of contact angle of ID group, while the PVS group showed the highest contact angle. There was a significant difference in the linear distance measurements between the two parallel impression coping/analogue assembly of the working models obtained by using (Identium, 3M ESPE ExpressPVS , 3M ESPE Permadyne polyether) the polyether impression materials provide higher tear strengths and lower wettability than elastomer impression materials and Identium material have acceptable tear strengths and wettability. All three experimental impression materials were distorted in both conditions (angled and parallel implant situations)