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Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Quasistatic Mechanical Testing for Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Occlusal Veneers Cemented to Milled Dentin Analog Material
Published on: December 20, 2024
Comparative Evaluation of Biocompatibility between Conventional and Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided
Xia Wei1, Huakun Shangguan2, Ling Wu1
1Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial & Stomatological Key Lab of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
Introduction And Aims:
Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) dental polymers exhibit superior mechanical properties compared to conventional ones, but their biocompatibility remains controversial. This study aimed to systematically compare in vivo biocompatibility of conventional and CAD/CAM dental polymers using a golden hamster model.
Methods:
Six dental polymers were evaluated: conventional (VAR) and CAD/CAM (OP) polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base materials; conventional bis-acrylic (PT) and CAD/CAM PMMA (DM) interim restorative materials; pressed (PB) and CAD/CAM (CB) polyetheretherketone (PEEK) prosthetic framework materials, with polypropylene as control. Disk specimens (n = 6) were sutured in golden hamster buccal pouches for 14- and 28-day mucosal irritation tests. Systemic and local biocompatibility was assessed through hepatic/renal function tests, histopathology (HE staining), apoptosis detection (TUNEL), and apoptosis-related molecular analysis (RT-qPCR and Western blot) of buccal pouch mucosa, liver, and kidney tissues.
Results:
All groups showed normal physiological conditions throughout the study period. Histological examination revealed normal tissue morphology in all tested organs, with only mild or no mucosal irritation observed. Transient fluctuations were observed in ALB, A/G, BUN and TP at 14 days, but the differences between groups tended to stabilize at 28 days. The results of TUNEL and RT-qPCR demonstrated comparable results across all groups. The expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins in buccal pouch mucosa of VAR group were elevated at 28 days compared to 14 days, while only Bax protein was elevated in PB group (P < .05). The expression level of pro Caspase-3 protein in the liver tissue of VAR group and PT group decreased at 28 days (P < .05).
Conclusions:
Both conventional and CAD/CAM dental polymers exhibited acceptable in vivo biocompatibility, but CAD/CAM dental polymers showed superior temporal stability.
Clinical Relevance:
The superior temporal stability in the in vivo biocompatibility profile of CAD/CAM dental polymers supports their clinical preference for long-term prosthodontic applications.
