A Comparative Analysis of Bacterial Adhesion on Different Long‑Term Provisional Fixed Prostheses Fabricated by CAD/CAM Milling, 3D Printing, and Heat Cure Technique: An In Vivo Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study compares the bacterial susceptibility to three different provisional restorations manufactured with different laboratory techniques, i.e., heat cure, CAD/CAM, and 3D printing. Materials and Methods: Totally, 45 health patients with age group of 30–60 years undergoing complete veneer crown treatment were selected for the study and divided into three groups with 15 samples in each as Group I: the crowns were made from polymethyl methacrylate polymer fabricated by the conventional heat cure method, Group 2: the crowns were made from polymethyl methacrylate fabricated by subtractive manufacturing CAD/CAM method, and Group 3: the crowns were made from oligomers fabricated by additive manufacturing 3D printing. The samples were examined for bacterial adherence at scanning electron microscope. The colony‑forming units (CFUs) were calculated, and statistically analyzed. Results: It has been determined that the digitally fabricated provisional restorations prove to be superior in terms of surface topography than to the conventionally fabricated provisional restorations. Conclusion: The study concludes that 3D‑printed provisional restorations are more precise with reduced bacterial susceptibility than milled ones.