Dejan Stamenkovic

A digital workflow in fabrication removable partial denture framework

Abstract
Dentistry and the global concept of digital transformation are closely intertwined, bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms.
Cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys have been used in dentistry for decades, widely regarded as the gold standard for both fixed and removable partial denture restorations. Dental frameworks made from Co-Cr alloy can be fabricated using various techniques: the traditional analog casting method, a combined analog-digital method, and a fully digitalized approach.
The goal of this lecture was to describe and critically review the digital workflow involved in the manufacture of Co-Cr-Mo-W alloy dental frameworks. The process is described in the following steps: intraoral digital scanning (1), digital model creation, survey & design (2), 3D printing and heat treatment (3), and finishing and polishing (4). The lecture also explored the indications and contraindications of digital procedures for producing Co-Cr-Mo-W alloy dental frameworks for removable partial dentures (RPDs), as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
The good mechanical properties of the sintered alloy are explained through Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and documented by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs. In the second part of the lecture, a digital workflow for treating a Kennedy Class III/1 patient with a complex partial denture was presented.
In conclusion, it was emphasized that the primary advantage of using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology in the fabrication of dental frameworks, aside from the precision of the restoration and increased productivity, is its environmentally friendly nature. This aligns with the technological trends of the 21st century, known as the 4th Industrial Revolution, or more simply, Dentistry 4.0.

Prim. Dr. Dejan D. Stamenković, DDS, PhD

Date and place of birth. 1980, Belgrade.
Education. Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade (2007), Specialist of Prosthodontics (2017), Doctorate of Science (2022)
Title. Primarius (2024)
Profile. He improved skills on his study stays (The University of Texas, School of Dentistry, Houston, Texas). Also, he completed several courses in the field of oral implantology (B&B Dental - Concept of guided implantology, Bologna, Italy and Biohorizons – Treatment planning using new imaging and diagnostic methods, Beograd, Srbija) and cosmetic dentistry (GC Europe – Composites from GC, Leuven, Belgium and Ivoclar Vivadent training, Schaan, Liechenstein). The focus of his scientific researches are dental materials, digital dentistry and implant restorations. Dentistry 4.0 is currently his goal and inspiration. He has published papers with his scientific research in the journals in USA, Switzerland, Croatia and Serbia.
Research. Published 15 papers with affiliations of the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Belgrade, School of Dentistry in Houston (UTHealth) and private office - Stamenković & Team. Cumulative IF: 13,072, h-index: 7, citation 135 (January, 2025).
Membership. Serbian Medical Society (SMS), Balkan Stomatological Society (Deputy Councelor of BaSS Council), Society of Color and Appearance in Dentistry (SCAD), Serbian Prosthodontic Society (PROS).
Employment. Dental office, Stamenković & Team, founder and owner since 2012.