Nanomaterials and their application in prosthodontics: A review

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to review the available literature on the novelties and applications of nanomaterials in Prosthodontics. Data and Sources: 125 articles were retrieved which included reviews and studies on various nanomaterials used in Dentistry especially Prosthodontics after Gray literature search, cross references and electronic database search in PubMed, MedLine and Google search using the following key words- Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology, Prosthodontics, Dentistry, Applications Study selection: 74 articles were selected and reviewed as they met the selection criteria. Conclusion: Within the scope of this review, reported literature showed that the emerging science of nanotechnology in Dentistry especially in the field of Prosthodontics has triggered growing interest in the potential applications and benefits compared to the conventional materials in use. The latest research progress on the applications of nanomaterials used in Prosthodontics was reviewed with detailed description, keeping in mind the limitations like challenges faced and the health implications.

Salivary reservoir designs for patients with xerostomia: a review

Aim: The present paper aims to review the literature available on various approaches to salivary reservoir designs, the functional aspects, cleansibility, type of attachments used, and different techniques used for the fabrication of salivary reservoirs in patients suffering from xerostomia. Material and Methods: A search in the National Library of Medicine's Pub Med database, Google search and Science Direct was performed to include all case reports and reviews on prosthodontic rehabilitation of dentulous/partially edentulous/edentulous patient with xerostomia. Results: Out of the 35 articles found in the database search, 18 articles were included based on the designs they adopted for fabrication of salivary reservoirs. Conclusions: The various designs available in literature enable an operator to choose the most suitable reservoir design based on specific patient requirements. Innovations in reservoir design promise a more customized prosthesis for every patient. Further research and innovation will enable increasingly efficient salivary substitute delivery systems for the xerostomic patient.

Association between socio-demographic variables and partial edentulism in the Goan population: An epidemiological study in India.

Context: Although, incidence of complete edentulism has decreased, partial edentulism is still prevalent in the country. This study aims to establish a relationship between socio-demographic variables, etiological factors, and partial edentulism. It also evaluates the prevalence of different classes of partial edentulism according to Kennedy’s classification. Materials and Methods: An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomly selected population in the state of Goa, India. The study group included patients who attended the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Prosthodontics during September to October, 2009. Data were acquired based on a pre-formed pro-forma (inclusive of a structured questionnaire and clinical examination) and was statistically analysed using the chi-square test. Results: A total of 423 participants were enrolled for this study. Three hundred and twentytwo individuals were partially edentulous indicating a prevalence rate of 76.12%. 54.97% were females. The peak was recorded in the age group of 24-34 years, 51.24% were un-employed, 54.97% belonged to the medium income group, 58.07% resided in urban areas, 48.45% belonged to the basic educational group and 54.35% had a fair oral hygiene status. Kennedy’s class III group (50.30%) was the most frequent type of partial edentulism. An association between the aforementioned characteristics and partial edentulism was recorded with a statistically significant association between partial edentulism and two characteristics, namely monthly family income and education. Conclusion: Partial edentulism is dependent on a combination of socio-demographic factors and the present study reveals a high prevalence rate of partial edentulism in the studied population.

Repair of fractured abutment teeth under pre-existing crowns: An alternative approach.

This article describes a technique for repair of abutment tooth which fractured during removal of a provisional restoration before bisque trial. The technique uses plastic templates to fabricate new composite core foundation for the existing crowns. This technique helps the dentist to rebuild the core in a single appointment.

Chlorhexidine allergy due to topical application.

Chlorhexidine is commonly used in dentistry in various forms. Allergic reactions to chlorhexidine of both immediate and delayed type have been reported. Although the incidence is low there may be severe manifestations in some patients. This report presents a case of allergy to chlorhexidine following topical application.

A comparison of the accuracy of patterns processed from an inlay casting wax, an auto-polymerized resin and a light-cured resin pattern material.

Background: Traditionally, inlay casting waxes have been used to fabricate patterns for castings. Newer resin pattern materials offer greater rigidity and strength, allowing easier laboratory and intraoral adjustment without the fear of pattern damage. They also claim to possess a greater dimensional stability when compared to inlay wax. Aims: This study attempted to determine and compare the marginal accuracy of patterns fabricated from an inlay casting wax, an autopolymerized pattern resin and a light polymerized pattern resin on storage off the die for varying time intervals. Materials and Methods: Ten patterns each were fabricated from an inlay casting wax (GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan), an autopolymerized resin pattern material (Pattern resin, GC Corp, Tokyo, Japan) and a light-cured resin pattern material (Palavit GLC, Hereaus Kulzer GmbH, Germany). The completed patterns were stored off the die at room temperature. Marginal gaps were evaluated by reseating the patterns on their respective dies and observing it under a stereomicroscope at 1, 12, and 24 h intervals after pattern fabrication. Results: The results revealed that the inlay wax showed a significantly greater marginal discrepancy at the 12 and 24 h intervals. The autopolymerized resin showed an initial (at 1 h) marginal discrepancy slightly greater than inlay wax, but showed a significantly less marginal gap (as compared to inlay wax) at the other two time intervals. The light-cured resin proved to be significantly more dimensionally stable, and showed minimal change during the storage period. Conclusion: The resin pattern materials studied, undergo a significantly less dimensional change than the inlay waxes on prolonged storage. They would possibly be a better alternative to inlay wax in situations requiring high precision or when delayed investment (more than 1 h) of patterns can be expected.

Custom sectional impression trays with interlocking type handle for microstomia patients.

Making impressions in microstomia patients is often cumbersome. A modification of standard impression procedure is often necessary while treating such patients. This article describes the fabrication of a custom sectional impression tray with interlocking type of a handle for definitive impression procedures in a microstomia patient.

A study to determine whether the anterior and posterior vibrating lines can be distinguished as two separate lines of flexion by unbiased observers: a pilot study.

CONTEXT: By convention, the posterior palatal seal area is located on the palate between the anterior and posterior vibrating lines. However, there are opposing views on whether the anterior and posterior vibrating lines can be distinguished as two separate lines of flexion. AIMS: The study was carried out to determine whether the anterior and posterior vibrating lines can be distinguished as two separate lines of flexion by unbiased observers. A second part of the study was formulated to evaluate whether the palpatory method correlated with the nose-blowing method in locating the anterior line of flexion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three dental undergraduate clinical students were selected as observers. Twenty-three edentulous patients were randomly selected. The students were asked to record the anterior and posterior vibrating line on one patient each using two differently colored marking pencils. Also, the anterior vibrating line was marked by the palpatory method (using T burnisher) using a third colored marking pencil. The marked lines were then transferred onto the previously made impression of modeling plastic. RESULTS: Of the 23 recorders used in the study, 19 could locate separate anterior and posterior lines of flexion. In 4 cases, the anterior and posterior lines of flexion coincided and were not distinct. In 20 cases, the palpatory method produced a line anterior to the line located by the Valsalva maneuver. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior and posterior vibrating lines could be located by the undergraduate students as two separate lines of flexion when the appropriate action was elicited for each of them; and the palpatory method produced a line slightly anterior to the anterior vibrating line located by the Valsalva maneuver.