ABSTRACT
Objectives: The goal of every prosthetic management is to simulate nature and be in harmony with nature within the physiological limits. The occlusal forces on a fixed dental prosthesis are transmitted to the surrounding structures through pontics, connectors and retainers and more stresses are seen at the connector region. To analyze the stress patterns in cast and soldered connectors between the two pontics and between the retainer and pontic of a four unit fixed dental prosthesis on axial and non axial loading and also to observe and ascertain the need to modify the design of the rigid connectors. Materials and Methods: Subsequently four models each of cast and soldered connectors with cylindrical and triangular design, of dimension 3 × 4 mm and thickness 0.5 mm was designed for the study. The first premolar and second molar were considered as the abutments and 2 nd premolar and 1 st molar as the pontics. The analysis was done using ANSYS version 8.0 software and by placing axial and non-axial load of 40 Newtons each. Results: Von Misses stresses were observed at the connector region between the two pontics, especially in the cervical region. Conclusion: The cylindrical cast connectors showed less stress in comparison to triangular design and the difference in the stress distribution of cast and soldered connectors were marginal. Clinical Significance: The occlusal forces on a fixed dental prosthesis are transmitted to the surrounding structures through pontics, connectors and retainers with maximum stresses concentrated at the connectors. Hence this three-dimensional finite element analysis study investigated stress distribution in a four unit posterior fixed dental prosthesis, having cylindrical and triangular connector designs.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Hypothermia is a common problem in newborns. This is more so in community environment especially in low-birth weight and preterm babies. METHODS: A simple liquid crystal temperature monitoring device was used in 20 infants on a continuous basis to monitor for hypothermia. This was compared with the measurement of rectal temperature using a rectal thermometer. The colour changes and measures to be taken when hypothermia occurs was explained to the mothers and was well understood by all. RESULTS: The Thermo Spot was in agreement with the rectal temperature in 310 out of 313 measurements. This includes 299 times when temperature was normal; and 11 times when the temperature was hypothermic. It underestimated the temperature of three infants, falsely indicating hypothermia in a normothermic child with normal body temperature. It correctly identified hypothermia in every case. CONCLUSION: ThermoSpot device is a simple accurate device allowing continuous thermal monitoring of low birth weight infants, especially in resource poor setting.