[Efficacy of stabilization splint therapy in temporomandibular disorders]

In clinical practice it is commonly assumed that occlusal splints have therapeutic value in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders [TMD], however there is still lack of sufficient evidence to support this claim. The purpose of this double-blind study was to evaluate the short-term [8-week] efficacy of a stabilization splint in subjects with temporomandibular disorders seeking treatment. Seventeen TMD patients were treated with stabilization splints for eight weeks. In addition to filling out questionnaires, all patients underwent a preoperative and postoperative clinical-functional investigation of the masticatory system. Qualitative data were analyzed using Fisher exact and Chi-square tests and Wilcoxon signed ranks test was applied to report quantitative data. A statistically significant decrease was observed postoperatively in the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index [P=0.000] as well as the anamnestic dysfunction index [P=0.020]. In addition there was a statistically significant decrease in muscle tenderness, after treatment [P=.002]. The results of this study indicate that the use of a stabilization splint is beneficial in treatment of the signs and symptoms of TMD, and especially has a positive effect on muscle tenderness

[Effect of salivary contamination on shear bond strength of three different dentin adhesive systems]

Salivary contamination during application of bonding agents may adversely affect adhesive/dentin bond strength. This investigation evaluated the effect of salivary contamination on the shear bond strength of three different bonding systems without treatment. Seventy-two intact posterior extracted human teeth were used in this interventional in vitro study. The tested materials consisted of Scotch Bond MP [SBMP], Single Bond [SB] and Prompt which are considered as three-step, fourth generation; two-step, fifth generation and one-step, sixth generation bonding agents, respectively. For each tooth, the enamel on the buccal surface was removed by a diamond disc. Specimens were assigned to 12 groups according to the studied adhesives: SBMP into 5, SB into 4 and Prompt into 3 groups. Dentin surfaces were contaminated with natural saliva for 5 seconds. Cylinders of composite were applied onto the dentin surfaces using plastic cylindrical molds. The shear bond strength of the specimens was determined with an Instron testing-machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. A significant difference was not observed between the contaminated SBMP and SB groups, but the difference between the contaminated and uncontaminated specimens was significant. In the Prompt groups, the difference between the contaminated and uncontaminated samples was not significant. No significant difference was found between the shear bond strengths of the adhesives, except for Prompt and SBMP. Shear bond strength depends on the type and structure of the applied adhesive and the stage at which salivary contamination occurs