ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The diabetic subjects would have impaired oral stereognostic ability (OSA) compared with normal subjects due to diabetic neuropathy and microcirculatory disturbances. This study was conducted to compare the OSA between diabetic and nondiabetic complete denture wearers with and without denture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vivo study the present comparative study comprised of seventy edentulous subjects (36 males and 34 females), aged from 35 to 84 rehabilitated with complete dentures (among them 35 were diabetic and 35 subjects were nondiabetic complete denture wearer). The OSA tests were conducted using acrylic test samples of 12 shaped forms, which were placed in patient's mouth for a given period of time for identification and scored according to three-point scale as OSA score and the identification time was also recorded. The data obtained were analyzed using Chi-square test, t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient (P < 0.05). RESULTS: In this study, diabetic complete denture wearers got the mean OSA score of 12.43 ± 3.93 without dentures, which was lower than nondiabetic complete denture wearer group (14.82 ± 4.44). There was a significant difference (P = 0.020*) in the identification of test pieces. CONCLUSION: Within limitations of this study, diabetic complete denture wearers showed decreased OSA than nondiabetic subjects, particularly it was significant while not wearing dentures. Oral stereognosis may be used as one of the clinical aids in predicting patient's performance to a prosthesis. Based on their response, we can educate the patient about the prognosis.
ABSTRACT
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Disinfection of prostheses with chemical solutions has deleterious effects on dentures. The appropriate power setting of microwave for disinfection, without affecting denture base properties, is a controversy. PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effect of simulated microwave disinfection at a recommended power setting on the mechanical properties of three denture base heat polymerized acrylic resins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety rectangular specimens of each acrylic resin of 65mm × 10mm × 3 mm dimensions were divided into three groups. Group A (Trevalon), Group B (Trevalon- HI), Group C (Ivocap). In each group, thirty specimens were divided into three subgroups with ten specimens in each and they were submitted to MicroVickers hardness, flexural strength, and impact strength tests. In each subgroup, five specimens were tested before the simulated microwave disinfection and they served as the control group. The remaining five were tested after simulated microwave disinfection and they were considered as the experimental group. Simulated microwave disinfection was done in a domestic microwave oven at 650 W for 5 minutes. RESULTS: The data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and t-test. The mechanical properties of the three denture base resins were not altered after simulated microwave disinfection, as compared to those of the controls. CONCLUSION: Microwave irradiation at 650 W for 5 min did not affect the mechanical properties of the three denture base resins. Domestic microwave oven, at the prescribed setting, can be used as an alternative method of disinfection for complete dentures without affecting their properties.
