Allergy topics for dental practitioners.

Penicillin allergy, local anesthetic hypersensitivity, latex allergy, contact hypersensitivity, and anaphylaxis are among the allergic reactions encountered in dental practice. This article reviews the literature pertaining to these important areas of overlap between dentistry and allergy/immunology. The epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of penicillin allergy as it relates to dentistry are reviewed. The relevant literature regarding local anesthetic and latex hypersensitivity is discussed. In addition, the presentation, evaluation, and management of contact hypersensitivity, including that to metals, are addressed. Recognition and appropriate treatment of anaphylaxis also are reviewed. This article will help dentists understand potential areas of comanagement with allergists/immunologists to optimize patient care.

Clinical performance and peri-implant parameters of 132 implants supporting locator-retained overdentures: a case series of 33 patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term reliability of Locator-retained mandibular or maxillary overdentures and to examine clinical and radiographic parameters of the supporting implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of a case series. After implant placement and a submerged healing phase of about 3 months, all implants were restored with Locator-retained overdentures. The follow-up examinations included the assessment of the Plaque Index (PI) and sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI) as well as peri-implant soft tissue parameters, such as bleeding on probing (BOP) and pocket probing depth (PPD). The mean marginal bone loss was measured on panoramic radiographs. The clinical performance of Locator components and the prosthetic restoration were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were computed. For statistical analysis, non-parametric and parametric tests with respect to the variable scale were used. The significance level was set as P ≤ .05. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 33 patients (18 men, 15 women) with a mean age of 66.8 years who received 132 implants (84 in the anterior maxilla, 48 in the anterior mandible). After 32.9 months of follow-up, one maxillary implant was lost. All prosthetic restorations were still functionally in place at the last follow-up appointment with moderate prosthodontic maintenance effort. Clinical parameters and radiographs revealed healthy tissues around most implants. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that Locators are a predictable alternative for anchorage of mandibular and maxillary overdentures with good clinical performance of both the prosthetic restorations and the supporting implants.

Recognition and management of somatoform disorders.

Many clinicians have encountered patients with a somatoform disorder without recognizing the clinical presentation. Somatoform disorders can confound a diagnosis, consume inordinate amounts of treatment time, and may cause treatment failure. Recognition and management of somatoform disorders in prosthodontic patients is discussed in this clinical report to assist practitioners in avoiding initiation of prosthodontic treatment for patients with physical symptoms that are caused by a psychologic disorder rather than organic disease.