Implant-supported prosthesis following Brånemark protocol on electromyography of masticatory muscles.

This research evaluated the effects of Brånemark protocol on electromyography of the masseter and temporal muscles. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I: patients who wore an implant-supported prosthesis in the mandibular arch following Brånemark protocol, and maxillary removable complete dentures; Group II: dentate individuals (control). Electromyography was carried out at rest, right (RL) and left (LL) laterality, protrusion and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Data were compared by t-test. At rest, a higher electromyographic (EMG) activity was observed in Group I, and the values were significant in the right masseter and left temporal muscles. In RL, there were statistically significant differences for right masseter (P < 0·01), left masseter and temporal muscles and for the left temporal muscle in LL (P < 0·05). In protrusion, Group I presented a higher EMG activity, and there was a statistically significant difference for the right masseter muscle (RM) (P < 0·05). In MVC, the EMG values were higher in Group II (control), but significant just for the right temporal muscle (P < 0·05). In conclusion, individuals with mandibular fixed dentures supported according to the Brånemark protocol and maxillary removable complete dentures showed a higher activity of masticatory muscles during the mandibular postural clinical conditions examined; however, in the MVC, Group I presented lower values when compared to dentate group. Despite presenting different EMG values in all of the clinical conditions, both groups showed similar EMG patterns of muscle activation which demonstrates that the proposed treatment can be considered as a good option for oral rehabilitation.

Indirect aesthetic adhesive restoration with fibre-reinforced composite resin.

This paper describes the restoration of an endodontically treated upper first molar with a fibre-reinforced onlay indirect composite resin restoration. The clinical and radiographic examination confirmed that the tooth had suffered considerable loss of structure. Therefore, an indirect restoration was indicated. First, a core was built with resin-modified glass ionomer cement, followed by onlay preparation, mechanical/chemical gingival retraction and impression with addition-cured silicone. After the laboratory phase, the onlay was tried in, followed by adhesive bonding and occlusal adjustment. It can be concluded that fibre-reinforced aesthetic indirect composite resin restoration represented, in the present clinical case, an aesthetic and conservative treatment option. However, the use of fibres should be more extensively studied to verify the real improvement in physical and mechanical properties.

Clinical performance of a resin-modified glass-ionomer and two polyacid-modified resin composites in cervical lesions restorations: 1-year follow-up.

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical performance of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (Vitremer) and two polyacid-modified resin composites (F2000 and Freedom) over 1 year. Nineteen patients with at least three cervical lesions were selected, providing an initial sample size of 87 restorations (29 per material), being 78 to non-carious and nine to carious lesions. Restorations were evaluated at baseline, 6 months and 1 year after placement, using modified US Public Health Service criteria: colour match, marginal discoloration, caries, anatomical form, marginal integrity and surface texture. At baseline, restorations were considered as acceptable for all criteria. At 1-year recall, 21 restorations per material were re-examined. Freedom was rated Bravo or Charlie for all the examined criteria and Vitremer earned an Alfa rating solely for the criterion caries. On the contrary, F2000 showed the best overall results, although presenting significant alteration in colour match. Statistical analysis of data was performed using chi-square and Mc Nemar tests. As to the evaluated periods, significant difference was observed solely between baseline and 1-year recall. Freedom and Vitremer were statistically different (P < 0.01) as to anatomical form and surface texture. For F2000, significant difference (P < 0.05) was noticed as to colour match and anatomical form. After 1-year follow-up, F2000 showed the most acceptable results as to the analysed criteria.

Effect of three surface sealants on marginal sealing of Class V composite resin restorations.

This study evaluated in vitro the effectiveness of three different surface sealants (Fortify, Protect-it! and Optiguard) on the marginal sealing of Class V light-activated composite resin restorations (Prodigy). For this purpose, 20 sound noncarious human premolars extracted within a six-month period were selected. Class V cavities with the occlusal margin in enamel and cervical margin in cementum were prepared in both buccal and lingual surfaces. The teeth, randomly assigned in four groups with 10 cavities in each group, were restored with composite resin after applying an adhesive system (Optibond FL). After the finishing and polishing procedures, the restorations were covered with a specific surface sealant, except for the control samples, which were not sealed. After placing restorations, the specimens were thermocycled and immersed in a 50% silver nitrate solution (tracer agent) for eight hours, sectioned longitudinally and analyzed for leakage using an optical microscope in a blind study with three examiners. The marginal microleakage was evaluated at the occlusal and cervical interfaces and compared among the four groups using the Kruskall-Wallis and the Wilcoxon Tests. There was better sealing at the occlusal margin, and in this region, there were no statistically significant differences among the materials (p > 0.05). In the cervical region, Fortify and Protect-it! showed improved results over the Control Group, and Optiguard showed similar results to the Control Group (without sealing).

Morphological observations of the sensory nerve endings of the Calomys callosus' lingual mucosa, employing the silver impregnation method

Estudaram-se as características morfológicas das terminaçöes nervosas sensitivas da mucosa lingual de Calomys callosus, empregando-se a técnica de impregnaçäo pela prata. Para a obtençäo das peças, cada animal foi anestesiado com injeçäo intraperitonial de tionembutal sódico. As peças foram fixadas em soluçäo de formalina a 10 por cento por um período de 20 dias à temperatura ambiente e cortes espessos de 40-60 micrometros foram obtidos em criostato Linde. As preparaçöes foram coradas pela técnica de impregnaçäo pela prata. De acordo com os nossos resultados podemos concluir que: 1) todas as regiöes (anterior, média e posterior) da mucosa dorsal da língua de Calomys callosus possuem terminaçöes nervosas sensitivas; 2) as terminaçöes nervosas podem ser simples ou complexas localizando-se no tecido conjuntivo da lâmina própria ou no interior das papilas conjuntivas das papilas filiformes, fungiformes e valadas, 3) as terminaçöes nervosas livres no interior das papilas fungiformes dispöem-se longitudinalmente ou formando uma rede complexa de fibras nervosas terminais