ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The location and inter relationship of the structures of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle within the mandibular canal has not been clearly defined. The knowledge of the same is important while planning surgeries in the posterior mandible. METHODS: Eight cadaveric mandibles were dissected and sections were made at the distal aspect of every tooth. The inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle was identified and examined for the location of the inferior alveolar artery, vein and nerve. Hematoxylin and Eosin sections were made for each specimen to confirm the position of these structures. RESULTS: All the sections in all the specimens confirmed that a blood vessel lies superior to the nerve. This position appeared consistent in all the positions relative to all the posterior teeth. There was a variation in the bucco-lingual positioning of these structures relative to each other for the various mandibles. CONCLUSION: A blood vessel is found to always lie superior to the inferior alveolar nerve within the mandibular canal. Variations in the inter relationship of the structures is present. SIGNIFICANCE: This cadaveric study proves that all along the course of the neurovascular bundle, at various cross-sections studied, the inferior nerve is always inferior to a blood vessel. There can be great variations to the positioning of the structures within the neurovascular bundle in the bucco-lingual dimension and also in the exit of the nerve in various mandibles. Knowledge of the location of the structures is of importance during surgical procedures carried out in the vicinity of these structures.
ABSTRACT
Complete dentures fabricated for edentulous patients with resorbed ridges generally have compromised retention and stability. The use of intramucosal inserts in order to aid retention of a maxillary denture has been reported in the past. Zirconia is a tissue compatible biomaterial whose scope and application in dentistry is on the rise. This paper reports the fabrication of zirconia intramucosal inserts and the technique of its incorporation in the maxillary complete denture in order to enhance retention, stability and thereby oral function.
ABSTRACT
Tooth replacement in the esthetic zone presents a myriad of challenges for the clinician. An ovate pontic accurately duplicates the emergence profile of the natural tooth it replaces in order to provide an esthetic, yet cleansable prosthesis. The accurate transfer of this sculpted tissue beneath the pontic of the provisional restoration is critical to provide the dental laboratory technician with the necessary information to fabricate a definitive restoration with an appropriate emergence profile. This article presents an innovative, simple and convenient impression technique for easy and accurate transfer of the tissue contours to the working cast, avoiding tissue collapse and tissue compression produced due to the impression material.
