A comparative evaluation of impact strength of conventionally heat cured and high impact heat cured polymethyl methacrylate denture base resins: an in vitro study.

UNLABELLED: The denture bases made by using polymethyl methacrylates of Acrylic resin family have excellent physical properties, simple to process and easy to reline, rebase and repair. One of the inherent disadvantages of this material is the liability to break during function. The strength assessment of acrylic resins have been made generally by transverse defection tests. AIM: To evaluate the impact strength valves of certain brands of commercially available denture base resins and suggest their suitability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The denture bases we made using polymethyl methacrylates of acrylic resin family because they have excellent physical properties, simple to process and easy to reline and rebase. Six commercial brands of polymethyl meth- acrylate, namely Stellon (DPI-India), Acralyn-H (Asian Acrylate, India), Trevalon (Dentsply-England), Lucitone 199 (Dentsply/ York division), Acralyn-H (Super Unbreakable), Trevalon HI (Dentsply, Detray division, England) were tested by breaking them using Analog Pendulum (ASTM D 256). RESULTS: From the entire study the maximum impact strength was reported for Acralyn-H super unbreakable (Asian Acrylates, India) 62.19 joules. CONCLUSION: All the analysis led to conclusion that there is basic change in material composition within and among the different groups of denture base resins. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The complete dentures made using denture base resins with high impact strength valves (e.g. Acralyn-H super unbreakable) will be more durable and can be used by the patient for considerable period of time, i.e. beyond 4 to 5 years.

Epidemiological survey on edentulousness.

UNLABELLED: India has a large geriatric population of 77 millions, comprising 7.7% of its total population. One of the major handicaps in the elderly is loss of teeth, affecting their mastication, dietary intake and nutritional status. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was planned to assess the level of edentulousness, cause of edentulousness, denture wearing and denture needs of the middle and elderly in the society and study was correlated between habits and socioeconomic variables, diet and body mass index (BMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 500 subjects (random sampling) from dental outpatient were studied. A prepared questionnaire was developed, explained, interviewed and questions were filled personally. RESULTS: The level of edentulousness was found to be high in the subjects with low socioeconomic status and in advancing age with no significant difference between male and females. Another finding was very low level of denture wearing of 62% needing complete denture and partial denture only 10.4% of subjects wearing dentures. Mixed diet population had higher level of edentulousness compared with vegetarians. The BMI was correlated with level of edentulousness. CONCLUSION: The study clearly showed that there is lack of dental awareness, so dental education and motivation in very important. The study concludes that the need for prosthodontics care will increase due to the increase in life span. This study is clinically significant with regard to knowing the root cause of edentulism, either partial or complete. Out of 62% tooth loss, dental caries (37.4%) topped the cause for tooth loss followed by combination of dental caries and periodontal disease (12.2%).