Devices for In situ Development of Non-disturbed Oral Biofilm. A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to assess the types of devices used for in situ development of oral biofilm analyzed microbiologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify all in situ studies of oral biofilm which used an oral device; the Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases complemented with manual search were used. Specific devices used to microbiologically analyze oral biofilm in adults were included. After reading of the selected full texts, devices were identified and classified according to the oral cavity zone and manufacturing material. The "ideal" characteristics were analyzed in every group. RESULTS: The search provided 787 abstracts, of which 111 papers were included. The devices used in these studies were classified as palatal, lingual or buccal. The last group was sub-classified in six groups based on the material of the device. Considering the analyzed characteristics, the thermoplastic devices and the Intraoral Device of Overlaid Disk-holding Splints (IDODS) presented more advantages than limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Buccal devices were the most commonly used for the study of in situ biofilm. The majority of buccal devices seemed to slightly affect the volunteer's comfort, the IDODS being the closest to the "ideal" model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: New devices for in situ oral biofilm microbiological studies should take into account the possible effect of their design on the volunteer's comfort and biofilm formation.

Individualized nasal mask fabrication for positive pressure ventilation using dental methods.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop a simple technique to manufacture individualized ventilatory nasal masks for pediatric patients using materials and procedures commonly applied in dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cases of pediatric patients who met with severe difficulties in their adaptation to commercially available nasal masks are described: one premature infant, one child diagnosed with achondroplasia, and one child with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. RESULTS: In each case, a light nasal mask was designed with two independent parts that become perfectly adapted to the patient's nose: one soft for the skin contact, and another rigid for dimensional stability. In all patients, adequate levels of ventilation were reached. CONCLUSION: This easy, inexpensive nasal mask fabrication technique can be used in a great number of patients, increasing the efficacy of individualized masks.

An atypical Hallermann-Streiff syndrome. Focus on dental care and differential diagnosis.

The Hallermann-Streiff syndrome (HSS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by dyscephaly, birdlike facies, hypoplastic mandible, congenital cataracts, microphthalmia, hypotrichosis, skin atrophy, proportionate short stature, and dental anomalies. A case of a 29-year-old man with atypical HSS with neither cataracts, hair and skin alterations, nor short stature is reported, with special consideration to oral findings and dental management. Dental extractions, scaling, restorations, and endodontics were performed under local anesthesia. Later, orthodontic rehabilitation with fixed brackets was carried out. Finally, a removable partial denture for the maxillary arch was designed using transparent acrylic, and this also served as a retention splint. Young patients with HSS and other similar syndromes must be involved in personalized oral health prevention programs as early as possible. Despite numerous systemic anomalies, some of these patients may undergo conventional dental procedures under local anesthesia in the dental office.