Evaluation of the Masticatory Efficiency at the Patients with New Complete Dentures.

BACKGROUND: There are a lot of factors influencing the efficiency of mastication; therefore there are also a lot of methods for testing this efficiency. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to test the efficiency of mastication and evaluate it in the function of time, based on previous experience with the complete dentures. METHODS: A total of 88 patients (42 female, 46 male, mean age 52.2, SD = 5.76), complete dentures wearers, participated in this study. Masticatory functions were investigated by using the method of electromyography (EMG), analyzing electromyomasticatiogram. For testing the masticator efficiency, the further parameters of the masticatiogram were used: duration of the Standard Masticatory Task (SMT) (t), number of the masticatory cycles within the masticator arch (F) and maximal amplitude within the masticatory arch (F). All data were statistically analysed by using standard software package BMDP (bio-medical Statistical package). Parametric data have been tested using One Way Repeated Measurement of ANOVA test. RESULTS: The changes of the relation A/t are evident in different time intervals in both measured sides: F-DS-time of the measurement = 34.86, P = 0.0000; F-NDS- time of the measurement = 26.1, P = 0.0000. There are also differences of the masticatory index A/t between sexes in both, dominant and non-dominant side: F-DS-gender = 237.05, P = 0.0000; F-NDS-gender = 12.90, P = 0.004. Masticatory index (A/F) varies in time, from first to the sixth measurement in both sides: F-DS-time of the measurement = 32.36, P = 0.0000; F-NDS-time of the measurement = 30.53, P = 0.0000. The interaction of the time and gender was also important: F-DS-interaction = 6.95, P = 0.0000; F-NDS-interaction = 14.9, P = 0.0000. CONCLUSION: Masticator indexes are A/F, and A/t are a very important indicator of the masticatory efficiency and the level of the functional adaptation on complete dentures. Both masticator indexes show the same dynamics (reaching the stationary condition after the 15th week after getting new dentures). After the observing period, all examinee express the same degree of masticator efficiency known as functional adaptation. Patients with previous experience with complete dentures reach faster the stationary condition, compared with those non-experienced.

ElectromyoFigureic Evaluation of Functional Adaptation of Patients with New Complete Dentures.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of adaptation of patients to newly fitted complete dentures in their dominant and nondominant sides, by means of ElectromyoFigureic signals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with complete dentures were evaluated in the study. Masticatory muscle (masseter and temporal) bioelectric activity of the patients with complete dentures was recorded at maximum intercuspal relation. Parametric statistical data were analyzed with one-way repeated measures ANOVA test. RESULTS: Measurement time was significantly different for both dominant (DS) and nondominant (NDS) sides: FΣs-DS = 21.51, p=0.0001; FΣs-NDS = 13.25, p=0.0001. Gender was also significantly different: FΣs-DS-gender = 41.53, p=0.001; FΣs-NDS-gender = 85.76, p=0.0001. The average surface area values showed significant difference in females. Prior experience with dentures showed no significant difference for both sides of mastication: FΣs-DS-experiences = 1.83, p=0.1772; F Σs-NDS-experiences = 3.30, p=0.0697. CONCLUSION: The planimetric indicators of bioelectric activity of masseter and temporalis muscles at maximum physiological loading conditions are significant discriminators of the level of functional adaptation of patients with new complete dentures.

Evaluation of Maximum Bite Force in Patients with Complete Dentures.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate maximum bite forces (mBF) in dominant (DS) and non-dominant sides (NDS) at certain time periods after the insertion of new complete dentures based on prior experience and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 88 patients, complete denture wearers (CDWs), were examined. The maximum bite force at the intercuspal position between the first molars in 3 seconds was registered and recorded with piezoelectric gnathodynamometer. The procedure was repeated 3 times in identical conditions, with relaxation intervals of 1 minute between repeats and the limiting factor was the subjective feeling of pain. Testing of parametric data was performed with One Way Repeated Measurement of ANOVA test. RESULTS: The average mBF values increased during the observational period, both on the DS and NDS, with significant difference in DS, which was greater. The analysis of one-factor variance showed that there were differences of average mBF values in DS and NDS during six consecutive measurements (mBF-DS = 11.3, p = 0.0001, and mBF-NDS = 2.26, p = 0.047). Significant changes in the masticatory force (mBF) on the DS and NDS is explained by different measurement times and with the prior experience with complete dentures, BF-DS = 11.76, p = 0.0000; mBF-NDS = 2.42, p = 0.0351; mBFe-DS = 40.48; P = 0.0000 mBFe-NDS = 39.93, p = 0.0000. CONCLUSION: mBF represents a significant discriminating variable of the level of functional adaptation of new complete denture wearers (nCDWs) about the initial measurements.

Pleomorphic Adenoma of Minor Salivary Glands in Child.

INTRODUCTION: Tumors of salivary glands are very rare in children overall, and rarely in minor salivary glands. Among them pleoomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign tumor of salivary glands in children and it acounts 60% of all salivary neoplasms, frequently found in major salivary glands (85 %) and rarely in minor salivary glands (10-15%). PA appears as painless oval mass, elastic consistency and smooth surface. It characterized by slow evolution of growing. The diagnosis can be confirmed only by histopathological features, after total excision of the lesion. CASE REPORT: This case report present the uncommon case of the formation well circumscribed in upper lip region, nearby the frenulum labii oris superior in 10 years old school girl. After clinical intraoral examination of the formation approximately 2cm in size the surgical treatment has been done and histopathologic analysis resulted as PA. CONCLUSION: Long term follow-up examination is necessary due to possible recurence or malignancy alteration.

Frequency of Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders among Prishtina Dental Students.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is important for prevention of greater damages of the parts of the oro-facial system. There are early symptoms that can be used as predictors of TMD. AIM: The study aimed to assess the frequency of the symptoms of TMD among dental students. METHODS: Total number of 166 respondents, all undergraduate dental students, (84 female, 82 male), mean age 22, participated in this study. For the study, the questionnaire of Fonseca was used. There were ten questions to answer with: no, sometimes and yes. Fonseca-Clinical index classification is: 0-15 points, no TMD; 20-40 points, mild TMD; 45-65 points, moderate TMD and 70-100 points, severe TMD. RESULTS: Forty-six point four percentages of the students, had no symptoms of TMD, 44.6 % had mild TMD, 7.8% moderate TMD and only 1.2 % had severe TMD. By conventional criteria, there is not any statistical difference of the TMD between male and female (χ2 = 1.133, p = 0.769). CONCLUSION: Fonseca questionnaire has its importance in the early diagnosis of TMD that can occur in the young population.

Differences between Subjective Balanced Occlusion and Measurements Reported With T-Scan III.

BACKGROUND: The aetiology of Temporomandibular disorder is multifactorial, and numerous studies have addressed that occlusion may be of great importance in the pathogenesis of Temporomandibular disorder. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine if any direct relationship exists between balanced occlusion and Temporomandibular disorder and to evaluate the differences between subjective balanced occlusion and measurements reported with T-scan III electronic system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 54 subjects were divided into three groups, selection based on anamnesis-responded to a Fonseca questionnaire and clinical measurements analysed with electronic system T-scan III. In the I study group were participants with fixed dentures with prosthetic ceramic restorations. In the II study group were symptomatic participants with TMD. In the third control group were healthy participants with full arch dentition that completed a subjective questionnaire that documented the absence of jaw pain, joint noise, locking and subjects without a history of TMD. The occlusal balance was reported subjectively through Fonseca questionnaire and compared with occlusion analysed with electronic system T-scan III. RESULTS: For attributive data were used percentage of the structure. Differences in P < 0.05 were considered significant. After distributing attributive data of occlusal balance subjectively reported and compared with measurements analysed with electronic system T-scan III were found significant difference P < 0.001 in all three groups. CONCLUSION: In our study, it was concluded that there were statistically significant differences of balanced occlusion in all three groups. Also it was concluded that subjective data are not exact with measurements reported with electronic device T-scan III.

Evaluation of Sensibility Threshold for Interocclusal Thickness of Patients Wearing Complete Dentures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate sensibility threshold for interocclusal thickness in experienced and nonexperienced denture wearers after the insertion of new complete dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 88 patients with complete dentures have participated in this study. The research was divided into two experimental groups, compared with the previous experience prosthetic dental treatment. The sensibility threshold for interocclusal thickness was measured with metal foil with 8 µm thickness and width of 8 mm, placed between the upper and lower incisor region. Statistical analysis was performed using standard software package BMDP (biomedical statistical package). RESULTS: Results suggest that time of measurement affects the average values of the sensibility threshold for interocclusal thickness (F = 242.68, p = 0.0000). Gender appeared to be a significant factor when it interacted with time measurement resulting in differences in sensibility threshold for interocclusal thickness (gender: F = 9.84, p = 0.018; F = 4.83, p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: The sensibility threshold for interocclusal thickness was the most important functional adaptation in patient with complete dentures. A unique trait of this indicator is the progressive reduction of initial values and a tendency to reestablish the stationary state in the fifteenth week after dentures is taken off.

Lightness, chroma, and hue distributions in natural teeth measured by a spectrophotometer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the distribution of color parameters, lightness (L*), chroma (C), hue (H), a* and b*, in the intercanine sector in maxilla. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients' tooth color measurements were performed using an intraoral spectrophotometer VITA Easyshade® (VITA Zahnfabrik H. Rauter GmbH and Co. KG, Bad Sackingen, Germany). The measurements were made in 255 subjects in the intercanine sector in maxilla. RESULTS: The mean values for the group of 255 subjects were as follows: L*, a*, b*, C, and H as 81.6, 0.67, 21.6, 21.7, and 92.7, respectively. For F=206.27 and P < 0.001 between L*, a*, b*, C, H, and central incisor/lateral incisor/canines, there were statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: With the statistical analysis, it was determined that there are significant color differences between the teeth of the intercanine sector, which differences are clinically significant also.

Efficiency of gaseous ozone in reducing the development of dry socket following surgical third molar extraction.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of ozone gas (O3) on the reduction of dry socket (DS) occurrence following surgical extraction of lower jaw third molars, influence of the indication for the extraction, and the difficulty of extraction on the incidence of DS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included thirty patients with bilaterally impacted third molars of mandible requiring surgical procedure for extraction. Following extraction, in the control group, saline solution was used for irrigation of extraction sockets and in the experimental group, intra-alveolar O3 was applied for 12 s (Prozone, W and H, UK, Ltd.). The surgeries were performed by the same oral surgeon. The follow-up visits were performed at 48 h and on day seven, postsurgery where the symptoms of DS were evaluated and intensity of pain has been recorded using visual analog scale 0-100. RESULTS: In this pilot study, DS was present in 16.67% and 3.33% of cases in the control and experimental groups, respectively (P = 0.20). CONCLUSION: The application of O3 may reduce the incidence of DS and accelerates the recovery period after the surgery. Prophylactic use of O3 may be suggested in all patients, especially in the patients at a risk of development of DS.

Patient's Satisfaction with Removable Partial Dentures: A Retrospective Case Series.

This retrospective clinical study aimed to assess patient's satisfaction with removable partial dentures (RPDs), as retention, chewing ability, aesthetics during the observation period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 63 patients with RPDs, participated in this study. The following data was collected: Kennedy classification, denture design, denture support, satisfaction and success of RPD. RESULT: The results showed that 73.6% of patients were wearing RPD for the first time and were finally satisfied. According to the denture support of RPDs, clasp-retained quadrangular RPDs were 100% effective, followed by triangular dental support 81% and linear dental support 47.7%. Comparison of RPDs with attachment with RPDs with claps assessed through Fisher exact test, confirmed statistically significant difference (P=0.008), despite retention; however, chewing ability and aesthetics showed no statistically significant difference with X 2 test on patient's satisfaction with RPD with or without attachment. CONCLUSION: Patients often would prefer not showing the anterior buccal clasps of RPD, therefore are generally satisfied more with RPD with attachment based on level of retention, chewing ability and aesthetics.

The influence of removable partial dentures on the periodontal health of abutment and non-abutment teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of removable partial dentures (RPD) on the periodontal health of abutment and non-abutment teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 107 patients with RPD participated in this study. It was examined 138 RPD, they were 87 with clasp-retained and 51 were RPD with attachments. The following periodontal parameters were evaluated for abutment and non-abutment teeth, plaque index (PLI), calculus index (CI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) (mm) and tooth mobility (TM) index. These clinical measurements were taken immediately before insertion the RPD, then one and 3 months after insertion. The level of significance was set at (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean scores for PLI, CI, BOP, PD, and TM index, of the abutment teeth and non-abutment teeth were no statistically significant at the time of insertion of RPD. After 1-month, PLI was statistically significant (0.57 ± 0.55 for abutment and 0.30 ± 0.46 for non-abutment teeth). After 3 months, there were significant differences between abutment and non-abutment teeth with regard to the BOP (1.53 ± 0.50 and 1.76 ± 0.43 respectively), PD (0.28 ± 0.45 and 0.12 ± 0.33 respectively) and PLI (1.20 ± 0.46 and 0.75 ± 0.64 respectively). No significant mean difference in TM and CI was found between the abutment and non-abutment teeth (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: With carefully planned prosthetic treatment and adequate maintenance of the oral and denture hygiene, we can prevent the periodontal diseases.

Clinical evaluation of removable partial dentures on the periodontal health of abutment teeth: a retrospective study.

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of removable partial dentures in periodontal abutment teeth in relation to the type of denture support and design of RPD in a five-year worn period. Methods : A total of 64 patients with removable partial dentures (RPDs), participated in this study. It were examined ninety-one RPDs. There were seventy-five RPDs with clasp-retained and sixteenth were RPDs with attachments. There were 28 females and 36 males, aged between 40-64 years, 41 maxillary and 50 mandible RPDs. For each subjects the following data were collected: denture design, denture support, and Kennedy classification. Abutment teeth were assessed for plaque index (PI), calculus index (CI), blending on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), tooth mobility (TM). Level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results : According to denture support of RPD, BOP, PD, PI, GR, CI and TM-index showed no statistically significant difference. Based on the denture design of RPD's, BOP, PD, PI, CI, and TM-index proved no statistically significant difference. Except GR-index according to denture design confirmed statistically significant difference in RPD with clasp p<0.01. The higher values of all periodontal parameter as BOP, PD, PI, CI and TM were in patients with RPD's with claps comparing with RPD's with attachment. Conclusion : RPD's with clasp increased level of gingival inflammation in regions covered by the dentures and below the clasp arms in abutment teeth.