Evaluation of the Adaptation of Complete Dentures Fabricated Using Intraoral Scanning and Conventional Techniques.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to digitally analyze the 3-dimensional variations existing between conventional impressions and intraoral scans made in edentulous maxillae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten (n = 10) edentulous maxillae of patients seeking a maxillary complete denture were scanned using an intraoral scanner. The same participants were subject to the conventional impression procedure for the fabrication of maxillary complete dentures. The dentures' intaglio surfaces were scanned and superimposed over their corresponding IOS files with a 2-base best-fit alignment. Deviation analyses were calculated using the digital subtraction technique. Four anatomical regions were preselected to evaluate the deviations at these sites (posterior palatal seal, anterior border seal, the crest of the ridge and palate). RESULTS: Based on the results and color maps of all selected regions, the overall difference between the two scans [IOS and denture intaglio surface scanning (DISS)] was not significant. The IOS technique allowed for predictable outcomes of treatment compared to those observed with conventional impression. The palatal area seems to be the region with the least deviation, while the highest incidence of discrepancy was reported in the anterior border seal. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the IOS technique allowed the capturing of intraoral tissues and their immediate interpretation and transfer to a designing software making the impression procedure faster and easier. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies can help overcome many limitations related to conventional impressions and therefore should be well investigated to improve the edentulous patient's quality of life.

Utero-vaginal packing. Seven years review in the management of post partum hemorrhage due to placenta previa/accreta at a maternity hospital in Central Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness of utero-vaginal packing in the management of primary postpartum hemorrhage due to placenta previa/accreta. METHODS: We conducted this study in the Maternity Hospital, Riyadh Medical Complex, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is a retrospective study covering 7 years from January 2001 to December 2007. Utero-vaginal packing was carried out by placing gauze soaked in normal saline solution approximately 2 meters long and 10 cm in width into the lower uterine segment through the cesarean incision, with its end passed through the cervix into the vagina. Routine closure of the cesarean incision was performed, and then another similar pack was inserted into the vaginal fornices to counteract the pressure effect of the uterine pack and compress the pelvic vessels. RESULTS: In 83 patients with post partum hemorrhage caused by placenta previa/accreta, 48 of them underwent utero-vaginal packing alone as a conservative measure in the management of bleeding. Three of them needed second surgical intervention, however, there was no maternal death among the series. CONCLUSION: Utero-vaginal packing is of benefit in achieving hemostasis in cases of post partum hemorrhage due to low lying placenta previa/accreta and conserving the uterus particularly in women with low parity.