Die stone disinfection: incorporation of sodium hypochlorite.

PURPOSE: Previous research has shown that dental gypsum casts may be effectively disinfected by the substitution of 10% of the gauging water with 5.25% solution of sodium hypochlorite. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the properties of gypsum produced from such a solution as opposed to tap water alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tests included setting time, compressive strength, rigidity, diametral tensile strength, setting expansion, hardness, and detail reproduction. RESULTS: The addition of sodium hypochlorite to the gauging water resulted in a statistically significant increase in the compressive strength and rigidity, and a decrease in setting time (p < or = .5). All other properties remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: This substitution may be an effective and convenient method of disinfecting gypsum casts in the laboratory without adversely effecting physical and mechanical properties.

The effect of plasma-treated polyethylene fiber on the fracture strength of polymethyl methacrylate.

The effect of a plasma-treated polyethylene fiber on the fracture strength of polymethyl methacrylate was evaluated in this study. Sixteen treated and 16 untreated polymethyl methacrylate bars were tested by use of a three-point compression loading apparatus. Under the conditions of this experiment the treated bars showed a mean fracture strength of 12.56 MPa compared with 9.81 MPa for the untreated samples. In addition to the increased fracture strength, the treated bars also demonstrated resistance to crack propagation. The bars remained in one piece, held together throughout the compression loading by the polyethylene fiber. The clinical implication of these findings is a reduced incidence of fixed provisional restoration failure.

Complete dentures for a child with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: a clinical report.

Young children with anodontia caused by hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia not only have difficulties in eating and speaking but can also sense that their appearance is different than others. Enabling children with HED to look and act more like their peers through the use of well-fitting and functioning dentures with age-appropriate denture teeth will greatly assist in their transitioning into the school years. Although denture fabrication requires multiple patient appointments and good cooperation, it is shown that even young children can cooperate for the denture-making process. The desire to be like others who have teeth can be a motivator for cooperation in even the young child. Children should be given every opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. The dentist can make a significant contribution to the overall development and well being of a child with HED.

Retrospective evaluation of osseointegrated implants for treatment of partial and full edentulism at Walter Reed Army Medical Center: Part I: Patient recall.

A retrospective study was done on patients treated with dental implants at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. An extensive recall of patients treated was accomplished. Each patient was clinically evaluated, radiographs were made, and the patients were asked to complete a survey. The results were not statistically analyzed but are reported simply as raw data.

Pin-retained, resin-bonded fixed partial dentures.

This article describes a technique to enhance resistance form in the construction of anterior resin-bonded fixed partial dentures. The technique is simple and conserves tooth structure. It uses a cingulum pin when an opposing axial groove cannot be adequately incorporated into the preparation.

Plastic dowel and core systems.

Nonprecision and precision (both tapered and parallel) plastic dowels are available to aid the dentist in forming dowel and core patterns for cast dowel and core restorations.

Preserving a centric stop for interocclusal records.

A technique using the patient's centric stop as an index to relate the working casts of a fixed restorative unit is described. This technique reduces the possibility of dimensional changes and inaccurate cast relationships often observed with conventional materials.