Comparison of perceived masticatory ability in completely edentulous patients treated with thermoplastic complete denture versus single implant-retained mandibular overdenture: a single-center prospective observational study.

Background: This study aimed to compare the perceived masticatory ability (PrMA) in completely edentulous patients (EDPs) with thermoplastic conventional complete dentures (CDs) versus single implant-retained mandibular overdentures. Methods: The current study was conducted in the outpatient Prosthodontic Clinic, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. PrMA was evaluated in 45 completely edentulous patients (46% males, mean age 50.4 ± 4.7 years). Each patient received a thermoplastic PMMA complete denture (Polyan IC TM Bredent GmbH & Co.KG, Germany). The PrMA was evaluated at one-month and six-month intervals of denture use. An immediate loading single implant was placed into the mid-symphyseal for each patient, and the denture was adjusted. Subsequently, the PrMA was reevaluated after one month and six months. The data were collected and statistically analyzed using the SPSS@V25 to assess the changes in PrMA. Results: The PrMA demonstrated improvement after six months of thermoplastic conventional denture use. However, this improvement was not statistically significant (p = 0.405). In addition, the PrMA showed a substantial increase following a single implant placement at one and six months (p < 0.001) of the overdenture use compared to the conventional denture. The PrMA insignificantly improved (p = 0.397) after six months of the single implant retained overdenture use. Discussion: The study's findings indicate that using immediate loading single implant-retained mandibular overdentures significantly improved PrMA in completely edentulous patients.

A Literature Review of Vertical Dimension in Prosthodontics Theory and Practice - Part 1: Theoretical Foundations.

Vertical dimension (VD) is a critical factor in prosthodontics, playing a pivotal role in the functional and aesthetic outcomes of dental treatments. This literature review explores theoretical foundations and the various aspects of VD, including its definition, measurement, and clinical significance in prosthodontics. The relationship between VD and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is examined. Additionally, the impact of VD on facial proportions and aesthetics is significant, as it affects the lower third of the face and influences the patient's overall appearance and self-esteem. In conclusion, understanding the intricate relationship between VD, TMDs, facial aesthetics, and psychological well-being is essential for effective prosthodontic treatment. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the multifaceted role of VD in enhancing both functional and aesthetic outcomes, ultimately improving patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Microbial Adhesion to Different Thermoplastic Denture Base Materials in Kennedy Class I Partially Edentulous Patients.

Introduction Since the polished and fitting surface of the denture base may promote the colonization of microorganisms, it is essential to know how the different types of denture bases prevent or encourage the adhesion of microorganisms. This study aimed to compare the microbial adhesion to the polished and fitting surfaces of thermoplastic nylon, thermoplastic acetal, and thermoplastic acrylic denture bases in Kennedy Class Ⅰ, partially edentulous patients. Materials and methods Thirteen patients were included in the study. The group consisted of eight males (61.54%) and five females (38.46%), with an age range of 41-50 years (mean age 46.1 years). Three types (groups) of removable partial dentures will be made for each patient using different thermoplastic denture base materials: thermoplastic nylon; thermoplastic acetal; and thermoplastic acrylic. The polished and fitting surfaces of the denture bases were swabbed after a one-month follow-up period. Microbial adhesion was evaluated by counting the microorganisms' colony-forming units (CFU) in the collected specimens. The data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results The study revealed no statistically significant difference in microbial adhesion to both polished and fitting surfaces between all types of studied thermoplastic denture base materials. However, the results showed that for the polished surface, the microbial adhesion median of thermoplastic acrylic denture base (40.5 CC x 102/ml) was higher than that of thermoplastic acetal (29.0 CC x 102/ml) and thermoplastic nylon (16.0 CC x 102/ml). Regarding the fitting surface, the microbial adhesion median of thermoplastic acrylic (51.0 CC x 102/ml) is higher than that of thermoplastic acetal (41.0 CC x 102/ml) and thermoplastic nylon (23.0 CC x 102/ml). Conclusion The thermoplastic nylon denture base materials showed less microbial adhesion among the studied thermoplastic materials, so it may be recommended to be used as a denture base material for individuals at high risk of denture stomatitis.

Effect of simultaneous application of arthrocentesis and occlusal splint versus splint in management of non-reducing TMJ disc displacement.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effect of four approaches in the treatment of TMJ disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients (40 joints) with mean age 28.025 ±â€¯7.18 (23 female patients and nine male patients) were assigned randomly into four groups (10 joints in each group). Group I, patients were treated by centric splint. Group II, patients were treated by distraction splint. Group III, patients were treated by arthrocentesis and centric splint, while group IV patients were treated by arthrocentesis and distraction splint. The groups were compared in terms of joint function (mouth opening), joint pain through joint palpation, and use of visual analog scale (VAS). These records were taken preoperatively, two weeks, one month, three, and six months postoperatively. Also, the presence of disc recapture was evaluated in all patients on MRI at the end of the treatment period. RESULTS: Significant improvements in all parameters were recorded in all groups. At two weeks postoperatively, there was a significant improvement in all parameters in group III and group IV than group I and group II, while there was no statistical difference between group III and group IV. Regarding mouth opening and joint palpation, there was a significant improvement in group III than group I and group II. Also, there was a significant improvement in group IV than group II at the subsequent follow-up periods. Regarding VAS, at one and three months postoperatively, there was a significant improvement in group III than other groups. CONCLUSION: However, both types of splints provide better results without a statistical difference; the simultaneous application of arthrocentesis and occlusal splint decreases pain and improving the function effectively and more rapidly.

Bite Force Evaluation in Complete Denture Wearer with Different Denture Base Materials: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the maximum bite force (MBF) with different denture base materials in completely edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MBF was evaluated in randomly selected 100 completely edentulous patients. Patients were selected from the Outpatient Clinic, College of Dentistry, Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups: Group I (control group): Patient received a conventional heat-cured acrylic complete denture (Vertex™ Regular, Vertex-Dental B.V., The Netherlands) and Group II (experimental group): Patient received a thermoplastic complete denture (Vertex™ ThermoSens, Vertex-Dental B.V., The Netherlands). MBF measurements were taken at the time of new denture placement and after 6 months of denture use. Statistics were analyzed using independent t-test to compare the MBF measurements between both groups. RESULTS: At the time of denture placement, there was no significant difference in bite force measurements between both groups. Bite force is increasing considerably after 6 months of denture use, and it was higher than MBF recorded at the time of new prosthesis placement in the same group. The MBF values were considerably higher in patients with a thermoplastic denture than patients with conventional acrylic denture with statistically significant difference after 6 months of denture use. CONCLUSION: After 6 months of denture use, patients with a thermoplastic denture have a higher biting force than patients with a conventional acrylic denture. Therefore, it could be considered a treatment plan option according to the ridge nature and quality to solve the problem of diminished bite force in old age patients.

Prevalence of Dental Anxiety among Dental Patients in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety towards dental procedures are common difficulties that may be experienced by dental patients all over the world. This study focused on evaluating the dental anxiety frequency and its relationship with age, gender, educational level, and past dental visits among patients attending the outpatient clinics of College of Dentistry, Al Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 221 patients, aged 21-50 years were selected for the study. A questionnaire comprising the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to measure the level of dental anxiety. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: The mean anxiety score of the 221 patients was 11.39 (SD ± 2.7). Independent t-test showed a significant variation between the age groups with regards to their mean overall anxiety score (P < 0.05), which reduced with increasing age. A significant difference was found by independent t-test in the mean total score between male and female groups and regarding previous dental visit (P < 0.05). Regarding education level, there was no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Younger patients, female, and patients with previous unpleasant dental experience were associated with increased MDAS score. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present study was done for better patient management and proper treatment plan development for dentally anxious patients.

Prevalence and pattern of partial edentulism among dental patients attending College of Dentistry, Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of partial edentulism among dental patients attending the College of Dentistry, Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 142 patients were selected, and the prevalence of partial edentulism among the selected patient was recorded. Patients were grouped into three age groups; Group I: 21-30 years, Group II: 31-40 years, and Group III: 41-50 years. Kennedy's classification was used to determine the pattern of partially edentulous arches. Modification areas were not included in the assessment to avoid complexity. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 for windows. RESULTS: The results showed that the occurrence of Kennedy Class III partial edentulism was 67.2 % in the maxillary arch and 64.1% in the mandibular arch. Followed by Class II in both maxillary and mandibular arch with an average of 16.3 % in maxillary arch and14.8% in the mandibular arch. Based on these results, class III has the highest prevalence in group II (31- 40 years). Class I and class II have the highest incidence among group III Patients (41-50 years). CONCLUSIONS: Among selected patients, Class III dental arch was the most prevalent pattern in maxillary and mandibular arches. Class IV being the least dominant pattern between all classes. There are a rise in Kennedy Class I and Kennedy Class II pattern and a decline in Class III and Class IV with an increase in age.