Microstructure analysis of dental castings used in fixed dental prostheses--a simple method for quality control.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microstructural quality of noble alloy castings from commercial dental laboratories using the wiping-etching method as a simple method for quality control. In total, 240 castings from two noble alloys (AuAgCuPt and AuPtZn) were taken from a day's production of five different dental laboratories. The casting quality was evaluated by determining the grain size and by assessing the number and size of shrinkage cavities after acidic etching of the alloy surfaces. The AuAgCuPt alloy castings showed an acceptable quality in the microstructural analysis. The results of AuPtZn castings, however, were not satisfactory because 50.8% of the samples showed a remarkably poorer quality compared to the specifications made by the manufacturer. The proportion of the employed reclaimed alloy had no influence on the casting quality when AuAgCuPt alloy was used, but was influential when casting restorations with AuPtZn alloy. When determining the quantity and size of shrinkage cavities, none of the evaluated castings was of such a poor quality that a replacement of the castings had to be considered. The differences in grain size and quantity of shrinkage cavities were reflecting the individual laboratory process rather than the admixture of new/reclaimed alloy. The presented analysis can be used as a simple method for quality control of dental castings.

Level of information concerning dental injuries and their prevention in Swiss basketball--a survey among players and coaches.

Basketball carries a medium risk of dental injuries. Swiss data are not available in this respect. Using a standardized questionnaire 302 basketball players from 29 Swiss teams and their 29 coaches were interviewed. The questions focused on the frequency of dental accidents, their prevention and subsequent procedure. The participating 302 players came from three divisions: semi-professional players of National League A and B (102), amateurs of Regional League 2 and 3 (100) and young people of up to the age of 18 (100). The data were evaluated in relation to division, sex and team function. Of the 331 interviewed persons 102 had already seen a dental trauma in basketball and 55 had already had a dental trauma. Only four of the interviewed persons wore mouthguards. The awareness of the procedure following a dental trauma was unsatisfactory. The results of the survey show that significantly more information and education is required in Swiss basketball not only through sports associations but also through coaches and dentists.

[Halitosis--Part 2: Diagnosis and therapy]. / Halitosis--Teil 2: Diagnostik und Therapie.

Halitosis may be diagnosed organoleptically or instrumentally. The latter method employs gas chromatography, sulphide monitors or electronic noses. Therapy is strictly cause-related. Non-oral causes must be examined by a specialist in accordance with the diagnosed syndrome. Where oral causes prevail, the therapy focuses on a reduction of microorganisms and the bacterial nutrient supply as well as the conversion of VSC into non-volatile sulphur compounds and, if required, the additional application of oral cosmetics.

[Halitosis--Part 1: epidemiology and pathogenesis]. / Halitosis--Teil 1: Epidemiologie und Entstehung.

From an epidemiologic perspective halitosis concerns a large section of the population. Reports from affected people go back to ancient times. The causes may be both oral and non-oral changes. Oral causes are predominantly the coat of the tongue as well as marginal periodontitis. The non-oral causes include disorders in the field of the ear, nose and throat specialist, some general disorders, several drugs, smoking, special nutritional habits as well as disorders in the gastro-intestinal tract. Psychosomatic causes play an important role. Bacterial decomposition processes are decisively responsible for the development of halitosis.The occurring volatile sulphur compounds increase the permeability of oral mucosa, for example for endotoxins, and damage the periodontal tissue.

[Tooth transplantation]. / Transplantation von Zähnen.

Tooth transplantations provide the option of replacing lost or missing teeth in a biological fashion. On account of their high success rates and primarily in Scandinavian countries, they are a popular alternative to orthodontic or prosthetic treatment--particularly in case of children or young people losing teeth in accidents. Success of the treatment is ensured by corresponding diagnosis and good preoperative planning. Tissue-conserving transplant collection and the corresponding conditioning of the transplant bed are of decisive importance for the regeneration of the pulp and the periodontium. The success of the therapy is also influenced by the type and duration of splinting. Depending on the surgical technique and the transplanted tooth, the success rates are between 78% and 96%. The success criteria of a transplantation are defined clinically and radiologically. The diagnosis for transplantation is made from an orthodontic, endodontic, traumatologic, periodontologic and cardiologic perspective. The present article provides an overview of literature and shows current plantation techniques.

Knowledge and prevention of dental trauma in team handball in Switzerland and Germany.

The aim of this work was to conduct a comparative study between Switzerland and Germany about the frequency of dental injuries in handball, athletes' habits of wearing mouthguard, as well as the general level of information about first emergency measures after a dental trauma and the resulting consequences for athletes and their coaches alike. For this, using interviews, seven handball teams each in two countries (Switzerland/Germany) belonging to the amateur and semiprofessional leagues were surveyed. A total of 112 individuals, 28 females and 84 males, were interviewed. Thirty-two of the 112 interviewees have once observed a dental injury; 12 have experienced a dental injury themselves. Only 10 individuals wore a mouthguard. The results show that the area of handball still requires more information and education.