Does the Loss of Teeth Have an Impact on Geriatric Patients' Cognitive Status?

Significant changes in the microstructure of the brain cause dementia and other mental declines associated with aging and disease. Although research has established a connection between oral health and dementia, the underlying pathologic mechanisms are still unknown. AIM: Our aim was to evaluate dentures' impact on the cognitive state of geriatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 108 individuals seeking treatment at the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Iasi, Romania, participated in the study, which ran from May 2022 to October 2022. Cognitive dysfunction was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. The acquired data were analyzed with IBM SPSS 26.0, and the p-value was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The average value of the MMSE score was 21.81 ± 3.872. Differences between groups of wearer/non-wearer subjects were statistically significant for most of the questions in the questionnaire. Linear regression analysis showed that individuals with a high MMSE score have prosthodontic treatment. A decrease in the MMSE score is associated with a decrease in masticatory efficiency (B = 1.513, p = 0.268). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence that tooth loss is associated with worse cognitive performance. It is thus conceivable that the necessary effects can be achieved by increasing the efforts dedicated to preventing tooth loss in the adult population.

A Comparative Analysis of Dental Measurements in Physical and Digital Orthodontic Case Study Models.

Background and Objectives: Study models are essential tools used in the dental teaching process. The aim of the present study was to compare the values obtained by manual and digital orthodontic measurements on physical and digital case study models. Materials and Methods: The physical experimental models were obtained by traditional pouring (improved stone-type IV gypsum products) and by additive manufacturing (resins). The digital experimental models were created by scanning the physical ones, using a white light-emitting diode (LED) source and an L-shaped dental scanner­Swing DOF (DOF, Seoul, Korea). The physical study models were first measured using a digital caliper, and then, they were scanned and evaluated using the DentalCad 3.0 Galway software (exocad GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany). The Pont, Linder−Harth, and Bolton indices, which are used in orthodontics for training students, were derived using the available data. Results: When comparing the linear measurement mean ranks taken on physical study models to those of digital models, no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found. A similar result was also shown when the dentoalveolar growth indicators were analyzed. Conclusions: It can be concluded that dental study models made by direct light processing (DLP) and pouring type IV class gypsum are both acceptable for orthodontic teaching purposes.

Experimental EDX analysis of different periodontal splinting systems.

Physiological/normal tooth mobility may be defined as the slight displacement of the clinical crown of a tooth, which is allowed by the resilience of an intact and healthy periodontium, under the application of a moderate force. The factors influencing the success and longevity of dental splinting are the type of material used for the splint, the type of composite resin, the number and location of the dental units included for splinting (maxillary or mandibular arch). In periodontology, the term 'splint' is defined as the joining of two or more teeth into a rigid unit through restorations or fixed or removable devices. The purpose of using periodontal splints for tooth immobilization is to provide a period of rest in the areas where the healing process has begun and to allow normal functioning there where the tissues alone would not be able to withstand occlusal forces. The aim of the present study was to evaluate comparatively, by means of energy dispersive electron spectrometry (EDX), the chemical composition in the case of in vitro samples that structurally reproduce direct periodontal immobilization systems using fiberglass strips and fluid composite resins. The differences in the chemical composition of the investigated materials can influence their physiochemical properties, but also their biological and toxicological reliability. Elements such as C, O, Al, Si and Ba were identified as common elements among the resins tested in the present study. The only difference in terms of the component elements was found in the case of the fluid composite Clearfil Majesty ES Flow, which, apart from the elements mentioned, also presented Co in its structure.