Comparative Evaluation of C-reactive Proteins in Pregnant Women with and without Periodontal Pathologies: A Prospective Cohort Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammation of tooth supporting structures is referred to as periodontitis. C-reactive proteins (CRP) levels are usually increased in case of chronic inflammatory process like periodontitis. Association of CRP with pregnancy has been observed in the past, which includes most commonly preterm delivery, preeclampsia, etc. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that CRP may act as a link between periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Hence, we aim to evaluate the plasma CRP levels in pregnant women with and without periodontal pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 210 pregnant women who reported to the hospital with periodontal problems and for routine checkups. All the patients were divided into three groups based on the presence and absence of periodontal pathologies. Russell's Periodontal Index Score was used for the evaluation of periodontal status of the subjects. RESULTS: While comparing the mean CRP levels in all the three study groups, statistically significant results were obtained. Statistically significant results were obtained while comparing the mean CRP levels in group C patients before treatment and after treatment therapy. The CRP levels were estimated by taking blood samples. Paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance was used to assess the correlation between the two parameters. CONCLUSION: Casual association might exist between the CRP levels and periodontal diseases in pregnant women and the CRP levels may also get elevated in pregnant women.

Comparison of Retention of Clasps Made of Different Materials Using Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Retention and esthetics are believed to play a crucial role in deciding the success of removable partial dentures. AIM: To compare retention of acetal resin and cobalt-chromium clasps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A finite element model was designed with an edentulous space between mandibular right second premolar and second molar. Occlusal rests were placed on distal fossa of the second premolar and mesial fossa of second molar. An undercut depth of 0.01inch was created on the mesiobuccal surface of the premolar and distobuccal surface of second molar. Three dimensional finite element model of clasp assembly was designed and assigned with the properties of two different materials namely acetal resin and cobalt-chromium in successive steps. A horizontal bar was constructed between the occlusal rests of the prosthesis. Later, variable amount of dislodging force, in increasing order, was applied at the centre of the horizontal bar and the force at which the clasp arm gets dislodged was noted with respect to each of the material. The obtained values were noted and then subsequently analyzed. RESULTS: The amount of force required to dislodge acetal resin and cobalt-chromium clasps was found to be 0.02N and 2N respectively. CONCLUSION: The results obtained suggested that acetal resin clasp exhibited less retentive force than cobalt-chromium clasps.