RESUMO
Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, presents a significant challenge for individuals wearing complete dentures, affecting their oral health and quality of life. This review explores the relationship between saliva and complete dentures, highlighting the varied management strategies for xerostomia. Saliva plays a critical role in denture retention, lubrication, and oral environment buffering. Complete denture wearers often experience reduced salivary flow, aggravating symptoms of xerostomia. Various management approaches are discussed, including general measures such as hydration and salivary stimulation techniques which aim to boost saliva production naturally. The use of salivary substitutes provides artificial lubrication and moisture to alleviate dry mouth discomfort. Oral lubricating devices, such as sprays, gels, and lozenges, offer relief by mimicking saliva's lubricating properties, thereby improving denture stability and comfort. This review addresses the etiology of xerostomia in complete denture wearers and explores preventive measures to reduce its impact. A comprehensive approach has been discussed for the management of xerostomia which will help to improve the oral health and well-being of complete denture wearers experiencing dry mouth.
RESUMO
Background: Dental implants use has significantly increased and the concentration of metal ions into blood may have detrimental effect of human body. The present study aimed to determine metal ions levels in blood of dental implants patients. Materials and Methods: 48 patients scheduled for dental implant surgery was assessed for measurement of titanium and aluminum pre-operatively and post-operatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Results: Out of 48 patients, males were 22 (45.8%), and females were 26 (54.2%). The mean ± SD titanium metal levels in blood pre-operatively was 2.34 ± 0.47 mg/dl, at 6 weeks was 2.35 ± 0.48 mg/dl, at 3 months was 2.37 ± 0.52 mg/dl, at 6 months was 2.37 ± 0.42 mg/dl, and at 1 year was 2.38 ± 0.51 mg/dl. A non-significant difference was seen (P > 0.05). The mean ± SD aluminum metal levels in blood pre-operatively was 4.4 ± 0.12 mg/dl, at 6 weeks was 4.45 ± 0.14 mg/dl, at 3 months was 4.7 ± 0.13 mg/dl, at 6 months was 4.7 ± 0.21 mg/dl, and at 1 year was 4.8 ± 0.17 mg/dl. A non-significant difference was seen (P > 0.05). Conclusion: A non- significant increase in titanium and aluminum ions level in blood of patients receiving dental implants was observed.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Endodontically treated teeth should be prosthodontically managed properly to add life to the teeth, and hence the main aim of this study was to explore awareness, attitude, and practice of dental practitioners toward management of endodontically treated teeth and factors associated with it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional, descriptive questionnaire study conducted among dental practitioners working in private clinics. The study was conducted in August 2019. The survey was conducted among 239 participants. In this study, a close-ended interview schedule was prepared for perception and practice of dental specialists. RESULTS: Most of the dental professionals (31.79%) preferred full coverage crown for restoring the grossly decayed endodontically treated teeth. Awareness regarding prosthodontic management of endodontically treated teeth was better among specialists (13.75%) than bachelor's degree holders. Attitude was neutral among most of the study participants (46.86%) and practice scores toward prosthodontic management of endodontically treated teeth was good. Gender and degree were significantly associated (P = 0.02*) (P = 0.05*), (P = 0.00***) (P = 0.05*) with awareness and practice of study participants. CONCLUSION: A majority of study subjects in this study had moderate awareness, neutral attitude, and good practice regarding restoration of endodontically treated teeth.
