Screening of Fixed Prosthodontic Dentures after Five Years of Use in Relation to Material and Construction

The aim of this study was to screen patients with fixed prosthodontic appliances that were in oral cavity for a period of 5 years or more and to assess clinically and radiologically root caries, gingival recession, pocket formation, alveolar ridge resorption, as well as gingival (GI) and plaque index (PI). The aim also was to find out the differences between materials and constructions, between abutment and non-abutment teeth, and to find out the need for replacement. A total of 260 patients and their orthopantomograms were examined, with a total of 2,265 teeth, 610 being bridge abutments and 246 being crowns. The most frequent were metal+ acrylic veneer crowns or bridges. Root caries was found under the abutments in 10–20%; however abutments with ceramic crowns had the lowest percentage of caries (p<0.01). Alveolar ridge resorption, pocket formation deeper than 3 mm and gingival recession of various degree was found in 50% of the cases, again with the lowest percentage of ceramic-fused-to-metal appliances (p<0.01). Pocket depth was registered in significantly higher percentage in metal-acrylic veneer appliances compared to natural teeth (p<0.01), while there was no significant difference between metal-ceramic appliances and natural teeth (p>0.05). Although the worst findings were recorded for metal-+acrylic veneer crowns for PI, no significant difference existed between crowns of different material or non-abutment teeth (p>0.05). There was statistically significant difference between abutments with metal + acrylic veneer crowns, full metal crowns, metal ceramic crowns and non-abutments for GI scores. Higher percentage of scores 0 and 1 was recorded for metal ceramic crowns and non-abutments and significantly higher percentage of scores 2 and 3 was recorded for metal + acrylic veneer crowns and full metallic crowns. Almost 50% of metal-ceramic abutments had no pathologic findings. Almost 30% of the patients needed replacement, or even some abutments to be extracted and therefore a new prosthodontic appliance

A Comparison of Trace Element (TE) Release from High Noble Au-Pt Alloy and Base Co-Cr-Mo Alloy Under In Vitro Conditions of Imitating Oral Saliva

In a moist environment electrochemical conditions lead to release of metal ions into the patient\u27s saliva. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the types and quantities of metal ions released from two alloys: AuPt alloy and Co-Cr-Mo alloy under in vitro conditions, imitating artificial saliva. We soaked ten sets of Au-Pt alloy pieces having 133 mm2 exposure surface and ten sets of Co-Cr-Mo alloy (WironitR, Bego, Germany) pieces having 497 mm2 exposure surface for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days (six pieces each set) in phosphate buffered saline (pH 6.0) to mimic dental saliva. TE in the phosphate buffered saline (saliva) were assessed by ICP-AES (JY 50P, Jobin-Ywon, France) with the detection limit of 10 mg/L. We found detectable amounts (mg/L) of TE (Mean SD) released from Au-Pt alloy (Mean SD): Zn 124 (51), Cu 53 (63), Fe 15 (11) and Cr 18 (25) and detectable amounts of TE released from Co- Cr-Mo alloy (Mean SD): Co 337 (170), Fe 21 (15) Zn 87 (56), Ni 41 (68), and Cr 49 (42). The manufacturer did not indicate the presence of Zn and Fe in the Au-Pt alloy and the presence of Fe, Zn, and Ni in the Co-Cr- Mo alloy. Significantly higher amount of Zn was released from high noble AuPt alloy than from Co-Cr-Mo alloy (p<0.05) and a significantly higher amount of Cr was released from Co-Cr--Mo alloy than from Au-Pt alloy. There was no significant difference in the amount of Fe ions released between the two alloys (p>0.05). We must keep in mind that the amount of released TE may be much higher than the reported values after laboratory procedures (casting, polishing, etc.) and, moreover, other TE may become detectable

Analysis of Occlusal Contacts in Different Types of Prosthodontic Appliances, Eichner Classifications, Presence RCP-ICP Slide and the Type of Occlusion

The aim of the study was to determine the number and the type of the occlusal contacts (strong, weak) with respect to the type of the prosthodontic appliance (fixed, removable, combined fixed-removable) and with respect to the Eichner classification in patients with their appliances being in a good function for a long time. The aim of the study was also to determine the number and the type of the occlusal contacts (strong, weak) with respect to the type of occlusion (canine guided, group function or balanced) and the presence of the RCP-ICP slide. A total of 440 patients with different types of prosthodontic appliances were examined for the antagonistic occlusal contacts using occlusal strips of 11 m and 50 m. The average number of occlusal contacts was 10.5 for the upper and 10.46 for the lower posterior teeth, approximately 5 on each side of the tooth arch. The results of the study suggest that the biggest number of occlusal contacts were recorded for the small span fixed appliances (2 on average), the greater span fixed and fixed-removable prosthodontic appliances exhibited 1.6 occlusal contacts, and the removable complete denture exhibited 1.2 contact per the tooth in the posterior region. The number of the hard occlusal contacts was significantly greater in fixed and fixedremovable prosthodontic appliances in comparison with the complete dentures (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the prosthodontic appliances for the weak occlusal contacts (p > 0.05). The overall number of the occlusal contacts, as well as the number of the hard occlusal contacts was significantly greater in the Eichner class I cases (p < 0.05) in comparison with the Eichner classes II and III. The number of the weak occlusal contacts showed no significant differences with respect to the Eichner classification (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of occlusal contacts between the appliances with RCP-ICP slide and where ICP and RCP corresponded (p > 0.05)

Oral Status, Aesthetic Materials and Frequency of Crowns and Bridges in Patients with Fixed Prosthetic Appliances Living in the Metkovi} Region

The aim of the study was to examine oral status in patients of the Metkovi} region with fixed prosthodontic appliances. The aim was also to evaluate aesthetic materials used, and difference between the frequency of crowns and bridges dependent on patient’s age and frequency of visits to dentist. The examination was performed on 212 dental patients with fixed prosthetic appliances, from the Public Health Center »Metkovi}«. A questionnaire was created for the purpose of this study and was filled in by the patients. The dentist registered oral status. Descriptive statistics and 2 tests were used for the data analysis. Following conclusions were made: 1. The examined patients had relatively high caries (tooth decay), gangrene and residual roots prevalence, the oral hygiene was not appropriate, calculus and gingivitis were diagnosed in all patients (100%) and these facts point out to the insufficient preventive oral health care in the Metkovi} region, as well as to the insufficient self-perception on the proper oral hygiene maintenance. 2. Patients who visit their dentist regularly (once a year or more) have significantly more crowns than bridges than the patients who visit their dentist irregularly or when in pain (p < 0.01). 3. Almost all fixed prosthetic appliances not older than 10 years were made of porcelain (98%), while acrylic veneer crowns (or chromasite) were more frequent in appliances older than 10 or 15 years (p < 0.01). There was no gender difference dependent on the material used (p > 0.05). High frequency of porcelain was attributed to the high economic status of this region, as well as to a dentist’s preference

Type And Material of Fixed Prosthodontic Appliances in Patients Living in the Region of Metković

The aim of this study was to evaluate the type and the aesthetic material in relation to age, gender, level of education, employment, socio-economic status and frequency of visits to the dentist. The examination was performed on 212 patients who had a fixed prosthodontic appliance for more than a year (55% males and 45% females, age 18-80 yrs.). The following conclusions were made: 1. The older patients and retired patients had significantly more bridges than crowns (p0.05). Patients who visit their dentist regularly have significantly more crowns than bridges than patients who visit their dentist irregularly or when in pain (p0.05). 2. Almost all fixed prosthodontic appliances older than 10 years were made of porcelain (98%), while acrylic veneer crowns were more frequent in appliances older than 10 or 15 years (p0.05). Patients older than 60 years had more acrylic material compared to younger patients. While patients younger than 39 years had almost exclusively ceramic appliances (p<0.01). Less educated patients had more acrylic veneer appliances. Employed patients had significantly more ceramic appliances than retired patients

Type And Material of Fixed Prosthodontic Appliances in Patients Living in the Region of Metković

The aim of this study was to evaluate the type and the aesthetic material in relation to age, gender, level of education, employment, socio-economic status and frequency of visits to the dentist. The examination was performed on 212 patients who had a fixed prosthodontic appliance for more than a year (55% males and 45% females, age 18-80 yrs.). The following conclusions were made: 1. The older patients and retired patients had significantly more bridges than crowns (p0.05). Patients who visit their dentist regularly have significantly more crowns than bridges than patients who visit their dentist irregularly or when in pain (p0.05). 2. Almost all fixed prosthodontic appliances older than 10 years were made of porcelain (98%), while acrylic veneer crowns were more frequent in appliances older than 10 or 15 years (p0.05). Patients older than 60 years had more acrylic material compared to younger patients. While patients younger than 39 years had almost exclusively ceramic appliances (p<0.01). Less educated patients had more acrylic veneer appliances. Employed patients had significantly more ceramic appliances than retired patients

Investigation of Ion Release from Ni-Cr Alloy in Various Acidity Conditions

Cytotoxicity is in direct correlation to the level of ion release, with non-precious alloys having higher ion release than that of precious alloys. The most often used non-precious dental alloy is Ni-Cr alloy. The aim of the investigation was to determine the type and quantity of ions released from Ni-Cr alloy (Wiron 99(r), Bego, Germany), in acid solutions with different pH values, and to determine the influence of the type of acid solution, its pH value, and duration of interaction on ion release. The overall sample consisted of 180 pieces of Ni-Cr alloy, 60 samples submerged in each of three different solutions (buffered phosphate solutions pH 3.5 and pH6, and lactic acid solution pH 3.5). Quantity of ion release was measured on solution samples taken at 10 different time intervals by means of the ICP-AES method. Average release of Ni ions in lactic acid solution was 432.42 μg/L, while the highest average Ni+ ions release of 541.67μg/L was measured in buffered phosphate solution pH 6.0. MANOVA demonstrated significant influence of the type of solution on Ni ion release (p<0.01), while the time of exposure was not a significant factor (p=0.23). Zn ions demonstrated the lowest average ion release (88.95 μg/L, phosphate solution pH 3.5). Statistically significant influence of the type of solution and pH value on ion release was determined, except for chromium ions (p<0.05). Dentobacterial plaque acidity is sufficient to start corrosion of Ni-Cr dental alloys

Relationship Between the Face and the Tooth Form

The aim of this study was to re-examine Leon Williams geometric theory and to find the degree of correspondence between the face and the tooth form in the population of Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Two thousand individuals with intact frontal teeth, in age between 17 and 24 years, were measured for 3 horizontal distances on the face: temporal width (Ft-Ft), zygomatic width (Zyg-Zyg) and gonial width (Go-Go) and for 3 horizontal distances on the both upper incisors: cervical width (CW), contact point width (CPW) and incisal width (IW). The length of the face (Tr-Gn) as well as the length of the central maxillary incisors were also measured. The results revealed: 1. Men had significantly larger dimensions for all facial and tooth dimensions (p < 0.05) than women, except for the cervical tooth width (p > 0.05); the left and the right central incisors were of identical dimensions and forms (p > 0.05). 2. The width of upper central incisors were smaller approximately 1.5 mm than in west Europeans. 3. Upon the relation between the 3 horizontal dimensions measured on the face and upper maxillary incisor, 11 facial forms and 10 upper central tooth forms could be recognised in the study population, but 98% of the population had only 3 tooth and face forms. Face shapes: oval face – 83.3%, square-tapered face – 9.2% and tapered face – 7%; tooth forms: tapered-square incisor – 53%, oval incisor – 30%, tappered incisor – 16%. 4. Reversed and enlarged tooth form was in line associated with the facial form in only 30%, while the most common combination was of the oval face form and the tapered-square central incisor (45%). 5. These results disapprove William’s theory and may be helpful for the choice of artificial teeth in complete denture construction and the dental industry

The effect of a medicinal herb mouthwash on inflamed gingival tissue

Ispitivano je djelovanje »Rastlinske ustne vode za desni« (Biljna voda za usta i desni) na upalno promijenjeno tkivo gingive. U grupi A ispitanika primijenjivana je samo biljna voda, bez dodatne parodontne terapije i uočen pad PI indeksa od 2,8 na 1,4 a KS indeksa sa 2,7 na 1,9. Određivanje KS indeksa u grupe B pacijenata kod koje je uporedo vršena parodontna terapija a gornja čeljust služila kao kontrolna, pokazuje podjednak pad vrijednosti za kontrolnu (2,5 na 1,8) i eksperimentalnu (2,3 na 1,7). U grupi C ispitanika, od kojih je kod polovine vršeno svakodnevno tuširanje razrijeđenom biljnom vodom, a u kontrolnoj grupi običnom vodom, pokazao se relativno sporiji pad PI vrijednosti na kontrolnoj grupi (2,1 na 1,7) u odnosu na pad vrijednosti eksperimentalne grupe (2,2 na 1,2). Vrijednost KS indeksa pala je u eksperimentalne grupe od 2,6 na 2,1, dok su u kontrolnoj grupi padale nešto sporije, od 2,5 na 2,3. Rezultati ispitivanja ukazuju da se u toku primjene ovog preparata, uz odgovarajuće terapijske mjere, kliničko stanje parodonta poboljšalo, te se usna voda priređena iz ljekovitog bilja može uvrstiti među preparate koji se mogu preporučiti.The effect of »Rastlinska ustna voda za desni« (Medicinal Herb Mouthwash) on inflamed gingival tissue has been investigated. In Group A, where the examinees used the mouthwash only, without receiving parodontal therapy, the PI index fell from 2.8 to 1.4, and the SB index from 2.7 to 1.9. In Group B, where the patients received parallel parodontal therapy and the upper jaw served as control, the decrease in the SB index was approximately equal in the control (2.5 to 1.8) and the experimental jaw (2.3 to 1.7). In Group C, where half of the examinees rinsed their mouths daily with the diluted herbal mouthwash and the other half with tap water (control group), there was a relatively slower decrease in the PI values in the control group (2.1 to 1.7) compared to the decrease in the experimental group (2.2 to 1.2). The values of the SB index decreased from 2.6 to 2.1 in the experimental group, while in the control group there was a somewhat slower decrease - from 2.5 to 2.3. The results have shown that the clinical condition of the parodontium miproved during the application of this preparation when adequate therapeutic measures were also used, and that this mouthwash, prepared from medicinal herbs, can be included among recommended preparations

The Satisfaction with the Removable Partial Denture Therapy in the Croatian Adult Population

Little is known about the outcomes of treatment and patient’s satisfaction with removable partial dentures in adult Croatian population. Therefore patient’s satisfaction with their partial dentures in relation to some socio-economic variables was studied. Patient’s satisfaction with denture retention, speech, aesthetics, comfort of wearing dentures, chewing ability was also studied in relation to different denture classification, construction, material, denture base shape (major connectors), denture support and the number of missing teeth. A total of 165 patients, 59 males and 105 females between 38 and 87 years took part in this study. A questionnaire, devised for a purpose of the study, was divided into three parts. In the first part, patients answered questions about age, gender, marital status, education, general health, socio-economic status, self-supporting life, period of tooth loss and number of previous denture experiences and in the second part, patients graded their partial dentures, depending on the level of satisfaction, by using a scale from 1 to 5. In the third part a dentist determined Kennedy classification and their modifications, denture material and denture support, denture base shape and the number of missing teeth and graded a denture construction. Influence of these factors on patient’s satisfaction was analyzed. A majority of the examined patients were satisfied with the partial prosthesis, but a small amount of dissatisfaction existed. More then half of them scored all the examined parameters to the best score category. Considering chewing with lower partial dentures, women were more satisfied than men (p <0.05). Patients with more missing teeth gave lower grades for the comfort of wearing dentures (p<0.05). Patients of higher education gave lower grades (p<0.05) for the aesthetics. Patients were not satisfied with speech if the dentist graded a construction of alower partial denture low (p<0.05). Dissatisfaction was related to mastication, aesthetics, number of missing teeth and ability of speech. These findings can aid a clinician in discussing a treatment plan and help a patient understand the risk of dissatisfaction in the presence of certain factors