Effect of Photobiomodulation on Crestal Bone Density Around Dental Implants: A Case Report.

Dental implants are becoming a necessary component of the dental profession. The first bone resorption at the implant surface has an impact on implant success. Bone alterations surrounding the implant are a significant factor in determining the implant's effectiveness. Reducing the loss of peri-implant crestal bone has been a constant goal. In dental implantology, several procedures are carried out to improve implant stability and the healing of the bone. The ability of photobiomodulation techniques or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to speed up osseointegration by inducing cellular metabolism and stimulating tissue healing has made them popular. This case study details the implant loading in a patient treated with photobiomodulation to achieve implant stability and who has compromised bone type or D4.

Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of the Flabby Edentulous Maxilla Using Hobkirk's Technique: A Case Report.

Edentulism is characterized by the loss of teeth, which can significantly impact oral health and the quality of life of older patients. Among the challenges faced by individuals with edentulism is the occurrence of flabby ridges, a common consequence of prolonged tooth loss. Flabby ridges, characterized by soft, compressible tissue in the edentulous ridge area, present unique management challenges for dental professionals. Fibrous or flabby alveolar ridges present challenges in the fabrication of predictable prostheses. Impression making, a critical step in prosthodontic treatment, becomes particularly problematic as forces exerted during the process can distort the mobile denture-bearing tissues, which will cause the denture to become unstable and loose. This case report aims at an impression technique that can enhance the treatment outcomes for edentulous patients with fibrous alveolar ridges as this decreases the pressure over flabby tissue.

Refining Complete Dentures: Optimizing Results with Enhanced Phonetics and Esthetics.

Tooth loss and subsequent complete denture rehabilitation can profoundly affect a patient's psychological and social well-being. Dentures play an important role in helping individuals regain a sense of normalcy as well as facilitating communication in today's appearance-conscious society. However, common issues with dentures include discomfort while chewing and dissatisfaction with esthetics and speech. Prosthetic rehabilitation for complete denture patients should aim not just at replacing missing teeth but at fully restoring masticatory functions and appearance. This article outlines a simple, economical, and esthetically pleasing approach to rehabilitating patients with complete dentures, particularly those with resorbed ridges and with difficulty in phonetics. The focus is on comprehensively restoring the patient's orofacial complex.

Dual-Arch Prosthesis: Revolutionizing Partial Dentate Rehabilitation.

The utilization of natural teeth as denture abutments offers a significant advantage in retarding the residual ridge resorption (RRR). This approach distributes stress concentration between the denture-bearing areas and abutment teeth, thereby mitigating issues such as loss of sensory feedback, compromised mastication, and aesthetic concerns. Overdentures, by providing additional support and stability, play a pivotal role in reducing RRR while enhancing stability and retention. A cast partial denture (CPD) becomes the first choice in cases of long edentulous span where cross-arch stabilization is required. The simplicity of insertion, removal, and maintenance, coupled with effective oral hygiene practices, make CPDs a practical solution. This case presentation illustrates the successful prosthetic rehabilitation of a partially dentate patient through the implementation of a maxillary overdenture and mandibular CPD underscoring the efficacy of this treatment modality in achieving optimal outcomes. The combination of these prostheses restored the masticatory function, improved the aesthetics, and enhanced the quality of life of the patient. This case highlights the effectiveness of dual-arch prosthetic solutions in achieving comprehensive rehabilitation in partially dentate patients.

Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Non-optimally Positioned Implant With a Resin-Retained Restoration: A Clinical Case Report.

Long-term implant rehabilitation is still a problem. After about three months of implantation, the patient should go through rehabilitation to allow for osseointegration. However, poor patient cooperation during lengthy treatments or patient neglect, especially during patient-intensive treatments, can lead to a range of issues that require distinct approaches to solve. A fixed prosthetic is currently the most sought-after course of treatment. Implant misplacement can be a concern, especially during the prosthetic stage. Following the appropriate protocols, one of which has been discussed in this report, makes it possible to achieve prosthetic outcomes for a number of difficult cases. In the case described in this report, resin-retained restoration was used as an alternative to an implant-supported prosthesis because of the non-optimal position of the implant at the time of the prosthetic phase, which was due to discontinuation of treatment on the part of the patient. The conservative preparation of abutment teeth and pontic covering the non-optimally placed implant gave the best outcome and satisfaction on the part of the patient.

Zygomatic Implant-Supported Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Patient with Post-COVID-19 Mucormycosis and Maxillectomy.

Mucormycosis has been prevalent in the past few years with the COVID-19 pandemic largely affecting the maxilla due to its proximity to the respiratory corridor. Resection of the maxillary dentition along with the maxillary bone itself has a huge psychosocial impact on the patient. When seeking prosthetic rehabilitation, poor esthetics, difficulty in mastication, and social embarrassment are the patients' concerns. Hence, it becomes great responsibility for the clinician to restore the patient's natural teeth while causing him/her minimum discomfort. This article describes such a case of post-COVID-19 mucormycosis that has been provisionally restored by the means of all-on-four zygomatic implants.

Rehabilitation of Congenitally Missing Bilateral Incisors With the Maryland Bridge: A Case Report.

Congenital partial hypodontia is a commonly encountered disorder, presenting a challenge for adolescents seeking treatment, as existing options often come with drawbacks. Among these options, the Maryland Bridge stands out for its accessibility and notable benefits in terms of both strength and aesthetics. This article explores the merits of this treatment modality, supported by a detailed case study demonstrating its successful application. An 18-year-old patient was referred to our hospital with a complaint of missing bilateral maxillary incisors. Upon clinical examination, it became apparent that the orthodontic treatment was done and exhibited the absence of bilateral incisors in the upper arch. Subsequent diagnosis confirmed congenital partial hypodontia. To address the missing teeth, a treatment plan centered around the use of a Maryland Bridge was devised. One of the persistent challenges faced by restorative dentists is devising solutions for congenitally missing lateral incisors. Despite the availability of numerous therapeutic alternatives, none are without their limitations. However, the outcome of the rehabilitation in this case proved to be notably aesthetically pleasing, effectively fulfilling the intended purpose. As a result, this article advocates for the Maryland Bridge as a viable option for patients facing similar dental challenges.

Shielding the Pier Abutment Using a Nonrigid Connector.

The attachment of a fixed partial denture (FPD) on a pier abutment may be necessary in some partially edentulous instances because of the pattern of lost teeth. Nonetheless, it has been noted that using a stiff FPD to restore two lost teeth and an intermediate pier abutment is not the best course of action. In this case, using a stiff connector concentrates the stresses on the pier abutment. In this situation, the pier abutment serves as a pivot, increasing the debonding of the fixed dental prosthesis and ultimately compromising the success of the FPD. Connectors that are not stiff can solve these issues. A nonrigid connector allows abutments to move independently and distributes shear forces to the supporting bone. Instead of the typical rigid connector, the nonrigid connector serves as a stress breaker between the retainer and the pontic.

A Comprehensive Review on Virtual Articulators.

The virtual articulator (VA) is a technology that simulates the jaw relation in a computer-generated setting. Augmented and virtual reality have been utilized as digital technology, which aids in many areas of dentistry and dental education. Today, a practicing dentist must keep up with the newer technologies, but with technology evolving so quickly it becomes challenging. In dentistry, the possibilities for digitization and technological advancements are limitless. Virtual articulators (VAs) allow a complete occlusion analysis using dental models that replicate all mandibular motions in static and dynamic scenarios. VA when executed in addition to other software enhances treatment planning and patient education, allowing quicker and more precise individualized diagnoses. The main objective of this study was to describe and evaluate the study outcomes in the available research on VAs, assess their needs, and evaluate their advantages and limitations in various aspects. A PubMed Central search was made of dental journals, with the identification of 135 articles out of which 30 were finally selected. The investigations conducted to evaluate the VA's dependability provide good visualization of the quantity and location of the dynamic interactions. A precise instrument for fully analyzing occlusion in a real patient is the virtual articulator.

Prosthetic Rehabilitation of All-on-Six Implant-Supported Prosthesis: A Case Report.

This clinical report explores the effectiveness of dental implants for rehabilitating fully edentulous arches, with a focus on the all-on-six treatment approach. Implant-supported fixed restorations, particularly using six implants, are presented as an expected and cost-effective solution for the rapid repair of the edentulous patient, avoiding the need for bone grafting. This report details the successful rehabilitation of a patient's completely edentulous arches using the all-on-six concept, highlighting the meticulous planning and execution involved. It concludes that precise diagnostic and implant planning, along with thorough attention to all the features, is crucial for successful implant-supported fixed prostheses, with the all-on-six concept offering improved clinical and radiological outcomes for atrophied maxillae.

Porcelain Laminate Veneers: A Case Report.

One of the most crucial issues in modern dentistry is restoring a patient's lost dental aesthetic appearance. To do this, new therapeutic tools and techniques have been appearing on the market day by day. For anterior teeth, where aesthetics are extremely essential, the majority of dentists prefer more conservative and aesthetic treatments, such as direct and indirect laminate veneer restorations over full-ceramic crowns. The meteoric emergence of veneers has been one of dentistry's most successful innovations. It is a coating of tooth-coloured material that is put to a tooth to aesthetically restore any intrinsic discoloration or localised or generalised abnormalities. Any restoration work ought to be created using mechanical, biological, and aesthetic criteria. Patients may experience significant aesthetic issues as a result of the colour, form and structural and positional anomalies of their anterior teeth. This is a report depicting a case of porcelain laminate veneers using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM).

Esthetic Solutions With Layered Zirconia Prostheses: A Case Report.

To meet the challenges of rehabilitating anterior teeth and achieving natural-looking restorations, it is essential to address issues such as improper shape, size, irregular gingival contour, and unaesthetic shades. The increasing demand for aesthetically pleasing and metal-free solutions has popularized materials like dental zirconia, offering optimal aesthetics and desirable mechanical properties. Within this context, a case report highlights clinical experiences with layered zirconia fixed dental prostheses designed specifically for anterior teeth. The report focuses on the prosthetic rehabilitation of both endodontically treated and vital abutments, exploring the influence of zirconia composition, design, layering technique, shade selection, occlusion, and the unique clinical challenges associated with each condition. The selection of zirconia composition, framework design, and shade in layered zirconia prostheses is intricately tied to the characteristics of the abutments. This interconnectedness underscores the importance of a thoughtful and customized approach to address the specific requirements of each clinical scenario.

Rehabilitation of Malpositioned Implant in the Anterior Region With Customized Abutment.

The misplacement of implants represents an unfavorable complication in dental implant prostheses. Numerous instances necessitating restorative intervention, colloquially termed "rescue cases," encompass either novel occurrences or reconstructions of irreversible implant scenarios. A viable solution for addressing these prosthesis-related challenges is using cementable options. This issue is directly linked to improperly placed implants, which dentists find challenging to rectify due to the absence of angle-correcting abutments from manufacturers. In such situations, the preferred treatments involve either Implant Innovations' universal castable long abutment (UCLA) (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States) or a customized abutment fashioned from the titanium alloy impression coping for the Core-Vent implant (Paragon, Calabasas, California, United States). The Department of Prosthodontics received a referral for a patient with an anterior implant that had been misplaced and required rehabilitation. This case report outlines the chosen treatment approach for an implant situated buccally.

A Systematic Review of Tripoding: A Step Towards Successful Rehabilitation.

This article aims to evaluate different methods and techniques published in the literature for tripodization in removable partial dentures. The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases like PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct were searched for manuscripts published till August 15, 2021. An electronic search was restricted to the English language of the publications to identify the relevant articles on tripoding techniques in removable partial dentures. A hand search was also carried out. A total of 18 articles were included in this systematic review. The documented 18 articles associated with the tripoding techniques were reviewed systematically. Accurate repositioning of a cast on the surveyor is a critical step in the fabrication of a removable prosthesis. Based on the ease of use and no modifications to the existing cast, the "tripoder attachment" and "swiveling device" can be concluded to be superior to others. Once constructed, these devices are easy to use, can be operated for various patients, do not modify or damage the cast, and can be stored and disinfected for repeated use.

Evaluation and Correlation of Bite Force With Electromyography (EMG) Activity Before and After Rehabilitation of the First Molar With an Implant-Supported Prosthesis.

Background Prevalence of tooth loss significantly increases as age advances. The permanent first molar is regarded as the key to proper occlusion and, thus, its loss causes significant deterioration of the functioning of the masticatory apparatus and overall stomatognathic system. It not only affects the occlusal integrity but also the activity of surrounding tissues and muscles. Aim and objectives To evaluate and correlate the maximum bite force (MBF) and electromyography (EMG) activity before and after 24 hours and two months of rehabilitation of the missing permanent first molar with single-implant crowns. Materials and methodology This observational, prospective in-vivo type of study was done on 10 patients receiving dental implants for missing molars. Results There was a significant correlation between bite force and EMG activity post-treatment. Conclusion Dental implant therapy can be very well utilized for the replacement of single missing teeth.

Perception of interns regarding influence of dressing on professional performance at workplace in dentistry.

Background: In a health-care setup, interpersonal communication plays a pivotal role in the attainment of professional outcomes. Dressing is an indirect mode of communication. Since ancient times, it is assumed that doctor's clothing have a positive effect on the minds of patients. This survey evaluates the perception of interns from dental sciences regarding the impact of dressing on professional performance at workplace. Materials and Methods: A self-designed questionnaire was distributed among a batch of interns who were willing to participate in the survey. Seventy-six interns returned the responses which were complete without any duplication. All the survey forms were scrutinized and the data were collated. Qualitative analysis of the assembled data was performed to evaluate intern's perception about the association between dressing and professional performance at workplace. Results: Results of the survey demonstrated that 81.6% of the participants dress up to work as per their temperament. About 65.8% of the participants believed that dental professionals should choose formal wear for workplace settings. Majority of the participants, i.e., 67.1%, believed that dressing affects perception on personality traits such as dignity and character of a professional. A wide number of interns perceived that dressing alters the behavior of self, patients, and colleagues (55.3%, 71.1%, and 68.4%, respectively). The result of this survey also showed a positive correlation between dressing and professional traits such as confidence, responsibility, and efficiency (75.0%, 63.2%, and 63.2%, respectively). Notably, 55.3% opined against enforcing a dress code for dental institutions/dental offices. Conclusion: The result of the study represents the positive influence of dressing on professional performance at workplace in dentistry as perceived by interns from the faculty of dental sciences.

Résumé Contexte: Dans une configuration de soins de santé, la communication interpersonnelle joue un rôle central dans l'atteinte des résultats professionnels. Pansement est un mode de communication indirect. Depuis l'Antiquité, on suppose que les vêtements de médecin ont un effet positif sur l'esprit des patients. Cette enquête évalue la perception des stagiaires en sciences dentaires concernant l'impact de l'habillage sur la performance professionnelle au travail. Matériels et méthodes: Un questionnaire auto-conçu a été distribué à un groupe de stagiaires disposés à participer auenquête. Soixante-seize stagiaires ont renvoyé les réponses qui étaient complètes sans aucune duplication. Tous les formulaires d'enquête ont été examinés etles données ont été rassemblées. Une analyse qualitative des données assemblées a été effectuée pour évaluer la perception des stagiaires sur l'association entre habillage et performance professionnelle sur le lieu de travail. Résultats: Les résultats de l'enquête ont démontré que 81,6 % des participants s'habillaient travailler selon son tempérament. Environ 65,8% des participants pensaient que les professionnels dentaires devraient choisir des vêtements de cérémonie pour le lieu de travail réglages. La majorité des participants, c'est-à-dire 67,1%, croyaient que l'habillement affecte la perception des traits de personnalité tels que la dignité et le caractère d'un professionnel. Un grand nombre d'internes ont perçu que s'habiller modifie leur comportement, celui des patients et des collègues (55,3 %, 71,1 % et 68,4 %, respectivement). Le résultat de cette enquête a également montré une corrélation positive entre l'habillement et les traits professionnels tels que la confiance, responsabilité et efficacité (75,0 %, 63,2 % et 63,2 %, respectivement). Notamment, 55,3 % se sont prononcés contre l'application d'un code vestimentaire pour les soins dentaires institutions/cabinets dentaires. Conclusion: Le résultat de l'étude représente l'influence positive de l'habillement sur la performance professionnelle à milieu de travail en dentisterie tel que perçu par les stagiaires de la faculté des sciences dentaires. Mots clés: Dentisterie, habillage, interne, performance professionnelle, lieu de travail.

A cross-sectional study to explore the reasons to visit a quack for prosthodontic solutions.

PURPOSE: Since the services of a qualified practitioner are not easily accessible to the vast majority of the population, the gap is filled literally at the roadside by the ubiquitous unqualified practitioner. The present article emphasizes on the outcome of prosthesis which the quacks deliver for the replacement of natural teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, we had explored the reason why people visit these quacks, the complications which they face after using fixed dentures delivered by the quack and some solutions to tackle quackery. Data were recorded as a closed-ended questionnaire for 132 participants. RESULTS: Nearly 64% of subjects were facing a problem with the denture and 74.2% of the participants were not even aware of any qualified practitioner. Most common reason to visit the quack was lack of awareness; other reasons were economy, proximity to house, comfortable fixed option, single appointment, and referrals. CONCLUSION: Awareness and orientation programs are possible solutions to spread knowledge, change attitudes, and practice. In addition to that, there should be strict laws abolishing the practice of unqualified practitioner.

Comparative clinical efficacy evaluation of three gingival displacement systems.

AIM: We compared the clinical efficacy of three gingival displacement systems to accurately record intra-crevicular margins of tooth preparation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One mechanical (magic foam cord) and two chemico-mechanical (expasyl paste and retraction cord impregnated with 15% aluminum chloride) gingival displacement systems were used. This study was conducted on the maxillary central incisors of 20 patients (20-60 years old) requiring full coverage restoration. All the three gingival displacement systems were tested in three sessions at an interval of 14 days in same order. The casts were sectioned and viewed under an optical microscope, followed by quantitative measurements of the width of the pre and postretracted sulci. RESULTS: All the three displacement systems produced highly significant horizontal gingival displacement. Retraction cord soaked in 15% aluminum chloride produced maximum displacement (0.74 mm), followed by expasyl paste (0.48 mm) whereas magic foam cord produced the least displacement (0.41 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Gingival displacement shown by each displacement system was found to be more than the accepted value necessary for elastomeric impression accuracy (0.2 mm) to record intra-crevicular margins of tooth preparation.

A Comparison of Masticatory Performance and Efficiency of Complete Dentures Made with High Impact and Flexible Resins: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: In patients with extensive tooth loss, restoration of masticatory function and aesthetics is main concern for a prosthodontist. AIM OF STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate and compare differences in masticatory efficiency of patients treated with complete dentures made with either high impact or flexible resins. SETTING AND DESIGN: The sample size consisted of 10 study subjects. Two sets of dentures first conventional followed by flexible dentures were fabricated for each subject and both the sets of dentures were accessed for masticatory performance and efficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study compared the masticatory performance and efficiency of dentures by means of standardized mesh sieves. Masticatory efficiency was calculated by recording the total number of chewing cycles and time required to completely swallow a standardized food item. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was given and evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical analyses were performed using Z-test of Proportion and Paired t-test. RESULTS: The masticatory performance ratio was found to be more for hard food in conventional dentures. The values of masticatory performance ratios for soft food, time and number of masticatory strokes were indicating better masticatory efficiency of conventional dentures. CONCLUSION: Though masticatory efficiency and performance were found to be better for patient's dentures made with Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a statistically significant number of patients reported that the flexible dentures were more satisfying than the conventional dentures.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of large mid-facial defect with magnet-retained silicone prosthesis.

Rehabilitation of maxillofacial defect patients is a challenging task. The most common prosthetic treatment problem with such patients is, getting adequate retention, stability, and support. In cases of large maxillofacial defect, movement of the prosthesis is inevitable. The primary objectives in rehabilitating the maxillofacial defect patients are to restore the function of mastication, deglutition, speech, and to achieve normal orofacial appearance. This clinical report describes maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation of large midfacial defect including orbit along with its contents, zygoma and soft tissues including half of the nose, cheeks, upper lip of left side, accompanying postsurgical microstomia and orofacial communication, which resulted from severe fungal infection mucormycosis. The defect in this case was restored with magnet retained two piece maxillofacial prosthesis having hollow acrylic resin framework and an overlying silicone facial prosthesis. The retention of prosthesis was further enhanced with the use of spectacles. This type of combination prosthesis enhanced the cosmesis and functional acceptability of prosthesis.