A comparative evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of an infrared sensor device with standard mounting procedure in completely edentulous patients: A pilot clinical study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The conventional diagnostic mounting procedure in completely edentulous patients is time-consuming and increases the laboratory workload. Alternatives like optical scanners and jaw tracking devices have been documented but have their own shortcomings. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot clinical study was to assess the suitability of an infrared sensor scan device in procuring the diagnostic data parameters for completely edentulous patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve completely edentulous participants were enrolled in the study. For each, the distance between the arches was measured by 2 clinical techniques at 3 common reference points, M1, M2, M3, for the maxillary arch and m1, m2, m3 for the mandibular arch. The control group measurements were recorded by using a standard diagnostic mounting procedure on a semi-adjustable articulator, and the experimental group measurements were recorded by using an infrared sensor scan device. To convert the analog infrared sensor output into digital data, the Arduino ADC software program was used. The data from both study groups were statistically compared by using the independent t test (α=.05). RESULTS: No significant difference in variation was found between the mean measurements of the device and diagnostic mounting (P>.05). The maximum variation recorded by the experimental device was 1.7 mm, whereas the minimum variation was 0.8 mm (mean 1.25 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The use of precisely calibrated infrared sensors may be a cost-effective option for diagnostic mounting.

Effect of Three Different Cooling and Insulation Techniques on Pulp Chamber Temperature during Direct Temporization with Polymethyl methacrylate-based Resin.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study evaluates and compares the changes in pulp chamber temperature during direct fabrication of provisional restorations in maxillary central incisors after using three different cooling techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 60 samples of maxillary central incisors along with their putty indices were divided into four groups (one control and three experimental) and were prepared using a surveyor cum milling machine. Teeth were sectioned 2 mm below cementoenamel junction and a K-type thermocouple wire was inserted in the tooth and secured at the pulpal roof using amalgam. Putty index filled with DPI tooth molding resin material [polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)] was placed on the tooth and temperature changes per 5 seconds were recorded by temperature indicating device for the control, on-off, precooled putty, and dentin bonding agent (DBA) group. RESULTS: The highest mean obtained was of the control (11.04°C), followed by DBA group (9.53°C), precooled putty group (6.67°C), and on-off group (1.94°C). Precooled putty index group took maximum time to reach the baseline temperature (847.5 seconds). CONCLUSION: On-off technique is the most effective method to reduce the intrapulpal temperature during polymerization, as compared to the other techniques used in the study. Retardation in the polymerization process was seen in precooled putty group, which may make this technique clinically inadvisable. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Thermal protection of pulp must always be considered during direct fabrication of provisional restoration when a PMMA-based resin is used. By using on-off technique, not only the thermal insult to the pulp can be effectively minimized but also the harmful effects of residual monomer (poor marginal fit and pulpal irritation) can be eliminated.

A novel chairside technique to assess the interocclusal clearance and abutment axial walls during tooth preparation.

The importance of a judicious and unerring abutment tooth preparation in the field of prosthodontics has always been paramount. It is not uncommon for many clinicians to face challenges during laboratory fabrication of fixed prostheses, caused due to inappropriate occlusal clearance and over axial wall taper of the abutment tooth. With evolving technologies and methods, the modus operandi for attaining such tooth preparation is varying; however, every technique has its own shortcomings. The technique mentioned in the article is cost-effective as it uses modified Heister mouth gag forceps to achieve the desired objective of evaluating the prepared abutment morphology three-dimensionally with minimum chairside time.

A Hybrid Oral Rehabilitation of Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia: A Conservative Approach with Three-Year Follow-Up.

This case report presents a 19-year-old male patient with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, having a chief complaint of multiple missing teeth. Atraumatic extraction of the teeth with hopeless prognosis was done, and teeth with grade 2 mobility were submerged using cast dowel and coping. Following this, incremental increase in the vertical dimension was made using removable flexible splint of two-millimeter thickness. After facebow transfer and making appropriate eccentric bite records to program the semiadjustable articulator, wax-up was done at the desired vertical dimension (VD). The upper arch was finally restored using a long-span fixed partial denture and lower arch using bilateral attachment (Rhein 83) retained cast removable partial denture as a definitive prosthesis. Therefore, in conditions like hypodontia or oligodontia caused due to ectodermal dysplasia, attachment retained removable partial denture may prove beneficial by effectively distributing the occlusal forces. In clinical scenarios where implant is not feasible or not opted by the patient, this combination treatment may be a viable option.