The associations between dental disease and systemic health.

Understanding the relationship between a patient's systemic and oral health is key for clinicians. The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association between specific findings in a dental exam, such as class V carious lesions, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification as a proxy for systemic health. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patient charts that met inclusion criteria including detailed, complete, and vetted charts obtained over a three-year period in the predoctoral clinic of a United States dental college. Findings recorded at the initial exam included the decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT) score, the location of carious lesions and restorations, the presence of periodontal disease, the number of endodontically treated teeth and the number of fractured teeth or restorations. We found no association found between DMFT score and ASA status but did find that ASA I patients had a higher degree of occlusal carious lesions and that ASA III patients were more likely to have interproximal restorations and fractured teeth. We found associations between a greater number of missing teeth and the presence of periodontal disease with worsening ASA status. Our data suggest that ASA classification cannot be used as a reliable predictor for the health of a patient's dentition or the number of cervical caries. However, the data does demonstrate a positive correlation between the number of missing teeth and ASA status, promoting the idea that the number of missing teeth is a crude prognosticator of systemic health. This information can be used by physicians and dentists to help understand the relationships between a patient's dental and systemic health.

Relationships among insomnia, executive function, and suicidal ideation in depressed outpatients: A mediation analysis.

Insomnia is a risk factor for suicide, and both are associated with cognitive problems. However, prior research has not examined insomnia, cognition, and suicidal ideation within one sample. We describe cross-sectional associations among insomnia, psychomotor speed, set shifting, and suicidal ideation in 85 depressed adults. Greater insomnia was associated with slower psychomotor speed, while slower psychomotor speed was associated with a greater level (i.e., elaboration of suicide planning) and intensity of suicidal ideation in the past week. Slower set shifting was associated with a greater level and intensity of suicidal ideation in the past week. Mediation analysis indicated that psychomotor speed and set shifting both had a significant total effect on the intensity of suicidal ideation in the past week; set shifting also had a significant total effect on the sum of intensity and suicidal ideation level in the past week. The level of insomnia explained only small percentages of the total effect of either psychomotor speed or set shifting on the intensity of suicidal ideation and the sum of intensity and suicidal ideation level. The findings in this sample demonstrate significant associations of slower psychomotor speed and set shifting with suicidal ideation, with negligible contribution from insomnia.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Promotes Rapid Psychiatric Stabilization in Acutely Suicidal Military Service Members.

OBJECTIVE: This study presents data for using accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as an intervention for suicidal crisis (SC). METHODS: This prospective, single-site, randomized, double-blind trial enrolled active-duty military participants with SC to receive either active TMS (n = 59) or sham TMS (n = 61) 3 times per day for 3 consecutive days. Our primary outcome, the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation-current (SSI-C), was measured before each session of TMS. Secondary outcomes measured both the SSI-C and the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation-total daily for the 3 intervention days and at 1, 3, and 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: In the modified intention to treat (mITT) analysis of SSI-C changes over treatment sessions, the TMS active group had accelerated decline in suicidal ideation as compared with sham: ß for interaction was 0.12 points greater SSI-C decline per session (standard error [SE], 0.06) in TMS versus sham (P = 0.04). In both the mITT and per-protocol active TMS groups, the mean final SSI-C scores were below 3. These scores remained below 3 for the entire 6-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In this military trial of suicidal patients, we found that both active and sham accelerated TMS rapidly reduces SC. Moreover, in the mITT analysis, there was a statistically significant antisuicidal benefit of active TMS versus sham TMS in the primary outcome. Both the mITT and per-protocol groups moved from higher to approximately 7 times lower suicide risk strata and remained there for the duration of the study. Further studies are warranted to understand accelerated TMS' full potential as a treatment for SC.

Systemic Antibiotic Therapy Reduces Circulating Inflammatory Dendritic Cells and Treg-Th17 Plasticity in Periodontitis.

Periodontitis (PD) is a common dysbiotic inflammatory disease that leads to local bone deterioration and tooth loss. PD patients experience low-grade bacteremias with oral microbes implicated in the risk of heart disease, cancer, and kidney failure. Although Th17 effectors are vital to fighting infection, functional imbalance of Th17 effectors and regulatory T cells (Tregs) promote inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated, in a small pilot randomized clinical trial, whether expansion of inflammatory blood myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) and conversion of Tregs to Th17 cells could be modulated with antibiotics (AB) as part of initial therapy in PD patients. PD patients were randomly assigned to either 7 d of peroral metronidazole/amoxicillin AB treatment or no AB, along with standard care debridement and chlorhexidine mouthwash. 16s ribosomal RNA analysis of keystone pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis and its consortium members Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus gordonii confirmed the presence of all three species in the reservoirs (subgingival pockets and blood DCs) of PD patients before treatment. Of the three species, P. gingivalis was reduced in both reservoirs 4-6 wk after therapy. Further, the frequency of CD1C+CCR6+ myeloid DCs and IL-1R1 expression on IL-17A+FOXP3+CD4+ T cells in PD patients were reduced to healthy control levels. The latter led to decreased IL-1ß-stimulated Treg plasticity in PD patients and improvement in clinical measures of PD. Overall, we identified an important, albeit short-term, beneficial role of AB therapy in reducing inflammatory DCs and Treg-Th17 plasticity in humans with PD.

Time to Open Repair of Mandibular Fractures and Associated Complications.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between the time from injury to repair of mandibular fractures and the development of postoperative complications. We also sought to assess whether a delay in treatment manifests in an increased surgical time. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study and enrolled a sample (N = 64) derived from patients treated with open repair of mandibular fractures at Augusta University Medical Center by the oral and maxillofacial surgery service from July 2015 to June 2018. Time from injury to surgical repair was analyzed as a continuous variable, and the primary outcome was the presence of any of the following postoperative complications: infection, mechanical complication, cranial nerve V3 deficit, or cranial nerve VII deficit. Secondary outcome variables included the presence of substance abuse, surgical approach, and surgery time. Logistical regression was performed. RESULTS: Among 64 patients, there were 27 patients with a total of 32 complications, including infection (n = 9), mechanical complications (n = 3), cranial nerve V3 deficits (n = 13), and cranial nerve VII deficits (n = 7). The mean time to fixation was 13.26 days in patients without complications versus 17.52 days in patients with complications. The association between time to surgical repair and complication rate was not statistically significant (P = .203). No association was found between time to surgical repair and surgery time (P = .699). CONCLUSIONS: Our study did not find a significant association between the timing of repair of mandibular fractures and complications. Our study also failed to show a correlation between a delay in surgical intervention and increased technical challenges manifested by an increased surgical time.

Does a Difference Exists in Comprehensive Basic Science Examination Scores of 4-Year versus 6-Year Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery Residents?

PURPOSE: The Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE) scores have significant effects on the applications of oral-maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residency candidates. However, a comparison of the scores of residents that match to 4-year versus 6-year programs is lacking. The present study compared the CBSE scores of OMS residency candidates who had matched to 4-year and 6-year tracks in the 2018-2019 application cycle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present cross-sectional analysis, an anonymous questionnaire was sent electronically to program directors of all OMS residency programs in the United States using the online survey engine Survey Monkey. Data were collected on the CBSE scores of their postgraduate year 1 categorical residents and whether the resident was on a 4-year or 6-year track. The CBSE scores were summarized overall and by the type of residency program (4 vs 6 year) using the mean, standard deviation, median, mode, minimum, and maximum. In addition, the 2-sample t test was used to compare the mean CBSE score between the 4-year programs (4YPs) and 6-year programs (6YPs). RESULTS: A total of 37 scores were received from the 4YPs and 31 from the 6YPs. The overall mean CBSE score was 68.9. Using the 2-sample t test, the mean CBSE score differed significantly between the 4YPs and 6YPs (t = -6.59; df = 66; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Candidates matching into 6-year positions showed significantly higher mean scores on the CBSE examination compared with those matching into 4-year positions.

Does Including Dexmedetomidine Improve Outcomes After Intravenous Sedation for Outpatient Dentoalveolar Surgery?

PURPOSE: Dexmedetomidine represents an intriguing adjunct to outpatient intravenous (IV) sedation owing to its decreased risk of respiratory depression. The purpose of the present study was to measure the incremental effect of incorporating dexmedetomidine (DXM) into an established IV sedation regimen compared with control IV sedation without the DXM infusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a prospective, controlled trial in which American Society of Anesthesiologists Class 1 and 2 patients requiring both maxillary and mandibular dentoalveolar surgery would undergo 2 sedation appointments: 1 arch treated with surgery with control sedation (DXM-) using midazolam, fentanyl, and propofol as needed, and a second surgery on the opposite arch using the experimental sedation regimen (DXM+) of midazolam, fentanyl, and propofol, as needed, and a DXM infusion at 4 µg/kg/hr. The surgeon was the same for every appointment, and the patients were kept unaware regarding which sedation had included the experimental regimen. Whether the experimental sedation was used at the first or second surgery was randomized. The primary measured outcomes were efficiency in terms of anesthesia time for each sedation, the physiologic response in terms of vital signs, and the subjective patient experience. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients completed the trial. With DXM-, the patients had significantly shorter total (∼15 minutes) and adjusted anesthesia (∼10 minutes) times. With DXM+, the patients had significantly lower average systolic blood pressure (SBP), SBP low values, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) low values, average heart rate (HR), and HR low values. None of the other continuous patient outcomes differed significantly between the 2 groups. Of the 12 patients, 10 (83.3%) reported that they preferred the experimental sedation experience with DXM (95% confidence interval, 0.52 to 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Using a DXM infusion with outpatient dentoalveolar surgery allowed for acceptable levels of sedation, greater patient satisfaction, and longer anesthesia and appointment times and often resulted in lower BP and heart rate.

Accelerated Biologic Aging, Chronic Stress, and Risk for Sepsis and Organ Failure Following Trauma.

Chronic stress and accelerated aging have been shown to impact the inflammatory response and related outcomes like sepsis and organ failure, but data are lacking in the trauma literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential relationships between pretrauma stress and posttrauma outcomes. The hypothesis was that pretrauma chronic stress accelerates aging, which increases susceptibility to posttrauma sepsis and organ failure. In this prospective, correlational study, chronic stress and accelerated biologic aging were compared to the occurrence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and organ failure in trauma patients aged 18-44 years. Results supported the hypothesis with significant overall associations between susceptibility to sepsis and accelerated biologic aging (n = 142). There were also significant negative associations between mean cytokine levels and chronic stress. The strongest association was found between mean interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), r(101) = -0.28), p = .004. Significant negative associations were found between mean cytokine levels, IL-12p70, r(108) = -0.20, p = .034; and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), r(108) = -0.20, p = .033, and positive life events via the behavioral measure of chronic stress. Results may help identify individuals at increased risk for poor outcomes of trauma and inform interventions that may reduce the risk for sepsis and organ failure.

The influence of vitamin D supplementation on local and systemic inflammatory markers in periodontitis patients: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is a worldwide public health issue that has been linked to numerous inflammatory disorders, including periodontitis. There is increasing support for a role for adequate vitamin D levels in overall health. Populations with darker skin color have a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and periodontitis. The purpose of this small pilot study was to investigate the influence of 12 weeks of 25(OH)D vitamin D supplementation (VDS) on mediators of systemic inflammation in dark-skinned, periodontitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were randomly assigned to the vitamin D group or placebo group and received intensive single visit scaling and root planning to elicit a systemic inflammatory response. RESULTS: Vitamin D supplementation increased serum 25(OH)D levels approximately 2-fold over baseline levels; moreover, VDS group had reduced peripheral blood CD3 and CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTLs) counts and reduced pro-inflammatory salivary cytokines. In contrast, VDS group had higher levels of the autophagy-related proteins and other proteins crucial for anti-microbial autophagy in whole blood PBMCs. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, VDS has multiple benefits for reducing systemic inflammation and promoting induction of autophagy-related proteins related to anti-microbial functions.

Factors Associated with Leukoaraiosis Severity in Acute Stroke Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Age-related cerebral white matter abnormalities, commonly termed leukoaraiosis (LA), are frequent manifestation of cerebral microvascular disease. Aging and hypertension are well linked to LA. We compared additional vascular risk factors and socioeconomic factors with LA severity in acute stroke patients. METHODS: We analyzed 271 patients with acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke from a hospital registry. We collected clinical and socioeconomic data prospectively with a standardized questionnaire during acute stroke hospitalization. We scored LA severity on all available head computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with the Wahlund LA scale. Mean response modeling analyzed for associations between LA severity and multiple potential predictors. RESULTS: Among 238 patients with CT LA scores, ageing and history of hypertension emerged as independent predictors of LA severity in multivariable analysis. Among 186 patients with MRI LA scores, ageing and severe left ventricular hypertrophy emerged as independent predictors of LA severity in multivariable analysis. We did not find an independent significant association between LA severity and the other factors we tested. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the association of LA severity with ageing, and with hypertension. However, other vascular and socioeconomic factors we tested were not independently associated with LA severity.

Lip repositioning for the treatment of excess gingival display: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Lip repositioning is a conservative surgical technique used to treat excess gingival display. An array of modifications has been introduced to the technique over time and as studies show the technique and its modifications to be successful, there is little standardized information for clinicians to make informed decisions when choosing this technique for the treatment of patients with excessive gingival display (EGD). OBJECTIVES: To review the current literature on the topic of lip repositioning for the treatment of excessive EGD, exploring outcome, and result longevity. METHODS: A structured systematic search was carried out using the Ovid database and Web of Science to identify published studies on lip repositioning technique. Search was restricted to studies in the English language, describing a surgical intervention. Case reports were included as the number of published studies was limited. RESULTS: The electronic search identified 93 articles, hand search identified 1 article, and reference search identified 1 article. After excluding duplicates and screening articles, a total of 22 articles met the inclusion criteria. An estimated mean improvement of 3.4 mm (95% confidence interval, 3.0-3.8 mm) was found possible with lip repositioning. Data analysis was performed using only 4 studies, amounting to a total of 33 patients. Potential risk of bias was identified in some of the studies included. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited available studies on lip repositioning, an estimated mean improvement of 3.4 mm was found to be possible with surgical lip repositioning, suggesting that the technique could be used successfully to treat EGD. However, more studies are necessary to properly evaluate the treatment approach and stability of the technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Recently, the demand for esthetics has significantly increased, driven by increased patient awareness and the search for an ideal smile. Creating the perfect smile is an intricate process that requires a multidisciplinary approach, with careful consideration of the lips and the gingival outline. Excess gingival display results in an unaesthetic smile, lip repositioning offers a comparatively simple solution for this problem. While the quality literature on this topic is limited statistical analysis of collected studies show that an estimated mean improvement of 3.4 mm can be achieved with surgical lip repositioning.

Heat generation during removal of an abutment screw fragment from dental implants.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Little information is available on the effect of drilling speed on surrounding bone during the removal of an abutment screw fragment. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare, in vitro, the peak temperature increase during the removal of fractured abutment screws from implants placed in a porcine mandible, using drilling speeds of 600 or 2000 rpm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty 4.3×13-mm dental implants were placed in 10 dissected porcine mandibles: 2 implants per mandible, 1 on each side. Localized defects were created in 20 surface-treated abutment screws, which were then tightened into each implant until a reproducible fracture occurred in each screw. The fractured screws were removed with a handpiece removal kit and irrigated with room-temperature water at either 600 or 2000 rpm. The temperature rise at the implant surface was measured at 3 levels with 3 type-K thermocouples. Repeated measure ANOVA was performed with the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test for mean pair-wise comparisons (α=.05 for all tests). RESULTS: Mean peak temperatures were significantly higher at 2000 rpm than at 600 rpm in the mid-body (P<.001) and crestal (P=.003) regions but not in the apical (P=.225) implant locations. No significant differences in mean peak temperatures were found among the 3 locations using 600 rpm (P=.179). In the 2000-rpm group, mean peak temperature in the mid-body area was consistently higher than that in the apical (P<.001) area, and more instances of temperature rise above 56°C and 60°C were observed. In 1 implant from this group, the estimated peak temperature exceeded the bone damage threshold value (50°C for 30 seconds). CONCLUSIONS: A drilling speed of 2000 rpm during the removal of abutment screw fragments caused overheating of the outer surface of the implant which may damage the surrounding bone; a speed of 600 rpm appears to be safe.

Demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral associations with cancer screening among a homeless population.

BACKGROUND: Although cancer incidence and mortality is declining, cancer remains among the leading causes of death in the United States. Research shows that cancer morbidity and mortality can be reduced by early detection. Yet, both cancer risks and screening behavior remain understudied in the homeless population. METHODS: Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey of homeless individuals (n = 201). The analysis describes the demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral associations with cancer screenings and knowledge of the lung cancer screening recommendation. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 51.7 years (SD 13.6); the group was largely African American (77.3%) and male (67.9%). Among women, the breast and cervical cancer screening rates were 46.5% and 85.1%. Among men the prostate cancer screening rate was 34.2%. Among all participants, the colon cancer screening rate was 44%. Cancer risk behaviors were high. Lung cancer screening knowledge was low (23.0%). Some cancer screening behaviors were associated with age, income, health status, obesity, tobacco use, and physical activity. DISCUSSION: Despite higher cancer risk behaviors, knowledge and general participation rates for cancer screenings were below national benchmarks. CONCLUSION: To improve cancer survival among disparate populations, sustained community outreach is necessary to increase awareness of screening recommendations, identify high-risk individuals, and navigate them to resources.

Combination Antipsychotic Therapies: An Analysis From a Longitudinal Pragmatic Trial.

BACKGROUND: Combination antipsychotics (CAs) are prescribed in schizophrenia despite limited evidence of efficacy. To explore the effect of switching from CA to monotherapy, we performed an exploratory analysis of the PROACTIVE (Preventing Relapse in Schizophrenia: Oral Antipsychotics Compared with Injectables: Evaluating Efficacy) study data, in which 305 patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder were followed for 30 months after randomization to long-acting injectable (LAI) risperidone or second-generation oral antipsychotic (OA). METHODS: Patients who entered the PROACTIVE study on CA (n = 50), LAI (n = 20), or OA (n = 206) were compared in terms of time to relapse and clinical measures. FINDINGS: The OA group had significantly fewer hospitalizations than the CA group (P = 0.009) at baseline. In the CA group, 68% patients relapsed versus 53% in the LAI, and 52% in the OA groups. Although there was no significant difference in the relapse rate among groups on χ test (χ = 3.85, P = 0.146), the log-rank test showed a significant difference among the groups in time to first relapse (χ = 6.81, P = 0.033), with significantly longer time to relapse in the OA group (mean, 562.8 days) than in the CA group (mean, 409.5; P = 0.011). The LAI group's mean time to first relapse (594 days) was not significantly different from the other groups. However, after adjusting for number of hospitalizations, group was no longer significant (hazard ratio, 1.541; P = 0.052). IMPLICATIONS: Based on our exploratory analysis, taking antipsychotic combinations predicts earlier relapse and calls for additional treatment guidance in schizophrenia.

Left ventricular hypertrophy in acute stroke patients with known hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Despite effective treatments, hypertension remains uncontrolled in nearly half of the people with hypertension in the United States. Uncontrolled hypertension leads to end organ damage, such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). To identify reasons for uncontrolled hypertension, we interviewed acute stroke patients with a history of hypertension and evaluated for LVH. METHODS: Using a standardized questionnaire, we collected demographic, socioeconomic, and health-care data in 300 acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients in one hospital. We also collected relevant clinical data from medical records. We analyzed factors associated with echocardiographic LVH as a marker of uncontrolled hypertension in 190 acute stroke patients with a history of hypertension. RESULTS: Overall, 46% (88/190) of patients had LVH. In univariate analysis, lower household income and self-reported poor adherence to hypertension treatment were significantly associated with increased risk of LVH. In multiple logit modeling, only poor adherence to hypertension treatment remained significantly associated with LVH, odds ratio 1.77 (95% CI: 1.01-3.11), p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: In acute stroke patients, poor adherence to hypertension treatment is a significant independent predictor of LVH. A clear reason for poor adherence to treatment is elusive in a large proportion of these patients in our study. Further research is needed to identify and develop strategies to combat the key factors responsible for poor adherence to hypertension treatment.

Percent weight reduction required to achieve minimal clinically important improvements in health-related quality of life among African Americans: A secondary analysis of the fit body and soul study.

OBJECTIVE: To calculate the percent weight reduction required to achieve minimal clinically important improvement (MCII) in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). DESIGN: Secondary data analysis from the longitudinal cohort of a single-blinded, cluster-randomized community trial to test the efficacy of the faith-based adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program. SETTING: African-American churches. PARTICIPANTS: This study included 472 congregants with a body mass index of ≥25 and fasting plasma glucose<126mg/dl. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Percent weight reduction required to achieve the MCII in HRQOL measured by two instruments, SF-12 and EQ-5D, one year following baseline. ANALYSIS: The percent weight reduction required to achieve established MCII in SF-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS), SF-12 Mental Component Summary (MCS), and EQ-5D Health Status (HS) at one-year follow-up were calculated using fitted linear regression models. In addition to models for the total sample, we generated models, stratified by baseline BMI, PCS, and HS, to calculate the percent weight reduction required to achieve MCII in HRQOL for those most in need of weight reduction and those in need of improved HRQOL. RESULTS: The percent weight reduction was a significant predictor of improvement in the SF-12PCS and the EQ-5DHS but not SF-12MCS. To achieve a MCII in SF-12PCS and EQ-5DHS, 18% and 30% weight reductions were required, respectively. A smaller percent weight reduction was required when the baseline BMI was ≥40. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Improvements in HRQOL among African-American congregants seeking weight reduction required more than the 3-5% weight reduction associated with improvements in physical health.

Mode of drinking fluoridated milk: effect on intraoral fluoride concentrations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of the mode of drinking fluoridated milk on salivary and plaque fluoride concentrations. METHODS: Fluoridated milk was ingested by 32 children in three ways: (a) directly from the container (1.0 and 5.0 mg F/litre), (b) through a straw with the tip between the lips (5.0 mg F/litre), and (c) with the tip deep in the oral cavity (5.0 mg F/litre). Saliva was collected at baseline and 2, 15, and 40 min and plaque at baseline and 20 min after drinking. Fluoride concentrations were determined using the electrode after HMDS-facilitated diffusion. RESULTS: The mode of drinking did not affect fluoride concentrations in saliva or plaque. The average 2-min salivary concentrations were 65 ng F/mL for the 1.0 mg F/litre group and 276 ng F/mL for the three 5.0 mg F/litre groups (P < 0.01). The average of the 15- and 40-min salivary concentrations was 22 ng F/mL for the 1.0 mg F/litre group and 41 ng F/mL for the 5.0 mg F/litre groups (P < 0.01). Plaque concentrations showed the same patterns as in saliva, that is, they were higher in the three 5.0 mg F/litre groups than in the 1.0 mg F/litre group and the differences among the 5.0 mg F/litre groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Salivary and plaque fluoride concentrations were independent of the mode of drinking but directly related to milk fluoride concentrations.

Assessment of the Psychosocial Adjustment of Well Elderly Residing in Retirement Communities.

Moving to a retirement community involves a major life transition that requires adjustment to a new way of life. The purpose of this study was to develop a tool to assess the psychosocial adjustment of residents. Using the Life Patterns Model as a conceptual framework, residents of 3 retirement communities (n = 240 residents) were surveyed. Median ages were ∼84 years, Nearly 85% (202) reported that they feel good about themselves and most (92.5%; n = 221) have things to do that they enjoy. Health status was strongly associated with having nearby relatives (rs = -.232, p > .000, n = 239). A factor analysis supported the use of the conceptual framework. Findings indicate that the tool can used for the designed purpose.

In vitro mechanical analysis of complete-arch mandibular implant-supported fixed prostheses abutment screws after cyclic loading.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Clinicians question when to evaluate for worn or loose implant-supported retainer screws to prevent possible clinical complications. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare differences among initial and postdynamically loaded detorque values and identify physical structural changes of prosthetic retaining screws in a simulated implant-supported mandibular complete fixed prosthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine groups and nonloaded controls comprising a 5-implant-supported, milled titanium framework were fabricated and assembled (screw torque 35 Ncm). Dynamic loading (20 to 220 N) was applied to simulate 2 years of oral function. After testing, screw detorque values were measured (ΔT, initial-detorque value). A scanning electron microscopic analysis of screw threads was used to assess physical changes. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA to determine the influence of loading and implant position on ΔT (α=.05). RESULTS: ΔT values of loaded and nonloaded groups were compared separately at each implant position and showed a significant difference only for the implant in the central position (P=.002). All positions were compared in terms of ΔT values separately for loaded and nonloaded conditions. A significantly higher ΔT was found in 1 cantilever area of the loaded group, whereas a significantly lower ΔT value was found in the central position in the nonloaded group. No statistically significant differences were found in physical changes between loading and nonloading or among implant positions. CONCLUSIONS: When delivering a multiimplant supported prosthesis, the application of dynamic loading and the sequence in which implant screws are tightened could influence the subsequent detorque value of a screw; they have no effect on the physical appearance of screws after extended function.

Accuracy and precision of as-received implant torque wrenches.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Previous implant torque evaluation did not determine if the target value fell within a confidence interval for the population mean of the test groups, disallowing determination of whether a specific type of wrench met a standardized goal value. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure both the accuracy and precision of 2 different configurations (spring style and peak break) of as-received implant torque wrenches and compare the measured values to manufacturer-stated values. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten wrenches from 4 manufacturers, representing a variety of torque-limiting mechanisms and specificity of use (with either a specific brand or universally with any brand of implant product). Drivers were placed into the wrench, and tightening torque was applied to reach predetermined values using a NIST-calibrated digital torque wrench. Five replications of measurement were made for each wrench and averaged to provide a single value from that instrument. The target torque value for each wrench brand was compared to the 95% confidence interval for the true population mean of measured values to see if it fell within the measured range. RESULTS: Only 1 wrench brand (Nobel Biocare) demonstrated the target torque value falling within the 95% confidence interval for the true population mean. For others, the targeted torque value fell above the 95% confidence interval (Straumann and Imtec) or below (Salvin Torq). CONCLUSIONS: Neither type of torque-limiting mechanism nor designation of a wrench to be used as a dedicated brand-only product or to be used as a universal product on many brands affected the ability of a wrench to deliver torque values where the true population mean included the target torque level.