Laboratory and clinical reliability of two spectrophotometers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the repeatability, interexaminer, and interdevice reliability of two clinically applicable spectrophotometers under laboratory and clinical conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the in vitro part of the study, measurements were performed by the use of Vita Easyshade Advance 4.0 (ES-A) and the Easyshade V (ES-V) at identical positions on different shade tabs (3D-Master; Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany). To test repeatability, one shade tab was measured 50 times by one operator. To determine interrater and interdevice agreement, two operators used both devices to perform 10 measurements on five different shade tabs. Clinical interdevice and interexaminer reliability was checked with a positioning jig used (15 participants). Measurement accuracy of both devices was evaluated for the recommended color of shade tabs. RESULTS: Repeatability of results from both Easyshades was excellent for all color components (maximum deviation between measurements was ≤0.1 units). Interrater agreement was also perfect (intraclass correlation, ICC = 1.000). Interdevice agreement was lower, but still good (ICC ≥ 0.834). In the clinical environment, interrater and interdevice agreements were similar (ICC > 0.964 and ICC > 0.873). Accuracy was satisfactory for both devices, with both observers in full agreement for nearly 80% of ratings. CONCLUSIONS: Both Easyshades produced reliable and accurate measurements and can therefore be recommended for clinical determination of tooth color. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The outcome of this study might help clinicians estimate the performance of a new digital shade determination device.

Color stability of polymer-infiltrated-ceramics compared with lithium disilicate ceramics and composite.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the color stability of hybrid ceramics and to compare it to composite and lithium disilicate ceramics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty samples were fabricated and processed with a semiautomatic grinding and polishing device (final step: 1200 grit). After thermocycling, samples were immersed in a staining solution (five subgroups: water, red wine, curry, black tea, cola) for 4 weeks. A spectroradiometer was used to determine the color of the samples in CIE L*a*b*. Color measurements were performed before staining (baseline, initial color), after thermocycling, after 2 and 4 week storage in staining solution and each after a two stage repolishing approach. Discoloration of specimens was calculated by means of ΔE00 compared to baseline values. RESULTS: All factors (material, staining solution, aging stage) were significantly associated with the extent of discolorations (P < .001). Maximum color changes occurred after 28 days staining (EN: ΔE00 = 4.5 ± 4.0; GB: ΔE00 = 5.0 ± 4.5; LS: ΔE00 = 3.0 ± 2.3) clearly exceeding the 50:50 threshold for acceptable color deviations. Due to repolishing, discoloration of LS samples was almost completely eliminated (ΔE00 = 0.4 ± 0.3) and significantly reduced for the other two materials (EN: ΔE00 = 1.0 ± 0.9; GB: ΔE00 = 0.9 ± 0.4; P = .428). CONCLUSION: Discoloration of hybrid ceramics ranged in-between lithium disilicate and composites, however more comparable to composites. Repolishing could reduce discolorations substantially. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study should help dental practitioners to estimate the color stability of common dental materials and the effect of polishing in removal of discolorations.

Effects of staining and polishing on different types of enamel surface sealants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess surface discoloration of four enamel sealants based on different chemical compositions after exposure to artificial aging and staining solutions. Furthermore, their cleanability after polishing will be evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selected sealants were a composite resin-based sealant with fillers (Pro Seal), a composite resin-based sealant without fillers (Light BondSealant), a resin-modified glass ionomer-based sealant (ClinproXT Varnish) and a silicon-based sealant (Protecto). Natural teeth served as medium. Immersion solutions were water, juice, tea, and turmeric. In a standardized setting, all samples were measured seven times with a spectroradiometer (Photoresearch PR670) at baseline, after thermocycling; 7 days; 2 and 4 weeks of immersion; and after finally polishing. RESULTS: Thermocycling had no significant effect on color stability. After exposure to staining solutions, all sealed surfaces showed significant color changes. Color change predominately occurred for all sealants in the first week of staining (P ≤ .01). Best resistance to staining decreased as follows: Protecto > Light Bond Sealant > ProSeal > Clinpro XT Varnish. Surface cleaning by polishing significantly reduced the color change. CONCLUSION: Sealed enamel surfaces are prone to discoloration, which is most prominent in filled composite and glass-ionomer-based sealants. Staining can be reduced by polishing; however, in this in vitro setting the original color could not be restored. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Enamel sealants might exert adverse effects in terms of discoloration. This should be taken into consideration by clinicians and patients, particularly when sealants are applied in esthetically critical areas.

Long-term success of oral health intervention among care-dependent institutionalized seniors: Findings from a controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this work was to investigate the long-term effectiveness of oral health education of caregivers in nursing homes with care-dependent and cognitively impaired residents. METHODS: Fourteen nursing homes with a total of 269 residents were allocated to a control group, with continued normal care, or to an intervention group. Allocation was performed at nursing home level. In the intervention group, caregivers were given oral health education, and ultrasonic cleaning devices were provided to clean removable prostheses. Oral health was assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months by use of the Plaque Control Record (PCR), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) and Denture Hygiene Index (DHI). Mixed models for repeated measures were performed for each target variable, with possible confounding factors (intervention/control group, age, sex, residence location and care-dependence). RESULTS: In the control group, no changes of target variables were observed between baseline and the 6- and 12-month follow-ups. After 6 and 12 months, PCR and DHI were significantly improved in the intervention group. For PCR, the intergroup difference of improvements was -14.4 (95% CI: -21.8; -6.9) after 6 months. After 12 months, the difference was -16.2 (95% CI: -27.7; -4.7). For DHI, the intergroup difference compared to baseline was -15 (95% CI: -23.6; -6.5) after 6 months and -13.3 (95% CI: -24.9; -1.8) after 12 months. There was neither a statistically significant effect on GBI nor on CPITN. Care-dependency showed a substantial trend to smaller improvements in PCR (P = .074), while an inverse effect was apparent for DHI (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Education of caregivers improves and maintains the oral health of care-dependent nursing home residents over longer periods. Use of ultrasonic devices is a promising means of improving denture hygiene among the severely care-dependent. Such interventions can be easily and cheaply implemented in routine daily care.

Changes of tooth color in middle and old age: A longitudinal study over a decade.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in tooth color for 2 age cohorts (younger cohort, YC: 1950-1952; older cohort, OC: 1930-1932) over a mean observation period of 8 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-one participants with 106 upper central incisors were subjected to baseline and follow-up examinations (YC: n = 46/OC: n = 15). International Commission on Illumination color coordinates of 1 or 2 unrestored test teeth for each participant were recorded by use of a spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade 1) during both measurement times. Changes of color coordinates during the study period were evaluated by use of generalized linear mixed models with the variable "participant" as random effect. ΔEab and E2000 color differences were calculated between baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: Significant changes in color coordinates were observed, with the exception of lightness in OC. The direction of the changes depended on the cohort. A decrease of lightness (value) was observed in YC (ΔL = 4.0; P < .001) whereas in OC chroma increased (ΔC = -3.3; P < .001). For both groups, a significant shift to more reddish tooth colors was observed. In almost all cases, color differences between baseline and follow-up exceeded the 50:50 acceptability thresholds for color differences (ΔE = 2.7) in both YC (≈90%) and OC (≈80%). CONCLUSIONS: For both quinquagenarians and septuagenarians, clinically relevant changes in tooth color were observed after a decade; these could affect the long-term success of prosthetic restorations in terms of a satisfactory color match between natural teeth and dental prostheses. In contrast with the findings of cross-sectional studies, the changes were partially age-group-specific. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Tooth color can change over a decade. When fixed dental prostheses are planned, one should consider that changes of tooth color could lead to mismatch between a restoration and adjacent teeth during the period in clinical service.

Carers' education improves oral health of older people suffering from dementia - results of an intervention study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of carers' education on improvements in oral health and denture hygiene of care-dependent and cognitively impaired older people in nursing homes compared to those without intervention. METHODS: A total of 219 seniors living in 14 nursing homes in southwest Germany (intervention: n=144; control: n=75) were enrolled in this study. For each participant, Plaque Control Record (PCR), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), Denture Hygiene Index (DHI) and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) were assessed at baseline and six months following the interventions. In addition, demographic parameters such as age, sex, chronic diseases, permanent medications, level of dependency and cognitive state were recorded. In the intervention homes, education for caregivers was provided and ultrasound baths for denture cleaning were implemented. Changes in the dental target variables PCR, GBI, CPITN and DHI during the six-month study period were compared between subjects in the intervention and the control groups as well as between subjects with and without dementia. Additionally, multivariate models were compiled for each dental index to evaluate possible confounders. RESULTS: In the intervention group, PCR and DHI significantly improved during the study period (P<0.001). Oral health and denture hygiene improved likewise in subjects with and without dementia. In the control group, no significant improvements were observed (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Carers' education improves oral health of people in nursing homes over a clinically relevant period of time. Implementation of ultrasound baths is a simple and effective measure to improve denture hygiene of both institutionalized elderly people and seniors with dementia and in severe need of care. From a clinical standpoint, it is noteworthy that the respective interventions can be easily implemented in everyday care routine.

Improvement of oral health-related quality-of-life by use of different kinds of double-crown-retained removable partial dentures.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the hypotheses that treatment with double-crown-retained removable partial dentures (RPDs) improves oral health-related quality-of life (OHRQoL) over a 36-month period and that the performance of RPDs retained by use of electroplated double crowns (EP-RPDs) was different to that of RPDs retained by use of cast double crowns (C-RPDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients (mean age = 64 years, 63% men) were recruited and randomly assigned to C-RPD or EP-RPD. OHRQoL was assessed pre-treatment, post-treatment and 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after insertion, by use of the oral health impact profile (OHIP). An unweighted total score was calculated (OHIP-SUM). A two-level hierarchical model was used for statistical analysis. First-level units were the measurements on the six occasions; second-level units were the patients. RESULTS: Improvement of OHRQoL was observed in both groups after treatment (t = 7.27, p < 0.001). Whereas a treatment-material interaction indicated that treatment with EP-RPDs resulted in greater immediate improvement of OHRQoL, a time-material interaction indicated that long-term improvement was greater for C-RPDs. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with EP-RPDs and C-RPDs improved OHRQoL initially. Over a period of 36 months the effect was significant. The treatment is, therefore, a promising therapeutic option. The cast conical design seems to have advantages with regard to long-term OHRQoL.

Oral health and apraxia among institutionalized elderly people--a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Poor oral hygiene and dental health are very common among the institutionalized elderly. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of apraxia with oral hygiene and/or health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two residents of 13 long-term care homes in southwest Germany participated in the study. For each participant, ideomotor apraxia scoring (AS) was conducted and demographic variables were collected. Participants underwent a comprehensive dental examination to assess the oral health indices gingival bleeding index (GBI), community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) and denture hygiene index (DHI). Statistical comparison of dental indices among apraxic and non-apraxic individuals (cut-off < 45) was performed by use of t-tests. In addition, linear regression models were constructed with the dental indices as dependent variables. Each model was fitted with the dichotomized variable AS (pathologic or healthy) and adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS: Mean (SD) GBI of 48.5 (25.9), CPITN of 2.9 (0.7) and DHI of 82.6 (14.6) were observed among the participants. Statistical analysis revealed AS was significantly associated with all oral health indicators (p < 0.05). Linear regression models showed apraxia is a predictor of GBI (p = 0.002) and CPITN (p = 0.027), but not of denture hygiene (p = 0.916). CONCLUSIONS: Although this pilot investigation has limitations, the results suggest the presence of apraxia should be considered when planning oral healthcare strategies. Further research with larger samples is encouraged to confirm these relationships.

Selecting VITA classical shades with the VITA 3D-master shade guide.

PURPOSE: Although the VITA 3D-Master (3D) shade guide offers improved shade-matching performance, many dental materials are only available in VITA Classical (VC) shades. This study aimed to clarify whether it is possible to convert 3D shades determined by observers into VC shades (indirect method) without adding a clinically significant error in comparison with direct shade determination using the VC shade guide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty ceramic specimens were fabricated. L*a*b* values were recorded using a spectroradiometer. Sixty participants (35 dentists, 15 technicians, and 10 students) were recruited and asked to determine the shades of specimens using the VC and 3D shade guides under standardized conditions. Conversion tables were constructed by allocating the closest VC shade tab to every matched 3D shade and by use of an optimization algorithm (indirect methods). Differences between ΔE values for VC matches and for the indirect methods were evaluated using t tests. RESULTS: A mean ΔE (SD) of 4.34 (2.00) for VC and 4.22 (2.21) for 3D was observed (P = .040). Compared with direct shade matching using VC, the indirect method with the optimized tables resulted in a mean ΔE of 4.32 (1.96), which was not significantly different (P = .586). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the conversion tables were suitable for the determination of tooth color using the 3D shade guide followed by conversion into VC shades without adding a clinically significant error.

Comparison of the Easyshade Compact and Advance in vitro and in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the repeatability, inter-examiner and inter-device reliability, and accuracy of the new VITA Easyshade Advance (ES-A) spectrophotometer in comparison with the Easyshade Compact (ES-C). METHODS: For the in vitro study, six porcelain disks of random shade mixtures were fabricated from VITA ceramic powders. To analyze the repeatability of the ES-C and ES-A, readings were obtained by one examiner for one porcelain disk and one shade tab (VITA 3D-Master). Measurements were repeated by two examiners to evaluate inter-examiner reliability. To assess accuracy, porcelain disks and shade tabs were measured with the ES-C and ES-A and by means of a spectroradiometer (SR). ∆E values between the shade tabs and disks were calculated. Differences between devices were evaluated by use of univariate analysis. Reliability and accuracy of both devices were also tested in a clinical setting. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for all assessments of reliability. RESULTS: Good agreement was observed for replicate measurements (ICC > 0.9), for inter-examiner reliability of the ES-A and ES-C (ICC > 0.9), and for inter-device agreement (ICC > 0.9). Univariate analysis revealed that ∆E values for the spectrophotometers were consistent (p = 0.783); spectroradiometrically measured ∆E was comparable, but the mean value was smaller than that for the spectrophotometers (p = 0.004). Clinical inter-device agreement was acceptable to high (ICC > 0.777). The accuracy of the ES-A was higher than that of the ES-C (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the experiment, the spectrophotometers tested enabled reliable and accurate measurement. In the clinical setting, however, the ES-A seems more accurate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ES-C and ES-A can be valuable tools for the determination of tooth colors. Because of their good reliability, they should especially be used for the assessment of tooth color changes over time.

Randomized clinical evaluation of a light-cured base material for complete dentures.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare plaque adhesion, tissue reaction, and technical complications for complete dentures based on visible light-cured resin (VLCR) or on conventional poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A stratified randomized cohort study was designed with 52 patients treated with a complete denture in the maxilla (n = 28), the mandible (n = 2), or both (n = 22). Seventy-four dentures were manufactured, 38 of PMMA and 36 of VLCR. Investigators and patients were unaware of the nature of the denture base material. Plaque adhesion, tissue reaction, and technical complications were investigated 4 weeks after denture insertion (baseline). Recall investigations were performed after 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: After 6, 12, and 24 months, plaque adhesion was significantly higher for VLCR dentures than for PMMA dentures. Tissue reaction was comparable for both groups, however. After 6, 12, and 24 months, need for repair was significantly greater for VLCR prostheses. The mean number of additional aftercare sessions per patient after 24 months was 50 % higher for VLCR than for PMMA. CONCLUSIONS: Good oral hygiene must be established by patients treated with VLCR dentures, to remove biofilm from these dentures. Increased aftercare must also be taken into account when this material is used. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: VLCR might be a viable alternative to PMMA for patients with allergic reactions to residual monomer or benzoyl peroxide.

Improving oral hygiene in the long-term care of the elderly--a RCT.

BACKGROUND: Oral hygiene and health of the institutionalized elderly are frequently described as inadequate. OBJECTIVES: This randomized and single-blinded (outcome evaluation) study compared three types of intervention for improving oral hygiene with a control. The purpose was to investigate whether there were any significant differences between the intervention and control groups. METHODS: One hundred and six participants living in long-term care homes in South-West Germany were recruited and randomly divided into four groups-three therapy groups and one control group. For all three therapy groups, teeth and dentures were cleaned professionally and individual instruction was given. One of these groups was also re-instructed and remotivated by a dentist (n = 27). One also received help from, and was remotivation by, staff educated in dental hygiene (n = 26). The third therapy group was not remotivated after professional cleaning of teeth and dentures (n = 26). For the control group, there was no intervention (n = 23). The main target clinical data were mean plaque (plaque-control record, O'Leary), gingival bleeding (Ainamo/Bay), and denture hygiene indices. For assessment of the difference between being in an intervention group and in a control group, mixed-model analysis for repeated measurements was performed for each main target variable. In addition, target clinical data were evaluated in long-term follow-up after 3 years. RESULTS: Compared with controls, denture hygiene, plaque, and gingival bleeding indices were significantly lower in the intervention groups over a twelve-week period (mixed model for repeated measurements; P < 0.023). Estimates of effects between control and each treatment group were comparable among the three therapy groups; however, even though two of the groups received further help and instruction. Long-term follow-up showed that all indices were significantly worse than at the last study recall (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Professional cleaning of teeth and dentures, with individual instruction, can be recommended to improve oral hygiene. However, the effect decreases over time and renewal of the intervention is necessary.

Determination of VITA Classical shades with the 3D-Master shade guide.

OBJECTIVES: Because of its good matching performance the VITA 3D-Master shade guide (3D) is frequently used for determination of tooth color. Numerous composites/ceramics are, however, available in VITA Classical (VC) shades only. The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of performing a shade match with 3D Master and converting this result via a table in a VC shade (indirect method) without this resulting in an apparent inferior shade matching in comparison with direct shade matching with the VC. METHODS: Experiments were performed with an artificial, computer-generated tooth color space. Conversion tables were generated by calculating the color difference (ΔE) between a 3D shade and the closest VC shade (simple conversion table) and with the aid of optimization procedures. Statistical differences between the direct and indirect methods and between the indirect methods were assessed by use of a U-test. RESULTS: Median ΔE was 2.38 for direct matching with the VC and 2.86 for indirect matching by use of a simple conversion table (p < 0.01). Optimized tables performed slightly better (median ΔE = 2.81). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the study, it is usually possible to determine tooth color with the 3D and convert it, via a table, into a VC shade without adding a clinically apparent error to the direct shade match with the VC.

Association between patient satisfaction with complete dentures and oral health-related quality of life: two-year longitudinal assessment.

The objective was to evaluate the development of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with complete dentures and the association between OHRQoL and patient satisfaction. Fifty-two patients (mean age, 66.3, 48.1% male) received dentures in at least one jaw. The analysis was conducted on participants with dentures in both jaws (CD-Both; n = 22) or in the upper jaw only (CD-Max; n = 28). Data were collected 4 weeks, 6 months, and 1 and 2 years after insertion. OHRQoL was measured by use of the OHIP-EDENT. Self-rated patient satisfaction was assessed on a scale of 0-10. To prove the hypothesis that patient satisfaction would be a meaningful predictor of OHRQoL, and not vice versa, multilevel analysis and cross-lagged correlation analysis were performed for both groups separately. OHRQoL improved from 22.9 (SD, 20.7) to 12.1 (SD, 14.5) for CD-Both and from 20.3 (SD, 17.2) to 14.7 (SD, 15.1) for CD-Max. Multilevel analysis revealed that patient satisfaction and OHRQoL were significantly associated (p < 0.0001) for both groups. Differences between the groups were found with regard to the effect of time after insertion and the interaction between time and satisfaction with OHRQoL which were significant only for the group CD-Both; however, no evidence was found for the causality of this association in the cross-lagged analysis for both groups (ZPF test, p > 0.016). Patient satisfaction and OHRQoL were associated for wearers of complete dentures. Within the limitations of the study, however, the causality that patient satisfaction predicts OHRQoL, and not vice versa, could not be proven.

Oral health-related quality of life and depression/anxiety in long-term recurrence-free patients after treatment for advanced oral squamous cell cancer.

This report focuses on the association between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and depression/anxiety of a homogeneous group of cancer patients who were recurrence-free for 8 years after treatment for advanced oral squamous cell. Participants were 24 patients (mean age 55 years, 75% men) treated with neoadjuvant concurrent radiochemotherapy followed by surgery with a mean recurrence-free period of 95 months (from 39 to 164 months). The OHRQoL (OHIP) and the anxiety/depression (HADS) were assessed twice (1 year between t1 and t2). OHRQoL was impaired in this group (mean OHIP score 65 units). In cross-lagged correlation analysis, the correlation between OHRQoL to t1 and depression to t2 was significant and greater than the non-significant correlation for depression to t1 and OHRQoL to t2 indicating that OHRQoL predicts depression better than vice versa. However, the difference in the correlation coefficients was not significant (ZPF-test). The same was true for OHRQoL and anxiety. The OHRQoL measured with the OHIP was impaired in comparison to the normal population. In the limitations of the study design and bearing the small sample size in mind, the results give evidence that OHRQoL predicts psychological outcomes, namely depression and anxiety, better than vice versa.

Evaluation of two different approaches to learning shade matching in dentistry.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: An important aspect of dental education is teaching and learning shade matching. OBJECTIVE: To assess the success of two different strategies for learning shade matching. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one pre-clinical students (mean age 23; 33.3% men) were divided into two groups. One group (TTB) formed teams of two and they matched three pre-determined teeth on each other using the 3D-Master shade guide. After this exercise, they learned shade matching using a standardized device (Tooth Guide Training Box, TTB) by matching shade tabs in an artificial environment. The other group (GL) matched tooth color in a pre-defined clinical setting in groups of four students. After this, they matched the same teeth as before training, again in groups of two, similarly to group TTB. The reference tooth color was determined by two experienced prosthodontic clinicians. The L*a*b* values for the tabs were provided by the manufacturer and the color difference (ΔE(ab)) between the chosen tab and the reference was calculated. Linear general estimation equation models were used for statistical evaluation (p = 0.05). RESULTS: In the TTB group, the difference between ΔE(ab) values before and after training was 0.03, which was not significant (p = 0.927; 95% CI: -0.70/0.77). In the GL group, ΔE(ab) was 0.98 smaller after training, which was significant (p < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.50/1.50). CONCLUSION: The ability to match tooth color could be improved by using a group-learning approach in a clinical setting and implementation of such a training session should be considered in undergraduate and postgraduate dental education.

Psychosomatic or allergic symptoms? High levels for somatization in patients with drug intolerance.

Patients with dermatological diseases often have associated psychological problems. For patients with allergic diseases, only a few publications have focused on psychological aspects. The objective of this study was to assess the psychometric profile, including somatization, depression, anxiety and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), of patients suffering from drug intolerance or hymenoptera venom allergies. In a prospective cohort study design, patients who were admitted to hospital for a challenge test for an alternative drug (n = 49, 24.5% men) or for induction of desensitization therapy with hymenoptera venom (n = 58, 37.9% men) were included. Psychometric screening questionnaires focusing on somatization (Symptom Check List), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale), and also on HRQoL (Short Form questionnaire) were assessed. The scores were compared with population scores and between the two groups. Both groups had significantly higher somatization scores (P ≤ 0.003) than the normal population, and the challenge-test group had lower HRQoL than the normal population. Between-group analysis revealed significantly higher somatization scores in the challenge-test group (P = 0.011) and more impaired HRQoL (physical health domain P < 0.001). Anxiety/depression scores were not significantly different from those of the normal population, or between groups, although abnormally high scores for anxiety were frequent (18% and 12% for the challenge-test and allergy groups, respectively). Somatization, reduced HRQoL and anxiety seem to be part of the symptoms of patients with allergic diseases, especially for patients with drug intolerance. Standardized questionnaires could help to discover patients who may need psychological support. This may help to improve the patients' symptoms and quality of life.

Promising results from a pilot study on compression treatment of ear keloids.

BACKGROUND: Ear keloids continue to be a therapeutic challenge. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical success of a modified "oyster splint technique." METHODS: Ten patients with an ear keloid agreed to receive the compression therapy. After surgical removal, a compressive device made of acrylic resin was applied on top of a silicone gel sheet and patients were asked to wear the splint 23 hours a day for at least 8 months. If the scar showed a tendency to grow, corticosteroids were injected intralesionally. In addition to recurrence rate, other parameters and wearing times were obtained by an interview. RESULTS: Two of 10 patients experienced a recurrence in a mean follow-up period of 18.2 months (range 4-44 months). The daily wearing time of the compression splint was critical for the success of the treatment (p = .022). The splint had to be worn at least 10 hours a day for a minimum of 8 months to prevent recurrence. However, the need for additional intralesional steroid injections was significantly lower in patients wearing the splint for more than 20 hours per day (p = .048). The splint treatment was painless for 80% of patients. The therapeutic result was given a median mark of 1.75 (1 =   best, 6 = worst). CONCLUSION: Although it requires considerable time and effort, the technique seems to be a promising therapy.

Estimating costs for shade matching and shade corrections of fixed partial dentures for dental technicians in Germany: a pilot investigation.

AIMS: To evaluate the additional operating expenses caused by shade matching by dental technicians in the dental practice and by color changes of fixed partial dentures. METHODS: A questionnaire was handed out to visitors of the 2010 ADT dental technician congress in Germany. Thirty-one completed questionnaires were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean costs caused by shade matching and shade correction per month were 1269$ (SD = 1278$; n = 25) and per unit of FPD 9.32$ (SD = 8.89$). CONCLUSIONS: An improvement of shade matching, shade communication and reproduction should be made in order to minimize the considerable economic damage for dental laboratories.

Phenol chemical matricectomy is less painful, with shorter recovery times but higher recurrence rates, than surgical matricectomy: a patient's view.

BACKGROUND: Ingrown toenails have a tendency for recurrence. Operative interventions can be successful, and several procedures are in use. OBJECTIVE: Retrospective evaluation, to reveal differences in postoperative pain, time to recovery, and satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome in patients treated with a phenol (PCM) or surgical matricectomy (SM). MATERIALS & METHODS: All matricectomy patients at the Dermatology Department of the Ludwigshafen City Hospital between 2004 and 2008 were interviewed over the telephone. Of 72 evaluable patients with a total of 112 ingrown nail sides, 33 were treated with PCM and 39 with SM. The patient group consisted of 40.3% women, the median age was 31. RESULTS: Patients after PCM indicated two points less postoperative pain on an analogue scale from 0 to 10 (p<.001). In the PCM group, more patients recovered from the operation in less than 1 week (p=.007). Patient evaluation of cosmetic outcome was not different between the groups (p=.76), but recurrence rates were significantly higher in the PCM group (31.5%, vs 6.9% in the SM group, p=.006) CONCLUSION: Both matricectomies have advantages and disadvantages. We should discuss these issues with our patients to help them decide on the kind of matricectomy.