Glimpse into the future of prosthodontics: The synergy of artificial intelligence.

Prosthodontics, deals in the restoration and replacement of missing and structurally compromised teeth, this field has been remarkably transformed in the last two decades. Through the integration of digital imaging and three-dimensional printing, prosthodontics has evolved to provide more durable, precise, and patient-centric outcome. However, as we stand at the convergence of technology and healthcare, a new era is emerging, one that holds immense promise for the field and that is artificial intelligence (AI). In this paper, we explored the fascinating challenges and prospects associated with the future of prosthodontics in the era of AI.

Effect Of Lignocaine Addition On The Properties Of Irreversible Hydrocolloid Impression Material.

BACKGROUND: Irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials have been a staple in dentistry and useful for the fabrication of dental prosthesis. Gagging is most commonly experienced during maxillary impression making, which may affect the clinical management of the patient. Different techniques have been described to alleviate this problem. One of them is mixing lignocaine local anesthetic solution in irreversible hydrocolloid impression material before making the impression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of lignocaine addition in irreversible hydrocolloid impression on the properties of irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials. METHODS: Irreversible hydrocolloid was mixed with water (Control group) or water and adrenalin (Lidocaine hydrochloride) (Experimental group). Compressive strength, tear strength and setting time were measured according to ISO1567 and ANSI/ADA specifications 18. The structural analysis of both groups was also evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). RESULTS: In the experimental group, insignificant decrease was observed in compressive and tear strength of irreversible hydrocolloid (p>0.05). There was significant (p<0.05) increase in setting time of irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. FTIR analysis indicated no change in chemistry of irreversible hydrocolloid before and after setting. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of lignocaine in irreversible hydrocolloid impression material may result in control of gag reflex without affecting its mechanical and chemical properties.

Innovative Two-Part Impression Technique for an Extensive Maxillary Defect.

Patients reporting with large maxillary defects pose great difficulty in prosthodontic practice. After thorough history and clinical examination, prosthetic rehabilitation of these patients usually starts with an impression. In such cases conventional single step impression technique solely may not give the desired results. If the defect is of large size then impression making becomes difficult and complicated procedure. Therefore, conventional impression technique can be modified according to the needs and requirements. This report describes a modified and innovative technique of making impression in two parts, which can be withdrawn from mouth in two segments and easily reoriented outside the mouth.

Impact of prosthodontic treatment on the oral health related quality of life in a maxillectomy patient with multiple impairments.

Oral Health Related Quality of Life is an important component in the treatment of a patient. Patients with multiple impairments have a compromised quality of life, which is further worsened by ablative maxillary surgery. A properly made oral prosthesis aids in the daily life functions and therefore, has a positive impact on the quality of life of the patient. This article discusses a case in which prosthodontic treatment improved the Oral Health Related Quality of Life in a maxillectomy patient having multiple impairments.

Xeroderma pigmentosum with melanoma of face and its prosthetic management.

Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare genetic disorder, characterized by cutaneous, ocular and neurological symptoms. Squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are also its secondary characters. This case report is about maxillofacial prosthetic management of a 10 years old child presented with xeroderma pigmentosum. The nose of the patient was excised surgically due to melanoma. This case report elaborates the role of prosthodontist and the whole procedure of constructing the nasal prosthesis via conventional technique by using the patient's sibling nasal form as template. Regular follow up revealed marked improvement in esthetics, function and ultimately patient's quality of life.

Rehabilitation of a large maxillo-facial defect using acrylic resin prosthesis.

Large facial defects require definitive surgical reconstruction. However, at times such reconstruction is not possible due to extensive loss of tissues that can not be corrected by surgery alone. In this case, prosthetic restoration of lost facial tissues was carried out. Introduction of newer material which gives life-like appearance to such prosthetic restoration e.g. silicone and poly-ether rubbers, and use of implants to retain these prosthesis have given a new dimension to rehabilitation of such patients. This report presents a case of prosthetic rehabilitation of extensive extra oral defect due to basal cell carcinoma of cheek, using acrylic resin material.

Maxillofacial rehabilitation of a large cleft palate using fixed-removable prosthesis.

Maxillofacial defects either congenital or acquired, lead to a marked loss of both the functional efficiency and aesthetic profile of the affected individuals. Plastic surgery and tissue reconstruction is the treatment of choice. However, in certain clinical scenarios, removable and/or fixed obturator prosthesis can be the only option available. The management of these critical cases should be planned after a detailed investigation and diagnosis, evaluation of the subject's expectations and demands, socioeconomic status, available technical facilities and utilization of a multi-disciplinary team approach. This report discusses the intra oral rehabilitation of a complete, unilateral cleft palate along with dento-alveolar rehabilitation. A fixed-removable prosthesis was provided to gain functional as well as aesthetic results without extensive surgical correction.

Rehabilitation of nose using silicone based maxillofacial prosthesis.

Surgical reconstruction of large facial defects is not possible at times due to extensive loss of tissue that cannot be corrected by surgery alone. In these cases, prosthetic restoration of lost facial tissue can be done using maxillofacial prosthetics. Introduction of new material which gives life-like appearance to such prosthetic restorations e.g. silicone and poly ether rubbers and use of implants to retain these prostheses have given a new dimension to rehabilitation of such patients. This report presents a case of prosthetic rehabilitation of the nasal component of the face secondary to nasal leishmaniasis, using precision attachment retained maxillofacial prosthesis.

Hypodontia and microdontia associated with hereditary ectodermal dysplasia.

Hypodontia and associated conditions like Hereditary Ectodermal Dysplasia (HED) and microdontia markedly influence on physical, functional and psychosocial maturation of the affected individuals. Thorough evaluation, proper counseling and careful treatment planning employing a multidisciplinary approach are keys to a successful, long-term management. This case report describes the prosthodontic management of a young man with hypodontia and microdontia.

Oral stereognostic ability: a test of oral perception.

Oral stereognosis (form or shape recognition in the oral cavity) can be utilized to assess oral perceptual abilities. This assessment can be beneficial in planning as well as predicting the future outcome of any treatment modality in the orodental region. This article provides a meta analysis of different studies conducted in the last fifty years to quantify magnitude of oral sensory capacity using oral stereognostic ability tests and their implication in clinical dental sciences.

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED).

Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (HED) is a hereditary congenital disorder of ectodermal origin. It is characterized by lack of sweat glands (hypohidrosis), nail dystrophy(onychodysplasia), alopecia (hypotrichosis), defective palms and soles (palmoplantar hyperkeratosis) and the oral presentations of partial absence of teeth (hypodontia) or complete absence of teeth (anodontia). Hypodontia of primary and permanent dentition is one of the most frequently occurring oral symptoms in HED patients. These features of poor aesthetic affect the social and the psychological well-being of the patient. This case report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of a HED patient.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of an amputated thumb.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of any defect or abnormality of any part of the body must be as indiscernible as possible from the surrounding natural tissues in terms of cosmesis as well as function. Surgical procedures are more likely to meet the requirements of absolute function but the patients' involvement and willingness to undergo extensive and costly procedures like micro-surgical grafting and implants may preclude these procedures. This paper presents an alternative method of prosthetic rehabilitation of an amputated thumb with a heat cured silicone material.