[Relationship between coronary artery disease and periodontal disease. What the cardiologist must know]. / Relations entre les pathologies cardiovasculaires et buccodentaires. Ce que le cardiologue doit connaître.

In this review, we will present the recent works, which shows a link between arterial lesions, particularly in coronary arteries, and periodontal disease. The pathways are those of chronic infection, and several studies have revealed a relationship between arterial lesions and buccal bacteraemia. Though the mechanism that links them is still unclear, the first hypotheses suggest that the presence of the bacteria in the bloodstream triggers a direct reaction (bacteria on the target organ), and/or an indirect immune reaction. This immune response could be induced by an increase in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1, IL6, TNF), which are also involved in atherogenesis. Indeed, these cytokines have been found in higher concentrations in patients with periodontal disease, whereas reduced levels have been found in patients who have had deep gum pockets thoroughly cleaned. Cardiologists need to have access to such information not only because of the similarity of the populations, but also because of the therapeutic consequences. The future development of simple dental scores will provide an important tool for epidemiological studies of primary and secondary prevention.

[Reversible hydrocolloids]. / Les hydrocoloides réversibles.

Reversible Hydrocolloids impressions are the most simple, easy and reliable of all the available impression technics, when their indications are respected. The precision of this technic, although excellent, can not render this technic universal. The indications and limitations of this technic are directly related to the properties of the reversible hydrocolloids. Good clinical results will depend on: a very good gingival retraction technic (with enough space for the material) and the immediate casting of the impression; the knowledge of the intrinsic qualities and performances of the material during all the clinical steps, without trying to surpass or betray those qualities.

[Gingival preparation]. / La mise en condition gingivale.

For the general practitioner, the superficial periodontal structure is an obstacle when trying to gain access, control and visualization to juxta or infra gingival preparations. A temporary restoration will maintain and protect those limits and in many cases it is a very efficient procedure. Sometimes it is necessary to enhance the gingival preparation by sophisticated methods. There are many different technics available to the practitioner. In this article we will describe the technics with easy clinical use and those respecting the gingival tissue (mechanical, physico-chemical).

Report on the determination of occlusal vertical dimension and centric relation using swallowing in edentulous patients.

When constructing a complete denture, the correct vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and centric relation (CR) can be difficult to determine. The aim of this study was to compare the swallowing technique used to determine the maxillomandibular relationship with a conventional technique. Fifteen edentulous patients were selected, each having a complete denture. The VDO and CR were assessed using acrylic base plates and a Boley gauge. First, the VDO was established by means of the vertical dimension of rest (VDR) and interocclusal rest space, and the CR was obtained by mandibular manipulation. Secondly, the VDO and the antero-posterior mandibular position were determined using swallowing. All measurements were repeated three times and the average was calculated. The results showed that (i). the VDO determined by means of the swallowing method was reproducible and significantly higher than the one established from the VDR (P < 0.01), and (ii). the swallowing position was located 2 mm anterior to CR (P < 0.01) and was moderately reproducible. This study suggests that swallowing can be used to determine the vertical position but no as a reference position in the sagittal plane.

Prosthetic use of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy resin for esthetic crowns and fixed partial dentures.

The traditional alloys used as metal bases for fixed partial dentures are accompanied by various problems such as corrosion, allergy, toxicity, casting, and preparation for both patient and prosthodontist and in magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis. A DGEBA-DDM type polyepoxide resin and carbon fibers composite has been introduced that addresses some of these considerations. A three-part study of the clinical behavior of a limited number of prostheses has shown positive results confirming the biofunctional capacity of polyepoxy-carbon materials and their gingival biocompatibility.

Epoxy/carbon composite resins in dentistry: mechanical properties related to fiber reinforcements.

Composite carbon/epoxy resin techniques for restorative dentistry have improved with the development of various composite resins classified according to fiber reinforcement, such as short fibers, woven materials, or long unidirectional fibers. This study of the mechanical properties with three-point flexion enabled comparison of the flexural strengths. The modulus of elasticity of different composite resin materials was determined so that the appropriate reinforced composite resin could be selected for specific clinical conditions.