A technique for fabricating custom translucency tabs for the esthetic imitation of sclera in an ocular prosthesis.

The accurate replacement of a missing eye with an ocular prosthesis that matches the healthy eye in terms of color and dimension of the sclera and iris is crucial for individuals who have lost an eye from trauma or cancer. A method is shown for precisely imitating the patient's sclera in terms of translucency from the patient's healthy eye for the prosthetic eye by creating custom translucency tabs. It is a straightforward, effective, and time-saving method of improving results during prosthesis fabrication.

Comparing color match by conventional trial and error method with maxillofacial spectrophotometer method for the skin of Indian participants: A subjective and objective assessment.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The comparative accuracy of different color-matching methods for maxillofacial prostheses is lacking. PURPOSE: This clinical study aimed to compare prosthesis color matching using the conventional trial and error method with that using the maxillofacial spectrophotometer method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-four Indian participants were enrolled based on skin color and divided into Light, Medium, and Dark groups (n=18). Silicone specimens of different thicknesses were fabricated using both the conventional trial and error and maxillofacial spectrophotometer coloration methods for all participants. The color match of the specimens with natural skin was assessed subjectively and objectively using expert consensus and fiber optic spectroscopy with the CIELab color difference formula, respectively. Statistical analyzes included the Shapiro-Wilk and independent sample t tests (α=.05). RESULTS: The mean ΔL* (white-black axis) value for the Skin-Conventional color match difference was significantly lower and positive compared with the Skin-Spectrophotometer match (P=.090) for the sample. The mean Δb* (yellow-blue axis) value for the Skin-Conventional color difference was significantly positive compared with the Skin-Spectrophotometer match (P=.020). The mean ΔE* (color difference) for the Skin-Conventional color match was significantly lower than the Skin-Spectrophotometer value (P=.034). Expert opinion as assessed with a visual analog scale found color matching using the conventional method (7.12) to be significantly better than with the spectrophotometer (6.30). A qualitative analysis of expert opinion revealed that conventional color matching should have been less red (34.3%) and that spectrophotometer matching should have been less yellow (30.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Across different thicknesses of silicone and Indian skin shades, color matching was significantly better for the conventional versus the maxillofacial spectrophotometer method, both objectively and subjectively. The spectrophotometer match was significantly yellower and lighter than natural skin.

A computed tomographic evaluation of effect of mandibular advancement device at two different horizontal jaw positions in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Statement of problem: Studies pertaining to the objective assessments of the efficacy of mandibular advancement device in patients with obstructive sleep apnea are scarce. Purpose: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of MAD at two different horizontal positions of mandible on upper airway dimensions through computed tomography. Material and methods: Twenty-nine consenting participants satisfying predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled and an adjustable two-piece MAD was fabricated at 50% maximum mandibular protrusion and after 4 weeks was adjusted to 70% protrusion. CT scans were obtained at baseline, 4 weeks after delivering MAD with 50% mandibular protrusion, and then after 4 weeks with 70% mandibular protrusion. Cross sectional area with diameters (lateral and anteroposterior) of upper airway was measured at three specific anatomic levels (retropalatal-RP, retroglossal-RG, and epiglottal-EG). Data were analyzed using the Student t-test for parametric analysis. Results: Intragroup comparison revealed a statistically significant increase in lateral & anteroposterior dimensions as well as cross sectional area at all three anatomical levels at 4 weeks after MAD with 50% mandibular protrusion compared with baseline and 4 weeks after MAD with 70% mandibular protrusion compared with baseline. However, the difference between lateral and anteroposterior dimensions with MAD at 70% protrusion compared with MAD at 50% protrusion was not statistically significant. The difference between cross-sectional area was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Mandibular advancement device at 70% mandibular protrusion is more effective compared with the device at 50% protrusion in relieving oropharyngeal obstruction seen in OSA.

Evaluation of mandibular advancement device placement based on levels of TNF-alpha in participants with obstructive sleep apnea: A clinical study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Objective assessments of the effect of mandibular advancement device on patients with obstructive sleep apnea are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare levels of serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, and Berlin Questionnaire score in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea before and after treatment with a mandibular advancement device. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty participants diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea based on polysomnography testing were enrolled. A custom nonadjustable mandibular advancement device with 70% mandibular protrusion was provided for each participant for management of the obstructive sleep apnea. Evaluation of TNF-alpha levels was performed before treatment (baseline) and 3 and 6 months after starting mandibular advancement device therapy by using a Human TNF-alpha enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) sandwich kit. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Berlin Questionnaire were also filled out by the participants at the same time intervals (α=.05). RESULTS: A statistically significant decline in the levels of TNF-alpha was observed at 3 and 6 months compared with baseline (P<.001). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores showed a statistically significant reduction at 3 and 6 months compared with baseline (P<.001). The risk of obstructive sleep apnea assessed by using the Berlin Questionnaire was found to be significantly reduced at 6 months compared with baseline (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea showed reduced levels of TNF-alpha and Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Berlin Questionnaire scores when treated with a mandibular advancement device.

Identification of metabolic fingerprints in severe obstructive sleep apnea using gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry.

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is considered a major sleep-related breathing problem with an increasing prevalence rate. Retrospective studies have revealed the risk of various comorbidities associated with increased severity of OSA. This study aims to identify novel metabolic biomarkers associated with severe OSA. Methods: In total, 50 cases of OSA patients (49.74 ± 11.87 years) and 30 controls (39.20 ± 3.29 years) were included in the study. According to the polysomnography reports and questionnaire-based assessment, only patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI >30 events/hour) exceeding the threshold representing severe OSA patients were considered for metabolite analysis. Plasma metabolites were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: A total of 92 metabolites were identified in the OSA group compared with the control group after metabolic profiling. Metabolites and their correlated metabolic pathways were significantly altered in OSA patients with respect to controls. The fold-change analysis revealed markers of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular risk, and oxidative stress-like indoxyl sulfate, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and 5-aminolevulenic acid, respectively, which were significantly upregulated in OSA patients. Conclusion: Identifying these metabolic signatures paves the way to monitor comorbid disease progression due to OSA. Results of this study suggest that blood plasma-based biomarkers may have the potential for disease management.

Prosthetic management of a postsquamous cell carcinoma patient with maxillomandibular resection including lip.

Maxillofacial defects not only create esthetic and functional problems for the patient but also have psychological and social impact on the patient. The present clinical report describes the management of a patient who had undergone partial maxillectomy, hemimandibulectomy, and partial resection of the lip on the left side. Rehabilitation of this patient was done using silicone lip prosthesis and maxillary obturator. These prostheses improve the esthetics, function, and provide confidence to the patient, hence improving his social life. The lip prosthesis was retained by two magnets that were attached to the denture cum obturator to provide good retention and stability to the lip prosthesis.

Functional and psychological evaluation of premenopausal and postmenopausal women after provision of a complete denture prosthesis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Clinical studies regarding satisfaction and occlusal forces with the complete denture in relation to the menopause are sparse. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare satisfaction levels and occlusal force with complete dentures in premenopausal and postmenopausal Indian women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty premenopausal (group pre-MP) and 20 postmenopausal (group post-MP) completely edentulous participants were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and estradiol levels were measured. Complete dentures were delivered to all participants following standard fabrication and insertion protocols. Three months after denture insertion, when participants were free of postinsertion complaints, satisfaction level (by using a valid and reliable questionnaire), depression level by using the Patient Health Questionnaire, (PHQ-9) and occlusal force (with a gnathodynamometer) were measured. The obtained data of all parameters were tabulated and compared by using a statistical software program (α=.05). RESULTS: For questions pertaining to the overall satisfaction of maxillary and mandibular dentures, the 2 study groups encountered a significant difference with the premenopausal group showing significantly higher satisfaction levels (P<.001). Depression scores in the postmenopausal women group were significantly higher than those of the premenopausal women group (P<.001). A negative correlation was found between the overall satisfaction with complete dentures and depression levels in the participants indicating decreased overall satisfaction with increasing depression levels in participants (rho=-0.698). The premenopausal group recorded significantly higher estradiol levels than the postmenopausal group (P<.001). Mean occlusal force with complete dentures in the premenopausal women group was significantly higher than that of the postmenopausal women group (P<.001). A positive correlation was found between the estradiol levels and occlusal forces in the participants indicating that with decreasing estradiol levels, the occlusal forces decrease in the participants (r=0.740). CONCLUSION: Satisfaction levels and occlusal force with complete dentures were significantly higher in premenopausal women group than in the postmenopausal group.

Speech intelligibility, nasal resonance, and swallowing ability of maxillectomy patients with customized obturator: A non randomized controlled study.

Aim: To compare speech intelligibility (SI), nasal resonance, and swallowing ability in maxillectomy patients with a customized obturator to the conventional obturator. Settings and Design: Non-randomized controlled study. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight maxillectomy patients were recruited and assessment of SI, nasal resonance, and swallowing ability was done at three situations: without obturator, with conventional obturator, and with customized obturator. Recordings of unrehearsed conversation, counting from number 1-20 and four sets of Chapel Hill Multilingual Intelligibility Test in the Hindi language were used to assess SI and nasal resonance. SI was evaluated by untrained listeners and graded according to a 6-point scale. Nasal resonance was evaluated by speech pathologists on a 7-point scale of severity. Swallowing ability was evaluated by water drinking test. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA, Post hoc Bonferroni and Chi square test. Results: SI and nasal resonance showed a statistically significant difference between any two groups (P < 0.001). Water drinking time was significantly different between without obturator and with customized obturator (P < 0.001), but the difference was not statistically significant between without obturator and with obturator (P < 0.004). Conclusion: SI, nasal resonance, and swallowing ability improved with customized obturator in comparison to the conventional obturator.

A Pilot Study to Determine the Effect of Three Months of Oral Appliance Therapy using a Mandibular Advancement Device on HbA1c in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

PURPOSE: Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) is recommended for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) but cost and compliance are major barriers. A mandibular advancement device (MAD) may be an economical, feasible alternative to CPAP. Various studies have been published to recommend MAD as an alternative to CPAP for OSA, but not regarding its efficacy for patients having OSA as well as T2DM. This study aims to objectively and subjectively evaluate oral appliance therapy using a MAD in patients having OSA as well as T2DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who visited the hospital clinic having OSA as well as T2DM were recruited. After giving informed consent, participants were divided into three equally sized groups of three grades of OSA (mild, moderate, severe) on the basis of a polysomnography report and were given intervention of MAD at 50% of maximum mandibular protrusion and 20% of maximum interincisal opening. Objective outcomes were HbA1c level and apnea hypopnea index score (AHI). Subjective outcomes were Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Berlin Questionnaire. All outcomes were assessed before and after 3 months of intervention. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was seen in all outcomes after intervention with MAD (p < 0.01) in all groups except HbA1c level in participants having severe OSA. CONCLUSION: MAD may be recommended in patients having OSA as well as T2DM. This study provides evidence to inform health care workers about possible use of MAD in OSA with T2DM.

Comparison of the effectiveness of Tokuyama and GC II metal primer on the bond strength of acrylic resins to Ti-6Al-7Nb.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Because of the toxicity of vanadium in Ti-6Al-4V alloy, next generation of titanium alloys is proposed to focus on niobium-containing alloy, but for clinical applications, it is crucial for this alloy to bond with acrylic resins with or without the use of primers. However, literature was lacking about the effect of primers on bonding of autopolymerizing resins to Ti-6Al-7Nb. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of different metal primers on the shear bond strength of acrylic resin to Ti-6Al-7Nb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 dis-shaped wax patterns (10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thickness) were prepared and casted using Ti-6Al-7Nb. After casting, the disk surfaces were finished with abrasive paper under water. Specimens were equally divided into three groups on the basis of the use of primer: metal primer (GC II metal primer) (Group 1), Universal Tokuyama primer (Group 2), no primer (Group 3). Tape of 50 µm thickness was applied on each of the specimens. Then, self-cure acrylic resin was mixed and applied on the center part of the tape, on which Bernouilles tube was placed. The tensile bond strength was measured with a universal testing machine. The data were obtained for all the specimens and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17.0 at a statistically significance level of <0.05. RESULTS: Mean tensile force was maximum for Group 2 (28.58 ± 39.40 N) and minimum for control Group 3 (6.24 ± 10.97 N), thereby showing a significant inter-group difference (P < 0.001). On applying post hoc test (Tukey HSD), both the Group 1 and Group 2 showed a statistically significant difference as compared to control Group 3; however, the difference between two experimental groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tokuyama primer and GC II metal primer had a significant effect on improving the bond strength between autopolymerizing denture base resin and Ti-6Al-7Nb.

Early loading of delayed versus immediately placed implants in the anterior mandible: A pilot comparative clinical study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Numerous studies of the efficacy of immediately placed implants have been published but only a few of the comparative analyses of the early loading of delayed versus immediately placed dental implants. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot prospective clinical study was to evaluate and compare the outcomes of early loaded delayed versus immediately placed implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-eight participants satisfying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for this pilot prospective study of 3 years' duration after obtaining institutional review board approval and informed consent. The immediate and the delayed implant placement group each consisted of 44 participants. The anterior mandible canine region was the implant placement site for all participants, and all implants were of the same size and manufacture. Participants were evaluated for hard (crestal bone loss and stability) and soft (periimplant probing depth) tissue implant success parameters at 6 and 12 months after implant placement. Data were analyzed, and results were computed. RESULTS: Intergroup comparisons for mean mesial, mean distal, and mean crestal bone loss at 6 and 12 months after immediate and delayed implant placement showed statistically insignificant differences (P≥.05). Intergroup comparisons of mean mesial, mean distal, mean labial, and mean lingual and mean pocket depth at 6 and 12 months also showed statistically insignificant differences (P≥.05). Comparative mean values using the Periotest also demonstrated statistically insignificant differences (P≥.05). CONCLUSIONS: The short-term outcomes of early loaded delayed and immediately placed implants were comparable. Therefore, early loaded immediately placed implants may be a promising option for the mandibular anterior region.

Changes in alveolar bone density around immediate functionally and nonfunctionally loaded implants.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Few studies compare the radiographic changes in bone density associated with immediate implant loading protocols. PURPOSE: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to quantitatively assess radiographic changes in alveolar bone density around immediate functionally and nonfunctionally loaded implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in which 20 participants with partially edentulous mandibles received implants that were immediately loaded either functionally (IFL) or nonfunctionally (INFL). Standardized intraoral periapical radiographs were made at baseline, 3, and 6 months. These were digitized and analyzed using the histogram tool of the GNU Image Modulation Program for changes in alveolar bone density at crestal and lateral apical levels around the implant. RESULTS: An increase in the mean lateral apical pixel grayscale values of 4.68 ±0.80 at 3 months and 4.15 ±0.29 at 6 months was observed with IFL, while INFL demonstrated an increase of 5.66 ±0.53 at 3 months and 6.07 ±0.59 at 6 months. A decrease in the mean crestal pixel grayscale values of -24.40 ±7.41 with IFL and -16.86 ±5.14 with INFL was found from baseline to 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this longitudinal study, it was concluded that immediate loading stimulated alveolar bone formation at 6 months after implant placement. The immediate functional loading of implants resulted in a significantly greater degree of bone demineralization at the alveolar crest from implant placement up to 3 months compared with immediate nonfunctional loading.

Rehabilitation of single finger amputation with customized silicone prosthesis.

Finger amputations are common in accidents at home, work, and play. Apart from trauma, congenital disease and deformity also leads to finger amputation. This results in loss of function, loss of sensation as well as loss of body image. Finger prosthesis offers psychological support and social acceptance in such cases. This clinical report describes a method to fabricate ring retained silicone finger prosthesis in a patient with partial finger loss.

Assessment of swallowing and masticatory performance in obturator wearers: a clinical study.

PURPOSE: To assess function by identifying changes in swallowing and masticatory performance in maxillary obturator prosthesis wearers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty subjects were recruited for the study, of which 20 were obturator wearers, 20 were completely dentulous and 20 had removable partial/complete dentures with similar Eichner's Index. Swallowing ability was evaluated with and without obturator using the "Water Drinking Test"; Masticatory performance was evaluated with the Sieve test; and maximum occlusal force was recorded with the help of a digital bite sensor. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 15.0 with a confidence level at 95%. RESULTS: Profile, behavior of drinking and time taken to drink were significantly improved (P<.001) in subjects after wearing obturator. Masticatory performance was not significantly different (P=.252) in obturator wearer when compared with dentulous or removable partial/complete denture wearer, but significantly (P<.001) high inter group difference in maximum occlusal force existed. Correlation between masticatory performance and maximum occlusal force was not significant (P=.124). CONCLUSION: Swallowing ability was significantly improved after wearing obturator but masticatory performance was not significantly different from those having similar occlusal support zone in their dentition.

Three-dimensional quantitative analysis of the bone density of mandibular condyle in dentulous and edentulous jaws: an in vivo study.

Studies have reported that masticatory function and occlusal force are low in edentulous patients, which brings about a change in the density, thickness, and alignment of bony trabeculae. However, studies that have quantitatively measured the differential cortical and medullary bone densities of the mandibular condyle in vivo remain rare. This study determined and compared the cortical and medullary bone density of the mandibular condyle in dentulous and edentulous jaws, using multidetector computed tomography (CT). Forty mandibular condyles with no clinical signs of temporomandibular disorders were investigated in 2 groups with 10 subjects (aged 50-80 yr) in each group (group I: dentulous subjects with maintained occlusion; group II: completely edentulous patients) with multidetector CT. The density of condylar cortical and medullary bone was determined by using bone density analysis algorithms available within the proprietary software. Data were analyzed statistically with the 1-way analysis of variance test (p<0.05). The mean cortical bone density of the right and left condyles of group I was 686.11±102.78 Hounsfield unit (HU) and 775.91±89.62 HU, respectively and that of group II was 531.33±289.73 HU and 648.53±294.39 HU, respectively. The mean medullary bone density of the right and left condyles was maximum in group I subjects (429.69±102.62 HU and 486.62±108.60 HU, respectively) than in group II subjects (214.89±104.37 HU and 205.36±90.91 HU, respectively) with a statistically significant decrease in the mean scores (p<0.001). Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the cortical and medullary densities of the mandibular condyle are more in dentulous than the edentulous jaws.

Lock and key cast metallic sectional denture: a revised approach for oral rehabilitation of a patient with microstomia.

Microstomia is a common occurrence in clinical practice that may hinder the conventional prosthetic treatment of edentulous patients. Oral augmentation exercises to increase the vertical opening and sectional or collapsible dentures have been described in the past, which have their own drawbacks and limitations. The present article highlights a new approach for rehabilitation of a patient with microstomia with cast lock and key attachments leading to greater ease for both the patient and the clinician. The chief advantage of this technique is the simple fabrication procedure and the reduction in the denture base thickness, providing a larger intraoral space and thus better comfort to the patient, overcoming the shortcomings of previously described sectional denture bases.

Genes and oral cancer.

Oral cancers have been one of the leading causes of deaths particularly in the developing countries. Prime reason for this high mortality and morbidity is attributed to the delay in diagnosis and prompt treatment. Relentless research in the field of oncology has led to the advent of novel procedures for the early detection of oral cancers. Molecular biology is highly promising in this regard. It is a procedure that detects alterations at a molecular level much before they are seen under a microscope and much before clinical changes occur. Molecular studies serve as the basis by which we will eventually be able not only to augment clinical assessment and classification of oral lesions but also predict malignant potential of oral lesions, thus reducing the incidence and increasing the scope for early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancers. However, making such sophisticated tools available for the common man in developing countries is one of the most important challenges faced today.

Rehabilitating mandibular resection with guide flange prosthesis.

Loss of continuity of the mandible leads to deviation of the residual segment towards the surgical site and alteration in muscle function. This results in facial asymmetry and malocclusion. A corrective device known as 'guide flange prosthesis' is indicated to limit this clinical manifestation. Guide flange prosthesis serves as a training device. It can successfully guide the patient to close the mandible into the correct intercuspal position. This clinical report reveals the rehabilitation of patient who underwent hemisection of the mandible, subsequent to treatment for an ameloblastoma. He was successfully rehabilitated with mandibular guide flange prosthesis.