A study on relationship between dynamic postural balance and masticatory efficiency in the elderly population with complete dentures: An in vivo study.

Aim: Mastication is an important consideration for patients seeking prosthodontic treatment. Individuals with mastication problems have increased risk of systemic diseases which can negatively affect a person's postural balance control, which in turn increases the risk of falls. This study aims to correlate masticatory efficiency and dynamic postural balance in complete denture patients at 3 and 6 months after denture insertion. Settings and Design: In vivo - observational study. Materials and Methods: Fifty edentulous healthy patients were rehabilitated with conventional complete dentures. The dynamic postural balance was evaluated using the timed up-and-go test. The masticatory efficiency was evaluated using a color-changing chewing-gum and a color scale. The values for both were recorded 3 and 6 months after denture insertion. Statistical Analysis Used: Spearman's correlation. Results: The correlation between the values of dynamic postural balance and the values of masticatory efficiency was negative (values are inversely proportional) at 3 months (-0.379) and at 6 months (-0.246). Conclusions: This study showed that there is a correlation between dynamic postural balance and masticatory efficiency. Prosthodontic rehabilitation of edentulous patients is important for improving postural balance by generating adequate postural reflex through mandibular stability for the prevention of falls in the elderly population and improving masticatory efficiency.

Correlation between gerotranscendence and oral health-related quality of life among elderly population in Davanagere city: A cross-sectional survey.

Aim: To assess the relationship between oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) and gerotranscendence among elderly subjects in Davangere city. Settings and Design: Field Setting and cross-sectional survey design. Materials and Methods: Study involved a stratified sample of 400 elderly population aged 60 years and above. Data related to demographic details, systemic and oral health related factors, nutritional status, gerotranscendence level and geriatric oral health related quality of life of study participants was recorded using study proforma, Mini Nutritional Scale Assessment- Short form (MNA-SF) index, Gerotranscendence Scale Type 2 (GST2) questionnaire and GOHAI questionnaire respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: Significance level was fixed at P < 0.05. Chi-square, Pearson's/Spearman's correlation and Multiple linear regression tests were used for analysis. Results: Participants had good oral health related quality of life (mean GOHAI - 41.33±10.8) and moderate level of gerotranscendence (GST2- 19.5 ± 8.7). The gerotranscendence scores were significantly (P<0.05) negatively correlated with socioeconomic status (r = -0.19), education (r = -0.55), self-perceived oral health (r = -0.43), nutritional status (r = -0.64), GOHAI (r = -0.17), utilization of dental services (r = -0.26) and marital status (r = -0.39) and were significantly (P < 0.05) positively correlated with age (r = 0.77), systemic problems (r = 0.49), number of missing teeth (r = 0.57), self-perceived need for treatment (r = 0.24), and pan chewing (r = 0.62). Gerotranscendence was not a significant predictor of GOHAI (P = 0.43). Conclusion: Gerotranscendence was negatively correlated with oral health related quality of life among elderly population in Davanagere city.

Rehabilitation of missing digit using customized attachment supported prosthesis.

Traumatic amputation of a finger leads to psychological instability, functional loss, and poor esthetics. When surgical reconstruction in patients is not possible, prosthesis provides psychological, functional, rehabilitative, and esthetic restoration. Despite the availability of advanced skills, the best of materials and laboratory support, sometimes the anatomy of the defect, may be a hindrance in furnishing a better prosthesis. In the present case report, a defect with complete loss of stump was restored using customized ring-stump assembly, which helped to enhance the fit and retention of the prosthesis along with fulfilling the functional demands of the patient.

A spectrophotometric analysis of extraoral aging conditions on the color stability of maxillofacial silicone.

CONTEXT: Surveys have reported color fading as the most frequent reasons patients given for disliking their prostheses. AIM: The aim of the study is to compare the color variation between two maxillofacial silicone elastomers after subjecting them to extraoral aging conditions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 80 samples were made from M511 Maxillofacial Rubber (Part A: Part B = 10:1) and Z004 Platinum Silicone Rubber (Part A: Part B = 1:1) and divided into two main Groups A and B (40 each). These main groups were then subdivided into five subgroups (A1B1, A2B2, A3B3, A4B4, and A5B5) (n = 8); outdoor weathering, acidic perspiration, sebum (for 6 months), and neutral soap and disinfectant (for 30 h), respectively. Baseline L*a*b* values were recorded. The samples were subjected to the extraoral aging conditions, and the L* a*b* values were recorded after the aging period using a spectrophotometer. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The intergroup comparison was done by Kruskal-Wallis test, whereas the intragroup comparison was done by Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: All groups exhibited visually detectable, mean color differences that ranged from 3.06-5.21, except for A4B4. There was no statistical significance between the two materials when subjected to extraoral aging conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Visually perceptible and clinically unacceptable color changes occur when exposed to various extraoral aging conditions except for neutral soap solution immersion, for which values of Δ E* were clinically acceptable (ΔE < 3). It can be said for all practical purposes, clinically, the choice between M511 Maxillofacial Rubber (Part A: Part B = 10:1) and Z004 Platinum Silicone Rubber (Part A: Part B = 1:1) would yield more or less the same results, with unacceptable norms in terms of color stability under extraoral aging conditions.

A comparative study to determine strength of autopolymerizing acrylic resin and autopolymerizing composite resin influenced by temperature during polymerization: An In Vitro study.

AIM: Temporary coverage of a prepared tooth is an important step during various stages of the fixed dental prosthesis. Provisional restorations should satisfy proper mechanical requirements to resist functional and nonfunctional loads. A few studies are carried out regarding the comparison of the effect of curing environment, air and water, on mechanical properties of autopolymerizing acrylic and composite resin. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare the transverse strength of autopolymerizing acrylic resin and autopolymerizing composite resin as influenced by the temperature of air and water during polymerization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of autopolymerizing acrylic resin and composite resin were prepared by mixing as per manufacturer's instructions and were placed in a preformed stainless steel mold. The mold containing the material was placed under different controlled conditions of water temperature and air at room temperature. Polymerized samples were then tested for transverse strength using an Instron universal testing machine. RESULTS: Alteration of curing condition during polymerization revealed a significant effect on the transverse strength. The transverse strength of acrylic resin specimens cured at 60°C and composite resin specimens cured at 80°C was highest. Polymerizing the resin in cold water at 10°C reduced the mechanical strength. CONCLUSIONS: Polymerization of the resin in hot water greatly increased its mechanical properties. The method of placing resin restoration in hot water during polymerization may be useful for improving the mechanical requirements and obtaining long-lasting performance.

A Clinical Study to Examine the Effect of Complete Denture on Head Posture/Craniovertical Angle.

INTRODUCTION: Edentulous patients show some significant changes in ridge relationship caused by resorption of alveolar ridge. The changes are characterized by an upward rotation of mandible, increase in mandibular prognathism that ultimately results in change of natural head posture. AIM: This clinical study was planned to know the effect of complete denture on head posture in different age groups of Indian completely edentulous population, after placement of complete denture at various time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of completely edentulous patients without previous experience of the dentures. They were divided into 2 age groups: Group A (45-60) and Group B (61-75). During placement of complete denture craniovertical angle was measured with the help of custom made ruler protector device. Readings were taken before denture placement, immediately after denture placement, 30 minutes, 24 hours and 30 days after dentures placement. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that in most of the patients (90%) despite their age, change in head posture (extension) occurred immediately after the denture placement. Thereafter reading remains same for measurement at 30 minutes and 24 hours of denture placement. However after 30 days, observation revealed that all the patients showed reduced craniovertical angle (flexion). Even though the values of craniovertical angle remain higher than its baseline in both groups, significant changes were noticed only in Group A. CONCLUSION: Findings revealed that head posture was significantly altered by the placement of dentures in completely edentulous patients. Within the time interval of 30 minutes and 24 hours extension of head posture remained constant with slight variation. Although after 30 days, changes remained significant for group 'A', but no significant changes were observed in the subjects of group 'B'.

An in vitro study to evaluate the effect on dimensional changes of elastomers during cold sterilization.

OBJECTIVES: This study was planned to evaluate the dimensional stability of elastomers during cold sterilization or immersion disinfection and also to evaluate the same, along with acrylic resin trays which are used in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study mold according to revised American Dental Association. Specification no. 19 was used. Polyether, polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) (heavy body), PVS (regular body) and Hydrophilic addition reaction silicon (medium body) were selected for study. 2% glutaraldehyde and 0.525% sodium hypochlorite were the disinfectants used. The study was divided into group-I and group-II. In group-I study, 24 specimens of each impression material were prepared. Eight immersed in 2% glutaraldehyde, eight in 0.525% sodium hypochlorite and rest eight allowed to dry bench cure. After 16 h, the specimens measured under Leica WILD stereomicroscope and dimensions compared with master die. In group II study, 24 specimens of the material with the least dimensional changes were prepared and adhered to 24 acrylic resin disks using tray adhesive. Same immersion procedure was followed as in group I. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple tests. RESULTS: Of four impression materials used, PVS (heavy body) was the most dimensionally stable, and Polyether was the least dimensionally stable in both the groups. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of the study, PVS (heavy body) was most stable, and polyether was least stable of all the impression materials.

The dimensional accuracy of polyvinyl siloxane impression materials using two different impression techniques: An in vitro study.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate and compare the linear dimensional changes of the three representative polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impression materials and to compare the accuracy of single mix with double mix impression technique. METHODOLOGY: A study mold was prepared according to revised American Dental Association specification number 19 for nonaqueous elastic dental impression materials. Three PVS impression materials selected were Elite-HD, Imprint(™) II Garant, Aquasil Ultra Heavy. Two impression techniques used were single mix and double mix impression technique. A total of 60 specimens were made and after 24 h the specimens were measured using profile projector. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were analyzed using one-way analyses of variance analysis and significant differences were separated using Student's Newman-Keul's test. RESULTS: When all the three study group impression materials were compared for double mix technique, the statistically significant difference was found only between Imprint(™) II Garantand Elite-HD (P < 0.05). Similarly, using single mix technique, statistically significant difference were found between Elite-HD and Imprint(™) II Garant (P < 0.05) and also between Aquasil Ultra Heavy and Elite-HD (P < 0.05). When the linear dimensional accuracy of all three impression material in double mix impression technique and single mix impression technique were compared with the control group, Imprint(™) II Garant showed the values more nearing to the values of master die, followed by Aquasil Ultra Heavy and Elite-HD respectively. CONCLUSION: Among the impression materials Imprint(™) II Garant showed least dimensional change. Among the impression techniques, double mix impression technique showed the better results.

A clinical study to compare between resting and stimulated whole salivary flow rate and pH before and after complete denture placement in different age groups.

PURPOSE: This study compared the flow rate and pH of resting (unstimulated) and stimulated whole saliva before and after complete denture placement in different age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty healthy, non-medicated edentulous individuals of different age groups requiring complete denture prostheses were selected from the outpatient department. The resting (unstimulated) and stimulated whole saliva and pH were measured at three stages i.e., i)Before complete denture placement;ii)Immediately after complete denture placement; andiii)After 2 to 3 months of complete denture placement. Saliva production was stimulated by chewing paraffin wax. pH was determined by using a digital pH meter. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were seen in resting(unstimulated) and stimulated whole salivary flow rate and pH obtained before, immediately after, and after 2 to 3 months of complete denture placement. No statistically significant differences were found between the different age groups in resting (unstimulated) as well as stimulated whole salivary flow rate and pH. CONCLUSION: Stimulated whole salivary flow rates and pH were significantly higher than resting (unstimulated) whole salivary flow rates and pH obtained before, immediately after, and after 2 to 3 months of complete denture placement. No age related variations in whole salivary flow rate and pH were observed in healthy, non-medicated individuals. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The assessment of salivary flow rate, pH in different age groups is of prognostic value, which is an important aspect to be considered in the practice of removable prosthodontics.

A clinical study to evaluate and compare the masticatory performance in complete denture wearers with and without soft liners.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Soft liners are mainly used with complete dentures in case of poor mucosal conditions and for the even distribution of masticatory forces. However, there is some doubt as to whether the elasticity of the soft liner disturbs masticatory function because denture wearers may need extra force to compress the soft liners, leading to muscle fatigue. So, this clinical study was done to evaluate and compare the masticatory performance in patients wearing complete dentures with and without the use of soft liners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty edentulous subjects were selected for the study. For each patient two sets of complete dentures were fabricated. First set without the use of soft liner and the second one for using with soft liner. Peanuts were selected as test food for the study and the chewed food was pooled for a single measurement and then poured on sieves. Both filter and filtrate were collected and was centrifuged. Masticatory performance in this study has been quantitated by dividing the volume of test food passing through the sieve by the total volume of test food recovered. The fraction is then expressed as a percent. RESULTS: With the paired t-test performed, significant difference was found between the masticatory performance in patients wearing complete dentures with and without the use of soft liners. 5% difference was seen in the mean performance. CONCLUSION: It has been concluded from this study that, masticatory performance in patients wearing complete dentures with the use of soft liners was improved by 5% when compared to the patients wearing complete dentures without using soft liners. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This present study indicates that the masticatory performance enhanced with the use of soft liners for complete denture patients.