A Novel Technique for Disinfection Treatment of Contaminated Dental Implant Surface Using 0.1% Riboflavin and 445 nm Diode Laser-An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been introduced as a potential option for peri-implantitis treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of a novel technique involving a combination of 445 nm diode laser light with 0.1% riboflavin solution (used as a photosensitizing dye) as applied on a bacterial-fungal biofilm formed on implants and to compare the performance of this technique with that of the commonly used combination of 660 nm diode laser with 0.1% methylene blue dye. METHODS: An in vitro study was conducted on 80 titanium dental implants contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Candida albicans (CA) species. The implants were randomly divided into four groups: negative control (NC), without surface treatment; positive control (PC), treated with a 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX)-based solution; PDT1, 660 nm (EasyTip 320 µm, 200 mW, Q power = 100 mW, 124.34 W/cm2, 1240 J/cm2) with a 0.1% methylene blue dye; and PDT2, 445 nm (EasyTip 320 µm, 200 mW, Q power = 100 mW, 100 Hz, 124.34 W/cm2, 1.24 J/cm2) with a 0.1% riboflavin dye. RESULTS: The PDT1 and PDT2 groups showed greater reduction of SA and CA in comparison to the NC group and no significant differences in comparison to the PC group. No statistically significant differences between the PDT1 and PDT2 groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A novel antimicrobial treatment involving a combination of 445 nm diode laser light with riboflavin solution showed efficiency in reducing SA and CA biofilm formation on dental implant surfaces comparable to those of the more commonly used PDT treatment consisting of 660 nm diode laser light with methylene blue dye or 0.2% CHX treatment.

Color Stability of Dental Composites after Immersion in Beverages and Performed Whitening Procedures.

Objectives: The study aimed to compare the color stability of two different light-cured composites after immersion in three liquids and the effectiveness of 16% carbamide peroxide (CP) in removing the discoloration. Material and methods: Color stability of a microhybrid (Z250, 3M ESPE) and nanocomposite (Z550, 3M ESPE) was evaluated after immersion in instant coffee, tea, Coca-Cola, and deionized water as a control group (n=5). Samples were kept in liquids for four hours daily at 37°C for 30 days. Furthermore, 16% CP was applied for the following 14 days, simulating night whitening. A digital spectrophotometer was used for color measurement based on the CIEL*a*b* color coordinates. The color changes (∆E) were measured at baseline, after immersion in the beverages, and also after the teeth whitening procedure. Mixed and factorial ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post-hoc test were used for statistical evaluation (p≤0.05). Results: Tested resin composites showed a color change over the acceptability threshold (ΔE*> 3.48) after immersion in coffee and tea. Nanocomposite reported a significant increase in discoloration in coffee after 30 days (p <0.05). The color of both materials significantly changed (p<0.05) along all three L*a*b* axes in coffee and tea to darker, yellow, and red. Whitening with 16% CP was effective in removing external discoloration in both examined composite materials. Conclusion: Coffee and tea induced clinically detectable color changes in dental composites tested, with cumulative effects. Whitening represents an efficient method for the removal of surface discoloration in composite restorations.

Prevalence of TMD among Children Provided with Fixed Orthodontic Treatment.

BACKGROUND: According to available scientific references and textbooks, there are contradictory views concerning the etiology of signs and symptoms of TMD. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine a correlation between the incidence of signs and symptoms of TMD in children aged 12-18 who do not wear a fixed orthodontic appliance and the incidence of signs and symptoms of TMD in children who wear a fixed orthodontic appliance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The total number of 120 subjects were included in this survey and divided into two groups. There were 60 respondents in the experimental group that consisted of 30 boys and 30 girls with different types of malocclusion, who were treated with a fixed orthodontic straight wire technique. The remaining 60 respondents, which was a group that also consisted of 30 boys and 30 girls, were patients with neutroclusion. RESULTS: The results of the study have shown that the TMJ clicking sound symptom, the most common symptom of TMD, occurs with almost equal prevalence in both groups of respondents; specifically, 56.4% in orthodontic patients, and 46.6% in the control group respondents. A statistically significantly higher percentage of female respondents in both groups have experienced headache problems (p <0.03). CONCLUSION: On the basis of the statistics obtained as a result of this research, we can come to the conclusion that there is no correlation between the fixed orthodontic treatment and the development of signs and symptoms of TMD.

The Effect of Bleaching on the Basic Colour and Discoloration Susceptibility of Dental Composites.

OBJECTIVES: To test the influence of a bleaching procedure using 16% carbamide peroxide (CP) on the colour of composite materials and their consecutive subjection to discolouration in beverages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nanocomposite Z550 (3M ESPE) and the microhybrid Z250 (3M ESPE) composite materials were selected for the research. 16% CP was applied to composite plates (15 samples each material) for seven hours a day for 14 days simulating at-home nightguard vital bleaching. The test samples were then divided randomly into three sub-groups and submerged in instant coffee, green tea and Coca Cola for 30 days. The control group (N=5) samples were kept in deionized water. Determination of the L*a*b* dimensions of colour of the polymerized discs was performed by calibrated spectrophotometer 24 hours later, after the bleaching procedure, and on days 7, 15 and 30 after immersion in the beverages. RESULTS: After application of 16% CP, there were perceptible changes in the colour of both test materials, which did not exceed the boundaries of acceptability (ΔE<3.48). Coca-Cola did not cause discolouration of the tested composites, but coffee and tea changed their colour above the level of perceptibility already seven days after immersion. A statistically significant difference in the change in colour was established between the materials when they were immersed in coffee (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 16% CP does not affect the basic colour of the composites. Immersion in a beverage led to an unacceptable change in the colour of both test materials in coffee and tea, primarily towards black. The greatest discolouration after bleaching was shown by Z550 when immersed in coffee.

Evaluation of Solubility of Luting Cements in Different Solutions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the solubility of three luting cements in three different solutions: distilled water and artificial saliva with different pH values (7.4 and 3.0). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (GC Fuji Plus) and two resin cements (Multilink Automix and Variolink II) were used. A total of 45 specimens, 15 specimens (15x1 mm) for each cement, were prepared according to ISO standard 4049:2009. The solubility of the cements was calculated by weighing the specimens before and after immersion and desiccation. Values of solubility in water (Wsl) in microgram/mm3 for each of the five specimens were calculated using the following formula (ISO 4049:2009): Wsl=(m1-m3)/V. The Mann-Whitney U nonparametric statistical method and Post hoc sample comparisons were applied. RESULTS: GC Fuji Plus showed statistically significant higher solubility in comparison with Variolink II and Multilink Automix in all three solutions. In acidic artificial saliva (pH 3.0) Multilink Automix showed significantly higher values of solubility compared to Variolink II (P<0.016). By studying the effect of pH value on the solubility of GC Fuji Plus cement, significantly higher values of solubility in pH 3.0 artificial saliva were confirmed (P<0.009). The influence of the surrounding pH value on the solubility of the resin cements Multilink Automix and Variolink II was researched. No statistically significant difference was found. CONCLUSION: Solubility values were mainly influenced by the proportion of hydrophilic matrix, the type and composition of filler, and the pH value of the solutions.

Radiological Evaluation of Dental Age Assessment Based on the Development of Third Molars in Population of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

OBJECTIVES: The development of third molars can be helpful in dental age estimation of adolescents and in early adult period. We tested the repeatability and accuracy of the three dental age radiographic methods (Olze, Demirjian and Solari and Abramovitch) and evaluated which method is more useful. We also aimed at testing to find the correlation of estimated dental and chronological age by these three methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The orthopantomographs (OPGs) of 1007 individuals (8 - 25 years) were divided into two groups (cca 500 OPGs) - one group of OPGs has been presented with all four third molars, while another one was registered with third molar/s hypodontia. And all of OPGs were assessed, to verify the three methods (Olze, Demirjian and Solari and Abramovitch) for age estimation based on third molar development. RESULTS: There was a high Spearman's correlation coefficient between stages of development of wisdom tooth and chronological age of subjects by all these three methods. CONCLUSION: We may recommend using third molars for assessing the dental age by Olze, Demirjian and Solari and Abramovitch dental method as well, on Bosnian and Herzegovinian population.

The Influence of Gender on the Cortical Width of the Lower Border of the Mandible and the Mandibular Cortical Index.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of gender on the mental index (MI) and the mandibular cortical index (MCI). METHODS: In this study, there were 120 subjects (43 male and 77 female subjects), who had undergone a dental panoramic radiograph examination for the needs of diagnosis and future treatment planning. MI and MCI were determined by orthopantomograph. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in MI dependent on gender. Male patients demonstrated significantly higher values for MI than female patients (right: t=4.127; P=0.0001, left: t=3.110; P=0.002). No statistically significant difference was observed for MCI dependent on gender (right: χ²=2.36 P=0.308, left: χ²=3.85 P=0.146). CONCLUSION: MI is affected by gender, but MCI is not.

Socioeconomic Status as Oral Health State Determinant of the Active Working Displaced Persons and Domicile Inhabitants.

INTRODUCTION: Socioeconomic changes have a significant impact on the health of the population. Socioeconomic development of society is one of the basic determinants of the health condition and needs of the individual and in the population as well. AIM: To explore the existence of differences in indicators of oral health status between the displaced persons and domicile population, considering the socioeconomic status (SES) of the respondents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 310 people, aged 35-44 (mean 40.19 ± 3.60), were interviewed and examined, with 157 of them in a subsample of domicile inhabitants and other 153 respondents in displaced persons subsample. The SES of respondents was determined using a survey. After conducted examinations in study participants, determined results were recorded as dental status (DMFT Index), and periodontal status (CPI Index). RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the mean value of caries existence between displaced persons of low and middle SES. In domicile inhabitants, there were no statistically significant differences in mean values of caries existence between the individuals with low and middle SES, while the differences existed between the individuals with low and high and between the middle and high SES. Domicile inhabitants with high SES had significantly less carious lesions than those with lower SES. Domicile inhabitants with high SES had significantly fewer extractions and more teeth with fillings. CONCLUSION: People with low SES have worse oral health status. Displacement and low socioeconomic status significantly influence the state of oral health.

Evaluation of the water sorption of luting cements in different solutions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the water sorption of three luting cements in three different solutions: distilled water and artificial saliva with different pH values (7.4 and 3.0). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (GC Fuji Plus) and two resin cements (Multilink Automix and Variolink II) were used. A total of 45 specimens - 15 specimens (15x1 mm) for each cement were prepared according to ISO standard 4049:2009. The water sorptions of the cements were calculated by weighing the specimens before and after immersion and desiccation. RESULTS: . Nonparametric statistic methods were applied. GC Fuji Plus cement showed significantly higher values of water sorption in all three solutions of both resin cements (p<0.009) and significantly higher values of sorption in artificial saliva pH 3.0. Multilink Automix showed significantly higher values of water sorption compared with Variolink II in artificial saliva pH 7.4, and higher values of sorption in this solution compared with pH value 3.0. CONCLUSION: Water sorption values are mainly influenced by the proportion of hydrophilic matrix, the type and composition of filler, and the pH value of solutions.

Biomechanics of cervical tooth region and noncarious cervical lesions of different morphology; three-dimensional finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the influence of presence and shape of cervical lesions on biomechanical behavior of mandibular first premolar, subjected to two types of occlusal loading using three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3D models of the mandibular premolar are created from a micro computed tomography X-ray image: model of sound mandibular premolar, model with the wedge-shaped cervical lesion (V lesion), and model with saucer-shaped cervical lesion (U lesion). By FEM, straining of the tooth tissues under functional and nonfunctional occlusal loading of 200 (N) is analyzed. For the analysis, the following software was used: CTAn program 1.10 and ANSYS Workbench (version 14.0). The results are presented in von Mises stress. RESULTS: Values of calculated stress in all tooth structures are higher under nonfunctional occlusal loading, while the functional loading is resulted in homogeneous stress distribution. Nonfunctional load in the cervical area of sound tooth model as well as in the sub-superficial layer of the enamel resulted with a significant stress (over 50 [MPa]). The highest stress concentration on models with lesions is noticed on the apex of the V-shaped lesion, while stress in saucer U lesion is significantly lower and distributed over wider area. CONCLUSION: The type of the occlusal teeth loading has the biggest influence on cervical stress intensity. Geometric shape of the existing lesion is very important in the distribution of internal stress. Compared to the U-shaped lesions, V-shaped lesions show significantly higher stress concentrations under load. Exposure to stress would lead to its progression.

Radiographic Evaluation of Crestal Bone Loss Around Dental Implants in Maxilla and Mandible: One Year Prospective Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyze the amount of maxillary and mandibular crestal bone loss around Bredent Sky Blue type of implants of different dimensions one year after implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 36 implants of diameter 3.5 x 10 mm were inserted in the maxilla and 12 in the mandible. 52 implants of diameter 4.0 x 8 mm were inserted in the maxilla, and 61 in the mandible (two-stage implant surgery). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the right and left side of the maxilla and between the right and left side of the mandible at the implant sites regarding distal and mesial bone losses as shown by analysis of variance (ANOVA). CONCLUSION: Statistically significant differences were found between anterior maxilla, posterior maxilla and anterior mandible and posterior mandible at implant sites regarding distal and mesial bone losses as shown by analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Measurements of Implant Stability Following Sinus Lift: A Pilot Clinical Study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implant stability of Bredent Sky Blue implants of different diameters following one stage sinus lift procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 9 male patients with an existing indication for unilateral or bilateral sinus lift procedure. As grafting materials, combination of allograft material MinerOss® cortical & cancellous and Ossceram nano were used. RESULTS: All implants were considered successful and ISQ levels were measured by Osstell ISQ device. The ISQ values were from 68 to 84. The mean values of stability of Bredent Sky Blue implants of different diameters following one stage sinus lift procedure were 77.73 ± 2.93 (MD) and 77.98 ± 2.72 (VO).

Analysis of the abfraction lesions formation mechanism by the finite element method.

INTRODUCTION: An abfraction lesion is a type of a non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL) that represents a sharp defect on the cervical part of tooth, caused by occlusal biomechanical forces. The largest prevalence of the NCCL is found on the mandibular first premolar. The goal of the study is, by means of a numerical method - the finite element method (FEM), in an appropriate computer program, conduct a stress analysis of the mandibular premolar under various static loads, with a special reference to the biomechanics of cervical tooth region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A three-dimensional model of the mandibular premolar is gained from a µCT x-ray image. By using the FEM, straining of the enamel, dentin, peridontal ligament and alveolar bone under axial and paraxial forces of 200 [N] is analyzed. The following software were used in the analysis: CT images processing-CTAn program and FEM analysis-AnsysWorkbench 14.0. RESULTS: According to results obtained through the FEM method, the calculated stress is higher with eccentric forces within all tested tooth tissue. The occlusal load leads to a significant stress in the cervical tooth area, especially in the sub-superficial layer of the enamel (over 50 MPa). The measured stress in the peridontal ligament is approximately three times higher under paraxial load with regard to the axial load, while stress calculated in the alveolar bone under paraxial load is almost ten times higher with regard to the axial load. The highest stress values were calculated in the cervical part of the alveoli, where bone resorption is most commonly seen. CONCLUSION: Action of occlusal forces, especially paraxial ones, leads to significant stress in the cervical part of tooth. The stress values in the cervical sub-superficial enamel layer are almost 5 times higher in relation to the superficial enamel, which additionally confirms complexity of biomechanical processes in the creation of abfraction lesions.

Endodontic treatment as non-surgical alternative in managing multiple periapical lesions / Tratamento endodôntico como alternativa não cirúrgica no monitoramento de uma lesão periapical múltipla

This paper presents non-surgical resolution of an extensive periapical lesion-like-cyst of endodontic origin associated with lower central incisors. Endodontic treatment was performed through full crowns, since patient had circular metal-ceramics bridges in lower jaw. This article is a case report of combined endodontic treatment of multiple periapical lesions at 29 years old male, followed by prosthodontic rehabilitation. Intraoral examination revealed a symptomatic, sore bony hard and soft tissue swelling, mainly confined in lower intercanine sector. Trepanation and apical patency obtained 2 ml of bloody serous exudates. After through biomechanical preparation, a calcium hydroxide/CPMC root canal dressing was applied and periodically renewed for 4 months. The exudates were almost eliminated at treatment onset and significant bone formation was observed at the periapical region in the following months. We can report unexpectedly good bone healing of a large periapical lesion-like- cyst in teeth 31 and 41, following non-surgical root canal treatment, as well as smaller lesions on teeth 34 and 43. After complete root canal treatment, patient was prosthetic rehabilitated additionally. Complete radiographic resolution of the periapical lesion was not observed six months after the root canal filling, but the lesion is obviously smaller. Thus, non-surgical treatment of this supposedly cystic, extensive periapical lesion provided favorable clinical and radiographic response.

Este trabalho apresenta uma resolução não cirúrgica de uma extensa lesão periapical como se fosse uma lesão cística, de origem endodôntica, relacionada com os incisivos centrais inferiores. O tratamento endodôntico foi executado através da coroa total em metalocerâmica.O paciente tinha uma ponte de metalocerâmica inferior. É um relato de caso que combina tratamento endodôntico de lesões múltiplas periapicais em um paciente masculino de 29 anos de idade, em sequência de uma reabilitação oral protética. O exame intraoral revelou uma lesão óssea e inflamação do tecido mole, confinada à região do intercanino inferior. Com trepanação e permeabilidade apical foram obtidos 2 ml de sangue e exudato seroso. Depois por meio de preparação biomecânica, o canal foi forrado com hidróxido de cálcio CPMC e foi aplicado CPMC periodicamente e renovado a cada 4 meses. O exudato foi quase todo eliminado no tratamento e uma neoformação óssea foi observada na região periapical nos meses seguintes. Foi observada boa reparação óssea de uma grande lesão de aparência cística nos dentes 31 e 41 e seguido de tratamento de canal radicular não cirúrgico, bem como em pequenas lesões nos dentes 34 e 43. Após completar o tratamento do canal radicular, o paciente teve, além disso, a reabilitação protética. A resolução radiográfica completa da lesão periapical não foi observada 6 meses após a restauração do canal radicular, mas a lesão tornou-se menor. Assim sendo, o tratamento não cirúrgico deste suposto cisto com extensa lesão periapical, proporcionou uma resposta clínica e radiográfica favorável.

Effect of three tropical fluoride solutions on fluoride level in plaque / Efeito de três soluções tópicas de fluor no nível de fluor do biofilme dentário

Objective: To examine process inside plaque after application of three topical fluoride solutions: 1% TiF4, 1% NaF and Aminfluorid solution. Efficiency of three of these was estimated through concentrations of fluoride ions. Methods: Fluoride ions concentrations were measured and demonstrated as potential of fluoride electrode. 60 adult volunteers, divided in three groups (20 volunteers for each group, one agent per one group) have participated in the research. Subjects refrained of oral hygiene for 48 hours before the experiment. Plaque samples were taken before the application of fluoride solutions, and again after 5, 30, 60 and 120 minutes following the treatment. Results: Fluoride concentrations in plaque were not significantly different for three tested solutions. Conclusion: There isn't clinically significant difference in efficacy of three used topical fluoride agents, despite their pH values differences. Only one statistically significant difference appeared after 60 minutes between sodium fluoride and titanium tetra fluoride, but it disappeared after 120 minutes.

Objetivo: Avaliar a ação no biofilme dental após a aplicação de três soluções de flúor tópico: 1% TIF4, NaF 1% e solução de Aminfluorid. A eficiência das três soluções foi estimada através da concentração de íons de flúor. Método: As concentrações de íons de flúor foram medidas com um eletrodo para flúor. 60 voluntários adultos, divididos em três grupos (20 voluntários para cada grupo, uma substância por um grupo) participaram da pesquisa. Os sujeitos permaneceram sem higiene oral por 48 horas antes do experimento. Amostras do biofilme dentário foram tomadas antes da aplicação das soluções de flúor, e novamente depois de 5, 30, 60 e 120 minutos após o tratamento. Resultados: A concentração de flúor no biofilme dental não foi estatisticamente diferente para as três soluções testadas. Conclusão: Não houve diferença clinicamente significativa na eficácia nas três soluções tópicas de flúor utilizadas, apesar das diferenças nos valores do pH. Apenas uma diferença estatisticamente significante foi observada após 60 minutos entre o fluoreto de sódio e o tetrafluoreto de titânio, mas ela desapareceu após 120 minutos.

Assessment of patient's satisfaction with the partial removable denture therapy / Avaliação da Satisfação do Paciente com o Uso de Prótese Parcial Removível

Objetivo: Avaliar a satisfação do paciente portador de prótese parcial removível com relação à retenção, estética, fala, mastigação e conforto da prótese. Avaliou-se ainda a influência de fatores, tais como o uso de prótese dentária anterior, idade, sexo, estado civil, escolaridade, presença de doença crônica e tabagismo.Método: O estudo foi feito na Clínica do Departamento de Prótese Removível da Faculdade de Medicina Dentária em Sarajevo. Foram analisados 75 pacientes portadores de prótese parcial removível, os quais responderam a um questionário contendo informações referentes ao uso de prótese, idade, sexo, estado civil, escolaridade, presença de doença crônica, tabagismo, os quais foram classificados com notas de 1 a 5.Resultados: A nota média mais alta foi dada para a fala com prótese removível superior (4,73), e a menor foi para a mastigação com ambas as próteses (3,97). Considerando a mastigação com próteses parciais, as mulheres estavam mais satisfeitas do que os homens.Conclusão: Os pacientes estão em sua maioria satisfeitos com suas próteses dentárias, as quais foram julgadas como satisfatórios pelo cirurgião-dentista. Existem diferenças entre os sexos com o nível de satisfação com as próteses com relação à mastigação

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess patient's satisfaction with retention, aesthetics, chewing, speech and comfort of wearing removable partial denture. Also, the aim of this study is to assess the influence of factors, such as previous wearing of denture, age, gender, marital status, level of education, presence of chronic disease and smoking habits on patient's satisfaction with therapy.Method: Study was done at Clinic and Department of Removable Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine in Sarajevo. In study were involved 75 patients who have removable partial denture. They filled out questionnaire with personal data about wearing of the denture, age, gender, marital status, level of education , presence of chronic disease, smoking habits and they graded some aspects of wearing denture with grade from 1 to 5.Results: The highest average grade is given for speech with upper removable denture(4.73), and the lowest was for chewing with both dentures (3.97). Considering the chewing with partial dentures, women were more satisfied then men.Conclusion: Patients are mostly satisfied with their dentures, which are judged as satisfactory by dentist. There is difference between patients of different gender in a level of satisfaction with their dentures in chewing

Comparative advantages and shortcomings of corticosteroids in comparison with xylocaine-based perineural blocks in treatment of Bell's palsy.

Introduction There are no established doctrines for treating Bells facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy), as there are still controversies in relation to the etiology of the disease. According to available sources 75% of all patients experience minor damage to the myelin sheath, thus usually recovering spontaneously and with no particular treatment. However, the rest of the patients may, without adequate treatment, experience a host of serious complications, starting from prolonged weakness of facial muscles, syncretism, hyperkinesias, contractions, even complete paralysis of facial muscles. All this may eventually lead to pronounced psychological problems. The initial therapy administered by maxillofacial surgeons is different from the one prescribed by neurologist, since maxillofacial surgeons recommend nerve blocks using 2% Xylocaine introduced in the stylomastoid area, accompanied by vitamin, anti-viral and non-corticosteroid anti-edema treatment.

Osteometry of mandibular joint surface.

Anatomically and functionally, temporomandibular joint (articulatio temporomandibularis) is specific, It consists of incongruent joint surface. The size of mandibular joint surface and its position in relation to facies articularis fossae mandibularis in different positions of mandibulae (central occlusion, central relation) are still subject to the interest of prosthetics. The aim of the research is measuring the lower joint surface by special 3D device that enables acribic precise measuring. Macerated human skulls, property of the Anatomy Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University Sarajevo, were used for the research that has been carried out. Results of measuring of articulating surface caput mandibulae along longer axis (mediolateral diameter) indicate that there are no differences in size of this surface between right and left joints. Results of measuring of articulating surface caput mandibulae along shorter axis (anteroposterior diameter) indicate differences in values of this diameter between right and left sides. Judging by statistical evaluation, differences are highly significant on the level of probability p<0.01. The research has shown differences in the size of this joint surface, on right and left sides, but only in antero-posterior direction. This original scientific work will help better of relationship of TMJ surfaces, what is necessary for treatment of TMD and occlusal imbalances.

Position of mandibular joint surface in cenrric relation.

The position of mandible in centric relation is the initial position in prosthodontic rehabilitation. This fact is especially significant today when, due to development of implantology, the use of osseointegrated prostheses is increasingly discussed. The aim of the study is to define if the peak of the articulating surface of mandible in centric relation position is directed towards the zenith of madibular fossa, or is in the retroposition. The research was conducted on macerated human sculls in anthropometric system, based on objective measuring techniques and methods. The results showed that if the zenith of mandibular fossa is determined according to the vertical line of the Frankfurt horizontal, the peak of the mandibular caput articulating surface is in retroposition. The relation of the lower joint surface to the mandibular fossa zenith is the same on both right and left side. The correlation coefficient demonstrates a high correlation between the sides, highly significant with probability level of p<0,01. If the peak of mandibular fossa is determined according to the vertical line of the Frankfurt horizontal, the peak of the articulating surface of mandibular caput is in retroposition in relation to the peak of the upper jaw surface. This original scientific work will help better understanding of x-ray analysis and understanding of relationship of TMJ surfaces, what is necessary for treatment of TMD and occlusal imbalances.