Effect of high-frequency bio-oxidative ozone therapy for masticatory muscle pain: a double-blind randomised clinical trial.

To evaluate the effect of bio-oxidative ozone application at the points of greatest pain in patients with chronic masticatory muscle pain. A total number of 40 (40 women, with a mean age of 31·7) were selected after the diagnosis of myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorder (RDC/TMD). The patients were randomly divided into two groups: patients received the ozone therapy at the point of greatest pain, ozone group (OG; n = 20); patients received the sham ozone therapy at the point of greatest pain, placebo group (PG; n = 20). Ozone and placebo were applied three times per week, for a total of six sessions. Mandibular movements were examined, masticator muscles tenderness were assessed and pressure pain threshold (PPT) values were obtained. Subjective pain levels were evaluated using visual analogue sale (VAS). These assessments were performed at baseline, 1 month and 3 months. Ozono therapy decreased pain intensity and increased PPT values significantly from baseline to 1 month and 3 months in OG compared with PG. PPTs of the temporal (OG = 24·85 ± 6·65, PG = 20·65 ± 5·43, P = 0.035) and masseter (OG = 19·03 ± 6·42, PG = 14·23 ± 2·95, P = 0.007) muscles at 3 months of control (T2) were significantly higher in the OG group. PPT value of the lateral pole was also significantly higher at T2 in the OG group (OG = 21·25 ± 8·43, PG = 15·35 ± 4·18, P = 0.012). Mandibular movements did not show significant differences between treatment groups except right lateral excursion values at T2 (OG = 8·90 ± 1·77, PG = 6·85 ± 2·41, P = 0.003); however, OG demonstrated significantly better results over time. Overall improvements in VAS scores from baseline to 3 months were OG 67·7%; PG 48·4%. Although ozone therapy can be accepted as an alternative treatment modality in the management of masticatory muscle pain, sham ozone therapy (placebo) showed significant improvements in the tested parameters.

Clinical evaluation of small diameter straumann implants in partially edentulous patients: a 5-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate small-diameter (3.3 mm) Straumann® dental implants placed in the maxilla or the mandible over a period of 5 years in function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight partially edentulous patients received a total of 48 implants over a 5-year period. After the standard healing period (3 to 6 months), the implants were restored with single-tooth prostheses or fixed partial dentures. All patients were followed according to a strict maintenance program with regular recalls. The cumulative survival rates of implants were analyzed and prosthetic complications were assessed. RESULTS: After 5 years of function, one single 10-mm-long implant in the maxillary premolar region was lost because of recurrent peri-implant infection in a female patient. Two single 10-mm-long maxillary implants placed in the posterior region were lost due to body fracture. The cumulative 5-year survival rate of the implants was 93.75 %. The most common prosthetic complication was loosening of the occlusal screw. CONCLUSION: Within the limited observation period and the number of patients included in this study, it may be concluded that the use of small-diameter implants appears to be predictable if clinical guidelines are followed and appropriate prosthetic restorations are provided. However, it should be noted that fatigue fracture may occur.

Prevalence of symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders in a Turkish population.

Despite numerous studies having been published, the epidemiology of temporomandibular disorders remains uncertain and controversial. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of symptoms commonly associated with such disorders among a sample of adults in Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 1253 individuals aged 18 years were identified by using a random-digit dialing technique. They were asked standard questions about joint and jaw muscle pain, jaw opening, and joint sounds. Additional questions on tooth grinding and clenching, sleep patterns, and treatment-seeking behaviour were posed. Jaw pain was reported by 31% of the population. Women were more likely, than men, to respond positively to the questions concerning jaw pain. No gender- and age-related differences in prevalence of difficulty opening, clicking, tooth grinding/clenching and being poorly rested were found.

Use of biofunctional prosthetic system following partial maxillary resection: a clinical report.

This clinical report describes the prosthodontic rehabilitation of an edentulous patient with a maxillary defect using the biofunctional prosthetic system. The Biofunctional Prosthetic System brand denture includes a comprehensive technique for impressions, record taking, tooth placement, fabrication and processing. The advantage of this technique is to provide patients with optimal form, function, and aesthetics in complete dentures. This system is based on a team effort and systematic approach to removable prosthetic treatment.

Improved edge strength in a facial prosthesis by incorporation of tulle: a clinical report.

This clinical report describes the use of tulle for increasing the tear resistance of a facial prosthesis. By incorporating tulle, a prosthesis' margins may be more stable, more resistant to tearing, and less likely to deform while adhesive, cosmetics, and cleaning agents are applied and removed.

The relation of bruxism and dermatoglyphics.

With the aim to examine the dermatoglyphic patterns of finger and palm, 38 bruxism patients, 18 being female were studied. Fingerprint patterns in bruxism has previously been discussed in a few papers, but this is the first paper about dermatoglyphic patterns of palm in bruxism. The aim of this study of finger and palm prints in patients with bruxism were to discuss the importance of dermatoglyphic patterns in the diagnosis and etiology of the disease. Bruxism patients demonstrated an increase in frequency of whorls and a decrease in frequency of ulnar loops than the controls. Patients with bruxism demonstrated a lower frequency of atd angle than controls. Augmentation of I loops and t triradii and diminution of IV, H and t" triradii were observed in bruxism patients. Furthermore, the main line A ended more frequently in sector 5' in bruxism patients when compared with controls. There is no significant difference between the total finger ridge counts (TRC) and a-b ridge counts the subjects with bruxism and that of the controls. The dermatoglyphic patterns of finger and palm was significantly different in children with bruxism. When combined with other clinical features in bruxism, dermatoglyphics can serve to strengthen a diagnostic impression.