Clinical Characteristics of Abutment Teeth with Gingival Discoloration.

PURPOSE: The grey-bluish discoloration of gingiva (known as "amalgam tattoo") does not appear only in the presence of amalgam restorations. It may also be seen in cases of teeth restored with cast dowels and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations. The aim of this article was to determine the clinical characteristics of abutment teeth with gingival discoloration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was conducted on 25 patients referred for cast dowel and PFM restorations. These restorations were manufactured from Ni-Cr alloys. Ninety days after cementing the fixed prosthodontic restorations, the abutment teeth (n = 61) were divided into a group with gingival discoloration (GD) (n = 25) and without gingival discoloration (NGD) (n = 36). The control group (CG) comprised the contralateral teeth (n = 61). Plaque index, gingival index, clinical attachment level, and probing depth were assessed before fabrication and also 90 days after cementation of the PFM restorations. RESULTS: The gingival index, clinical attachment level, and probing depths of the abutment teeth that had GD were statistically higher before restoration, in comparison with the abutment teeth in the NGD and control groups. Ninety days after cementation, the abutment teeth with GD had significantly lower gingival indexes and probing depths, compared to the abutment teeth in the NGD group. Both abutment teeth groups (GD and NGD) had significantly higher values of clinical attachment levels when compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in plaque index values between the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that impairment of periodontal status of abutment teeth seemed to be related to the presence of gingival discolorations. Therefore, fabrication of fixed prosthodontic restorations requires careful planning and abutment teeth preparation to minimize the occurrence of gingival discolorations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With careful preparation of abutment teeth for cast dowels and crown restorations it may be possible to decrease the frequency of gingival discolorations adjacent to abutment teeth.

Influence of the magnetic field on microorganisms in the oral cavity.

UNLABELLED: Since the beginning of their lives, all living organisms are exposed to the influence of geomagnetic fields. OBJECTIVES: With respect to the positive effects that magnetic fields have on human tissues, especially the bactericidal effect, this investigation aimed to assess their influence on the reduction of oral microorganisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In order to obtain adequate specimens of dental plaque deposit, microbes such as Streptococcus parasanguinis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Rhodococcus equi and Candida albicans were isolated from the human mouth. To establish the intensity of microbial growth on the basis of the modified optical density (OD) of agar turbidimetry assay, microbial count and spectrophotometry were applied. The study was carried out with two microbial concentrations (1 and 10 CFU/ml) after periods of incubation of 24 and 48 h and using micromagnets. RESULTS: A positive effect of the magnetic field, resulting in the reduction of dental plaque microbes in vitro, was found. In the first 24 hours of exposure to the magnetic field, the number of all isolated microbes was significantly reduced. The most potent influence of magnets and the most intensified reduction after 24 hours were evident in Candida albicans colonies. The decrease in the influence of magnets on microbes in vitro was also detected. CONCLUSIONS: Magnets reduce the number of microbes and might be recommended as a supplement in therapy for reduced periodontal tissues. This is important because periodontal tissues that are in good conditions provide prolonged support to the oral tissues under partial and supradental denture.

Influence of the magnetic field on microorganisms in the oral cavity

Since the beginning of their lives, all living organisms are exposed to the influence of geomagnetic fields. Objectives : With respect to the positive effects that magnetic fields have on human tissues, especially the bactericidal effect, this investigation aimed to assess their influence on the reduction of oral microorganisms. Material and Methods : In order to obtain adequate specimens of dental plaque deposit, microbes such as Streptococcus parasanguinis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Rhodococcus equi and Candida albicans were isolated from the human mouth. To establish the intensity of microbial growth on the basis of the modified optical density (OD) of agar turbidimetry assay, microbial count and spectrophotometry were applied. The study was carried out with two microbial concentrations (1 and 10 CFU/ml) after periods of incubation of 24 and 48 h and using micromagnets. Results : A positive effect of the magnetic field, resulting in the reduction of dental plaque microbes in vitro, was found. In the first 24 hours of exposure to the magnetic field, the number of all isolated microbes was significantly reduced. The most potent influence of magnets and the most intensified reduction after 24 hours were evident in Candida albicans colonies. The decrease in the influence of magnets on microbes in vitro was also detected. Conclusions : Magnets reduce the number of microbes and might be recommended as a supplement in therapy for reduced periodontal tissues. This is important because periodontal tissues that are in good conditions provide prolonged support to the oral tissues under partial and supradental denture. .

Volumetric analysis of amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex in therapy-naive PTSD participants.

OBJECTIVE: In our study we have hypothesized that volume changes of amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are more pronounced in male posttraumatic stress disorder participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have conducted a study of 79 male participants who underwent MRI brain scanning. PTSD diagnosis was confirmed in 49 participants. After MRI was taken all scans were software based volume computed and statistically processed. RESULTS: We found that left amygdala is the most significant parameter for distinction between PTSD participants and participants without PTSD. There were no significant differences in volumes of hippocampi and prefrontal cortices. Roc curve method outlined left amygdala AUC = 0.898 (95% CI = 0.830-0.967) and right amygdala AUC = 0.882 (95% CI = 0.810-0.954) in the group of PTSD participants which makes both variables highly statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The present investigation revealed significant volume decrease of left amygdala in PTSD patients. Concerning important functions of the amygdala and her neuroanatomical connections with other brain structures, we need to increase number of participants to clarify the correlation between impared amygdala and possible other different brain structures in participants with PTSD.

A preliminary study on local administration of dexamethasone after tooth extraction--Better preservation of residual alveolar ridge?

BACKGROUND/AIM: It is important that the height of the edentulous alveolar ridge after tooth extraction remains at a reasonable acceptable level for as long as possible. The aim of this study was to report preliminary results of the clinical effect of local oral submucous administration of dexamethasone after tooth extractions in order to prepare alveolar supporting tissues for acceptance of removable dentures. METHODS: In a total of 15 patients (11 partially and 4 completely edentulous) the quantity of 0.25 mL to 0.5 mL of dexamethasone was injected bucally and orally in the region of the tooth socket after complicated extractions. RESULTS: Healing of extraction wounds was uneventful in all the patients, without pain or local inflammation. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone can be locally applied to oral tissues to prevent post-extraction inflammation and extensive resorption of the residual alveolar ridge. The obtained results are promising for patients undergoing classic prosthodontic rehabilitation soon after tooth extraction, demonstrating that there are no adverse effects after local oral corticosteroids administration.

Effects of calcitonin and calcium medication in treatment of edentulous osteoporotic mandible.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In addition to damage of the bones that support the remaining teeth, degradation of osteoporotic oral bones also lead to a consequent reduction of supporting tissues and the loss of dentures retention. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes following injection of a calcitonin and calcium solution into the buccal aspects of edentulous mandibles. METHODS: The experimental group of 67 edentulous patients diagnosed with osteoporosis, and the control group of 19 nonosteoporotic edentulous patients were treated with the calcitonin and calcium once solution per month. Mandibular bone density was measured from panoramic radiographs, supplemented by T scores of skeletal density in the experimental group. RESULTS: After the therapy, measurements showed moderate increases in bone density, compensating for up to 4% of the total loss of minerals and solidity of denture-bearing areas of osteoporotic mandibles. Osteoporosis affected women earlier than men in this study. CONCLUSION: Application of a calcitonin and calcium solution is a suitable method of preprosthetic therapy for edentulous osteoporotic patients.

Influence of balanced occlusion in complete dentures on the decrease in the reduction of an edentulous ridge.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Balanced occlusal arrangement of artificial teeth and balanced occlusion is a specific type of occlusion that preserves the stability of complete dentures. Balanced occlusion comprises realization of tooth contacts at the working side as well as at the balancing side, at the same time. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of balanced occlusal arrangement of artificial teeth on the decrease in reduction of edentulous alveolar ridge. METHODS: A longitudinal study on 91 fully edentulous patients was conducted using their panoramic radiographs and parameters of vertical dimension of edentulous ridges. All the patients were clinically examined by the same and a qualified dental practitioner. Numerical values of parameters of vertical dimensions of edentulous ridges and lines were statistically processed and compared using the Student's t-test. RESULTS: Vertical dimensions and heights of edentulous ridges were different after comparison of parameters in complete denture wearers with balanced occlusion and complete denture wearers without bilaterally balanced occlusion, as well as between male and female edentulous patients. Statistically significant differences of heights were established in complete denture wearers' with a set of artificial teeth without balanced occlusion, at the baseline and 12 months after wearing of complete dentures. CONCLUSION: Balanced occlusion is a favored occlusal design in setting of artificial teeth in conventional complete dentures, which preserves edentulous ridge and influence the stability of dentures.

Radiographic changes in alveolar bone height on overdenture abutments: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: Stabilisation of partial dentures is an important part of prosthodontic treatment, particularly in patients with an excessive reduction in alveolar bone supporting their abutment teeth. In these cases, overdenture prostheses are one possible treatment choice. BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of overdentures on the condition of alveolar bone of the remaining teeth, and to evaluate the overdenture concept in the prosthetic treatment of partially edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigation was conducted on 22 patients during observation periods of 6 and 10 years. After preparation, all abutment teeth were provided with either amalgam restorations or gold copings. An overdenture in the lower jaw was fabricated for every patient. A special film holder was used to repeat the X-ray procedure in every patient in the same manner. The radiographs were evaluated using the grid scale. The alveolar bone level of all remaining teeth was evaluated on dental films by measuring the distance between the root apex and coronal border of the alveolar bone. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) was calculated 6 years after delivery stage between distal alveolar bone levels of experimental abutments under overdentures and the remaining teeth of the control group. Alveolar bone of abutment teeth was considerably preserved, particularly in seven patients observed 10 years after provision of their dentures. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, the validity of the overdenture treatment in partially edentulous patients is concluded. Good oral hygiene was crucial for the success of treatment with overdentures.