Effect of thickness and CAD-CAM material on fatigue resistance of endodontically treated molars restored with occlusal veneers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of the thickness and type of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) material on the fatigue resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) restored with occlusal veneers (OV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five (N = 75) ETT were restored with Herculite XRV in the endodontic access. Five experimental groups (n = 15) were tested. Four groups had two different thicknesses (0.6-0.7 mm or 1.4-1.6 mm) and two different CAD-CAM materials: zirconia-reinforced lithium-silicate (LS/Celtra Duo) and composite resin (RC/Cerasmart). The fifth group (control) did not have occlusal veneers. All the specimens were subjected to accelerated fatigue (5 Hz frequency) with an occlusal load increasing up to 1800 N and 131,000 cycles. The number of cycles was recorded when the machine stopped or at the completion of the test. Fatigue resistance was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier survival test (95% significance level, log-rank post hoc pairwise comparisons). The samples were categorized according to failure mode. The CAD-CAM materials were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). RESULTS: No differences were found between the thicknesses, regardless of the type of the CAD-CAM material. The thick LS OV outperformed the RC and control groups. The thin RC OV and control groups showed a higher percentage of repairable and possibly repairable failures than the other groups. LS was more homogeneous under SEM, and the EDS analysis detected Si and Zr, but not Li. CONCLUSIONS: A larger thickness did not improve the resistance of the CAD-CAM materials. Thick LS showed a higher cumulative survival rate to fatigue than the RC and control groups. The direct composite alone (control) survived similarly to the experimental groups, except for the thick LS.

Impact of New Complete Dentures on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A 12-Month Follow-up.

PURPOSE: To assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in edentulous subjects before and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of oral rehabilitation with conventional complete dentures (CDs) and to compare their OHRQoL to dentate subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 148 subjects were selected and divided into three groups: G1 = edentulous in maxillary arch (n = 68, mean age = 61.37 ± 8.91 years); G2 = completely edentulous (n = 50, mean age = 65.14 ± 8.91 years); and G3 = control group (dentate, n = 30, mean age = 60.03 ± 6.88 years). OHRQoL was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile-Edentulous (OHIP-EDENT) questionnaire at four different times: baseline (pretreatment) and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after oral rehabilitation with a new CD. The data showed nonparametric distribution and were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis test (± = .05). RESULTS: The impact of OHRQoL was higher for the edentulous groups compared to the control group at baseline (P < .05). Treatment significantly improved OHRQoL after 3 months of prosthesis use, and this effect was maintained during all 12 months of evaluation (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Oral rehabilitation with conventional CDs in one or both arches improved OHRQoL in edentulous patients after 3 months of prosthesis use, and its effect was maintained for up to 12 months.

Sensorial Ability, Mastication and Nutrition of Single-Implant Overdentures Wearers.

The use of two-implant overdentures improves mastication of edentulous elderly patients. However, little is known about the effects of single-implant overdentures (SIO) on oral perception and masticatory function in such elders. This study compared the effects of conventional complete dentures (CD) and SIO on the oral sensorimotor ability (OSA), masticatory function, and nutritional intake of elderly people with residual alveolar mandibular height classified as Class III or IV according to the American College of Prosthodontics. Twelve elders first received new conventional CD, which were later converted to SIO. All variables were evaluated after use of each prosthesis for 2 months. To evaluate OSA, elders closed their eyes and orally identified test pieces prepared from raw carrots. A kinesiographic device was used to measure chewing movements during mastication of a test material (Optocal). Masticatory performance (MP) was determined with the sieving method, and a 3-day food diary verified nutrient intake based on a standard Brazilian Food Composition Table. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and Student's paired t test (P < 0.05). OSA results did not differ according to prosthesis type. However, opening and closing velocities during chewing and MP increased after SIO insertion (P < 0.05). Although no difference was observed in the intake of most nutrients, sodium ingestion decreased after SIO insertion (P < 0.05). SIO use had no effect on OSA, but significantly improved mastication and sodium intake of elders with decreased residual ridges height (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials #RBR-3kgttj).

Removable prosthesis hygiene in elders with Parkinson's disease.

AIM: To evaluate changes in prosthesis hygiene in elders with Parkinson's disease (PD) in response to verbal instruction and positive reinforcement. METHODS AND RESULTS: Elders with removable prostheses were divided into PD (n = 17) and control (n = 20) groups. Biofilm on prostheses was measured at baseline, and verbal instructions on prosthesis hygiene were given. After 7, 14, and 30 days, biofilm presence was re-evaluated and the results were shown to participants, with repeated cleaning instruction. At baseline, participants with PD had more biofilm on maxillary prostheses than did controls (p = 0.009). At 30 days, biofilm presence on maxillary and mandibular prostheses did not differ between groups. Both groups showed reductions in biofilm accumulation on prostheses over time, but this effect took longer to appear on mandibular prostheses in the PD group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Verbal instruction and positive reinforcement can improve prosthesis hygiene in elders with and without PD.

Mandibular movements in older people with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the mandibular movements in older people with and without temporomandibular disorder (TMD) associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). STUDY DESIGN: Thirty partially or completely edentulous older adults (65.33 ± 4.7 years) were assigned to 2 groups: (1) with RA and TMD and (2) without RA and TMD. Chewing movements of the jaws during mastication of the test material (Optocal) and the range of mandibular movements were evaluated by using the JT-3-D kinesiographic device before and after new removable prosthesis insertion. Multiple comparisons were made with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey-Kramer test. RESULTS: Comparisons between the 2 groups before and after new prosthesis insertion revealed that the RA and TMD group had reduced opening angles (P < .05) during chewing. After insertion of new prostheses, both groups showed increased opening and closing angles during chewing (P < .05). The mandibular range of motion results showed that patients with RA and TMD exhibited lower aperture and laterality movements (P < .05) compared with controls before and after new prosthesis insertion. However, there was an increase in aperture, lefty laterality, and protrusion values after new prosthesis insertion in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: TMD associated with RA may impair mandibular movements. Well-fitted prostheses may improve mandibular movements in older adults, especially those with RA.

Parkinson's disease impairs masticatory function.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate masticatory function in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) during levodopa "on" period using new removable dental prosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 34 elderly individuals with PD (n = 17, mean age = 69.41 ± 4.65 years) or without PD (n = 17, mean age = 70.71 ± 4.65 years) were recruited for this study. Participants received new complete dentures and/or removable partial dentures. Two months after the subjects were free of any prostheses discomfort, masticatory function was assessed. A kinesiographic device was used to measure the range of jaw motion and jaw movements while chewing a silicone test material (Optocal). Masticatory performance was determined by median particle size (X50) of the Optocal after 40 masticatory cycles. Maximum bite force was assessed by a strain sensor placed in the bilateral first molars region. Data were analyzed by t test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The PD group showed a decreased range of jaw motion, longer duration and slower velocity of the masticatory cycle (P < 0.05), higher X50 value, and lower maximum bite force (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PD patients have impaired masticatory function during levodopa "on" periods compared to controls. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge that PD is associated with impaired masticatory function is important to dental professionals in decision making related to prosthetics and general dental treatment.

Correlation of cognitive and masticatory function in Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated chewing function in elderly individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and correlated chewing function with cognitive status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen elderly individuals with mild AD (mean age 76.7 ± 6.3 years; 8 men, 8 women) and 16 age and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age 75.23 ± 4.4 years; 8 men, 8 women) were included in this study. All volunteers wore removable prostheses: 11 were totally edentulous and five were partially edentulous in each group. Chewing function was evaluated via masticatory performance (MP) using Optocal chewable test material and a sieve fractionation method. Cognitive functioning was assessed by the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), administered by a trained examiner. Data were analyzed by non-paired t test and Pearson's correlation with α = 0.05. RESULTS: Compared to controls, mild AD patients had decreased MP (P < 0.01) and MMSE (P = 0.01). MP showed a moderate negative correlation with MMSE (r = -0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Mild AD was associated with impaired chewing function. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge that mild AD has an impact on chewing is important for dental professionals in decision-making related to prosthetics and general dental treatment.

Oral Health in Elders with Parkinson's Disease

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate objectively and subjectively the oral health of elders with Parkinson's disease (PD), using clinical oral assessments and the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Subjects included 37 removable prosthesis wearers, 17 with PD (mean age 69.59±5.09 years) and 20 without PD (mean age 72.00±5.69 years). The objective assessment included an evaluation of oral characteristics, including the number of remaining teeth, decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), visible plaque index (VPI), salivary flow rate and removable prosthesis conditions. The subjective assessment included self-perception of oral health collected using the GOHAI index. The number of remaining teeth, DMFT, VPI, salivary flow rate and GOHAI data were compared between the groups using t-tests. Removable prosthesis conditions were analyzed using χ2 tests (p<0.05). There were no group differences in the number of remaining teeth, DMFT, VPI or salivary flow rate (p>0.05). Greater maxillary prosthesis defects were observed in the control group (p=0.037). GOHAI scores were low for the PD group and moderate for controls, yielding a group difference (p=0.04). In conclusion, elders with PD have similar oral health to controls. Although all elders had few remaining teeth, high DMFT and high VPI, PD elders had more negative self-perceptions of their oral health than did the controls.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar objetiva e subjetivamente a saúde bucal em idosos com doença de Parkinson (DP), usando avaliações clínicas bucais e do General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Os participantes foram 37 indivíduos usuários de prótese removível, 17 com DP (idade média 69,59±5,09 anos) e 20 sem DP (idade média 72,00±5,69 anos). A avaliação objetiva incluiu avaliação de características bucais,incluindo número de dentes remanescentes; dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados (CPOD); índice de placa visível (IPV), a taxa de fluxo salivar e as condições das próteses removíveis. A avaliação subjetiva incluiu autopercepção da saúde bucal, coletada usando o índice GOHAI. O número de dentes remanescentes, CPOD, IPV, fluxo salivar e os dados GOHAI foram comparadas entre os grupos utilizando o teste t . As condições das próteses removíveis foram analisadas utilizando o teste χ2 (p<0,05). Não houve diferenças entre os grupos no número de dentes remanescentes, CPOD, IPV ou fluxo salivar (p>0,05). Maiores defeitos na prótese superior foi observada no grupo controle (p=0,037). As pontuações do GOHAI foram baixa para o grupo DP e moderada para os controles, com diferença entre os grupos (p=0,04). Como conclusão, os idosos com doença de Parkinson tem saúde bucal semelhante aos controles. Embora todos os idosos tenham poucos dentes remanescentes, alto CPOD e alto IPV, os idosos com DP apresentaram autopercepção mais negativa da sua saúde bucal em relação aos controles.

Oral Health in Elders with Parkinson's Disease.

This study aimed to evaluate objectively and subjectively the oral health of elders with Parkinson's disease (PD), using clinical oral assessments and the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Subjects included 37 removable prosthesis wearers, 17 with PD (mean age 69.59±5.09 years) and 20 without PD (mean age 72.00±5.69 years). The objective assessment included an evaluation of oral characteristics, including the number of remaining teeth, decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), visible plaque index (VPI), salivary flow rate and removable prosthesis conditions. The subjective assessment included self-perception of oral health collected using the GOHAI index. The number of remaining teeth, DMFT, VPI, salivary flow rate and GOHAI data were compared between the groups using t-tests. Removable prosthesis conditions were analyzed using χ2 tests (p<0.05). There were no group differences in the number of remaining teeth, DMFT, VPI or salivary flow rate (p>0.05). Greater maxillary prosthesis defects were observed in the control group (p=0.037). GOHAI scores were low for the PD group and moderate for controls, yielding a group difference (p=0.04). In conclusion, elders with PD have similar oral health to controls. Although all elders had few remaining teeth, high DMFT and high VPI, PD elders had more negative self-perceptions of their oral health than did the controls.

Oral health-related quality of life in mild Alzheimer: patient versus caregiver perceptions.

PURPOSE: To compare perceptions on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) between Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and their caregivers by using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Correlation between GOHAI and prostheses quality was also performed. METHODS: GOHAI was applied to 16 AD elders and their caregivers. GOHAI index was compared to objective measures of AD patients' prostheses quality, rated by a researcher. Data were submitted to Wilcoxon signed rank and McNemar tests (α = 5%). Kappa correlations verified the concordance for GOHAI scores between AD patients and caregivers. Spearman's correlation was used to explore concordance between GOHAI scores and prostheses quality indices. RESULTS: Total GOHAI scores from AD patients and caregivers were similar (P = 0.262). Overall Kappa was good (0.62). There were no correlations between GOHAI scores and prostheses quality. CONCLUSION: AD patients assess and self-report their OHRQoL similarly to their main caregiver.

Implant-Supported Removable Partial Denture Improves the Quality of Life of Patients with Extreme Tooth Loss.

This study aimed to evaluate oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in partially dentate subjects, presenting extreme tooth loss in posterior region with missing post-canines, comparing the use of conventional removable partial dentures (RPDs) and implant-supported RPDs. OHRQoL was measured using the Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile. Twelve subjects presenting maxillary total and mandibular Kennedy Class I edentulism (mean age 62.6±7.8 years) first received complete maxillary dentures and conventional mandibular free-end RPDs. After two months, the subjects had their OHRQoL assessed. Osseointegrated implants were inserted bilaterally in the mandibular first molar regions, and after four months ball abutments were placed to support the free-end RPD. Two months later, the patients had their OHRQoL reassessed. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate differences in OHRQoL (α=0.05). Results showed improvement in all OHIP-49 domains (p<0.05) after associating implants to the RPD. The mandibular implant-supported free-end RPD significantly improved OHRQoL.

Conventional Complete Denture in Patients with Ectodermal Dysplasia.

Ectodermal dysplasia is described as heritable conditions that involve anomalies of structures derived from the ectoderm, including hypodontia. In the cases of edentulous young patients, who did not finish their craniofacial growth, treatment with conventional complete denture is a suitable alternative. The aim of this study was to report a case of mandibular edentulism treated with conventional complete denture in a thirteen-year-old patient diagnosed with hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Typical features, such as frontal bossing, depressed nasal bridge, protuberant lips, scarce hair, and brittle nails, were visualized during the extraoral examination. The intraoral inspection and radiographic analysis revealed oligodontia, dental malformation, and prolonged retention of deciduous teeth at maxilla and total edentulism at mandible. A conventional complete denture was planned and constructed following the same steps of technique as recommended in adults. Although this option is not a definitive treatment, the patient and his parents were satisfied with his improvement in chewing and speech, as well as with the aesthetic benefits.

Implant-Supported Removable Partial Denture Improves the Quality of Life of Patients with Extreme Tooth Loss

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in partially dentate subjects, presenting extreme tooth loss in posterior region with missing post-canines, comparing the use of conventional removable partial dentures (RPDs) and implant-supported RPDs. OHRQoL was measured using the Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile. Twelve subjects presenting maxillary total and mandibular Kennedy Class I edentulism (mean age 62.6±7.8 years) first received complete maxillary dentures and conventional mandibular free-end RPDs. After two months, the subjects had their OHRQoL assessed. Osseointegrated implants were inserted bilaterally in the mandibular first molar regions, and after four months ball abutments were placed to support the free-end RPD. Two months later, the patients had their OHRQoL reassessed. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate differences in OHRQoL (α=0.05). Results showed improvement in all OHIP-49 domains (p<0.05) after associating implants to the RPD. The mandibular implant-supported free-end RPD significantly improved OHRQoL.

Resumo: Este estudo avaliou a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (QVRSB) em indivíduos parcialmente dentados, apresentando perda extrema de dentes na região posterior com ausência de dentes pós-caninos, comparando a reabilitação por meio de próteses parciais removíveis convencionais (PPRs) e PPRs implanto-suportadas. A QVRSB foi mensurada utilizando a versão brasileira do Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49). Doze indivíduos apresentando edentulismo total maxilar e Classe I de Kennedy mandibular (idade média 62,6±7,8 anos) receberam primeiramente próteses totais maxilares e PPRs mandibulares convencionais de extremidade livre. Após dois meses de uso destas próteses, a QVRSB dos voluntários foi avaliada. Implantes osseointegrados foram bilateralmente instalados na região de primeiros molares inferiores e, após quatro meses, pilares do tipo bola foram instalados para suportar a extremidade livre da PPR. Após dois meses a QVRSB dos voluntários foi reavaliada. O teste pareado de Wilcoxon foi utilizado para avaliar as diferenças de QVRSB (α=0,05). Os resultados mostraram melhora em todos os domínios do OHIP-49 (p<0,05) após a associação dos implantes à PPR. PPRs de extremidade livre mandibulares implanto-suportadas melhorou significativamente a QVRSB.

Effects of implant-based prostheses on mastication, nutritional intake, and oral health-related quality of life in partially edentulous patients: a paired clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of different implant-based prostheses on swallowing threshold, dietary intake, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective paired controlled clinical trial followed partially edentulous subjects, who sequentially used implant-supported removable partial dentures and implant-supported fixed partial dentures (IFPDs). Swallowing threshold was assessed by counting the masticatory cycles and median particle size (X50) calculation. Nutritional intake was verified by a 3-day food record. OHRQoL was measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49). Data were evaluated with repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Twelve subjects (mean age 62.6 ± 7.8 years; range, 55 to 87) took part in the study. IFPD treatment significantly reduced X50 values and the number of chewing cycles. Higher intake of fiber, calcium, and iron and lower consumption of cholesterol-rich food were observed after IFPD use. OHIP summary score and OHIP physical pain domain were lower with the IFPD. CONCLUSION: IFPD use leads to more efficient mastication and improves dietary intake and OHRQoL. This information will guide dentists to better clinical management of partially edentulous patients.

Implant retention and support for distal extension partial removable dental prostheses: satisfaction outcomes.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The rotational movements of the distal extension denture base of partial removable dental prostheses frequently harm the prosthesis stability, leading to discomfort during function. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the use of distal implants to retain and support partial removable dental prostheses and assessed the outcomes with respect to specific aspects of patient satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve participants (mean age, 62.6 ± 7.8 years) received new conventional mandibular partial removable dental prostheses and complete maxillary dentures. After 2 months of conventional prosthesis use, the participants completed a questionnaire assessing their satisfaction. Implants were then inserted bilaterally in the mandibular posterior region and, after 4 months, ball attachments were placed on the implants and on the partial removable dental prosthesis acrylic resin base. The implants and remaining teeth were followed up with clinical and image examinations. After 2 months, satisfaction was reevaluated, and the data were analyzed by the paired Student t test and the Bonferroni correction (α=.05). RESULTS: Clinical evaluation found stable periodontal conditions around the implants, no intrusions or mobility of teeth, and no radiographic changes in bone level. Participants reported significant improvements (P<.05) in retention, comfort, masticatory capacity, and speaking ability after implant placement. CONCLUSIONS: Implant-retained and -supported removable prostheses improve retention and stability, minimize rotational movements, and significantly increase participant satisfaction.

Implant retainers for free-end removable partial dentures affect mastication and nutrient intake.

OBJECTIVES: This study measured swallowing threshold parameters and nutrient intake in partially dentate subjects rehabilitated by conventional free-end removable partial dentures (RPD) and by RPD over posterior implant retainers and ball attachments (BA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight subjects (two men and six women; mean age 60.1 ± 6.6 years old) received conventional total maxillary dentures and free-end RPD in the mandible. Two months after denture insertion, swallowing threshold and nutrient intake assessments occurred, which included an evaluation of the number of masticatory cycles and medium particle size (X50) of a silicone test material (Optocal). A 3-day food diary verified nutrient intake based on a standard Brazilian Food Composition Table. Then, osseointegrated implants were placed bilaterally in the mandibular first molar region, followed by BA, which was fitted in the RPD bases after healing. After 2 months of the RPD over implants and BA use, variables were again assessed. Wilcoxon signed rank tests evaluated the data (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Masticatory cycles did not differ (P > 0.05); however, subjects showed decreased X50 values at the swallowing moment (P = 0.008) and increased daily energy (P = 0.008), carbohydrate (P = 0.016), protein (P = 0.023), calcium (P = 0.008), fiber (P = 0.016), and iron (P = 0.016) intake with RPD implants and BA inserts. No differences were found in fat consumption (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Implants and BA retainers over a free-end RPD resulted in smaller swallowed median particle size and improved nutrient intake.