The potential etiologic factors influencing tinnitus intensity in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential relationships between the intensity of tinnitus associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and potential etiologic factors, including age, gender, freeway space, sleep bruxism (SB), joint clicking, and headache. METHODS: The sample was comprised of 90 patients without any hearing loss, as confirmed by otorhinolaryngology, who self-reported subjective tinnitus and simultaneous TMD, based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD). RESULTS: The results showed a positive, weak correlation between the intensity of tinnitus and age (r = 0.225, p = 0.033). The presence of SB and headache were seen in higher proportions in the present sample, at 75.5% (n = 68) and 66.6% (n = 60), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a population of patients with subjective tinnitus and TMD, no significant associations were found between tinnitus intensity and age, freeway space, SB, clicking presence, and headache, though gender did show a weak correlation with tinnitus intensity.

Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Subjective Tinnitus Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders.

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND: Tinnitus is an apparent sound, perceived in the ear with no stimulus. It has been described as a sound originating from the brain. It affects 17% of the general population. Etiological factors for tinnitus include temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ, TMD) and Costen's syndrome. The aim of treatment is to eliminate the tinnitus or at least decrease its apparent volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 46 patients referred to our department with bilateral subjective tinnitus with TMDs were selected for this study. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with an neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) (1064 nm) laser, LLLT with a diode laser (810 nm), and placebo treatment were applied to the patients. There were 15 patients each in the Nd:YAG and placebo groups and 16 patients in the 810 nm diode laser group. LLLT was applied for 10 days, once per day. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used, with values between 0 and 10. VAS scores were recorded before treatment, on the last day of treatment, and 1 month after treatment. The VAS scores were the same on the last day of treatment and 1 month after treatment. The VAS scores before treatment and at 1 month after treatment were compared in a statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the Nd:YAG laser (p = 0.001) and 810 nm diode laser groups (p = 0.005), but no difference in the placebo group (p = 0.065). CONCLUSIONS: Both the Nd:YAG and 810 nm diode lasers were effective for the treatment of subjective tinnitus related to TMDs.

Effects of Different Surface Treatment Methods and MDP Monomer on Resin Cementation of Zirconia Ceramics an In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Resin cements are generally preferred for cementation of zirconia ceramics. Resin bonding of zirconia ceramics cannot be done with the same methods of traditional ceramics because zirconia is a silica-free material. In recent years, many methods have been reported in the literature to provide the resin bonding of zirconia ceramics. The purpose of this in vitro study is to evaluate effects of different surface treatments and 10-metacryloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) monomer on shear bond strength between zirconia and resin cement. METHODS: 120 zirconia specimens were treated as follows: Group I: sandblasting, group II: sandblasting + tribochemical silica coating + silane, group III: sandblasting + Nd:YAG (neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser. One specimen from each group was evaluated under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Specimens in each group were bonded either with conventional resin cement Variolink II or with a MDP containing resin cement Panavia F2.0. Subgroups of bonded specimens were stored in distilled water (37°C) for 24 hours or 14 days. Following water storage shear bond strength test was performed at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min in a universal test machine. Then statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Highest shear bond strength values were observed in group II. No significant difference between group I and III was found when Panavia F2.0 resin cement was used. When Variolink II resin cement was used group III showed significantly higher bond strength than group I. In group I, Panavia F2.0 resin cement showed statistically higher shear bond strength than Variolink II resin cement. In group II no significant difference was found between resin cements. No significant difference was found between specimens stored in 37°C distilled water for 24 hours and 14 days. In group I surface irregularities with sharp edges and grooves were observed. In group II less roughened surface was observed with silica particles. In group III surface microcracks connecting each other were observed. CONCLUSION: Tribochemical silica coating is an effective method for achieving an acceptable bond between zirconia and resin cement. Use of a MDP monomer containing resin cement increases the bond strength of sandblasted zirconia.

Cytotoxicity of composite resins before and after expiration date. Preliminary report.

The aim of this study was to compare the cytotoxic effects of expired and non-expired resin-based composite materials at two, five and seven days on L929 cells. Disc-shaped test samples of expired and non-expired composite materials were prepared according to manufacturers' instructions. The samples were transferred into a culture medium for 24 hours. Eluates were obtained and pipetted onto L-929 mouse fibroblast cultures and incubated for evaluation after two, five and seven days. After each of the incubation periods, measurements were performed by MTT assay. The degree of cytotoxicity of each sample was determined according to the reference value represented by the cells with a control. Statistical significance was determined by two-way analysis of variance, followed by Duncan's test. Among all composite materials, expired composites presented lower cell viability than the non-expired composites over the three-day time period; the difference in survival rates between the expired and non-expired groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Non-expired Quadrant Universal LC demonstrated high survival rates, followed by Filtek Z250 and Alpha-dent at two and five days. It can be concluded that expiration dates have a significant effect on the cytotoxicity of the composite materials.

Evaluation of biocompatibility of Targis Dentin and Artglass by using subcutaneous implantation test.

INTRODUCTION: Biocompatibility of a crown-bridge material is as important as its physical and mechanical properties. It is also one of the most important factors for the long-lasting clinical success of that restoration. It directly contacts the vital prepared tooth and that is the reason it has to be nontoxic to the local tissues, such as the pulp, gingiva, or the rest of the body. Materials with different physical properties are used in the conventional fixed prosthodontic restorations. Recently, metal-free systems that are reinforced with fibers have been improved for crown and bridge restorations. These new composite systems have the advantages of both ceramic and polymer chemistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this research, biocompatibility of two ceramic-polymer-based prosthetic materials (Targis Dentin® and Artglass Dentin® ) was studied using a subcutaneous implantation test on rats. Initially (15 th day) mild inflammatory reactions were observed in tissues, which directly contacted the Artglass, Targis, and control tubes. These probably originated from the surgical traumas. After the 90th day of implantation, these reactions resolved and healthy, well-organized fibrous connective capsules were seen around the implants. RESULTS: Initially (15 th day) mild inflammatory reactions were observed in tissues, which directly contacted the Artglass, Targis, and control tubes. These probably originated from the surgical traumas. After the 90 th day of implantation, these reactions resolved and healthy, well-organized fibrous connective capsules were seen around the implants. CONCLUSION: At the end of the study, according to the FDI and ISO-7405 standards, Targis and Artglass indicated biocompatibility with the subcutaneous connective tissue of the rat.