Three-dimensional morphometric study on the retromolar pad.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to classify the shapes of retromolar pads and assess their morphometric differences using a 3D model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred fully edentulous or Kennedy Class I partially edentulous patients (400 retromolar pads) were enrolled. Scan data of the definitive mandibular casts produced through functional impressions were obtained using a 3D laser scanner. Seven parameters (transverse diameter, longitudinal diameter, transverse-contour length, longitudinal-contour length, longitudinal/transverse diameter ratio, longitudinal/transverse-contour length ratio, and angle of the retromolar pad line to the residual alveolar ridge line) were measured using image analysis software. Subsequently, the pads were classified according to the shape. Statistical analyses were performed using 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Classifying the retromolar pads into three shapes led to high intra-examiner reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.933). The pear shape was the most common (56.5%), followed by oval/round (27.7%) and triangular (15.8%) shapes. There were no significant differences between the left and right sides according to the shape and no significant differences in any parameter according to age. The transverse diameter and longitudinal/transverse diameter ratio differed between sexes (P < .05). The triangular shape had a significantly different transverse diameter, transverse-contour length, longitudinal/transverse diameter ratio, and longitudinal/transverse-contour length ratio compared with the pear and oval/round shapes (P < .05). CONCLUSION: From a clinical reliability standpoint, classifying retromolar pads into three shapes (oval/round, pear-shaped, and triangular) is effective. The differences in the sizes among the shapes were attributed to the transverse measurement values.

Correlation between microhardness and wear resistance of dental alloys against monolithic zirconia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the hardness according to the conditions of metal alloys. Moreover, the correlation between the cast crown hardness before and after wear testing and the degree of wear for each dental alloy was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cast crowns of three metal alloys (Co-Cr, gold, and Ni-Cr alloys) opposing smooth-surface monolithic zirconia were used. The Vickers microhardness of the ingot (which did not undergo wear testing) and the cast crown before and after wear testing were measured for each alloy. Two-way ANOVA and Scheffé tests were used to compare the measured hardness values. Moreover, the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between the surface hardness and the wear of the cast crown (α=.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the hardness before and after wear testing for the gold alloy (P>.05); however, the hardness of the worn surface of the cast crown increased compared to that of the cast crown before the wear tests of Ni-Cr and Co-Cr alloys (P<.05). Furthermore, there was no correlation between the wear and hardness of the cast crown before and after wear testing for all three metal alloys (P>.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in hardness between dental alloys under the same conditions. No correlation existed between the surface hardness of the cast crown before and after wear testing and the wear of the cast crown.

A comparative study of the wear of dental alloys against monolithic zirconia.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Materials used for dental restorations should cause wear similar to that of natural teeth. Studies on the wear of dental alloys against monolithic zirconia are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the wear of Co-Cr, gold, and Ni-Cr alloys against monolithic zirconia of different surface roughness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cylindrical monolithic zirconia specimens were prepared by a sintering process. Sintered zirconia was then polished to prepare 30 zirconia substrate specimens with a smooth surface (Ra<0.1 µm) and 30 with a rough surface (3.5 µm

Soft palate cephalometric changes with a mandibular advancement device may be associated with polysomnographic improvement in obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: It is unclear whether soft palate-associated changes in cephalometry associated with a mandibular advancement device (MAD) are independently associated with improvements in polysomnography (PSG) respiratory parameters in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: This retrospective review aimed to identify the association between soft palate-associated changes in cephalometry and PSG changes after application of an MAD. Korean patients diagnosed with OSA who underwent cephalometry with or without an MAD were enrolled. All the patients were evaluated after undergoing full-night PSG twice: once with an MAD and once without. Cephalometric findings were measured using an image analyzer. RESULTS: Mean apnea-hypopnea index significantly decreased with an MAD from 36.4/h to 14.7/h (p < 0.001). Retropalatal airway space significantly increased with an MAD from 6.6 to 7.3 mm (p = 0.013). Soft palate length also significantly decreased with an MAD from 43.6 to 42.3 mm (p = 0.02). Although these findings were shown by responders (patients with a reduction of apnea-hypopnea index by more than 50%), there were no significant changes in non-responders. However, retroglossal airway space did not significantly increase with an MAD even in responders. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of OSA with an MAD can be predicted with soft palate-associated upper airway changes shown in cephalometry.

Metal stain on monolithic zirconia restoration: A case report.

In restorative treatment using fixed dental prostheses, dentists should select appropriate restoration material among various types of dental materials. The strength, marginal fit, esthetics, wear resistance, biocompatibility, and cost are important factors in the choice of restoration materials. The present case showed a surface stain on a monolithic zirconia restoration that was due to wear between the monolithic zirconia restoration and the base metal alloy restoration. This phenomenon was confirmed by surface roughness measurement and electron probe micro-analysis.

Iatrogenic subcutaneous cervicofacial emphysema with pneumomediastinum after class V restoration.

Subcutaneous facial emphysema after dental treatment is an uncommon complication caused by the invasion of high-pressure air; in severe cases, it can spread to the neck, mediastinum, and thorax, resulting in cervical emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax. The present case showed subcutaneous cervicofacial emphysema with pneumomediastinum after class V restoration. The patient was fully recovered after eight days of conservative treatment. The cause of this case was the penetration of high-pressure air through the gingival sulcus, which had a weakened gingival attachment. This case indicated that dentists should be careful to prevent subcutaneous emphysema during common dental treatments using a high-speed hand piece and gingival retraction cord.

Evaluation of bone formation and membrane degradation in guided bone regeneration using a 4-hexylresorcinol-incorporated silk fabric membrane.

BACKGROUND: The aims of present study were (1) to evaluate new bone formation among the 4-hexylresorcinol (4HR)-incorporated silk fabric membrane (SFM), conventional SFM, and uncovered control groups and (2) to compare the amount of residual membrane between the 4HR-incorporated SFM and conventional SFM in a rabbit parietal defect model. METHODS: Nine New Zealand white rabbits were used for this animal study. After the formation of a bilateral parietal bone defect (diameter 8.0 mm), either 4HR-incorporated SFM or conventional SFM was grafted into the defect. The defect in the control was left uncovered. New bone formation and the amount of residual membrane were evaluated by histomorphometry at 8 weeks after the operation. RESULTS: The total amount of new bone was 37.84 ± 8.30 % in the control, 56.64 ± 15.74 % in the 4HR-incorporated SFM group, and 53.35 ± 10.52 % in the conventional SFM group 8 weeks after the operation. The differences were significant between the control and 4HR-incorporated SFM group (P = 0.016) and between the control and conventional SFM group (P = 0.040). The residual membrane was 75.08 ± 10.52 % in the 4HR-incorporated SFM group and 92.23 ± 5.46 % in the conventional SFM group 8 weeks after the operation. The difference was significant (P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: The 4HR-incorporated SFM and conventional SFM groups showed more bone regeneration than the control group. The incorporated 4HR accelerated the partial degradation of the silk fabric membrane in a rabbit parietal defect model 8 weeks after the operation.

Horizontal Ridge Augmentation with Piezoelectric Hinge-Assisted Ridge Split Technique in the Atrophic Posterior Mandible.

Onlay bone grafting, guided bone regeneration, and alveolar ridge split technique are considered reliable bone augmentation methods on the horizontally atrophic alveolar ridge. Among these techniques, alveolar ridge split procedures are technique-sensitive and difficult to perform in the posterior mandible. This case report describes successful implant placement with the use of piezoelectric hinge-assisted ridge split technique in an atrophic posterior mandible.