Comparison of self-etching and conventional bifunctional coupling agent in lithium disilicate ceramic: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The aim of this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of self-etching primers in comparison to the conventional protocol with hydrofluoric acid and silane treatment for bonding lithium disilicate ceramics. Material and Methods: The formulated PICO question for this research was: "Does self-etching silane primer surface treatment in lithium disilicate ceramics present a similar bond strength value compared to conventional hydrofluoric acid and silane treatment?". Combinations of words and appropriate truncations were adapted for each database. For the selection, duplicate articles were systematically eliminated using Mendeley software. The Cohen's Kappa statistic was then computed, RoBDEMAT questions were addressed, and the meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.4, at a significance level of 5%. Results: Two independent reviewers conducted a blind and independent analysis of 190219 articles from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and OpenGrey. Subsequently, they extracted data from 21 studies for the systematic review and in 16 the meta-analysis. In all in vitro studies, the most frequently cited concentration of hydrofluoric acid was 5%. In the meta-analysis, no statistical differences were observed between the two treatments concerning bond strength. Conclusions: Self-etching silane primers demonstrate promising results in lithium disilicate bonding, suggesting their potential as an alternative surface treatment to hydrofluoric acids + silane. Key words:Lithium disilicate, Hydrofluoric acid, Dental Porcelain, Ceramics, Silanes.

Influence of new complete dentures on the touch perception threshold and quality of life of edentulous patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the touch perception threshold of the alveolar mucosa and quality of life of edentulous patients before (T0) and 30 days after (T1) the insertion of new complete dentures. BACKGROUND: Touch perception is important so that edentulous patients can detect the position of complete dentures in their mouth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 32 complete denture wearers with good oral and systemic health and no temporomandibular disorders for at least 5 years. At each time point (T0 and T1), two tests were performed (touch perception threshold and quality-of-life scale). The touch perception threshold (Von Frey or Semmes-Weinstein test) was assessed using nylon monofilaments on the regions of the alveolar mucosa of the maxilla and mandible. The Oral Health Impact Profile for edentulous individuals (OHIP-EDENT) was administered to evaluate oral health-related quality of life. RESULTS: In the maxilla and mandible, the touch perception thresholds for all regions of the alveolar mucosa were significantly lower at T1 than at T0. The OHIP-EDENT mean scores showed that the overall quality of life was significantly better at T1 (3.6) than at T0 (4.7), and a significant improvement in quality of life was observed in all domains of the OHIP-EDENT at T1. For touch perception threshold, effect sizes ranged from 0.4 to 0.8; and for quality of life, effect sizes ranged from 0.4 to 1.0. CONCLUSIONS: New complete dentures reduced the touch perception threshold of the alveolar mucosa of both edentulous arches and improved individuals' quality of life.

Effect of Chlorhexidine and Tea Tree Oil on Reducing the Number of Oral Microorganisms.

OBJECTIVES: Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of using two preoperative mouthwashes (0.12% chlorhexidine and 0.2% tea tree oil) on the number of colonies of oral microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty participants who needed to be rehabilitated with dental implants were included in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups (chlorhexidine group and tea tree group; n = 20, each). For each group, saliva samples were collected at four different times: T0 (initially)-before using the mouthwash, T1-after 1 minute of using the mouthwash, T10-after 10 minutes of using the mouthwash, and T60-after 60 minutes of using the mouthwash. At T0 and T1, saliva samples were collected before implant placement surgery, and at T10 and T60, saliva samples were collected during surgery. In each group, one saliva sample was collected at each evaluated time point for each patient, totaling 4 saliva collections per patient. MSB agar (Mitis-Salivarius-Bacitracin) and BHI agar (Brain Heart Infusion) culture media were used in each group. Microbial colony counts were performed using a magnifying glass and recorded in CFU (colony forming units)/mL. Statistical analyses were performed using the Friedman, Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Based on MSB agar culture medium, at T0, the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies in the chlorhexidine group was significantly higher compared with the tea tree group (p <0.05; MSB agar). The chlorhexidine group showed significantly lower CFU/mL values for Streptococcus mutans at T1, T10, and T60 compared with the tea tree group (p <0.05; MSB agar). Based on BHI agar culture medium, at T0, the chlorhexidine group showed a significantly lower value of CFU/mL compared with the tea tree group (p < 0.05; BHI agar). At T1, T10, and T60, the chlorhexidine group showed significantly lower CFU/mL values compared with the tea tree group (p <0.05; BHI agar). CONCLUSION: Chlorhexidine is more indicated as a preoperative mouthwash than tea tree oil, due to its significantly more effective antimicrobial action.

Correlation between Periotest value and implant stability quotient: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To determine, through clinical studies, whether there is a correlation between the Periotest value (PTV) and the implant stability quotient (ISQ). CONTENT: Methods to evaluate the stability of dental implants. SUMMARY: A search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for articles on the proposed subject up to January 29, 2023, using search terms that combined "resonance frequency analysis" and "Periotest" with "correlation" or "relationship"; and combinations of "implant stability quotient" and "Periotest" with "correlation" or "relationship." The inclusion criteria were clinical studies in English involving human subjects who received dental implants and evaluating the correlation between PTV and ISQ. A total of 46 articles were screened, of which 10 were selected for full-text analysis, and eight articles were included in this review. Based on three articles, 75 % of the results of this systematic review showed a negative correlation between PTV and ISQ, regardless of the type of stability assessed. Based on the remaining five articles, 100 % (regardless of the patient's gender) and 66.66 % of the results showed a negative correlation for primary and secondary stability, respectively. There is a negative correlation between PTV and ISQ for both primary and secondary dental implant stability. OUTLOOK: This review can serve as a reference for the development of methodologies for future clinical studies on this topic.

Complete Denture - Border Molding Technique Using a Laboratory Condensation Silicone Putty: Review.

During the fabrication of a complete denture, functional impression is taken. Literature studies show that polydimethylsiloxane (condensation silicone) has not been reported by United States dental schools to perform border molding. Thus, the purpose of this article is to review the functional impression technique when border molding is performed with a laboratory condensation silicone putty.

Removable Partial Denture - Functional Impression Techniques: Review.

The objective of this article is to concisely review the main clinical techniques used to make the functional impression to manufacture a removable partial denture. Through this review, the dentist can develop his clinical knowledge.

Clinical reproducibility of different centric relation recording techniques in edentulous individuals: An observational cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To assess the reproducibility of four different centric relation (CR) recording techniques, and time spent performing each technique in edentulous individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four techniques were assessed: extraoral gothic arch (EOGA) tracing, intraoral gothic arch (IOGA) tracing, deglutition (D), and frontal manipulation with tongue elevation (FMTE). Twelve subjects participated in the study; four technique records were performed on each volunteer by the same operator. Each record was repeated three times, in the same period of the day, with a 30 min interval between each technique. The reproducibility of each technique was assessed by the tri-dimensional displacement of the position of the condylar housing (mandible condyle) to the wall of the condylar guide (glenoid cavity) in the semi-adjustable articulator (anteroposterior, mediolateral, and superior-inferior). The time spent on each technique was timed in seconds (from the beginning of each technique until the wax occlusion fixation). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test were performed for anteroposterior displacement (two-way) and for time spent on CT recording techniques (one-way) (α < 0.05). Regarding mediolateral and superior-inferior displacements, the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis was performed for the comparison between recording methods, whereas the Mann-Whitney test was performed for the comparison between sides (α < 0.05). RESULTS: The factor recording technique interfered with the anteroposterior displacement (ANOVA: α < 0.001; F = 11.396). The technique D (right side: 3.78 ± 0.69 mm; left side: 3.45 ± 0.74 mm) showed a statistically significant difference compared to the other techniques (EOGA: right side: 3.00 ± 0.00 mm; left side: 3.00 ± 0.00 mm; FMTE: right side: 2.81 ± 0.52 mm; left side: 2.82 ± 0.79 mm; IOGA: right side: 2.90 ± 0.65 mm; left side: 3.12 ± 0.44 mm). The time spent on the recording technique influenced the results (ANOVA: α < 0.001; F = 21.118). The IOGA (340.40 ± 163.41 s) and EOGA (285.93 ± 133.84 s) required more time compared to the D (86.00 ± 34.33 s) and FMTE (101.33 ± 36.72 s) techniques. CONCLUSION: Graphic recordings showed better reproducibility and accuracy of the position of the centric relation.

Abutment on Titanium-Base Hybrid Implant: A Literature Review.

An increase in the use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technologies challenges the conventional prosthetic fabrication procedures that are practical and centered on a digital workflow for the patient, especially for dental implants. Increasing workflow of digital restoration work, considering computer-used CAM for restoration technology systems and also fast/CAM for building restoration technology; fast/CAD, also known as abut-Base, has increased interest. Studies on adaptation of different restorative materials, on titanium (Ti)-base abutments, traction, and transformed cycling have become relevant. The objective of this work was to research, through literature studies, on restoration-type abutments. A total of 24 articles were found after searching the following terms in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases: "ti-base AND abutment." Twenty-one manuscripts selected from the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After an analysis of these articles, it was concluded that the Ti-base abutment and components from the same manufacturer as the Implant should be used preferably; milled monolithic crowns designed to adapt to the Ti-base the hybrid abutment-crown assembly does not affect torque maintenance after thermal aging; the saliva and cleaning protocol of the Ti-base bonding surfaces can influence the operations of the Ti-base crowns; Ti-base and Crown surface treatment is recommended for better applicability and stability results, and the superiority of resin-based cements compared with other types of cements.

Effect of Extrinsic Pigmentation on Dimensional Stability, Hardness, Detail Reproduction, and Color of a Silicone.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of extrinsic pigmentation on the dimensional stability, hardness, detail reproduction, and color of a silicone after thermocycling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty samples of MDX4-4210 silicone (Dow Corning Corporation Medical Products) with intrinsic pink pigment (H-109-P, Factor II) and intrinsic opacifier (TiO) were fabricated. Two groups were created: Group 1-only intrinsic pigmentation (H-109P, Factor II + TiO) (Control); and Group 2-intrinsic (H-109P, Factor II + TiO) and extrinsic (Tan FE - 215, Factor II) pigmentation. The following tests were performed for each group: dimensional stability, Shore A hardness, detail reproduction, and color. Readings for the tests were taken before and after thermocycling (2,000 cycles). For dimensional stability and hardness, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. One-way ANOVA was used for the color test. In case of significant statistical difference, the Tukey test was applied (p <0.05). All samples achieved the same detail reproduction score, therefore, no statistical evaluation was performed. RESULTS: For the dimensional stability test, comparing the initial time with the final time, there was a significant contraction in both groups after thermocycling. For the hardness test, comparing the time points, only group 1 showed a significant reduction in hardness after thermocycling. Groups 1 and 2 scored 2 for the detail reproduction test, before and after thermocycling. Comparing group 1 with group 2, there was no significant difference for color change. CONCLUSION: Based on the tests performed, extrinsic pigmentation did not show a negative effect on silicone, and therefore it can be indicated. The results of the dimensional, hardness, detail reproduction and color evaluations of the MDX4-4210 silicone were clinically acceptable in all cases in the groups with and without extrinsic pigmentation.

The Inflammation Level and a Microbiological Analysis of the Anophthalmic Cavities of Unilateral Ocular Prosthesis Users: A Blind, Randomized Observational Study.

Irritation and biofilm adhesion are complaints associated with ocular prosthesis use. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of prosthesis repolishing on several conditions of anophthalmic volunteers. Participants were divided into two groups: intervention (IG, n = 10) and nonintervention (NIG, n = 6) groups. The anophthalmic cavity, contralateral eye, and prosthesis surface were evaluated at initial, day 15, and day 30 after repolishing. Microbiological analysis (colony-forming units), exfoliative cytology (conjunctiva inflammatory cells), sensory analysis (quantitative mechanical sensory test), tear production (Schirmer's test), and conjunctival inflammation (clinical evaluation) were performed. Nonparametric tests were used to compare groups in the initial period and to analyze periods for the IG (p < 0.05). More microorganisms were formed in the anophthalmic socket and prosthesis than in the contralateral eye in the initial period. For IG, the anophthalmic cavity exhibited more microorganisms and inflammatory clinical signs in the initial period than at 15 and 30 after repolishing. The prosthesis showed greater accumulations of total bacteria and Candida albicans in the initial period than at 15 and 30 days after repolishing. The anophthalmic cavity had more palpebral inflammation than the contralateral eye. In conclusion, repolishing reduced the number of microorganisms and inflammatory signs over time.

Effect of Universal Adhesives on Long-term Bond Strength to Zirconia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of universal adhesives on the long-term bond strength to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polyethylene tubes filled with composite cement containing 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) were adhesively luted to 60 fully sintered Y-TZP slabs (7 x 7 x 2 mm) with or without (control) previous application of a 10-MDP-based adhesive (All Bond Universal, Bisco) - ABU; Clearfil Universal Bond Quick, Kuraray Noritake - CUB; Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, 3M Oral Care - SUA) on the zirconia surface. The bonded specimens were stored in water for 24 h, 6 months, or 1 year and subjected to microshear bond strength testing. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). The contact angle was measured after adhesive application to evaluate surface wettability. The adhesive-treated specimens were analyzed with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) for chemical characterization. RESULTS: The application of a 10-MDP-based adhesive significantly improved bond strength of composite cement to zirconia when compared to the control group (no adhesive application) (p < 0.05). One-year water storage significantly decreased bond strength for ABU- and CUB-bonded specimens, but not for SUA-bonded specimens. The analysis by XPS and ToF-SIMS showed peaks of carbon, phosphorus, and silicon in all adhesive-treated specimens. CONCLUSIONS: One-year water storage affected the bond strength of composite cement to zirconia when All Bond Universal or Clearfil Universal Bond Quick were used.

Relationship of excessive daytime sleepiness with bruxism, depression, anxiety, stress, and sex in odontology students - A cross sectional study.

Background: To verify if there is a correlation of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) with bruxism, depression, anxiety, stress, and sex in odontology students. Material and Methods: Four hundred dental students were selected. Students included in the study were those that were healthy, over 18 years old, and with similar weekly academic activities. Students excluded were those with temporomandibular disfunction, a high possibility of possessing obstructive sleep apnea and illnesses that cause EDS; along with smokers, users of illicit drugs, users of psychiatric medication, and those that abuse the consumption of alcohol. After the application of these criteria, 128 students were included in this study. EDS, bruxism, depression, anxiety, and stress were evaluated by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Pintado et al. questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the LIPP Adult Stress Symptom Inventory. Afterwards, the Spearman test (p< 0.05) was applied. Results: A high probability of EDS was present in 33.6% of the students. There was a positive correlation of EDS with females (Rank Correlation= 0.209; p= 0.018) and depression (Rank Correlation= 0.174; p= 0.049); between females and stress (Rank Correlation= 0.199; p= 0.024), and between females and anxiety (Rank Correlation= 0.178; p= 0.045). There was a positive correlation of bruxism with anxiety (Rank Correlation= 0.255; p= 0.004) and stress (Rank Correlation= 0.201; p= 0.023). There was no correlation of EDS with bruxism (p= 0.354), stress (p= 0.277), or anxiety (p= 0.114). There was no correlation of bruxism with females (p= 0.082) or depression (p= 0.362). Conclusions: A high probability of EDS was present in 33.6% of dentistry students, and there was a positive correlation of EDS with females and depression. Key words:Bruxism, depression, anxiety, stress, disorders of excessive somnolence, dentistry.

Relationship of bruxism with oral health-related quality of life and facial muscle pain in dentate individuals.

Background: To determine whether there is a correlation of bruxism (sleep, daytime, or both) with oral health-related quality of life and facial pain of muscular origin in dentate individuals. Material and Methods: Seventy-four dentate patients (complete dentition) were included in this study. These individuals had pain in the facial muscles due to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Smokers; and those with obstructive sleep apnea, TMD of joint origin associated or not with pain, malocclusion, and cancer; and users of illicit drugs, psychiatric medications, and alcohol were excluded. Obstructive sleep apnea, bruxism (of sleep and/or daytime), facial muscle pain, and oral health-related quality of life were assessed by the following questionnaires: Berlin Questionnaire, Pintado et al. questionnaire, VAS (Visual Analog Scale) facial muscle pain questionnaire, and Oral Health Impact Profile - 14. Four groups were created: 1) no bruxism; 2) sleep bruxism; 3) daytime bruxism; and 4) sleep and daytime bruxism. Spearman's correlation test was applied to verify if there was a correlation between the collected data. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: There was a positive correlation of daytime bruxism with mean pain in the last 3 months (P<0.05) and the worst pain experienced in the last 3 months (P<0.05). Conclusions: Bruxism (sleep, daytime, or both) showed a positive correlation with lower oral health-related quality of life (P<0.05). Key words:Bruxism, facial pain, temporomandibular joint disorders, surveys and questionnaires, health-related quality of life.

Silica deposition on zirconia via room-temperature atomic layer deposition (RT-ALD): Effect on bond strength to veneering ceramic.

PURPOSE: To develop and to characterize a hybrid interface between yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) transformed layer and silica-based nanofilm to enable a better bonding between Y-TZP and a veneering ceramic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-six fully-sintered rectangular Y-TZP specimens were distributed into 6 groups, according to the surface treatment applied: C (control): no treatment; Al: 27 µm-alumina particle abrasion; Ht: hydrothermal treatment in autoclave for 15h; Si20: 20 cycles of silica deposition using room-temperature atomic layer deposition (RT-ALD); Si40: 40 cycles of RT-ALD; Ht + Si40: hydrothermal treatment followed by 40 cycles of RT-ALD. RT-ALD was performed by the sequential exposure of specimens to vapor of tetramethoxysilane orthosilicate (TMOS) and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH). Y-TZP surface wettability and shear bond strength (SBS) between Y-TZP and the veneering ceramic were analyzed for all groups after surface treatments. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test were used for data analysis (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The highest contact angle was observed for the control group (64.46 ± 6.09 θ), while the lowest values (p < 0.001) were presented after Si20 (29.85 ± 4.23 θ) and Si40 (30.37 ± 5.51 θ) treatments. Hydrothermal treatment (49.3 ± 2.69 θ) and alumina abrasion (45.84 ± 4.12 θ) resulted in intermediate contact angle values. The highest SBS values were observed for Al (16.74 ± 1.68 MPa) and Ht (15.27 ± 2.11 MPa) groups (p < 0.018). Groups Si20 (9.66 ± 1.22 MPa), Si40 (9.33 ± 2.11 MPa), Ht + Si40 (9.37 ± 1.02 MPa) and C (12.54 ± 2.64 MPa) all resulted in similar SBS results (p > 0.998). CONCLUSION: The experimental treatments proposed enhanced surface wettability, but shear bond strength between Y-TZP and veneering ceramic was not improved. Alumina particle-abrasion improved SBS values while a decrease in wettability was observed.

Stress distribution of multiple implant-supported prostheses: Photoelastic and strain gauge analyses of external hexagon and morse taper connections.

Background: To evaluate the stress distribution of three-element prostheses on two different implant systems (External Hexagon (EH) or Morse Taper (MT)) and with two different retention mechanisms (screw-retained or cemented), by photoelastic analysis and strain gauge analyses. Material and Methods: Four photoelastic and 24 strain gauge models of a partially edentulous maxilla were made and were divided in four groups according to connection and retention system: Group I (EH-C) - external hexagon+cement-retained prosthesis; Group II (EH-S) external hexagon+screw-retained prosthesis; Group III (MT-C) - morse taper+cement-retained prosthesis; Group IV (MT-S) - morse taper+screw-retained prosthesis. The implants were installed in the axial position, the first in the region of element 15 and the distal implant in the region of element 17. Loads of 100 N were applied on the occlusal surface of the prosthesis for 10 seconds. For the photoelasticity analysis, photographic images were taken and were evaluated according to the number of high-intensity fringes. For the strain gauge analysis, the strain gauges were positioned on the marginal crest of the implants and on the apical region, being numbered for analysis of the stress distribution in each region. The electrical signals were captured and processed by specific software. Results: Higher concentration of tension was observed in the apical region of the implants and mainly in the distal implant, where the formation of fringes was higher. The microstrain values obtained for each group were similar: EH-C (454±18,3 µÉ›); EH-S (469±94 µÉ›); MT-C (466±49,8 µÉ›); MT-S (460±36,6 µÉ›). It was observed that apical position had higher stress concentrations for all analyzed groups. Conclusions: The different connections and fixation mode did not interfere in the amount of tension generated in the tissue adjacent to the implant, also the region that generated the greatest amount of tension was in the apical region of the anterior implant. Key words:Dental implants, biomechanics, fixed prosthodontics.

Quality of Life, Satisfaction, Occlusal Force, and Halitosis after Direct and Indirect Relining of Inferior Complete Dentures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the direct relining technique with the indirect relining technique in relation to quality of life, satisfaction with the relining, occlusal force, and halitosis of users of acrylic complete dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty bimaxillary edentulous individuals were selected. They had to use the same pair of complete dentures for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years. The subjects were randomly divided in groups of direct relining and indirect relining of the inferior denture (n = 10). Both groups received the same silicone-based relining. The clinical tests verified the quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile in edentulous individuals), the satisfaction with the relining, the occlusal force, and halitosis. The tests (halitosis and occlusal force) were performed initially (before the relining), immediately after the relining, and 30, 60, 90, and 180 days after the relining. The questionnaires (quality of life and satisfaction with the relining) were performed initially (before the relining), and 30, 60, 90, and 180 days after the relining. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Analysis of variance and the Tukey test were used (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was no statistical difference comparing the two techniques in all the evaluations (p < 0.05). There was a significant statistical difference for the factor of time in all clinical tests for each relining technique (p < 0.05). The quality of life and satisfaction with the relining increased significantly 30 days after the relining when compared with the initial time point, for both techniques (p < 0.05). The occlusal force increased significantly after 90 and 180 days when compared with the initial time point, for both techniques (p < 0.05). Halitosis decreased significantly immediately after the relining when compared with the initial time point, for both techniques (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Independent of the relining technique used, there was an increase in the quality of life, satisfaction with the relining, and occlusal force, as well as a reduction in the level of halitosis. Both techniques generated similar results and therefore can be options in clinical practice.

Dentistry and Intensive Care Unit: A Brief Report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to verify whether removable dentures of patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) are niches of microorganisms that can cause pathologies (Staphylococcus aureus, Candida spp., and enterobacteria). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients who were denture wearers (removable partial denture and complete denture) were included in this study. Patients must wear their dentures daily, and these dentures must have acrylic parts. Microbial biofilm was collected from the acrylic part of one denture of each patient. Then, the biofilm was seeded on different culture media: Sabouraud agar, blood agar, MacConkey agar, and mannitol salt agar. In this study, biochemical evaluations of microorganisms were performed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The percentage of dentures with the microorganism identified by each culture medium was calculated. RESULTS: In total, 100% of the dentures were positive for Staphylococcus spp. (blood agar) and Candida spp. (Sabouraud agar); 33.3% of the dentures were positive for S. aureus (Mannitol salt agar); and 13.3% of the dentures were positive for Shigella spp. (MacConkey agar). CONCLUSION: Removable dentures of patients (removable partial dentures and complete dentures) admitted to an ICU are niches of microorganisms that can cause pathologies.

Effect of Accelerated Aging on the Sorption and Solubility Percentages of Silicone Facial Prostheses.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of accelerated aging on the sorption and solubility percentages of the MDX4-4210 and A-2186 silicones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two silicones (A-2186 and MDX4-4210) and three intrinsic pigments (bronze, black, and pink) were used in this study. Thus, six groups were created (n = 10): Group 1 = bronze MDX4-4210; Group 2 = black MDX4-4210; Group 3 = pink MDX4-4210; Group 4 = bronze A-2186; Group 5 = black A-2186; and Group 6 = pink A-2186. The dimensions of all samples were the same (45-mm diameter (ø) × 1-mm thickness). The samples were aged for a total of 1,008 hours. In this period of 1,008 hours of accelerated aging, the sorption and solubility percentages of each sample were calculated at three time points (252, 504, and 1,008 hours). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test were performed (α = 0.05). RESULT: Accelerated aging can significantly increase the sorption and solubility percentages of the MDX4-4210 and A-2186 silicones.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, Dry Mouth Sensation, and Level of Anxiety in Elderly Patients Rehabilitated with New Removable Dentures.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of new complete dentures (CDs) and new removable partial dentures (RPDs) on oral health-related quality of life, dry mouth sensation, and anxiety level of their wearers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 20 complete edentulous patients (in both arches) that needed to be rehabilitated with new CDs, and 20 partial edentulous patients (in both arches) that needed to be rehabilitated with new RPDs, were included in this study. Each patient must wear the same pair of CDs or RPDs for more than 5 years. Oral health-related quality of life, dry mouth sensation, and level of anxiety were assessed by using the following questionnaires: Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), VAS (Visual Analog Scale) Xerostomia Questionnaire, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). These questionnaires were applied before oral rehabilitation (initially initial time point) and 3 months after insertion of new dentures (end time point). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: For the results of STAI-State, STAI-Trait, and GOHAI, the Wilcoxon test was applied to compare the time points. For the results of the VAS xerostomia questionnaire, two-way repeated measures ANOVA (analysis of variance) was applied, followed by the Tukey test. The p-values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: /CONCLUSION: For both groups, it was observed that 3 months after the insertion of new removable dentures: (1) there was an increase in oral health-related quality of life; (2) there was a reduction in anxiety (trait anxiety and state anxiety); and (3) there was a perception of greater salivation.

Effect of Rehabilitation with a New Ocular Prosthesis on Electromyography of the Occipitofrontalis, Temporal, Masseter, and Sternocleidomastoid.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to verify during facial expressions ("happy," "sad," "fearful," "angry," "surprised," and "disgusted") if: (1) there would be difference in the electromyography (EMG) of the occipitofrontalis, temporal, masseter, and sternocleidomastoid muscles on the normal side (NS) compared with the affected side (AS) (without the use of an ocular prosthesis) in individuals with unilateral absence of the eyeball, and (2) the rehabilitation with a new ocular prosthesis would affect the EMG of the muscles studied on the AS in these individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen individuals, without temporomandibular disorder, with good health, with unilateral absence of the eyeball (the eye must have been removed by evisceration or enucleation), and users or nonusers of an ocular prosthesis were included. EMG of the occipitofrontalis, temporal, masseter, and sternocleidomastoid muscles was performed during rest and facial expressions ("happy," "sad," "fearful," "angry," "surprised," and "disgusted") before (T0) and 90 days after (T1) rehabilitation with a new ocular prosthesis. The analyses were performed in T0 on NS and AS (without the use of an ocular prosthesis), and in T1 on AS with the new ocular prosthesis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: All data were submitted to the Student's t-test with p < 0.05. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference comparing the AS with the NS in T0 for all muscles studied, during all facial expressions evaluated (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference comparing the AS in T0 with itself in T1 for all muscles studied, during all facial expressions evaluated (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Eye loss did not affect the EMG of studied muscles when comparing NS with AS (without the use of an ocular prosthesis). The rehabilitation with ocular prosthesis was not capable of changing the EMG on AS.