Determining Candida spp. incidence in denture wearers.

The aim of this study was to determine Candida spp. incidence in the oral cavity of denture wearers and characterize predisposing factors in denture-related stomatitis (DRS). Three groups of denture wearers and a control group were evaluated for DRS according to Newton's classification. The amount of yeast in saliva and the presence of yeast on mucosal surfaces were determined by phenotyping methods, and the impact of some risk factors on candidal carriage was evaluated. The development of DRS is most common in complete prosthesis users. When the count of yeast in saliva is >or=400 cfu/ml, the frequency of DRS is increased. In individuals who develop DRS, the most frequently encountered species that was identified as C. albicans. Prosthetic hygiene was related to the intensity of candidal growth and the development of DRS. C. albicans live as saprophyte in the oral cavity. But, it is capable of causing infection if there are predisposing conditions related to the host. Usage of removable prosthesis may cause these microorganisms to gain pathogenicity.

The effect of various preparation designs on the survival of porcelain laminate veneers.

PURPOSE: The aim of this clinical study was to observe the service duration of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) and to estimate the influence of the categorical covariates such as location, tooth vitality, preparation depth, incisal, gingival and proximal finishing lines, and peripheral tissue type on the survival rates of event-free and overall service duration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of forty patients (26 women, 14 men; age range: 16 to 50) who had received 200 PLVs were evaluated in this study. Median follow-up time was 67.25 weeks with a range of 12 to 72 weeks. Fifteen of the restored teeth were nonvital, while the remaining 185 were vital. Categorical covariates related to the restoration design (localization, vitality, preparation depth, incisal, proximal, and gingival finishings, and surrounding tissue type) were recorded in order to estimate their influence on the survival rates. Survival rates of the event-free and overall service duration were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier analysis and Mantel log rank test. RESULTS: Twelve failures were observed. The most frequent failure type (11 units) was debonding of the restoration from the abutment tooth. Nine of them were rebonded and the remaining 2 were remade with a different preparation design. The last failure was observed as a coronal fracture at the cervical level. The overall survival rates were 99.5%, 99%, 97.5%, 94.9%, 94.4% and 93.8% at weeks 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, and 34, respectively, with a mean estimate of 68.45 weeks. CONCLUSION: PLVs exhibited good clinical results with their conservative specifications and high survival rates. The preparation and design specifications affect the service duration of PLVs.

In vitro release of elements from prosthodontic base metal alloys: effect of protein-containing biologic environments.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the release of nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, magnesium, and lead from prosthodontic base metal alloys into protein-containing biologic solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dissolution experiments were conducted in either 3% Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium or 3% bovine serum albumin solutions for 7 weeks. RESULTS: The protein-containing dissolution solutions and dissolution time did not have a significant effect on release of elements from the alloys (Kruskal-Wallis, P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The amount of the released elements was well below the dietary intake levels of these elements. This study is important given the widespread use of the base metal alloys and the continuing public concerns/questions regarding the health benefits/risks associated with these materials.

Microbial adherence to a nonprecious alloy after plasma nitriding process.

PURPOSE: To investigate the microbial adherence to the surfaces of a nonprecious metal alloy after plasma nitriding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The plasma-nitriding process was performed to the surfaces of metals prepared from a nickel-chromium alloy. The microorganisms were labeled with technetium-99m. After the labeling procedure, 60 metal disks were treated with a microorganism for each use. RESULTS: The results revealed that the amount of adherence of all microorganisms on surfaces was changed by plasma-nitriding process; adherence decreased substantially (P < .05) and the differences in plasma nitriding time were not significant (P> .05) CONCLUSION: With the plasma-nitriding process, the surface properties of nonprecious metal alloys can be changed, leading to decreased microbial adherence.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of extremely worn dentitions: case reports.

The stomatognathic system is a complicated structure, and patients usually adapt to their existing vertical dimension of occlusion. Therefore, prosthetic rehabilitation of decreased vertical dimension of occlusion should be considered only when dictated by esthetic or functional requirements. If the loss of vertical dimension is significant, provisional prostheses should be used before the final prosthesis to prevent tension or pain in the temporomandibular joints and the muscles as the patient adapts to the new dimensions. Acrylic resin provisional prostheses were used for three patients before the final prosthesis was fabricated with the restored vertical dimension of occlusion. The period of use varied, depending on the patient's individual adaptive ability. The important aspect is to find the most comfortable position for the patient.