Fabrication, structural, and enhanced mechanical behavior of MgO substituted PMMA composites for dental applications.

The most common denture material used for dentistry is poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA). Usually, the polymeric PMMA material has numerous biological, mechanical and cost-effective shortcomings. Hence, to resolve such types of drawbacks, attempts have been made to investigate fillers of the PMMA like alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2), zirconia (ZrO2) etc. For the enhancement of the PMMA properties a suitable additive is required for its orthopedic applications. Herein, the main motive of this study was to synthesize a magnesium oxide (MgO) reinforced polymer-based hybrid nano-composites by using heat cure method with superior optical, biological and mechanical characteristics. For the structural and vibrational studies of the composites, XRD and FT-IR were carried out. Herein, the percentage of crystallinity for all the fabricated composites were also calculated and found to be 14.79-30.31. Various physical and optical parameters such as density, band gap, Urbach energy, cutoff energy, cutoff wavelength, steepness parameter, electron-phonon interaction, refractive index, and optical dielectric constant were also studied and their values are found to be in the range of 1.21-1.394 g/cm3, 5.44-5.48 eV, 0.167-0.027 eV, 5.68 eV, 218 nm, 0.156-0.962, 4.273-0.693, 1.937-1.932, and 3.752-3.731 respectively. To evaluate the mechanical properties like compressive strength, flexural strength, and fracture toughness of the composites a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) was used and their values were 60.3 and 101 MPa, 78 and 40.3 MPa, 5.85 and 9.8 MPa-m1/2 respectively. Tribological tests of the composites were also carried out. In order to check the toxicity, MTT assay was also carried out for the PM0 and PM15 [(x)MgO + (100 - x) (C5O2H8)n] (x = 0 and 15) composites. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the structural, physical, optical, and biological features of the fabricated PMMA-MgO composites, highlighting the potential of the PM15 composite with its enhanced density, mechanical strength, and excellent biocompatibility for denture applications.

Synergetic effects of boron nitride with waste zirconia: Evaluation of instantaneous fingerprint detection and mechanical properties for biomedical applications.

Herein, present study mainly focuses on the synthesis and characterizations of boron nitride reinforced waste zirconia (wZrO2) with different concentrations. Composites were prepared via a scalable solid-state reaction method. Various physical parameters such as density, ionic concentration, polaron radius, and field strength were evaluated. XRD results reveal crystalline nature with a major phase of tetragonal zirconia and as boron nitride is reinforced, the tetragonal transforms into a monoclinic zirconia. Interconnected spherical grains and nanosheets were observed using FESEM. Mechanical characterizations revealed the highest compressive strength of 266 MPa. The latent fingerprints were visualized using a composite on different surfaces, implementing the powder dusting and solution techniques. MTT assay was performed and revealed good biocompatible nature. These results reveal that composite is suitable for fabrication of bioceramics with acceptable mechanical and biological performances. The composite can also be utilized for latent fingerprint detection in forensic science.

Recent Advances in Additive Manufacturing, Applications and Challenges for Dentistry: A Review.

Technological advancement in the field of dentistry has to be proven in new avenues for professionals as well as laboratory programmers. An advanced type of technology is emerging based on digitalization, as a computerized three-dimensional (3-D) model, additive manufacturing also called 3-D printing, allows formation of block pieces by adding material layer-by-layer. The additive manufacturing (AM) approach has offered extreme progress in the broad choice of distinct zones, permitting the production of fragments of all possible varieties of substances such as metal, polymer, ceramic, and composites. The significant goal of current the article is to recapitulate the recent scenarios including the imminent perspective of AM techniques and challenges in dentistry. Moreover, this article reviews the recent developments of 3-D printing advancements along with the advantages and disadvantages. Herein, various AM technologies comprising vat photopolymerization (VPP), material jetting, material extrusion, selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technologies based powder bed fusion technologies/direct energy deposition/sheet lamination centered on binder jetting technologies were discussed in detail. This paper attempts to provide a balanced view by emphasizing the economic, scientific, and technical challenges and presenting an overview of methods to discuss the similarities based on the authors' continuing research and development.

Significance of 25(OH) D3 in Early Dental Implant Failure (EDIF) during osseointegration-A systematic review.

Bone metabolism is a key factor for successful osseointegration, and low vitamin D levels may negatively impact the process of osseointegration after implant placement. The study was aimed at evaluating the relation of vitamin D levels with dental implant osseointegration and subsequently the success or failure of the implant. The focused questions were-What is the effect of vitamin D levels on successful dental implant osseointegration and what is the effect of vitamin D supplementation on successful implant osseointegration? A search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar using the terms "vitamin D," "cholecalciferol," "1,25(OH) D," "dental implant," "osseointegration," and "bone implant contact" for a period of 10 years from 2011 to 2020. Clinical trials, cross-sectional studies, case series, and case reports were included. A total of ten studies were included after the screening process. Five of these studies evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on osseointegration, whereas five only evaluated the effect of vitamin D deficiency on dental implant osseointegration. Only five of these studies reported dental implant failure varying from 7% to 13% in vitamin D deficient/insufficient groups. Positive relationship exists between serum vitamin D levels and dental implant osseointegration; however, few studies failed to report any relation. More prospective clinical research studies as well as randomized controlled trials are needed to show a significant correlation between decreased serum levels of vitamin D and increased risk of dental implant failure in perspective of vitamin D supplementation which can promote the osseointegration of dental implants.

Biological and esthetic outcome of immediate dental implant with the adjunct pretreatment of immediate implants with platelet-rich plasma or photofunctionalization: A randomized controlled trial.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess biological and esthetic outcomes of immediate dental implant in esthetic zone with the adjunct pretreatment of immediate implants with photofunctionalization or platelet-rich plasma in comparison to standard tapered root form implant without pretreatment. Settings and Design: Patients visiting department of Prosthodontics of a tertiary care health Institution. Design of the study was randomized controlled trial. Materials and Methods: Ninety subjects who required replacement of maxillary anterior teeth immediately after extraction were selected and randomly divided into three groups: control group and two case groups. Two case groups were treated with immediate implants with pretreatment with Photofunctionalization (PF group) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP group). Delayed loading protocol was followed with prosthesis given after 6 months. Follow-up was performed at 2nd and 4th weeks and 2, 4, 6, and 12 months (P < 0.05). Biological outcomes (mean marginal bone loss, implant stability), esthetic outcome (pink esthetic score and white esthetic score), and success and survival rate were evaluated. Statistical Analysis Used: Outcomes were compared using one-way ANOVA, while intragroup changes with baseline and follow up were assesed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The level of significance was set at <.05. Results: Mean marginal bone loss was not significantly different in PF group and PRP group than the control group. PF group and PRP group showed significantly greater implant stability as compared to the control group. Pink and white esthetic scores were not significantly different among groups. Conclusion: Pretreatment of commercial dental implants with PF or PRP exhibited a statistically significant difference in implant stability but not with other outcomes.

Speech intelligibility, nasal resonance, and swallowing ability of maxillectomy patients with customized obturator: A non randomized controlled study.

Aim: To compare speech intelligibility (SI), nasal resonance, and swallowing ability in maxillectomy patients with a customized obturator to the conventional obturator. Settings and Design: Non-randomized controlled study. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight maxillectomy patients were recruited and assessment of SI, nasal resonance, and swallowing ability was done at three situations: without obturator, with conventional obturator, and with customized obturator. Recordings of unrehearsed conversation, counting from number 1-20 and four sets of Chapel Hill Multilingual Intelligibility Test in the Hindi language were used to assess SI and nasal resonance. SI was evaluated by untrained listeners and graded according to a 6-point scale. Nasal resonance was evaluated by speech pathologists on a 7-point scale of severity. Swallowing ability was evaluated by water drinking test. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA, Post hoc Bonferroni and Chi square test. Results: SI and nasal resonance showed a statistically significant difference between any two groups (P < 0.001). Water drinking time was significantly different between without obturator and with customized obturator (P < 0.001), but the difference was not statistically significant between without obturator and with obturator (P < 0.004). Conclusion: SI, nasal resonance, and swallowing ability improved with customized obturator in comparison to the conventional obturator.

A review of techniques of iris replication and a novel method of fabrication of ocular prosthesis using two different iris location methods.

Anophthalmic patients suffer from social, functional, and emotional agony. The role of a maxillofacial prosthodontist is to restore this loss and to restore the self-esteem of such patients. Fabrication of a prosthesis for the anophthalmic cavity can be successful with the judicious use of the materials, the vision, and the skill of the prosthodontist. This article describes various techniques used for iris replication and a novel method to locate the iris, which is the most crucial step to fabricate a natural gaze.

Assessment of the Healing of Dental Implant Surgical Site Following Low-Level Laser Therapy Using Bioclinical Parameters: An Exploratory Study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether low-level laser therapy improves healing of the implant surgical site with clinical and biochemical parameters. Thirty patients with an edentulous space spanning a single tooth were selected. The patients were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups: control group and test group. The test group received laser energy at a power of 2 J/cm2 with a total of 4-6 J energy over each implant. Clinical parameters (implant stability quotient, probing index, modified sulcus bleeding index) and osteoprotegerin were assessed at baseline and follow-up intervals (2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months). The test group showed significantly higher implant stability quotient than the control group at 2 weeks (57.93 ± 3.95 vs 35.67 ± 3.08; P < . 01) and 3 months (58.86 ± 3.75 vs 67.06 ± 3.78; P < . 01). A significant rise in osteoprotegerin levels of the test group (686.30 ± 125.36 pg/mL at baseline and 784.25 ± 108.30 pg/mL at 3 months; P < . 01) was seen contrary to significant decline in the control group (839.50 ± 249.08 pg/mL at baseline vs 415.30 ± 78.39 pg/mL at 3 months; P < . 01). Within the limitations of the study, the findings suggest that the healing of peri-implant hard and soft tissues may be enhanced with the use of low-level laser therapy as an explicit modality during the postoperative period.

Survival rate of dental implant placement by conventional or flapless surgery in controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Dental implant may serve as a choice of treatment for replacement of missing tooth in diabetic patients with their well-controlled glycemic index. To minimize postoperative complications, dental surgical procedures comprises mainly two types, namely conventional and flapless surgery. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to find the survival rate of the dental implant when placed with either of the technique, that is, conventional or flapless in patients with controlled Type 2 diabetes mellitus from published studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 14 studies were included from PubMed database related to the survival rate of dental implant placement by conventional or flapless surgery among patients with controlled diabetes mellitus. The cumulative mean of dental implant survival rate by conventional and flapless techniques calculated from included studies is 94.2% and 92.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The survival rate of dental implant placement by conventional and flapless techniques is similar. As few studies on flapless technique are available, therefore researchers in future should explore its advantages and disadvantages.

Crestal Bone Loss under Delayed Loading of Full Thickness Versus Flapless Surgically Placed Dental Implants in Controlled Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Parallel Group Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare crestal bone loss around dental implants using a delayed loading protocol. Bone loss was compared in patients following conventional full thickness flap and flapless surgery in controlled type 2 diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight type 2 diabetic patients satisfying predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for this single center, parallel group study after obtaining institutional review board approval and informed consent. These patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group I consisted of patients undergoing full thickness flap surgery for implant placement, and group II consisted of patients undergoing flapless surgery for implant placement. The mean age, duration of diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and male-to-female ratio in both groups were matched and compared statistically. Dental implants were placed followed by delayed loading (4 months) in both groups. Crestal bone loss was assessed with intraoral periapical radiographs with the help of computer software (DBSWIN viewer). Actual implant length acted as the radiographic index, and implant-abutment junctions were used as a reference point for all measurements. Mesial and distal bone levels at baseline, 6, and 12 months post implant placement of the two groups were determined. Mesial and distal crestal bone loss from baseline to 6 and 12 months were calculated and compared with Tukey test using SPSS v15.0 statistical analysis software. RESULTS: Tukey test revealed similar (not statistically different) mean mesial crestal bone loss between the two groups after 6 months (0.47 ± 0.08 mm vs. 0.36 ± 0.13 mm, p = 0.576) and after 12 months (1.56 ± 0.25 mm vs. 1.50 ± 0.22 mm, p = 0.891). The mean distal bone loss resulting between the two groups was not statistically different at 6 months (0.44 ± 0.08 mm vs. 0.35 ± 0.12 mm, p = 0.687) and at 12 months (1.57 ± 0.23 mm vs. 1.61 ± 0.22 mm, p = 0.947). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this clinical randomized control trial indicated that in controlled type 2 diabetic patients, levels of crestal bone loss around dental implants placed following conventional full thickness flap surgery was comparable to crestal bone loss around dental implants placed with the flapless surgical technique. More clinical studies are required regarding controlled type 2 diabetics with larger sample sizes, for long time periods to obtain more predictable results.

Flapless vs flapped implant insertion in patients with controlled type 2 diabetes subjected to delayed loading: 1-year follow-up results from a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcome of dental implants placed following full-thickness flap surgery with flapless surgery in controlled type 2 diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 92 controlled type 2 diabetic patients, who needed missing mandibular first molars to be replaced by implants, were selected for a single-centre, parallel group, double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: flap (46 patients) vs flapless (46 patients) implant placement. Implants were loaded with metal-ceramic crowns, 4 months after placement in both groups. OUTCOME MEASURES: Implant and crown success, complications, post-operative pain and swelling, plaque index, sulcular bleeding index, pocket depth and HbA1c level. Follow up examinations were made after 24 h, and on the third and seventh days for soft tissue healing, pain and swelling evaluation; then at 6 months and 12 months (after loading) for dental plaque, sulcular bleeding, pocket depth, and HbA1c level evaluation. RESULTS: After 16 months of implant placement, no dropouts occurred. Five implants failed, two in the flap group and three in the flapless group (4.34% vs 6.52%, McNemar test P = 1, difference = 0.4457, 95% CI of difference = 4.554 to 47.234). Seven prosthesis failures occurred, three in the flap group and four in the flapless group (McNemar test P = 1; difference = 0.4239; 95% CI of difference = 29.95 to 3.86). Two patients in each group were affected by complications. There were statistically insignificant differences in the incidence of complications between the groups (McNemar test P = 1; difference = 0.457; 95% CI of difference = 90.75 to 5.33). After 24 h, the flapped group patients showed significantly greater pain compared with the flapless group (24 h: P = 0.017, difference = 0.37 and 95% CI = 0.673 to -0.067). After the third and seventh postoperative days, the mean pain level in both groups decreased linearly after the treatments (third day: P = 0.183, difference = 0.19 and 95% CI = -0.472 to 0.092; seventh day: P = 0.225, difference = 0.09 and 95% CI = -0.237 to 0.056). The frequency of post-operative swelling "some + a lot" at the third day was significantly higher in the full thickness flap group compared with the flapless group (P = 0.002, difference = 0.1835 and 95% CI = -0.0409 to 0.4079). Most of the cases in either of the study groups demonstrated no swelling (P =1.00, difference = 0.00 and 95% CI = -0.3034 to 0.3034) on the seventh post-operative day. The mean plaque index (6 months: 1.00 ± 0.47 vs 0.83 ± 0.79, P = 0.230, difference = 0.17 and 95% CI = -0.450 to 0.110 and 12 months: 1.30 ± 0.67 vs 1.04 ± 0.86, P = 0.123, difference = 0.26 and 95% CI = 0.593 to 0.073), mean sulcular bleeding index (6 months: 1.40 ± 0.52 vs 1.04 ± 0.83, P = 0.018, difference = 0.36 and 95% CI = 0.658 to 0.062 and 12 months: 1.90 ± 0.48 vs 1.17 ± 0.57, P = < 0.001, difference = -0.73 and 95% CI = -0.958 to -0.503) and pocket depth (6 months: 1.30 ± 0.26 vs 1.17 ± 0.25, P = 0.021, difference = -0.13 and 95% CI = - 0.240 to- 0.012 and 12 months: 1.95 ± 0.28 vs 1.56 ± 0.17, P = < 0.001, difference = -0.39 and 95% CI = -0.490 to -0.290) in both groups increased after the treatment and the increase was evident higher in full thickness flap group than flapless group. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results, it was concluded that flapless surgical technique could be considered for dental implant placement in type 2 diabetic patients to reduce post-operative pain and swelling.

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis with palatal erosion in an elderly edentulous patient with uncontrolled diabetes: report of a rare case.

OBJECTIVES: To report a rare case of chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis with palatal erosion. BACKGROUND: Restoring and maintaining oral health of diabetic elderly patients with increased risk of infections is a challenge to the dentist. Patients suffering from uncontrolled diabetes are susceptible to fungal infections. Palatal erosion due to fungal rhinosinusitis is rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case report of a 65 years old illiterate female patient from low socio-economic strata, suffering from uncontrolled diabetes and poor systemic health presenting with chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis leading to palatal erosion. CONCLUSION: Such a case is a diagnostic challenge to a dentist. Therefore understanding the disease process and its possible outcomes is desirable. The treatment warrants a multidisciplinary approach.

Zirconia based dental ceramics: structure, mechanical properties, biocompatibility and applications.

Zirconia (ZrO2) based dental ceramics have been considered to be advantageous materials with adequate mechanical properties for the manufacturing of medical devices. Due to its very high compression strength of 2000 MPa, ZrO2 can resist differing mechanical environments. During the crack propagation on the application of stress on the surface of ZrO2, a crystalline modification diminishes the propagation of cracks. In addition, zirconia's biocompatibility has been studied in vivo, leading to the observation of no adverse response upon the insertion of ZrO2 samples into the bone or muscle. In vitro experimentation has exhibited the absence of mutations and good viability of cells cultured on this material leading to the use of ZrO2 in the manufacturing of hip head prostheses. The mechanical properties of zirconia fixed partial dentures (FPDs) have proven to be superior to other ceramic/composite restorations and hence leading to their significant applications in implant supported rehabilitations. Recent developments were focused on the synthesis of zirconia based dental materials. More recently, zirconia has been introduced in prosthetic dentistry for the fabrication of crowns and fixed partial dentures in combination with computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. This systematic review covers the results of past as well as recent scientific studies on the properties of zirconia based ceramics such as their specific compositions, microstructures, mechanical strength, biocompatibility and other applications in dentistry.

Effectiveness of Positioning Stents in Radiation-Induced Xerostomia in Patients with Tongue Carcinoma: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to perform an objective and subjective evaluation of the efficacy of positioning stents in radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with tongue carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients with tongue carcinoma and undergoing conventional radiotherapy were randomly assigned to control (n = 15) and study (n = 15) groups, without and with a positioning stent, respectively. Assessment of salivary output reduction was done before and after radiotherapy, at 3- and 6-month intervals, by measurement of unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates (objective evaluation). Xerostomia (subjective evaluation) was noted using six items from the Quality of Life Head and Neck Module (QLQ-H&N35) as proposed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. The significance level was set at .05. RESULTS: Mean unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates at 3- and 6-month intervals revealed significantly (P < .05) higher scores for the study group as compared with the control group. The mean quality of life scores in the study group were significantly (P < .05) lower compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The use of a positioning stent minimized radiation-induced xerostomia and its symptoms.

Changes in alveolar bone density around immediate functionally and nonfunctionally loaded implants.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Few studies compare the radiographic changes in bone density associated with immediate implant loading protocols. PURPOSE: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to quantitatively assess radiographic changes in alveolar bone density around immediate functionally and nonfunctionally loaded implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in which 20 participants with partially edentulous mandibles received implants that were immediately loaded either functionally (IFL) or nonfunctionally (INFL). Standardized intraoral periapical radiographs were made at baseline, 3, and 6 months. These were digitized and analyzed using the histogram tool of the GNU Image Modulation Program for changes in alveolar bone density at crestal and lateral apical levels around the implant. RESULTS: An increase in the mean lateral apical pixel grayscale values of 4.68 ±0.80 at 3 months and 4.15 ±0.29 at 6 months was observed with IFL, while INFL demonstrated an increase of 5.66 ±0.53 at 3 months and 6.07 ±0.59 at 6 months. A decrease in the mean crestal pixel grayscale values of -24.40 ±7.41 with IFL and -16.86 ±5.14 with INFL was found from baseline to 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this longitudinal study, it was concluded that immediate loading stimulated alveolar bone formation at 6 months after implant placement. The immediate functional loading of implants resulted in a significantly greater degree of bone demineralization at the alveolar crest from implant placement up to 3 months compared with immediate nonfunctional loading.

An In Vivo 24-Month Study to Compare Crestal Bone Loss and Pocket Depth of Platform-Switched Implants Placed in Maxillary Anterior and Mandibular Posterior Regions.

PURPOSE: To analyze and compare crestal bone loss and pocket depth around platform-switched implants placed at two intraoral locations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty platform-switched implants, 40 in the maxillary anterior region (group - ANT) and 40 in the mandibular posterior region (group - POST), were placed in healthy men aged between 25 and 45 years, and restored following two-stage surgical and progressive loading protocols. Digital radiographs for crestal bone level assessment and pocket depths on facial, mesial, distal, and palatal/lingual sites around the implant were recorded at definitive restoration cementation (baseline) and 6-month follow-up. Difference in pre- and post-periodontal pocket depths and crestal bone loss levels were measured and analyzed statistically using SPSS v.16.0, applying the Mann-Whitney test (p < 0.05 considered significant). RESULTS: Mean bone loss was significantly higher in group ANT (1.2 ± 0.3 mm) than in group POST (0.7 ± 0.02 mm). Palatal pocket depth increase was significantly greater in the ANT group (p = 0.01), and distal pocket depth increase was significantly greater for the POST group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The amount of bone loss noted in the maxillary anterior region compared to the mandibular posterior region was significantly more. This could possibly be because of greater vertical cantilever and offset loads in the anterior compared to the posterior region. Significantly greater pocket depth in mandibular posterior distal and maxillary anterior palatal regions could be related to oral hygiene maintenance issues.

Impact of Different Prosthodontic Treatment Modalities on Nutritional Parameters of Elderly Patients.

PURPOSE: To assess dietary and nutritional changes among the elderly following pros-thodontic rehabilitation. Another objective was to study the relationship, if any, between diet and nutrition, with extent of edentulism and different types of prosthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five patients who satisfied the inclu-sion and exclusion criteria and agreed to be a part of the study after informed consent were recruited to this longitudinal study. Following selection, they were investigated on four aspects: dental examination, dietary assessment, anthropometric assessment, and serum biochemical assessment. All measurements were collected twice, first at baseline and then 6 months following prosthodontic rehabilitation. Treatment modalities included were complete denture (CD), removable partial denture (RPD), and fixed partial denture (FPD). The RPD group was of two types: distal extension prosthesis (RPDD) and tooth-supported prosthesis (RPDT). Change (post-pre) in outcome measures was compared by one-way ANOVA, and significance of mean difference between the groups was done by Tukey's honestly significance difference post hoc test. RESULTS: The improvement in diet was found to be: CD > RPDD > RPDT > FPD. Significant improvement in weight (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001), protein (p < 0.001), carbohydrate (p = 0.021), calorie (p < 0.001), iron (p = 0.002), and vitamin B (p < 0.001) in group CD as compared to partially edentulous patients (group RPDD + RPDT + FPD) was noted. The protein and calorie intake increased significantly in group RPD as compared to group FPD in partially edentulous patients. CONCLUSION: Prosthetic rehabilitation becomes increasingly important as the level of edentulism increases to improve dietary, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters.

Finger prosthesis: a boon to handicapped.

This is a clinical case report of a 52-year-old male patient with four partially missing fingers of the left hand. The article describes the clinical and laboratory procedure of making prosthesis with modern silicone material. A wax pattern was fabricated using the right hand of the patient. A special type of wax was formulated to make the pattern so that it can be easily moulded and carved. Intrinsic and extrinsic staining was also performed to match the adjacent skin colour. The patient was given the finger prosthesis and was asked to use a half glove (sports) to mask the junction between the prosthesis and the normal tissue. It also provides additional retention to the artificial fingers. The patient felt his social acceptance improved after wearing the finger prosthesis.

A simple and inexpensive retainer for overdenture prosthesis.

This article describes a clinical case report of a 65-year-old male patient in which an overdenture was fabricated by using a simple, logical and inexpensive means of retentive device. The described mandibular overdenture involves a simple modification in the coping design and a wire lock mechanism which was fabricated during denture processing. The problems associated with copings were overcome by putting the patient on a regimen wherein topical fluoride was applied every week on the abutment. The denture, fabricated involving a wire lock mechanism, was highly retentive and stable. Patient was highly satisfied with the outcome of the treatment.

Non-syndromic multiple supernumerary teeth in permanent dentition: a rare phenomenon.

Hyperdontia or supernumerary teeth in the absence of associated systemic condition or syndrome is an uncommon phenomenon. Non-syndromic supernumerary teeth need to have periodical radiographic observation. In the case of asymptomatic condition, as they impacted in the jaw, a careful examination is necessary because they may develop into pathological status such as dentigerous cysts. Surgical removal of such teeth is indicated if evidence of any pathologies, such as cystic lesion, resorption, delayed eruption, altered eruption and displacement of adjacent teeth, is evident or have occurred.