Effect of simultaneous application of arthrocentesis and occlusal splint versus splint in management of non-reducing TMJ disc displacement.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effect of four approaches in the treatment of TMJ disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients (40 joints) with mean age 28.025 ±â€¯7.18 (23 female patients and nine male patients) were assigned randomly into four groups (10 joints in each group). Group I, patients were treated by centric splint. Group II, patients were treated by distraction splint. Group III, patients were treated by arthrocentesis and centric splint, while group IV patients were treated by arthrocentesis and distraction splint. The groups were compared in terms of joint function (mouth opening), joint pain through joint palpation, and use of visual analog scale (VAS). These records were taken preoperatively, two weeks, one month, three, and six months postoperatively. Also, the presence of disc recapture was evaluated in all patients on MRI at the end of the treatment period. RESULTS: Significant improvements in all parameters were recorded in all groups. At two weeks postoperatively, there was a significant improvement in all parameters in group III and group IV than group I and group II, while there was no statistical difference between group III and group IV. Regarding mouth opening and joint palpation, there was a significant improvement in group III than group I and group II. Also, there was a significant improvement in group IV than group II at the subsequent follow-up periods. Regarding VAS, at one and three months postoperatively, there was a significant improvement in group III than other groups. CONCLUSION: However, both types of splints provide better results without a statistical difference; the simultaneous application of arthrocentesis and occlusal splint decreases pain and improving the function effectively and more rapidly.

Factors Influencing Global Variations in COVID-19 Cases and Fatalities; A Review.

Since the first cases of the novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) were diagnosed in China, outcomes associated with this infection in terms of total numbers of cases and deaths have varied widely between countries. While some countries had minimal rates of infections and deaths, other countries were hit hard by the pandemic. Countries with highest numbers of cases continued to change over time, but at the time of submission of this article they are: USA, Brazil, Russia, UK, India, Spain, Italy, Peru and Chile. This is in contrary to many countries in the Middle East, Far East, and Africa, which had lower cases or deaths/cases rates. This raised many questions pertaining to this variation. This overview explores the potential factors that contribute to spread, transmission and outcomes of the COVID-19 infection. It also uses an evidence-based approach in reviewing the available most recent literature that tackled the various factors that modify the populations' response to COVID-19, namely, factors pertaining to population characteristics, environmental and geographic factors.

Comparative study of some mechanical properties of cobalt chromium and polyether ether ketone thermoplastic removable partial denture clasps: an In-vitro Study / Estudo comparativo de algumas propriedades mecânicas dos grampos parciais removíveis termoplásticos removíveis termoplásticos de cobalto cromo e éter cetona: um estudo in vitro

Objective: was to evaluate the retentive force, fatigue resistance and deformity of clasps made from two materials cobalt chromium and poly ether ether ketone (PEEK). Material and Methods: sixteen models were fabricated,each one having lower 1st molar. Models were divided into two groups according to materials,group I (GI) for cobalt chromium (Co-Cr) and group II (GII) for PEEK. Each testing models and its clasps were mounted inside universal testing machine, the retention was measured by applying withdrawal force to it by this machine at 5 mm/min. The Fatigue resistance is measured by the reduction in retention through repeated insertion and removal cycles using robota chewing simulator. Removal and insertion cycling of clasps was carried out for 360, 730, 1080, 1,440, 2,116 and 2,880 cycles (corresponding to 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months of simulated clinical use of a RPD) to simulate the fatigue resistance test. Deformity was measured before and after each cycling using a digital micrometer. Statistical analysis was done by 2-way-ANOVA test to detect significance effects of each variable. Results: Retention and fatigue resistance, after 360, 730, 1080, 1,440, 2,116 and 2,880 cycles totally the difference between Co-Cr and PEEK groups was statistically non-significant (P = 0.0980> 0.05) where (Co-Cr > PEEK). Deformation results, regardless to evaluation time, Co-Cr group recorded statistically significant higher deformation mean value than PEEK group (P = 0.008 < 0.05).Regardless to material group, deformation mean value changed nonsignificantly by time (P = 0.2882> 0.05). Conclusion: PEEK clasps (1.0 mm in cross section diameter) engage 0.50 mm undercut provide sufficient retention nearly similar that of Co-Cr clasps.(AU)

Objetivo: o objetivo foi avaliar a força de retenção, a resistência à fadiga e a deformidade dos grampos fabricados com dois materiais diferentes: cromo-cobalto (Co-Cr) e poliéter-éter-étercetona (PEEK). Materiais e métodos: dezesseis modelos foram confeccionados, cada um com 1º molar inferior. Os modelos foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o material: grupo I Co-Cr e grupo II para PEEK. Cada modelo de teste universal e seus grampos foram montados em uma máquina de teste universal. A retenção foi medida aplicando força de retirada por esta máquina a 5 mm/min. A resistência à fadiga foi medida pela redução na retenção através de ciclos repetidos de inserção e remoção usando um simulador do ciclo de mastigação. O ciclo de remoção e inserção dos grampos foi realizado por 360, 730, 1080, 1.440, 2.116 e 2.880 ciclos (correspondendo a 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 e 24 meses de uso clínico simulado de um RPD) para simular o teste de resistência à fadiga. A deformidade foi medida antes e após cada ciclo, usando um micrômetro digital. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste ANOVA de 2 fatores para detectar os efeitos de significância de cada variável. Resultados: A retenção e a resistência à fadiga após 360, 730, 1080, 1.440, 2.116 e 2.880 ciclos entre os grupos Co-Cr e PEEK não mostrou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,0980> 0,05), onde (Co-Cr> PEEK). Para os resultados da deformação, independentemente do tempo de avaliação, o grupo Co-Cr registrou um valor médio de deformação maior, com diferença estatística significativa, quando comparado com o grupo PEEK (p= 0,008 < 0,05). Independentemente do grupo de material, o valor médio da deformação foi alterado de forma não significativa pelo tempo (p= 0,2882> 0,05). Conclusão: os grampos PEEK (1,0 mm de diâmetro da seção transversal) engatam 0,50 mm retenção quase semelhante à dos grampos Co-Cr (AU)

Bite Force Evaluation in Complete Denture Wearer with Different Denture Base Materials: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the maximum bite force (MBF) with different denture base materials in completely edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MBF was evaluated in randomly selected 100 completely edentulous patients. Patients were selected from the Outpatient Clinic, College of Dentistry, Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups: Group I (control group): Patient received a conventional heat-cured acrylic complete denture (Vertex™ Regular, Vertex-Dental B.V., The Netherlands) and Group II (experimental group): Patient received a thermoplastic complete denture (Vertex™ ThermoSens, Vertex-Dental B.V., The Netherlands). MBF measurements were taken at the time of new denture placement and after 6 months of denture use. Statistics were analyzed using independent t-test to compare the MBF measurements between both groups. RESULTS: At the time of denture placement, there was no significant difference in bite force measurements between both groups. Bite force is increasing considerably after 6 months of denture use, and it was higher than MBF recorded at the time of new prosthesis placement in the same group. The MBF values were considerably higher in patients with a thermoplastic denture than patients with conventional acrylic denture with statistically significant difference after 6 months of denture use. CONCLUSION: After 6 months of denture use, patients with a thermoplastic denture have a higher biting force than patients with a conventional acrylic denture. Therefore, it could be considered a treatment plan option according to the ridge nature and quality to solve the problem of diminished bite force in old age patients.

Prevalence of Dental Anxiety among Dental Patients in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety towards dental procedures are common difficulties that may be experienced by dental patients all over the world. This study focused on evaluating the dental anxiety frequency and its relationship with age, gender, educational level, and past dental visits among patients attending the outpatient clinics of College of Dentistry, Al Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 221 patients, aged 21-50 years were selected for the study. A questionnaire comprising the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to measure the level of dental anxiety. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: The mean anxiety score of the 221 patients was 11.39 (SD ± 2.7). Independent t-test showed a significant variation between the age groups with regards to their mean overall anxiety score (P < 0.05), which reduced with increasing age. A significant difference was found by independent t-test in the mean total score between male and female groups and regarding previous dental visit (P < 0.05). Regarding education level, there was no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Younger patients, female, and patients with previous unpleasant dental experience were associated with increased MDAS score. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present study was done for better patient management and proper treatment plan development for dentally anxious patients.

Prevalence and pattern of partial edentulism among dental patients attending College of Dentistry, Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of partial edentulism among dental patients attending the College of Dentistry, Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 142 patients were selected, and the prevalence of partial edentulism among the selected patient was recorded. Patients were grouped into three age groups; Group I: 21-30 years, Group II: 31-40 years, and Group III: 41-50 years. Kennedy's classification was used to determine the pattern of partially edentulous arches. Modification areas were not included in the assessment to avoid complexity. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 for windows. RESULTS: The results showed that the occurrence of Kennedy Class III partial edentulism was 67.2 % in the maxillary arch and 64.1% in the mandibular arch. Followed by Class II in both maxillary and mandibular arch with an average of 16.3 % in maxillary arch and14.8% in the mandibular arch. Based on these results, class III has the highest prevalence in group II (31- 40 years). Class I and class II have the highest incidence among group III Patients (41-50 years). CONCLUSIONS: Among selected patients, Class III dental arch was the most prevalent pattern in maxillary and mandibular arches. Class IV being the least dominant pattern between all classes. There are a rise in Kennedy Class I and Kennedy Class II pattern and a decline in Class III and Class IV with an increase in age.