The influence of proximal retention grooves on the retention and resistance of class II preparations for amalgams.

The addition of proximal retention grooves to various designs of the Class II cavity preparation considerably improves the retention and resistance characteristics of amalgam restorations. The incorporation of proximal grooves should reduce the necessity for gross outline form as a means of gaining adequate retention adn resistance in the Class II preparation.

Allergic contact stomatitis from a gold alloy--fixed partial denture.

Allergic contact stomatitis to gold is rare. To our knowledge, seven cases caused by dental restorations have been previously reported. Each of the patients was female. This report documents an allergic reaction to gold in a fixed prosthesis. A female patient, previously sensitized to gold earrings, experienced an itching and burning pain sensation and ulceration of the oral tissues adjacent to the gold restoration. Patch tests confirmed the allergy to gold. The dentist needs to be aware of the symptoms that are characteristic of the allergic manifestations of gold. Inquiries about allergies to metals and jewelry should be a part of the medical history. Any patient experiencing pain, itching, burning, and ulceration of the mucosa adjacent to a cast gold restoration should be suspected of an allergic contact stomatitis.

Simultaneous repair and rebase of a removable partial denture.

A patient presented a unique dental problem: the evulsion of mandibular canines, and the restoration of anterior alveolar bone associated with periodontal disease. A mandibular removable partial denture, bilaterally supported by the canines, premolars, and molar abutments of blade implants, had been worn for more than ten years. The open clasps in the canine areas were irritating the oral tissues, and the space under the anterior saddle of the denture was retaining food. Both situations needed immediate consideration. The evulsed canines were reproduced in autocured acrylic and secured in the clasps of the denture. The space under the saddle was rebased with autocured acrylic. Since both areas were adjacent to each other, they were splinted together simultaneously. The patient was satisfied with having the old denture repaired without being deprived of the prosthesis for an extended period of time.

Reinforced matrices for pin-amalgam restorations reduce microleakage.

The considerable decrease in microkeakage in the compound-reinforced restorations may be due to the tighter fit of the matrix band at the gingival wall of the preparation, which allows better condensation and marginal sealing of the restoration. The compound prevents lateral migration of the band during condensation pressures.