Carolina Mayumi Iegami

New image analysis of large food particles can discriminate experimentally suppressed mastication

Objective parameters that could provide a basis for food texture selection for elderly or dysphagic patients have not been established. We, therefore, aimed to develop a precise method of measuring large particles (>2 mm in diameter) in a bolus and an analytical method to provide a scientific rationale for food selection under masticatory dysfunction conditions. We developed a new illumination system to evaluate the ability of twenty female participants (mean age, 23·4 ± 4·3 years) to masticate carrots, peanuts and beef with full, half and one quarter of the number of masticatory strokes. We also evaluated mastication under suppressed force, regulated by 20% electromyographic of the masseter muscle. The intercept and inclination of the regression line for the distribution of large particles were adopted as coefficients for the discrimination of masticatory efficiency. Single set of coefficient thresholds of 0·10 for the intercept and 1·62 for the inclination showed excellent discrimination of masticatory conditions for all three test foods with high specificity and sensitivity. These results suggested that our method of analysing the distribution of particles >2 mm in diameter might provide the basis for the appropriate selection of food texture for masticatory dysfunction patients from the standpoint of comminution.

Survival rate of titanium-zirconium narrow diameter dental implants versus commercially pure titanium narrow diameter dental implants: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Despite the existence of several studies validating the use of narrow diameter implants, most of them are based on pure Ti alloys. There is few clinical evidence of the success of TiZr narrow diameter implants (TiZr NDIs) regarding survival rate (SR) and marginal bone loss (MLB). PURPOSE The aim of this review was to systematically assess SR, as well as MBL of TiZr NDIs compared to commercially pure titanium narrow diameter implants (cpTi NDIs). MATERIAL AND METHODS The search was conducted in Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Embase databases (year 2000 to November 2016). Cohort studies and randomized trials were included. RESULTS Six clinical studies from the 3453 articles initially identified met the inclusion criteria. There were no statistically significant differences in SR when TiZr NDIs and cpTi NDIs were compared in the 1-year follow up (P = .5), or when comparing TiZr NDIs placed in posterior and anterior regions. There was no difference between groups regarding 1-year SR: -0.01 (95% CI, -0.05-0.03) and MLB: -0.01 mm (95% CI: -0.14-0.12). CONCLUSION It can be concluded that TiZr NDIs present similar success rates and peri-implant bone resorption to cpTi NDIs.

Masticatory efficiency in complete denture wearers with reduced dental arches – a randomised cross-over study

One obstacle to placing artificial posterior teeth in manufacturing complete dentures is a reduction of the space between the maxilla and the mandible. Occasionally, second molar placement is not performed, as it does not affect aesthetics, phonetics or comfort. The aim of this study was to compare the masticatory efficiency between patients wearing maxillary and mandibular complete dentures with reduced dental arches (without second molars) (WSM) and with full dental arches (FDA). Twenty subjects were divided into two groups and randomly received new complete dentures. Patients in Group 1 were given dentures WSM, and those in Group 2 were given dentures with FDA. After the post-placement visits, an initial masticatory efficiency test was performed with Optocal, an artificial test food. Fifteen days later, second molars were placed in Group 1 and removed from Group 2, and a new test was performed. Comminuted material was treated and sieved under vibration. The mean and standard deviation of masticatory efficiency with FDA were 10.4 and 8.1, respectively. In the tests WSM, the mean and standard deviation were 8.4 and 3.3, respectively. After removing the second molars in Group 2 and adding them in Group 1, the mean and standard deviation were 15.7 and 14.7 for Group 1 and 12.5 and 10.4 for Group 2, respectively. Within the limitations of this study, placing artificial teeth up to the first molars can be performed when needed without compromising masticatory efficiency.

A 5-week Non-Surgical Approach towards Denture Induced Hyperplasia

Background Despite the standard approach towards denture-induced hyperplasia being surgery, as elderly population increases the systemic problems are carried along. Thus, surgery might be risky for patients with medical conditions. Objective In this report, a patient with severe inflammatory papillary hyperplasia, medical problems and dental fear was treated with a 5-week nonsurgical protocol. Method Once in a week, the upper denture was relined with a zinc enolic paste, for four weeks. In the fifth week, the denture was relined with fast set polymethyl methacrylate resin instead of zinc enolic paste so that the material would last longer than only a week until the new pair of dentures was manufactured. Results and Conclusion The generated pressure combined with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the paste led to the elimination of the inflammatory papillary hyperplasia completely, satisfying the patient and allowing the manufacturing of a new set of complete dentures.

Different Occlusal Schemes in a Persistent Protruding Complete Denture Wearer

Different types of artificial teeth and occlusal designs can be used in complete dentures. Bilateral balanced occlusion, lingualized occlusion, canine guidance, and monoplane are the main occlusal designs; however there is no agreement on which tooth arrangement is ideal for achieving success in complete dentures. This report presents an alternative for persistent involuntary protruding complete denture wearers through the use of artificial teeth with higher cusps. Due to an old and worn pair of complete dentures, the patient had the habit of protruding. New dentures were made with Biotone artificial teeth and in the trial session, the patient would still protrude. A new set was made with Premium artificial teeth, which present higher cusps. With these dentures, the involuntary protrusion did not occur. From the delivery to the follow-up sessions, the patient stopped protruding.