Kenneth D. Rudd

Tooth-supported complete dentures: An approach to preventive prosthodontics

Abstract The concept of tooth support for complete dentures permits the dentist to assume a significant role in preserving natural teeth and supporting structures. In many instances, teeth that would otherwise be removed can be maintained to help support complete dentures. Frequently, only one natural tooth can successfully help support a denture. A method for constructing tooth-supported complete dentures has been described, and the advantages and disadvantages have been discussed. Tooth-supported complete dentures are a valid approach to preventive prosthodontics and a valuable part of the practicing dentists armamentarium.

Tooth-supported complete dentures: Description and clinical evaluation of a simplified technique

I t has been estimated1 that twenty million Americans are totally edentulous and ten million more are edentulous in one arch. Nearly two thirds of all Americans over the age of 75 years are edentulous. In one study* of the reasons for removal of teeth in an oral surgery practice among middle-income families, 20 per cent were clinically sound teeth but removed for “prosthetic” reasons. These statistics indicate a need for increased efforts in preventive dentistry by all members of the dental profession in order to significantly reduce the number of persons who become edentulous. Patients with many teeth that are hopeless are often candidates for complete dentures. They may, however, have 1, 2, or 3 retainable teeth. Frequently, these few teeth are removed because they are considered inadequate to support partial dentures, and complete dentures are constructed. However, such patients can benefit from tooth-supported complete dentures.

Fluorescent photoanthropometry: A method for analyzing mandibular motion

M andibular motion has been studied and photographically recorded by Kurth,l+ Posselt,5 Schweitzer, 6* 7 Rudd,8 and Ahlgreng and various techniques were used. Most photographic techniques for recording jaw movements involve the attachment of indicator spheres to the maxillary and mandibular dental arches. The paths produced by these indicators during functional or simulated functional jaw movements are recorded on film for study and analysis. However, the inherent limitations of conventional photographic techniques preclude both accurate linear measurements and determination of parameters such as velocity, accleration, and the area of the envelope of motion.

A procedure for making fixed prosthodontic impressions with the use of preformed crown shells

Void-free impressions of tooth preparations for fixed prosthodontics are essential for accurately fitting restorations; however, commonly used impression methods are arduous and time-consuming. A procedure has been developed in which an impression is made in a preformed temporary crown shell for each tooth preparation and then a final over impression is made. The result is an atraumatic and uncomplicated complete-arch impression that incorporates an accurate impression of each prepared tooth.

Making diagnostic casts is not a waste of time

Abstract No thorough and precise method of planning should be regarded as superfluous when the health of the patient is safeguarded and when the professional procedures of the dentist are improved and hastened. Properly prepared diagnostic casts provide these advantages.

Stabilizing periodontally weakened teeth with removable partial dentures

Abstract Carefully planned and constructed partial dentures with guiding planes appear to be effective in stabilizing weakened teeth. Important factors in the design and adaptation of these restorations have been described.

Maxillary appliance for controlled radium needle placement

Abstract Dentists may be called upon to provide appliances which, because of their unique nature, require departures from the usual fabrication procedures. Construction of a treatment appliance for selected placement of radium needles in the treatment of a malignant lesion of the hard palate was described. t;∗∗

Some uses of fluorescence in prosthodontics.

Abstract Current uses and possible applications of fluorescence in dentistry have been described. In prosthodontic research, functional and nonfunctional mandibular movements were photographed by the fluorescent method with still and motion picture equipment. The use of these films as instructional aids facilitates the understanding of the dynamics of jaw movement. In nondestructive testing of dental restorations, fluorescent disclosing solutions revealed minute surface defects that were otherwise invisible to the naked eye. These solutions can also be used to assess the effectiveness of denture cleansing agents. For dental education, the applications included fluorescent charts, blackboard illustrations, and slide captions. The use of fluorescent paints on specified areas of the occlusal surfaces of dental casts produces instructional aids that are extremely effective in teaching the dynamics of occlusion. Other applications of fluorescence in dentistry are limited only by the imagination of the user.

Premedication: An aid in obtaining accurate complete denture impressions

Abstract Defects in complete denture impressions resulting from the effect of palatal mucus secretion were discussed. Various methods for minimizing the defects were reviewed. A method requiring the administration of an antisialogogue in conjunction with mouth rinses and gauze packs was presented. The combination procedure minimizes effectively the defects due to mucus secretions by: (1) suppressing ordinary secretion (Pro-Banthine and ice water), and (2) removal of excess mucus secretions from the oral cavity with an astringent mouthwash.

The training of a prosthodontist

Abstract The prosthodontic program developed at Wilford Hall USAF Hospital is unique in that residents receive intensive training in the broad concept of prosthodontics encompassing its four principle divisions. A well-qualified full-time house staff and an ample number of national consultants provide adequate supervision and instruction in most of the recognized theories, concepts, and techniques. Affiliation with the University of Texas Dental Branch lends stature to the program by providing outstanding instruction in the basic sciences and conferring the Master of Science degree. At the end of this comprehensive training program, the resident has been found competent, capable, and eager to treat patients and/or to teach prosthodontics.