Olcay Şakar

Reliability and comparison of two facial measurements to detect changes of occlusal vertical dimension in complete denture wearers

BACKGROUND Facial measurements are frequently used to determine OVD. However, the reliability of neither the method nor the chosen landmarks has been cleared yet. OBJECTIVE This study compares the reliability of two facial measurements, subnasal (SN) to chin (C) and tip of the nose (TN) to C, for determining occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty edentulous subjects with adequate neuromuscular co-ordination, without signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and who had been wearing complete dentures for at least 5years were enrolled. A modified central bearing device was used to alter the OVD and facial measurements were made with a digital caliper. Students t-test was used to compare the two measurements. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were evaluated with Spearmans rho correlation test. RESULTS TN-C distance had an improved correlation with the changes in intraoral alterations than SN-C distance. While the means of the changes in facial measurements were in good agreement with the intraoral alterations, the ranges were wide. Both interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the measurements were high. CONCLUSION While facial measurement is not a good predictor of OVD, TN-C distance appears to be more reliable than SN-C distance.

Precision of Implant Placement With Stereolithographic Templates: A Pilot In Vitro Study

This pilot study assesses the accuracy of 2 bone-supported stereolithographic surgical templates with respect to placement of implants in originally planned positions, and it tests the precision of dental volumetric tomography planning. Two mandibles retrieved from formalin-fixed human cadavers were scanned by dental volumetric tomography for planning of the implant positions, leading to stereolithographic models and fabrication of surgical guides. The situation immediately following drilling and implant insertion by an experienced surgeon was scanned and the outcome compared with the initial planning. The 3-dimensional discrepancies were then analyzed and determined. The results show deviations of the placed implants from the original planning, especially in the vertical direction, making the seating of a prefabricated denture impossible. At present, the flapless surgery technique based on stereolithographic surgical templates appears unsafe; further improvement is required.

Evaluation of the closest speaking space in different dental and skeletal occlusions

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM The closest speaking space (CSS) together with the vertical overlap of anterior teeth during the production of the /s/ sound have not been previously investigated with respect to differences in dental and skeletal orthodontic classifications. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the CSS in dental and skeletal occlusions and to analyze the cause and effect relationship of the CSS and the amount of the vertical overlap of anterior teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS Poly vinylsiloxane interocclusal registration material was placed bilaterally onto the occlusal surfaces of premolar and molar teeth of 155 native Turkish speaking adolescent and young adult dentate participants, who were then asked to pronounce the word seyis. The thinnest point between the maxillary and mandibular teeth was recorded in millimeters as the CSS. The occlusion of each participant was classified according to the Angle dental and Steiner skeletal classifications. The differences in CSS values within each classification were statistically analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the correlation between the CSS and the vertical overlap was statistically analyzed with the Spearman Rho Correlation tests (P<.05). RESULTS The differences in the CSS were only significant between Angle Class II division 2 and Class III groups (P=.034), while the differences in the CSS between skeletal classes were not significant. The correlation between the amount of CSS and the amount of vertical overlap was not significant. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that regardless of dental and skeletal occlusions, average CSS values could be used to determine the occlusal vertical dimension of prosthetic restorations.

Esthetic Solutions for Removable Partial Dentures

Patients’ acceptance of their dentures and their satisfaction are affected by esthetic factor. The appearance of the metal clasps in the esthetic zone can be objectionable for many patients. To overcome the esthetic problem, different solutions have been presented in the literature. The use of precision attachments, double-crown systems, and implants in removable partial dentures (described in part IV) can be esthetic treatment options, but these options require tooth preparation to fabricate crown restoration and a surgical operation. As a result, the increased cost is inevitable. Different metal clasp designs presented in Chap. 11 can also be esthetic alternatives in removable partial dentures. In this chapter, widely accepted and used other treatment alternatives, which are thermoplastic resins for nonmetal clasp dentures and rotational path removable partial denture design, are described. The advantages, disadvantages, and the basic principles in clinical usage are presented.

Familial gigantiform cementoma with Ehlers - Danlos syndrome: A report of 2 cases

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder of connective tissue, while familial gigantiform cementoma is a condition that usually manifests as multiple radiopaque cementum-like masses throughout the jaws. This case report discusses the oral management and prosthetic rehabilitation of two patients presenting familial gigantiform cementoma with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

The hemodynamic effects of occlusal splint therapy on the masseter muscle of patients with myofascial pain accompanied by bruxism

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic effects of occlusal splint therapy on masseter muscles of patients with myofascial pain accompanied by bruxism with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Methods: Twenty-four patients were randomly divided into two groups, where the study group (n = 12) received occlusal splint therapy and the control group (n = 12) underwent no therapy. Measurements were categorized into four subgroups: painful or painless control and painful or painless splint. Percent changes in deoxyhemoglobin (Hb), oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), and OXY (HbO2-Hb) values were calculated during a 1-month period. Results: Statistically significant inter-session differences between painful-splint and painful-control groups were detected for NIRS oxygenation parameters, whereas inter-session differences between painless groups were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The results suggest that occlusal splint usage causes a decrease in hyperemic response, which is indicative of a decrease in masseter muscle contraction strength.

Distraction of the temporomandibular joint condyle in patients with unilateral non-reducing disc displacement: Fact or fiction?

Abstract Objectives: This study investigated the distractive effect of a unilateral pivot splint on patients with unilateral disc displacement without reduction. Methods: The study group was comprised of 18 patients who had no history of treatment with removable prosthetic restorations of molars, premolars, or canine teeth, and no previous treatment for temporomandibular disorder. Joint spaces measurements made on magnetic resonance images indicated the affected side to be narrower than the healthy side. Unilateral distraction splints were made for all patients. An ultrasonic motion analyzer was used to measure the vertical shift occurring on the affected side as patients closed their mouths with maximal force with the splint in their mouths. Results: Closing with maximal force on the unilateral distraction splint led to a noticeable downward movement of the affected condyle. Discussion: The findings of this study indicate that the TMJ condyle of patients with unilateral disc displacement without reduction may be unilaterally distracted if the articular space is narrowed.

Current Status on Partial Edentulism and Removable Partial Dentures

What is the present status of the total and partial edentulism and expectations for the future? What is the importance and validity of the removable partial denture in dental practice? Why do we need to update our knowledge on removable partial dentures? This chapter allows us to find out the answers and think more about on removable partial dentures. It is our best interest to provide a harvest of knowledge regarding the current, practical, scientific, and affordable ways to construct proper removable partial dentures. We hope to explore scientific-based attention to RPDs in the near future, which will possibly make them a good and an easy choice of treatment.

The Effects of Partial Edentulism on the Stomatognathic System and General Health

Tooth loss is a very important phenomenon which affects both oral and systemic health. It may impair the functional stability of the stomatognathic system. The aftereffects of tooth loss show individual differences which depend on local and systemic factors. Number and location of the missing teeth, occlusal relationships, the periodontal status of the remaining teeth, and movement pattern or size of the tongue can be considered as local factors. Neuromuscular control mechanism, age, psychological status, and general resistance can be accepted as systemic factors. Dentists should be aware of the possible consequences or concomitant conditions of tooth loss and inform their patient or refer them to a physician when necessary. It is also vital to know which dentition and/or patient is at a greater risk due to tooth loss and to decide the treatment plan in the light of these facts.

Rests and Rest Seats

Rests are vital for removable partial dentures to perform their optimal function. In addition to their several advantages described in this chapter, their most important benefits are preventing the removable partial denture movement toward the tissue and transmitting the occlusal forces in a way that will not harm the abutment teeth. Their proper function can only be achieved, if they seat on the well-prepared rest seats. Unfortunately, rest seat preparation is overlooked by many dentists and preparations’ size and shape shows variety even between the prosthodontists. In this chapter, different forms of the rests, their appropriate rest seat preparations, and bonded rest seats are described along with the necessary equipment.