Richard R. Seals

Panoramic radiographic examination of edentulous patients

A study of panoramic radiographs made on 114 edentulous patients was described. Six radiographic entities were identified: root fragments, retained teeth, radiolucencies, radiopacities, foreign bodies, and mental foramina at or near the crest of the residual ridge. The percent of positive findings in this study and those of previous studies support the fact that one of three edentulous patients has a potentially complicating condition within the denture base foundation. These investigations stress the necessity of radiographic examination of all edentulous patients prior to treatment with complete dentures. The high incidence of positive findings suggests not only the need for radiographic examinations of all patients, but also the frequency with which the dentist is faced with the necessity of modifying the treatment plan.

Custom mouth protectors: A review of their applications

The greatest use of mouth protectors is the reduction of injuries in sports-related activities. However, mouth protectors are used with increasing frequency in other areas of therapeutic and preventive dentistry and medicine. Although the full scope of the use of custom mouth protectors has not yet been realized, this article reviewed the most common current uses. Health professionals should familiarize themselves with this treatment modality because the simplicity and cost of the custom mouth protector makes its use applicable to a wide range of patients for the potential preservation of oral structures.

Fabrication of facial prostheses by applying the osseointegration concept for retention

Initial clinical studies applying the osseointegration concept for retention of facial prostheses have been encouraging. The results of these preliminary investigations indicate new treatment possibilities with facial prostheses anchored to the cranial skeleton by osseointegrated implants. Osseointegrated rehabilitation of the maxillofacial prosthetic patient presents the potential for overcoming many of the disadvantages associated with conventional retentive methods. Fabrication and support for facial prostheses by using osseointegrated implants for retention are described.

Microwave techniques for fabrication of provisional facial prostheses

Timely rehabilitation of facial defects necessitates provisional prostheses during the period following surgery. The possibilities of using microwave radiation in the drying of gypsum casts, the preparation of stone molds, the curing of silicone elastomers, and the extrinsic coloring of silicone prostheses are presented. Microwave radiation has the potential for saving time, energy, and resources during the fabrication of provisional facial prostheses.

Intranasal prostheses, splints, and stents

Internal defects of the nose result from congenital abnormalities, trauma, tumor excision, and complications of cosmetic or airway enhancement procedures. Since the nose is a prominent feature of the face, and nasal deformities present complicated reconstructive problems, the rehabilitation of this structure assumes great importance. Surgical and/or prosthetic procedures using intranasal prostheses, splints, or stents have been developed to improve both form and function. Intranasal prostheses, splints, and stents during nasal rehabilitation can (1) establish and maintain airway patency, (2) maintain tissue position, (3) reduce tissue contracture after surgery, or (4) support mobile tissue in the construction and retention of facial prostheses. Although techniques for managing common problems have been presented in this article, unique clinical situations will arise. Much of the execution and ultimate success of nasal prosthetics will depend upon the ingenuity of the dentist performing the service.

Prosthetic treatment for chemical burns of the oral cavity

Chemical burns of the mouth, pharynx, and digestive passages have been reviewed in regard to the nature of the injury and wound description. Fabrication of custom mouth protectors to minimize oral scar contracture and its sequelae has been described. Mouth protectors provide flexible but active resistance to the forces of scar contracture and avoid a constant unyielding force that could cause pressure necrosis. Protectors are easy to fabricate and adjust, and permit movement and function of the injured area.

Successful integration of fixed and removable prosthodontics

The management of complex prosthodontics requires special consideration during treatment as well as maintenance visits after treatment is complete. The anticipated design of the removable partial denture framework must be recorded prior to restorative procedures. Preparation of the abutment teeth should provide space for the critical portions of the removable partial denture that will require subsequent restorations. Portions of a removable partial denture essential to the construction of a restoration are guide planes, rests, retentive clasps, and reciprocal components. The wax patterns of the restorations should be contoured on a surveyor in harmony with the path of insertion and design of removable partial dentures. Successful integration of fixed and removable prosthodontics is dependent on adequate diagnostic information and perceptive execution of restorative procedures.

An intraoral drug delivery system

Topical drug therapy for ulcerative and vesiculobullous diseases of the oral mucosa has generally proved unsatisfactory because of the turbulent and changing nature of the oral cavity. The construction and use of an intraoral drug delivery system using custom carriers to deliver topical medication is described. The delivery system presented overcomes many of the obstacles associated with topical drug administration for oral lesions and provides a therapeutic alternative to systemic agents.