Tiago Marques

Evaluation of the Periodontal Status of Abutment Teeth in Removable Partial Dentures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the use of removable partial dentures affects the periodontal status of abutment teeth. An observational cross-sectional study was done on a sample of patients rehabilitated with removable partial dentures (2010 to 2013). At a recall appointment, a clinical examination was done to collect data related to the rehabilitation and periodontal status of the abutment teeth. Of 145 invited patients, 54 attended the requested follow-up appointment (37.2%). Mean patient age was 59.1 years, and the study population was 42.6% male and 57.4% female. The mean follow-up time for the prosthesis was 26 months. Abutment teeth had higher values in all periodontal variables (P < .001). Occlusal clasps had the worst results in relation to clasps with a gingival approach (P < .005). Significant differences were also found in mandibular abutment teeth of Kennedy Class I and II compared to Class III (P < .048). The periodontal status of the abutment teeth of removable partial dentures is affected by these rehabilitations. A recall program for these patients involving removable prosthodontics and periodontology appointments is mandatory.

Determinants of gingival recessions in Portuguese adults

Objectives: The objective of this study consisted in determining the prevalence of gingival recession and potential risk factors associated in a sample of patients that had a dental appointment in the University Clinic of the Portuguese Catholic University in Viseu, Portugal. Methods: We conducted an epidemiological observational cross-sectional study where a sample of 101 patients was assessed. The participants were subjected to a questionnaire and an intra-oral clinical examination was made in order to assess gingival recessions. Results: The prevalence of recession was 85.1%. The presence of habits and a high plaque index are associated with the onset of recessions and its severity. The aesthetic condition was influenced only in 14.0% of the cases and just 17.4% of the patients with gingival recession had tooth hipersensibility. There is a stronger association between the development of recessions and using a brushing technique based mostly on horizontal movements and brushes with harder bristles. Conclusion: Although further studies need to be applied in a more representative sample, we conclude that the majority of the analyzed sample has already suitable oral health behaviors, however, some need to be modified as the understanding of the need to change certain habits to prevent development of recessions.

DETERMINANTS OF GINGIVAL RECESSIONS IN PORTUGUESE ADULTS

Acidified and non acidified samples of wastewaters from the Etoudi’s slaughterhouse (Yaounde, Cameroon) were analyzed before and after having been exposed to an electric discharge in a cold plasma reactor at different exposure times. Analyses reveal that untreated and non acidified wastewaters (pH = 7.8) contain 230.4 mgL-1 of phosphate (PO4 3-) and 479.6 mgL-1 of nitrate (NO3 -) ions. Exposure of these wastewaters to the gliding discharge (“glidarc”) operated in humid air induces PO4 3- and NO3 - concentrations abatement by 41.55% for phosphates and 86.24% for nitrates within 20 min of exposure for a gas flow rate of 800 Lh-1,which confirms the efficiency of the glidarc treatment in humid air in case of waste treatments. On the other hand, exposure of acidified wastewaters (pH = 2.2) to the glidarc in the same conditions showed that PO4 3- andNO3 - concentrations increase with exposure time; this result is in conformity with oxidation phenomena induced by the glidarc and previously presented by several authors. From these results the efficiency of the “glidarc” technique in degrading phosphates and nitrates in basic medium was proven.

Prevalence of gingival recessions and determinants in a Portuguese sample of patients

Background Gingival recession is a clinical condition defined as unwanted attachment loss, which results in apical migration of the free gingival margin. The importance that should be given to every recession varies by its aetiology, distribution and complications that may arise. Objectives: Assess the prevalence of gengival recessions and its determinants in a sample of patients at the Dental Clinic of the Universidade Catolica Portuguesa in Viseu, …