Vjekoslav Jerolimov

Relationship of slightly limited mandibular movements to temporomandibular disorders

Mandibular movements have been analyzed extensively in the past for prosthodontic reasons, and more recently to study the function of the masticatory system. This study investigated the range of mandibular movements in a young male population, and analyzed the difference in range of mouth opening, right and left lateral movements, and protrusive movement between asymptomatic subjects (control group) and patients with clinical diagnoses of temporomandibular disorders. A total of 180 subjects, aged 19-28 years, were included in the study. The TMD sample comprised 90 patients (30 patients with muscle disorders; 30 patients with disc displacement with reduction; 30 patients with muscle disorders and disc displacement with reduction) and was compared with 90 healthy control subjects. All participants were evaluated by the attending dentist at baseline with a complete physical examination and history questionnaire, which included the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis I measures. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in ranges of mandibular movements between and within the groups of healthy control subjects and patients with muscle and temporomandibular joint disorders. It is suggested that there are differences in the range of mandibular movements that clearly separate asymptomatic subjects and patients with temporomandibular disorders in this young male population.

The fatigue strength of the interface between Ag-Pd alloy and hydrothermal ceramic.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper was to investigate the fatigue strength of a hydrothermal ceramic fused to Ag-Pd alloy. This study compared the values with those of other metal-ceramic systems previously reported by other authors. METHODS This investigation was performed on 48 specimens made of Ag-Pd alloy frames (45 x 12 x 4 mm) on which the hydrothermal ceramic was fused (25 x 12 x 2 gmm). The specimens were divided into two groups. The first group of specimens was dynamically loaded immediately after casting and fusing, while the other group of specimens was thermocycled (1000 times at 0 degree C and 55 degrees C) before dynamic loading. The dynamic loading tests were carried out by using a modified three-point load method in a universal testing machine. RESULTS The determined dynamic loading limit was up to 550 N for thermocycled, and up to 850 N for non-thermocycled specimens. These results are very respectable in comparison with other metal-ceramics. A statistically significant difference between maximal dynamic forces and number of loading cycles for thermocycled and non-thermocycled samples was determined. SIGNIFICANCE From the data obtained in this study and current literature profiles, it is concluded that the tested metal-ceramic system is more durable than other metal-ceramic systems.

Analysis of the extent and efficiency of the partnership and collaboration between the dental faculties and National Dental Associations within the FDI–ERO zone: a dental faculties' perspective†

BACKGROUND AND AIM As National Dental Associations and dental faculties can be considered as the two major institutions representing national organised dentistry, their further extended collaboration is crucial in responding to the many global oral health matters and issues. The main aim of the present study is to analyse the nature and extent of the partnership between the dental faculties and NDAs. METHODS A questionnaire was developed focusing on the relationship between National Dental Associations and the dental faculties within the World Dental Federation-European Regional Organisation zone regarding their major professional activities such as dental education, workforce issues, improvement of national oral health, science and knowledge transfer. The questionnaire was sent to 173 dental faculties within the countries in the European Regional Organisation zone. RESULTS Response rate was 62/173 (35.8%). Major activities of dental faculties were listed as implementation of new technologies into practice (72%), followed by improvement of national oral health (65%), while the least involved activity was dental workforce issues (42%). The dental faculties perceived their relationship with the National Dental Associations as quite satisfactory in the field of continuing education and science and knowledge transfer. However, their relationship was suggested to need significant improvement when dealing with undergraduate dental education curriculum, dental workforce issues and negotiations with the authorities regarding professional matters/issues. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Despite the fact that there are differences between the perceived competences and responsibilities of the two bodies, the presence of so many potential areas of collaboration, the increasing expectations from the individual dentists/dental profession and the new challenges of the dental profession give this relationship significant importance. Communication, regular contacts, more joint activities and improved collaboration is needed between dental faculties and National Dental Associations to overcome such professional matters and issues.