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Biomedical subjects

N G Schaaf

Publications and source records attributed to N G Schaaf.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Trends in prosthodontic treatment of cleft palate patients at one institution: a twenty-one year review.

This 21-year retrospective study evaluated the trends observed in the prosthodontic treatment of 269 patients. The patients were divided into three groups. The speech aid group consisted of 203 patients and showed a significant decrease in numbers over time. The maxillary obturator group consisted of 24 patients and did not show a significant change. The infant feeding prosthesis group consisted of 42 patients and showed a significant increase in numbers. Possible reasons for the trends observed are discussed.

Adolescent

Visualization and initial characterization of the titanium boundary of the bone-implant interface of osseointegrated implants.

A simple procedure has allowed consistent visualization of the titanium boundary of the bone-implant interface of osseointegrated titanium implants at the electron microscope level. This was accomplished by embedding the intact bone-implant specimen block with low-viscosity resin prior to removal of the device in preparation for sectioning. The titanium boundary consisted of either a thin, compact amorphous electron dense layer, a broad layer of dense amorphous granules, or both. This material was removed by decalcification in formic acid (prior to embedding) and did not diffract electrons (ie, was noncrystalline). Scanning-transmission electron microscopy-EDX analysis indicated the presence of titanium, calcium, and phosphorus in the electron dense material. Field emission scanning electron microscopy-EDX dot-mapping analysis confirmed the presence of these elements and mapped them to the same locations at the implant-interface boundary.

Animals

Microscopic observations of the bone/implant interface of surface-treated titanium implants.

Light microscopy, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate osseointegration of extraoral titanium implant surfaces treated by either autoclaving, exposure to ultraviolet light (UV), or radiofrequency glow discharge (RFGD). Ultraviolet and RFGD-treated implants showed faster healing in the initial 5-week to 3-month period. By 6 months of healing, no structural differences were found at the bone/implant interface among the different treatments. It was concluded that UV or RFGD surface treatment of titanium implants may shorten the time interval between placement and loading.

Animals

An evaluation of facial prostheses.

A survey was conducted to evaluate patient reactions to facial prostheses that were provided to 143 patients in the past 7 years at Roswell Park Memorial Institute. Of the 76 patients who responded, 38 patients were wearing their prostheses and 38 patients were not wearing their prostheses. Reasons cited by the patients for not using their prosthesis included lack of retention, additional surgery, discomfort, and irritation. Most of the prostheses were prepared in silicone rubber with color characterization accomplished by the tattooing method. More than 69% of the prostheses were remade within a year because of rapid changes in the defect, prosthesis material, or prosthesis color. The study revealed the need for improvement in materials, adhesive techniques, and the psychological orientation of the patient. This project was conducted at a teaching and research institute. No fees for the patients were required. Therefore our data might differ from that collected from a private practice or clinic.

Adult

Obturators on complete dentures.

A philosophy and technique for the preparation of removable silicone rubber obturators on complete dentures have been presented. Either of two methods for construction is used depending on whether the defect is large or small. Advantages of the silicone rubber obturator-denture combination were elaborated.

Denture Design

Oral reconstruction for edentulous patients after partial mandibulectomies.

The prosthodontic reconstruction of the patient who has had a partial mandibulectomy is a formidable challenge. A realistic view of the positive and negative factors must be maintained so that unrealistic promises are not made by the prosthodontist and no unfulfilled hopes are left for the patient. Because of the instability of the mandibular denture, the patient's relaxed central position is used as the jaw relationship for setting posterior teeth with flat occlusal surfaces to allow for lateral freedom of mandibular movements.

Denture, Complete