PURPOSE: The most direct method to clinically evaluate marginal openings in fixed partial dentures is to use manual explorers for tactile perception. The purpose of this in vitro study was to establish the reliability of different instruments for discovering marginal openings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials used in this study included a dull stylet and a sharp-tipped explorer as well as a metal cylinder surface featuring 9 "V"-shaped circumferential grooves ranging in size from 20 to 165 microns. A group of 42 subjects were asked to discover the grooves using both instruments. RESULTS: The data revealed high reliability in the use of the sharp-tipped explorer. With this instrument, a defect of 36 microns could be perceived by 95% of the subjects. The dull, worn instrument gave significantly inferior results (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Using a sharp-tipped explorer on a smooth metal surface, tactile perception is a reliable means of detecting open margin defects up to 36 microns wide. As has been suggested in previous studies, the difficulty seems to be not in defect detection but in the evaluation of the clinical acceptability once it is detected.

Crowns↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Short-term clinical evaluation of inlay and onlay restorations made with a ceromer.

PURPOSE: This prospective clinical trial evaluated the clinical acceptability of a new material, ceromer, used for inlay and onlay restorations in single- or multisurface cavities of posterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three Targis inlay and onlay restorations were placed in 25 patients and evaluated using the United States Public Health Service criteria. The laboratory work was conducted by three dental technicians according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Twenty-five restorations were luted with Syntac bonding system and Variolink II, and 18 were luted with Scotchbond Multi Purpose and Opal Luting Composite. The recalls were done at 6, 12, and 18 months. Restorations were evaluated for six parameters and scored as ideal (A), clinically acceptable (B), or clinically unacceptable (C). RESULTS: Indirect restorations received, after 18 months, scores of A at the following rates: color match 77%; marginal discoloration 93%; secondary caries 100%; anatomic form 93%; and marginal integrity 95%. For these parameters, statistical analysis indicated no significant differences at baseline and after 18 months. Postoperative hypersensitivity was reported by seven patients at baseline, but it decreased and there was no hypersensitivity at 12- and 18-month follow-ups. CONCLUSION: Over an 18-month period the Targis restorative system yielded good clinical service.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Residual facial disfigurement after the ablative surgery of a lachrymal gland carcinoma: a clinical report of the prosthetic rehabilitation.

Facial disfigurement after ablative surgery of a massive adeno-carcinoma of the lachrymal gland is described. A rehabilitation with a maxillofacial prosthesis was proposed to restore the aesthetic appearance of the patient without inserting craniofacial implants. Retention of a maxillofacial prosthesis, that is not anchored to implants, depends on the use of adhesives or on mechanical devices like glasses. This clinic report describes a residual anatomic defect which allowed for the double choice of wearing the facial prosthesis both with or without glasses. A retentive backside of the prosthesis was developed to engage the facial defect undercuts, which enhanced retention when the patient used the skin glue without glasses. A unique foam silicone was utilized to reduce the weight of the prosthesis and to permit its retention only by skin adhesive.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied