Search

Several techniques are used to perform an appropriate and reliable human identification. Forensic dentistry has achieved great relevance over the past years. The aim of this article is to report the method used for the identification of a male body found in the colliquative stage of putrefaction. The identification of the victim was succeeded confronting the dental findings found in the corpse with the data present on dental records provided by his dentist. The major elements for the identity's recognition were a metal core and a prosthetic crown that were being fabricated. These elements associated with the dental records were compelling for the elucidation of the case, and a positive body identification was achieved with high levels of probability. In the present case, cadaveric analysis of stomatognathic system structures achieved a probability value higher than DNA identification techniques, emphasizing the importance of forensic dentistry., (© 2014 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.)

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of 123 Brazilian dentists in relation to the concepts and practice of minimally invasive dentistry (MID). Data were collected through a questionnaire developed and validated by experts. Statistical analysis was performed using an spss program and Pearson's chi-square test. Most participants had up to 10 years experience after graduation (69.9%), were specialised (60.2%) and worked in public and private service (43.1%). Regarding current concepts of dental caries, 87.0% were unaware and 65.9% answered that the treatment involves only the restorative phase. In relation to caries lesion arrest, 39.8% replied that it depended on the total removal of carious tissue. Most of them were aware of MID procedures (82.1%) but 49.6% did not follow them in daily practice. From these participants, 48.4% did not believe in the technique or did not know how to perform it. Decisions on partial or total removal of carious dentine, behaviour in relation to the procedures (permanent or temporary) and the practice of MID were not influenced by how long since the professionals had graduated or become specialised. It can be concluded that scientific evidence reaches most of the professionals, but does not benefit all patients, as many practitioners still follow the principles of total removal of carious tissue. Teaching should include making professionals fully aware of the carious process and encourage them to fully adopt the techniques and attitudes of MID., (© 2013 FDI World Dental Federation.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in interocclusal distance (IOD) during pronunciation of /m/ and /s/ sounds in Brazilian Portuguese, in patients presenting dental wear due to bruxism, before and after placement of a stabilization appliance and restorative treatment., Methods: Subjects were divided into a control group of 19 patients with no dental wear and an experimental group of 18 patients presenting dental wear on anterior teeth due to bruxism. A stabilization appliance was placed in each patient in the experimental group and anterior teeth were restored. A magnetic jaw-tracking device measured the interocclusal distance during pronunciation of /m/ and /s/ phonemes. Interocclusal distance for the experimental group was evaluated one week before and again immediately before the appliance was inserted and 24 hours, 7 days, 1 month and 2 months after appliance insertion. The same evaluation was performed 7 days and 1 month after restorative treatment. In the control group, the measurements were carried out at the same intervals., Results: Comparison between groups revealed a significant difference (P<0.05) in interocclusal distance for the /m/ sound at all evaluation intervals. No differences were found before and after appliance insertion and restorative treatment with either phoneme., Conclusion: Stabilization appliance therapy and restorative treatment of subjects with dental wear did not change the interocclusal distance during speech of /m/ and /s/ sounds in the Brazilian Portuguese language, however, when compared with normal subjects, the IOD values were higher for the dental wear group during pronunciation of the /m/ sound.