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Uvod: Određeni parametri mehaničkih zglobova artikulatora trebaju biti ugođeni na točne (ili što sličnije) vrijednosti onima koje postoje u pacijentovom temporomandibularnom zglobu (TMZ) kako bi okluzijska usklađenost protetskih radova i TMZ-a bila što bolja. Iako se za ugađanje nagiba kondilne staze (NKS) mehaničkog zgloba artikulatora najčešće koristi međučeljusni protruzijski registrat, može se primijeniti i postupak mjerenja nagiba posteriornog zida zglobne kvržice (NZK) na radiografskim snimkama. Svrha rada je bila prikazati postupak mjerenja NZK-a na radiografskim snimkama u svrhu ugađanja artikulatora. Materijali i metode: NZK predstavlja anatomsku strukturu odnosno kut kojeg čini posteriorni zid zglobne kvržice s Frankfurtskom horizontalom i na radiografskim snimkama se može mjeriti dvjema metodama: kao kut između linije koja spaja najkranijalniju točku zglobne jamice i najkaudalniju točku zglobne kvržice s Frankfurtskom horizontalom (M1) ili kao kut između najbolje prilagođene linije strmini posteriornog zida zglobne kvržice i Frankfurtske horizontale (M2). NKS je pak kut pod kojim se kondil zajedno s zglobnom pločicom spušta po posteriornom zidu zglobne kvržice u odnosu na horizontalnu referentnu ravninu. Rezultati: Mjerenjem NZK-a metodom M2 dobivaju se veće vrijednosti nego mjerenjem metodom M1. Budući da između NZK vrijednosti izmjerenih M1 metodom i NKS vrijednosti postoje samo male razlike, vrijednosti NZK-a izmjerene M1 metodom na radiografskim snimkama - ortopantomogramima i laterolateralnim kefalogramima mogu se koristiti za ugađanje nagiba vodilica mehaničkih zglobova artikulatora. Zaključak: Opisani postupak mjerenja NZK-a metodom M1 je jednostavan i brz za kliničku upotrebu, a daje točniju informaciju od prosječnih vrijednosti određenih za neku cijelu populaciju.

Aim: The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between tooth loss, quality and types of prosthodontic appliances and their impact on chewing performance and food choice in elderly. Material and methods: In this study 110 geriatric care home residents from northern Croatia participated between the age of 64 and 98. Informed consent was taken for all the subjects and privacy and confidentiality of the information were maintained. Each examinee completed a questionnaire after which an oral examination was performed. Obtained data included dental and medical history, tooth loos, assessment of prosthodontic appliances by CDA Quality Index, Chewing Ability Index according to Yoshida et al., and oral hygiene assessment. Results: From total number of participants 78 % were female and 22 % male participants. Edentulous or subtotal edentulous with 25 or more extracted teeth were 54 % of the examinees. Some type of prosthodontic appliances had 84% of subjects , most commonly complete and /or partial dentures (68%). According to CDA Index of Quality , 46 % of all examined prosthodontic appliances were in need for replacement, among them 16 % for immediate replacement. Up to 10 years old were 63% of the appliances, and the oldest was 50 years old. Chewing ability assessed according to Yoshida et al. demonstrated that only 32 % of examinees were able to chew all types of food, but mostly slow, while 20 % of them were able to eat liquid food only. Conclusion:. Extensive tooth loss, inadequate quality status of prosthodontic appliances, or lack of them at all, influenced the chewing ability of the tested examinees.This is one of the reasons for inadequate nutritional status in elderly, which can affect maintenance of good health, physical power and activity. Population of the elderly is rapidly increasing and it is important to emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral health to achieve good quality of life.

Uvod: Napredovanjem procesa resorpcije alveolarnoga grebena smanjuje se točnost prilijeganja potpunih proteza njihovu ležištu, što pak neposredno utječe na stabilizaciju i retenciju (time i na funkciju) zubnih proteza. Kod izrazito resorbiranih alveolarnih grebena ekstremna pomičnost proteza neutralizira se ugradnjom dentalnih implantata što onda pozitivno utječe na funkcionalnost proteza, ali i na zadovoljstvo pacijenata protezama. Stoga je svrha istraživanja bila ispitati informiranost nositelja proteza starije životne dobi o mogućnostima implanto- protetske terapije. Metode: Ispitivani uzorak činio je 301 ispitanik – nositelj potpune proteze u dobi od 38 do 99 godina starosti. Istraživanje je provedeno u domovima za starije i nemoćne osobe. Osim što su odgovarali na pitanja o osobnim podacima (dob, spol, mjesto stanovanja, stupanj obrazovanja), odgovorili su i na 12 pitanja na temelju kojih se procijenila informiranost ispitanika o implanto-protetskoj terapiji. Statistička analiza podataka provedena je na razini značajnosti od p

U radu je prikazan klinički slučaj, gdje se nakon ekstrakcije zadnjeg stražnjeg zuba u gornjoj čeljusti, trenutnom ugradnjom implantata u alveolu ekstrahiranog prvog gornjeg molara dobio distalni nosač mosne konstrukcije, koji se povezao s prednjim zubom kao medijalnim sidrom nove mosne konstrukcije.

Aim To reveal patients’ satisfaction with their old, usually poorly fitting dentures and the effect of denture relining to the patient’s satisfaction. Methods Thirty seven denture wearers participated in study by filling out questionnaires about their satisfaction with dentures before and after relining. In that way the data indicating the subjective patient’s experience and satisfaction were collected. Results Relined removable dentures included in study were on average 5.52 years (upper) or 4.86 years old (lower). Most of study participants (57%) were satisfied with their poor fitting dentures. Statistically significant was correlation between chewing discomfort and satisfaction, and the time elapsed from last tooth extraction to denture production. As this period was shorter, chewing discomfort was greater and satisfaction with chewing lower. Majority (53.3%) of denture wearers were considerably more satisfied with the chewing ability and felt better regarding the chewing discomfort after denture relining. Minority of the patients (22%) still used an adhesive for fixing the dentures after relining. Conclusion Denture relining affects patient’s satisfaction with their dentures. After relining patient’s masticatory function was improved, satisfaction with chewing ability and comfort were greater, and denture hygiene better. Denture relining should be performed in order to improve denture fitting to a denture bearing area, thus positively affecting patient’s satisfaction with his denture(s).

Maxillary tissue defects can be treated surgically, prosthetically, or by both methods in order to obtain orofacial rehabilitation and defect obturation, thus improving oral function, speech, and esthetics. Treatment planning and successful obturation depend on the extent of the defect and the remaining hard tissue. Prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with an acquired maxillary defect can be successfully achieved by obturator prosthesis. Precise obturation requires an accurate impression of the resection cavity, so a twostep impression technique was performed due to the limited possibility of mouth opening. First-step impression precisely showed all the intraoral structures but only the entrance of the resection cavity while the second step or definitive impression (material) was inserted into the patient’s mouth with the help of obturator metal base, serving as a tray, thus giving the opportunity to take the impression of the whole resection cavity. Afterwards, obturator prosthesis was completed by a conventional technique.

Cleft palate patients (CPP) are not often seen in general dental practice but their number is not negligible. This congenital anomaly is one of the most frequent ones ; one in every 800 births results in a cleft lip and/or palate, unilateral or bilateral. The aim of this study was to determine prosthetic appliances that are the most frequently used for successful prosthetic treatment of cleft palate patients (CPP). Cleft palate is one of the most frequent congenital anomalies ; one in every 800 births . In the study group of CPPs careful therapy was planned, which excluded implants usage, and prosthetic treatment with different conventional prosthetic constructions was performed. Data considering type of cleft, sex, age, type of prosthetic appliances used, and patient’s satisfaction with the therapy result were noted in questionnaire. Data analysis reviled most frequent type of cleft - bilateral, predominant sex - male, combined prosthetic work as predominant, and most frequently used fixed appliance was telescope crown, followed by with veneer crown with rests and coping. Results obtained in this investigation can serve as guidance for less experienced general dental practitioners to plan and perform adequate prosthetic treatment for CPP.

U prikazu slučaja opisana je fiksnoprotetska terapija potpuno keramičkim nadomjestkom (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar, Lichstenstein) diskoloriranih prednjih zuba gornje čeljusti. Zbog velike razlike boje avitalnog zuba 11, koji je bio tamniji od vitalnog zuba 21odlučeno je pristupiti izradi fiksnoprotetskog nadomjestka. Zubi 12 i 22 bili su sanirani velikim ispunima, pa je odlučeno i njih uključiti u terapiju. preparacija je napravljena za potpune keramičke krunice. Napravljen je individualno oblikovan privremeni nadomjestak indirektno-direktnom tehnikom, pomoću termoplastične šablone. Završni rad napravljen je od IPS e.max Press keramike.

Nedostatak žvačnog centra ili svih distalnih zuba uzrokuje velika i brza trošenja preostalih žvačnih jedinica. kroz dugi niz godina, incizalni bridovi prednjih zuba pretvaraju se u okluzalne plohe dok se zubi ne potroše gotovo do ruba gingive. Terapija je opsežna, dugotrajna i često vrlo skupa. Prezentacija obuhvaća prikaz dvaju sličnih slučajeva u kojima je napravljena potpuna protetska rehabilitacija. Odnosi antagonističkih zuba potpuno onemogučavaju protetsko zbrinjavanje bez podizanja zagriza, rekonstrukcije okluzije i određivanja nove protetske ravnine. Preostali zubi gotovo uvijek trebaju endodontske tretmane, nadogradnje i krunice. Abradirani frontalni zubi su devitalizirani i izrađene su im individualne lijevane nadogradnje. Pacijentici u prvom slučaju izrađen je semicirkularni metalkeramički most kojim je protetska ravnina ispravljena. Pacijentu u drugom slučaju izrađen je također most u gornjoj čeljusti te kombinirani rad sa vario kuglama ( Bredent GmbH&Co. KG, Weissenhorner Str. 289250 Senden, Germany) u donjoj. Ukoliko skuplji tretmani kao implantati i augmentacije kosti ne dolaze u obzir, klasični metalkeramički radovi kombinirani sa skeletiranim protezama i ankerima u potpunosti će zadovoljiti estetske i funkcijske kriterije. U oba slučaja postignuta je značajna estetska promjena podizanjem vertikalne dimenzije donje trećine lica.

Number of the dentate subjects among the elderly is dramatically increasing, as is the elderly proportion in overall population. Such trends indicate more need for prosthodontic appliances in elderly. The aim of this investigation was to determine the distribution of various prosthodontic appliances in older age cohorts, subventioned by the Croatian Institute for Health Insurance. Data on various prosthodontic appliances subventioned by the CIHI and delivered in all Croatian districts in the period 2002–2006 was obtained and statistically analyzed relative to 4 age cohorts of 50 and more years. The oldest age cohort (80+) showed the least appliance deliveries. The most frequently delivered appliance in all age groups were partial removable dentures (382 456 deliveries). Significantly less deliveries in the oldest age cohort compared to other groups (p

Broj osoba starije dobi nastavlja rasti širom svijeta, posebice u zemljama u razvoju. Loše oralno zdravlje među starijim osobama očituje se visokim stupnjem gubitka zuba te prevalencijom zubnog karijesa i različitih stupnjeva parodontnih bolesti, kserostomije i prekanceroznih stanja. Ovisno o općem zdravstvenom stanju i stupnju oštećenja stomatognatog sustava provodi se i stomatološko protetsko liječenje. U radu je prikazana klinička slika abrazije prednjih zuba udružena s gubitkom stražnjih zuba u osobe starije životne dobi i tijek protetske sanacije. Protetsko-rehabilitacijsko liječenje uključilo je liječenje nagriznim udlagama u trajanju od četiri mjeseca. Nakon toga pacijentu su u novoj visini zagriza izrađene individualne lijevane nadogradnje i semicirkularni most u gornjoj čeljusti.

Dužina prosječnog životnog vijeka značajno se produžila u gotovo svim zemljama svijeta, pa tako i u Hrvatskoj. Osobe starije od 65 godina osim problema vezanih uz opće zdravstveno stanje, također imaju i različite probleme vezane uz oralno zdravlje. Česti problemi vezani uz stomatološko protetsko zbrinjavanje starijih su i: različite kliničke slike djelomične bezubosti, potpuna bezubost, stari i dotrajali protetski nadomjestci, karijes i nedostatna oralna higijena. Istraživanja gubitka zuba i opskrbe protetskim nadomjestcima obavljeno je na skupini od 1826 osoba starije životne dobi štićenika domova umirovljenika na području grada Zagreba. Ispitanici su podijeljeni na 6 dobnih skupina (65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 90 i više godina). Klinički pregled proveden je sondom i ogledalom u improviziranom zubarskom stolcu. Potpuna bezubost utvrđena je kod 33.6% ženskih i 23.9% muških ispitanika. Istraživanjem je potvrđen statistički značajan porast bezubosti u odnosu na dob ispitanika. Tako je primjerice broj ekstrahiranih zuba u najmlađoj dobnoj skupini (65-69 god.) iznosio 15 kod žena i 16 kod muškaraca, au najstarijoj životnoj skupini (90 i više god.) 27 kod žena i 25 kod muškaraca. Gornju potpunu protezu posjedovalo je 45% žena i 35% muškaraca, a gornju parcijalnu protezu 10% ispitanika podjednako u oba spola. Gornji mostovi pronađeni su u 27% ženskih i 30% muških ispitanika. Donju potpunu protezu posjedovalo je 33% žena i 26% muškaraca, a donju parcijalnu protezu 16% ženskih i 24% muških ispitanika. Zaključno se može istaknuti da je veći broj protetskih nadoknada pronađen u gornjoj čeljusti, a da je donja čeljust češće ostala protetski nezbrinuta.

Number of the dentate subjects among the elderly is dramatically increasing, as is the elderly proportion in overall population. Such trends indicate more need for prosthodontic appliances in elderly. The aim of this investigation was to determine the distribution of various prosthodontic appliances in older age cohorts, subventioned by the Croatian Institute for Health Insurance. Data on various prosthodontic appliances subventioned by the CIHI and delivered in all Croatian districts in the period 2002– 2006 was obtained and statistically analyzed relative to 4 age cohorts of 50 and more years. The oldest age cohort (80+) showed the least appliance deliveries. The most frequently delivered appliance in all age groups were partial removable dentures (382 456 deliveries). Significantly less deliveries in the oldest age cohort compared to other groups (p

U stomatologiji se pridaje velika važnost suradnji među kolegama različitih specijalistika i multidisciplinarnom pristupu svakom pacijentu. Ovdje ćemo prikazati slučaj pacijentice (stare 44 godine)kojoj je predložena oralna rehabilitacija kombinacijom ortodontske i protetske terapije. Kod pacijentice je dijagnosticirana primarna kompresija s protrudiranom frontom i klasom II/I. Izražena je patološka okluzija s dubokim zagrizom i traumatizacijom palatinalne sluznice donjim incizivima te nedostatak zuba 14, 16, 24 i 25. Ortodont je izvršio liječenje fiksnom ortodontskom naparavom kojom je retrudirana gornja fronta i podignut zagriz u periodu od 2 godine. Zbog retruzije gornje fronte s lijeve strane gornje čeljusti smanjio se međuprostor između postojećih zuba 8 mm.Nakon ortodontskog liječenja izrađeni su peteročlani metal-keramički most sa desne strane gornje čeljusti (nosači 13, 15, 17) i četveročlani most s lijeve strane (nosači 26, 27, 28). Suradnjom specijalista ortodoncije i protetike postignuta je zadovoljavajuća oralna rehabilitacija.

Aim: Assessment of flexural strength values of dental base polymers reinforced with different glass fibers ("dental" and "industrial" origin) after performed artificial ageing procedures. Methods: Three hundred specimens (dimensions 18 x 10 x 3 mm) were produced of denture base polymers reinforced with different glass fibers. The "short beam" testing method was used to determine the flexural strenght of the specimens after polymerization, immersion in water temperature 37C for 28 days, and thermo-cycling. Results: Flexural strength of the polymer specimens reinforced with glass fibers demonstrated rise of flexural strength values (103.10 - 163.88 MPa), no matter which type ("dental" or "industrial") fibers was used. Microscopic examination revealed partial bonding between the glass fibers and the polymer material. Conclusion: Both of the investigated glass fibers had similar strengthening effect, but due to the better investment/benefit ratio "industrial" glass fibers could be recommended for dental laboratory use. Prolonged polymerization of denture base materials should be proposed because it had direct impact on the improvement of flexural strength values.

Oral health condition has a large significance in maintaining general health and quality of life. Other than mucosal changes in oral cavity, ageing is followed by changes in tooth and periodontal structures. Changes that occur in periodontal ligament are decreased number of fibroblasts, while cement gets 5-10 times thicker. Tooth morphology changes are influenced by abrasion, attrition and passive eruption. Periodontal diseases prevails in many cases over tooth decay. Loss of intraoral vertical dimension followed by temporomandibular joint disfunctions is generally caused by extensive tooth loss. The aim of the study was to obtain a data on periodontal and oral mucosa conditions, as well as tooth loss for developing a regional oral health program.

Danas, kada su dentalni implantati u rutinskoj uporabi, problem pojedinačne bezubosti vrlo se često zbrinjava na takav način. Suvremena, pak, medicina u nadomjescima tkiva i organa, kada god je to moguće, potiče uporabu vlastitih tkiva i organa. Sedamdesetih godina i u stomatološkoj terapiji pojedinačne bezubosti često su se koristili vlastiti zubni zameci, no kad su se pojavili dentalni implantati suvremena stomatologija kao da je zaboravila na tu mogućnost. U radu se ističe do kuda se stiglo sa suvremenim postignućima u transplantacijskoj medicini zubnih zametaka te se opisuje slučaj uspješnog zbrinjavanja bezubosti u područje donje šestice zametkom donje osmice.

U svrhu poduzimanja preventivnih mjera i određivanja opsega potreba za stomatološkim liječenjem osoba starije životne dobi na području Zagreba organizirani su tijekom 2007. gdine klinički pregledi osoba starije dobi i skupljanje podataka o njihovom oralnom statusu. Podaci za dijelove preliminarnog istraživanja koji se odnose na gubitak zuba, stanje parodonta i oralne bolesti prikupljeni su od pacijenata starije dobi iz baze podataka Stomatološke poliklinike Zagreb. Preliminarna studija obuhvatila je 171 funkcijski neovisnu stariju osobu oba spola (126 žena i 45 muškaraca) na području Zagreba. Oralne bolesti nađene su u 117 pacijenata (68, 5%), a najčešće dijagnosticirane su stomatopiroza i kserostomija. Podaci preliminarnih istraživanja gubitka zuba, stanja parodonta i oralne sluznice ukazuju na potrebu za poboljšanjem preventivne njege oralnog zdravlja u osoba starije dobi na prodručju Zagreba organiziranjem češćih kontrolnih pregleda.

Objectives: Due to the dramatically increasing number of elderly in overall population the need for prosthodotnic appliances increases respectively. The aim of this investigation was to determine the 5-year distribution of various prosthodontic appliances in older age cohorts, subventioned by the Croatian Institute for Health Insurance /CIHI/. Methods: Data on various prosthodontic appliances subventioned by the Croatian Institute for Health Insurance and delivered to patients of 50 years of age and older in all regions of Croatia in the period 2002-2006 was obtained, divided into 4 age cohorts and statistically analyzed relative to age groups and gender. Results: Most of the prosthodontic appliances were delivered in the age group of 70-80 year olds (30.13%), and the most frequently used appliance was veneered crowns, which was delivered 77251 times. the least frequently used fixed prosthodontic appliance ws full metal modified crown which was delivered 597 times. The most frequently delivered appliance in all age groups were partial removable dentures (382456 deliveries). there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between the Croatian regions regarding appliance distribution relative to the population size. The oldest age group (80+) showed the least appliance deliveries. Conclusions: Significantly less deliveries in the oldest age cohort compared to other groups (p

U članku su opisani različiti utjecaji na mehanička svojstva vlaknima ojačanih polimera, kao što su smjer i količina vlakana, njihova impregnacija polimernom osnovom te adhezija između vlakana i polimerne osnove. Smjer vlakana može biti jednosmjeran (okomit na smjer opterećenja) te dvosmjeran ili višesmjeran (pod različitim kutovima na smjer opterećenja), ili pak nasumce raspoređen. Količina vlakana povećava i čvrstoću kompozita, no ojačanja vlaknima mogu biti učinkovita samo ako se opterećenje prenosi s osnove na vlakna. To zahtijeva dobru impregnaciju vlakana polimernom osnovom, a ona ovisi o vrsti i viskozitetu polimerne osnove (prije polimerizacije) te mogućnosti dobrog ovlaživanja svakog vlakna. Kako bi se poboljšala adhezija polimerne osnove i staklenih vlakana, koriste se vezni posrednici, osobito silani. Oni se siloksanskim mostovima vežu s površinom stakla, a kopolimerizacijom iniciranom slobodnim radikalima vežu se s polimernom osnovom poboljšavajući tako adheziju između vlakana i polimerne osnove. Ta dobra povezanost važna je ne samo za mehanička svojstva nego i za smanjenje nepovoljnog utjecaja vode na graničnu površinu vlakno-osnova.

Pojavom CAD/CAM tehnologije godine 1980., pa do danas, ona počinje u stomato- loškoj protetici zauzimati vrlo važnu ulogu u kreiranju novih ideja, postupaka i ma- terijala. Ta je tehnologija posebice važna jer nam omogućuje primjenu novih ma- terijala u stomatologiji, kao što su cirkonijev dioksid, frezani titan te novi estetski keramički materijali. U prikazu kliničkog slučaja vidi se vrlo dobra mogućnost pri- mjene te tehnologije u zahtjevnim kombiniranim fiksno- mobilnim postupcima. Opi- sano je vrlo uspješno povezivanje početne kirurško- implantološke terapije djelomice bezube pacijentice u gornjoj čeljusti, uz primjenu sustava retencije na implantatima uz pomoć Straumannova lokatora te sustava titan-frezanih teleskopa na postojećim zubima. Na donjoj čeljusti prikazana je primjena CAD/CAM tehnologije sa susta- vom retencije frezanih titan-preci line veza na titan- keramičkom fiksnom protetskom radu. Primjena CAD/CAM tehnologije uklanja negativna svojstva lijevanih titan- protetskih nadomjestaka, a preciznost sustava omogućuje nam izradu rada s više to- čaka retencije te savršeno nasjedanje. Since 1980 and the appearance of CAD/CAM technology up to today, it began taking a very important role in the creation of new ideas, procedures and materials in den- tal prosthetics. CAD/CAM technology is especially important because it enables the use of new materials in dentistry such as – zirconium dioxide, milled titan and new aesthetic ceramic materials. The clinical case display shows a very good application of this technology in demanding combined fixed/mobile procedures. The presented case shows a very successful integration of the initial surgical- implantological upper jaw treatment of a partially edentulous patient, implementing the use of a retention system on implants with Straumann locators and milled titan telescopes on existing teeth. The lower jaw exhibits an application of CAD/CAM technology with a milled titan preci-line connection retention system on titan-ceramic fixed dentures. Appli- cation of CAD/CAM technology removes negative traits evident in cast titan pros- thetics, and the precision of the system allows creation of perfectly fitting dentures with multiple retention points.

U radu su prikazani preliminarni rezultati istraživanja stanja oralnog zdravlja u starijih osoba na području grada Zagreba.

Kod pacijenata s keidokranijalnom disostozom zahvaćeni su i zubi i čeljust, a karakteristične su pojave prekobrojni zubi, zakašnjela resorpcija mliječnih zuba i erupcija trajnih te impaktirani zubi i možda folikularne ciste. Pacijent u dobi od 26 godina s dijagnozom keidokranijalne disostoze, protetski je bio rehabilitiran. Najprije su bile izrađene privremene pomične proteze sa zadaćom da se procijeni može li se prilagoditi novoodređenoj visini međučeljusnoga odnosa i kako bi se eventualno potaknulo izrastanje trajnih zuba. Naknadno su izrađene teleskopske krunice, korijenska kapica s kuglastim pričvrstkom tipa Dalla Bona i djelomične pomične proteze s metalnom bazom. To je omogućilo zadovoljavajuću funkciju i estetiku, a istodobno je riješen problem izgleda pacijentova lica, povezan s tom bolešću., Cleidocranial dysostosis (ccd) concerns both teeth and jaw and is characterized by supernumerary teeth, delayed resorption of deciduous teeth and delayed eruption of permanent teeth, tooth impaction and possible follicular cysts formation. A 26 years old patient with ccd received prosthetic treatment. Firstly, provisional removable prostheses were made for evaluation of the patient’s ability to adapt to the newly determined vertical dimension of occlusion and to stimulate the eruption of permanent teeth. Afterwards, telescopic crowns, coping with intraradicular retention and Dalla Bona type stud attachment, and metal-base partial dentures were designed resulting in satisfactory function and esthetics, also resolving the problems of appearance associated with this disease.

Kod pacijenata s cleidocranijalnom dysostozom zahvaćeni su i zubi i čeljusti, a krakteristična je pojava prekobrojnih zuba, zakašnjela resorpcija mliječnih zuba i erupcija trajnih te impaktirani zubi i moždo folikularne ciste. Pacijent u dobi od 26 godina s dijagnozom kleidokranijalne disostoze, protetski je rehabilitiran. Najprije su bile izrađene privremene pomične proteze sa zadaćom da se procjeni može li se prilagoditi novoodređenoj visini međučeljusnoga odnosa i kako bi se eventualno potaknulo izrastanje trajnih zuba. Naknadno su izrađene teleskopske krunice, korjenska kapica s kuglastim pričvrstkom tipa Dalla Bona i pomične djelomične proteze s metalnom bazom. To je omogućilo zadovoljavajuću funkciju i estetiku, a istodobno je rješen problem izgleda pacijentova lica, povezan s ovom bolešću. Cleidocranial dysostosis (ccd) concerns both teeth and jaw and is characterized by supernumerary teeth, delayed resorption of deciduous teeth and delayed eruption of permanent teeth, tooth impaction and possible follicular cysts formation. A patient 26 years of age with ccd received prosthetic treatment. Firstly, provisional removable prostheses were made for evaluation of the patient's ability to adapt to the newly determined vertical dimension of occlusion and to stimulate the eruption of permanent teeth. Afterwards, telescopic crowns, coping with intraradicular retention and Dalla Bona type stud attachment, and metal-base partial dentures were designed resulting in satisfactory function and esthetics, also resolving the problems of appearance associated with this disease.

Purpose The position of occlusal plane should be as close as possible to the position which was previously occupied by the occlusal plane of the natural teeth in order not to change proprioceptive regulatory mechanisms during chewing. The aim of this study was to check the reliability of the measurements of the occlusal plane orientation on digital photographs. The idea was to find out if obtaining and storing such records of dentate subjects in general dental practice office can be used for possible reconstruction of occlusal plane in future if necessary. Methods and Materials The casts of maxillary dental arches of 42 subjects (Angle Class I natural dentition) were mounted in the S.A.M. 2 “ P” articulator through the transfer with a quick mounting face bow. A transparent triangle was placed over the maxillary teeth and contact points between the triangle and the maxillary teeth (frontal and posterior) were marked, which represented the individual’ s occlusal plane (OP). The horizontal distance between the marked points was measured, as well as the vertical distances between the marked points and the articulator’ s horizontal plane (AHP). The distances were transferred to the calibrated paper and the horizontal lines were drawn. The AHP-OP angle was measured to represent the OP inclination. Lateral digital photographs of the same subjects having the Fox plane (FP) positioned over the maxillary teeth and a quick-mounting face bow (FB) positioned were obtained. The inclination between the FP and the FB was measured using the ISSA software. Results There was no significant difference between males and females considering the inclination of the OP. There were no significant differences between the angles measured on the articulator and transffered to the callibrated paper (AHP-OP) and on the digital photograph (FP-FB) (P>.05). Conclusion The described method has revealed no significant difference of the OP orientation between the mounted maxillary casts and the articulator’ s horizontal plane and the FP and FB on the digital photograph. Obtaining and storing digital photographs (with a subject clenching a Fox plane and a face bow positioned) in each general clinical practice may be helpful in possible reconstructive treatment one day if necessary.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative usefulness of mandibular bone mineral density (BMD) measurements on dental panoramic radiographs in the diagnosis of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis amongst 52 postmenopausal women, aged 62 to 78 years, attending for routine dental treatment. Skeletal BMD was measured for the lumbal spine and femoral neck, using dual energy X-ray absorptionetry. The WHO criterial for Caucasian women were used for osteopenia (t-score between -1 and -2.5 standard deviations below the peak bone mass) and osteoporosis (t-score more than -2.5 standard deviations bolow that mean). Patients were classed as having postmenopausal osteoporosis if they had t-scores of >-2.5 at either or both sites. The patients with osteopenia received Ca and vitamin D therapy and the patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis received alendronate therapy (Fosamax, 70 mg/weekly) during one year. Each patient received a dental panoramic radiograph. Using the copper stepwedge, mandibular BMD was measured below the mental foramen and on the two different sights on the lower cortical border of the mandible. The mandibular BMD measurements were expressed as the equivalents of the actual stepwedge thicknesses. When the logistic regression model included BMD measurements, all four variables were significant predictors of postmenopausal osteoporosis (p

The aim was to determine the distribution of fixed and removable prosthodontic appliances among the elderly population in the city of Zagreb, Croatia. The data on deliveries of 15 various types of fixed and removable prosthodontic appliances for the period 2002-2006 was obtained from the Croatian Institute for Health Insurance (CIHI). Total number of Zagreb citizens who used dental services in the period 2002-2006 covered by CIHI was 187 159, while the population of Zagreb determined in the 2001 counteed 779 145. Considering the overall number of prosthodontic appliances delivered in the Republic of Croatia, 24% was delivered in the city of Zagreb. Regarding the appliance type, removable prosthodontic appliance deliveries accounted for 65% (138.111), while 35% (75.083) of the overall number were fixed. The highest number of partial removable appliances (24.435) was observed in the age group of 60-70 year olds, and the highest number of fixed appliances (24.940) was in the age group of 70-80 year olds.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the radiomorphometric indices of the mandible on panoramic radiographs in adult population, to identify their normal ranges and to investigate their relationships with age, gender and the presence of antagonistic contacts in the distal segments of the mandible. Methods and Materials: A total of 300 patients (18 to 82 years old ; mean age 43 ; 129 men, 168 women) participated in the study. Three quantitative indices, cortical width at the gonion (GI), at the antegonion (AI) and below the mental foramen (MI), were measured bilaterally on panoramic radiographs by one trained observer. The variations in measured variables between age groups (six 10-year age groups), gender (men/women) and presence of antagonistic contacts in distal segments (yes/no) were analysed. Results: All radiomorphometric indices demonstrated statisticaly significant difference between different age groups (p

This paper is an overview on differently interpreting tooth wear, clinical appearance and etiopathogenic models. A process of tooth wear on the ultrastructural level of dental surfaces may be explained by tribological mechanisms, clinically classified as: attrition, abrasion, erosion and abfraction. There are some difficulties in clinical differentiation of certain processes of hard dental tissue wear due to multifactorial etiology and synergistic effects of different mechanisms of tooth wear together with synchronized action over a longer period of time. In order to predict further actions with regard to both existing and planned procedures used during the period of oral rehabilitation, it is important to detect the mechanism which caused the loss of dental tissue, which should ensure clinical success. U radu su prikazane različite interpretacije trošenja zubi, njihove kliničke manifestacije te etiopatogenetski modeli nastanka. Tribološki mehanizmi objašnjavaju proces trošenja zubnih površina na ultrastrukturnoj razini, a klinički se klasificiraju kao: atricija, abrazija, erozija i abfrakcija. Složena etiologija, te sinergistički učinci različitih mehanizama trošenja uz njihovo sinkrono djelovanje tijekom dužeg vrijema uvjetuju teško kliničko razlikovanje pojedinih procesa trošenja tvrdih zubnih tkiva. Za klinički uspjeh je važno pravovremeno dijagnosticirati mehanizam koji je prouzročio gubitak zubnoga tkiva radi predvidivosti daljnjih zbivanja obzirom na postojeće i planirane zahvate tijekom oralne rehabilitacije.

Introduction. The ability of the geriatric population to adjust to the „ third age“ depends on the will of the society and the community to provide services and to support this dependent population. In the Republic of Croatia, like in many European countries, some age categories of patients, like the elderly, have some facilities in consumption of the prosthodontic appliances through the National Health Insurance Service. The aim of investigation was to present which type of particular prosthodontic appliances is more frequently used by elderly in relation to different regions of Croatia. Materials and methods.Data of 13 prosthodontic appliances and its distribution through the 20 districts of Croatia were collected from Croatian Institute for Health Insurance. Population size living in those districts was obtained from the National Institute for Statistics. Percentages of prosthodontic appliance deliveries through years 2001-2005 and by districts were calculated. Patients were divided into three age groups ; 65-74, 75-84 and over 85 years. Results. Total of 257, 713 patients received 320, 991 prosthodontic appliances during a four year period. The most frequently used prosthodontic appliance in all age groups were complete dentures with average of 31.2% (Figure 2), while the least used were acrylic resin crowns with average of 4.9% (Figure 1). Individual metal post-and-cores in the 75-84 yrs old in 2002 was 3.2% and in 2003 rose to 4.5% (Figure 4). Full metal crowns in the oldest group of patients demonstrated constant trend of increase ; from 1.8% in 2002 to 2% in 2005 (Figure 5). Incidence of complete dentures in the 65-74 yrs group decreased, from 34.5% in 2002, to 30.6% in 2005 (Figure 3). Conclusion. Although the most frequently used appliances were complete dentures, increasing percentage of crowns in the oldest age group indicated decreasing number of edentulousness. The largest number of prosthodontic appliances was made in the region of Zagreb / the capital / because of its unproportional size when compared to other Croatian districts.(Figure 2.)

Investigations have shown that dental ceramic is very inert when placed in the oral cavity. However, material investigations cannot be generalized and neither can the facts on inertness of a particular dental ceramic. The basic investigation is performed according to ISO standard 6872. However, researching technical literature an idea emerged that the investigation period should be prolonged in order to make it more similar to the in-vivo condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical stability of four types of dental ceramics over seven daya immersion in acetic acid and to compare the values with those obtained using the ISO 6872.

Technological advancement in the industry and etire field of human development provide a better quality of work conditions and environment. On the other hand, pollution has became more dangerous for human health. The aim of this study was to estimate dental status and to correlate it with maximal bite forces and the pressure of the finger and thumb.

U članku je predstavljena problematika lomova polimernih materijala, posebice za izradu pomičnih proteza te potreba da se pojačaju. Dan je povijesni razvoj različitih pokušaja ojačanja polimera, već od ojačanja uporabom vlakana. Za to su pogodna ugljična, aramidska, polietilenska i staklena vlakna koja se danas i najviše rabe te tako dobivamo kompozitne materijale poboljšanih svojstava. Glavna zadaća vlakana u kompozitima je veća krutost i čvrstoća, a osnovni materijal (matriks) štiti vlakna i održava ih u položaju koji omogućuje najbolja svojstva kompozitnom materijalu. Problematična je granična površina između vlakana i osnove na kojoj se javljaju mikropukotine, što je posljedica uključevina zraka ili onečišćenja tijekom izrade kompozita, koje slabe mehanička svojstva kompozita. Zato se kvaliteta granične površine poboljšava tretiranjem površine vlakana adhezivnim sredstvima, osobito silanima, kako bi se povećala čvrstoća prianjanja između vlakana i polimerne osnove.

Objective: The aim of the investigation was to evaluate the state of fixed prosthodontic dentures (FPD) relative to the oral hygiene habits and periodontal health in a population of a rural region in Croatia. Methods: Oral hygiene habits, dental status and periodontal health anamnesis were recorded in a group of 212 individuals with fixed prosthodontic dentures (mean age 41, 1 yrs, S.D. 18, 9) and in a control group of 47 individuals without FPDs, by trained examiners. The WHO Oral hygiene index and the CPI index were used in assessment of oral and periodontal health. State of FPDs was evaluated according to the CDA index for the crowns and bridges. Results: Oral hygiene habits were inadequate for the complete sample (91% examinees ≤ 2 brushing/day). Oral hygiene index showed poor results, with both groups having plaque formation and gingivitis. Spearman’ s correlation analysis showed significant correlation between the OHI index scores and CDA index values (rho=-0.468, p

In a sample which included subjects of the Croatian population we made measurements of intercondylar distances between the temporomandibular joints in radiographs. We measured the intercondlyar distances from the condyle centers in the postero-anterior cranial radiographs which had previously been examined and traced on acetate paper. The development of this radiographic assessment method should improve evaluation of subjects seeking treatment.

Due to some technological failures or prosthetic reconstructions, functional and/or technical durabillity of prosthetic appliances there is a need for joining parts of metallic construction together, of same or different compositions. Joining means includes metals heating at high temperature in various atmospheric conditions with or without additional material. The aim of this study was the analysis of microstructure and microhardness of the soldered or laser welded joints of six base as-cast alloys ; two Ni-Cr alloys, two Co-Cr alloys for prosthesis and two Co-Cr alloys for metaloceramic system. Speciments (32 x 10 x 1, 5 mm) were cut in the middle, and the parts were joined together using the procedures of soldering and laser welding. Soldering was performed by Burner Oksy adding Wiron sold for Ni-Cr alloys and Wirobond sold for Co-Cr alloys. Flame had been achived by burnout of oxygen + prophane/butan. For welding neodymium YAG laser (Nd:YAG- yttrium aluminium garnet), had been used. As additional material were Wiroweld NC wire for Ni-Cr alloys and Wiroweld wire for Co-Cr alloys. The quality of joints and heat affected zone(HAZ) were analyzed by optical microscopy and SEM. Microhardness was measured by Vickers method, with loading of 1, 96 N (HV 0.2). Microstructures of all cast specimens were dendritic. All joints showed specific concentration of porosity and inclusions. As-casts of Co-Cr alloys (340 HV0.2) are significantly harder than as-casts of Ni-Cr alloy (230 HV0.2). Laser joints have approximately equal microhardness values as well as parent material casts. Soldered joints with main microhardness (360 HV0.2) imply a potential precipitation hardening. The fusion line is most frequently irregular. The obtained results indicates that microstructure of the joints depends on the handling materials and on the method of joining. The oral cavity as an agressive and changeable corosion medium could cause different electrochemical behavior of analyzed joints.

Patient, male, 13 years old, was referred to Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine University of Zagreb under the diagnosis of HPV-associated oral papillomas. Oral papillomas have spread across oral cavity and were especially prominent in buccal regions. Topical treatment with interferon-β (Fiblaferon gel® , Biosyn, Fellbach, Germany) was ordered by the Department of Oral Medicine. Papillomas on the oral aspect of cheeks were prominent and they were often injured during mastication and parafunctional activities, which included chewing on papillomas, and that facilitated their growth and made medicamentous therapy more difficult. Accordingly development of the protective occlusal splint was proposed. Alginate impressions were taken for both upper and lower jaw and stone casts were purred. Casts were mounted into SAM 2P (SAM Gmbh, Munchen, Germany) articulator using face bow registration and intercuspal jaw position. Splint was manufactured on semiresilient polyurethane foil with it's occlusal and buccal pelotes developed from self-curing acrylate. Pelotes were designed to keep buccal mucosa away from teeth during sleep and to prevent parafunctional biting. Patient was ordered to wear splint during the night and day except when eating. Because this kind of therapy has long duration period, final results of these combined prosthodontic and medicamentous therapy will be presented.

Poznavanje triboloških svojstava estetskih protetskih materijala nužno je u svakodnevnoj stomatološkoj praksi. Usavršiti novu, originalnu metodu i konstruirati uređaj za ispitivanje triboloških svojstava gradivnih protetskih materijala, ispitati tribološka svojstva različitih estetskih protetskih materijala te ispitati međusobno ponašanje materijala tribološkog para: prirodan zub- protetski materijal. Istraživanje je rađeno na modificiranom "Taber abraser"uređaju na uzorcima šest različitih estetskih protetskih materijala. Istraživanje je rezultiratlo razvojem nove metode i uređaja za ispitivanje triboloških svojstava protetskih materijala.

Successful treatment with fixed partial denture (FPD) besides patient's satisfaction with aesthetics, chewing, speech and other factors, includes long survival rate of FPD. Objectives of this study were to analyze the reasons for removal of old FPDs, status of abutment teeth after removal and evaluation of possibilities for the same consecutive treatment in correlation to patient's dental visits, oral hygiene and education level. Standard clinical examination was performed upon the patients' first visit to the University Dental Clinic. In 60 women and 40 men the most of FPDs were 6-10 years old. Only 44% of the patients were able to receive identical consecutive therapy after the old FPDs removal. Most of the patients had old FPds made from Pd-Ag alloy with acrylic veneers, and 7% had metal-ceramic FPDs. Reasons for removal of old FPDs were: aesthetics deficiency in 31%, pain in 24%, movements of FPD due to severe root caries or decementation in 11%, or other causes in 9%. After the reomval of old FPDs, only 31% of abutments were prepared satisfactory. The height of abutments was satisfactory in only 36%. A total of 47% abutmnents had circular root caries and 18% were completely destructed by caries. This was in correlation with irregular dental visits (r=0.53). Previous FPDs had not been made by a specialst of prosthodontics, and the fact that 69% of abutments were not properly prepared, indicate the need for additional prosthodontic education of dentists in general practice.

Aim. Contact allergy is a postponed reaction of hypersensitivity where a localised cutaneous or mucosal lesion occurs due to a recurrent contact with an allergen. Placement of a fixed or removable prosthetic replacement into the oral cavity causes corrosive processes on the surface of the restoration and discharge of ions, which as haptens can induce allergic reactions. The purpose of this study was to examine occurrence of allergies to basic and auxiliary restorative dental materials in patients with lichen, stomatitis and stomatopyrosis by means of an epicutaneous allergy test. Methods. The study included 32 patients with a fixed and/or removable replacement and 7 patients with one of the mentioned diagnoses, but without any replacement. Testing was conducted using a standard method (patch test), and hypersensitivity to 13 most common allergens in prosthodotics was examined. REsutls, The research results revealed higher frequency of postitive allergic reactions in persosns with the mentioned diseases and with a restoration. Patients with lichen indicated positive patch test in the majority of cases. The allergents of nickel, comaolt and chromium demonstrated the highest score of positive results, and negative score was found for dibutylphthalate and HH mix. Stomatopyrosis was more common in persons with hypersensitivity to chromium. A lower incidence of positive allergic reactions to epoxide resins was found in female than i male subjects. Conslusion, The epicutaneous (patch) test performed in the subjects examined in this study, showed that the majority of positive reactions was caused by mixes of nickel, cobalt and chromium ; however, unwanted reactions also to other auxiliary materials used in dental practice should also be considered.

Korozija nadomjestka i njegovo troąenje u funkciji zatvaraju krug koji uzrokuje oątećenje nadomjestka i ątetne reakcije na okolnome tkivu ili čak na udaljenim organima. Svrha ovoga istraľivanja bila je identificirati ione Au, Pt, Ag i Pd u sulkusnoj tekućini (ST) u fiksnoprotetskih pacijenata i odrediti masu iona u dobivenom uzorku. U istraľivanju je sudjelovalo 20 ispitanika, od toga 15 je imalo fiksne nadomjestke i isti stupanj higijene, a 5 nije imalo nikakav protetski rad te su posluľili kao kontrolna skupina. Nadomjestci su bili izrađeni od slitina Au-Pt, Au-Pt, Ag-Pd i Ni-Cr te pričvrąćeni u ustima: - od 1-14 dana, i 3-8 godina. Uzorci su dobiveni ulaganjem adsorbcijskoga papirića (AP) u gingivni sulkus (GS) zuba nosača u vremenu od deset minuta. AP s uzorkom ST analizirani su s pomoću spektrometra masa s induciranom zdruľenom plazmom (ICP-MS). Rezultati su statistički obrađeni programskim paketom SPSS, a upotrijebljena je deskriptivna statistika i korelacija uzoraka. U cijelome uzorku statistički su znatno povezane koncentracije Ag, Au i Pt, a koncentracija Pd ponaąa se prema vlastitu uzorku. Raąčlambom rezultata u kontrolnoj skupini nije utvrđena statistički znatna povezanost za iste međuodnose. U podskupini Ag-Pd slitine utvrđena je statistički znatna povezanost između koncentracija Ag, Au i Pd, a najizrazitija je veza između koncentracija Au i Pd. Postoji statistički znatna razlika u koncentraciji Pt između podskupina s novim radovima s najviąom vrijednosti u skupini slitina Au (P=0, 023) u usporedbi s kontrolnom skupinpm. Utvrđena je statistički znatna promjena vrijednosti Ag (P=0, 011) i Pt (P=0, 039) s padom vrijednosti obiju tih kovina u ispitanika sa starim protetskim radovima.

Analizirani su fiksnoprotetski radovi u regiji Metković tijekom 2001. Stariji pacijenti imaju više mostova nego krunica, nema razlike između muškog i ženskog spola, niti između različitog stupnja izobrazbe. Pacijenti koji češće posjećuju stomatologa imaju manje izvađenih zuba pa zato i mostova od pacijenata koji neredovito posjećuju stomatologa.Pacijenti niže stručne spreme imaju u ustima starije mostove od obrazovanijih pacijenata. Česta je uporaba keramike: 64% u usporedbi sa polimerima: 36%. Stariji pacijenti i oni niže stručne spreme imaju više mostova s polimernim fasetama.

U radu je istražen utjecaj osnovnih gradivnih i pomoćnih materijala koji se koriste u stomatološkoj protetici na nastanak kontaktnih alergijskih promjena. Utvrđene su alergije na neplemenite kovine kao posljedica otpuštanja iona metala, dok pojava nije zapažena u neplemenitih kovina.

Gold/platinum (Au/Pt) dental alloy was exposed in vitro to either simulated saliva (Saliva ; phosphate buffer pH 6.0), highly acidic medium resembling the extreme conditions in the oral cavity (Acid ; phosphate buffer pH 3.5), and in lactic acid at pH which occurs under the dental plaque (Plaque, lactic acid pH 3.5). The alloy was immersed in the Saliva, Acid, and Plaque solution for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 21, and 30 days. The solution was analyzed for fifteen metals with the ICP-AES. We observed time and solution dependent leaching of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Cr (ANOVA, p

Objectives: The CPITN index and the oral hygiene index were measured on crowns and hed partial denture (FPD) retainers in a group of elderly patients, and analyzed by gender and age. Material and methods. A sample of 89 dentate elderly (over 60 years of age) with crowns and FPDs, patients of the Dental Clinic, and 2O control adolescents, were clinically examined. The CPITN and oral hygiene index (OHI) were measured in crowns and FPD retainers, and natural teeth in control adolescents, and statistically analyzed. Results h d e r of subjed did not statistically significantly influence the CPITN or OH index scores for crowns and iPD retainers @>0.05), while age significantly influenced the OH1 scores wO.05). Pearson's correlation was itatistically significant between the CPITN and OH1 scores, for both male and female subjects and in all age youps (R4.721, p

Alveolar bone loss (RRR) is a continuous process following tooth extraction, more pronounced during the first few month after the tooth extraction. The RRR in the mandible is twice that of the maxilla during a 1-year period and the mandibular:maxillary resorption ratio increases further to 4:1 after 7 years. The RRR stops after ten years in the upper jaw, while it is continous in the mandible.

Djelomično ili potpuno nepostojanje kliničke krune avitalnih zuba dovodi do određenog stupnja defektnosti zubnoga niza pri čemu u određenoj mjeri nastaje i poremećaj funkcije žvačnoga sustava. U takvim slučajevima potrebno je napraviti nadogradnje za pojačanje zuba nosača kao podloge krunicama i mostovima. Svrha istraživanja bila je usporediti otpornost avitalnih zuba opskrbljenih lijevanim kovinskim i konfekcijskim nadogradnjama na dinamičko pulzirajuće razaranje u tlačno-vlačnom području, s posebnim osvrtom na različite širine preparacije korijenskoga kanala. Rezultatifraktografske raščlambe upućuju na zaključak da najveću otpornost dinamičkom opterećnju bez nastanka loma pokazuju zubi opskrbljeni uskim konfekcijskim nadogradnjama koji, primjerice, pri opterećnju od 1aaaN izdrže prosječno 7.497.318 ciklusa. Proširenje korijenskoga kanala kod preparacije intraradikularnog dijela zuba za nadogradnju veće od 3, 5 mm znatno smanjuje njezinu retenciju i povećava mogućnost loma korijena. Svi lomovi uzoraka ispitivan ih nadogradnji utvrđeni su u korijenu zuba, anadogranje su ostale intaktne.

The aim of the study was to examine oral status in patients of the Metković region with fIXed prosthodontic appliances. The aim was also to evaluate aesthetic materials used, and difference between the frequency of crowns and bridges dependent on patient's age and frequency of visits to dentist. The examination was performed on 212 dental patients with fixed prosthodontic appliances, from the Public Health Center Metkovićfrom February to October 2001. A questionnaire was created for the purpose of this study and was filled in by the patients. The dentist registered oral status. Descriptive statistics and X2 tests were used for the data analysis. Following conclusions were made: 1. The examined patients had relatively high caries (tooth decay), gangrene and residual roots prevalence, the oral hygiene was not appropriate, calculus and gingivitis were diagnosed in all ofthe patients (100%) and these facts point out to the insufficient preventive oral health care in the Metković region, as well as to the insufficient selfperception on the proper oral hygiene maintenance. 2. Patients who visit their dentist regularly (once a year or more often) have significantly more crowns than bridges than the patients who visit their dentist irregularly or when in pain (p < 0, 01). 3. Almost all fixed prosthodontic appliances not older than 10 years were made of porcelain (98%), while acrylic veneer crowns (or chromasite) were more frequent in appliances older than 10 or 15 years (p < 0, 01). There was no gender difference dependent on the material used (p > 0, 05). High frequency of porcelain was attributed to the high economic status of this region, as well as to a dentist's preference.

The objective of this study was to measure and assess a number of radiomorphometric indices of the mandibular removable denture wearers taking into account age and gender. In a total of 136 dental panoramic radiographs (DPR) the following parameters were evaluated: MI = thickness of the mandibular cortex below the mental foramen, AI = thickness at the antegonion and GI = thickness at gonion ; PMI = MI/distance between the low border of the mandible and the low border of the mental foramen, and MCI = mandibular cortical index, based on the assessment of the 3 categories of cortical appearance due to the resorptive changes. There were 40 male patients (mean age 72.7 ; range 56 to 84 years) and 96 female patients (mean age 69.7 ; range 48 to 86 years). Patients were grouped according to age into three age groups (1 = less than 65 years ; 2 = 65-75 years ; 3 = more than 75 years). The results revealed that MI, PMI, AI and GI showed a general downward trend with age for the both sexes until 75 years of age when the mean values of GI, AI and MI begun to fall down sharply for females compared to males. The difference was significant between age groups and gender for GI and AI. Only two categories (C2 and C3) of MCI have been recognized in our study sample, due to the relatively old age groups of patients with removable dentures. However, significantly higher incidence of C3 existed in the oldest group of females.

Svrha ovog istraæ ivanja bila je pregledati one pacijente, i njihove ortopantomograme, koji su u usnoj π upljini imali fiksnoprotetski rad stariji od 5 godina kako bi se ustanovila ËestoÊ a karijesa i ËestoÊ a parodontnih dæ epova dubljih od 3 mm. Osim toga, æ eljelo se je ustanoviti postojanje razlika u ËestoÊ i patoloπ kih nalaza ovisno o vrsti razliËitih fiksnoprotetskih konstrukcija, te postoji li razlika izme u zuba nosaËa razliËitih krunica i nenosaËa krunica (nebruπ enih zuba). Sudjelovalo je 260 pacijenata (55% æ ena i 45% muπ karaca) u dobi od 25 do 70 godina koji nikada nisu imali problema s fiksnoprotetskim radom te su njime bili potpuno zadovoljni. Na 260 ortopantomograma ukupno je analizirano 2265 zuba ; 864 zuba nosaËa krunica ukljuËenih u mostove, 407 zuba nosaËa samostalnih krunica, a preostali zubi bili su nenosaËi krunica. Rezultati su pokazali razmjerno veliku ËestoÊ u patoloπ kih nalaza (karijes, dæ epovi > 3 mm) u nosilaca fiksnoprotetskih radova koji su bili stariji od 5 godina. Parodontni problemi bili su Ëeπ Ê i od karijesa. NajveÊ a ËestoÊ a patoloπ kih nalaza bila je kod krunica s akrilatnom fasetom, a najmanja kod keramiËkih radova (p0, 05). U incidenciji karijesa nije bilo statistiËki znatne razlike (p>0, 05), a u incidenciji dæ epova nenosaËi i nosaËi keramiËkih radova imali su znatno manje dæ epova od nosaËa fasetiranih ili potpunih metalnih krunica (p