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Introduction. The retention, stability, and plaque resistance of the obturator prosthesis significantly impact the improvement of the patient’s quality of life. The aim of this paper was to draw attention to the benefits of telescopic obturator prostheses made of polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Case report. We present an approach to the telescopic obturator fabrication using PEEK as the material of choice for the primary and secondary telescopic crowns, which are an integral part of the framework, in a 65-year-old patient with partial maxillectomy. The positioning of the teeth was made with a silicone key, and the featuring of the gingival part of the prosthesis was performed by a composite. Conclusion. PEEK is a polymer with good mechanical and chemical properties besides being bio-compatible. An obturator prosthesis made of this material does not incur enormous fabrication costs, and its satisfactory functionality contributes to the improvement of patients’ lives.

Bruxism is a parafunctional activity of the masticatory system, which is characterized by clenching or scraping of teeth. This condition is often accompanied by a change in the shape and size of the teeth, as well as the function of the stomatognathic system. Bruxism can occur during sleep and in the waking state. The etiology is multifactorial and all causes can be divided into peripheral and central. The clinical signs and symptoms of bruxism are primarily characterized by temporomandibular disorders, the appearance of bruxofacets and changes in the hard dental tissues, supporting apparatus of the teeth and masticatory muscles, as well as headaches. The diagnosis of bruxism is made on the basis of anamnesis and clinical signs and symptoms, while electromyography and polysomnographic analysis are used in scientific researches. Therapy is aimed at controlling etiological factors and reducing symptoms. Occlusal splints are the most commonly used in the treatment of bruxism. Medications are used in situations when other methods, including psychotherapy, do not give positive results. Given the multifactorial etiology, the therapeutic approach must be multidisciplinary. The approach to the patient must be individual in order to treat as effectively as possible.

Background/Aim. Bruxism is a parafunctional activity of the masticatory system, which is characterized by clenching or grinding of teeth. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of bruxism has impact on maximum bite force, with particular reference to the potential impact of gender on bite force values. Methods. This study included two groups of subjects: without and with bruxism. The presence of bruxism in the subjects was registered using a specific clinical questionnaire on bruxism and physical examination. The subjects from both groups were submitted to the procedure of measuring the maximum bite pressure and occlusal contact area using a single-sheet pressure-sensitive films (Fuji Prescale MS and HS Film). Maximal bite force was obtained by multiplying maximal bite pressure and occlusal contact area values. Results. The average values of maximal bite force were significantly higher in the subjects with bruxism compared to those without bruxism (p < 0.001). Occlusal contact area was significantly higher in the subjects suffering from bruxism (p < 0.001), while the maximal bite pressure values did not show a significant difference between the studied groups (p > 0.01). Maximal bite force was significantly higher in the males compared to the females in all segments of the research. Conclusion. The presence of bruxism influences the increase in the maximum bite force as shown in this study. Gender is a significant determinant of bite force. Registration of maximum bite force can be used in diagnosing and analysing pathophysiological events during bruxism.

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a universal term referred to herein to collectively denote a series of functional disorders of orofacial structures, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the masticatory muscles in particular. Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders within the observed sample population of the northern part of Kosovo and Metohija, as well as the frequency of signs and symptoms of this type of disorder. Methods: The study involved a sample of 300 subjects, aged 18-30 years. The sample comprised the target student population attending the University of Pristina, Kosovska Mitrovica. A random sample, intended for sampling without replacement, was drawn from the target population. All subjects underwent the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index analysis. Results of the analysis were quantified and expressed numerically, based on severity, as the Helkimo anamnestic dysfunction index (Ai) and the clinical dysfunction index (Di) with specific values assigned thereto accordingly. Results: The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders within the observed sample population totaled 50.7% (Di> 0). In the majority of patients a mild form of TMP (67%) was reported. Temporomandibular disorders were more common in women than in men, who appear to be three times as likely to develop the respective condition, demonstrating the ratio of 3:1. The most common TMD signs and symptoms implied mandibular kinetics disturbances (46%) and TMJ sounds (45%). The prevalence of pain during mandibular movements amounted to 9%, the palpable TMJ sensitivity to 20% and the palpable sensitivity of masticatory muscles 18%. Headache and otalgia were represented with 13%, that is, 3% in the observed sample. Conclusion: Temporomandibular disorder analysis demonstrates high incidence in the population of the northern part of Kosovo and Metohija. These findings indicate the need for an extensive prevention, control and treatment of this type of disorder.

Composite cements are widely used in dentistry, due to their positive characteristics (bond strength, color, low solubility etc.). However, removal of the cement presents one of the drawbacks of their use, since incomplete removal might cause bacterial adhesion, gingival irritation and subsequent inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate surface characteristics of the composite cements after different ways of excess removal, by means of profilometric and SEM analysis. Thirty leucite reinforced ceramic specimens were divided into three groups, based on the manner of excess cement removal: Group 1 (polished): excess was fully polymerized for 40 s, then removed; Group 2 (cleaned): excess was removed with a cotton roll, after which cement was fully polymerized for 40 s; Group 3 (pre-polymerized): excess was light cured for 5 s, after which cement excess was broken with an instrument and then fully polymerized for 40 s. Surface roughness was measured using a surface profilometer. Subsequently, specimens were inspected by a scanning electron microscope. The data were statistically analyzed. The examination of variants of average values proved the statistically significant difference in the height of average values per group, p

The aim of this study was to compare in vitro the characteristics of different types of luting cements (zinc phosphate, glass-ionomer and resin based composite cement) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and microleakage for the quality range of materials. Dental cements were mixed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and formed with posts in dental root canals of extracted teeth. The quality of cement was determined by SEM observation on horizontal sectioned roots with fixed posts according to specific pore and marginal gap diameter. The microleakage was measured on specimens immersed in Lofler (methylene blue) solution. The mean values of the maximal diameter of pores, marginal gaps and microleakage of conventional cements are remarkably larger in comparison with composite luting agents. In conclusion, the quality and efficiency of composite luting agents in comparison with conventional cements are more successful in protecting the interior of tooth from penetration of oral fluids, bacteria and bacterial toxins into unprotected dentine.

Introduction : A complex clinical view and multicausal ethiology of craniomandibular dysfunction requires the usage of numerous methods in the diagnosis of this disease. Special significance is given to the methods which are simply and precise enough. Therefore the methods of instrumentally functional analysis can be selected and those are the methods of mechanographic character (gothic arch) The basic purpose of study was the identification of changes in the gothic arch record registrated with sickened subjects related to the records registrated with healthy subjects. The existing changes would manifest the credibility of the gothic arch method as a diagnostic means of craniomandibular dysfunction. Materials and methods: Apparatus for the gothic arch registration was of intraoral character. It consisted of a pin and a small metal plate. Gothic arch is registrated with 15 sickened subjects and 15 healthy subjects. Gothic arch records acquired from the subjects of the studied groups were analized and compared. Results: Gothic arch record parameters which values have changed with sickened subjects are following : the lateral movements records, protrusive movements records, laterolateral amplitude, laterolateral asymerty, the angle asymetry of laterotrusive - protrusive and the gothic arch angle. Conclusion: The value change of the gothic arch record parameter registrated with the sickened subjects confirms the validity of this method as a diagnostic means of craniomandibular dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Stomatologica Naissi is the property of Clinic of Stomatology Nis and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Stomatologica Naissi is the property of Clinic of Stomatology Nis and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction. FRC (fiber-glass reinforced composite) posts with reinforced composite fibers are introduced as an alternative for many conventional materials. Endodontically treated teeth are known to present a higher risk of biomechanical failure than vital teeth. The choice of an appropriate restoration for endodontically treated teeth is guided by strength and esthetics. The aim of this study is to present the use of new item nonmetallic systems in restaurative dentistry. Physical characteristics given by manufacturer (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), show exellent results, are identified with tooth structure in regard of flexure strength, module elasticity, water absorbtion and clear radiopacity. The use of nonmetallic posts is easy, fast, safe and reliable. The research of several authors has shown exellent results of newer nonmetallic systems. They have the following features: physical properties similar to dentin, maximum retention with little removal of dentin from the root canal, distribution of functional stress even along the root surface, material compatibility with core, high esthetic qualities, minimal stress during placement and cementation, resistance to displacement, good core retention, easy retrievability, ease of use, safety and reliability, and reasonable cost. Conclusion. Nonmetallic fiber-glass posts contributed greatly into the development of new post and core systems and improved the quality of prosthetic treatment. In comparison with former conventional materials and post and core systems, FRC posts demonstrate significant preference for new technological accomplishments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Gingival biotype can have a significant impact on the outcome of the periodontal therapeutic procedures and the predictability of their aesthetic outcome. There is a strong correlation between the types of biotype and the potential gingival recession after restorative, periodontal, and implant surgical procedures. Therefore, accurate identification of gingival biotypes before initiating these procedures is one of the significant predictive factors for their success. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of accurate gingival biotype determination with the use of the visual method, periodontal, and trans-gingival probing compared to the direct measurement method. Methods. This prospective study involved 33 patients indicated for apical root resection in the intercanine sector of the upper jaw. Gingival biotype identification was performed in all patients using the following techniques: 1) visual method; 2) periodontal probe technique; 3) trans-gingival probing; and 4) direct measurement after flap elevation. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the visual method, periodontal probing method, and trans-gingival probing method in relation to the direct measurement method, used as a gold standard, to discriminate the gingival thickness biotype (thin versus thick). Results. The overall accuracy of the tested diagnostic procedures compared to direct gingival biotype measurement was 66.7% for the visual method, 78.8% for periodontal probing, and 97.0% for trans-mucosal probing. Conclusion. The periodontal probing method can be recommended for gingival biotype determination as a routine method since its sensitivity and overall accuracy are higher compared to the visual method. The transgingival method, in terms of sensitivity and comprehensive accuracy, almost completely coincides with the direct method, but it is more invasive compared to the periodontal probing method, and it has to be conducted in local anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Ethiopathogenesis of dysfunction and pain in temporomandibular joints has been the subject of passionate discussions between supporters of purely mechanical conception and the ones who are supporters of psyhosomatic conception. The aim of the study: Relying on neurophysiological data, the authors are trying to reveal the main role of reticular mesencephalical formation in mechanisms which provoke craniomandibular dysfunctions and confront the influence of emotional factors from neocortex and painful stimuli from oral structures. Discussion From dynamical point of view, not only the morphological aspects of teeth and arcades, but also sensitive-sensorial mechanisms connected to masticatory muscles, periodontal structures and oral structures, should he considered. The ideal bite and perfect morphology of tooth arcades are not enough for reconstitution of correct occlusion, if there are no neuromuscular system, temporomandibular joint, and especially central nervous system. Conclusion The presence of pain is just one of the craniomandibular dysfunction symptoms, but if it is added to the other clinical signs and emotional or affect - provoking factor, it will provoke dysfunctional syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]