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ABSTRACT Objectives Methods Results Conclusion To analyse different background factors that may serve as predictors for acquiring symptoms of severe COVID‐19 disease.A postal questionnaire was sent to the total population of individuals born between 1942 (80 years, n = 6299) and 1932 (90 years, n = 1904) living in the Örebro and Östergötland counties, Sweden, in 2017 and repeated in 2022. Tentative predictive factors for self‐reported severe COVID‐19 disease were based on the responses from the 2017 questionnaire related to general and oral health and prior to the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic.Response rate to the main questionnaire in 2022 was 66% (5375/8203), and 577 reported having been sick with COVID‐19 out of which 359 agreed to answer a separate questionnaire on COVID‐19. This questionnaire was returned by 278/359 of the participants corresponding to a response rate of 77%. Information gleaned from the 2017 pre‐COVID‐19 survey revealed a relatively large number of associations between severity of subsequently self‐reported COVID‐19 disease and several diverse tentative related factors found in unadjusted regression analyses. Based on statistically significant correlations in the adjusted regression analysis, significant predictive factors (based on self‐reports from 2017) for contracting severe COVID‐19 were in decreasing order of odds ratios (OR): reported removable partial or complete denture usage (OR 6.2, CI 2.2–17.2); reported periodontal problems in the past year (OR 3.4, CI 1.1–10.4); and reported daytime dry mouth (OR 2.5, CI 1.2–5.2).Removable dentures, periodontal problems and daytime dry mouth were predictors for developing symptoms of severe COVID‐19 disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the marginal fit of zirconia (Zi) CAD/CAM crowns in terms of gap and overhang compared to lithium disilicate (LDS) computer-aided design crowns, as well as the effect of finish line design on marginal accuracy.Materials and Methods: Stone dies were acquired from two master metal dies (n = 20 each) with two different finish lines and were scanned to produce digital models. Ceramic crowns (ZS-Ronde Zi, KaVo and IPS e.max CAD LDS, Ivoclar Vivadent) were designed and milled on the resulting 40 dies: 10 Zi-shoulder, 10 Zi-chamfer, 10 LDSshoulder, and 10 LDS-chamfer. Marginal gap and overhang were evaluated at six designated margin locations. The data were obtained, and the influence of material and finish line on the marginal fit of crowns was assessed using two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni multiple comparisons test (α = .05).Results: Mean marginal gap and overhang on Zi crowns were 30 ± 14 μm and 79 ± 27 μm for the shoulder, respectively, and were 68 ± 34 μm and 104 ± 34 μm for the chamfer. The corresponding values for LDS crowns were 57 ± 22 μm and 74 ± 29 μm for the shoulder, and 62 ± 12 μm and 59 ± 27 μm for the chamfer. ANOVA revealed that the differences in marginal gap between the two materials were not significant (P > .05), but that the finish line effect and interaction were significant (P < .05). With regard to marginal overhang, significant differences were found between Zi and LDS crowns (P < .05), although the finish line geometries did not show any significant differences (P > .05). LDS crowns showed no differences between shoulder and chamfer margins for gap or overhang (P > .05), whereas significant differences were found in marginal gap between the Zi shoulder and chamfer margins (P lt; .005).Conclusion: In terms of marginal accuracy, shoulder margins produced smaller marginal gaps compared to chamfers for Zi CAD/CAM crowns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the effects of impression material, impression tray type, and partially dentate arch classification on the accuracy of fit of partial removable dental prostheses (PRDP) cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) frameworks, as inferred from the number of fabricated frameworks required for achievement of acceptable fit.Materials and Methods: A total of 103 partially dentate patients provided with Co-Cr PRDP treatment for one or both arches (n = 142) by undergraduate dental students were clinically assessed by two examiners at the metal framework try-in stage, and the relevant data were recorded. Statistical analyses of data were performed using factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) to study the associations of impression material (alginate, polyvinyl siloxane [PVS]), Kennedy class, and impression tray type (stock, custom) with the number of frameworks that needed to be fabricated for each patient (α = .05).Results: Statistical analyses of data derived from 142 (65 maxillary and 77 mandibular) treated partially edentulous arches revealed no significant correlation between the impression material, Kennedy class, or tray type with respect to the number of framework construction attempts needed (P ≥ .05). Post hoc Tukey test also did not demonstrate any significant differences between the different Kennedy classes in relation to the set outcome measure (P ≥ .05).Conclusion: Alginate as an alternative option to PVS and modified metal stock trays can be used for making final impressions to produce PRDP Co-Cr frameworks. Framework fit is unaffected by class of partial edentulism (Kennedy class). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of impression material, impression tray type, and type of partial edentulism (ie, Kennedy class) on the accuracy of fit of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) partial removable dental prostheses (PRDP) in terms of the number of fabricated frameworks required until the attainment of adequate fit.Materials and Methods: Electronic case documentations of 120 partially edentulous patients provided with Co-Cr PRDP treatment for one or both arches were examined. Statistical analyses of data were performed using analysis of variance and Tukey honest significant difference test to compare the relationships between the different factors and the number of frameworks that needed to be fabricated for each patient (α = .05).Results: Statistical analysis of data derived from 143 records (69 maxillary and 74 mandibular) revealed no significant correlation between impression material, tray type, or Kennedy class and the number of construction attempts for the pooled or individual arch data (P ≥ .05).Conclusion: In PRDP treatment, alginate can be chosen as a first-choice material, and metal stock trays can be a preferred option for making final impressions to fabricate Co-Cr frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to conduct an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) related to aspects of the shortened dental arch (SDA) and its variants and critically appraise the methodologic quality of included SRs using the AMSTAR checklist.Materials and Methods: A comprehensive computerized search and a hand search of reference lists were conducted for SRs related to SDAs to identify publications from 2000 to 2016. All the present authors and a research assistant independently screened the results of the electronic searches using an eligibility form and extracted information using a specially designed prepiloted data extraction form. An 11-question AMSTAR checklist was completed for each included SR. Disputes were resolved by discussion between all researchers, and results were collated and interpreted.Results: For the period of 2007 to 2016, the search yielded nine SRs incorporating 228 related articles. The research questions for each SR differed but were related to SDAs, thus, the included articles were similar across SRs. Characteristics such as aims/objectives, study outcomes, and conclusions of the nine included SRs were compared. The AMSTAR evaluation indicated that five out of nine studies were of a high quality (used a rigorous methodology) and the remaining four were of medium quality. All nine SRs provided designs and characteristics of included studies. None of the SRs assessed publication bias.Conclusion: Of the nine SRs, seven drew positive conclusions regarding the SDA concept, finding it functionally sound, although some suggested that more high-quality primary studies are still needed. The AMSTAR calculation indicated that most included SRs had an acceptable methodologic quality, emphasizing the reliability of their results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess whether the occlusion of metal‐ceramic crowns, as received from the laboratory, and the time taken to adjust the occlusion of crowns not deemed acceptable, can be reduced by fabricating the crowns with controlled amounts of infra‐occlusion during the laboratory phase. Material and Methods: An opposing set of typodonts, articulated in maximum intercuspal position served as the patient in an in vitro simulation. Seventy‐five metal‐ceramic crowns were fabricated for the mandibular right second molar with three different occlusal contact specifications: A, control group had occlusal contacts shared evenly by the crown and the neighboring teeth (n = 25); B, first experimental group had the occlusion relieved until 2 shimstock foils were able to be pulled from between the crown and the opposing tooth without tugging (n = 25); C, second experimental group had the occlusion relieved until 4 shimstock foils were able to be pulled from between the crown and the opposing tooth without tugging (n = 25). The occlusion of each crown, as received from the laboratory, was assessed using one of three categories (Excellent, Acceptable, and Poor). Chi‐square analysis was used to test the differences in occlusal outcomes between the three study groups. For all of those rated "Acceptable," the time taken to adjust each crown to proper occlusion was recorded. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni tests were carried out to compare the adjustment times across the three study groups. Results: The 2‐shim group had the best outcome, with 56% of the crowns rated as "Excellent" (p = 0.001). In addition, there were statistically significant differences in adjustment times between the control group (A) and the 2‐shim (B) and the 4‐shim (C) groups (p = 0.0001), but not between the 2‐shim (B) and 4‐shim (C) groups (p = 0.08). Conclusions: Metal‐ceramic crowns fabricated with controlled interocclusal relief of 2‐ and 4‐shims each required less time for chairside occlusal adjustment than crowns fabricated in the laboratory to conventional occlusal contact. However, the overall superior outcome, in terms of the possibility for immediate insertion as received from the laboratory as well as favorable chairside adjustment time, for the 2‐shim prespacing suggests that this dimension is the preferred option over 4‐shim prespacing to reduce occlusal inaccuracies of indirect restorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare postoperative sensitivity following placement of posterior composite restorations using the fast- or step-curing modes of an LED curing light. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients participated, with each having two homologous contralateral posterior teeth with Class II carious lesions. One restoration was cured using the fast-curing mode of the LED curing light (Mini LED), and the contralateral restoration cured using the step mode of the same curing light. The patients were contacted after 2 and 7 days postoperatively and asked about the presence or absence of sensitivity on a scale from 0 to 3. 0: no sensitivity, 1: slight sensitivity, 2: moderate sensitivity, and 3: severe sensitivity. If the patient experienced sensitivity at 7 days postoperatively, he/she was contacted again after 30 and 90 days. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative sensitivity between the two curing modes at days 2 and 7 postoperatively (p < 0.05) but not at days 30 and 90 (p > 0.05). The intensity of sensitivity was also different between the two curing modes at days 2 and 7 postoperatively (p < 0.05) but not at days 30 and 90 (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The step mode of the LED curing light reduced the incidence and severity of postoperative sensitivity following placement of posterior composite restorations compared to the fast mode of the same curing light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To conduct a preliminary investigation of the relationship between patient satisfaction with oral status and the presence of posterior fixed partial dentures (FPD). Method and Materials: A total of 150 women with intact anterior dental segments, randomly drawn from women's schools for adult education, participated (mean age, 33.8 years; SD, 10.4; range, 20 to 63 years). Each woman was assisted in completing a questionnaire on aspects of her oral health beliefs and satisfaction with oral function, and underwent an on-site clinical examination. Subjects were categorized according to general prosthodontic status: those with missing posterior teeth and no FPDs (MN), those with FPDs (PR), and those who were fully dentate (FD). Their responses to the questionnaire were compared. Results: Value placed on oral health did not differ among the groups. Satisfaction with overall oral status, chewing function, and appearance did not differ between MN and PR, although overall satisfaction and appearance were each significantly greater in FD than in MN (P < .001 and P < .05, respectively). Overall satisfaction was negatively correlated with the mean number of missing teeth (P < .01), although perception of chewing ability did not differ among the groups, nor did it differ in relation to the number of posterior occluding pairs of teeth. Conclusions: The hypothesis that individuals with fixed prosthodontic replacements of their missing posterior teeth are more satisfied with their oral status than those without such replacements was not confirmed, while the question of the importance of patient satisfaction as a positive outcome of oral health care is raised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective was to explore and gain insight into the sentiments surrounding tooth loss in a group of edentulous Saudis. Materials and Methods: Using a qualitative methodology, 44 edentulous patients who were receiving complete denture treatment were interviewed in private, in the Arabic language. Interviews were tape recorded and semistructured, following a list of predetermined and piloted topics, but dialogue also took place, with the freedom for both interviewer and interviewee to explore areas of interest. All recordings were transcribed, translated into English, and interpreted independently by two members of the team to identify the core themes associated with tooth loss. Results: The mean age of participants was 58.9 years (range 35 to 72 years), and they had been edentulous for a mean of 7.1 years (range 3 months to 22 years). The main themes related to tooth loss were unqualified acceptance, inevitability with old age, behavior changes with respect to eating comfort, aged appearance, self-responsibility, positively perceived benefits, high prosthetic expectations and reduced level of denture satisfaction, and some need for privacy. Conclusion: The lack of any outward indication that participants experienced bereavement suggests that outlook on life can influence the impact of tooth loss. Participants' unqualified acceptance of their edentulous fate, yet their clear need to "normalize" oral function, reflects a degree of pragmatism toward life events. The strong influence of religion in Saudi society is a possible factor in the sentiments expressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of coronal preparation by high-speed handpiece on the retention of cemented cast posts and cores. Materials and Methods: Cast posts and cores were fabricated for 90 extracted single-rooted human teeth cemented with zinc-phosphate cement and randomly divided into six groups of 15 specimens each. The six groups were matched randomly two by two, such that one of each of the matched groups was subjected to a 4-minute period of high-speed preparation of the cores. Castings from the first pair (1 and 2) were subjected to an axially directed removal force using a universal testing machine 15 minutes from the start of cement mixing; castings from the second (3 and 4) and third (5 and 6) pairs were tested at 1 hour and 24 hours, respectively, having been stored in water at 37°C for the waiting periods. The forces required for dislodgment of posts from their prepared spaces were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed using two- and one-way ANOVA and the Student's t test. Results: The results showed increased mean retentive strengths of posts as the time to testing increased for both unprepared and prepared groups. Significantly higher mean retentive strengths of posts were recorded for unprepared compared to prepared groups tested at 15 minutes and 1 hour after cementation. Conclusion: High-speed preparation had a significant negative effect on the retentive strengths of posts tested at 15 minutes and 1 hour after cementation, but not on those tested at 24 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore possible associations between prosthodontic, occlusal, endodontic, and periodontal factors and the endodontic status of endodontically treated teeth. Materials and Methods: Forty-six patients who had received endodontic treatment followed by a fixed restoration for at least one of their teeth were recalled and examined clinically and radiographically according to a predetermined set of evaluation criteria. A total of 89 teeth were included, and data obtained included assessments of the coronal restoration and post and core, occlusal contact relationships, a number of endodontic parameters, and periodontal status of the study teeth. For the latter assessment, 54 contralateral teeth were available for purposes of comparison. Teeth were grouped into those with and without periapical radiolucencies, and differences between the groups, with respect to all parameters, were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: Three factors were significantly associated with the presence of radiolucency: confirmed occlusal contact, by virtue of the tooth being either involved in group function or the only contact in working-side and protrusive movements, and endodontic filling and crown margins of poor quality. None of the other independent variables showed significant associations with the dependent variable of periapical radiographic appearance. Contralateral teeth had better periodontal conditions than restored study teeth. Conclusion: The finding that a good-quality endodontic filling and crown margin improve endodontic outcome corroborates many other similar reports; however, with occlusal contact shown to be associated with failing endodontic treatment, the range of factors that may influence endodontic outcome appears to have widened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the impact of removable partial dental prostheses on satisfying the daily functioning and quality of life (QoL) of adult patients with different distributions of missing posterior teeth. Materials and Methods: A cross‐sectional interventional study was carried out on 80 patients having variously distributed posteriorly shortened and interrupted arches. Treatment comprised provision of partial dentures by senior dental students, supervised by senior clinical teachers who had knowledge of the potential benefits of the shortened dental arch (SDA) concept. The Oral Impacts on Daily Performance Index was completed before and 6 months after prosthetic treatment across groups comprising Kennedy Classes I, II, and III arches. Analysis included descriptive statistics and associations and comparisons between variables. Results: Mean age of patients was 57.4 years (SD = 13.1), many were retired (72.2%), and a majority were females (60%). Most patients lived in urban areas (95%), and were largely unemployed (63.3%). At pretreatment, only 31.3% of patients reported having good dental health and satisfaction with their current oral state, while 82.5% said they had a great need for treatment. The negative oral impacts that were most frequently experienced were those of eating (67.5%), smiling (50%), and being emotionally disturbed (63.8%). Post‐treatment, 76.3% indicated good oral health and satisfaction with no significant differences between the 3 Kennedy groups. Any further negative impacts were reported mostly for Kennedy Classes I and II. Conclusions: Overall, significant reductions of negative impacts were observed following treatment with dentures, across the 3 Kennedy groups, with respect to improved function, satisfaction, and oral health‐related QoL. The findings confirm the reliance by partially dentate patients in all 3 Kennedy groups on dentures for improved oral health, although the possible benefits of the SDA concept as an alternative treatment option was not specifically explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology and treatment of occlusal tooth wear remain controversial. Longer tooth retention by the aging population increases the likelihood that clinicians will be treating patients with worn dentitions. A careful approach to interventional clinical procedures is advocated but should not curtail definitive management of patients having identifiable and potent causative agents that produce a rapid deterioration of the dentition. This article describes the epidemiology and etiology of occlusal wear and presents a conservative approach to its management [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The prevalence of dental erosion is rising especially among children and adolescents and its grading needs further investigation. Aims To determine the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in groups of Yemeni children and adolescents, and to clinically compare an erosion partial recording system ( EPRS) with a proposed modified-simplified version ( EPRS-M). Design Of 6163 individuals aged 5-6, 13-14 and 18-19 years, 911 were randomly selected, of which 668 participated in the study. Dental erosion was graded using EPRS. EPRS-M was proposed, and its sensitivity and specificity was calculated in relation to EPRS. Results Prevalence of erosion extending into dentine on at least one tooth was 6.8% among 5- to 6-year-olds, 3.0% among 13- to 14-year-olds and 14.6% among 18- to 19-year olds. The highest prevalence was 19.2% among girls aged 18-19 years which was significantly higher than boys (10.4%) in the same age group ( P = 0.044). Sensitivity and specificity for EPRS-M in relation to EPRS were 85.7% and 100% for primary teeth, and 84.1% and 100% for permanent teeth. Conclusions Dental erosion was common among children and older teenagers and highest among older girls but less common among younger teenagers. The tested accuracy of EPRS- M qualifies it to be used as an initial quick detection tool in future dental erosion research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]