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Objective: This prospective study is part of a randomised clinical trial and reports the changes in masticatory performance (MP) and bite force, and explores their influential factors, 1 year after the provision of mandibular overdentures retained by four titanium–zirconium mini implants. Methods: Edentulous patients received conventional complete dentures, followed by placement of four mini implants (Straumann® Mini Implant System) in the anterior mandible and converting the conventional prosthesis into a mandibular overdenture. Treatment protocols were randomised using a 2×2 factorial design combining different surgical (flapped vs. flapless) and loading (immediate vs. delayed) protocols. MP was assessed using a two‐colour mixing ability test and a colorimetric analysis to measure the level of colour mixing (Variance of Hue–VoH). Maximum voluntary bite force (MBF) was measured by a digital gnathodynamometer in the posterior and anterior regions. Sex, age, surgical and loading protocols and ridge morphology were tested as independent variables. MP and MBF tests were performed at baseline (pre‐treatment) and the 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month after implant loading. Descriptive statistics, independent t‐test, and linear mixed‐effect model (LMM) regression were used for data analysis. Results: Seventy‐four participants were assessed and 73 completed the 1‐year follow‐up. Statistically significant improvements in functional parameters were observed in all follow‐up periods compared to baseline (p <.001). The flapless protocol was associated with higher improvement in MP at the 3‐month follow‐up (p =.004), while less resorbed ridges were associated with better MP (p =.038) and higher MBF (p <.001). Conclusion: The mandibular overdenture protocol using four titanium–zirconium mini implants was effective in improving MP and MBF of edentulous patients, compared to pre‐treatment values. The findings also suggest that improvements in chewing function and bite force are impacted by clinical factors since better outcomes were observed for flapless surgeries and less resorbed edentulous ridges. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.Gov ID NCT04760457. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The daily practice shows that the patients prefer treatments that require fewer visits and low cost. The technology of conventional complete dentures follows several subsequent stages – clinical and laboratory. The search for alternative methods has led to the more and more successful development of digital technologies that could also be used for complete dentures. The conclusions of their use include higher quality, simplification of the laboratory technologies, and creation of functionally fit prosthetic structures. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to systematically review the up-to-date information available in the scientific databases in regard to the implementation of CAD/CAM technologies for the complete prosthesis. Materials and methods: A search was carried out in the period from January 2022 to October 2022 in the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect, using the following keywords: CAD/CAM, digital prosthesis, complete dentures, planning of complete dentures, edentulous patients, in English, German, Turkish and Bulgarian language. Conclusion: The individual anatomic and morphological particularities, age and functional changes occurring after the complete loss of teeth create conditions for the prosthesis that cannot be unified according to the scientific literature. Most probably, this is the reason why there is no straight protocol and straight technology for producing complete dentures using the digital method.

Introduction: The success of prosthetic and implant treatment is determined by the knowledge of the anatomical and morphological features of upper and lower edentulous jaws and the identification of landmarks in the prosthetic field that contribute to accurate planning of the complete rehabilitation of the oral cavity. Purpose: This article aims to present and analyze anatomical and morphological features of an edentulous upper jaw that are important for the prosthetist. Materials and methods: A search was conducted in the period from October 2022 till December 2022 in the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and several other bibliographic databases using the following keywords: anatomical features, upper jaw, atrophy, residual bone, complete prostheses, edentulous patients. Only literary sources in English, German, Bulgarian and Russian language were included. Rеsults: A total of 1076 articles were identified by the literature search, and the title and abstracts of the articles were examined. Twenty-eight original research studies met the inclusion criteria. Data and evidence were extracted for the importance of anatomical landmarks and features of the prosthetic field in case of complete tooth loss during prosthetic treatment. Conclusion: Individual anatomical and morphological features, age-related and functional changes that occur after complete tooth loss create conditions for prosthetics that must be tailored to the specifics of each individual clinical case and require an individual approach.

Objective: To report the 1‐year implant survival/success and peri‐implant outcomes of mandibular overdentures retained by four titanium‐zirconium mini implants (Straumann® Mini Implant System), and to assess how surgery and loading protocols influence these outcomes. Materials and Methods: A 2 × 2 factorial randomized clinical trial (RCT) tested the combined effects of two loading protocols (immediate or delayed) and two surgical approaches (flapless or flapped) on the success/survival of the mini implants, and peri‐implant parameters (plaque, bleeding, sulcus depth, gingival position, and marginal bone loss). Outcomes were assessed up to 1‐year after loading, and generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to analyze longitudinal and within‐patient clustered data. Results: Two hundred and ninety‐six implants were placed in 74 patients. The implant survival/success rates after 1 year were 100%, and no major biological complications were observed. After 1‐year, descriptive data suggest no noticeable changes in plaque scores, whilst a reduction in bleeding scores at the 6‐month and 1‐year follow‐ups compared to baseline. Good longitudinal stability was observed for the probing depth and gingival margin height measures. Overall mean marginal bone loss was 0.68 (±0.68) mm after 3 months and 0.89 (±0.75) mm after 1‐year. The flapless protocol showed better results on soft tissue stability and health but a slightly higher risk for marginal bone loss. Conclusion: The results of this RCT suggest that mandibular overdentures retained by this novel mini implant system represent a safe and predictable treatment option as confirmed by implant survival/success and peri‐implant outcomes, even when flapless surgery and immediate loading protocols are adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several complete denture wearers have major complaints and may be benefitted from implant treatment. However, the factors that shape the demand for and utilization of implants need further investigation. Objective: The aim was to evaluate edentulous patient's willingness to accept or refuse the offer and provision of implant‐retained treatment. Methods: As part of a clinical trial, edentulous subjects were offered a mandibular overdenture retained by four mini‐implants opposing a conventional maxillary denture. Treatment was offered without any financial costs for the patients. Patients' level of interest in receiving treatment was assessed using a 5‐point Likert scale, and they were asked to respond to a list of reasons that led to their decision to accept or refuse implants. Those who refused implants received conventional prosthodontic interventions as required, and those who accepted implant treatment underwent surgical planning and implant placement. Results: Of 175 eligible subjects, 147 accepted the offer of treatment and were invited to take part in the study (69.4% women, mean age 67.4 ± 10.0 years). Overall, 111 patients (75.5%) expressed a positive intention to undergo implant treatment at the initial contact. Implant treatment was performed for 56.3% (9/16) of those who answered 'probably yes' about their level of interest in implant treatment on the Likert scale, and 69.6% (64/92) of 'certainly yes' (p <.001). Older subjects were less likely to receive implants (OR = 0.93; p =.036), whilst those with a positive intention towards implants (OR = 3.15; p =.001), those previously treated by the dental team (OR = 7.89; p <.001), and who actively demanded implants (OR = 18.1; p <.001) were more likely to accept treatment. Improved chewing was the most common reason for accepting implants, whilst fear of surgery was the most reported reason for refusal. Conclusion: Refusal of implants was high among edentate patients even when financial costs were removed. Patients' initial attitude towards acceptance is a key factor in the demand for and uptake of implant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of the oral rehabilitation principles leads to a complex approach of the patient, giving optimal aesthetic, biomechanical and biological results. The patient plays an important role in terms of taking responsibility for the aesthetic aspect. Restoring the aesthetic function involves knowledge of the facial parameters, the principles of restoring facial harmony as well as the geometric proportion of the artificial teeth. The aim of this study is to emphasize the importance of the patient’s evaluation, based on the esthetic rehabilitation, the patient’s perception and the clinician evaluation, so as to ensure the success of the prosthodontic treatment. Conception of the treatment The patients have been analyzed starting from diagnosis and rehabilitation possibilities so as to design the therapeutic concept. Before the beginning of the clinical stages, the evaluation of the patient must be done rigorously, using the current paraclinical investigation techniques. Discussions The success of the prosthetic treatment, from an aesthetic standpoint, requires knowing the patient’s personality in order to predict the degree of psychological acceptance of the prosthetic restoration. The aspect of the edentation is reflected on the patient’s behavior in society, by affecting the self-image and personality. Conclusion The notion of aesthetic or unaesthetic can be interpreted differently, depending on the degree of culture and perception of the notion of “beauty and symmetry”.

Objective: This prospective study assessed the number and reasons for post‐treatment visits due to prosthodontic complications in patients treated with three types of implant treatment for the edentulous mandible. Methods: Study groups comprised patients treated with single‐implant overdenture (G‐I; n = 11), 2‐implant overdenture (G‐II; n = 13), and 4‐implant fixed prosthesis (G‐III; n = 13). Programmed recall visits occurred at the 6‐, 12‐ and 36‐month follow‐ups. The management of prosthodontic complications occurred continuously in unscheduled appointments. Data analysis included calculation of incidence rates, chi‐square and Kruskal‐Wallis tests, and Poisson regression with robust error variance to model the occurrence of visits due to prosthodontic complications. Results: There were 89 unscheduled appointments during the entire follow‐up period, ranging from 0 to 7 (mean = 2.41; SD = 2.2) per patient. No between‐group differences were found regarding the frequency of unscheduled visits. However, the duration of the appointments (scheduled and unscheduled) was significantly higher for G‐III (p <.001). The length of follow‐up was the only predictor of the number of post‐insertion visits (p =.004). The frequency of prosthodontic events was higher for G‐I and G‐II compared to G‐III (p <.001). Nearly half of the events in G‐I and G‐II were matrix replacements, and artificial teeth fracture was more frequent in G‐III. Conclusions: All patients were at risk of post‐delivery prosthodontic complications and required regular recall visits to achieve satisfactory function and to prevent further problems. Overdentures required higher rates of maintenance visits, particularly for replacement of the retentive inserts, while fixed implant prostheses required longer clinical times for management of complications when compared to overdentures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This clinical report describes the unusual appearance of radiopacities, lobular in nature, observed on a dental panoramic image of an edentulous patient. Upon questioning, the patient described a history of recently having hydroxylapatite-based dermal filler placed in her right and left cheeks to reduce wrinkles and enhance cosmetic appearance. The localization and shape of the radiopacities were consistent with the placement of the dermal filler.

Objective: Mask ventilation can be difficult in elderly edentulous patients. Various solutions have been proposed to address this challenge. This study assessed the use of a new airway-securing device called the Tulip Airway and investigated its application in simulated edentulous patients.Methods: This pilot study utilized a modified edentulous airway training mannequin and a high-performance simulator. Participants attempted to ventilate the edentulous mannequin using a Guedel oropharyngeal airway and face mask (M method) or the Tulip Airway (T method). Successful inflation of the mannequin model lung was confirmed visually. The time required for the insertion of the Tulip Airway was also assessed. A high-performance simulator was then used to compare ventilation volumes achieved using the M and T methods, and data subsequently analyzed.Results: In the edentulous mannequin, lung inflation was not achieved by any participants using the M method, but all were successful using the T method. Insertion time for the Tulip Airway was ∼8 seconds. Median ventilation volumes achieved using the high-performance simulator were higher for the T method (308 mL) compared with the M method (192 mL; P < .05).Conclusion: The results of this pilot study indicate that the Tulip Airway is an effective airway device for use in edentulous patients with difficult mask ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present a clinical rationale for the effectiveness of denture space recording methods for the prosthetic treatment of edentulous patients through a review of the literature. Study selection: A total of 3167 studies were extracted from a search of four terms, namely denture space, neutral zone technique, flange technique, and piezography using PubMed and J-STAGE databases. A total of 57 documents that matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Results: From the extracted articles, the clinical application of denture space recording methods was found to be effective in edentulous patients with severe ridge resorption. The relationship between the labiolingual and buccolingual pressure in patients with neuromuscular problems or with mandibular or lingual defects differs from those without it, so a stable prosthesis can be easily fabricated by locating the neutral zone using denture space recording methods. Conclusion: The literature on denture space recording methods suggests that its application on challenging cases of edentulous patients is useful in providing prostheses with improved retention and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Overdenture with single symphyseal implant is one of the useful clinical approach for elderly edentulous patients. We aimed to evaluate edentulous patients with regards to the relationship between dimensions, bone characteristics, cancellous densities, and cortical thickness of the mandibular symphyseal region using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and methods: We analyzed 103 CBCT from pre-implant investigations. All included patients were healthy without any disorders affecting bone metabolism. We performed 13 measurements for each patient: 9 of height, width, and thickness (mm) and 4 of density (Hounsfield Units; HU). Fisher's exact test was applied to examine the association between two categorical variables, the Pearson correlation coefficient to measure the strength of linear relationship between two quantitative variables. We used the two-sample Student's t-test to compare mean symphysis height between men and women, the paired Student's t-test to compare mean lingual and buccal cortical thickness. For all tests, the threshold of significance was fixed at 5%. Results: Men and women significantly differed with regards to mean total symphysis height (p = 0.004) and the distribution of Cawood and Howell classifications (p = 0.033). Symphysis height was negatively correlated with mean density of cancellous bone (r = −0.453, p

Background: Dislocation of the mandibular condylar head refers to ectopic positioning of the intact condylar head out of the glenoid fossa. Most commonly reported anterior dislocation results from anteromedial pull of the lateral pterygoid muscle and laxity of the surrounding tissue with advanced age. Purpose: This case report brings forth a unique case of bilateral posterior condylar dislocation in an edentulous patient who reported after 4 weeks of traumatic injury. Method: The condition was managed surgically by reduction of the dislocated condyle and placement of mersilene tape on one side and temporalis muscle on the other side as anchorage ligament to stabilize the condyle and prevent any future recurrence. Results: The patient was maintained on long-term follow-up for up to one year with no reported recurrence or reduction in mouth opening. Conclusion: This is the first ever case report that highlights bilateral posterior dislocation of intact mandible unlike the previous four reports which have brought forth unilateral dislocation on English literature search. Posterior dislocation of mandibular condyle is encountered in edentulous patients who experience posteriorly directed impact which forces the condylar head behind the postarticular ridge. Unlike anterior dislocation, clinical features include reduced mouth opening and retruded mandible in bilateral dislocation. It has been observed that manual correction by pressing the mandible downwards and forwards yields good results in early cases. Cases that are reported late require surgical exploration for reduction and placement of anchorage ligament to prevent recurrence in unstable condyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Gingival enlargement due to calcium channel blockers is a common complaint reported by patients. It can be localized or generalized and can range from mild to severe, affecting patients appearance and function. Nifedipine induced gingival enlargement is noticed only in 10 % of patients and very few cases of Nifedipine induced gingival enlargement in an edentulous patient have been documented in the literature. Case presentation Here in, we report a case of gingival enlargement in a 70 year old hypertensive edentulous patient who was on low dose Nifedipine therapy. Patient wanted complete dentures. We planned to excise the overgrowth and followed up for 1 year. Conclusion Nifedipine induced gingival enlargement noticed only in 10 % of patients. Hence, there is a need for physicians and dentist to make a coordinated treatment plan and practice care while prescribing these drugs which are associated with gingival overgrowth.

Overdenture with single symphyseal implant is one of the useful clinical approach for elderly edentulous patients. We aimed to evaluate edentulous patients with regards to the relationship between dimensions, bone characteristics, cancellous densities, and cortical thickness of the mandibular symphyseal region using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). We analyzed 103 CBCT from pre-implant investigations. All included patients were healthy without any disorders affecting bone metabolism. We performed 13 measurements for each patient: 9 of height, width, and thickness (mm) and 4 of density (Hounsfield Units; HU). Fisher's exact test was applied to examine the association between two categorical variables, the Pearson correlation coefficient to measure the strength of linear relationship between two quantitative variables. We used the two-sample Student's t-test to compare mean symphysis height between men and women, the paired Student's t-test to compare mean lingual and buccal cortical thickness. For all tests, the threshold of significance was fixed at 5%. Men and women significantly differed with regards to mean total symphysis height (p = 0.004) and the distribution of Cawood and Howell classifications (p = 0.033). Symphysis height was negatively correlated with mean density of cancellous bone (r = −0.453, p < 0.001). Mean lingual cortical thickness significantly differed from mean vestibular thickness (p < 0.001, paired Student's t-test). Present findings supported that symphyseal measurements are parameters that reflect the symphysis bone characteristics, and can guide the choice of a suitable implant design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the impact of three complete denture palatal rugae designs on participants' satisfaction and oral-health-related quality of life., Background: Complete dentures palatal rugea are usually polished to a smooth finish, which can affect the patient's adaptation. Roughening or keeping an opening in the rugae area to replicate the natural sensation of the palatal rugae has been suggested but lacks clinical evidence., Methods: This randomised crossover trial included participants with complete dentures randomly allocated to six sequences. Each sequence alternated between polished, roughened, and open rugae designs. Participants evaluated general and domain-specific satisfaction (eating, taste, speaking, phonetics, and ease of cleaning) on a 100-mm visual analogue scale. They also completed the Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients (OHIP-EDENT) and indicated their preferred design at the end. Repeated-measure ANOVA compared satisfaction, and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's test compared OHIP-EDENT scores., Results: Forty-two participants were randomised. Seven dropped out. General satisfaction ratings were comparable for the polished (Mean = 80.2, SD = 19.7) and roughened designs (Mean = 79.5, SD = 20.2). However, the open design had a significantly lower satisfaction rating (Mean = 41.1, SD = 32.2). OHIP-EDENT scores for the open design (Mean = 44.9, SD = 17.5) were significantly worse than those for the polished (Mean = 36.1, SD = 12.7) and roughened designs (Mean = 36.2, SD = 13.3). Two-thirds of the participants chose the polished design. One-third chose the roughened design; of those, 83% were first-time denture wearers., Conclusions: Complete dentures with polished and roughened rugae designs were perceived similarly. Both designs could be recommended based on the patient's preference. However, the open design should be avoided due to negative perception., (© 2024 Gerodontology Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The aim of this study was to present some practical possibilities of oral rehabilitation by using thermoplastic materials and flexible biomaterials for the removable dentures in edentulous allergic patients. . Material and Methods: The study lot included a number of 20 patients diagnosed with total and partially extended edentation showing allergies to classic acrylic prostheses, manifested at the level of the oral mucosa. They presented allergenic reactions when they were treated by removable dentures made by classic PMMA. After methodical clinical and complementary examinations, the patients received a new prosthetic treatment made by thermoplastic materialsand flexible biomaterials, according with particularities of clinical case Results: The construction of a total denture using the Polyan thermosetting material (modified methacrylate). The main feature of this material refers to the content of residual monomer, which is significantly lower than in the case of conventional dentures based on thermos-polymerizable polymethyl methacrylate. Flexible, monomer-free biomaterials are the ideal therapeutic choice in case of patients diagnosed with partially extended edentation who show allergies to classic acrylates. Conclusions: Nowadays, thermoplastic materials, due to their superior properties and their precision of manufacturing in the dental lab represent a better alternative used for removable dentures, comfortable and very well accepted by patients.

The complete edentulous state is accompanied by several inconveniencies. The use of immediate dentures in order to ease the transition to the final steps of the treatment can be a useful option to reduce patient's aesthetic and functional discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are scarce data regarding the combined assessment of the costs and effects of implant treatments for edentulous patients when multiple options are available. Aim: This randomised clinical trial aimed to assess the cost‐effectiveness of three different concepts for treatment: mandibular overdenture retained by a single (Group I; n = 11) or two implants (Group II; n = 13) and fixed hybrid prosthesis on four implants (Group III; n = 13). Methods: Treatment effectiveness was measured as the 1‐year before‐after changes in patient satisfaction with the mandibular prosthesis. Costs were prospectively quantified from the perspective of the health provider, including all direct cost items attributed to the delivery of treatments and up to the 1‐year follow‐up, using a "bottom‐up" costing estimation method. Results: Patient satisfaction after treatment improved significantly for the three groups. The overall costs were R$ 2370.66, R$ 3185.21 and R$ 5739.52 for Groups I, II and III, respectively (P <.001). Analysis of incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios suggested that the overdentures retained by one or two implants were more cost‐effective than the fixed implant treatment, considering the mean cost and effectiveness values and the ±20% one‐way sensitivity analysis. Conclusion: This study suggests that the incremental costs for the fixed hybrid prosthesis, compared to the overdenture treatments, is not proportional to the respective gain in effectiveness. Therefore, although all treatment options had satisfactory outcomes, the use of implants to retain a mandibular overdenture, irrespective of the use of one or two implants, is more cost‐effective than the fixed implant treatment for the edentulous mandible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Complete denture help to re-establish the occlusion and aesthetic to such extent it mimic the previously missing teeth and other features which may be lose over the time. In a complete denture wearer, saliva is responsible for the retention of the prosthesis due to its lubricating function. It also aid in integrity, adhesion and stabilisation of dentures in position after the placement. It act as interposed salivary film which allowed the prosthesis to lie on the film rather than on the bare mucosa. This would help to protect the tissues from the hydration and forces of the denture base that acting on it. Therefore, maintaining normal pH and salivary flow rate is required, in order to achieve a better retention of denture as well as good oral health. Aim: To investigate the relationship between the salivary flow rate before and after the placement of complete denture. Materials and Method: There were 15 participants in the age group of 55 to 70 years old, which required complete denture prosthesis for the first time. The unstimulated or resting whole saliva and stimulated whole saliva was collected by using spitting method. Saliva production was stimulated by chewing paraffin wax. The time taken for saliva collection of 5 mL was recorded by using stopwatch. The data obtained was analysed by using paired t-test. Results: There was significant difference between the unstimulated whole salivary flow rate and stimulated whole salivary flow rate before the placement of the denture, which was by 0.20 mL/min. Whereas, the difference between the unstimulated whole salivary flow rate and stimulated whole salivary flow rate after the placement also show significant changes which was about 0.14 mL/min. Chewing of paraffin wax as well as placement of denture act as stimulatory agents in production of saliva. Conclusion: Stimulated salivary flow rate were higher than the unstimulated salivary flow rate which obtained before and immediately after the placement of complete denture. There was significant differences of the salivary flow rate before and after the placement of denture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of complete denture with suction mechanism was introduced to enhance the retention and stability of denture by sealing around the denture border by forming negative pressure on the inner side of denture base during functional movement such as swallowing or masticating. Mandibular suction dentures reduce denture dislodging force during opening by taking preliminary impression without pressure on retromolar pad area in rest position. In this case, fabrication of complete denture using suction mechanism for an edentulous patient with severe alveolar bone resorption allowed us to clinically enhance retention and stability of denture and improve satisfaction of patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of West China Journal of Stomatology is the property of Sichuan University, West China College of Stomatology 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.)

Background: Augmentation of the edentulous atrophic anterior region is a challenging situation. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the effectiveness of a collagenated cortical bone lamina of porcine origin for horizontal ridge augmentation in patients with inadequate alveolar ridge width undergoing immediate post-extraction implantation in the anterior sites, and to report on implant survival rates/complications. Materials and methods: The cases were extracted electronically from a large database according to these specific inclusion criteria: patients with inadequate alveolar ridge width in the anterior maxilla or mandible, who underwent immediate post-extraction implant placement and simultaneous alveolar bone reconstruction using xenogeneic cortical bone lamina. An additional layer of palatal connective tissue graft was inserted between lamina and the vestibular mucosa, for improving soft tissue healing. A collagenated bone substitute was additionally placed in the gap between the lamina and implant surface in all patients. The main outcomes were implant survival and complications. Results: Forty-nine patients with 65 implants were included. Patients’ mean age at the time of implant surgery was 60.0 ± 13.6 years. The mean follow-up was 60.5 ± 26.6 months after implant placement. The implant survival was 100%. Four postoperative complications occurred in four patients. No specific factor was found to be associated with complication occurrence. Conclusion: The use of collagenated cortical bone lamina can be considered as a successful option for alveolar reconstruction in immediate post-extraction implant insertion procedures in anterior regions with inadequate alveolar ridge width.

Purpose: To investigate the influence of impaired masticatory function on the oral health‐related quality of life of conventional complete denture wearers before and after the transition to implant‐retained mandibular overdentures. Materials and Methods: Masticatory function and oral health‐related quality of life were evaluated in 40 edentulous patients after 3 months of adaptation to complete dentures and after transition to implant‐retained mandibular overdentures. Masticatory function was evaluated through the swallowing threshold test with a standardized portion of an artificial test food (Optocal) to determine median particle size (×50) and homogenization index (B). After the test, the masticatory function outcomes were used to categorize patients in 2 groups according to chewing performance: (i) satisfactory or (ii) unsatisfactory. The cutoff value for ×50 was based on a preestablished value of 3.68 mm, whereas for the B index, median values were adopted for categorization. The oral health‐related quality of life was analyzed via the Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Adults (OHIP‐EDENT) questionnaire. The Mann‐Whitney test was used to compare masticatory function outcomes and OHIP‐EDENT scores, and associations were checked using the Spearman correlation test and multiple linear regression. Results: Masticatory function was significantly correlated with functional limitation (p = 0.02) and physical disability (p = 0.04) for complete denture wearers with unsatisfactory masticatory function. After the transition to implant‐retained mandibular overdentures, only the psychological discomfort domain (p = 0.02) was influenced by the masticatory function category. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that only the functional limitation domain (p < 0.001) of the complete denture wearers was associated with masticatory function outcomes. Conclusions: Implant‐retained mandibular overdentures eliminate the problems that lead to functional limitations, consequently improving masticatory function and oral health‐related quality of life of these individuals; however, patients with unsatisfactory masticatory function after transition to implant‐retained mandibular overdentures still experience more psychological discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To illustrate the workflow for simultaneous LeFort I maxillary advancement and zygo-matic implant (ZI) placement. Materials and methods: Three consecutive patients referred for the rehabilitation of the severely atrophic maxilla were treated with simultaneous LeFort I maxillary advancement and ZI placement. An evaluation of the treatment protocol was carried out to validate the proposed workflow: indications, treatment planning, surgical splint manufacturing, surgical procedure and prosthetic loading. Results: Maxillary reposition was carried out according to the previous virtual planning. Consequently, in all cases extrasinusal or sinus slot paths were used, proper emergence of the implant platform fully surrounded by alveolar bone was ensured, and full-arch rehabilitation supported by ZI was performed. A straight facial profile was achieved postoperatively in all cases and no surgical complications were noted. No resorption of maxillary distal bone was evident at the end of the first year of follow-up. However, a mean relapse of -4.3 mm (-10.06%) was evidenced for maxillary downward movement, and conversely, an extra-forward maxillary movement was observed (mean +1.4 mm, +82.8%) in all cases. Conclusions: Besides restoring oral function and aesthetics, this technique avoids donor site morbidity, decreases surgical time, and shortens the overall rehabilitation period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: Implant-supported overdentures are an established dental treatment mode. The aim of this prospective study was and interindividual comparison of patient satisfaction with restorations retained by a prefabricated and thus inexpensive attachment system (Locator®) or with a technologically complex and thus expensive attachment system (ceramic/electroplated double crowns) with similar retentive performance.Materials and methods: Twelve patients received a Locator and a double-crown prosthesis in a crossover study for test periods of 3 months each. The main target parameter was the patient's final decision in favor of one of the two prosthesis types.Results: After completing both test phases, seven patients opted for the Locator prosthesis and five patients opted for the double-crown prosthesis.Conclusion: Given the predominant lack of statistically significant differences, the two types of prostheses can be described as equivalent. A recommendation in favor of the Locator prosthesis can be motivated by its lower cost.Clinical relevance: The results of the study show that the more cost-effective variant was comparable to the more expensive double-crown prosthesis under the conditions prevailing in the study. Depending on the indication, this may influence the decision-making process in daily clinical practice and support the clinician's patient information and consultation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose The number of implants needed to support a maxillary overdenture is still a controversial issue. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the number of implants required to support a maxillary overdenture in order to obtain optimal treatment outcomes in terms of implant survival, overdenture longevity and patient satisfaction. Study selection Pubmed and EMBASE databes were systematically searched and complemented by hand searching from 2000 to 2017. The Prisma statement and a PICOS approach were adopted. All selected articles provided at least two-year follow-up and 10 totally edentulous patients. Survival rate of implants and overdentures were statistically analyzed according to number of implants and according to splitting technique, employing non-parametric Fisher Test for unpaired data. For the pooled analysis of implant failures, the odds ratio between group of 4 splinted implants and group of more than 4 splinted was calculated. Results A total of 28 articles were included. Data analysis of the included studies showed that the survival rate of implants appeared higher in ≥ 4 implants group, whereas the high survival rate of overdentures and patient satisfaction were not significantly influenced by the number of implants. Conclusions The findings of our analysis indicate that overall the most frequent tendency is to place at least four implants, splinted or unsplinted, in order to ensure a higher survival rate of implants. However, the relationship between overdenture survival, the patient's quality of life, and the number of implants required to support a maxillary overdenture has yet to be clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of West China Journal of Stomatology is the property of Sichuan University, West China College of Stomatology 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.)

Certain extra-oral landmarks such as the philtrum, ala of the nose, pupils, canthus of the eye, and various distances in the face have been related to the size and shape of teeth and arch form to obtain values which would guide in the selection and arrangement of teeth in the complete denture. In the maxillary complete denture, it is desirable to place the anterior teeth as close as possible to a position occupied in natural dentition to achieve "realism." Several investigators have extensively studied the relationship of the incisive papilla to the labial surface of incisor teeth in the horizontal plane and suggested certain values which are useful to set the incisor teeth in dentures. In the past one of the pre-extraction landmarks, namely the incisive papilla has been shown to be a stable and definitive anatomic landmark as a guide to arranging artificial anterior teeth in an anterior-posterior position, and this is documented by the findings of several authors. Although several studies have been conducted earlier to investigate the horizontal relationship of the incisive papilla to the labial surfaces of maxillary central incisors, there is a paucity of data on the vertical relationship between the incisive papilla and the incisal edges of maxillary central incisors. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to find out the relationship of incisive papilla with artificial teeth arrangements in completely edentulous patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]