Journal of oral rehabilitation
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This review shows that experimental occlusal interferences (prematurities) may cause changes in the myoelectric contraction patterns of the human jaw muscles, and changes in the translatory motion patterns of the human mandible. However, it has not been unequivocally established that the observed changes have specific long-term detrimental effects. On the other hand, it is apparent that experimental occlusal interferences are associated with short-term clinical symptoms and signs, such as jaw muscle fatigue and pains, headaches, pains and clickings in the temporomandibular joints. This review suggests that new paradigms involving experimental occlusal interferences should be introduced.
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Advantages of a new post design, Flexi-Flange are described. It incorporates a split-shank parallel threaded post with a flange that seats into an occlusal countersunk dentine space. This case report describes placement of three Flexi-Flange posts in a first bicuspid, canine and central incisor. The Flexi-Flange system was designed to offer high retention of the post in the root, superior distribution of stresses on insertion and under function, and long-term resistance to metal fatigue.
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A retrospective survey of a hospital emergency room population seen at an oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic during a 6-month period found 62 patients (2.7% of the total population) with temporomandibular joint disorders. The diagnoses were myofascial pain-dysfunction/temporomandibular joint dysfunction (MPD/TMJ) syndrome (70.9% of the cases) and dislocation (luxation) (22.5% of the cases). The chief complaint was well defined in relation to the diagnoses: facial pain in the MPD/TMJ syndrome cases, and displacement of the mandible in the dislocation cases.
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Comparative Study
The temporomandibular joint in rheumatoid arthritis--a comparative clinical and tomographic study pre- and post-prosthesis.
Six partially or fully edentulous rheumatoid patients participated in the study. By comparing the clinical symptoms and tomograms of the temporomandibular joints (TMJS) pre-prosthesis with those post-prosthesis, this report assesses whether dental treatment could provide positive help for TMJS in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Among the clinical symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, pain from the TMJ region and limitations of movement were improved in all the patients post-prosthesis. Tomographic evidence of desirable remodelling of the condylar heads was observed in two cases.
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Masticatory function was studied by means of a chewing efficiency test and bite forces measurements in forty-nine edentulous patients who had applied for treatment with fixed protheses on osseointegrated dental implants. Registrations were performed with the original complete dentures and after treatment aiming at optimizing the dentures. The patients were divided into two groups and the post-treatment recordings were completed after adaptation periods of 2 and 6 months, respectively. ⋯ Chewing efficiency deteriorated after treatment in the older patients (more than 50 years) while it did not change in the younger ones. A longer adaptation period did not lead to better functional results. The findings are discussed in relation to the fact that the patients were waiting for implant treatment, with consequent psychological implications for interpretation.