Dentate Participants Research Articles

Correlation between facial measurements and vertical dimension of occlusion among Tunisian populations: An anthropometric study.

Background. Establishing an accurate occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) is a crucial clinical step during full-mouth rehabilitation. Various techniques have been suggested to evaluate OVD, but none of them is practically reliable, and each one has its shortcomings. The correlation between facial proportions and the lower third of the face is a reliable method but needs to be verified in many ethnic groups. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the correlation between OVD and various facial measurements in a Tunisian ethnic group. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 to January 2021. The participants were randomly selected from dental students, dental surgeons, and the patients referring to the University Dental Clinic for dental treatments. Seven facial measurements were clinically recorded using a digital caliper. The correlation between OVD and facial measurements was analyzed using Spearman's coefficient and linear regression analysis. Results. A total of 201 dentate participants (134 females and 67 males) were included in the study. The mean OVD in male subjects was higher (67.60±4.49) compared to female subjects (60.72±3.84). The total facial height was positively correlated with OVD in both genders. OVD was statistically correlated with the height of the upper lip. This correlation was highly significant in males while it was weak in the female group. Conclusion. Facial proportions and linear equations are non-invasive, simple, and reliable methods to predict OVD, especially in males.

Evaluation of the potential denture covering area in buccal shelf with intraoral scanner

Background/purposeThe characteristic of soft tissue changes in buccal shelf area during function is unclear. This study aimed for evaluating the potential denture covering area in buccal shelf area in different ranges of mouth opening by a digital approach. Materials and methodsNineteen qualified dentate participants were enrolled. An intraoral scanner was used to record soft tissue in buccal shelf area in different ranges of mandibular opening, which were maximum intercuspation, 10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm of interincisal distance. The experiment was performed by two examiners. The common area of each range was generated within the clinically acceptable denture adaptation range, which was represented as the potential denture covering area. Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistic, one-way repeated measure ANOVA, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the Pearson correlation test. ResultsTrends of the mean distance of the potential denture covering area increased from the frenum area to the second premolar and the first molar area then decreased in the second molar area, along with the ranges of mouth opening increased. The distance in the second molar area had drastic percentage changes during the mouth opening. The mean distances changed significantly when the mouth opening increased (P < 0.001). All ICC values of intra-, inter-rater reliability indicated good to excellent reliability. The correlation between the results from two examiners was strong (P < 0.001). ConclusionThe characteristic of the denture covering area posteriorly to the first molar area is inversely proportional in length to ranges of mouth opening.

Effect of ageing and tooth loss on sensory function of alveolar mucosa.

Maintaining quality of life of elderly denture wearers is one of the most crucial tasks for dentists in the super-aged society. Although external mechanical load on removable dentures has been investigated to minimise a risk of soreness caused by dentures, sensory perception of the alveolar mucosa remains obscure. This study aimed to investigate effect of ageing and tooth loss in sensory function on the alveolar mucosa for deep understanding of the characteristics of pain sensitivity in edentulous individuals. Eighteen edentulous participants (ED), as well as 18 age-matched dentate participants (EC) and 18 young dentate participants (YC), participated in this study. Tactile detection threshold (TDT) and pain threshold (PT) were measured with von Frey filaments (0.125-512mN). Mechanical pain sensitivity (MPS) after a 2-sec application of 1kg palpation was assessed with a 0-50-100Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) (0: no pain, 50: slight pain and 100: the worst pain imaginable). Furthermore, entropy scores of TDT, PT and NRS on MPS were calculated. In both maxilla and mandible, EC showed significantly higher TDT and PT, compared with YC, whereas ED showed significantly lower TDT and PT, compared with EC. NRS on MPS in ED was significantly higher than that in EC. The entropy scores of all the outcome parameters showed no significant difference between groups. Both ageing and tooth loss can alter tactile and pain perception in the oral mucosa. This suggests that it might be beneficial to assess sensory function of the alveolar mucosa in edentulous patients clinically in prior to denture fabrication.

Relationship between tooth loss, nutritional status and consumption of macro and micronutrients in elderly people from southern Brazil

Maintaining a functional natural dentition plays an important role in keeping a satisfactory nutritional status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between oral health conditions determined by the presence of edentulism and the number of missing teeth, nutritional status and consumption of nutrients by the elderly. This cross-sectional study comprised 494 independent elderly of both genders, over 60 years of age, registered at the Brazilian public health service in Londrina, southern Brazil. The data collection included: oral examinations; anthropometric measurements by calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI); analysis of food consumption based on a multiple pass 24-hour dietary recall and a food intake frequency questionnaire; and structured interviews to obtain sociodemographic information. Multiple linear regression, the Fisher’s Exact test, chi-square and Mann‑Whitney tests, were applied at a 5% significance level. The prevalence of edentulism was 47.3%; this predominated in females, age group from 65 to 74 years, low education level and low/medium economic classification. A larger number of underweight and fewer number of overweight elderly were recorded among the edentulous versus dentate participants (&lt; 0.0001). Significantly lower consumption of several nutrients, as well as fruit, was recorded among the edentulous group. In particular, carbohydrates, vitamins (B1, B9 and C), and the majority of the minerals studied were associated with a larger number of missing teeth. In conclusion, tooth loss was associated with the food consumption pattern of some macro- and micronutrients and the nutritional status of the Brazilian elderly.

Social, Clinical and Psychometric Factors Affecting Self-Rated Oral Health, Self-Rated Health and Wellbeing in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Many studies examined and reported oral and general health inequalities in clinical health, SROH and SRH. Objectives: The study aims to explore the social influences, gradients and predictors of self-rated oral health (SROH) and self-rated health (SRH) and wellbeing in Greek adults. Methods: Cross-sectional study, of men and women, aged 65 years and over (N = 743) in Greece. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed for dentate and edentulous participants. For the association between socioeconomic exposures and binary outcomes, logistic regression was performed to estimate Odds Ratios and 95% Confidence Intervals (OR, 95% CI); levels of association and Cramer’s V were applied to calculate associations and p-values. Results: The objective socioeconomic measures, such as household income, education level and last main occupation were significant predictors and determinants of both SROH and self-rated health (SRH). For Satisfaction with life (SWL), there was a diversity in the results analogous to the dental status of the participants. Household income and SSS were predictors of SWL in dentate participants. In the total sample Household income, occupation and SSS, were predictors of SWL, while in edentulous participants only occupation and SSS were statistically significant (p p p < 0.05). Conclusion: There are socioeconomic gradient inequalities in SROH and SRH in Greek adults living in Attica area. Subjective social status is a predictor of SROH, SRH and SWL. The need to prioritize interventions to eliminate disparities and inequalities in oral and general health and wellbeing of elders is evident.

Effect of muscle deprogrammers on muscle activity of masseter and temporalis muscles using surface electromyography: A randomized crossover clinical study

Aim: To investigate the electromyographic activity of masseter and temporalis muscles in full dentate participants after deprogramming with various muscle deprogramming devices (MDDs). Materials and Methods: The current study was a randomized crossover clinical trial. After the screening of 96 individuals, 30 participants were included based on the eligibility criteria. Surface electromyographic (SEMG) activity of masseter and temporalis muscles was analyzed in different clinical conditions: Condition A—at rest without muscle deprogramming, Condition B—after clenching without muscle deprogramming, Condition C—subsequent to 30 min of deprogramming by cotton rolls, Condition D—subsequent to 30 min of deprogramming by Leaf gauge, Condition E—subsequent to 30 min of deprogramming by Lucia jig, Condition F—subsequent to 24 h of deprogramming by Kois deprogrammer. The inter-group comparison was performed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and the pairwise comparison was done using Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: ANOVA showed a statistical significant difference in the electromyographic activity of masseter and temporalis muscles in tested individuals, subsequent to deprogramming with different MDDs. Between the tested MDDs, the lowest mean muscle activity was reported with the Kois deprogrammer and the highest with cotton rolls, when used for deprogramming. Conclusion: Muscle deprogramming with the Kois deprogrammer presented lowest muscle activity in both masseter and temporalis muscles involving both sides, thus confirming its effectiveness in achieving patient’s centric relation position.

Awareness of Oral Disorders Among Community-Dwelling Elderly Spaniards.

Introduction: Oral status has a clear impact on systemic health, a key component of successful aging. Awareness of oral disorders permits early diagnoses and treatments. This study investigates oral disorders awareness among community-dwelling elders. Methods: Community-based survey through face-to-face interviews undertaken in four cities at busy commercial and administrative areas. Results: A total of 789 people were recruited, mostly nonsmoker (60.3%) males (56.9%) with basic education (65.6%). The most frequently recalled disorder was bruxism, followed by periodontal diseases and ulcerations/aphthae. Caries was mentioned by 3.91%. Dentate participants were more aware of dental-related disorders, such as bruxism (p = .001) and periodontitis (p = .010), except for caries (p = .100). Caries awareness was related to educational level (p = .018) and smoking (p = .020), as was oral cancer (p = .019) with former smokers more aware of this neoplasm. Education was strongly related with periodontal awareness (p = .001). Conclusion: Awareness of the main oral disorders is worryingly poor among the elderly population and immediate action is required by taking advantage of the position of family nurses in the treatment of systemic chronic disorders and through educational interventions on this population subgroup to ease preventive behaviors, favor early diagnoses, and promote simpler, more effective treatments with a lower financial burden.

Oral Health of Australian Adults: Distribution and Time Trends of Dental Caries, Periodontal Disease and Tooth Loss.

This study was conducted to describe the distribution and trends in dental caries, periodontal disease and tooth loss in Australian adults based on the findings of the National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017–18. A cross-sectional study of a random sample of Australians aged 15+ years was carried out, employing a three-stage stratified probability sampling design. Data were collected via online survey/telephone interviews using a questionnaire to elicit self-reported information about oral health and related characteristics. Participants were then invited to have an oral examination, conducted by calibrated dental practitioners following a standardised protocol in public dental clinics. A total of 15,731 Australians aged 15+ years were interviewed, of which 5022 dentate participants were orally examined. Results showed that nearly one third of Australian adults had at least one tooth surface with untreated dental caries and, on average, 29.7 decayed, missing or filled tooth surfaces per person. Almost 29% of adults presented with gingivitis while the overall prevalence of periodontitis was 30.1%. Overall, 4% of adults were edentulous while, on average, 4.4 teeth were lost due to pathology. Poorer oral health was evident in Australians from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, indicating socioeconomic inequalities in oral health. Time trends revealed that dental caries experience and tooth retention of Australian adults has improved over 30 years, while periodontal health has deteriorated between 2004–06 and 2017–18. These findings can be used to assist policy makers in planning and implementing future oral healthcare programs.

A cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of bone density for insertion of pterygoid implants in dentulous and edentulous patients.

Objectives:The bone quantity and quality determine the prosthetic success outcome. This research was performed to evaluate the bone density for insertion of pterygoid implants in edentulous and dentulous participants with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods:CBCT evaluation was done for 66 dentate and edentulous patients for pterygoid implants at the pterygomaxillary region. The calculation of joint width, height, and volume of bone was done. Density of the bone was evaluated at the superior and inferior aspects of the pterygomaxillary column.Results:It was observed that average pterygomaxillary joint height for dentulous (dentate) was −12.7 ± 7.2 mm, edentulous −12.4 ± 7.1 mm, the average pterygomaxillary joint width for dentulous was 8.15 ± 7.3 mm, and 8.13 ± 6.2 mm for edentulous. The average pterygomaxillary joint volume in dentulous participants was 279.4 ± 189.2 mm3 and for edentulous was 254.5 ± 176.4 mm3. There was expressively greater density of the bone in dentulous participants over edentulous participants (P < 0.05).Conclusion:There was better bone density found in dentate participants in comparison to edentulous participants. CBCT is a recent investigative device which measures pterygoid area efficiently. Pterygoid implants may be deliberated as an alternative method for resorbed (atrophic) maxilla.

Denture-related problems of patients in acute geriatric care.

BackgroundWith increasing frailty and complaint-oriented utilization of dental care, the prevalence of oral diseases also increases.AimTo clarify whether there is a need for dental prosthodontic treatment during residential acute geriatric rehabilitation.MethodsWithin 3 weeks in a hospital for acute geriatric patients, 79 out of 157 newly admitted patients were interviewed as study participants (age: median 79.0 years, range 66–96 years, female 51.9%), dental findings were recorded, treatment needs were determined but X‑rays were not taken.ResultsOf the participants 31.1% had not seen a dentist for more than 1 year and 18.2% were edentulous. The median number of teeth in dentate participants was 16 (range 1–28 teeth); based on all participants, there was a median of 12.0 teeth (range 0–28 teeth). Of the 52 denture wearers (45 upper jaw and 43 lower jaw), 5 each of the maxillary and mandibular dentures could not be assessed because they were not available at the hospital. Moderate denture deficiencies were present in 62.5% of participants wearing upper dentures (mandibular 55.3%).ConclusionDental treatment is needed in this vulnerable patient group. Therefore, the oral cavity should be assessed as part of the geriatric assessment. The available data confirm that the use of validated assessment instruments, such as the mini dental assessment as part of the comprehensive geriatric assessment would be useful. In addition to an oral examination, simple dental treatment should be provided to reduce infections and improve chewing ability. The geriatrician should be informed of the urgency of treatment. The overall rehabilitative approach of acute geriatric treatment would be complete if oral health would not be excluded.

Dental amalgam restorations in nationally representative sample of US population aged ≥15 years: NHANES 2011-2016.

ObjectivesEstimate the proportion of amalgam restorations among the US population.MethodsData from ≥15 year old clinically examined dentate participants in three 2‐year survey cycles (NHANES 2011–2016) were analyzed. The 2015–2016 data include restorative material type, allowing for the first time a US estimate of amalgam‐restored teeth.ResultsThe percent of the US population with at least one restoration (65.8 ± 1.4) was relatively constant in 2011–2016. Among those with restored teeth, the mean number of teeth with amalgam restorations increased with age from 4.71 among 15–24 year olds to 7.03 among those ≥75 years. Non‐Hispanic Whites with restored teeth had the highest mean of teeth with amalgam restorations (5.94), while non‐Hispanic Blacks had the lowest (5.08).ConclusionIn 2015–2016, about half (51.5 percent) of restored teeth in the US population contained amalgam. Amalgam presence varied by age, tooth type, and race/ethnicity, but not by sex. These estimates can be used to assess future US caries prevention and dental amalgam reduction efforts.

Salivary flow rate and the risk of cognitive impairment among Korean elders: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSalivary function has been suggested to be associated with cognitive impairment. However, the effect of salivary flow rate (SFR) on cognitive impairment remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether SFR is associated with cognitive impairment among Korean elders.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 649 elders aged 65 and older in the Korean community-dwelling population. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini-Mental Status Examination. Unstimulated SFR was measured and dichotomized. Denture status, age, sex, education level, smoking, drinking, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity were considered confounders. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the adjusted association. Stratified analysis by sex and denture status was performed to clarify the effect modification.ResultsParticipants without cognitive impairment showed a higher SFR level than those with cognitive impairment (0.81 mL/min for non-cognitive impairment versus 0.52 mL/min for cognitive impairment, p < 0.001). After controlling for confounders, participants with low SFR (< 0.3 mL/min) were more likely to have cognitive impairment by 1.5 times than participants with normal SFR (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5, confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–2.10). The association of low SFR with cognitive impairment was higher in women and dentate participants: about 10% higher in women (OR = 1.63, CI = 1.07–2.50) and about 22% higher in dentate participants (OR = 1.82, CI = 1.41–2.90).ConclusionsSalivary flow rate is independently associated with cognitive impairment among Korean elders. The association was modified in females and dentate elders. Physicians and dentists should consider low SFR and cognitive impairment as a risk factor between them in clinics.

Complete Tooth Loss and Allostatic Load Changes Later in Life: A 12-Year Follow-Up Analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

There is little evidence of the association between complete tooth loss and allostatic load (AL). We investigated, firstly, the association between complete tooth loss and changes in AL for 12 years among older English adults. A second aim was to explore the role of fruit and vegetable consumption in explaining the aforementioned association. AL was calculated for 2430 English Longitudinal Study of Ageing cohort (2004/5-2016/17) participants 50 years and older based on nine biomarkers: systolic and diastolic blood pressures, glycated hemoglobin, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and waist circumference. The exposure was complete tooth loss. Participants were classified as dentate or edentulous. A linear mixed-effects model was fitted to model the 12-year change in AL score and its association with complete tooth loss after adjustments for confounders (demographic factors, socioeconomic position, and health behaviors). Around 11% of the participants were edentulous. Complete tooth loss was positively associated with baseline AL scores but not with its rate of change over time. The predicted mean AL scores were 3.60 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.53-3.68) and 3.98 (95% CI = 3.76-4.21) as well as 4·28 (95% CI = 4·18, 4·39) and 4·66 (95% CI = 4·42, 4·90) for dentate and edentulous participants, at baseline and end of follow-up, respectively. Fruit and vegetable consumption was not associated with baseline AL or its rate of change. Complete tooth loss was associated with baseline AL score but not with its development over time, whereas the consumption of fruit and vegetables did not help to explain this association. Both conditions may share common determinants earlier in life.

Oral Health in Adult Patients Receiving Palliative Care: A Mixed Method Study.

Oral disease is highly prevalent in persons receiving palliative care (PRPC). Yet, little is known about how PRPC perceive their oral health status and related treatment needs. This mixed-method study included 49 English-speaking PRPC (age≥18) recruited from the University of Iowa Palliative Care Clinic. Participants first completed a structured review of oral symptoms, followed by an oral exam. A nested sample of 11 participants also completed a semi-structured, in-depth interview querying their perceived oral health concerns and related treatment needs. Quantitative and qualitative data was analyzed and integrated for interpretation. Participants averaged 58.4 years. Nearly 70% had terminal cancer and 25% had advanced organ failure. Eighty-six percent of participants reported at least one oral symptom, including dry mouth (83.7%), a pain-related symptom (40.8%), or oral function difficulties (51.0%). Among the 31 dentate participants, 52% had untreated decayed/broken teeth and 33.3% had oral soft tissue lesions. Ill-fitting dentures and denture sores were common among denture users. About 40% of participants reported compromised health and/or quality of life due to oral conditions; however, the perceived impacts were modest. With the exception of painful conditions, oral treatment was not a priority for most of the participants. Oral disease was highly prevalent in PRPC, yet its overall impact was modest. In the absence of painful symptoms, most participants reported limited desire to seek treatment for oral health conditions. However, given the serious impacts of untreated oral diseases, oral healthcare decision should not be based solely on self-reported symptoms or distress.

Morphometric analysis of the mandibular fossa in dentate and edentulous patients: A cone beam computed tomography study

Statement of problemMandibular fossa roof thickness and lateral inclination could be associated with the presence of bone changes in the mandibular condyle in dentate and edentulous patients. However, literature regarding the relationship between the presence and absence of teeth and the morphologic features of the temporomandibular joint is lacking. This knowledge could provide a better understanding of changes affecting the correct functioning of the stomatognathic system. PurposeThe purpose of this clinical study was to assess the mandibular fossa roof thickness and lateral inclination in relation to sex, presence or absence of teeth, and bone changes in the mandibular condyle through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and methodsCBCT scans of 100 individuals (50 dentate and 50 edentulous) were evaluated in terms of mandibular fossa roof thickness and lateral inclination. Bone changes in the mandibular condyle were classified dichotomously in relation to osteophytes, erosion, sclerosis, and flattening. Differences were assessed with the Student t test, the chi-square test, and 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Tukey post hoc tests (α=.05). ResultsSex was not related to mandibular fossa measurements. Edentulous participants showed a higher mandibular fossa lateral inclination (P<.001) and lower roof thickness (P=.001) than dentate participants. When the association between bone changes in the mandibular condyle was evaluated in dentate and edentulous groups, only sclerosis showed a statistically significant association (P<.001). The 2-way ANOVA showed that the mandibular fossa roof thickness was lower in edentulous participants in the presence of flattening and erosion and that the mandibular fossa lateral inclination was higher in the presence of osteophytes, erosion, and sclerosis (P<.001). Among dentate participants, the mandibular fossa lateral inclination was higher in the presence of flattening (P=.024). ConclusionsMandibular fossa roof thickness and lateral inclination are not associated with sex. However, tooth absence and bone changes in the mandibular condyle are related to mandibular fossa measurements.

Associations between Pharmacotherapy for Cardiovascular Diseases and Periodontitis.

The goal of the study was to assess the relationship between cardioprotective medications, i.e., beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), statins, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and periodontitis (PD). Background: Xerostomia increases the risk of PD and is a side effect of some pharmacotherapies. Information about the effect of cardioprotective treatment of periodontal status is scarce. Methods: We studied 562 dentate residents of Krakow at the age of 50 to 70 years. Information about treatment was collected using a standardized questionnaire. The pocket depth and clinical attachment level (CAL) were used to ascertain PD. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to assess the relation between cardioprotective medications and PD. Results: PD was found in 74% of participants. The range of cardioprotective drug use among participants was 7% (ARBs) to 32% (beta-blockers). After adjusting for age, sex, number of teeth, smoking, and education, ASA’s use was related to a lower prevalence of PD in all dentate participants (odds ratio (OR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.40–0.99). The use of ARBs and statins was found to be associated with a higher prevalence of PD in persons having ≥6 teeth (odds ratio (OR) = 3.57, 95% CI: 1.06–11.99 and OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.03–3.16, respectively). Further adjustment for CVD risk factors, history of coronary heart disease, and other chronic diseases did not attenuate the results. There was no significant relation between PD and the use of other cardioprotective drugs.

Experiencing Financial Strain and Clinically Assessed Caries Experience in Dentate Adults Aged 25–44 Years: An Exploration of Potential Pathways

Large socioeconomic inequalities still exist in oral health. It is already known that oral health-related behaviour may contribute to these inequalities, but why people with a lower socioeconomic position behave less healthily is not easily understood. A possible explanation that integrates insights on health behaviour, stress, and financial resources is the pathway of behavioural responses to financial strain. The aim of this study was to assess to what extent financial strain is associated with clinically assessed caries experience in a population-based study of dentate adults, independently of other socioeconomic indicators. Furthermore, the potential mediating pathways of oral health-related behaviours (oral hygiene, dietary habits, preventive dental visits) were explored. Dentate participants, aged 25–44 years, taking part in a survey on oral health and preventive behaviour in the Netherlands in 2013 were clinically examined on – among others – caries experience (DMFS index) and level of oral hygiene (OHI-s index). Financial strain, frequency of tooth brushing, dietary habits, attendance of (preventive) dental visits in the past year, and demographic variables were assessed via questionnaires. Negative binomial hurdle models were used to study the association between financial strain and DMFS and between oral health behavioural indicators and DMFS. Although it was observed that experiencing financial strain did not seem to affect whether there is any caries experience or not, among those having any caries (DMFS >0) suffering from financial strain was associated with a higher caries prevalence, independent of educational level and income. None of the studied potential mediators could explain this association.

Data visualization of the relationship between smoking and periodontal site-specific effects across the lifespan in the US adult population.

Data visualization techniques were used to ascertain (1) site-specific effects of cigarette smoking on the periodontium compared to never-smokers; (2) patterns of site-specific effects by age among current and never-smokers using contour maps. Data from 10,713 dentate participants aged ≥30 years in NHANES 2009-2014 were used. Pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) for six sites/tooth were ascertained by smoking status and plotted using contour maps to identify new patterns. In the overall sample, 19% (n=2015) were current smokers and 56% (n=6013) were never-smokers. Contour maps of the overall sample showed teeth/sites most affected with mean PD>2.1mm were molars (2,3,15,18,19,30,31) in mesio-lingual (ML) and disto-lingual (DL) sites. Most affected sites for current smokers were interproximal sites of most posterior teeth. Among never-smokers, fewer teeth/sites were affected with PD>2.1mm, whereas among smokers, number of affected teeth/sites increased with age. Overall, teeth/sites most affected with mean CAL≥2.1mm were noted in 2,3(ML), 3(DL), 14(DF, DL), 15(MF, ML), 18(ML), 19(DL, ML), and 30-31(ML, DL) with upper anterior teeth least affected. Among current smokers, several teeth/sites were affected (CAL≥2.1mm): 2,3(all six sites), 4(ML, DL), 9(ML), 11-21(DL), 13-18(DF, ML, MIL, DL), 19-20(DF, ML, MIL), 14-18(MIF), 21(MIF, ML, DL), 22(MF), 23-27(MIL), 24-26(MIL, MF, DF in 26), 27(MF), 28(MF, ML, DL), 29-31(all 6 sites except MIF 30,31). As age increased, more teeth/sites were affected among smokers and by the 5th decade nearly all teeth/sites had CAL≥2.0mm. Contour mapping identifies patterns and dramatically visualizes the substantial periodontal site-specific differences. Current smokers had more affected teeth and/or periodontal sites with a different contour pattern than never-smokers.

Anatomical evaluation of the nasopalatine canal using CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography): Method validation in open source software

Objective: Development and validation (using open source software) of a method for volumetric and linear assessment of the nasopalatine channel (NPC) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study of 276 CBCTs. Acquisition was performed on a Prexion 3D computerized tomography scanner (manufacturer), using voxels of 0.08 mm and 0.14 mm, (with FOV at 5 and 12 cm). The images were compiled and divided in accordance with gender and the dental condition of the maxilla. Evaluation took place on a MacBook Pro computer using the Horos Project program (Version 3.3.5). Linear measurements and NPC volumetric evaluations were performed after correcting the orientation axes (sagittal and axial). The length and ROI volume tools were used. Results: The average age for men was 60.15 ± 11.94, for women it was 59.95 ± 10.63. Respectively, for men and women, the average NPC volume values ​​ were: 68.59 mm3 and 59.37 mm3 (p = 0.032), for length they were 10.08 mm and 8.84 mm (p = 0.000). Of the dentate participants, the NPC averages for volume for men and women were: 71.01 mm3 and 57.18 mm3 (p = 0.007), for length they were 10.26 mm and 9.14 mm (p = 0.001). In the edentulous, the average NPC lengths were 9.79 mm (men) and 8.37 mm (women) (p = 0.005). Conclusion: For linear and volumetric nasopalatine channel assessment, the post-processing method used in the Horos software was considered precise and easy-to-use.

Predictive Model for Occlusal Vertical Dimension Determination and Digital Preservation with Three-Dimensional Facial Scanning

(1) Background: Occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) in the optimal maxillo–mandibular relationship is an important parameter to establish when complex dental rehabilitation has to be done. The optimal method to measure OVD is still a challenge in everyday practice. The aim of the present study was to test the reliability of the correlation between OVD and some anthropometric and cephalometric methods described in the literature. The validity of OVD registration using a facial scanner was also assessed. (2) Materials and Methods: 150 dentate participants, aged 20–25 years, were randomly selected using sealed envelopes. Anthropometric measurements between specific standard points were performed: Subnasion–Prementon (Sn–PM) and Subnasion–Gnation (Sn–Gn) in maximum intercuspation and in the rest mandibular position, right and left pupil to the corresponding chelion. The cephalometric measurements registered were the lower facial angle and the angle between mandibular and Frankfurt planes. The distance Sn–Gn in maximum intercuspation was compared to all other parameters. Facial scanning, with a mobile phone and installed dedicated application, was performed on ten subjects, randomly selected using the same method among the participants, and the obtained 3D files were analyzed. The digital measurements were compared, for validity, to the clinical measurements. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used, for comparing clinical Sn–Gn in maximum intercuspation position to the other parameters. (3) Results: A strong agreement between all measured anthropometric parameters of the facial scan and clinical contact measurement method was registered. None of the measured parameters could predict the exact OVD. (4) Conclusions: In the limits of our study, the facial scanning could be used for predictable registration of OVD and the stored digital information could be preserved through life and use for oral rehabilitation. However, if OVD needs to be determined, several measurement methods, including cephalometric measurements, need to be used simultaneously to reach a final decision.