Dentate Group Research Articles

Correlation between Radiomorphometric Indices and Edentulous Mandibular Arches to Diagnose Osteoporosis Using Orthopantomogram in West Bengal State in India

To assess the influence of gender and age on different parameters of alveolar bone loss using orthopantomogram. Eighty subjects were enrolled in the study (20 dentulous and 60 completely edentulous), fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Completely edentulous subjects were divided into four groups (15 males and 15 females above 60 years) and (15 males and 15 females below 60 years). Dentulous group comprised 20 subjects (10 males and 10 females) between 41 and 75 years. After taking panoramic radiographs, vertical as well as horizontal reference lines were drawn. The parameters used for evaluation included mandibular cortical index (MCI), inferior mandibular cortical width (MCW), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), alveolar bone loss (ABL), and height of bone at first premolar (Hp) and first molar (Hm) of the mandible. There was significant association between MCI and age for females with C2 and C3 categories being more common with advancing age. MCW was stable in all groups, except in females above 60 years of age. PMI and ABL were nonsignificant for age and gender. Although the average values of bone height (Hm and Hp) for males were higher than those of females, the results were statistically insignificant. Panoramic radiographic measurements could provide much valuable information and could help in evaluating patients with a low bone mineral density (BMD) with a few limitations. Dental professionals could screen the patients through panoramic radiographs taken during routine clinical examination, which could help in identifying patients with a low BMD so that further treatment could be initiated early and thus to prevent a pathologic fracture.

A cross-sectional study of periodontal pathogens in saliva of edentulous patients

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of five specific periodontal pathogens in the saliva of edentulous patients and to compare the differences in the saliva of dentulous individuals with various periodontal conditions. Methods: All the subjects were patients who received regular care at the Beijing Hypertension Prevention and Management Institute. Twenty-seven edentulous patients (edentulous group) were included. According to age (age gap≤5 years), gender, smoking status, diabetes status and hypertension status, each edentulous patient was paired with dentulous individuals suffering from various severity of periodontitis in the same cohort. Then, we selected 3 groups of patients (n=27 in each group) with no or mild periodontitis (mild group), moderate periodontitis (moderate group) and severe periodontitis (severe group). The whole unstimulated saliva was collected before the periodontal examination. Questionnaire survey and periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PLI), probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI) and clinical attachment loss (CAL), were examined at mesial-buccal and distal-lingual sites of each tooth respectively. DNA was extracted from each sample of the salivary deposition. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Treponema denticola (Td), Campylobacter rectus (Cr) and Prevotella nigrescens (Pn) were detected by using PCR method based on 16SrRNA. The prevalence and quantity of the pathogens under various severity of periodontitis were compared. Results: One or more periodontal pathogens could be detected from the 78% (21/27) of the salivary samples in edentulous group. Thereinto, the prevalences of the five periodontal pathogens were ranked as (from high to low): Cr [56% (15/27)], Tf [44% (12/27)], Pn [26% (7/27)], Pg [22% (6/27)] and Td [11% (3/27)]. All five pathogens' prevalences and Pg, Tf, Td and Pn's quantities showed statistical differences among the four groups. The numbers of detected bacterial species in the mild, moderate and severe groups were significantly higher than that in the edentulous group (P<0.01). Furthermore, the prevalences of the red complex in three dentulous groups [96% (26/27) in each group] were significantly higher than the edentulous group [48% (13/27)] (P<0.05). The proportions of the red complex among all five pathogens (83%) in moderate and severe groups were significantly higher than that in the edentulous group (37%) (P<0.01). Conclusions: All five periodontal pathogens could be detected in most of the saliva samples from edentulous individuals. Nevertheless, the prevalence and quantity were lower than dentulous individuals.

Could Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Levels IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, Total Antioxidant Status and Lactate Dehydrogenase Be Associated with Peri-Implant Bone Loss? A Pilot Study

Background: The mechanisms of periimplantitis are mostly based on biofilm-induced inflammatory lesions around dental implants. However, the host reaction, reflected by the intensity of the inflammatory response to bacterial products, is crucial for peri-implant bone destruction. The aim of this pilot study was to measure total antioxidant status (TAS), the amount of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor), salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and the correlation with one-year peri-implant bone loss. Methods: Seven consecutive patients (Group 1), with the presence of at least one prior inserted dental implant, and three healthy individuals, fully dentate (Group 0), were enrolled. IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, TAS and LDH were determined in saliva of both groups. Peri-implant marginal bone loss (MBL) at one year compared to baseline was evaluated for Group 1. Results: A statistically significant positive correlation was found in Group 1 between MBL and the IL-8 (p = 0.033) and a strong negative correlation between MBL and TAS (p = 0.002), but no statistically significant differences of the assessed parameters were found between the two groups. Conclusions: In the limits of the present preliminary study, salivary TAS and proinflammatory cytokines could be associated with the risk of peri-implant bone loss over time.

Comparing Masticatory Performance of Maxillary Mini Dental Implant Overdentures, Complete Removable Dentures and Dentate Subjects.

Background: Mini dental implant (MDI) overdenture rehabilitation for the edentulous maxilla is a valuable, less invasive and affordable treatment alternative for complete removable dentures (CRD). However, comparative quantification of masticatory performance in different oral conditions are scarce. Purpose: This study compares objective masticatory performance of dentate groups, maxillary CRD and MDI overdentures and subjective masticatory performance in maxillary CRD and MDI overdentures. Materials and Methods: Four groups were defined, age 20+ dentate dental students (DS), age 50+ complete dentate subjects (DP), age 50+ maxillary CRD or MDI overdentures/dentate mandible. Objective masticatory performance was evaluated by measuring circular Variance of Hue (VOH) or the mixture degree of two-color chewing gum (Hue-check View Gum® Test). Additionally, subjective masticatory comparison was investigated in the CRD and MDI groups, with a visual analogue scale (VAS) for different food consistencies and the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQL) OHIP-14 questionnaire. Results: The mean VOH was 0.11 (SD 0.50, range 0.05–0.27) for the dentate dental 20+ students, 0.13 (SD 0.08, range 0.03–0.31) for the 50+ dentate group (p = 0.774), 0.41 (SD 0.41, range 0.14–0.76) for the CRD group and 0.39 (SD 0.18, range 0.07–0.76) for the MDI group (p = 0.725). Based on the VAS scores, no improvement was found between the CRD and the MDI overdenture group (p > 0.050). The mean OHIP-14 total score was 12.10 (SD 15.87, range 0–56) for CRD, while the MDI group (p = 0.039) saw a significant improvement to 2.85 (SD 2.85, range 0–15). Conclusion: Comparable results in objective masticatory performance were registered in dentate 20+ and 50+ subjects with a remarkable inferior outcome for the CRD and MDI group. Compared to CRD, MDI overdentures revealed no substantial improvement in subjective and objective masticatory performance. However, for MDI a significant increase in OHRQL was apparent.

English

BACKGROUND Forensic odontology is a branch of dentistry which deals with appropriate handling and examination of dental evidences and with the proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings in the interest of justice. Identification of an individual is a prerequisite for certification of death and for personal, social and legal reasons. Palatal rugae are permanent and unique to each person, and can be used by clinicians and scientists to establish identity. It can be of special interest in edentulous cases and also in certain conditions, such as burned bodies or bodies that underwent severe decomposition. Thus the uniqueness, postmortem resistance, overall stability and additionally low utilization cost makes palatal rugae ideal forensic identification parameters. We wanted to compare the various palatal rugae patterns between dentate and edentulous subjects and also determine the comparison of the distribution of rugae number, length, shape, direction, unification between dentate and edentulous subjects. METHODS The study sample consisted of 60 subjects, 30 dentulous and 30 edentulous from JSS Dental College &amp; Hospital, Mysuru. The study group was equally divided between the sex, and was observed for number, length, shape, direction and unification of all palatal rugae. RESULTS The total number of rugae was higher in the dentulous group than in the edentulous group. In edentulous group, shorter lengths, lesser complexity rugae were seen compared to dentulous subjects. The total number of rugae on the right side in dentulous casts were 4.20 ± 1.06, while the total number on right side in Edentulous casts were 4.16 ± 0.79. On the left side mean total number of rugae in dentulous casts was 4.46 ± 0.79 whereas the mean total number of rugae in edentulous casts was 3.76 ± 0.77. CONCLUSIONS Palatal rugae pattern changed greatly after aging and loss of teeth regardless of time of edentulism and wearing denture. KEY WORDS Dentulous, Edentulous, Palatal Rugae, Forensic Identification

Do Morphological Changes in the Anterior Mandibular Region Interfere with Standard Implant Placement? A Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective To determine the morphological features in the anterior mandibular region, the presence of lingual foramen and canal dimensions in Saudi subjects that would interfere with standard implant placement. Methods CBCT scans of patients seeking implant treatment were examined. Based on the dentition status, patients were categorized into edentulous (group I) and dentulous (group I). On the panoramic view, the distance between the two mental foramina was divided into vertical segments of 10 mm width. In each segment, vertical bone height and buccolingual thickness at three levels (alveolar crest, 5 mm, and 10 mm apical to the crest) were assessed. The lingual foramen prevalence and canal features were assessed as well. Comparisons between the two groups regarding the assessed parameters were performed using the t-test. The percentage of edentulous mandibles with thickness <6 mm corresponding to the standard implant diameter was also calculated. Results Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, group I consisted of 45 subjects and group II comprised 26 subjects. Bone height and thickness at the crestal level were significantly less in edentulous (I) than dentate mandibles (II) (P < 0.0001). The lingual foramen was detected in 90% of patients. In both groups, males had significantly greater mandibular height than females (P=0.02 and 0.005). At the crestal level, the thickness was <6 mm in 50% of the anterior mandibular segments. Conclusion Half of the edentulous patients may receive normal size implants in the anterior interforaminal segments, while the other half will be limited to narrow implants (3.5 mm and less). The lingual foramen location, canal size, and position may represent another limitation for implant placement in that segment.

Strictly Lobar Microbleeds Reflect Amyloid Angiopathy Regardless of Cerebral and Cerebellar Compartments.

We aimed to determine whether lobar cerebellar microbleeds or concomitant lobar cerebellar and deep microbleeds, in the presence of lobar cerebral microbleeds, attribute to underlying advanced cerebral amyloid angiopathy pathology or hypertensive arteriopathy. We categorized 71 patients with suspected cerebral amyloid angiopathy markers (regardless of the presence of deep and cerebellar microbleeds) into 4 groups according to microbleed distribution: L (strictly lobar cerebral, n=33), L/LCbll (strictly lobar cerebral and strictly lobar cerebellar microbleeds, n=13), L/Cbll/D (lobar, cerebellar, and deep microbleeds, n=17), and L/D (lobar and deep, n=8). We additionally categorized patients with cerebellar microbleeds into 2 groups according to dentate nucleus involvement: strictly lobar cerebellar (n=16) and dentate (n=14). We then compared clinical characteristics, Aβ (amyloid-β) positivity on PET (positron emission tomography), magnetic resonance imaging cerebral amyloid angiopathy markers, and cerebral small vessel disease burden among groups. The frequency of Aβ positivity was higher in the L and L/LCbll groups (81.8% and 84.6%) than in the L/Cbll/D and L/D groups (37.5% and 29.4%; P<0.001), while lacune numbers were lower in the L and L/LCbll groups (1.7±3.3 and 1.7±2.6) than in the L/Cbll/D and L/D groups (8.0±10.3 and 13.4±17.7, P=0.001). The L/LCbll group had more lobar cerebral microbleeds than the L group (93.2±121.8 versus 38.0±40.8, P=0.047). The lobar cerebellar group had a higher Aβ positivity (75% versus 28.6%, P=0.011) and lower lacune number (2.3±3.7 versus 8.6±1.2, P=0.041) than the dentate group. Strictly lobar cerebral and cerebellar microbleeds are related to cerebral amyloid angiopathy, whereas any combination of concurrent lobar and deep microbleeds suggest hypertensive angiopathy regardless of cerebral or cerebellar compartments.

Association of location and diameter of alveolar antral artery to crest of alveolar bone in dentate and partially edentulous patients - A cone-beam computed tomography study.

Background:One of the most challenging anatomical conditions to manage during sinus augmentation using lateral window approach is the alveolar antral artery (AAA) when it is unusually wide in diameter and passes through the area of the osteotomy with a complete intraosseous course. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of location and diameter of AAA to the crest of alveolar bone in dentate and partially edentulous patients using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods:Totally 100 CBCT scans of patients (50 dentate and 50 edentulous) were selected and analyzed. The location and diameter of AAA in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus were evaluated in association with alveolar bone height with respect to three posterior maxillary teeth: first premolar (P1), second premolar (P2), and first molar (M1).Results:The diameter of AAA in dentate patients was higher in M1 region (1.32 ± 0.34 mm) than P1 (0.91 ± 0.20 mm) and P2 (1.07 ± 0.24 mm) regions as compared to edentulous patients. It was found that the location of AAA for P1 in the dentate group (22.35 ± 4.17 mm) was significantly higher than that of the edentulous group (20.37 ± 2.48 mm). A negative relationship has been found between age and the distance between the AAA canal and crest of the alveolar ridge in both dentate (P = 0.001) and edentulous (P = 0.003).Conclusion:A significantly negative relationship existed between age, diameter, and location of AAA in both the dentate and edentulous groups.

Evaluation of the maxillary sinus anatomical variations related to maxillary sinus augmentation using cone beam computed tomography images

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomical characteristics of the maxillary sinus and their association with sex, age, and dental status using cone beam computed tomography images (CBCT). MethodsThis was a retrospective study using CBCT images of maxillary sinuses from 370 sinuses in 185 patients. The following anatomical structures were evaluated: (1) Residual ridge height (RRH), (2) Lateral wall thickness (LWT), (3) Maxillary sinus septa, (4) Sinus membrane thickness (MT), and (5) Ostium. These anatomical structures were compared based on sex, age, and dental status. ResultsMean RRH was 12.13 ± 3.64 mm. Mean LWT was 2.23 ± 0.95 mm. The septa prevalence were 22.43 %. The typical orientation of the septa were mediolateral (89.13 %). The septa were commonly at the middle region (66.3 %). Mean MT was 1.3 ± 2.05 mm. The ostium was most located at the middle region (95.98 %). Mean distance of the ostium from the sinus floor was 30.03 ± 5.08 mm. The sex, age, and dental status results indicated that females had a greater RRH than males; Males had a thicker LWT, thicker MT, and higher distance of the ostium; the dentate group had a greater RRH, thicker LWT, and higher distance of the ostium; the elderly had a lower RRH, thinner LWT, thicker MT, and lower distance of the ostium. ConclusionsDue to the anatomical variations in the maxillary sinus, it should be evaluated before surgery. We recommend using CBCT in planning the surgery, to minimize the risk of complications related to sinus surgery.

A radiological evaluation of the effects of edentulousness on the temporomandibular joint.

The articular eminence of the temporomandibular joint is an anatomical structure exposed to functional loads resulting from masticatory forces. Tooth loss may change the biomechanics of the masticator system, and the articular eminence can be affected by this change. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the edentulousness and the articular eminence inclination of the temporomandibular joint. The articular eminence inclination was measured in panoramic radiographs in the right and left temporomandibular joint on a total of 100 patients (50 dentate and 50 edentulous). The articular eminence inclination of dentate and edentulous patients was compared, as well as the influence of gender and duration of edentulousness. The mean articular eminence inclination value in the dentate group (42.6±4.30 ) was higher than that of the edentulous group (35.1±4.70 , P<.001). Although there was no significant difference between males and females in the dentate group with regard to articular eminence inclination (42.0±4.70 and 42.9±4.10 , respectively, P=.373), in the edentulous group, males had higher values as compared to females (37.1±4.70 and 34.2±4.50 , respectively, P=.003). Finally, the duration of edentulousness and the degrees of articular eminence inclination values did not show positive correlations (P=.782). According to the results of this study, we found that edentulous patients had lower articular eminence inclination than dentate patients, and it was more prominent in female than male patients.

The evaluation of visibility of mandibular anatomic landmarks using panoramic radiography

Objective: Mandibular canal, mandibular foramen, mental foramen and insisiv canal are so important anatomical structures for dental surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the visibility of these important landmarks in different age groups and to compare the visibility in dentulous group with edentulous group on panoramic radiographs.&#x0D; Methods: The panoramic radiographs of 500 patients (237 males; 263 females; mean age; 39.2) were evaluated for this study. The visibility of anatomical landmarks were analyzed in the radiographs and scores were noted. The data obtained in this study were analyzed by SPSS 21 package program. The value of p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: Out of 500 radiographs, mandibular canal, mandibular foramen, mental foramen and incisive canal was visible in 89.8%, 88%, 80.6% and 12.8%, respectively. 23 (4.6%) patients had total tooth loss. The visibility of the anatomical landmarks was observed in groups below 25 years old.&#x0D; Conclusion: Panoramic radiographs provide useful information on the visibility of anatomical landmarks. However, the use of 3D imaging methods before surgical procedures will give more accurate results.&#x0D; &#x0D; How to cite this article: Serindere G, Aktuna Belgin C. The evaluation of visibility of mandibular anatomic landmarks using panoramic radiography. Int Dent Res 2019;9(2):69-77.&#x0D; &#x0D; Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

Differences in comminution progress during mastication in healthy dentate and denture-wearing elderly people

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effect of removable denture prostheses on the comminution progress in elderly people. MethodsTwenty-two denture wearers of Eichner’s classification B and C (75.1±5.3 years old) and 20 young fully dentate subjects (27.6±1.9 years old) participated in the masticatory examination, which used a combined test food from 5 daily food materials. Full masticatory cycles lasting until subjects needed to swallow and the half number of the cycles were adopted as masticatory conditions. Digital images of food particles under wet conditions were obtained for each bolus, and particles were analyzed by calculating the homogeneity and particle size indices. ResultsThe characteristic properties of the food particles were observed using a homogeneity index in the elderly denture group for half masticatory strokes. Their homogeneity index was significantly higher than that of the young dentate group. By contrast, no significant difference was observed in the indices for particles immediately before swallowing between two groups. ConclusionsThe comminuted particle size before swallowing in healthy denture wearers was not significantly different from that in the natural dentate group. The comminution of the first-half process in denture wearers was typical and could be one possible focus for meal property specifications in future studies.

Impact of Oral Health Status on Future Dietary Intake and Dietary Quality in Older Adults in Northern Ireland: A Longitudinal Analysis (P18-080-19)

ObjectivesEvidence linking oral health status with dietary intake and quality in older adults is inconsistent and limited by few prospective studies conducted to date. This study investigated whether oral health status, defined as number of natural teeth and prosthodontic rehabilitation, had an impact on future dietary intake and dietary quality in older Northern Irish (NI) men. MethodsThis study involved older men [n = 1096, mean = 63.5(2.9) years] from the Prospective Epidemiological Study of Myocardial Infarction (PRIME). A dental examination was undertaken at baseline (2001–2006) and oral health status was defined as: 21–28 teeth without dentures (n = 453), 21–28 teeth with dentures (n = 111), 1–20 teeth without dentures (n = 99), 1–20 teeth with dentures (n = 354), and edentate with dentures (n = 79). A food frequency questionnaire administered in 2015 derived intakes of major food groups and diet quality scores were characterised by the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Associations between oral health status, food intake and diet quality scores were assessed using regression models adjusted for potential confounders including, age, socio-economic status, smoking and alcohol. ResultsIn fully adjusted models, the mean dietary intake of fruit, vegetables and nuts significantly differed between oral health status groups. In comparison to edentate men with dentures, the mean fruit intake was significantly higher in each dentate group: 21–28 teeth without dentures (P = 0.001), 21–28 teeth with dentures (P = 0.001), 1–20 teeth without dentures (P = 0.04), and 1–20 teeth with dentures (P = 0.03). The mean DDS was significantly higher amongst men with 21–28 teeth without dentures, compared to those with 1–20 teeth without dentures (P = 0.001), 1–20 teeth with dentures (P < 0.001), and edentate with dentures (P < 0.001), and mean MDS results were similar. Compared to men with 21–28 teeth without dentures, edentate men with dentures were 64% less likely to achieve the dietary guideline of 2 portions/day (P = 0.01). ConclusionsA greater number of natural teeth was associated with a higher future intake of fruit, vegetables and nuts, as well as higher dietary quality scores, in older NI men. Interventions should optimise retaining natural teeth to help improve dietary intake and quality in older adults. Funding SourcesDepartment of Economy funded PhD.

Comparison of Salivary Calcium Level in Dentulous and Edentulous Patients.

Objectives Calcium is an inorganic component of the saliva, which is especially important in oral and dental health. This study sought to compare unstimulated salivary calcium level of dentulous and edentulous patients. Materials and Methods This case–control study was conducted on 72 participants, including 36 dentulous and 36 edentulous patients. The unstimulated salivary flow rate of patients and the mean salivary calcium concentration were measured and compared. The data were analyzed using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U-test. Results The mean age of participants was 56.3 years. The mean number of teeth was 18.9 in the dentulous group. No significant difference was noted in salivary calcium level of dentulous and edentulous patients. The mean salivary calcium concentration was 0.61 ± 0.3875 mmol/L in dentulous and 0.8025 ± 0.5975 mmol/L in edentulous patients. Salivary calcium level had a significant inverse correlation with salivary flow rate ( r = –0.370, p = 0.027), and by every 1-unit increase in salivary flow rate, salivary level of calcium significantly decreased by 3.85 units. Conclusion Edentate had averagely higher salivary calcium level compared to dentulous. The salivary concentration of calcium ion is not correlated to the presence or absence of teeth. Salivary flow rate reduces the calcium concentration.

Momentousness of the Mental Loop: A Comparative Study.

Background and Purpose:To assess the anterior (aAL) and caudal (cAL) extensions of Anterior loop (AL) of Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) using Digital Panoramic (DP) and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for its presence and dimensions in various age groups, genders, right and left sides of the mandible and between dentulous and edentulous patients.Methods:A 1-year retrospective comparative study between DP and CBCT to assess the extensions of AL of IAN was conducted on individuals referred to a private imaging center located in Bengaluru, South India. 360 mandibular sites were examined using DP and CBCT to assess the presence and dimensions of AL.Results:Results showed higher frequency of AL in CBCT compared to DP. Also there was a decreasing frequency of AL with increasing age and an insignificant difference in frequency between males and females. Bilateral looping was most common, aAL was more frequent on the left side and cAL on the right of the mandible. Statistically higher frequency in dentate group compared to edentulous. A decreasing mean value with increasing age and higher mean values in CBCT than DP. No significant difference in mean values among males and females or between the dentulous and edentulous groups. Higher mean values in CBCT compared to DP on the left side of the mandible compared to the right.Conclusion:Choosing mental foramen as reference for termination of IAN could result in injury to AL; low sensitivity and specificity of DP compared to CBCT in assessing frequency and extent of AL underlines its inadequacy, while CBCT can be performed with comparable resolution, to accurately analyze AL.

Association of the gonial angle with age, gender, and dental status: A radiographic study using lateral cephalogram and orthopantomogram

Abstract Introduction In the mandible, the gonial angle value is used to ascertain the age and gender differences for the forensic and anthropological purposes. Lots of research is being conducted on this topic, but the result of one contradicts the other. Methods We tested the hypothesis of a relationship between gonial angle and the age, gender and dental status using lateral cephalograms and orthopantomograms from 242 subjects aged between 6 and 80 years. The Paired t-test was used to assess the difference in the gonial angle between the radiographs and independent samples t-test was used to assess the difference between male and female samples. ANOVA test with Post hoc multiple comparisons were used to assess the difference in gonial angle among the age subgroups in both the radiographs. The p-value Results There was significant difference in the gonial angle values between lateral cephalograms and OPG. The mean difference was greater on the left side (1.77° ± 3.57) than on the right side of the mandible (1.54° ± 3.00). A significant gender difference in gonial angle was observed in lateral cephalogram. The dentulous group had significantly higher gonial angle values than the edentulous group. Only OPG gonial angles showed significant difference among age groups. Conclusion The gonial angle values in orthopantomogram and lateral cephalogram differ significantly. The gonial angle from orthopantomogram can be used for age estimation and that from lateral cephalogram can be used for gender determination.

Assessment of Masseter Muscle Appearance and Thickness in Edentulous and Dentate Patients by Ultrasonography.

Objectives:The purpose of the present study was to examine ultrasonographic appearances of Masseter Muscle (MM) in dentate and edentulous patients without Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).Materials and Methods: The thickness of the MM in 25 dentate (mean age: 30,68 ± 10,49) and 24 edentulous (mean age: 61,46 ± 9,71) patients, who visited routine dental examination, was measured at rest and at maximum contraction bilaterally. Examinations were performed using an Aloka Prosound α6 (Hitachi Aloka Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) equipped with an 8 MHz-wide bandwidth linear active matrix transducer (ranging from 1 to 15 MHz). The visibility and width of the internal echogenic bands of the MM were also assessed and the muscle appearance was classified as I of III types. Type I, characterized by the clear visibility of the fine bands; Type II, thickening echogenicity of the bands; Type III, disappearance or reduction in a number of the bands.Results:MM thickness at rest and contraction in the dentate group were significantly higher than the edentulous group (p <0.05). Type I was the most common echogenic type in both dentate (right:16 (64%), left; 15 (60%)) and edentulous patients (right; 22 (91.7%), left; 18 (75%)). In a dentate group, type II was significantly higher than the edentulous group in both the right and left sides (p <0.05; p <0.01, respectively). Age and gender seemed to have no significant effect on the echogenic type (p ˃0.05).Conclusion:There were significant differences in the thickness at rest and contraction between the dentate and edentulous groups. It was clarified that ultrasonographic features of the MM in dentate and edentulous patients were different.

Spectral components in electromyograms from four regions of the human masseter, in natural dentate and edentulous subjects with removable prostheses and implants

ObjectiveTo compare the frequency or spectral components between different regions of the superficial masseter in young natural dentate and total edentulous older adults rehabilitated with removable prostheses and fixed-implant support. A secondary objective was to compare these components between the three groups. Design21 young natural dentate and 28 edentulous (14 with removable prostheses and 14 with fixed-implant support) were assessed. High-density surface electromyography (sEMG) was recorded in four portions of the superficial masseter during submaximal isometric bites. Spectral components were obtained through a spectral analysis of the sEMG signals. An analysis of mixed models was used to compare the spectral components. ResultsIn all groups, the spectral components of the anterior portion were lower than in the posterior region (p < 0.05). Both edentulous groups showed lower spectral components and median frequency slope than the natural dentate group (p < 0.05). The removable prostheses group showed the greatest differences with natural dentate group. ConclusionsThere were significant differences in the spectral components recorded in the different regions of the superficial masseter. The lower spectral components and fatigability of older adults rehabilitated with prostheses could be a cause of a greater loss of type II fibers, especially in the removable prostheses group.

Assessing the variation in course and position of inferior alveolar nerve among south Indian population: A cone beam computed tomographic study.

Trauma to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is one of the complications during surgical procedures in the posterior mandible. Most of the time, this is due to inaccurate assessment of an operator from conventional radiographs. Lately, with the availability of advanced imaging techniques such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), precise location of anatomic structures has become a reality. This study was designed to evaluate the course and position of IAN in relation to the alveolar crest, buccal cortical bone, lingual cortical bone, and inferior border of the mandible using CBCT in South Indian population. A total of 139 CBCT scans were assessed using sagittal section done at every 5-mm interval beginning 1 mm posterior to the mental foramen extending till the anterior border of the ramus. Measurements were made on sectional images as CN - alveolar crest to the nerve, BN - buccal cortex to the nerve, LN -lingual cortex to the nerve, and IN - inferior border to the nerve. IAN showed a wavy pattern from posterior to anterior in relation to the alveolar crest and was positioned inferiorly in males when compared to females at Section one of CN1 (P = 0.004). IAN was more away from the lingual cortex in dentulous compared to partially dentulous group (P = 0.003). Females showed more bone present lingual to nerve near the first molar region. Gender and presence or absence of dentition had an influence on overall results. There is a considerable variation in the position of IAN throughout its course in the mandible. Henceforth, advanced diagnostic images such as CBCT should be strongly recommended in evaluating the position of IAN preoperatively before advanced implant surgical techniques, nerve repositioning, and any other surgical procedures.

The oral health condition and treatment needs assessment of nursing home residents in Flanders (Belgium).

A study was conducted of nursing home residents with limited access to regular oral health care services to evaluate their oral health status, to perform an assessment of the need for oral treatment and to determine the possible predicting value of age, gender, care dependency and income level on their oral health status and treatment needs. Three experienced dentists collected clinical oral health data with a mobile dental unit in 23 nursing homes. Socio-demographic data were extracted from the residents' records in the nursing home. Besides the descriptive and bivariate analysis, a general linear mixed model analysis was also performed with the nursing home as random effect. The study sample consisted of 1,226 residents with a mean age of 83.9 years, of which 41.9% were edentulous. The mean D₃MFt in the dentate group was 24.5 and 77% needed extractions or fillings. In the group of residents wearing removable dentures, 36.9% needed repair, rebasing or renewal of the denture. The mixed model analysis demonstrated that with each year a resident gets older, the oral health outcomes get worse and that men have worse oral health and higher treatment needs than women. However, the level of income and care dependency had a less extensive role in predicting the oral health outcomes. The nursing home residents presented a poor overall oral health status and high dental and prosthetic treatment needs. Gender and age were important predicting variables for the oral health outcomes.