Effect of microwave treatment on the shear bond strength of different types of commercial teeth to acrylic resin

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00333.x
Effect of microwave treatment on the shear bond strength of different types of commercial teeth to acrylic resin Objective: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of microwave treatment on the shear bond strength of commercial types of teeth to acrylic resin, when the glossy ridge laps were unmodified (groups 1 and 5), bur abraded (groups 2 and 6), bur grooved (groups 3 and 7) or etched by monomer (groups 4 and 8). Background: Controversial findings have shown that mechanical or chemical changes in ridge‐lap surface of the tooth increase or decrease the bond strength between tooth and acrylic resin, and the microwave disinfection may cause different changes on this bond strength. Materials and methods: Eighty specimens (n = 10) were made with the acrylic resin bonded to tooth glossy ridge lap, polymerised in water at 74°C for 9 h, and deflasked after flask cooling. Specimens of the groups 5, 6, 7 and 8 were individually immersed in 150 ml of water and submitted to microwave treatment in an oven at 650 W for 3 min. Control specimens (groups 1, 2, 3 and 4) were not microwave treated. Shear bond strength test was performed in an Instron machine with a cross‐speed of 1 mm/min. Collected data were submitted to anova and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Results: Microwave treatment decreased the shear bond strength values of the tooth/resin bond. In the microwaved and non‐microwaved procedures, mechanical retention improved the shear bond strength when compared with the control and monomer treatments. Conclusion: Shear bond strength of the tooth/resin bond was influenced by the microwave treatment and different commercial teeth association, and was lower for the Biotone tooth.     

Oral status in home-dwelling elderly dependent on moderate or substantial supportive care for daily living: prevalence of edentulous subjects, caries and periodontal disease

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00507.x Oral status in home‐dwelling elderly dependent on moderate or substantial supportive care for daily living: prevalence of edentulous subjects, caries and periodontal disease Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of edentulous subjects, caries and periodontal disease among the home‐dwelling elderly with moderate and substantial needs of support for daily living. Materials and method: A sample of 302 randomly selected elderly with moderate or substantial needs of supportive care were examined in Sweden. Several oral clinical variables were registered: number of teeth, dentures, caries, probing pocket depth, gingival bleeding and Eichner’s index. Results: Both in general and in oral health, the differences were small when comparing elderly with moderate and substantial care needs for daily living. Those with substantial needs had more caries lesions (p < 0.01) and more gingival bleeding (p < 0.05), while the number of teeth and prevalence of edentulous subjects did not differ in relation to the need of daily support. The elderly had, on average, 9.8–11.7 teeth, one‐third of whom had no natural teeth. According to Eichner’s index, half of the elderly in both groups had no opposing tooth contacts. Fifty‐five per cent used dentures. Conclusions: Elderly people with needs of supportive care have lost many teeth before they become dependent. Health promotion should be a priority in early ageing populations to prevent oral diseases and tooth loss.     

Effect of pre-processing methods on bond strength between acrylic resin teeth and acrylic denture base resin

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00480.x
Effect of pre‐processing methods on bond strength between acrylic resin teeth and acrylic denture base resin Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of various pre‐processing methods on the bond strength between resin and denture teeth. Backgrounds: Debonding of acrylic resin teeth from denture base material is a problem for patients wearing complete dentures. Materials and Methods: Four experimental groups (n = 30) were investigated by subjecting tooth–resin bonding to tensile loading. Specimens were prepared and tested according to the methods of the International Standards Organization (ISO 22112:2005) using a special assembly. Four pre‐processing surface treatments of teeth were applied: (i) ST₁, no treatment applied (control); (ii) ST₂, wax solvent (Dewaks, Faber Kimya & Ilaç, Turkey); (iii) ST₃, boiling water followed by conditioning with methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer (Meliodent, Bayer Dental, Germany); (iv) ST₄, boiling water followed by wax solvent agent and finally MMA monomer application. Bond strength test was performed using a universal testing machine. Results: All the strength values of the test groups were within clinically acceptable limits. The lowest values were from the ST₁ group and the highest values were in the ST₄ group. Conclusions: Wax elimination methods affected bonding strength. Application of wax solvent and MMA monomer to the ridge lap surfaces of the teeth gave the best results. In clinical practice, this application procedure may decrease the bonding failure of denture teeth.     

Effect of repeated microwave disinfections on bonding of different commercial teeth to resin denture base

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00516.x Effect of repeated microwave disinfections on bonding of different commercial teeth to resin denture base Objective: To verify the influence of repeated microwave disinfections on the shear bond strength of two commercial types of teeth to acrylic resin, when the ridge lap surfaces were unmodified, bur abraded, bur grooved or etched by monomer. Material and methods: Eighty specimens (n = 10) were adhered to the tooth ridge lap surface, polymerised in a water bath at 74°C for 9 h. Microwaved specimens were individually immersed in 150 ml of water and submitted to five simulated disinfections in a microwave oven calibrated at 650 W for 3 min. Control specimens were not microwave treated. Shear bond strength tests were performed in an Instron machine with a cross‐speed of 1 mm/min. The fracture load values were transformed into shear bond strength as a function of the bonding area (0.28 cm²). Data were submitted to anova and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Fractured areas were classified as adhesive, cohesive (resin or tooth) or mixed failures. Results: Repeated microwave disinfections increased the shear strength of the tooth/resin bond. Mechanical retention in microwaved and non‐microwaved procedures improved the shear bond strength. Conclusions: The different commercial types of teeth influenced shear bond strength values, with Biotone teeth showing the lower values.     

Oral function in dentate elderly with reduced dentitions

This study covers the characteristics of reduced dentitions in a population of elderly people. The sample consisted of 329 independently living individuals between 55 and 75 years of age. They all had one or more natural teeth and were all interviewed and investigated clinically. The findings showed that 13% of the subjects had a natural dentition with at least the first molars: 4–7 natural occlusal units (defined as ‘pairs of opposing teeth that support the occlusion’) occurred in 37% of the subjects; 1–4 natural occlusal units in 41% and 0 units in 9% (only anterior contacts). A removable partial denture was worn by 39% of the subjects: most of them were acrylic based dentures (61%). The percentages of restored teeth per subject were high. The need for further restorations, however, was low. Periodontal problems were uncommon: 25% of the subjects had one pocket above 5 mm: 8% had severe problems. Poor oral hygiene was present in a quarter of the cases. Most of the subjects (70%) had no pain or noises in the temporomandibular joint. Only 10% of subjects had more than one sign of craniomandibular dysfunction. Most of the subjects (85%) visit their dentist regularly and 65% had their last tooth extraction more then three years ago. A majority mentioned that they have never had problems with their dentition in the past: 50% had had no real toothache for the last five years. However problems with food-packing were often mentioned. It can be concluded that, although the dentitions of the elderly in this population are often reduced, their dentitions are in general in good condition and few give TMJ problems.     

The effect of long‐term disinfection procedures on hardness property of resin denture teeth

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00520.x The effect of long‐term disinfection procedures on hardness property of resin denture teeth Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of long‐term disinfection procedures on the Vickers hardness (VHN) of acrylic resin denture teeth. Material and methods: Five acrylic resin denture teeth (Vipi Dent Plus‐V, Trilux–T, Biolux‐B, Postaris‐P and Artiplus‐A) and one composite resin denture teeth (SR‐Orthosit‐O) were embedded in heat‐polymerised acrylic resin within polyvinylchloride tubes. Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 48 h. Measurements of hardness were taken after the following disinfection procedures: immersion for 7 days in 4% chlorhexidine gluconate or in 1% sodium hypochlorite (CIm and HIm group, respectively) and seven daily cycles of microwave sterilisation at 650 W for 6 min (MwS group). In the WIm group, specimens were maintained in water during the time used to perform the disinfection procedures (7 days). Data were analysed with anova followed by the Bonferroni procedure (α = 0.01). Results: Microwave disinfection decreased the hardness of all acrylic resin denture teeth (p < 0.001). Immersion for 7 days in 4% chlorhexidine gluconate or distilled water had significant effect on the hardness of the acrylic resin denture teeth A (p < 0.01), and 1% sodium hypochlorite on teeth T (p < 0.01). All disinfection procedures decrease the hardness of the composite resin denture teeth (p < 0.01). Teeth O exhibited the highest and teeth V the lowest hardness values in the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Disinfection procedures changed the hardness of resin denture teeth.     

Management of a post-radiotherapy xerostomic patient--a case report

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00519.x Management of a post‐radiotherapy xerostomic patient – a case report Objective: The objective of the study was to fabricate complete denture with palatal reservoir filled with artificial saliva for a post radiotherapy edentulous patient. Background: Xerostomia is a subjective complaint rather than a disease. It is caused by irradiation, medication, Sjogren's syndrome & neurological factors such as stress. Radiotherapeutic treatment of head and neck cancer patients often causes long term dysfunction involving their salivary function, swallowing capabilities & taste. All three of these domains are affected by radiation‐ induced damage to the salivary glands. This in turn results in poor retention of complete denture, frequent trauma to alveolar ridge & other oral infections. All these events drastically affects quality of life of ageing patients. Material and Method: A complete denture in heat cure acrylic resin was fabricated in which a palatal reservoir was made on the palatal side. Results: Problems arising due to xerostomia were reduced to a great extent. Conclusion: Prosthodontic management of Xerostomic patient include several techniques. This paper presents a case report of post radiotherapy edentulous patient in which complete denture with palatal reservoir filled with artificial saliva was fabricated.     

Number of natural and prosthetic teeth impact nutrient intakes of older adults in the United States

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00546.x Number of natural and prosthetic teeth impact nutrient intakes of older adults in the United States Objective: To examine the relationship between the number and type of teeth and nutrient intakes in adults, aged 60 years and above, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 using linear regression. Methods: Four discrete dental status groups were created: complete natural dentition (reference group), incomplete natural dentition, complete mixed (natural and restored) dentition and incomplete mixed dentition. We ran both unadjusted and adjusted models, controlling for age, race/ethnicity, education and smoking status to examine the effect of these covariates on the association between dentition status and nutrient intakes. Separate models were run for men and women. Results: There were significant associations between dental status and all the examined nutrients for men and for the carotenes and folate for women in the unadjusted model. Only caloric and vitamin C intakes were significant for men, and β‐carotene was significant for women in the adjusted model. For men for kilocalories and women for β‐carotene, those with a complete dentition had higher mean intakes than those with an incomplete dentition, regardless of the tooth type. Among men with an incomplete dentition, those with a mixed dentition had a significantly lower vitamin C intake than those with a natural dentition; there were no significant differences between the natural and mixed complete dentition groups. Conclusions: Demographic and behavioural variables explained many of the differences seen in nutrient intakes. After controlling for these variables, we found that a numeric threshold of teeth (i.e. a functional dentition) influenced some nutrient intakes while the number and type of teeth present affected other nutrient intakes.     

Why do some people lose teeth across their lifespan whereas others retain a functional dentition into very old age?

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00297.x
Why do some people lose teeth across their lifespan whereas others retain a functional dentition into very old age? Objectives: To analyse the importance of caries, periodontitis, and medical and psychosocial factors for risk of becoming edentulous across their lifespan and to examine factors critical for retaining functional dentition into very old age. Methods: From the longitudinal population‐based Octogenarian Twin study which analysed psychosocial and health variables, 357 individuals aged 82 + in 1995–1998 were collected. Information about number of teeth, decayed and filled surfaces percentage and periodontal disease experience were drawn from dental records. Reasons for and time of edentulousness were recorded. Results: Outcome varied – depending on perspective and factors for losing or retaining teeth. Significant factors for losing teeth varied over the lifespan. Losing teeth early in life was related to lower social class; in middle age, to lower education; and in old age, to poor lifestyle factors and low social class. Caries constituted the main reason for tooth loss (about 55%). This increased substantially in the >80 year age‐group (75%). Maintaining a functional dentition into old age was significantly associated with non‐smoking, more education, being married and good periodontal health. Conclusion: It is important to apply life‐span and cohort perspectives to oral health and disease. In our sample of persons born before World War I, caries was the main reason for losing all teeth, with substantially increased prevalence by age. Lifestyle factors were significant for losing and for retaining teeth. Periodontal condition had a significant influence on the likelihood of retaining functional dentition, and also when taking psychosocial variables into account.     

Use of resin‐bonded extracoronal attachments with removable partial denture: case report

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00298.x
Use of resin‐bonded extracoronal attachments with removable partial denture: case report Introduction: Resin‐bonded extracoronal attachments may be indicated for the abutment teeth of removable partial dentures, especially for anterior teeth when a cingulum rest must be provided. This type of treatment has a series of advantages such as minimal tooth reduction, supragingival margins, favourable stress distribution, and improved aesthetic appearance. Objective: To report a clinical case of oral rehabilitation using a combination of resin‐bonded extracoronal attachments joined by a Dolder bar with a removable partial denture. Case report: A 60‐year‐old male patient with only the canines in the maxillary arch was restored with a combination of resin‐bonded extracoronal attachments joined by a Dolder bar and a removable partial denture. Conclusion: Dentures with resin‐bonded extracoronal attachments can have a number of advantages over traditional clasp‐retained removable partial dentures.     

Bond strength of denture teeth to acrylic resin: effect of thermocycling and polymerisation methods

Background: Failure of bonding between acrylic resin teeth and denture base material is a considerable problem for patients who wear complete dentures. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength between acrylic resins and resin denture teeth with different thermocycling and polymerisation methods. Materials and methods: Microwave‐polymerised (Onda‐Cryl), heat‐polymerised (Clássico) and autopolymerising (Jet) acrylic resins and resin denture tooth (Biotone) were used. The acrylic resins were polymerised according to the following: (A) microwave – fast cycle, Onda‐Cryl; (B) microwave – long cycle, Onda‐Cryl; (C) microwave – manufacturer’s cycle, Onda‐Cryl; (T) water bath – long cycle, Clássico; and (Q) bench polymerisation cycle, Jet. Twenty specimens were prepared for each polymerisation method. Ten were thermocycled, and 10 did not receive thermocycling. For the purpose of the study, a shear test was used. Data were analysed with the Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn’s multiple comparisons test (p = 0.05). Results: Cycles B, C and T were similar (p > 0.05), and had statistically higher bonding values than cycles A and Q (p < 0.05) for the thermocycled and non‐thermocycled groups. For all cycles, there were no statistically significant differences between thermocycled and non‐thermocycled groups (p > 0.05), except for cycle Q (p = 0.0038). Conclusion: Thermocycling decreased the bond strength, but not significantly for microwave and heat‐polymerised cycles. Regarding the bond strength of denture teeth to acrylic resin, the fast microwave polymerisation cycle should be avoided when polymerising Onda‐Cryl acrylic resin. In addition, Jet acrylic resin is not adequate for use in denture repair.     

Effect of monomer treatment and polymerisation methods on the bond strength of resin teeth to denture base material

Background: The fracture between acrylic denture base material and artificial teeth is a common clinical occurrence in dental prosthodontic practice. Objective: To evaluate the bond strength between acrylic resins and resin denture teeth when submitted by two protocols of monomer liquid application on the tooth surface and using different polymerisation methods. Material and methods: Microwave‐polymerised (Onda‐Cryl), heat‐polymerised (Clássico) and autopolymerising (Jet) acrylic resins and a brand of resin denture teeth (Biotone) were used. The acrylic resins were polymerised according to the cycles: (A) microwave – fast cycle, Onda‐Cryl; (B) microwave – long cycle, Onda‐Cryl; (C) microwave – manufacturer’s cycle, Onda‐Cryl; (T) water bath – long cycle, Clássico and (Q) bench polymerisation cycle, Jet. Thirty specimens were prepared for each polymerisation method; 10 were packed with acrylic resin after 60 s of monomer liquid application on the tooth surface, 10 after 180 s and 10 without any monomer liquid application. For the purpose of the study, a shear test was used. anova and Tukey tests were performed to identify significant differences (α = 0.05). Results: The highest bond strength values were found for monomer surface treatments, regardless of the polymerisation cycles. The highest significant values were found for cycles B (15.4 ± 1.8 MPa), C (11.9 ± 4.9 MPa) and T (15.4 ± 2.6 MPa) for non‐treated and 60 s methylmethacrylate treated groups. Comparing the monomer liquid treatment, they did not differ significantly (p > 0.05), except for cycle A (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Chemical treatment using monomer on the tooth surface prior to the acrylic resin packing improved the bond strength between resin denture tooth and acrylic resin, regardless of monomer liquid treatment protocols. The microwavable resin, polymerised by fast cycle and autopolymerising resin should be avoided for processing denture and denture repairs, respectively.     

The effect of immersion cleansers on gloss,colour and sorption of acetal denture base material

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00657.x The effect of immersion cleansers on gloss, colour and sorption of acetal denture base material Objective: To study the effect of peroxide and hypochlorite cleansers on gloss, colour and sorption of acetal denture resins. Materials and methods: Pink acetal and thermoplastic acrylic resins were evaluated. Thirty‐five specimens 39 × 39 × 1.8 mm of each resin were prepared. Each group of specimens (n = 7) was then immersed into cleansers for 100 days. Group I immersed in tap water, Group II in Corega Extradent for 5 min, Group III in Corega Extradent for 8 h, Group IV in NitrAdine? Seniors for 15 min and Group V in NaOCl 5.25%. Gloss, colour and weight measurements were taken initially and after 100 days. Data subjected to two‐way anova and Tukey’s test at α = 0.05. Results: Acrylic resin showed reductions of glossiness from ?5 to ?15 and acetal from ?0.2 to ?6. Colour changes (ΔΕ*) ranged from 2.64 to 7.64 for acrylic and 2.77 to 26.54 for acetal resin. Sorption for acrylic ranged from 11.64 to 17.06 μg/mm³ and 9.18 to 24.79 μg/mm³ for acetal resin. The results of (ΔΕ*) and sorption showed an interaction between denture resins and cleansers. Conclusions: The gloss of acetal resin was less affected by water, peroxides and NaOCl 5.25% compared with acrylic resin. Acetal resin showed clinically acceptable (ΔΕ*) whereas acrylic resin unacceptable ones for water and peroxide solutions. The immersion of acetal resin in NaOCl 5.25% showed clinically unacceptable (ΔΕ*) and higher sorption and should be avoided or should be managed with care.     

Treatment protocol for denture stomatitis,prior to anatomical molding

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00661.x Treatment protocol for denture stomatitis, prior to anatomical molding Background: Microorganisms of the genus Candida have been recovered from complete dentures made of acrylic resin, with high numbers of colony forming units and species diversity, which can act as infectious agents causing chronic atrophic candidiasis (denture stomatitis). Objective: The objective of this paper is present a treatment protocol for chronic atrophic candidiasis (denture stomatitis). Materials and Methods: The work describes three cases of totally edentulous patients presenting palate stomatitis who were submitted for treatment associating denture rebasing with chemically‐activated acrylic resin, night immersion in 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and use of topical antifungals for two weeks. Results: In all cases, remission of the inflammatory process occurred. Conclusion: The proposed treatment protocol proved to be to be effective.     

The Copenhagen Oral Health Senior Cohort: design, population and dental health

Gerodontology 2010; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00383.x The Copenhagen Oral Health Senior Cohort: design, population and dental health Background: In order to study the way old age influence oral health, the Copenhagen Oral Health Senior Cohort (COHS) has been established. Objectives: To describe the design, measurement procedures, and baseline values for COHS including spatial distribution of restorations and dental caries as well as reasons for non‐participation. Materials and methods: Seven hundred and eighty‐three individuals aged 65 years or older, from a total of 1918 invited elderly people, underwent an interview regarding oral health‐related behaviour and a clinical oral examination including measurement of unstimulated whole saliva flow rate. Results: Twelve percent of the COHS was edentulous. The number of dental restorations was higher for women compared to men; however, men had more caries than women. Coronal caries was most frequent on mesial and distal surfaces and on the maxillary incisors and canines; root caries was most frequent on labial surfaces and evenly distributed within the dentition. Only 41% of all invited elderly people accepted the invitation, with old age and poor health being the primary reasons for non‐participation. Conclusion: The baseline values for COHS show that a substantial proportion of the participants had retained a natural dentition and that dental caries was prevalent with the anterior maxillary teeth being most affected.     

The number of missing teeth in people of the Edo period in Japan in the 17th to 19th centuries

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00511.x The number of missing teeth in people of the Edo period in Japan in the 17th to 19th centuries Objective: The aims of this study were to examine the number of missing teeth in the people of the Edo period (or number of remaining teeth) and to contribute to the 8020 movement proposed in Japan to help people retain 20 or more of their own teeth until the age of 80. Background: The study of dentition in ancient skeletal remains of our ancestors from multiple perspectives can yield information that can contribute to the study of physical anthropology and the leading edge of modern dental research. Materials and methods: The materials were 82 excavated individuals (52 males and 30 females) from 1603 to 1868 whose maxillas and mandibles were both examinable. The age and sex were estimated by anthropological methods, and the individuals were divided into five groups. The status of missing teeth was compared between groups, and a chi‐square test was used to test significant differences between groups. The rates of tooth loss were examined in the maxillas and mandibles. Results: In the people of the Edo period, many teeth remained in good condition until early to late middle age. There were more remaining teeth in these individuals than in modern‐day individuals. However, the Edo people clearly showed increased tooth loss with age. There were no differences in tooth loss by sex. The tooth type with a high rate of tooth loss was posterior teeth, but incisor loss also occurred with ageing. Mandibular canines were most likely to be remaining. Conclusion: The Edo people had more remaining teeth than modern‐day society. This finding was unexpected. The notion that “people of long past ages lost more teeth more quickly” does not seem to apply to people in the Edo period in Japan.     

Variability in the number of tooth rows in the pharyngeal dentition of Barbus intermedius (Teleostei; Cyprinidae): genetic,hormonal and environmental factors

The variability of pharyngeal dentition in a natural population of B. intermedius and effects of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors on the number of tooth rows in the pharyngeal dentition in offspring from wild‐caught parents have been investigated. It was revealed that: (i) about 10% of fish from natural population have four‐rowed dentition instead of three‐rowed dentition characteristic for this species; (ii) the presence of the additional tooth row is not an abnormality of tooth replacement since it occurs symmetrically on both sides; (iii) occurrence of the fourth row of teeth is heritable since laboratory‐reared offspring from parents with four‐rowed dentition have the same dentition. Even if one of the parents had four‐rowed dentition the percentage of four‐rowed individuals in the progeny was significantly higher than in progeny from parents with normal (three rowed) dentition; (iv) the number of tooth rows appears to be hormonally controlled: high levels of thyroid hormone result in a decrease in the number of tooth rows to two. In contrast, deficiency of this hormone results in an increase to four rows; (v) no differences in the number of tooth rows were found in fish reared under 17°C, 24°C, 30°C and room temperature (20–26°C).     

Radiographic changes in alveolar bone height on overdenture abutments: a longitudinal study

Objective: Stabilisation of partial dentures is an important part of prosthodontic treatment, particularly in patients with an excessive reduction in alveolar bone supporting their abutment teeth. In these cases, overdenture prostheses are one possible treatment choice. Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of overdentures on the condition of alveolar bone of the remaining teeth, and to evaluate the overdenture concept in the prosthetic treatment of partially edentulous patients. Materials and methods: The investigation was conducted on 22 patients during observation periods of 6 and 10 years. After preparation, all abutment teeth were provided with either amalgam restorations or gold copings. An overdenture in the lower jaw was fabricated for every patient. A special film holder was used to repeat the X‐ray procedure in every patient in the same manner. The radiographs were evaluated using the grid scale. The alveolar bone level of all remaining teeth was evaluated on dental films by measuring the distance between the root apex and coronal border of the alveolar bone. Results: A statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) was calculated 6 years after delivery stage between distal alveolar bone levels of experimental abutments under overdentures and the remaining teeth of the control group. Alveolar bone of abutment teeth was considerably preserved, particularly in seven patients observed 10 years after provision of their dentures. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, the validity of the overdenture treatment in partially edentulous patients is concluded. Good oral hygiene was crucial for the success of treatment with overdentures.     

Oral health status and oral hygiene practices of patients with peptic ulcer and how these affect Helicobacter pylori eradication from the stomach

Background: Helicobacter pylori eradication from the oral cavity is more difficult than from the stomach. Thus, if the bacterium survives the antibacterial therapy in the oral cavity, it would be able to re‐infect the stomach within a few weeks. Since oral health status could correspond to oral infection with H. pylori, the aim of the study was to determine whether oral health and oral hygiene practices affect the efficacy of H. pylori eradication from the stomach. Material and Methods: The study was performed in 137 patients with peptic ulcer who had undergone a 7‐day course of eradication treatment with one of two sets of drugs: 1, omeprazole, amoxicillin, and tinidazole or 2, omeprazole, clarithromycin, and tinidazole. The efficacy of H. pylori eradication from the stomach was evaluated at the second gastroscopy 4 weeks after cessation of eradication therapy by means of two methods: rapid urease test and histology. The examination of natural dentition and prosthetic restorations as well as the assessment of hygienic procedures referring to natural dentition and dentures accompanied the second gastroscopy. Results: No association was found between the efficacy of H. pylori eradication from the stomach and the number of natural teeth, decayed teeth, use of dentures, debris index, or periodontal index. However, an association between eradication success and some oral hygiene procedures were noted. Unexpectedly, in patients treated with omeprazole, amoxicillin and tinidazole, the removal of dental prosthesis for the night and brushing the natural teeth twice a day or more reduced the efficacy of H. pylori eradication from the stomach. Conclusions: Oral health and oral hygiene practices seem unlikely to increase the efficacy of H. pylori eradication from the stomach.