Prosthetic Rehabilitation Following Socket Reconstruction with Blair‐Brown Graft and Conformer Therapy for Management of Severe Post‐Enucleation Socket Syndrome – A Clinical Report

One of the most common tumors of the eye diagnosed in childhood is retinoblastoma, which mandates enucleation with adjunctive chemotherapy and radiotherapy to save the patient's life. The most common late enucleation complication is post‐enucleation socket syndrome (PESS), which poses a management dilemma for the prosthodontist and surgeon, along with being a major esthetic concern for the patient. The reconstruction of such sockets is complex. The purpose of this clinical report is to describe the rehabilitation of such a pediatric patient with severe PESS. The patient was successfully rehabilitated by presurgical conformer therapy, socket reconstruction surgery with non‐meshed intermediate split thickness skin graft (STSG)/Blair‐Brown graft, and postsurgical conformer stent. This was followed by fabrication of a custom ocular prosthesis, to achieve favorable functional, physical, and psychological effects.     

Maxillofacial prosthodontics for the pediatric patient: "an eye-opening experience"

The following case report describes the expanding role of pediatric dentists in treating children with craniofacial pathology. Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in childhood and is approximately the tenth most common pediatric cancer in the United States. Treatment consists of enucleation, or removal of the entire globe followed by placement of orbital implants. Un-restored anopthalmic sockets exhibit growth retardation and can lead to facial disfigurement. Maxillofacial prosthetic (MFP) rehabilitation can be especially challenging in younger, pre-cooperative or behaviorally compromised children and requires the skills and participation of a pediatric dental specialist as part of the MFP team. The following case report involving a 3 yr-old girl with retinoblastoma describes such challenges. The objective of the maxillofacial prosthetic team was to provide custom-built, acrylic, bilateral ocular prostheses in as comfortable and atraumatic manner as possible. The case was a success and underscores the value of a multidisciplinary dental approach for the treatment of children with very special needs.     

Shortcomings of prosthodontic rehabilitation of patients living in long‐term care facilities

Removable dentures are a non‐invasive, cost‐effective prosthodontic solution for the reduced dentition. Their intended purpose is the rehabilitation of harmonious oral function and aesthetics on a long‐term basis. The prevalence of removable dentures among patients of advanced age is high and the quality of the dentures is often poor. The aim of this study was to find the most important shortcomings of removable dentures and address the main targets for improving the quality of prosthodontic rehabilitation. The records from dental check‐ups in Austrian residential homes were analysed retrospectively. Dental anamnesis questionnaires and data from the clinical examinations of 105 denture wearers were analysed. The functional condition and retention of 192 dentures had been assessed, as well as the impact of the dentures on the intra‐oral tissues. Insufficient denture retention was very common, particularly in the lower jaw (56·0%). Problems with the masticatory function were reported by 26.7% of the denture wearers, 11·4% were dissatisfied with the denture aesthetics, and 4·8% had difficulties with phonetics. Traumatic ulcers were found in 18·1%. Cracks, broken pieces (6·3%) or missing denture teeth (2·1%) were rare. It may be assumed that the findings of the present study also apply to a great percentage of community‐dwelling seniors. The most important issues in prosthodontic rehabilitation with removable dentures are denture retention and masticatory function. Regular dental check‐ups, denture adjustment and, when necessary, relining can maintain the primary denture quality and prevent damages of the oral tissues caused by ill‐fitting dentures.     

A Multidisciplinary Approach for Management of Postenucleation Socket Syndrome with Dermis‐Fat Graft and Ocular Prosthesis: A Clinical Report

A contracted eye socket is a cosmetic blemish to the patient. It not only renders patients unable to wear an eye prosthesis, but also becomes a source of chronic discharge and irritation. Orbital implants allow for cosmesis and volume replacement of an enucleated or eviscerated eye. Alloplastic orbital implants are associated with potential complications, including exposure and extrusion. A dermis‐fat graft offers the advantages of relative availability and an autologous nature. This article reports on a patient suffering from severe postenucleation socket syndrome after enucleation of the bulbus with postoperative irradiation of the orbit due to retinoblastoma and its subsequent management by a dermal‐fat graft and ocular prosthesis. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the usefulness of dermal‐fat grafting as a safe and stable orbital volume replacement following enucleation.     

Oral Rehabilitation with Implant‐Retained Overdenture in a Patient with Down Syndrome

Down syndrome, known as trisomy 21, is the most common chromosomal disorder. The disorder affects mental and systemic development as well as oral structure, including dental anomalies, high susceptibility of periodontal disease, and poor quality of alveolar bone. This report presents a case of dental rehabilitation by means of dental implants of a patient with Down syndrome. Two titanium dental implants were placed in the maxilla, and three titanium dental implants were installed in the mandible. One implant was lost during the osseointegration period. The prosthetic rehabilitation was performed with implant‐retained maxillary and mandibular overdentures with the Locator attachment system. After a 2‐year follow‐up period, the patient was doing well, and all implants were clinically stable with no signs of bone loss or inflammation. The present study emphasizes that implant‐retained overdentures with Locator attachment system could be a therapeutic option even for patients with Down syndrome. This therapy prevents crestal bone loss around the implants, improves functional and esthetic outcomes, and provides optimum oral hygiene for patients with mild mental impairment. Careful patient selection and education of patients and caregivers are essential considerations for a successful and safe treatment with dental implants in Down syndrome patients.     

Transition from Failing Dentition to Full‐Arch Fixed Implant‐Supported Prosthesis with a Staged Approach Using Removable Partial Dentures: A Case Series

The present retrospective case series is aimed at evaluating a staged approach using a removable partial denture (RPD) as an interim prosthesis in treatment to correct a failing dentition until such time as a full‐arch fixed implant‐supported prosthesis may be inserted. Eight patients, who had undergone maxillary full‐arch rehabilitation with dental implants due to poor prognosis of their dentitions, were analyzed. All treatment included initial periodontal therapy and a strategic order of extraction of hopeless teeth. An RPD supported by selected teeth rehabilitated the compromised arch during implant osseointegration. These remaining teeth were extracted prior to definitive prosthesis delivery. Advantages and drawbacks of this technique were also recorded for the cases presented. Among the advantages provided by the staged approach are simplicity of fabrication, low cost, and ease of insertion. Additionally, RPD tooth support prevented contact between the interim prosthesis and healing abutments, promoting implant osseointegration. The main drawbacks were interference with speech and limited esthetic results. Implant survival rate was 100% within a follow‐up of at least 1 year. The use of RPDs as interim prostheses allowed for the accomplishment of the analyzed rehabilitation treatments. It is a simple treatment alternative for patients with a low smile line.     

An Alternative Technique for the Fabrication of a Metal‐Reinforced Interim Implant‐Supported Fixed Prosthesis: A Clinical Report

Despite advancements in restorative materials and techniques, complications with implant‐supported fixed prostheses such as veneer fracture and material wear are very common and present with varying frequencies. Following these complications, repair of this type of prosthesis can be time‐consuming and costly even in the hand of experience clinicians. Several techniques have proposed using the existing framework to minimize the cost of the repair for the patient; however, while the repairs are being performed, the patient will have to either wear an interim complete denture or no prosthesis, which might cause some inconvenience to the patient. This article will present a technique for the fabrication of a metal‐reinforced interim implant‐supported fixed prosthesis for patients to wear while the existing prosthesis is being repaired.     

Attachment‐Retained Gingival Prosthesis for Implant‐Supported Fixed Dental Prosthesis in the Maxilla: A Clinical Report

The rehabilitation of edentulous maxillae is a complex procedure due to the involvement of esthetic and functional requirements. A trial maxillary denture can be used to identify the need for adequate upper lip support when replacing removable complete dentures by implant‐fixed dental prostheses. This clinical report describes the outcome of the rehabilitation of an edentulous atrophic maxilla with unfavorable maxillomandibular relationship and deficient upper lip support. A trial denture was fabricated and used to diagnose the need for a prosthesis capable of restoring the upper lip support. The reduced upper lip support was also confirmed by a lateral cephalogram. The patient was rehabilitated by an implant‐fixed dental prosthesis associated with an attachment‐retained gingival prosthesis. The case presented shows that when loss of upper lip support is detected and the patient does not wish to undergo further surgical reconstruction procedure, the retention of a gingival prosthesis using a ball attachment is a satisfactory treatment option.     

Treatment of Hemi‐Mandibulectomy Defect with Implant‐Supported Telescopic Removable Prosthesis. A Clinical Report

Excision of head and neck tumors (benign or malignant) often leads to large segmental resections of the mandible. The following clinical report describes the oral rehabilitation of a 60‐year‐old Caucasian man after partial mandibulectomy due to primary oral leiomyosarcoma. Treatment consisted of a free fibula flap and an implant‐supported telescopic removable prosthesis.     

Individual Lithium Disilicate Crowns in a Full‐Arch,Implant‐Supported Rehabilitation: A Clinical Report

This clinical report presents the clinical outcome of a maxillary full‐arch implant‐supported fixed rehabilitation with lithium disilicate reinforced glass ceramic monolithic crowns opposing a mandibular metal‐acrylic implant‐supported fixed rehabilitation in a 62‐year‐old woman. Eight implants were successfully placed (four maxillary, four mandibular), and no complications occurred in the postoperative or maintenance periods. Six months after delivery, the maxillary and mandibular prostheses were found to be clinically, biologically, and mechanically stable, and the patient was satisfied with the esthetics and her ability to function. Although the present indications for the use of lithium disilicate are still restricted to tooth‐borne restorations, it is possible to successfully rehabilitate edentulous patients through implant‐supported fixed prostheses using lithium disilicate reinforced glass ceramic monolithic crowns.     

Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Ocular Defect Using Digital Photography: A Case Report

The fundamental objective in restoring a congenital as well as acquired defect of eye with an ocular prosthesis is to enable the patient to cope better with the difficult process of rehabilitation after an enucleation or evisceration. A cosmetically acceptable prosthesis is that reproduces the color, form and orientation of iris and allows the patient to return to accustomed lifestyle. A sequence of steps for construction of custom-made ocular prostheses is outlined in this case report using the advantages of digital imaging technique.     

The Use of a Modified Poly‐Ether‐Ether‐Ketone (PEEK) as an Alternative Framework Material for Removable Dental Prostheses. A Clinical Report

This clinical report presents a modified poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) as an alternative material for the fabrication of distal extension removable dental prosthesis (RDP) frameworks. This material can be used for patients allergic to metals, or who dislike the metallic taste, the weight, and the unpleasant metal display of the denture framework and retentive clasps. This modified PEEK material, known as BioHPP, is a biocompatible, nonallergic, rigid material, with flexibility comparable to bone, high polishing and low absorption properties, low plaque affinity, and good wear resistance. It has been used for years in orthopedics and medical technology. BioHPP frameworks can be constructed either via CAD/CAM manufacturing or via the conventional lost wax technique. The clinical use of a BioHPP RDP framework is presented as an alternative for the treatment of a distal extension case.     

Initial management and long‐term follow up after the rehabilitation of a patient with severe dentoalveolar trauma: A case report

Dental trauma is common and for patients who suffer significant oral injuries, rehabilitation can be challenging to the clinical team. This case report describes the successful prosthetic replacement of multiple missing teeth lost due to severe dentoalveolar trauma, using iliac crest bone grafting, an implant‐retained removable dental prosthesis and implant‐supported crowns. Good functionality and aesthetic outcome were achieved.     

A 30‐Year Follow‐Up of a Patient with Mandibular Complete‐Arch Fixed Implant‐Supported Prosthesis on 4 Implants: A Clinical Report

Mandibular complete‐arch fixed implant‐supported prostheses are recognized as one of the earliest and most popular prostheses in implant dentistry. This prosthesis was the main focus in the early era of osseointegration. Despite its widespread popularity, few clinical reports have described long‐term follow‐up greater than 10 years for this type of prosthesis. This report describes a 30‐year follow‐up of a patient who underwent treatment for a mandibular complete‐arch fixed implant‐supported prosthesis with 4 machined surfaced implants, opposing a maxillary complete denture. This report documents a variety of photographs and radiographs taken over a period of 30 years to compare bone levels at various stages of care and maintenance, including de novo bone formation underneath the distal cantilevers due to functional loading. The biologic and biomechanical response to this treatment protocol and long‐term clinical observations and prosthodontic outcome and maintenance needs are also addressed.     

Digital Workflow for Implant Rehabilitation with Double Full‐Arch Monolithic Zirconia Prostheses

The purpose of the present report is to illustrate a proof‐of‐concept protocol with the double digital scanning (DDS) technique for complete digital workflow in double full‐arch implant rehabilitation. Two patients (4 restored arches) presented with hopeless dentitions and they were treated with a 4‐appointment prosthodontic protocol and monolithic zirconia prostheses implementing a complete digital workflow. The outcomes are presented after clinical and radiographic observation for 2 years.     

Implant‐abutment connection as contributing factor to peri‐implant diseases

Dental implant–supported prostheses are an established treatment modality for the functional and esthetic rehabilitation of partial and/or complete edentulous patients. One of the most essential factors for successful treatment outcomes stems from preservation of the peri‐implant bone. Early peri‐implant crestal bone loss has been a common observation, coincides with the time period where most treatment manipulations occur and has been considered as a complex multifactorial event. Microbial leakage at the implant‐abutment interface has been associated with inflammatory reactions that may jeopardize peri‐implant crestal bone stability. Prevention of microbial leakage at the implant‐abutment interface is a major challenge in the construction of two‐piece implant systems. Changes in the implant‐abutment complex design achieved reduction in the magnitude of microbial leakage and/or separation of the implant‐abutment interface from the osseous surface. However, it is still unclear if microbial leakage at the implant‐abutment interface plays a role beyond the initial crestal bone remodeling, namely on the development of peri‐implantitis. Therefore, the aim of this review is to analyze the knowledge available on the integrity of different types of implant‐abutment connections and their potential role on the development of peri‐implant crestal bone loss and peri‐implant diseases.     

Prosthodontic Rehabilitation with a Telescopic Prosthesis of a Nonsyndromic Oligodontia Patient

Oligodontia is the congenital absence of six or more permanent teeth, excluding the third molars. Oligodontia of permanent dentition is a rare occurrence. Preservation of the remaining deciduous dentition in such situations is important for both functional and esthetic rehabilitation of the patient. This clinical report describes the rehabilitation of a 16‐year‐old male with oligodontia of permanent teeth treated by an interdisciplinary team of prosthodontist, pedodontist, and orthodontist. The remaining deciduous dentition was endodontically treated. Occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) of the deciduous dentition was assessed. A full‐mouth single piece porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal telescopic prosthesis for the maxillary and mandibular arches was planned with a minimal increase in OVD. The telescopic prosthesis provided excellent retention, stability, esthetics, and stress equalization on the remaining deciduous dentition. Maintenance of oral hygiene procedures was simplified for the adolescent with the telescopic prosthesis. Preservation of remaining deciduous dentition and fabrication of a telescopic prosthesis in this patient provided an effective esthetic and functional rehabilitation.     

Occupation as a potential contributing factor for temporomandibular disorders,bruxism, and cervical muscle pain: a controlled comparative study

The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of cervical muscle pain (CMP) and myogenic temporomandibular disorders (MFP) among female dentists, high‐tech workers, and a group of subjects employed in other occupations; to investigate the associations among CMP, MFP, and bruxism in those groups; and to evaluate the influence of work‐related stress on MFP and CMP. Evaluation was based on clinical examinations of MFP and CMP and self‐reported questionnaires concerning pain and stress. The diagnosis of sleep bruxism was adapted using the validated diagnostic criteria of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD‐2), 2005, Westchester, IL), whilst the diagnosis of awake bruxism was made on the basis of a questionnaire. The odds of a subject with MFP experiencing concurrent CMP or bruxism (sleep and/or awake) ranged from 2.603 to 3.077. These results suggest that high‐tech workers and dentists are at greater risk for developing temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and CMP when compared with general occupation workers, as defined in this study. Furthermore, the associations shown here between TMDs and CMP highlight the importance of palpating neck musculature as part of any routine examination of TMD.     

An Alternative Design to Overcome the Problem of Unfavorable Implant Angulations for a Screw‐Retained,Implant‐Supported Fixed Prosthesis: Two Clinical Reports

Two clinical reports present an alternative design to address the problem of unfavorable implant angulations if a screw‐retained prosthesis is desired. The restorations were designed as screw‐retained prostheses, except in the area with the unfavorable implant screw emergence. The frameworks in these areas were customized to receive individual cement‐retained crowns. This design offers retrievability and helps to minimize complications associated with excess cement without compromising the functional or esthetic outcome.     

Oral health‐related quality of life,oral aesthetics and oral function in head and neck cancer patients after oral rehabilitation

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is diagnosed in more than 500 000 patients every year worldwide with increasing prevalence. Oral rehabilitation is often needed after HNC treatment to regain oral function, aesthetics and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). The objectives were to evaluate OHRQoL, oral aesthetics and oral function after oral rehabilitation in HNC patients and compare it to that of non‐HNC patients. Eighteen patients treated for HNC who subsequently had oral rehabilitation (2014‐2017), and a control group of eighteen age‐ and gender‐matched non‐HNC patients treated with removable prostheses (2014‐2018) were included in a cross‐sectional study. The OHRQoL was assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile 49 questionnaire (OHIP‐49), the oral aesthetics by the Prosthetic Esthetic Index (PEI) and the Orofacial Esthetic Scale (OES), and the oral function by the Nordic Orofacial Test‐Screening (NOT‐S). The HNC patients had worse oral function and OHRQoL than the control patients (mean NOT‐S score 4.56 vs 0.56, P < 0.01 and mean OHIP‐49 score 42.50 vs 20.94, P = 0.050). When including number of replaced teeth and type of prosthesis in the tests, no significant difference in OHRQoL was found between the groups. No difference was found in the overall aesthetic outcomes (mean PEI total score 32.28 vs 30.67, P = 0.367 and mean OES total score 48.78 vs 53.56, P = 0.321). Multiple regression analyses showed that being HNC patient compared to control patient impaired the oral function. Oral function is significantly impaired in HNC patients compared to non‐HNC patients after oral rehabilitation.