Electromyographic silent periods and jaw motion parameters: quantitative measures of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

The purpose of this research was to compare, in the subjects, the duration of the EMG silent period with jaw motion error. The results indicate that both jaw motion error and silent period duration are large in patients with TMJ-muscle-pain dysfunction, both are small in normal subjects, and both are small in successfully treated patients. There is a statistically significant correlation (r=0.91; P less than 0.01) between the two diagnostic parameters of TMJ-muscle-pain dysfunction.     

Ultrastructure of fenestrated capillaries in human dental pulps.

Dental pulps of both the primary and permanent dentitions were studied. Fenestrated capillaries were found at varying depths within the odontoblast layer in the root and crown portions of pulps. The fenestrae were in the attenuated part of the endothelial cell cytoplasm away from the nucleus. They averaged 60 nm in diameter and were bridged by a membrane or diaphragm approximately 7 nm thick.     

An overhead projection aid for teaching the principle of occlusion

A technique has been presented whereby models which can be animated are used to form a projected image on a screen and thereby demonstrate the principles of occlusion together with principles of articulators. The system can be used alone or in conjunction with clinical slides interjected at relevant places in the discussion. This technique has been found to be a very useful aid in the teaching of occlusion to both graduate and undergraduate students.     

A proposed classification for heritable human dentine defects with a description of a new entity

A newly recognized heritable dentine defect is described which is manifested as an amber, translucent colouration and total pulpal obliteration in all primary teeth. Permanent teeth have a thistle-tube pulp configuration with ubiquitous pulp stones and normal colouration.The unusual finding of true denticles in these heritable dentine defects may represent the induction of odontoblastic differentiation by aberrant epigenetic factors produced in the abnormally developing dentine.A classification for the heritable dentine defects is proposed which consists of two distinguishable groups; the dentine dysplasias and the dentinogenesis imperfectas.     

The use of the splint bar in conjunction with removable partial denture treatment

The use of a bar, joined to lone-standing abutment teeth, that spans an edentulous space is an important treatment option for many partially edentulous situations. The splint bar provides positive vertical support for the removable partial denture while rigidly splinting the abutment teeth. This article defines the situations in which this treatment should be considered and describes the technique to achieve a successful result.     

Three-year clinical evaluation of a self-cured posterior composite resin

A study was conducted to determine whether the wear resistance of a posterior composite could be improved by maximizing filler particle-to-particle contacts. This was expected to reduce stress concentrations on the resin matrix and thus reduce occlusal wear. A self-curing quartz-filled composite with this design, P-10, was used to restore 90 Class I and II cavity preparations in adult teeth. Restorations were recalled after baseline at six months, one year, two years, and three years to measure wear by direct and indirect evaluation methods. There was no apparent advantage for this material compared with other previously evaluated posterior composites. The average cumulative wear for P-10 after three years was 145 microns. In addition, the restorations were evaluated for color-matching, interfacial staining, secondary caries, marginal adaptation, surface texture, and postoperative sensitivity. This material was not significantly different in those ways from other posterior composite products except in terms of more rapid color change, because it is self-cured.     

Oral complications associated with neonatal oral tracheal intubation: a critical review

This paper summarizes and evaluates the oral complications associated with orotracheal intubation in neonates. The palatal defect resulting from orotracheal intubation is best described as palatal grooving, rather than clefting since no oral nasal communication has been demonstrated. Palatal grooving may be caused by the inhibition of the molding tongue forces on the lateral palatine shelves. The incidence of palatal grooving increases with duration of intubation and reportedly resolves following extubation. However, posterior cross-bites, high palatal vaults, and poor speech intelligibility have been reported in children who previously have been intubated. Impingement of an orotracheal tube on the alveolus rather than on the palate may cause alveolar grooving which can cause dilaceration of primary teeth. Bilateral linear enamel hypoplasia in premature neonates is caused by an interruption in amelogenesis from intrauterine disturbances. However, gross unilateral incisal enamel hypoplasia in children who have been intubated is probably due to traumatic intubation. Avoiding excessive pressure on the maxillary alveolus during intubation is suggested. An appliance is available which secures oral tubes and protects the palate and alveolus.