The effect of alloy composition on the development of internal porosity in cast structures

A number of metallic elements were added singly and in combination to a simple nickel-chromium alloy. The effect of alloy composition was determined by radiographic and metallographic examination.     

The use of arthrography in management of temporomandibular joint problems

A bstract — Arthrography is useful in selecting those patients with severe dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint who would benefit from surgery. Plain films are usually unrewarding in the diagnosis of soft tissue abnormalities of the joint. Three cases are presented, illustrating the most common problems encountered and diagnosed by arthrography.     

Dental health of children in Australia 1977–1982

A bstract — An extensive programme was begun in 1977 to assess annually the dental health of school children aged four to thirteen years examined by the school dental services in each State and Territory.
In the period 1977 to 1982, the number of DIMF teeth per child declined by 41.4 per cent while the oral hygiene index was reduced by 21 per cent. Significant factors in addition to fluoridated water and fluoridated dentifrices have contributed to the decline in the prevalence of dental caries, however, the current data indicate that the decline in the annual increment of dental caries has ceased.     

A hidden periodontitis epidemic during the 20th century?

OBJECTIVES: Increasing evidence suggests a strong causal link between smoking and periodontitis. The goal of this study was to impute how the secular changes in smoking prevalence during the 20th century impacted the advanced periodontitis incidence in the US. METHODS: Epidemiological analyses based on US prevalence data of advanced periodontitis and smoking, and predictions of future smoking prevalence. RESULTS: Assuming other risk factors for periodontitis remained constant, we estimated that the incidence of advanced periodontitis decreased by 31% between 1955 and 2000. The changes in smoking habits, and consequently the changes in periodontitis incidence, depended strongly on education and gender. Between 1966 and 1998, we estimated a 43% decreased periodontitis incidence among college-educated individuals versus only an 8% decrease among individuals with less than a high school education. Between 1955 and 1999, we estimated a 41% decrease among males versus a 14% decrease among females. By the year 2020, the incidence of advanced periodontitis may decrease 43% from its level in 1955. CONCLUSIONS: A periodontitis epidemic fueled by smoking remained hidden for most of the 20th century. Because this epidemic was hidden, it distorted our understanding of the treatment and etiology of periodontitis. The socioeconomic polarization of this epidemic will dictate alterations in patterns of periodontal care.     

Analysis of salivary pool composition in patients with different results of sialolithiasis treatment by sialo-lithotripsy

Salivary pools from 16 patients with sialolithiasis were analyzed after sialolithotripsy. Quantitative parameters (total protein, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chlorine), pH, and viscosity of the saliva were studied. The patients were divided into 2 groups by the results of lithotripsy: 1) with good and satisfactory results and 2) with poor results. Total protein content in salivary pools and salivary viscosity in patients with sialolithiasis were significantly higher than in the saliva of normal controls, while the concentrations of calcium and potassium were lower than in the controls. Phosphorus content and viscosity of mixed saliva were higher in group 1 than in group 2, in which the results of lithotripsy were unsatisfactory. These data can be used for predicting the outcomes of lithotripsy and for tentative diagnosis of sialolithiasis.     

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis complicated with oral squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

A 45-year-old woman was referred because of swelling of the palate, gingival hypertrophy, and multiple cutaneous tumors. She had many cutaneous tumors, which covered most of her body, and she also displayed contractures of the major joints. Maxillary and mandibular gingival hypertrophy, malposition of the teeth, and swelling of the hard palate were the oral findings. The histopathologic features of the cutaneous and gingival tumors were consistent with hyaline fibromatosis, and the swelling of the palate proved to be a squamous cell carcinoma. The carcinoma was treated with tegafur/uracil and seemed to respond to this therapy.     

Calcium hydroxide: the ultimate medicament?

There has been a trend to the promiscuous use of calcium hydroxide in clinical endodontics. It can be concluded that this medicament is not the principal factor in success following its use. It is reasonable to state that endodontic success is related to the obliteration of the canal system with a solid core root canal filling such as gutta percha.     

Mandibulo-facial aspects of the cervical cystic lymphangioma (cystic hygroma).

Sixteen cases of cervical cystic lymphangioma are reported; all but two were present at birth. Intra-oral extensions were detected in five and three of these caused macroglossia resulting in partial respiratory obstruction. Mal-development of the jaws and consequent dental malocclusion is a possible complication of the condition. In planning the treatment of such patients, maxillo-facial surgeons and orthodontists should be consulted at an early stage. The treatment of choice is complete excision, but where vital structures are involved repeated sub-total excisions are advocated.     

Glossal double fissures in pre- and post-natal human specimens.

Glossal double fissures were found in a similar proportion of both pre- and post-natal tongue specimens. The condition was found in both sexes and in subjects of Negro, Caucasian and mixed ethnic origins. In cross-section, the area bounded by the fissures varied from raised to flat or depressed. Histologic analysis suggested that the double fissure appearance was a reflection of the topography of the subjacent muscle bundles and that true fissuring, when present, was probably a secondary phenomenon akin to acquired plication.