Radionuclide skeletal imaging and single photon emission computed tomography in suspected internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint

Fifty one subjects who had pain involving the temporomandibular joint were evaluated using multidirectional tomography, arthrography, conventional nuclear scanning, and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to assess the association of arthritis of the temporomandibular joint with internal derangements related to meniscal dysfunction. Five (56%) of the nine subjects who had normal arthrograms and normal multidirectional tomograms had SPECT scans that were positive for osseous changes. Twenty-two subjects (27 temporomandibular joints) were diagnosed by arthrography to have meniscal displacement with reduction. Multidirectional tomograms of the 27 joints were positive for osseous changes in five (18%) joints, whereas SPECT scans were positive in nine (70%) joints. Twenty subjects (20 temporomandibular joints) had an arthrographic diagnosis of meniscal displacement without reduction. Multidirectional tomograms of the 20 joints were positive for osseous changes in 14 (70%) joints, and SPECT scans were positive in 16 (80%) joints (P less than 0.001 vs control group). Initial observations with SPECT indicate it is a promising imaging method for detecting and staging osseous disease of the TMJ related to meniscal dysfunction.     

Removable prosthodontic treatment needs: a survey

Population data on complete and removable partial prosthodontics in Iowa indicated the following. Denture wearers tend to be persons in the older age groups. The percentage of edentulous persons was lower than that reported nationally in 1971. Of every 1,000 persons, 156 were wearing dentures in one or both arches. Of every 1,000 persons, 53 needed a repair, reline, or replacement of an existing denture. Of every 1,000 persons, 70 needed a denture but were not wearing one. Persons of lower income and education were less likely to seek dental care but had the greatest need for treatment. Persons of lower income and education were at higher risk of having some form of mucosal lesions. The public will be unlikely to make use of dental services to prevent or treat lesions or to service a prosthesis unless they are specifically educated to do so.     

The oral manifestations of 4p- syndrome

The oral manifestations of 80 reported cases of 4p- syndrome are analyzed and a new case is reported. Results indicate that the common pattern of cheilognathopharyngeal disorders in 4p- syndrome is an isolated cleft palate or a high-arched palate with micrognathia. Cases of cleft lip are only about 10% of the total. The significance of other reported aberrant phenomena cannot yet be estimated.     

Comparison of physical properties of polycarboxylate-based and conventional root canal sealers.

Several physical properties of nine commercial root canal sealers were evaluated in vitro and were compared with those of two experimental endodontic materials based on polycarboxylate formulations. Flow, setting time, compressive strength, radiopacity, adhesion to root dentin, and solubility were evaluated. The zinc oxideeugenol root canal sealers were typically of low strength and high solubility. These sealers and the Diaket polyvinyl resin sealer showed no adhesion to dentin. The epoxy resin AH26 showed superior properties with respect to strength, flow, radiopacity, and adhesion; solubility of this material was high. The polycarboxylate formulation showed significantly higher values over the commercial sealers in properties of strength, adhesion, and reduced solubility. The tensile adhesive bond strength of the polycarboxylate to root dentin was twice that of AH26. A wide variation in properties of the commercial materials tested showed the empirical nature of these "sealers." Further testing of polycarboxylate endodontic sealers is indicated.     

Survey of dental practice/dental education in Victoria Part I. Questionnaire/general aspects

A questionnaire was designed to canvass the opinions of dentists registered with the Dental Board and resident in the State of Victoria, with a view to assessing the present undergraduate curriculum in relation to clinical dental practice. All respondents were requested to provide information about age, sex, registration, type/location of practice and qualifications. The questionnaire sought opinions from all respondents regarding the priority to be given to basic sciences and medical sciences as well as the introduction of topics not presently included in the undergraduate course. Questions were also posed in relation to physical assessment of applicants for the dental course, the timing of introduction to clinical procedures and the desirability of an intern year (Section A). Other sections were designed to ascertain the current trends and busyness of general dental practice (Sections B and C) and of restricted/specialist practice (Sections C and E), the views of recent graduates and postgraduates with respect to the appropriateness of their training for clinical practice (Sections D and F, respectively) and, in a separate questionnaire, the perceived views of graduating students with respect to their training for registration as dentists. The results of the survey were prepared in the form of four papers, namely, General aspects (Part I). Recent graduates/graduating students (Part II), Current trends in general dental practice (Part III) and Specialist dental practice (Part IV). This paper deals with the results of Section A of the survey which, it is suggested, need to be considered in any review of the curriculum.