A finite-element model study of occlusal schemes in full-arch implant restoration.

A three-dimensional finite-element model of a human mandible is presented, and the stresses and deformations computed for loading states induced by two different gnathologic reconstructions using six and four implants are discussed. Occlusal canine guidance and posterior and anterior group functions on cantilevered and distally supported prostheses have been simulated. The stress distributions generated by the different loading conditions on either the osseointegrated prosthesis or the bone tissue surrounding the implants are described.

Photopolymerization of dental composite matrices.

The kinetic behaviour of dental composite is traditionally studied, considering only the isothermal behaviour, whereas a fast and highly non-isothermal bulk polymerization is expected as a consequence of the significant heat developed due to the exothermic nature of the polymerization reaction. In this paper the photopolymerization kinetics of a commercial dental composite activated by visible light are analysed by differential scanning calorimetry. This technique is applied to determine the degree of reaction and the glass transition temperature of thin layers of the composite matrix, at different isothermal cure temperatures.

Blood in saliva of HIV seropositive drug abusers: possible implication in AIDS transmission.

We have studied hemoglobin concentration in saliva of anti-HIV positive and anti-HIV negative intravenous drug abusers (IVDA) and normal controls and the relationship between hemoglobin concentration in saliva and number of CD4+ cells and clinical status of AIDS in anti-HIV positive IVDA. 120 anti-HIV positive IVDA, 112 anti-HIV negative IVDA and 116 normal healthy subjects not belonging to any risk group for HIV infection completed the study. Saliva was collected at awakening before brushing teeth and the concentration of hemoglobin was determined.

[Occlusal planning according to classical gnathology].

The importance of perfect knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the stomatognathic complex for any understanding of the aetiopathogenic mechanisms behind temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome is emphasised and the fundamental concepts underlying the use of the bite plane as a valuable aid in the diagnosis and initial treatment of articular dysfunction are described.