Finite element analysis of a four-unit all-ceramic fixed partial denture.

All-ceramic restorations are known to be prone to brittle fracture. However, a previously performed in vitro study indicates that four-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) with a zirconia framework are sufficiently strong to withstand occlusal forces in the posterior region. The aim of this study was to determine the stress distribution in such a four-unit FPD made of yttria-stabilized polycrystalline tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP), under an occlusal load.

Supra- and subgingival biofilm formation on implant abutments with different surface characteristics.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to establish a noninvasive method for quantitative analysis of supra- and subgingival biofilm formation on dental implants considering different surface modifications.

Materials And Methods: Patients of both sexes were included. They had to be in generally good health, partially edentulous, and the recipient of at least 1 screw-type implant with an abutment possessing supra- and subgingival areas.

Influence of cyclic fatigue in water on the load-bearing capacity of dental bridges made of zirconia.

The humid atmosphere and permanent occurrence of chewing forces in the oral environment lead to degradation of ceramics used for prosthetic restorations. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of artificial aging on the load-bearing capacity of four-unit bridges, with both undamaged and predamaged zirconia frameworks. Additionally, different parameters for chewing simulation have been investigated and a finite element analysis was made to predict the location of highest tensile stresses within the bridges.

Load-bearing capacity of all-ceramic posterior four-unit fixed partial dentures with different zirconia frameworks.

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the load-bearing capacity of posterior four-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) produced with two different yttria-stabilized polycrystalline tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramics, one being a presintered material, the other a fully sintered, hot isostatically pressed material. Additionally, as a novel approach, the influence of preliminary mechanical damage upon the fracture force of an FPD has been investigated. A total of 20 frameworks each were milled from presintered zirconia and from fully sintered zirconia.

Acupuncture in the treatment of painful dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint -- a review of the literature.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the results of randomized clinical trials on the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of painful dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint.

Materials And Methods: A literature search of 3 electronic databases was performed, and only randomized studies comparing acupuncture-treated patients with either untreated or conservatively treated control groups were included. For this purpose, results were compared in narrative and tabular form.

In vitro fracture resistance of four-unit fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures.

Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of glass fiber-reinforcement on the fracture resistance of four-unit composite fixed partial dentures (FPDs) in the posterior region.

Methods: A total of 70 FPDs were fabricated of the composites Sinfony, Vita Zeta and Targis. With each material, 10 FPDs were made without glass fiber-reinforcement and 10 were reinforced with the new glass fiber system EverStick.

Condylar motion after open and closed treatment of mandibular condylar fractures.

Purpose: A comparative study was performed to evaluate the function of the temporomandibular system after open and closed treatment of condylar fractures.

Materials And Methods: A total of 37 temporomandibular joints were examined that had undergone either open treatment (n = 24) or closed treatment with maxillomandibular fixation (n = 13) for condylar fracture. The joints were investigated clinically and on the basis of radiographs.

The functional relationship between the craniomandibular system, cervical spine, and the sacroiliac joint: a preliminary investigation.

The hypothesis of a functional coupling between the muscles of the craniomandibular system and the muscles of other body areas is still controversial. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether there is a relationship between the craniomandibular system, the craniocervical system and the sacropelvic region. To test this hypothesis, the prevalence and localization of dysfunction of the cervical spine and the sacroiliac joint were examined in a prospective, experimental trial.

Early begin of splint therapy improves treatment outcome in patients with temporomandibular joint disk displacement without reduction.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of treatment beginning at the long-term outcome after splint therapy, in patients with anterior disk displacements without reduction. Therefore, 19 patients with acute complaints (group I), 19 with subacute complaints (group II), and 17 with chronic complaints (group III) were treated with occlusal splints. The patients were evaluated regarding treatment outcome with extensive clinical examination and postal questionnaires.

Asymptomatic cervical spine dysfunction (CSD) in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.

Patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) frequently show symptoms related to the cervical spine. It is however unknown whether patients with TMD who have no symptoms in the neck region often have signs of cervical spine dysfunction (CSD) and whether there is a predominant localization of these asymptomatic CSDs. In a prospective and controlled examiner-blinded clinical trial, the prevalence and localization of asymptomatic CSD in patients with TMD was examined.

Medical and physical therapy of temporomandibular joint disk displacement without reduction.

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of medical and physical therapy on long-term treatment outcome in 72 patients with anterior disk displacement without reduction. Patients were treated solely with occlusal splints (group I), with splints and supplementary medical therapy (group II), with splints and physical therapy (group III) or with splints, medical, and physical therapy (group IV). After therapy, the maintenance of improvement was objectively and subjectively assessed with an extensive clinical examination and a postal questionnaire.