Impact of mandibular conventional denture and overdenture on quality of life and masticatory efficiency.

The aim of this non-randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life and masticatory efficiency of patients rehabilitated with mandibular two-implant overdentures with immediate loading or conventional dentures. Fifty completely edentulous patients wearing bimaxillary conventional dentures, for at least one year, were recruited. The patients were then assigned to either two treatment groups: mandibular overdentures supported by two implants with bar-clip system and a maxillary conventional denture (n = 25), and new maxillary and mandibular conventional complete dentures (n = 25).

Is the masticatory function changed in patients with temporomandibular disorder?

Patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) often complain and have limitation in masticatory function, which can be affected by a complex interaction of factors. The aim of this study was analyze the masticatory function in patients with TMD using surface electromyography (EMG) and masticatory efficiency (ME). Twenty-seven patients with TMD and 25 considered control (n), aged between 18 and 60 years, paired by age and gender, were evaluated according to RDC/TMD.

Masticatory efficiency and bite force in individuals with normal occlusion.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate and correlate masticatory efficiency (ME) and maximum bite force (MBF) in adult individuals of both genders with normal occlusion.

Design: The study was conducted in a university research centre. ME and MBF were evaluated in 55 adults (27 men and 28 women) with normal occlusion.

Dentistry students' perceptions about an extramural experience with a Brazilian indigenous community.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate dentistry students' perceptions about an extramural activity designed to deliver dental care to an indigenous community.

Materials And Methods: This was a qualitative investigation involving 4 students of dentistry who had just had the experience of delivering treatment to indigenous Brazilian people. These students answered questions about the relevance of the experience to their personal and professional lives.

Evaluation of complete denture quality and masticatory efficiency in denture wearers.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate (1) the influence of complete denture quality and years of denture use on masticatory efficiency and (2) the relationship between complete denture quality and years of use.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 93 edentulous patients (mean age: 65.6 years) wearing both mandibular and maxillary dentures.

Changes in masticatory performance and quality of life in individuals with chronic periodontitis.

Background: This study evaluates the effect of periodontitis on masticatory performance and quality of life index.

Methods: Patients (n = 24; 23 to 76 years of age) with periodontal conditions ranging from healthy to generalized disease categorized by the alveolar bone height-to-tooth length (AB/T) ratio were separated into the following two groups: control (AB/T >50%) and test (AB/T <50%). The masticatory performance was evaluated through continuous mastication of a special device called a biocapsule.

Biocompatibility assessment of pastes containing Copaiba oilresin, propolis, and calcium hydroxide in the subcutaneous tissue of rats.

Aim: To assess the biocompatibility of two endodontic pastes based on calcium hydroxide and propolis, using two vehicles - non-fractionated Copaiba-oilresin (A) and volatile fraction of Copaiba-oilresin (B), in the connective tissue of rats.

Materials And Methods: Fifteen rats had four polyethylene tubes implanted in their backs; each pair of tubes contained one of the pastes. The tube side was considered the control.

[The development of competences on primary health care: experience in the Huka-Katu project].

This article explores the possibility of integration in the learning process in health services network of the Native People Health Sub-system, an integrant part of the Brazilian Unified Health System. This leading role is present in several instances and stimulates changes in the health professional education. It also emphasizes that the pedagogical conception and the methodologies of the teaching-learning process are important themes for the development of competencies of new health professionals.

Low intensity laser therapy in temporomandibular disorder: a phase II double-blind study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) and its influence on masticatory efficiency in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). This study was performed using a random, placebo-controlled, and double-blind research design. Fourteen patients were selected and divided into two groups (active and placebo).

Evaluation of molar and incisor bite force in indigenous compared with white population in Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to determine maximum bite force in molar and incisor regions in young Brazilian indigenous individuals, who have had a natural diet since birth, and compare the sample with white Brazilian individuals. To do this, individuals were paired one-to-one (same weight, height, and Class I facial pattern). A secondary purpose was to elucidate the relation between bite force and gender in both populations.

Impact of the bitewing radiography exam inclusion on the prevalence of dental caries in 12-year-old students in the city of Franca, São Paulo, Brazil.

Introduction: The pattern of development of carious lesions has changed. The carious lesion has been progressive and reaches the dentin without showing alterations in the clinical aspects.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of caries in 12-year-old students in the city of Franca - São Paulo, Brazil, during the year of 2003, and to evaluate the additional value of bitewing radiograph to detect hidden carious lesions in permanent molar dentin.