The Surgeon General’s report on oral health in America estimates that approximately 9.7% of the United States population over 18 years of age is edentulous.1,2 However, this figure increases to a staggering 33.1% when only individuals aged 65 year or older are considered. Furthermore, if geriatric individuals with single-arch edentulism are considered, the number rises to 50.4%.2 These statistics clearly demonstrate that is it this older population that is most afflicted by edentulism and consequences that may result from living with the condition.2 Improvements in dental care with a concurrent increase in the frequency of its use by the general population has lead to an overall decrease in the prevalence of edentulism. Yet, the elderly population is steadily increasing and these individuals require various forms of oral healthcare.2
A commonly implemented restorative treatment for single or double-arch edentulism is the conventional complete denture. Paradoxically, elderly patients often encounter difficulty with conventional tissue-born prostheses. An edentulous alveolar ridge will resorb over time due to the absence of physical loading.3 Elderly patients tend to have been edentulous for longer periods of time and are more inclined to exhibit greater alveolar ridge resorption. This type of ridge morphology lacks the ability to support, stabilize and retain a tissue-born prosthesis such as a compete denture.3 This phenomenon is most commonly seen in the mandibular prosthesis.3 Without proper support, stabilization and retention the patient will encounter difficulty functioning with the prosthesis. Improperly retained dentures ultimately lead to patient dissatisfaction and decreased oral heath-related quality of life.3-6
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...Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Dent Res Clin Res Sup. 2013 Dec;92(2):154S-60S.
8. Lecture by: Lillian M. Mitchell (University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, Birmingham, AL) 2014 May 15.
9. Diz P, Scully C, Sanz M. Dental implants in the medically compromised patient. J Dent. 2013;41:195-206.
10. Lecture by: Lillian M. Mitchell (University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, Birmingham, AL) 2014 May 8.
11. Lecture by: Lillian M. Mitchell (University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, Birmingham, AL) 2014 June 5.
12. Medicare.gov: the official U.S. government site for Medicare [Internet]. Baltimore (MD): Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; [cited 2014 Jun 4]. Avalible from: http://www.medicare.gov
13. Lecture by: Lillian M. Mitchell (University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, Birmingham, AL) 2014 May 22.
Various factors have been attributed for the success of the implant and impression material and the technique is one of which is considered very crucial and important criteria in the success of fabrication and long lasting of the restoration. A dental impression is a negative imprint of an oral structure used to produce a positive replica of the structure for use as a permanent record or in the production of a dental restoration or prosthesis. Since the accuracy of the impression affects the accuracy of the definitive cast, an accurate impression is essential to fabricate prosthesis with good fit. An inaccurate impression may result in prosthesis misfit, which may lead to mechanical and/or biological complications.
Imagine having to spend half your fortune on correcting your teeth.”Tooth decay was a perennial national problem that meant a mouthful of silver for patients, and for dentists a pocketful of gold.” (Wallis, 17) If patients don’t take care of their teeth, many issues can start to appear later in their life. Some patients are not knowledgeable of the correct procedures toward keeping a healthy smile. In order to keep a healthy smile patients must be better informed about the knowledge to achieve that success and also maintain.
This patient’s treatment plan involved dental hygiene education since it had been poor and smoking cessation. I opted to address the issue such that I would build upon what he learnt on the previous appointment thus ensuring he is not overloaded with information. I planned to teach him the basic brushing technique and then demonstrate how to use interdental brushes (which are relatively more complex to comprehend) in the following appointment.
As I started my new journey of becoming a dental hygienist, I came into the program with no background of dental. I came into this program with an open mind and willing to embrace new concepts as well as develop new skills. During my time at the Canadian Academy of Dental Hygiene (CADH), I learned that as a dental hygienist that I am committed to promoting and helping each individual achieve their optimal oral health goals. In support of my client’s goals, I may assume any or all of the roles included in the dental hygiene scope of practice. My goal throughout this program was to help my clients achieve their optimal oral health goals through education, health promotion and providing preventive and clinical therapy.
I was inspired by the high-tech research dentistry when I read several articles about the American researches during my internship. After relocating to the States, I enjoyed learning the importance of organized dentistry and the positive impact of the dental technologies on the efficiency of a dentist and an overall patient experience, through my involvement as a dental assistant. It brings me joy, realizing that this job position has invigorated my clinical skills and significantly balanced the repertoire of my interpersonal skills. In addition, I work as a Research Technician at Houston Center for Biomaterials and Biomimetics, part of the UTH School of Dentistry complex. This opportunity semi-fulfilled my dream to work in a professional environment where my knowledge, as well as personality, bloomed
7. Aziz RD, Gonzalez NAG, Kasim NHA. Microleakage Testing. Annals of Dentistry 1997; 4(1): 31-37.
Mark. The young ambitious endodontist who fascinated me by his precise work, intelligence and the technology of microscopes and CT scans. I noticed how this field is attracting me now than ever. Assisting Dr. Mark reminded me how I was eager to help my patients in my home country with basic traditional techniques and minimal technology and cost, After passing my boards, I became more overwhelmed and excited by the cutting edge technology and equipments in United States and especially Boston University. I am confident that I will show a great distinguished endodontics under the supervision of BU
Dentistry appealed to me because of its essential role in medical conditions that contribute to the overall health. While each day presents its own set of unique challenges, the need to provide pain relief is critical. Additionally, the myriad of dental procedures
Tooth brushing techniques causing gingival trauma are a significant factor for gingival recession. The frequency, duration and force of brushing all contribute to recession. Excessive force and improper technique may lead to ...
Kaldahl WB, Kalkwarf KL, Patil KD, Molvar MP, Dyer JK (February 1996). "Long-term evaluation of periodontal therapy: II. Incidence of sites breaking down". J. Periodontol. 67 (2): 103–8. doi:10.1902/jop.1996.67.2.103. PMID 8667129
Diabetes mellitus affects an estimated 20 million Americans, about 35 to 40 % of whom have not received a diagnosis. More than 9 % of the adult population has diabetes, and both the incidence and prevalence are increasing every year.” (Mealey, 2006, page 1) This is a scary statement. These numbers include our parents, aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers. We need to be aware that this is a real threat. Many of these individuals most likely have some type of periodontal issues as well, particularly if the diabetes is uncontrolled or not yet diagnosed. The health of the mouth can play a significant role in the overall health of the body.
Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized field that deals with improving the aesthetics of teeth and the human face. The teeth are an important part of human beauty. Even minor damage to the teeth, such as breakage or loss can drastically alter the overall appearance of the face. This is where cosmetic dentistry comes in to restore beauty. Cosmetic dentistry has become a highly specialized branch due to various advancements in surgical procedures and diagnostic techniques. Several new materials have also been discovered. These materials are very close to the natural enamel and bone from which teeth are made and are virtually indistinguishable. Cosmetic dentistry is an option in conditions such as teeth loss, gaps between teeth, cracked or chipped teeth, cavities and dental
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2000) Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General .Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, 2000.
Dental plaque is broadly classified as supragingival or subgingival based on its position on the tooth surface toward the gingival margin. Supragingival plaque is found at or above the gingival margin. Therefore, it can be further differentiated into coronal plaque, whi...
Growing up I heard many stories from my peers of their experiences at the dentist’s office. It is upsetting to say that most of my visits were vividly terrifying. As a child, the grinding, scratching, and high-pitched twangs of the instruments digging around in my mouth would leave my ears ringing and teeth vibrating every single time. The smell of fluoride and disinfectants permanently infected the air, sending chills through my body the minute I walked in. I quickly learned that latex posses an extremely unappetizing aftertaste. Needless to say, I was not always enthusiastic about going to the dentist’s office and getting braces did not make anything better for me.