Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to C de Baat.
It seems useful to recommend or to require by law also in The Netherlands the inclusion of identification markings on all dentures. Provision of this service by Public and Private Health Insurance can contribute to a uniform and common adjustment.
This study is based on an evaluation of patients' opinions of their dentures by means of a questionnaire. The patients had been provided with complete dentures at a university clinic. Of the original sample (n = 139) a test group of 92 patients remained available for the actual study 5 yr after treatment. The replies in the questionnaire were subjected to statistical processing and interpretation. Six clusters could be defined and these were introduced as "scales" representing the patients' score on a specific type of complaint. Apart from the six scales a score was achieved for each patient's overall satisfaction. The correlations between the various scales were calculated with the aid of a computer program. Finally, cross-tabulation was used to see if any significant (inter)correlations could be proved between complaints, satisfaction, and some of the patients' social data. It could be concluded that a correlation exists between complaints of pain and of functional aspects on the one hand and vague complaints on the other hand. There is also a correlation between complaints of looseness of the maxillary denture and complaints about aesthetic factors. Well-fitting and well-functioning dentures, absence of pain, and a socially acceptable appearance contribute much to the patients' satisfaction with dentures. Social variables such as type of insurance (public or private) and marital status influence denture appreciation to a certain extent.
The oral cavity fulfils important functions also at an older age in life. In getting older the chances to loose quality in these functions will increase. The following three problem areas are relevant in this respect: teeth can decay by dental caries or by progressive wear; the gums and periodontal tissues may develop serious inflammation and degeneration; finally after extraction of teeth dentures can be provided, but may create new problems in turn. Dental life can be extended by preventive measures and restorative treatment. New developments in the areas of so-called adhesive dentistry and dental implantology may contribute to quality improvement. Based on recently published epidemiological data and on computer simulation studies it is expected that there will be no major changes in need and supply for dental care in the dutch population. However, care spent on children and adults will shift towards care for adults and elderly.
In this study correlations are described between alveolar bone resorption, patient's age, duration of edentulousness, the number of dentures which have been worn, and dentures being worn day and night. The sample of patients for this study consisted of 92 edentulous persons treated with complete dentures at a dental school clinic. The test subjects were asked to fill in a questionnaire to obtain data regarding the research factors. A method for the classification of alveolar bone resorption was developed and the test subjects were divided into classes for alveolar bone resorption according to this method. All data were processed by means of a computer program. The longer the test subjects had been edentulous and the more dentures they had worn, the more intensive was the alveolar bone resorption, particularly in the lower jaw. No significant correlation was found between alveolar bone resorption and dentures being worn day and night.
An inquiry was carried out among the management of all nursing homes in the Netherlands in order to determine their residents' access to dental service. Results showed an availability of dental care by a dentist for nearly all nursing home residents, at least in case of dental emergency.
In order to establish adequate dental care for nursing home residents it is important to gather information about the present situation. For that purpose a questionnaire was sent to dentists who were involved in this field of dentistry. The results indicate that dental care for nursing home residents has to be improved. In order to attain this improvement the dental service for nursing home residents should be better organized and research should be carried out with regard to the specific problems arising in treating these patients.
The alveolar ridge (of upper and lower jaw) serves as a supporting tissue for the teeth. This function disappears after natural dentition has been extracted. Even so, the alveolar ridge remains very important, serving as it does to support and give retention to dentures. However, after removal of the natural dentition alveolar ridge reduction occurs, initially at a fairly rapid rate, slowing down later, but in an ever-continuing process, which, particularly in the long run, may have unpleasant consequences. As many factors may affect this reduction process unfavourably, it is very difficult to take one specific preventive measure. The most effective way of preventing alveolar ridge reduction is obviously the prevention of any edentulous condition, which unfortunately is not always possible. Nowadays a frequently used treatment of which a great deal is expected, is the application of the so-called overdenture. Further research is needed, however, for a proper evaluation of its long-term favourable effects on alveolar ridge reduction.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
PURPOSE: This article reviews the literature on maxillary implant-supported overdentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective studies and clinical reports comprise the majority of publications, with few prospective studies. RESULTS: Maxillary implant-supported overdentures are associated with implant and prosthesis survival rates similar to those of fixed implant prostheses when patients are matched for bone quantity and quality. High failure rates are associated with extreme atrophy, poor bone quality, and the use of short implants, which represent situations in which overdentures are most commonly used. CONCLUSION: Further research is required to elucidate the most appropriate implant number and distribution as well as the most favorable prosthetic constructions.
PURPOSE: The aims of the study were to evaluate the postinsertion care needed by patients treated with four implants to retain mandibular overdentures and to compare two types of superstructures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 54 patients who had been treated with conventional maxillary dentures and mandibular overdentures retained by four implants and a triple-bar superstructure with cantilever extensions (28 patients) or without cantilever extensions (26 patients). Differences between both groups with regard to age, gender, length, and diameter of the implants and preoperative mandibular bone height were tested by means of Student's t and chi-square tests with a probability level of 0.05. No significant differences were found. Both groups were retrospectively compared on adjustments and complications. The follow-up period after insertion of the dentures was 2 years. RESULTS: During the 2-year follow-up, 17 patients of the cantilever-extension group and 20 patients of the group without cantilever extensions needed adjustments, and 17 patients of the cantilever group and 12 patients of the group without cantilever extensions had to be treated because of complications. Significantly more (P < 0.05, chi-square test) superstructure fractures were present in the cantilever group (14 occasions in 7 patients) than in the group without cantilever extensions (1 occasion). All superstructure fractures in the cantilever group involved the cantilever extensions. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a considerable need for postinsertion care, confirming the necessity of routine follow-up services for patients restored with implant-retained overdentures. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest restriction of the use of cantilever extensions.