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Biomedical subjects

M Balbo

Publications and source records attributed to M Balbo.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

The geriatric patient: removable partial denture design, protecting the dentition.

The population of the United States is aging rapidly. By the year 2000, approximately 36 million Americans will be 65 years of age or older. With respect to dentistry, the oral health status of older adults is improving. In addition to retaining more of their teeth, the demand for dental care is increasing amongst the geriatric population. Because total edentulousness is expected to decline in the future, a greater demand for removable and fixed partial dentures is anticipated. This paper serves as an outline for quick reference when treatment planning the replacement of teeth in the partially edentulous arch.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

The geriatric patient: controlling tooth contours, protecting the periodontium.

A significant number of geriatric patients are restored with the removable partial denture (RPD). Because the periodontal condition, as well as overall health, of this population is usually less than ideal, the recontouring of teeth prior to RPD construction must be executed precisely with special attention given to the biomechanics of RPD design. The philosophy and technique for the reshaping of abutment teeth is presented to clarify these procedures.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Management of the acute TMJ emergency.

The urgent or after hours phone call to the dentist's office usually indicates a dental, traumatic, infectious, or pain emergency relating to the teeth or adjacent supporting structures. One subject not discussed at length in the professional literature is the emergency patient with acute pain or dysfunction of the orofacial musculoskeletal system, primarily the muscles of mastication and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The practitioner should be able to rapidly and efficiently diagnose and manage these emergency patients, or make adequate referral as necessary. Essential features in the diagnosis involve distinguishing muscle problems from intracapsular disorders. Knowledge of general medical-dental differential diagnosis is essential to rule out those problems masquerading as muscle or TMJ disorders. Proper emergency management is directed at controlling the pain or hypomobility disorder and stabilizing the patient. Contrary to most other aspects of dental practice, rapid and complete elimination of symptomatology may not be possible at this visit. Subsequent management should further define the pathologic process and direct the patient to additional phases of care. This report suggests a series of diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines.

Emergencies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Occlusal splint therapy in MPD and internal derangements of the TMJ.

Although occlusal splints are useful in the treatment of MPD and internal derangements, they must be used in a rational manner. Two basic appliances are employed in Phase I palliative therapy: a maxillary full coverage (MAR) and a mandibular orthopedic repositioning appliance (MORA). The MAR is used in MPD patients primarily to disengage the occlusion and reduce parafunctional activity. In many cases of internal derangement, protrusive mandibular repositioning is indicated. By using the MORA during the day and the MAR at night, the disadvantages of each appliance are minimized.

Humans↗