Biomedical subjects

R K F Clark

Publications and source records attributed to R K F Clark.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The effect of cyclic drying on dimensional changes of acrylic resin maxillary complete dentures.

Poly(methyl methacrylate) dentures may exhibit dimensional changes when drying. Drying has been shown to destroy Candida albicans. This study investigates the effect of simulating overnight cyclic drying on dimensional changes of four complete denture base materials. Denture specimens used in this study had been prepared for a previous study. All dentures had been kept hydrated at room temperature for 2 years. The materials used were, group 1, conventionally packed and cured Trevalon, group 2 was injection moulded and conventionally cured (Trevalon Success), group 3 (Acron MC) and group 4 was Microbase, which is injection moulded and microwave cured. The measurements of the inter-molar and inter-premolar width, and anterior posterior dimension between the premolars and molars were recorded after 8 h drying and then after four cycles of dehydration and rehydration. The dentures were more dimensionally stable in the anterior posterior than the cross arch dimension. There was a statistically significant (P < 0.02) increase in the intermolar width for Trevalon, Trevalon Success and Acron after 8 h drying and after four cycles. There was a statistically significantly difference between Microbase and the other materials after 8 h drying and there was a significant difference between the injection moulded groups in the interpremolar width (Trevalon Success versus Acron, Trevalon Success versus Microbase) after cyclic drying. Although statistically significant dimensional changes were observed for all materials these were small and were considered not to be clinically significant. Microbase was the least dimensionally stable material during air-drying.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2005

Immediate replacement removable partial dentures with cobalt-chromium frameworks: rationale, technology and a case report.

The advantages of removable partial dentures with cobalt-chromium frameworks over those made entirely of acrylic resin, in oral health and hygiene, are well documented. However, in cases where teeth are to be extracted for fitting the removable partial denture, a difficulty arises because of the need to test the fit of the removable partial denture framework. The advent of two modern technologies-- laser welding and metal bonding agents -- make it possible to test the fit of the major part of the framework prior to adding additional metal components to support artificial teeth. A case is described in which the four lower incisors were extracted. The main part of the framework was constructed and its fit tested. A second casting was laser-welded to the lingual plate of the first casting to support the artificial incisor teeth. This technique avoids the need to make an acrylic resin temporary denture but incurs the cost of the additional technical work and so the advantages may be considered to be economically neutral.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

The future of teaching of complete denture construction to undergraduates in the UK: is a replacement denture technique the answer?

Due to changes in the amount of curriculum time available for teaching complete denture construction to undergraduate students, course content requires reconsideration and possible modification. The idea that a replica complete denture technique may offer some advantages is explored. A review of the relevant literature fails to support many of the claimed benefits of this technique such as relative ease of adaptation by the elderly to new dentures. This article suggests that the replica denture technique should be considered as no more than an alternative method of making dentures. The relative demerits of the technique are discussed. A modification of the replica block technique to include important aspects of conventional complete denture courses is described. It is suggested that, because less clinical time is required, it may be a suitable way of introducing students to complete denture construction and educating them to a level which would encourage some to take further postgraduate study and would allow all graduates to treat routine cases or diagnose, treatment plan and refer to clinical dental technicians.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2002

The future of teaching of complete denture construction to undergraduates.

For some time there has been a need to discuss the undergraduate complete denture curriculum in the light of the inception of the specialist lists and the impending introduction of clinical dental technicians to ensure that general dental practitioners can continue to provide a complete denture service to the public. Publication in draft form by the General Dental Council of their document 'The First Five Years - The undergraduate dental curriculum increases the need for this debate.

Curriculum↗

PubMed2002

Pressure and temperature changes in heat-cured acrylic resin during processing.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to measure the pressure and temperature changes of acrylic resin during processing, to record the highest temperature reached when fast cured in boiling water and to determine the elevated boiling point of monomer under high pressure. METHODS: A subminiature pressure transducer (temperature compensated to 94 degrees C) and a thermocouple were placed on the palate of a standardized maxillary complete denture base. A heat-cured resin (Trevalon C) was polymerized by a long heating cycle (72 degrees C for 6.5 h and 92 degrees C for 1.5 h). Recordings of pressure and temperature (n=6) were made at initial clamping of denture flasks and throughout the processing cycles of resin. The temperature of the resin was also monitored during a fast cycle, which was accomplished by placing the flask directly into boiling water for 40 min. RESULTS: The pressure of acrylic dough inside the clamped flask was initially 11.5 atm (SD=3.2) and reached a peak of 22.0 atm (SD=3.5) during the long heating cycle. The elevated boiling point of monomer at increased pressure was calculated to be about 193 degrees C (at 11.5 atm) and 228 degrees C (at 22.0 atm). These elevated boiling points are higher than the maximum temperature 131 degrees C (SD=6.6) reached during the fast curing cycle. No porosity was observed even in the denture bases heat-cured by the fast cycle. SIGNIFICANCE: The highest temperature reached by heating of resin during processing is well below the elevated boiling point of monomer. Monomer therefore does not boil in clamped denture flasks under sufficient pressure. Thus adequate clamp pressure prevents gaseous porosity irrespective of curing cycle used.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2002

Usage and status of cobalt-chromium removable partial dentures 5-6 years after placement.

The aim of this study was to describe the usage of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) removable partial dentures (RPDs) by patients 5-6 years after denture insertion and to find out the factors that affected their denture usage. A random sample of patients provided with Co-Cr RPDs from a dental teaching hospital in Hong Kong was selected. Patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire concerning their assessment and use of the dentures. Those who had been constantly wearing their original RPDs were examined by one calibrated examiner under optimal clinical conditions. The response rate of the patients who could be contacted was 98%. The results from 189 patient interviews showed that usage of the RPDs declined with time and that half of the dentures had been discarded or replaced 5-6 years after insertion. These discarded RPDs had been in use for an average of 19.5 months. The main reason given by the patients for not using the RPDs was general dissatisfaction with the dentures in various combinations of comfort, fit and chewing ability and, less importantly, with food trapping and appearance. No statistically significant association between denture usage and their respective Kennedy classification was found. The status of the Co-Cr RPDs that had been constantly used for 5-6 years was generally good. The majority of these RPDs demonstrated fair to good cleanliness, stability and retention and had no defect of any sort.

Adult↗