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Biomedical subjects

T A Curtis

Publications and source records attributed to T A Curtis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Incidence of various classes of removable partial dentures.

The purpose of a classification for removable partial dentures (RPDs) is to simplify identification and enhance its teaching. A classification also allows a longitudinal comparison of various classes of RPDs to determine whether the teaching of RPD design is consistent with the relative frequencies of RPD use. This study surveyed the types of removable partial dentures being fabricated in a regional dental laboratory and compared these findings with data from previous studies. Results indicate that mandibular RPDs are more common than maxillary RPDs and the class I mandibular RPD is the most common type of RPD for either dental arch. A palatal strap was the most frequently used maxillary major connector and a lingual bar was used three times more often than a lingual plate in the mandibular arch. Cast circumferential clasps were used twice as often as RPI clasp designs. The percentage of Kennedy class I RPDs was 40%, class II 33%, class III 18%, and class IV 9%. Comparisons with a previous study indicate the percentage of Kennedy class II has increased, whereas class I, class III and class IV RPDs have not changed significantly. Findings of the study indicate that the frequency of use of the various types of RPDs have changed in the past 30 years.

Chromium Alloys

Occlusal considerations for partially or completely edentulous skeletal Class II patients. Part II: Treatment concepts.

Four basic concepts must be considered when developing the prosthetic occlusion for skeletal class II patients: (1) Centric relation must be used as a reference position to relate the mandible to the maxillae; (2) the posterior denture teeth must be positioned close to their former positions; (3) freedom of movement must be created in eccentric movements; and (4) multiple occlusal contacts must be provided in centric and eccentric positions. We have described a method that incorporates these basic concepts and provides a harmonious occlusal arrangement for both edentulous and partially edentulous class II patients.

Dental Occlusion, Balanced

Occlusal considerations for partially or completely edentulous skeletal class II patients. Part I: Background information.

Although approximately 15% of the population may be classified as having the skeletal class II relationship, this group of patients is far from homogeneous. Two prototypes were used to delineate various problems in the prosthodontic occlusion that dentists may encounter with these patients. A satisfactory occlusion is difficult to achieve because of skeletal discrepancies, limited space for occlusal contact, steep guidance factors, and the necessity for multiple eccentric occlusal contacts because of the significant range of mandibular motion.

Cephalometry

Osseointegration of two types of implants in nonhuman primates.

Branemark developed a dental implant that can reliably replace missing teeth. The success of this implant is attributed to a direct connection of bone with the implant (osseointegration). Several implants, including the Core-Vent implant, adhere to the requirements described by Branemark and his coworkers to achieve osseointegration, yet no studies have attempted to directly compare osseointegration of the Biotes implant with other implants. This study directly compared the response of bone to the unloaded and occlusally loaded Core-Vent and Biotes implants at the light microscopic level by using the nonhuman primate model. Histologic examination revealed that both Core-Vent and Biotes implants achieved osseointegration and maintained the direct contact with bone after 5 months of occlusal loading.

Animals

Autogenous bone grafts for atrophic edentulous mandibles: a final report.

While autogenous bone augmentations for atrophic edentulous mandibles are not the ideal solution for this problem, we do not share the pessimism of other investigators. The average loss of bone over the 92-month observation period was 60% for this small sample of eight patients. However, there was an 81% gain in bone height in the premolar-molar regions when compared with presurgical measurements. Seven of the eight patients believed these procedures were beneficial.

Alveolar Ridge Augmentation

Mandibular augmentation with hydroxyapatite.

This study investigated the success of hydroxyapatite mandibular augmentation in nine patients, the histologic response around hydroxyapatite, and the effect of collagen in localizing hydroxyapatite. It can be concluded that hydroxyapatite is biocompatible, causes minimal inflammatory response, and can increase denture retention. However, a large number of patients develop lip paresthesia, and hydroxyapatite migrates. Paresthesia might be avoided by altering the surgical technique to avoid manipulation of the mental nerve, and collagen might be a useful binder to confine hydroxyapatite particles. Further studies are in progress to develop new methods to place the hydroxyapatite and materials to confine it.

Adult

A review of techniques of crown fabrication for existing removable partial dentures.

Fourteen methods for making a crown to fit an RPD have been described. The techniques have been briefly reviewed and classified to indicate whether crown pattern construction is direct, direct-indirect, or indirect, and whether the RPD is needed in the laboratory phase. The choice of a technique appears to be a matter of personal preference for the dentist.

Acrylic Resins

Evaluation of patients for preprosthetic surgery.

The success of preprosthetic surgery and subsequent complete dentures depends not ony on the technical success of the procedures but also on the patient's satisfaction with the outcome. Studies of patients' satisfaction with their complete dentures confirm the experience of prosthodontists--that the problems described by patients do not always correlate with detectable anatomic deficiencies or technical faults in the prostheses. Since the responsibility for patient care is shared by both the surgeon and the prosthodontist, it is important that both specialists by involved in the screening process and evaluation of patients for preprosthetic surgery, prior to treatment. This article describes the basic criteria for patient evaluation, including signs that might indicate a poor prognosis for preprosthetic surgery. Everyone benefits if a realistic prognosis for the proposed combined treatment can be established before therapy is begun.

Consumer Behavior

Canalicular communication in the cortices of human long bones.

A scanning electron microscopic (SEM) cast method that has been utilized to examine the internal structure of dentine was modified to examine canalicular communications in the cortices of a human femur and ulna. Although some preparations in which all of the matrix was removed were examined, etched preparations were found to be the most informative. Casts of lacunae and canaliculi along with the underlying matrix could be visualized in these preparations. In the femur, whose cortex exhibited a typical lamellar pattern, canalicular communication was seen between first and second generation osteons and occasionally between osteons and interstitial regions. The interstitial regions in the ulna appeared to be primarily woven rather than lamellar bone. Extensive communication between the outermost lacunae of osteons and interstitial regions was observed in the ulna.

Cell Communication

Current concepts in cranioplasty.

A review of the methods of cranioplasty has been presented. A method of prefabrication of an alloplastic cranial implant has been described as well as a review of 40 patients with whom this technique was used.

Acrylic Resins

Autogenous bone graft procedures for atrophic edentulous mandibles.

Using a joint oral surgery-prosthodontic team approach, five patients with extreme atrophy of the edentulous mandible were selected for augmentation of the mandible with autogenous bone grafts from the crest of the ilium. All were wearing restorations considered adequate, but they had difficulty tolerating the lower dentures. An extraoral submandibular surgical approach was employed with few postoperative complications. Sulcus extension procedures were unnecessary after surgery, and four of the five patients received lower prostheses in approximately 3 months. The oral surgeon, the prosthodontist, and the five patients considered the results successful.

Adult

Radiation complications in edentulous patients.

Complete dentures were fabricated for 88 patients following completion of cancericidal doses of radiation therapy to the head and neck regions. All were followed for at least 6 months after delivery. All patients received dentures resting within the radiation field. Three patients developed osteoradionecroses directly attributable to their dentures. These three had been dentulous prior to therapy and had either pre- or posttreatment extractions. Of the 58 patients who had been edentulous prior to therapy, none developed osteoradionecrosis. Five patients developed soft tissue necroses secondary to the use of dentures.

Denture, Complete

A stent for a split-thickness skin graft vestibuloplasty.

Accepting the requirement that there must be intimate contact between a split-thickness skin graft and the underlying periosteum in a vestibuloplasty, a method of forming a stent to meet this.criterion is presented. The procedure uses an overextended impression and a custom-made acrylic resin base. Two methods of modifying the base with a secondary impression to form a stent at the time of the operation are described.

Humans

Complete denture prosthodontics for the radiation patient.

The increased use of radiation therapy for the control of oral cancer necessitates that all dentists concerned with the rehabilitation of oral cancer patients be familiar with this treatment modality. Radiologic equipment, the rationale for their use, and the sequelae to oral treatment are discussed. Misconceptions have developed concerning the advisability of prescribing complete dentures following radiation therapy. However, clinical experience in the Maxillofacial Unit at the University of California, San Francisco, indicates that most radiation patients can wear complete dentures. The need to follow sound prosthodontic techniques is advocated, along with a few modifications related specifically to the radiation patient. Patient cooperation and meticulous care during and following the placement of dentures are stressed to minimize the risk of tissue necrosis and to preserve the well-being of the patient.

Alveolar Process