Bitencourt SB, et al. J Adv Prosthodont. 2020 Apr;12(2):55-60. https://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2020.12.2.55

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse the micro-organisms present in the conjunctival secretion in anophthalmic cavities of wearers of ocular prostheses, as well as on the prostheses used by them, correlating them with the microbiota of the contralateral eye. Nine patients with maxillofacial abnormalities, wearers of an acrylic resin ocular prosthesis participated in the study. Collections of conjunctival secretions and biofilm were performed on the prosthesis, anophthalmic cavity and contralateral eye for the mycological and bacterial analyses. The data were submitted to statistical analysis, performing a Kendall correlation test to identify the correlation between the collection site and the identified micro-organism (P<0.05). It was verified that the most prevalent micro-organisms were the Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, independent of the collection site, and that negative cultures for fungi were encountered in 85.2% of collections, independent of the region. It was not possible to establish a correlation among the types of micro-organisms and the collection sites.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the dimensional stability and maintenance of details of conventional and high stability alginates up to 5-day storage. Methods: Two types of alginates were selected (n=10) for this study, conventional (Hydrogum) and high stability alginates (Hydrogum 5), which were produced with the aid of a cylindrical metal block and a ring-shaped metal mold (Specifications 18, 19, and 25, ANSI/ADA). Ten images were obtained from the molds for the dimensional stability test, which were taken immediately after their production and at each different storage periods (15 min, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h, and 120 h) by a digital camera. The specimens were kept hermetically sealed in plastic bags (23°C) and then used to obtain 140 (n=70) dental stone models, used in the detail reproduction test, in which the angular accuracy of three grooves (20 µm, 50 µm, and 75 µm) was observed at each period. The details reproduction accuracy was classified using a predetermined score classification. Measurements of dimensional changes were made in the Corel DRAW X6 program. The data were submitted to the Student’s t-test (α?#8197;= 0.05). Results: A statistically significant difference concerning the size of the matrix was observed after 24h for both alginates, and a statistically significant negative linear dimensional change (contraction) was verified after 24 h of storage (1.52% for the high stability alginate, and 1.32% for the conventional alginate). The high stability alginate kept the full details for 72 hours, while the conventional alginate, for 24 h. Both alginates reproduced the 75 µm groove at all storage periods. Conclusion: Impressions made with both alginates presented satisfactory clinical results when the alginates were immediately poured.

Objective: To identify the presence and level of halitosis in edentulous individuals with or without prostheses, before and after rehabilitation with complete dentures (CD). Methods: Patients were verbally invited to participate and signed an Informed Consent. Halitosis was analyzed by the volatile sulfur compounds measurement method in the presence and absence of the old prostheses (M1) and 15 to 30 days after the patients received their new prostheses (M2). At M1, the patients answered a questionnaire with clinical data, and the saliva type and presence/absence of tongue coating were assessed. T-test and Spearman correlation test were used, and a p-value < 0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty-seven patients (19 women) with an average age of 67 years participated in the study. The mean time of prosthesis usage was 20.2 years. Tong coating was present in 21 patients (77,8%). A good odor level of halitosis was self-claimed in 13 (41,8%) individuals. The odor level of halitosis was significantly lower in M2 compared to M1, either with or without CD and after hygiene (p < 0,001). There was a positive and statistically significant correlation between the level of halitosis and alcoholism, smoking, prostheses hygiene method, and the presence of disease (diabetes). Conclusion: The old complete replacement of the prostheses with new ones was able to improve the odor level in a period of 15 to 30 days after the treatment. The presence of halitosis was correlated with alcoholism, smoking, denture hygiene methods, and the presence of diabetes.