The MAJOR CONNECTOR is that part of a remvable partial denture (RPD) that joins the component parts on one side of the arch to those on the opposite side. It is the unit of the RPD to which all other parts are directly or indirectly attached. Continue reading
Author Archives: chzechze
Types of Maxillary Major Connectors
The first requirement of a major connector is rigidity. This allows stresses that are applied to the partial denture to be distributed effectively over the entire supporting area, including the teeth, underlying, bone and soft tissue. Other components of a partial prosthesis can only be effective if the major connector is rigid. Flexibility allows forces to be concentrated on individual teeth or edentulous ridges causing damage to those areas. Continue reading
Ehler-Danlos Syndrome Part 2
Signs and symptoms
Signs vary widely based on which type of EDS the patient has. In each case, however, the signs are ultimately due to faulty or reduced amounts of collagen. EDS most typically affects the joints, skin, and blood vessels. Following is a list of major signs and symptoms. Continue reading
Ehler-Danlos syndrome Part 1
Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) (also known as Cutis hyperelastica) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders, caused by a defect in the synthesis of collagen (Type I or III). The collagen, often referred to as “glue”, in connective tissue helps tissues to resist deformation. Collagen plays a very significant role in the skin, joints, muscles, ligaments, blood vessels and visceral organs; abnormal collagen leads to increased elasticity within these structures. Depending on the individual, the severity of the mutation can vary from mild to life-threatening. There is no cure, and treatment is supportive, including close monitoring of the digestive, excretory and particularly the cardiovascular systems. Physical therapy, bracing, and corrective surgery may help with the frequent injuries and pain that tend to develop in certain types of EDS, although extra caution is advised and special practices should be observed to prevent permanant damage. Continue reading
Granulomatous cheilitis
Granulomatous cheilitis refers to an uncommon condition in which there is lumpy swelling of the lips. It is also known as cheilitis granulomatosa. There are many different causes, such as allergy, Crohn disease, sarcoidosis and orofacial granulomatosis. Rare causes are infections, cancers and genetic disorders. Continue reading
Flaps for Facial Reconstruction
Facial flaps can be divided into two types: Axial and Random. An axial flap has a named artery supplying it. The surviving length of an axial flap will remain constant regardless of the width of the flap. A random flap has smaller unnamed vessels and is not as stable. It’s surviving length is in direct proportion to the width. A random flap’s surviving length can be lengthened by “delaying” the flap. To delay a flap, it is elevated but left in position as a bipedicle flap. Two weeks later it is raised as a unipedicle flap and placed into position to close the defect. Interpolation flaps traverse skin in order to reach the defect. If placed over the skin, they will have a pedicle. The pedicle can be divided in 3 to 6 weeks depending upon the type of flap and the condition of the patient. Flaps may be “trained” by occluding the blood supply in the pedicle for progressive lengths of time. This allows for an earlier transection of the pedicle. Continue reading
Sore tongue
Sore tongue medically known as stomatitis is a very common symptom. Most of the doctors routinely prescribe B-complex tablets, terming it B-complex deficiency. In fact in many instances it is not so. Painful tongue is a common problem. Many of us experience a sore tongue from time to time. But what should you do about it if it affects you. Continue reading
Resin Bonded Bridge
The resin bonded bridge is primarily used for your front teeth. Less expensive, this bridge is best used when the abutment teeth are healthy and don’t have large fillings. The false tooth is fused to metal bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth with a resin which is hidden from view. This type of bridge reduces the amount of preparation on the adjacent teeth. Continue reading
Compomers
Compomers†are recently introduced products marketed as a new class of dental materials. These materials are said to provide the combined benefits of composites (the “comp†in their name) and glass ionomers (“omerâ€). Based on a critical review of the literature, the author argues that “compomers†do not represent a new class of dental materials but are merely a marketing name given to a dental composite. Continue reading
Post and core Part 2
Post design
Posts (or dowels) can generally be divided into two main subgroups, depending on how retention is achieved. Active posts derive their primary retention directly from the root dentine by the use of threads. Passive posts on the other hand gain retention as their name suggests by passively seating in close proximity to the post hole walls, and rely primarily on the luting cement for their retention. Each post type can further be subdivided according to its general shape, that is whether it is tapered or parallel sided. In general, active posts are more retentive than passive posts of a similar configuration, and parallel-sided posts are more retentive than tapered posts. Post choice should therefore be dictated by each clinical situation. Continue reading