Journal of Dental Medicine

Statement of Problem: Panoramic radiography seems necessary at examination, diagnosis and treatment plan phases of removable prostheses treatment since most of the patients who request removable prostheses treatment have retained root fragments, impacted teeth, cycts and tumors that might not otherwise be detected.
Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence rate of retained roots, impacted teeth and suspected pathologic conditions in panoramic radiographics of patients referred to removable prosthodontics departments of four dental schools and five public centers.
Materials and Methods: In this case series study, 1232 panoramic radiographs were analyzed to detect retained root fragments, impacted teeth and pathologic conditions.

Results: From among 850 panoramic radiographs of patients seeking complete denture, the incidence rates of impacted teeth, retained roots and pathologic lesions were 1.3%, 9.5% and 4.0% respectively.Also from 382 panoramic radiographs of removable partial denture patients the corresponding measures were 2.9%, 11% amd 0.1%.
Conclusion: Due to the significant and evident problems in residual ridge, as well as pathologic conditions of the remaining teeth structures and their supporting tissues as partial prosthesis base, the necessity for panoramic radiographics in edentolous and semi- edentulous patients is reemphasized.

Background and Aim: Iranian temporary cement, Tem Band, has been manufactured by Golchai company, and introduced to market as a suitable material but its properties have not been tested yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the setting time, film thickness, compressive strength, disintegration and arsenic content of Tem Band and Temp bond temporary cements and compare them to ISO 3107. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 12 samples from each cement were obtained and setting time, film thickness, compressive strength, solubility and disintegration were tested according to ISO 3107. In addition, arsenic content was tested based on ASTM 6052. Data were analyzed with t-test and p<0.05 was considered as the limit of significance.

Results: The average setting time of Tem Band was 5 minutes and 47 seconds (4.17 minutes for Temp Bond), the average film thickness was 6.67 micrometer for Tem Band and 4.08 micrometer for Temp Bond. There was no difference between two cements regarding setting time and film thickness and for both was at the standard range. Compressive strength of Tem Band was 5.67 MPa and 8.5 MPa for Temp Bond. The difference was statistically significant but for both cements was less than standard (35 MPa). There was no significant difference regarding the solubility and disintegration tests. In both samples, the solubility and disintegration values were in standard ranges. Both cements did not contain arsenic but lead level was at the maximum standard range in Tem Band.

Conclusion: Considering these results, both cements are applicable to different clinical situations based on their physical properties. Studies on the biocompatibility of the Iranian cement is recommended.

Background and Aims: The oral impact on daily performance (OIDP) is one of the oral health-related quality of life indices to measure physical, social and mental consequences of the oral health status. This study aimed to evaluate the OIDP index in patients referring to Tehran dental school.

Materials and Methods: Four hundred and ninety nine patients referring to patients' clinic in Dental School of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in spring 2011 participated in this study. They were interviewed for demographic factors including age, gender and level of education, and OIDP index questionnaire before receiving any treatment. Statistical analysis was carried out by means of linear regression modeling.

Results: 85.6% of patients confirmed that they had at least one oral impact on daily performance during the last 6 months. The most prevalent performances affected were eating (50.1%) and smiling and showing teeth without shame (12.8%). The mean OIDP score for the population was 5.6 ranging from 0 to 36. Linear regression modeling controlling for age, gender and years of education revealed that older patients and those with lower education had significantly higher OIDP scores.

Conclusion: The effect of oral health on daily performance was clear. The association among age, education and oral impact on daily performance indicates the need for more comprehensive preventive oral health care for adults with lower educational level.