Showing papers on "Dental laboratory published in 1999"

Interactive dental restorative network

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer readable medium that includes one or more programs for carrying out a method for restoration of a patient's tooth. The method includes the steps of generating an electronic image of a patient's tooth; providing a preliminary treatment plan for addressing the dental needs of the patient; and forwarding the electronic image and preliminary treatment plan to a dental laboratory so that technician can evaluate the image and treatment plan and in a manner such that the technician and dentist can review and discuss the preliminary treatment plan.

Mineralogy of lung tissue in dental laboratory technicians' pneumoconiosis.

Abstract: This article reports on a case of pneumoconiosis in a dental laboratory technician with a history of respiratory exposure to dental materials. Special attention is paid to the mineralogical analysis of the lung biopsy. The abundance of chromium, cobalt, and silica particles suggests that the dental technician's pneumoconiosis is the result of the combined effects of hard metal dusts and silica particles generated during finishing dental frameworks. Adequate technical protection such as a local ventilation system should be considered in dental laboratories to prevent respiratory exposure of dental technicians to airborne contaminants.

Evaluation of exposure to methyl methacrylate among dental laboratory technicians.

Abstract: Following the diagnosis of two cases of occupational asthma among dental technicians, an industrial hygiene survey was conducted in two dental laboratories to determine time-weighted average and peak concentrations of methyl methacrylate vapor and time-weighted average concentration of acrylic dust. The time-weighted average concentrations of methyl methacrylate vapor were 0.7 ppm and 1.6 ppm and average peak concentrations were 9.3 ppm and 9.7 ppm for the first and second laboratory, respectively. The use of a local exhaust ventilation system was significant in reducing the peak concentration of methyl methacrylate vapor in the breathing zone of dental technicians. However, the local exhaust ventilation was not efficient in reducing the concentration of airborne acrylic dusts. Occupational exposure of dental technicians to dental materials, in particular to methyl methacrylate, requires further investigation. Local exhaust ventilation systems can reduce the concentration of methyl methacrylate in the dental laboratories to a significant extent if installed and used properly.

Occlusal refinement of mounted casts before crown fabrication to decrease clinical time required to adjust occlusion

Abstract: Statement of problem. An inordinate amount of time is often required to adjust the occlusion of a newly fabricated crown. Purpose. This study determined whether the procedure of "cast adjustment" significantly decreases the time necessary to clinically adjust the occlusion of a newly fabricated crown. Material and methods. Thirty-eight crowns were fabricated by a commercial dental laboratory for patients of senior dental students at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. After master casts were returned from the laboratory and then mounted on semiadjustable articulators by the students, the cases were divided randomly into 2 groups: (1) the control group, for which no further work was performed before fabrication of the restoration; and (2) the experimental group, in which casts were occlusally adjusted by a certified laboratory technician until there was at least 1 cusp tip to flat surface centric contact on each posterior tooth in maximum intercuspation position. After the crowns were delivered, the students filled out a survey. One question on the survey asked the student for the time required to adjust the occlusion on the crown. Results. Of the 19 crowns in the control group, 6 crowns required more than 1 hour for occlusal adjustment. Of the 19 crowns in the experimental group, 1 crown required more than 1 hour for occlusal adjustment. Conclusion. Performing a "cast adjustment" before fabricating a single unit casting can significantly decrease the chance of a lengthy clinical occlusal adjustment. (J Prosthet Dent 1999;82:591-4.)

Removable partial prosthodontic techniques in practice

Abstract: Objective: To generate information about the fundamental principles and steps involved in the provision of removable partial dentures among dentists (interns, general practitioners, prosthodontic specialists) in Riyadh to define the present standard of practice and compare it to previously reported works. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed among prosthodontic specialists, general practitioners and interns. A response rate of 84.33% was achieved. The questionnaire included socio-demographic variables and covers the basic principles and steps involved in the fabrication of removable partial dentures. Results were computed as a percentage of the number of respondents answering the question. Kruskal-Wallis statistical test was used to determine any significant difference between the responding groups. Results: The results showed specific patterns of prosthodontic treatment provided by dentists. Significant differences exist among the three groups in some steps. There is lack of proper communication with dental laboratory. Comparison with previous studies shows areas of controversy, but dentists tend to follow what is recommended by the Academy of Denture Prosthetics. 1989. Conclusion: This study showed that the knowledge of recent graduates is better than those who have been in practice for many years. There is a need for continuing education programs to reinforce proper communication with dental laboratory and concepts of removable partial dentures design and construction. Conduct of further studies is recommended. These studies can focus on dentists across the Kingdom and also utilize questionnaire concerned with other factors related to removable partial dentures framework design.