• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.275-283
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• 2023

The progressive wear of teeth is a physiologic process of aging, but excessive wear can lead to occlusal disharmony, tooth sensitivity and pulp exposure, decreased masticatory efficiency, and aesthetic problems. It should be treated by evaluating the cause of tooth wear and establishing a stable centric relation with appropriate vertical dimension of occlusion and occlusal plane. The present case report successfully rehabilitated a full-mouth case of a severely worn dentition with the use of digital facebow transfer and virtual articulator.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.293-307
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• 2023

Jaw motion tracking, which is introduced in recent case reports, is a method which records the patient's individualized pathway of the mandibular movements along with facebow transfer, and reproduces the information in the virtual space of computer-aided-design/computer-aided-manufacturing (CAD-CAM) software. In this present case, a collapse of the occlusal plane was observed, due the loss of posterior teeth for a long period. Full-mouth rehabilitation with an increase in the occlusal vertical dimension was planned. First, the patient's mandibular movements were recorded on the newly established jaw relation by jaw tracking, and this information was assembled with the patient's intraoral data to create a virtual patient. Implant planning and diagnostic wax-up was done on the virtual patient, leading the fabrication of the provisional prosthesis. On the newly established jaw relation with an increase in the occlusal vertical dimension, canine guidance of the provisional prosthesis was checked. Finally, the provisional prosthesis was carried out to the definitive prosthesis. Using the advantages of the technologies in the digital dentistry, the patient was satisfied with the function and the esthetics after the treatment.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.128-148
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• 2023

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes the loss of thinking, memory, attention, logical reasoning, and other mental abilities to the extent that it interferes with the activities of daily living. More than 50 million individuals worldwide live with dementia, which is expected to increase to 131 million by 2050. Recent research has shown that poor oral health increases the risk of dementia, while oral health declines with cognitive decline. In this narrative review, the literature was based on the "hypothesis" that dementia and oral health have a close relationship, and appropriate oral health and occlusal rehabilitation treatment can improve the quality of life of patients with dementia and prevent progression. We conducted a literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using the search terms "dementia," "major neurocognitive disorder," "dentition," "occlusion," "tooth loss," "dental prosthesis," "dental implant," and "occlusal rehabilitation" in the title field over the past 30 years. A total of 131 studies that scientifically addressed dementia, oral health, and/or oral rehabilitation were included. In a meta-analysis, the random effect model demonstrated significant tooth loss increasing the dementia risk 3.64-fold (pooled odds ratio=3.64, 95% confidence interval [2.50~5.32], P-value=0.0348). Tooth loss can be an important indicator of cognitive function decline. As the number of missing teeth increases, the risk of dementia increases. Loss of teeth can lead to a decrease in the ascending information to the brain and reduced masticatory ability, cerebral blood flow, and psychological atrophy. Oral microbiome dysbiosis and migration of key bacterial species to the brain can also cause dementia. Additionally, inflammation in the oral cavity affects the inflammatory response of the brain and the complete body. Conversely, proper oral hygiene management, the placement of dental implants or prostheses to replace lost teeth, and the restoration of masticatory function can inhibit symptom progression in patients with dementia. Therefore, improving oral health can prevent dementia progression and improve the quality of life of patients.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.236-246
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• 2023

Background: This study helps to evaluate the Ovarian potential of Cameroonian Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) slaughtered in Etoudi - Yaoundé for implementing Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ARTs). The aim was to enhance the productivity of the cattle sub-sector in Cameroon while conserving local genetic resources. Methods: A total of 144 cows, including 94 cycled cows and 50 pregnant cows, were included in the study. Live weights were determined by measuring the thoracic perimeter of each cow using a Rondo measuring tape. Age was determined postmortem through examination of dentition and horns, while the uterus and ovaries were removed, weighed, and classified based on physiological status (pregnant or nonpregnant). Follicles were counted, and their diameters were measured and categorized into small (Ø < 3 mm), medium (Ø 3-8 mm), and large (Ø > 8 mm). Results: The results revealed an average follicular population of 32.02 ± 9.31 per cow, with 22.43 ± 8.45 small follicles, 8.42 ± 3.87 medium follicles, and 0.76 ± 0.34 large follicles. The weight of the right ovary was significantly higher than that of the left ovary (p < 0.05), and cows aged 6 to 9 years exhibited a higher number of follicles compared to other age groups. Cows with medium (BCS = 3) and large (BCS = 4-5) body reserves had the heaviest ovaries. Additionally, pregnant cows had heavier uteri compared to non-pregnant cows, and cows with a body condition score of 3 or higher had higher uterine weights than lean cows (BCS = 1-2). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that age, body condition score, and pregnancy status influence ovarian weight. Body Condition Score serves as a reliable indicator of cow nutritional status, and cows with BCS of 3-5 are excellent candidates for in vitro production of embryos.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.82-90
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• 2024

It often happens that a removable partial denture needs to be repaired due to tissue changes in the remaining alveolar ridge, fracture of the denture, or fracture of the abutment tooth. There are several advantages to retrofitting a customized surveyed crown under the existing RPD. Retrofitting a crown to the RPD decreases the economic burden to the patient and avoids the need for several appointments to fabricate a new RPD. It is difficult for artificial teeth used to repair dentures due to fractured natural teeth to have a shape similar to that of natural teeth, and to repair aesthetic artificial teeth, it is necessary to manufacture customized artificial teeth similar to the shape of each patient's teeth. Recently, CAD/CAM technology has been used to fabricate customized prosthetics on existing RPD to achieve high retention and fitness accuracy, and by manufacturing customized artificial teeth, more aesthetic and harmonious artificial tooth repair is possible. This is a case in which a denture was repaired using a digital method to fabricate a customized prosthesis on an existing partial denture and customized artificial teeth that mirrored the adjacent dentition, saving time and cost, simplifying the process, and achieving aesthetically and functionally satisfactory results.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.64-71
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• 2024

The most critical aspect of full-arch prosthodontic treatment is evaluating whether the patient's vertical occlusal dimension is appropriate, and if necessary, restoring it through increasing vertical dimension. If the vertical occlusal dimension is too low, it can lead to reduced chewing efficiency, as well as not only aesthetic concerns but also potential issues like hyperactivity of muscles and posterior displacement of the mandible. This report is about the patient dissatisfied with pronunciation and aesthetics due to an inappropriate vertical occlusal dimension resulting from prior prosthetic interventions, underwent full-arch prosthodontic restoration treatment. Through the utilization of digital diagnostic apparatus, a comprehensive evaluation was undertaken for patient's vertical occlusal dimension, occlusal plane orientation, and the condition of prosthetic restorations. Through 3D facial scanning, the facial landmarks were discerned, and subsequently, the new occlusal plane was established. This provided the foundation for a digitally guided diagnostic wax-up. An elevation of 5 mm from the incisor was determined. Comprehensive dental rehabilitation was then executed for all remaining teeth, excluding the maxillary four incisors. The treatment protocol followed a systematic approach by initially creating implant-supported restorations on both sides of the dental arch to establish a stable occlusal contact. Subsequently, prosthetic restorations for the natural dentition were generated. Diagnostic and treatment planning were established through the utilization of facial scanning. This subsequently led to a reduction in treatment complexity and an expedited treatment timeline.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.146-156
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• 2024

Implant assisted removable partial denture (IARPD) has been practiced in various forms for a long time, and among them, implant surveyed crown RPD is gaining predictability as well as being considered as a treatment option for patients with anatomical and financial disadvantages. The position of implant could be divided as posterior placement or anterior placement according to the purpose of the treatment and should be planned in consider to the alveolar ridge of patient, anticipated prognosis of remaining teeth, and opposing dentition. This case report describes a treatment for mandibular Kennedy class I partial edentulous patient with two implant-supported surveyed crown and implant assisted removable partial denture. Given the difficulty of posterior placement in this patient and the prognosis of the residual teeth, the plan was to place two implants in close proximity to the residual teeth, which were placed in the planned position, angle, and depth using guided surgery. The process of fabricating the fixed prosthesis was carried out in parallel with the maxillary edentulous tooth arrangement process to increase predictability, and when fabricating the localized tooth, the implant was designed in a form that allows the patient to perform functional movements by preventing excessive loading as the last supporting tooth, and was fabricated through a secondary impression process. Each treatment procedure was proceeded as planned, with aesthetically and functionally satisfactory results for both patient and operator.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.165-173
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• 2024

Restoring lost teeth is very important in terms of both function and aesthetics. If tooth loss occurs in the posterior region and the loss of support is persistent, it may cause a gradual shift in the position of the mandible and a change in occlusion. This clinical case attempted to restore support for the posterior teeth with a fixed prosthesis using implants in a patient whose opposing teeth were erupted and the occlusal plane collapsed due to long-term loss of the maxillary left posterior teeth and mandibular right first molars. To correct the occlusal plane of remaining dentition, wax-up of maxillary left posterior teeth was duplicated with acrylic resin and placed on maxilla. Surgical template for implant placement were fabricated using digital technology. After the support of the posterior teeth was restored with the placement of the implant, stable occlusion with temporary restorations was observed for a sufficient time. Afterwards, monolithic zirconia prosthesis was placed on the patient to ensure functional and aesthetic improvement.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.113-122
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• 2024

The gradual teeth wear with age is a natural phenomenon, but excessive wear beyond physiological levels can lead to vertical dimension loss, occlusal imbalance, temporomandibular joint disorders, and periodontal disease. In such cases, prosthodontic restoration becomes necessary emphasizing the importance of appropriate vertical dimension increase and stable occlusion in central relation (CR). In this case, a 74-year-old patient with clenching and grinding habit had severe teeth wear and after assessing interocclusal distance, wear degree, pronunciation, and facial profile, it was decided to perform full-mouth fixed prosthesis restoration with a 4 mm vertical dimension increase. And the significantly displaced Maximum Intercuspal Position (MICP) caused by parafunctional movements was re-established as a stable mutually protective occlusal relationship at centric relation and after a successful 4 months adaptation to provisional restorations, the final prosthesis was fabricated. During 4months of observation periods, stable occlusion in central relation and mutual protection occlusal relationships were maintained and the patient was satisfied with function and aesthetics, leading to this report.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.123-130
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• 2024

There are various methods for restoring the dentition of completely edentulous patients. Removable complete dentures have the advantage of being relatively economical, but they can be uncomfortable to wear. With the introduction of implant prosthodontics, various options such as implant-supported overdentures and hybrid prostheses have become available. If there is inadequate remaining ridge or limited financial resources, an overdenture supported by a few implants with additional attachments may be more suitable. In this case, due to severe peri-implantitis and other complications, the implants were removed. Subsequently, four implants (two on each side) were placed in the maxilla and a milled-bar with attachment was fabricated for each side of the maxilla.