Periodontal disease is one of the most common bacterial infections. It frequently leads to a substantial systemic antibody response and the release of inflammatory mediators. Locally, these events lead to inflammatory cell recruitment, connective tissue degradation and bone destruction. Systemically, studies now suggest that periodontal status may be an independent risk factor for stroke.…
Abstract Malocclusion, as an etiological a in dental disease, is among the most controversial subjects in dentistry. Bruxism has been blamed on stress and many other nondental factors. A biomechanical mechanism that serves as a contributing factor to stimulate tooth clenching and grinding is defined and used to identify the 12 common dental symptoms…
Abstract: Patients with a restricted mandibular opening and related pain require a systematic process for differential diagnosis and treatment planning. This article considers the differential diagnostic process, treatment planning, and treatment delivery for a patient seeking a second opinion before surgery for a closed lock. A closed lock occurs when the disc in the…
In the last article of Dental Equipment and Materials quarterly column, “Equipment for the Occlusion Oriented Dentist” we considered that the teeth and jaw joints are not immune to the same laws of physics that govern everything else in nature. For this second article we are going to examine some of the dental instrumentation…
Wandering in the world of occlusion in dentistry is a lot like taking a walk with Alice into Wonderland. As we head down the obviously unmarked road, we meet our friend the Cheshire Cat. Mr. Cat, we ask, “Which is the best road to take?” And the Cat asks, “Where do you want to go?”…
Without a doubt, this is one of the most controversial areas in orthodontics today. There are many vocal proponents on both sides of the discussion. It is clear that it would, in many ways, be simpler for the orthodontic profession if it was shown that there was no relationship, but I believe that upon examining…