The efficacy of topical anesthetics in reducing intraoral discomfort

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effectiveness of three gels in reducing discomfort due to denture irritation. Forty-five subjects experiencing denture soreness were randomly selected. A double-blind format was used. Two of the gels contained 20% of the known pain reliever, while the third gel contained 10%. An unweighted-means and a least-squares analysis of variance were done for the type of gel and pretreatment pain. The results show that the gels were effective in reducing perceived pain for 66% of the subjects. As a result of the analyses, no significant differences were found between gels.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions associated with wearing removable dentures in Finnish adults

Of a representative sample of 8000 persons aged 30 and over living in Finland, 3875 users of removable dentures were examined. The condition of the oral mucosa was recorded during clinical examinations. The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions associated with removable dentures was analyzed according to age, sex, place of residence, geographical region of living, and type and location of prosthesis. Lesions were found in about 50% of the denture wearers. Women were affected more often than men. The prevalence of lesions decreased with age and differed slightly according to region of living and place of residence. Compared with the wearing of partial dentures, wearing complete dentures increased the risk of lesions. Only one of the 72 denture users who wore a denture with metallic base plate had oral mucosal lesions associated with wearing a denture.

Efficacy of 2.5% Pimafucin suspension in the treatment of denture stomatitis

This double-blind clinical trial was carried out in 38 patients to compare the efficacy of 2.5% Pimafucin suspension with a placebo in the treatment of denture stomatitis. The diagnosis of Candida infection was confirmed by the making of cultures and microscopic examination. Data were analyzed from 32 patients, of whom 18 received Pimafucin suspension and 14 a placebo suspension. Pimafucin suspension-treated patients showed a significant reduction of Candida infection in terms of culture, culture growth, and number of colonies within the first week of therapy. There was no statistical evidence of relapse during the 4-week period after therapy was stopped. The group receiving a placebo failed to show any statistically significant improvement with respect to the mentioned parameters. Erythema of oral mucosa showed significant improvement in both groups. No side effects were found.

Allergy and corrosion of dental materials in patients with oral lichen planus

Patients with histologically verified oral lichen planus (OLP) were studied regarding allergic reactions to substances in dental materials, presence of clinical corrosion orally and factors influencing corrosion, such as mixed gold and amalgam therapy, non-precious pin-constructions or complete dentures. The material consisted of 48 OLP patients (33 female, 15 male) and the results were compared with those of a control group (40 patients) and/or general population samples. When patch tested, 39% of the OLP patients reacted to one or more components in dental materials. Reaction to mercury was most common, being noted in 26%. Clinical signs of corrosion were significantly more frequent in the OLP group (72%) than in the control cases (28%). Patients with atrophic-erosive OLP exhibited a significantly higher frequency of corrosion (83%) than those with reticular type (46%). Mixed gold and amalgam therapy and screwposts were equally present in both the OLP and control group and the frequency of complete dentures corresponded to that reported for general populations. A change of dental materials in 8 patients with positive patch tests led to marked oral improvement in 6 cases, 2 of which became completely cured. The frequencies recorded for allergic reactions and corrosion as well as the result of treatment indicate that substances in dental materials may be of significance in cases of OLP.