Healthy molars
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Understanding Healthy Molars: Insights from Recent Research
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and Molar Replacement
Impact of Shortened Dental Arch (SDA) and Partial Removable Dental Prostheses (PRDP)
A 10-year randomized controlled trial compared the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with molar replacements using either partial removable dental prostheses (PRDP) or restored shortened dental arches (SDA). The study found that both treatment options significantly improved OHRQoL, with no significant difference between the two over the decade-long period. This suggests that both SDA and PRDP are viable options for maintaining long-term oral health and quality of life in patients with molar loss.
Effects of Prosthetic Treatment on OHRQoL and Jaw Disability
A pilot study within a larger multicenter trial also examined the effects of prosthetic treatments for shortened dental arches on OHRQoL and jaw disability. The study found significant improvements in OHRQoL for both treatment groups, with no significant differences between them, reinforcing the findings of the longer-term study.
Caries-Free Survival and Preventive Programs
Community-Based Oral Health Preventive Programs
A seven-year follow-up study evaluated the effectiveness of a community-based oral health preventive program in Colombia. The program, which included oral health education, supervised brushing, mouth washing, and topical fluoride application, significantly delayed the onset of primary and secondary caries in first permanent molars by several years. This highlights the importance of preventive measures in maintaining the health of molars.
Bite Forces in Healthy Molars
Single Tooth Bite Forces
Research on bite forces in healthy young adults revealed that the maximum bite force is typically recorded on the first molar, with men exhibiting higher bite forces than women. The study used a new single tooth strain-gauge bite transducer and found no significant differences between the left and right sides of the dental arch. These findings provide reference values for assessing dental forces in patients and underscore the robustness of molars in withstanding significant bite forces.
Retained Deciduous Molars
Long-Term Viability of Retained Deciduous Mandibular Molars
A retrospective radiographic study investigated the long-term viability of retained deciduous mandibular second molars in adults. The study found that 86% of these molars continued to function effectively over an average period of 12.4 years, with minimal root shortening and few changes in restoration status. This suggests that retaining healthy deciduous molars can be a viable treatment option in the absence of permanent successors.
Prophylactic Removal of Impacted Third Molars
Clinical and Economic Evaluation
A systematic review and economic evaluation assessed the prophylactic removal of impacted mandibular third molars compared to retention with standard care. The review found limited evidence supporting the prophylactic removal, with some studies suggesting it may be more cost-effective in the long term. However, the need for more robust clinical trials was emphasized.
Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) and OHRQoL
Impact on Children
A systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) on the OHRQoL in children. The analysis revealed that children with MIH are significantly more likely to experience negative impacts on their OHRQoL compared to those without MIH, highlighting the importance of addressing this condition in pediatric dental care.
Eruption of Third Molars Post-Extraction of Second Molars
Functional Occlusion and Periodontal Health
A study on the eruption of third molars following the extraction of second molars found that third molars generally erupted into positions that maintained good functional occlusion and periodontal health. The study reported low plaque scores and minimal attachment loss, indicating that the extraction of second molars can be managed effectively to ensure the health of third molars.
Conclusion
Recent research underscores the importance of various treatment and preventive strategies in maintaining the health and functionality of molars. Whether through prosthetic replacements, preventive programs, or careful management of retained deciduous molars and impacted third molars, these studies provide valuable insights for optimizing oral health outcomes.
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