Abstract: In contemporary dentistry dental practitioners are required to be able to examine and correctly diagnose functional disorders of the stomatognathic system, which are characterised not only by missing teeth or pathologic tooth structure loss. These disorders are very frequently manifested by temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, increased muscle tone as well as face and head muscle pain. The complexity of the aesthetic and functional problem in the case of destroyed dental tissues and dysfunctions of the masticatory organ imposes a necessity – in the majority of cases – to implement an integrated multidisciplinary treatment, which includes full rehabilitation of the stomatognathic system.

The article presents three cases of complex reconstruction of the upper and lower dental arch with full rehabilitation of the stomatognathic system in different clinical situations, using various materials and different prosthetic solutions.

Abstract: Among various forms of psychological help, psychoeducation is the method aimed at acquiring basic knowledge and specific competencies. Stress is one of the fundamental aetiological factors of functional disorders of the masticatory system. It is possible to deduct that implementing a programme aimed at patient education on the ways of coping with stress during prosthetic treatment could be valuable supplementation for this form of therapy. The absence of similar educational projects in the available literature has been an inspiration to undertake efforts leading to the working out of the psychoeducational programme. The aim of the programme is to provide patients with basic information regarding the impact of stress on the development of temporomandibular disorders and to educate them in the scope of the most frequently applied methods of coping with stress. During three meetings, patients get familiar with the problem of stress as a potential source of psychosomatic disorders (particularly temporomandibular disorders). The presented initial opinions of patients, expressed using self-descriptive methods, indicate significant usefulness of the psychoeducational programme for the therapeutic process and the patients’ life quality.

Abstract: The article presents the results of a survey, conducted among dental practitioners, regarding various methods and materials used in gingival tissue retraction. Based on the survey, the authors determined the percentage of potentially adverse interactions occurring between impression materials and retraction agents. The discussion provides the results of a systematic review of experimental studies on the compatibility of retraction and impression materials.

Abstract: Introduction: Dentine hypersensitivity is often reported by patients.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the Blend-a-med Pro-Expert Clinic Line dentifrice in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity.

Material and methods: The study was carried out on a group of 88 students of dentistry and interns from the Medical University of Lodz diagnosed with dentinal hypersensitivity. Subjects were assigned to the Blend-a-med Pro-Expert Clinic Line dentifrice or sodium fluoride dentifrice (44 in each treatment group). The level of dentinal hypersensitivity was assessed including thermal – cold air from unit syringe (Addy, Mustafa & Newcombe Index) and tactile sensitivity (examination using dental probe). The follow-up was conducted  after two and four weeks.

Results: The percentage of subjects who experience symptoms associated with dentinal hypersensitivity to thermal and tactile stimuli was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group, both after two and after 4 weeks of follow-up.

Conclusion: Clinical evaluation of the Blend-a-med Pro-Expert Clinic Line dentifrice confirmed its efficacy in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity.

Abstract:  The demand for endodontic and prosthetic treatment in contemporary dental practice has increased in recent times. A retained root serves as a natural implant – a starting point for further prosthetic treatment. Therefore, root posts are widely used in the reconstruction of individual teeth and as pillars for fixed and removable dentures. A successful therapy is determined by the proper use of a retained root in the oral cavity. It should be well fixed within the alveolus, endodontically treated, with no periapical lesions, and the structure of its bearing surface should be preserved. The shape and size of dental posts have been examined and researched for many years.

Abstract:  This paper presents the currently accepted methods of treating incipient proximal carious lesions taking into account the modern method of infiltration with low viscosity resin.

In restorative dentistry there has been, until now, a gap between remineralisation and invasive treatment. The preventive use of fluoride and proper oral hygiene are not always effective and sufficient. Moreover, the invasive procedures which include cavity preparation and restoration placement are associated with an extensive loss of healthy tooth structures.

Based on available literature, this paper discusses the principles of the resin infiltration concept as well as the clinical aspects and advantages of its application. The results of the conducted studies are also presented in this work. It has been demonstrated that caries infiltration is an efficient method to hamper progression of non-cavitated proximal lesions extending radiographically into the inner half of enamel up to the outer third of dentin. The micro-invasive infiltration technique provides an opportunity to stop incipient caries at the initial stage of development when in most cases it is clinically invisible.

Abstract: Background: The thermal effect of a polymerisation reaction is the summary derivative of the kinetics of the reaction itself and the energy delivered by the light source used in the process. Due to the potential risk of thermal damage of tooth pulp, attempts of examining and explaining how temperature rise impacts dental tissues need to be made.

Objectives: Evaluating the thermal effects accompanying the cross-linking process of flow composite materials, depending on the polymerisation method applied.

Material and methods: Liquid X-flow^TM and SDR^TM composite materials (Dentsply) in the form of dental fillings were used in the experiment; the materials were later polymerised with the MiniLED OEM (Satelec) diode lamp.

Results: The highest temperature rise (T_max) was recorded for the X-flow^TM composite material with the soft start method of polymerisation (56°C). The lowest temperature rise, which accompanied a photopolymerisation reaction, was registered for the SDR^TM composite material with the pulse delay method (37°C).

Conclusions: The polymerisation technique has an influence on thermal effects.

Abstract: The treatment of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp is still a major challenge in dentistry. Apexification, which is a commonly applied method in the treatment of such cases, results in the closing of the apical foramen with mineralised tissue, most frequently at the same stage of root development as at the onset of the therapy. Regenerative endodontic procedures, which involve the use of mesenchymal stem cells from apical papilla, various forms of supporting scaffolding and growth factors, have been introduced to clinical practice in recent times, in accordance with the principles of tissue bioengineering. Revascularisation enables correct development of roots in immature permanent teeth with pulp necrosis.

The main aim of this article is to describe the protocol of apexification and revascularisation based on own clinical cases.

Abstract: The aim of the paper is to present new possibilities of periodontal soft tissue di- agnostics and identification of alveolar margin location from the labial side using the method of ultrasound biometry.