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ISSN : 0376-4672
Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a non-invasive tool that measures the electrical signals of masticatory and related muscles, allowing for the quantitative assessment of muscle activity, asymmetry, coordination, muscle ten sion, and fatigue. It plays a significant role in the clinical diagnosis and treatment evaluation in dentistry. sEMG is widely used to diagnose and assess treatment outcomes in temporomandibular disorders, oromandibular dystonia, orthodontic treatment, prosthetic rehabilitation, and implant-supported restorations. This article explains the basic principles and characteristics of sEMG. Furthermore, it provides a detailed presentation of the configura tion of devices and software, types and attachment methods of surface electrodes, sEMG testing protocols, and methods for analyzing results. This comprehensive review offers guidelines to help clinicians and researchers understand and effectively utilize the sEMG testing process in clinical and research applications.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the impact of orthodontic brackets/wires on the accuracy in pa tients’ mouth acquired by an intraoral scanner. Materials and Methods: Dental arch before bracket (C) and after bracket placement (B), and after insertion of orthodontic wire (B&W) were scanned in seven patients. For superimposition of the 3D images between C and B (C/B), C and B&W (C/B&W) and B and B&W (B/B&W), all data were converted into stereolithography file format and explored with 3D analysis software. Mean maximum discrepancy values and mean discrepancy values were collected and investigated after superimposition between two images at different time intervals. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Values at both C/B and C/B&W showed relatively maximum deviation in each patient when compared values at B/B&W. Mean maximum discrepancy value in B/B&W showed the lowest one among three values. Mean discrepancy value in C/B, C/B&W and B/B&W exhibited insignificant differences. Therefore, differences between two images at each interval showed statistically insignificant difference (p<0.01). Conclusions: Although there was variation between patients, effects of orthodontic brackets and orthodontic wire on the 3D images taken by intraoral scanners were clinically insignificant. Digital intraoral scanners can be used with care by replacing impression during orthodontic treatment.
Purpose: This study systematically reviews legal cases related to dental care in correctional institutions, identi fying key legal issues and considerations. By clarifying the legal responsibilities of dentists, it aims to propose an appropriate level of inmate dental care tailored to the Korean context and contribute to the prevention and resolution of legal disputes. Materials and Methods: A systematic analysis of legal cases was conducted on disputes concerning inmate dental care in correctional institutions. Relevant cases were identified through database searches and case law reviews from news articles. The study focuses on legal disputes in South Korea between 2000 and 2024, analyzing key legal issues and their implications for dental treatment in correctional settings. Results: The findings indicate that emergency dental care, including the management of orofacial swelling, is le gally recognized as a necessary duty of care. However, treatments involving significant costs, such as dental decay management and prosthetic procedures, are not mandated to be provided free of charge. Courts have ruled that the government is not obligated to cover these expenses for inmates. Conclusion: Implementing routine dental care within correctional institutions based on the Korean Correctional Dental Triage Categories (KCDTC) could improve inmate welfare and rehabilitation. However, given resource limitations, facility conditions, and budget constraints, a phased expansion of dental care services is necessary. Additionally, discussions on financial equity in dental treatment should be addressed, including the potential in tegration of a triage system that differentiates between free institutional dental services and fee-based treatments provided by visiting dental professionals.
When planning dental treatment for patients with rare diseases, a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's systemic condition, including oral examination, general growth, developmental stage, and medical history, is required. If the disease itself causes orofacial complications, it is essential for dentists to understand the disease and actively implement preoperative treatment to prevent complications such as infection and bleeding in col laboration with the primary physician. In addition, for patients who have difficulty with oral care due to a decline in intellectual ability and physical function, the role of the guardian and caregiver is important, and it is necessary to create a dental home environment. Patients with low compliance levels may consider dental treatment under general anesthesia and should receive continuous oral care, including dental adaptation training. Ultimately, it is essential to instruct patients and their guardians so that they can take care of their own oral health as they grow.
Developmental dental rare diseases are conditions that affect the formation, development, and structure of teeth, often caused by genetic and environmental factors. These conditions can impact the shape, size, color, or number of teeth and, in severe cases, lead to functional and esthetic problems affecting oral health. Representative dis eases include dentinogenesis imperfecta, Amelogenesis imperfecta, oligodontia (hypodontia), regional odonto dysplasia, molar-incisor hypomineralization, and molar-incisor malformation. Medical and dental diagnoses, along with appropriate dental treatment and management, can alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Orthodontic treatment, prosthetic rehabilitation, and surgical interventions may be required. Additionally, regular dental check-ups are essential during the growth period and beyond to ensure long-term management of these conditions
A rare disease is a disease with a prevalence of ≤20,000 people or unknown prevalence because of difficulty in diagnosis, as determined standards set by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. In 2024, 66 new rare diseases were added to the list, bringing the number of nationally managed rare diseases from 1,248 (2023) to 1,314 (2024). In a retrospective study of rare disease patients presenting to pediatric dentistry, the top diseases included 23 cases of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, 20 cases of Moyamoya disease, 17 cases of Tetralogy of Fallot. In the study of pa tient cooperation, about 58.3% of patients reported negative cooperation. 113 patients (30.8%) received general anesthesia for dental treatment and 55 patients (15.0%) were sedated. According to a survey of parents of children with rare diseases, the highest need for payment support for dental treatment for children with rare diseases is prosthetic treatment (59%), followed by orthodontic treatment (58%), general anesthesia and hospitalization (46%). When it comes to dental care for children with rare diseases, caregivers feel that the most needed improve ment is more specialized dental facilities (54%), followed by expanded reimbursement (49%) and more specialized dental staff (42%). When patients with rare diseases are able to eliminate oral pain through dental care and are able to eat better through the mouth, their systemic health can improve. Therefore, it is important to continue to advocate for policy proposals to provide national coverage for dental care so that patients with rare diseases have access to quality dental care.