Submitted by Geandra Rodrigues (geandrar@gmail.com) on 2018-09-27T18:09:04Z No. of bitstreams: 1 bernardorodriguesdeoliveira.pdf: 2133637 bytes, checksum: 47ab328fa9df384a7ac20ae3a65afe38 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2018-10-01T18:04:40Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 bernardorodriguesdeoliveira.pdf: 2133637 bytes, checksum: 47ab328fa9df384a7ac20ae3a65afe38 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-01T18:04:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 bernardorodriguesdeoliveira.pdf: 2133637 bytes, checksum: 47ab328fa9df384a7ac20ae3a65afe38 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-07-23 / O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a distribuicao da tensao em implantes extra-curtos inseridos em mandibula com atrofia ossea, utilizando-se diferentes tipos de conexao protetica (Cone Morse – CM e Hexagono Externo – HE) associadas a duas tecnicas de confeccao das coroas proteticas (separadas ou esplintadas). Um segmento de mandibula tridimensional foi construido com base em imagem de tomografia computadorizada. Foram modeladas quatro configuracoes de dois implantes extracurtos na regiao de primeiro e segundo molares inferiores, variando-se as conexoes e as coroas proteticas. Os modelos foram carregados com forca mastigatoria normal. Os valores de tensao principal maxima (σmax), minima (σmin), cisalhamento (τ) e deformacao maxima (εmax) foram analisados para o tecido osseo e os valores da tensao equivalente de von Mises (σvM) para as estruturas dos implantes, parafusos e pilares proteticos. As conexoes CM apresentaram maiores picos de tensao frente as conexoes HE para implantes, pilares proteticos, parafusos proteticos e tecido osseo. A simulacao da esplintagem das coroas, independente do tipo da conexao, apresentou menores picos de tensao quando comparado aos grupos com coroas separadas, tanto para implantes, quanto para pilares proteticos, parafusos proteticos e tecido osseo. A conexao HE apresentou melhor comportamento biomecanico quando comparada a conexao CM, independente da realizacao de esplintagem das coroas proteticas. A esplintagem das coroas proteticas, em regiao posterior de mandibula atrofica, parece permitir melhor distribuicao das tensoes para o sistema protese/implante e tecido osseo. O tipo de conexao exerceu influencia no comportamento biomecanico do sistema protese/implante, observando-se melhores resultados quando da associacao da conexao HE com esplintagem das coroas. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution on extra-short implants in cases of mandibular bone atrophy, with the use of different implant-abutment connections (Morse Taper - MT and External Hexagon – EH), associated with two crown designs (single-unit or splinted). A three-dimensional segment of the mandible was constructed, based on a computed tomography image. Four configurations of two extra-short implants in the mandibular first and second molar region were modeled, with variations in the implant-abutment connections and crown designs. The models were loaded with normal masticatory force. The values of maximum (σmax), minimum (σmin) principal, shear stress (τ) and maximum strain (εmax) were analyzed for the bone tissue and the values of equivalent von Mises stress (σvM) for the structures of the implants, prosthetic screws and abutments. The MT connections showed the highest peaks of stress when compared to EH connections for implants, prosthetic abutments, prosthetic screws and bone tissue. Splinted crowns, irrespective of the implantabutment connection, showed lower peaks of stress when compared with the groups with single-unit crowns, both for implants and for abutments, prosthetic screws and bone tissue. The EH showed better biological behavior when compared with MT, irrespective of crown designs. Splinted crowns in the posterior region of the atrophied mandible appeared to allow better distribution of stresses to the prosthesis/implant system and bone tissue. The implant-abutment connection had an influence on the biomechanical behavior of the prosthesis/implant system, with better results being observed with the association of the EH connection with splinted crown.

Dans l’ère technoscientifique la valeur du corps est directement liée à sa production rationnelle produit dans les laboratoires scientifiques. Notre investigation empirique cherche à découvrir la relation entre les expériences de laboratoire et ce que nous délimitons comme body hacktivism, body hacking ou piratage du corps, qui sont basées sur une perspective ludique et exploratoire, réalisées par des amateurs scientifiquement inclinées, dont le but est d’amplifier les limites sensorielles de l’homme. Les body hackers sont dans le registre de la production de soi dans un individualisme radical qui a, en tant que unité d’analyse principal, l’individualisation croissante et la propriété de son corps comme des mesures fondamentales. Ensuite, la symbiose de l’individu avec l’environnement, grâce aux nouvelles technologies, a crée une perception unique dans laquelle un élément inorganique devient le médiateur de l’expérience de soi et le rapport à l’autre. Finalement, ils sont unis d’une manière telle que l’individu ne fait qu’un avec elle. / In the present technoscientific era, body value is directly related to its rational production in scientific laboratories. Our empirical investigatoin seeks to discover the relationships between laboratory experiments and what we identify as body hacktivism, body hacking, which stand for a playful and exploratory extreme body modification perspective, performed by scientifically-inclined amateurs whose purpose consists of amplifying a person’s sensory limits. Our principal argument is that body hackers are on record for self-production in a radical individualism that has, as a privileged analytical unit, the growing individualization and the self-ownership of the body as its fundamental measures. The body hacking draws our attention to the understanding of a scientific reality: if one day nature granted man a body, to have currently, it is fundamental to overcoming this biological event, endlessly seeking its improvement, until the day that man will attain the chimera of perfection and immortality. / O corpo humano está agora enredado numa trama muito particular, característica de nossa era tecnocientífica: seu valor e seu destino estão submetidos aos processos racionais e às novas técnicas que são continuamente desenvolvidas nos laboratórios. A partir de uma visão algo utópica, muito além de uma simples materialidade orgânica, as fronteiras da corporalidade estão assim sendo radicalmente questionadas e transformadas. E, neste passo, os conhecimentos científicos e sua mística transbordam seus campos estritos de aplicação, para alcançar e mobilizar o desejo e a vontade de indivíduos e do público em geral. Em nosso trabalho, buscamos investigar a relação entre as experiências de laboratório e aquilo que identificamos como o panorama underground de tecnologização do corpo. Procuramos assim circunscrever certas modificações corporais extremas, definidas como body hacktivism, body hacking ou pirataria do corpo, que se fundam numa perspectiva lúdica e exploratória, realizadas por amadores com o propósito de ampliar os limites sensoriais do homem. Tal reapropriação individual das tecnologias se converte, então, em inovações e em práticas inusitadas, por exemplo: implantes de microchips RFID, de magnetos, de vibradores genitais ou placas de titânio para substituir a pele, e mesmo próteses robóticas feitas com peças de Lego. A pesquisa de campo foi empreendida entre 2011 e 2013, em contato com vários praticantes selecionados na Europa, nos Estados Unidos e no Brasil. A metodologia qualitativa privilegiou a aplicação de entrevistas semiestruturadas e visitas a lojas de tatuagem/piercing, hotéis, eventos e seminários. O objetivo desta tese é, portanto, compreender qual corpo os body hackers constroem para si e projetam para os outros, explorando assim suas concepções acerca do sujeito humano. O argumento principal é de que os body hackers, por suas palavras e suas práticas, reverberam a mesma ontologia radical do individualismo moderno, ao tomar o indivíduo como a unidade social básica e a apropriação de seu próprio corpo como a relação fundamental. A simbiose do corpo com artefatos variados, que as novas tecnologias possibilitam, faculta ao indivíduo percepções exclusivas, nas quais os elementos inorgânicos se tornam não apenas mediadores da experiência pessoal, mas uma extensão ou parte articulada de si mesmo. Em suma, a tecnologia inserida no corpo além de modificá-lo, também transforma a forma de perceber, de estar e de ser-no-mundo. A pirataria do corpo, enfim, chama a atenção para uma realidade insofismável: se um dia a natureza concedeu aos seres humanos um corpo, para tê-lo, atualmente, é preciso superar o simples evento biológico e buscar incansavelmente o seu aperfeiçoamento, a quimera extraordinária de uma perfeição e de uma imortalidade vindoura.

Les implants cochléaires permettent aux personnes atteintes de surdité profonde de percevoir des sons. La modélisation comportementale de la partie externe de l’implant a été réalisée avec le logiciel Matlab. L’étude du canal de transmission et sa modélisation utilisant des modèles électriques de tissus biologiques a été ensuite effectuée ainsi que l’étude du niveau de bruit introduit par le canal. Deux types de modulations différentes sont réalisés à l’émission chacune nécessitant un oscillateur. L’étude théorique et la création d’un nouveau modèle afin d’évaluer le bruit de phase ont été proposés. L’extraction du jitter à partir du bruit de phase et son impact sur la chaine de réception complète a été estimée. La compréhension précise et la modélisation des différentes parties de l’oreille humaine qui conduisent à la stimulation des terminaisons nerveuses sont décrites. Par la suite nous avons développé un nouveau modèle mécanique de l’organe de Corti et du déplacement des stéréociles, que nous avons validé à l’aide de données provenant d’expériences physiques. La modélisation mathématique de la synapse entre les cellules ciliées et les fibres nerveuses a été réalisée, afin d’obtenir le stimulus électrique relatif à un son perçu quelconque. De plus un nouveau modèle analogique décrivant la propagation de l’information nerveuse a été développé. En se basant sur la spectroscopie d’impédance électrochimique des tissus biologiques, nous avons créé un modèle électrique du fil d’électrodes inséré dans la cochlée. / Cochlear implants are used by severely deaf people for partial hearing sensation. Behavioral modeling of the external part of the cochlear implant was first performed using the software Matlab. Then the propagation channel was modeled using electrical analogy of the biological tissues. Noise extraction of the propagation channel was performed in order to obtain the specifications for the RF receiver. Two types of diverse modulations are performed in the transmitter each one requiring an oscillator. The theoretical study and the creation of a new model allowing phase noise estimation is also proposed in this document. Jitter estimation from phase noise was performed and significantly impacted the overall chain transmission, suggesting oscillators blocks optimization. The accurate heterogeneous modeling of the various part of the internal ear leading to auditory nerve excitation was developed. Then a new mechanical equivalent of the organ of Corti and stereocilia displacement was developed and confirmed by physical experiments. The synapse between the hair cells and nerve fibers was mathematically modeled, in order to obtain the electrical stimulus of the auditory nerve associated with a random sound stimulus. Furthermore a new analog model of the nerve fiber information propagation was realized in order to obtain a realistic electrical analogy with nerve fiber depolarization propagation. Based on impedance spectroscopy biological tissue characterization, we proposed a new electrical analogy of the system composed of the electrodes inserted inside the cochlea.

Introduction: Une procédure fréquente pour la prévention de l’arthrose de la cheville est une ostéotomie corrective du tibia distal (SMOT). Le Distal Tibia Nail (DTN ; Mizuho®), a été développé pour la réduction des fractures du tibia distal. L’objectif de ce projet était d’analyser la faisabilité du DTN pour des procédures SMOT effectuées avec une ouverture médiale (MWO). Méthodes : Au total 16 Sawbones® ont été instrumentés par un DTN ou une plaque (MDTP, Synthes®), suivi par la simulation d’une MWO. Quatre phases d’expérimentation étaient définies : Phase-0, Sawbones sans implant ni MWO ; Phase-1, échantillons avec un implant et MWO. Phase-2, les échantillons de la Phase-1 avec le cortex latéral fracturé ; Phase-3, simulation d’une fracture de type A3. La raideur et le mouvement inter-fragmentaire (IFM) étaient analysés. Des tomographies des échantillons ont été prises à Phases 0 et 1. Résultats : Jusqu’à 80% de différence était présente enter les Sawbones® de Phase-0 ; dans les Phases 1 et 2, des différences importantes se sont montrées entre des implants mais équivalent à <2 mm d’IFM. Le DTN a démontré une résistance très élevée aux charges appliquées en comparaison avec le MDTP pour la fixation des fractures A3. Des facteurs expérimentaux tels que la raideur initiale des Sawbones®, l’axe de chargement, et le positionnement de l’échantillon dans la machine d’essai, peuvent tous avoir une influence importante sur la raideur mesurée. Conclusion : Le DTN peut être considéré comme option pour la fixation des SMOT effectués avec un MWO. Des études futures doivent faire attention aux conditions limites ayant un effet sur des critères d’évaluation et des conclusions tirées / Introduction: Supra-malleolar corrective osteotomies (SMOT) are a common surgical procedure for the prevention of early onset of ankle arthritis. The Distal Tibia Nail (DTN; Mizuho®), was previously developed for the reduction of distal tibia fractures. The aim of this project was to identify error sources in biomechanical testing, and to test the feasibility of the DTN for SMOT performed using the medial wedge opening (MWO) technique. Methods: A total of 16 Sawbones® were each implanted with either a DTN or medial distal tibia plate (MDTP; Synthes®), and a MWO simulated. Four testing phases were defined: Phase-0, testing of Sawbones® without implant/osteotomy; Phase-1, samples with MWO and implant; Phase-2, Phase-1 samples with lateral cortex fractured; Phase-3, samples with an A3 type fracture. Stiffness construct and interfragmentary movement (IFM) were analysed. CT scans were taken of the samples at Phases 0 and 1. Results: Up to 80% difference was noticed between Sawbones® samples in Phase-0; in Phases 1 and 2 significant differences were found between stiffness constructs of the implant groups but this amounted to <2 mm IFM. The DTN was significantly more resistant to compression and torsion when supporting an A3 fractures (Phase-3). Elements such as original Sawbones® stiffness construct, implant position, potting material, loading axis, and sample positioning can have a high influence on measured stiffness and bias the results. Conclusion: The DTN is a viable option for the fixation of SMOT performed with a MWO technique. Future studies should pay careful attention to boundary conditions affecting outcomes measures and drawn conclusions

Ce travail concerne le développement de nouvelles méthodes de filage du chitosane ainsi que l’étude des propriétés morphologiques, mécaniques et biologiques des fibres obtenues, en vue de leur utilisation sous forme de fils et textiles dans des applications biomédicales (en particulier, la constitution de prothèses pariétales pour la chirurgie viscérale et de pansements pour le traitement des plaies chroniques). Les monofilaments sont élaborés à partir de solutions hydroalcooliques de chitosane. Les deux procédés décrits sont basés sur la gélification physique du polymère sans utiliser d’agent réticulant externe. L’étude systématique des paramètres physico-chimiques mis en jeu au cours de la formation des fibres a permis de déterminer les paramètres clés permettant le contrôle de la morphologie cristalline des fibres, notamment les fractions cristalline anhydre et hydratée. Les propriétés mécaniques des fibres de chitosane sont stables au moins jusqu'à 6 mois de stockage à l'ambiante, et ont pu être optimisées en jouant à la fois sur des paramètres « procédé » (étirages du filament aux différentes étapes du procédé d’élaboration) et sur des paramètres physicochimiques (concentration en chitosane dans le collodion, masse moléculaire du polymère et composition du solvant hydroalcoolique). L’observation de la morphologie des fibres à différentes échelles par diffusion/diffraction des rayons X et microscopie électronique en relation avec les propriétés mécaniques a permis d’appréhender l'évolution microstructurale au cours de l'étirage, notamment le mécanisme de formation de fibrilles d'une part, et les échelles clés pour l'interprétation du comportement à rupture des fibres (morphologie en agrégats de 100-300 nm). Enfin, une implantation en souscutané chez le rat de fibres de chitosane possédant différentes morphologies cristallines (anhydre et hydratée) a validé le potentiel de ces fibres pour leurs applications biologiques avec une excellente tolérance des biomatériaux implantés (réponses inflammatoire et tissulaire très limitées) et une faible biodégradabilité après 90 jours d'implantation / This work deals with the development of new chitosan fiber spinning processes and the study of morphological, mechanical and biological properties of obtained fibers, in the perspective of their use as yarns or textiles in biomedical applications (in particular, the design of abdominal reinforcement meshes for visceral surgery and wound dressings for the treatment of chronic wounds). The monofilaments were elaborated from hydroalcoholic chitosan solutions. The two processes that we described are based on the physical gelation of the polymer without using any external crosslinking agent. The systematic study of physico-chemical parameters occurring during the fiber formation allowed to determine the key parameters controlling the crystalline morphology of fibers, especially the anhydrous and hydrated crystalline fractions. The mechanical properties of chitosan fibers are stable at least up to 6 months of storage at ambient atmosphere, and were optimized by acting on processing parameters (filament stretching at different steps of its elaboration) and physico-chemical parameters (chitosan concentration in the dope, molecular weight of the polymer and composition of the hydroalcoholic solvent). The observation of the fiber morphology at different length scales by X-ray diffusion/diffraction and electronic microscopy in relation to their mechanical properties allowed us to comprehend the microstructural evolution during fiber stretching, including the mechanism of fibril formation and the key length scales to understand the behaviour at break of fibers (100-300 nm aggregate morphology). Finally, a subcutaneous implantation of chitosan fibers with different crystalline morphologies (anhydrous and hydrated) validated the potential of these fibers in their biological applications with an excellent tolerance of implanted biomaterials (very low inflammatory and tissue reactions) and a low biodegradability after 90 days of implantation

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo performance of the novel press-fit dental implant fabricated via electron beam melting (EBM, Southern Methodist Univ.) and compare it to a commercially-available porous-coated press-fit dental implant (Endopore, Innova Corp.). Twelve cylindrical shaped implants 3 mm in diameter x 5 mm long were made by EBM (Southern Methodist Univ.) using Ti6Al4V ELI alloy. Twelve commercial implants (Endopore, Innova Corp.) of the same geometry were used as controls. Samples were implanted in rabbit tibia and retrieved six weeks postoperatively. Six specimens from each implant type were embedded undecalcified, sectioned, and stained with toluidine blue (Sigma) for histomorphometry analysis. Bone-to-implant contact (BIC) was measured. On the six remaining samples from each implant type, the mechanical properties were evaluated by pushout test on a material testing machine. The samples were loaded at a loading rate of 1 mm/min. The pushout strength was measured and the apparent shear stiffness was calculated. The results were analyzed with a paired-t test. The histology shows osteointegration of surrounding bone with both implant types. Bone was found to grow into the porous space between the beads. Both the Endopore (Innova Corp.) and the EBM (Southern Methodist Univ.) showed similar BIC. The mean BIC for the Endopore (Innova Corp.) and EBM (Southern Methodist Univ.) implant were 35 ± 6% and 32 ± 9%, respectively. It failed to reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). The peak pushout force for Endopore (Innova Corp.) and EBM (Southern Methodist Univ.) implants were 198.80 ± 61.29 N and 243.21 ± 69.75 N, respectively. The apparent shear stiffness between bone and implant for the Endopore (Innova Corp.) and EBM (Southern Methodist Univ.) implants were 577.36 ± 129.99 N/mm; and 584.48 ± 146.63 N/mm, respectively. Neither the peak pushout force nor the apparent shear stiffness of the implants was statistically different between the two groups (p > 0.05). The results suggest that the implants manufactured by EBM (Southern Methodist Univ.) perform equally well as the commercial implant Endopore (Innova Corp.) in this current animal model.

La pose d’implants mammaires est l’une des interventions chirurgicales les plus courantes en chirurgie plastique. Elle permet de reconstruire un sein après une mastectomie ou d’augmenter son volume pour améliorer le décolleté et la forme du sein. Depuis leur introduction dans les années 1960, les implants mammaires siliconés ont fait l’objet de multiples controverses et leur innocuité a pendant longtemps été questionnée. Ces dispositifs médicaux sont considérés comme sûr par la FDA mais ne sont pas pour autant exempts de complications. L’une d’entre elles, le silicone bleeding, se traduit par la migration de particules de silicone depuis le gel de l’implant vers la capsule péri-prothétique. Ces particules de silicone représentent une source potentielle d’inflammation chronique autour des implants mammaires dont les conséquences à long terme sur la santé des patientes ne sont pas claires. Bien que cette complication soit objectivée depuis les années 1970, il existe à l’heure actuelle peu de données sur la quantité de silicone qui est susceptible de migrer des implants mammaires. L’objectif principal de notre étude a été de quantifier les particules de silicone dans les capsules péri-prothétiques des implants mammaires en décrivant une nouvelle méthode de quantification basée sur une analyse histologique approfondie des spécimens de capsule. Les résultats préliminaires de notre étude ont permis de démontrer que des millions de particules de silicone peuvent diffuser dans la capsule péri-prothétique des implants mammaires siliconés et que l’ampleur du phénomène à tendance à croître avec la durée d’implantation. / The placement of breast implants is one of the most common surgical procedures in the field of plastic surgery. Although these medical devices are considered safe by the FDA, their use is not free of complications. One of these complications is silicone particle bleeding, or the migration of silicone particles from the breast implant into the peri-prosthetic capsule. These particles represent a potential source of chronic inflammation around breast implants, with unclear long-term consequences for patient health. Although this complication has been observed since the 1970s, there is currently very little data on the amount of silicone that is likely to migrate from breast implants. The primary objective of this study was to quantify silicone particles in the peri-prosthetic capsules of breast implants by describing a new method of quantification based on a thorough histological analysis of capsule specimens. Preliminary results of our study have shown that millions of silicone particles can diffuse into the periprosthetic capsule of silicone breast implants and that the amount of silicone particles tends to increase with the duration of implantation.

Published Article / The link from medical scan images through data manipulation to additive manufacturing is well established. Various types of software are used to deliver the required .STL file(s). Often, the data manipulation will require the generation of new shapes around existing geometry, e.g. an implant that will replace missing bone tissue. This paper reports exploratory work undertaken to assess the feasibility of using haptic modelling and "virtual sculpting" software to generate novel designs of vertebrae implants for correction of spinal curvature. .STL data of several vertebrae, originating from CT scans, was imported into the Freeform system from SensAble technologies. It was used to create immutable "bucks" around which the user "sculpted" three-dimensional implant geometries. It must be noted that the designs have not been medically assessed and were for demonstration purposes only. However, the process route followed did prove to be feasible and offered some particular advantages, e.g. a precise fit between the implant and the vertebra and the possibility of enabling the direct intervention of medics in the implant design process.

Syfte: Syftet med denna enkätstudie var att kartlägga hur dental implantatbehandling påverkar livskvaliteten avseende upplevd tuggförmåga, smak, talet, utseendet och munhygienvanor samt själförtroendet. Material och metod: En empirisk enkätstudie med kvantitativ ansats utfördes på tre olika tandkliniker i Stockholm under perioden feb - april 2012. Enkät med följebrev och frankerat svarskuvert sändes ut genom konsekutivt urval till 83 patienter. Fyrtio patienter varav 15 män och 25 kvinnor, med medelåldrar 66,5 år (34 – 89 år), valde att delta i studien. Analys av svaren utfördes i statistikprogrammet IBM® SPSS® 19. Resultat: Andelen deltagare som upplevde en förbättring i upplevd tuggförmåga uppgick till 42,5 %, talet och smaken upplevdes inte ha förändrats av 85,0 % efter implantatbehandling. Vad gäller utseendet upplevde 27,5 % att det hade blivit bättre och 62,5 % att det inte var någon förändring. Det var 22,5 % som upplevde att självförtroendet hade blivit bättre, medan 75,0 % av deltagarna inte upplevde en förändring i självförtroendet efter implantatbehandlingen. Majoriteten (85,0 %) av deltagarna tyckte inte att deras sociala liv hade förändrats efter behandlingen, medan 7,5 % av patienterna rapporterade att det hade blivit bättre. I resultatet kunde noteras att 17,5 % av patienterna tyckte att det var enklare/lättare att utföra munhygienen medan 75,0 % upplevde ingen förändring med att utföra munhygien efter implantatbehandlingen. Konklusion: En förbättring i oral hälsorelaterad livskvalitet avseende alla studerade faktorer kunde ses hos en del patienter efter implantatbehandling. Flertalet patienter upplever dock ingen förändring i oral hälsorelaterad livskvalitet. / Purpose: The purpose of this survey study was to identify how dental implant treatment affects quality of life regarding chewing ability, taste, speech, appearance, oral hygiene habits, and self-confidence. Materials and methods: An empirical survey study with quantitative data was performed on three different dental clinics in Stockholm during the time period Feb - April 2012. Questionnaire with a covering letter and stamped envelope was sent to a consecutive sample of 83 patients. Participants, 40 patients, 15 men and 25 women, mean age 66.5 years (34 - 89), voluntarily chose to participate in the study. Analyses of responses were performed in statistical software IBM ® SPSS ® 19. Results: The proportion of participants who experienced an improvement in perceived chewing ability was 42,5 %, speech and the taste was perceived not to have changed by 85,0 % after dental implant treatment. Regarding the appearance, 27,5 % said it had improved and 62,5 % that there was no change. There were 22,5 % who felt that their self- confidence had improved, while 75,0 % of participants did not experience a change in self- confidence after dental implant treatment. The majority (85,0 %) of participants did not think their social life had changed after treatment, while 7,5 % of patients reported that it had become better. The result could be noted that 17,5 % of patients found it simpler/ easier to perform oral hygiene while 75,0 % experienced no change in the performance of oral hygiene after dental implant treatment. Conclusion: An improvement in oral health- related quality of life for all studied factors could be observed in some patients after dental implant treatment. Most patients experience no change in oral health- related quality of life after dental implant treatment.

Thesis (MMed (Surgical Sciences. Orthopaedic Surgery))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / No abstract available