This study assesses perceptions, memories and beliefs about tooth loss in a group of Japanese-Brazilian senior citizens, selecting forty individuals through a random sampling process, with inclusion criteria related to their background (Issei/Nissei) and oral status (edentulous/non-edentulous), divided into four groups, each with ten subjects. Home interviews were conducted with individuals complying with the inclusion/exclusion criteria established for each group. Using the construction of the Collective Subject Discourse as a methodological strategy, the analysis categories were defined: cause of tooth loss, time of tooth loss and the role of the dentist. Difficulties in accessing dental care and natural acceptance of tooth loss are social and cultural factors that are strongly associated with early edentulism. Pain and fear are the feelings related to the image of the dentist. However, the participants acknowledge that Dentistry has progressed, in terms of equipment, materials and techniques, as well as the training and conduct of dentists.

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ObjectivesThe complexity and heterogeneity of human bone, as well as ethical issues, most always hinder the performance of clinical trials. Thus, in vitro studies become an important source of information for the understanding of biomechanical events on implantsupported prostheses, although study results cannot be considered reliable unless validation studies are conducted. The purpose of this work was to validate an artificial experimental model based on its modulus of elasticity, to simulate the performance of human bone in vivo in biomechanical studies of implant-supported prostheses.Material and MethodsIn this study, fast-curing polyurethane (F16 polyurethane, Axson) was used to build 40 specimens that were divided into five groups. The following reagent ratios (part A/part B) were used: Group A (0.5/1.0), Group B (0.8/1.0), Group C (1.0/1.0), Group D (1.2/1.0), and Group E (1.5/1.0). A universal testing machine (Kratos model K – 2000 MP) was used to measure modulus of elasticity values by compression.ResultsMean modulus of elasticity values were: Group A – 389.72 MPa, Group B – 529.19 MPa, Group C – 571.11 MPa, Group D – 470.35 MPa, Group E – 437.36 MPa.ConclusionThe best mechanical characteristics and modulus of elasticity value comparable to that of human trabecular bone were obtained when A/B ratio was 1:1.

Utilizing a qualitative methodology, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of acculturation on the elderly population and self-perception of their oral health. The target population included 40 individuals, divided into two groups: first- and second-generation Japanese immigrants. Through recorded interviews, acculturation level was assessed for each group, as was its influence on attention to oral health and self-evaluation of oral health status and time elapsed since the last dental appointment. Acculturation affected both groups, although to a greater degree in second-generation Japanese-Brazilians. However, it does not interfere in self-perception of oral health by this population. The main individual care with their oral health included brushing, flossing, and soaking dentures in antiseptic solutions. In self-assessed oral health, the main complaints related to wearing dentures, and the time elapsed since the last dental appointment was 1.4 years for the non-edentulous and 6.3 years for the edentulous.