List of Articles by Author

1. Uhač I, Kovač Z, Gržić R, Kovačević D, Girotto M, Blečić N, Šimunović-Šoškić M. The Relation Between Occlusion and Temporomandibular Disorders. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2003;37(3):384-5.
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   Title in English:	The Relation Between Occlusion and Temporomandibular Disorders
   Title in Croatian:	Odnos između okluzije i temporomandibularnih poremećaja
   Type of Article:	congress abstract
   MeSH:	TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS DENTAL OCCLUSION
   Abstract:	The etiology of temporomandibular disorders and the role of occlusion, has still not been entirely clarified.The objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of occlusal relationship on the function of the stomatognathic system.A group of subjects, aged from 24-52 years (x = 35.03 ± 6.92) was examined. The number of teeth, the number of teeth in occlusion, type of occlusion (canine guided occlusion, group function and balanced occlusion) was determined by clinical examination. Overbite and overjet were measured. RCP position was determined by chinpoint technique and fixing by Lucia-jig. The sliding from RCP to IKP position was determined in the anteroposterior, vertical and lateral direction. A precise calliper was used to measure maximal jaw movement. Pain and sounds were registred. Temporomandibular joints, masticatory and neck muscles were palpated. Helkimo Occlusal, Anamnestic and Clinical Dysfunction Indexes (Index ofmandibular movement, index of TMJ function, Index of painful mandibular movements, index of muscular and TMJ pain) were calculated.3.21% of the subjects were without occlusal disorders (Oi0), 58.32% had moderate occlusal problems (OiI) and 38.56% had severe occlusal problems (OiII). When compared to Anamnestic and Clinical Dysfunction Index the Pearson ?2 test analysis shows that severe occlusal problems are not correlated to severe dysfunction. The difference between the groups is not statistically significant(p > 0.05).The results of this study suggest that occlusion does not have an influence on the occurrence of TMD.

2. Kovač Z, Uhač I, Girotto M, Kovačević D, Gržić R, Muhvić-Urek M, Borčić J. The relationship between type of occlusion and TMJ sounds. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2003;37(3):349.
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   Title in English:	The relationship between type of occlusion and TMJ sounds
   Title in Croatian:	Odnos između okluzijskih koncepcija i zvukova u temporomandibularnom zglobu
   Type of Article:	congress abstract
   MeSH:	TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS + diagnosis DENTAL OCCLUSION
   Abstract:	The influence of occlusion on the occurrence of sound in the temporomandibular joint had not been complately proved.The objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of type of occlusion on the occurrence of sounds in the TMJ.A group of 96 subjects, aged from 24-52 years (x = 35.03 ± 6.92) was examined. The type of occlusion was dentermined by clinical examination. Depending on the contacts on the laterotrusal and mediotrusal side the subjects were categorized into three groups (canine guided occlusion, group function and balanced occlusion). The existence of sounds was registred by means of a clinical examination and auscultation by stethoscope.In the examined group 70.83% of examinees had canine guidance, 16.66 % group function and 12.5 % balanced occlusion. Temporomandibular joint sound was present in 41.6 % of subjects. The results of the statistical analysis (Pearson ?2) shows no statistically significant difference between these 3 groups (?2 = 2.09 p = 0.351).The results of this study suggest that the type of occlusion does not have an influence on the occurrence of sound in the TMJ.

3. Kovačević D, Kovač Z, Uhač I, Gržić R, Delić Z, Blečić N. Influence of smoking on stomatognathic system in women with diabetes. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2003;37(3):349-50.
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   Title in English:	Influence of smoking on stomatognathic system in women with diabetes
   Title in Croatian:	Utjecaj pušenja na stomatognati sustav žena oboljelih od šećerne bolesti
   Type of Article:	congress abstract
   MeSH:	SMOKING + adverse effects STOMATOGNATHIC SYSTEM ORAL HEALTH DIABETES COMPLICATIONS
   Abstract:	The aim of the study was to check the influence of smoking on the stomatognathic system in women with diabetes. Diabetes is metabolic disease that occurs as a result of disorders in creation or secretion of insulin, or its effect. On a weakened organism smoking will probably do more harm on the stomatognathic system then on a healthy one.Women with confirmed diagnosis of diabetes (N = 90) were divided into 2 groups: fertile women (N = 51) and women in the menopause and postmenopause (N = 39). All women completed the given paper forms on general data and their smoking habits. A clinical examination was performed using a stomatological mirror and parodontal probe. Clinical findings of the dental status, gingiva, parodontal tissue (bleeding sulcus index and depth of parodontal pockets) and the status of oral muscosa were evalued.Smoking did not show statistically significant influence on the dental status either on fertile women or on women in the menopause and postmenopause (p > 0.05). Clinical findings of the gingiva and parodontal tissue showed statistically significant difference in women in the menopause and postmenopause (*p < 0.05) who smoke in relation to women who do not. In fertile women no statistically significant defference was found (p > 0.05). Clinical findings of oral muscosa were only analyzed in the age group of menopausal and postmenopausal women. The difference was statistically significant (*p < 0.05). In the group of fertile women analysis was not performed due to the small number of specimens.Weakened immunological system due to the synergistic influence of diabetes, smoking and the lack of feminine sex hormones (in the menopause and postmenopause) significantly damages oral muscosa, gingiva and parodontal tissue. The probable explanation was their firm correlation especially throughtout the blood circulation with the other parts of the organism. Smoking did not significantly influence the hard dental tissue, probably because of its inorganic origin and compact structure.

4. Gržić R, Kovač Z, Delić Z, Uhač I, Kovačević D, Blečić D, Šimunović-Šoškić M. Prevalence of Self-Reported Symptoms of TMD in a Population of Rijeka, Croatia. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2003;37(3):328.
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   Title in English:	Prevalence of Self-Reported Symptoms of TMD in a Population of Rijeka, Croatia
   Title in Croatian:	Prevalencija simptoma TMD u stanovništvu Rijeke, Hrvatska
   Type of Article:	congress abstract
   MeSH:	TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS + epidemiology
   Abstract:	The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms in a population of Rijeka, Croatia. The study was performed on a sample of 408 adult subjects, aged 18-84 years divided into three groups by age and gender.The presence and severity of TMD was determined by using a self reported anamnestic questionnaire comprised of 11 questions regarding common TMD symptoms. Occlusal evaluation included analyses of RCP, ICP, anterolateral guidance, and nonworking side contacts during mandibular movements. Palpation of the muscles and TMJ was performed to detect clinical signs of TMD.A total of 16 % of the examinees had self-reported nocturnal bruxism and 33 % had daily bruxism. 26 % of the examinees experienced TMJ clicking. 28 % of the examinees experienced tension type headache, more than once a month. 37 % of the patients with bruxism had headaches, 35 % had painful necks and shoulders, and 33 % experienced TMJ clicking. Of those who did not suffer from bruxism, 41 % had headaches, 29 % had painful neck and sholders and 24% had TMJ clicking.It appears that sleep bruxism is related with the presence of painful neck and sholders and TMJ clicking.

5. Kovačević D, Delić Z, Kovač Z, Gržić R, Uhač I, Braut Z. Prosthetic Therapy of a Seven Year Old Patient with Oligodontia. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2002;36(3):349-50.
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   Title in English:	Prosthetic Therapy of a Seven Year Old Patient with Oligodontia
   Title in Croatian:	nema
   Type of Article:	congress abstract
   MeSH:	PROSTHODONTICS CHILD TOOTH ABNORMALITIES
   Abstract:	A seven year old male patient was referred by his dentist to a specialist in dental prothetics with a diagnosis of oligodontia. Examination of the orthopantomogram showed germs of only eight teeth. No teeth were present in the oral cavity. The first permanent molars had been esctracted because of caries. From the case history and a clinical examination, it was established that the boy had craniofacial dysmorphosis/ dysostosis and hypertelorizm with lower positioned and poorly formed ears. He had diagnosis of thickeningof the right ventriculus. Kariotype normal. Also presented adactyly of digits II and III manus et pedis, clinodactyly of digit I, and syndactyly of digits IV and V was surgically treated. By examining the oral cavity, angulus infectiosus oris was diagnosed caused by lowered vertical dimension of occlusion and candidiasis lingue, and consequently the boy was referred to an oral pathologist for appropriate therapy. Special attention is required when fabricating a complete denture in a child's mouth in orded not to compromeany prosthetic principle. Thus, we were faced with several problems including how to find impression trays of adequate size, and how to explain to the patient the procedure of functional movements, achievement of rest position, and the artificial teeth selection.Because of the small and narrow dental arches we decided for the smallest size of artificial teeth (D28) and reduced occlusion. The artificial teeth were modified and reduced. The second molar took the place of the first molar. With color and shape we tried to imitate deciduous teeth. After insertion of the complete dentures and controlexamination, the patient was given an appointment for making new dentures in six months, because of the growth and development of the maxilla and mandible.

6. Uhač I, Kovač Z, Šimunović M, Delić Z, Kovačević D, Gržić R. The Relation Between Occlusion and Temporomandibular Joint Sounds. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2002;36(3):333.
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   Title in English:	The Relation Between Occlusion and Temporomandibular Joint Sounds
   Title in Croatian:	nema
   Type of Article:	congress abstract
   MeSH:	DENTAL OCCLUSION TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT + physiology TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS + etiology
   Abstract:	The etiology of the occurrence of sounds and the role of occlusion, has not yet been entirely clarified.OBJECTIVE OF INVESTIGATION: The objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of occlusal relationships on the occurrence of sounds in the TMJ.METHODS: A group of 100 subjects, aged from 24 to 52 years (X=35.03) was examined. The existence of sounds was registered by means of a clinical examination and auscultation by stethoscope and classified according to character in click or crepitation. The number ofteeth, the number of teeth in occlusion, type of occlusion (canine guided occlusion, group function and balanced occlusion) was determined by clinical examination. Overbite and overjet were measured. RCP position was determined by chin-point technique, and fixing by Lucia-jig.The sliding from RCP to IKP position was determined in the anteroposterior, vertical and latero-lateral direction. A precise calliper was used to measure movement.RESULTS: 29% of the subjects had a clinically determined sound, in 27% it was click, and in 2% it was crepitation. The Pearson test analysis showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) only for the occurence of crepitation in relation to the number of teeth, number ofteeth in occlusion and overjet. The same was confirmedby analysi s of variance (ANOVA).CONCLUSION: Overjet, difference in the position of RCP-ICP sliding from RCP into ICP, and type of occlusion, i.e. mediotrusion interference, do not have an influence on the occurrence of sound in the TMJ. A reduction in the number of teeth and the number of teeth in occlusion, have an influence on the occurrence.

7. Vukovojac S, Krmpotić I, Kovačević D. [Radiographic analysis of condyle position in patients with TMJ dysfunctions]. Acta Stomatol Croat. 1990;24(2):97-109.
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   Title in English:	Radiographic analysis of condyle position in patients with TMJ dysfunctions
   Title in Croatian:	Radiografska analiza položaja kondila u pacijenata s disfunkcijskim smetnjama stomatognatog sustava
   Type of Article:	original scientific paper
   MeSH:	MANDIBULAR CONDYLE + radiography TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME TOMOGRAPHY, X-RAY
   Abstract:	Decreased joint space is one of the basical radiographic signs of joint disease and correlation with crepitus the real clinical symptom of structural joint damage. The aim of this investigation is to find out if there is any correlation between the intrajoint condyle position and joint dysfunction symptomatology, by means of TMJ tomography evaluation. Among the patients with characteristic symptoms of TMJ dysfunction examined in our Departments, a group of hundred were tomographed (Polytom--Philips-Massiot). Thirty students not showing any anamnestic or clinical symptoms formed the control group. In the evaluation of radiographic findings we accepted the static relation between condyle and glenoid fossa in the maximal intercuspal position, where the joint space was divided in three almost equal parts. The radiographic findings of the relationship between condyle and glenoid fossa in the maximal intercuspal position are presented on with the intention of establishing the most characteristic differences between the groups. The statistical elaboration has been carried out by multivariante analysis of variance. The characteristic radiographic findings in our group of patient are: --excentric condyle position, --posterior condyle displacement and --marked asymmetry. Therefore, these findings represent efficient aid in TMJ dysfunction diagnosis, and show direction for repositioning of condyle in therapy dysfunction.