Prevalence of Dental Caries among Adult Patients Attending a Tertiary Dental Institution in South-South Region of Nigeria

Background: Oral health is an important component of the general health and dental caries status of a community is a good indicator of oral health status of that community. Epidemiological studies on dental caries are rare in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Aim: To determine the prevalence of dental caries among adult patients attending University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Dental centre and to compare it with previously reported results. Methods: A cross-sectional study of all patients aged 18years and above presenting with dental caries at the centre over a one-year period was conducted. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to get the socio-demographic data of the patients. The patients were all examined and caries was diagnosed using the WHO criteria (1997). Decay; missing and filled teeth (DMFT) were recorded and restorative index was calculated (F/F+D percent). SPSS version 15 was used to generate summary statistics and student t-test was used to compare means between two groups. Results: Out of 1;927 patients that presented during the study period; only 435 had dental caries or one of its sequelae giving a prevalence of 22.6. The mean DMFT score for the group was 3.57; that of females was 3.88 while that for males was 3.08. The difference in the mean DMFT scores between the two sexes was statistically significant (p=0.026). The restorative index was 25.3. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries in our centre (22.6) falls within the previously reported 4-30rates for Nigeria. The mean DMFT score was 3.51 and the restorative index is 25.3

Dental Anxiety: Investigative and Management Techniques often Employed in a Cross Section of Nigerian Specialist Dental Clinics

Background: Information on the pattern of dental anxiety management in Nigeria is currently not available. Aim: The study was designed to determine the awareness and frequency of application of dental anxiety assessment questionnaires as well as the current pattern in the management of dental anxiety in Nigeria. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaires distributed among dental residents and house officers in Nigerian dental schools. Information requested included demographic variables; frequency of presentation of dental anxiety; awareness and frequency of application of dental anxiety questionnaires. The respondents were also asked to rate the frequency of application of the outlined dental anxiety management techniques on a 5-point Likert scale. The median score and the range for each technique was determined and compared between the male and female respondents. Results: A total of 96 questionaires were sent out to dental surgeons of all grades. Response was obtained from 86 giving a response rate of 90. Only 23 (26.7) respondents were aware of dental anxiety questionnaires while only 13 (15.1) have seen the instrument applied. The percentage of patients with dental anxiety was estimated by the respondents to be 20. Behaviour therapy was the most frequently employed dental anxiety management technique. The female respondents employ behaviour therapy and intramuscular sedation more frequently. Conclusion: The awareness and frequency of application of dental anxiety questionnaires appeared poor. Behaviour therapy was the most frequently employed dental anxiety management technique. It appears the female respondents employ behavior therapy and intramuscular sedation more frequently

A self-assessment pilot study of facial aesthetics following prosthetic obturation in patients with surgically acquired partial maxillary defect

"Background: Improved and satisfactory facial aesthetics following prosthetic obturation of surgically acquired partial maxillary defect had been reported in several case reports involving one patient or two; but this number is grossly inadequate for a reliable deduction. Besides; literature is scarce on the relationship between facial aesthetics and the ""class of surgical defect"". Surgically acquired partial maxillary defect has earlier been classified into classes I to VI. Aims: To assess the perception of patients regarding their facial aesthetics following prosthetic obturation and to relate this finding to their classes of surgical defects. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary dental centre; University College Hospital; Ibadan. Consecutive patients who had maxillary resection resulting in partial maxillary defect seen over a period of two years were admitted to the study."

A self-assessment pilot study of facial aesthetics following prosthetic obturation in patients with surgically acquired partial maxillary defect

"Background: Improved and satisfactory facial aesthetics following prosthetic obturation of surgically acquired partial maxillary defect had been reported in several case reports involving one patient or two; but this number is grossly inadequate for a reliable deduction. Besides; literature is scarce on the relationship between facial aesthetics and the ""class of surgical defect"". Surgically acquired partial maxillary defect has earlier been classified into classes I to VI. Aims: To assess the perception of patients regarding their facial aesthetics following prosthetic obturation and to relate this finding to their classes of surgical defects. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary dental centre; University College Hospital; Ibadan. Consecutive patients who had maxillary resection resulting in partial maxillary defect seen over a period of two years were admitted to the study."