Prevalence of overhang interproximal amalgam restorations

Periodontal structures are vital tissues that could be affected by the surrounding environment. Dental materials and/or restorations may trigger negative response such as gingival inflammation and bone loss from periodontal tissues. The objective of this study was to report the prevalence of overhang interproximal amalgam restorations by undergraduate students at College of Dentistry, King Saud University. Thirty five [35] male patients aged between 18-43 years were randomly selected for the study. Posterior bitewing radiographs were taken, and 966 proximal surfaces were examined. Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] was used for data analysis. Chi square test was utilized to assess the relationship between the location and the surface of the overhang. It was found that out of 206 surfaces restored with amalgam, 34% were over-hanged. Among the overhanging amalgam restorations, 72.9% were in maxillary posterior teeth and 27.1% in mandibular posterior teeth. Out of the overhanging amalgam surfaces, 57.1% were mesial and 42.9% distal surfaces. There was no significant [P>0. 05.] difference in the prevalence of overhanging amalgam restorations between molars [52.9%] and premolars [47.1%]. This study has clearly identified a high prevalence of overhanging interproximal margins in amalgam restorations

Patient's satisfaction with dental implants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The purpose of this survey was to assess patients' satisfaction with their dental implants and the treatment outcomes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The information regarding patients' opinion was collected through a self-administered questionnaires distributed during recall appointments or filled through phone contact. A total of 111 subjects of different demographic variables, who were treated in governmental and private clinics and have had the restored implant[s] for more than one year, were included in this report. The result of this study indicated that 59% of the subjects were highly satisfied with the overall treatment. Seventy-one percent [71%] were highly satisfied with the esthetic results, whereas 78% were highly satisfied with function. About 76% were willing to undergo same procedure again and 79% would recommend it to the others. Eighty-seven percent [87%] reported comfort with the attending dentists and 67% were satisfied with the preoperative information. On the other hand, 22% indicated that they were neither satisfied with the treatment period nor with the cost. It can be concluded that most of the patients were generally satisfied with the implant treatment and some variables such as esthetic and time required for completion of treatment are critical factors for the overall satisfaction. Therefore, dentists who practice dental implants treatment should pay attention to these factors