Complications associated with tooth supported fixed dental prosthesis amongst patients visiting University College of Dentistry Lahore

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the complications associated with tooth supported fixed dental prosthesis amongst patients reporting at University College of Dentistry Lahore, Pakistan. An interview based questionnaire was used on 112 patients followed by clinical oral examination by two calibrated dentists. Approximately 95% participants were using porcelain fused to metal prosthesis with 60% of prosthesis being used in posterior segments of mouth. Complications like dental caries, coronal abutment fracture, radicular abutment fracture, occlusal interferences, root canal failures and decementations were more significantly associated with crowns than bridges [p=0.000]. On the other hand esthetic issues, periapical lesions, periodontal problems, porcelain fractures and metal damage were more commonly associated with bridges [p=0.000]. All cases of dental caries reported were associated with acrylic crown and bridges, whereas all coronal abutment fractures were associated with metal prosthesis [p=0.000]. A significantly higher number of participants who got their fixed dental prosthesis from other sources i.e. Paramedics, technicians, dental assistants or unqualified dentists had periapical lesions, decementations, esthetic issues and periodontal diseases. This association was found to be statistically significant [p=0.000]. Complications associated with fixed dental prosthesis like root canal failures, decementations, periapical lesions and periodontal disease were more significantly associated with prosthesis fabricated by other sources over the period of 5 to 10 years

Influence of volume of dental treatment on self reported oral health of patients visiting university college of dentistry Lahore

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of volume of dental treatment on self reported oral health of patients visiting University College of Dentistry Hospital, Lahore. A cross sectional study of 660 participants was conducted in the Department of Periodontology, University of Lahore from March 2011 to March 2012. An oral examination conducted by calibrated examiners was followed by administering a self complete questionnaire i.e. global oral health transition [GOHT] statement to indicate change in oral health related quality of life [OHRQoL]. A statistically significant greater proportion of people who had received six or more dental services in the past one year had a self-reported improvement in oral health than people who received less or no dental services [p=<0.01]. Of the putative confounders, the presence of oral disease at baseline [p=<0.01], having a treatment need [p<0.01] usually visiting a dentist with a problem [p<0.05] and having a lot of difficulty paying Rs 1000[$10] dental bill [p=<0.01] were significantly associated with oral health staying the same or worsening. Having six or more dental services was significantly associated with greater self-reported improvement in oral health than less than six dental services. Results provide important information to politicians, policy makers and administrators for allocating necessary resources to improve population OHRQoL

Effects of tobacco chewing on oral health status of patients visiting university college of dentistry, Lahore

This cross sectional study was designed to evaluate the effects of tobacco chewing on oral health status of patients visiting University College of Dentistry Hospital of the University of Lahore between October 2011 to March 2012. A purposive sampling of 200 individuals was selected and subjects were divided into 2 groups: tobacco chewers [n=100] and non-tobacco chewers [n=100] age ranged between 18 to 55 years. A structured questionnaire was used to collect history by two calibrated dentists who later examined the oral conditions. A statistically significant difference was found between tobacco chewers and non tobacco chewers with respect to mean values of missing teeth [M] and overall DMFT [p=<0.01]. Thirty eight [38%] percent tobacco chewers had some kind of oral mucosal lesion compared to only 6% oral mucosal lesions of non-tobacco chewers. This association between tobacco chewing and oral mucosal lesions was found to be statistically significant with p=0.000. Tobacco chewers had more calculus, shallow pockets [<4mm] and deep pockets [>6mm] as compared to non-tobacco chewers p=0.000. There was however no significant difference found between tobacco chewers and non tobacco chewers with respect to bleeding on probing p=0.445. The results of study suggest that tobacco chewing causes deleterious effects on oral tissues, teeth and thus enhance the risk of periodontal disease. Strict policies based on common risk factor approach need to be adopted by the health authorities to reduce the burden of general and oral diseases

Relationship between periodontal disease, smoking and diabetes in coronary heart disease patients visiting University College of Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan

This cross sectional study was done to find out the association of periodontal disease, smoking and diabetes in Coronary Heart Disease [CHD] patients. Sixty eligible coronary heart disease male patients with periodontitis visiting the University College of Dentistry between October 2011 to April 2012 were divided into 4 groups i.e. A [smoker-diabetic], B [nonsmoker-diabetic], C [smoker-non diabetic] and D [non smoker - non diabetic]. Bleeding on probing, periodonetal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss were noted as measures of periodontal status. Differences of periodontal parameters between groups A, B, C and D were analyzed using K-test of proportions and one-way ANOVA. Levels of bleeding on probing, periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss were comparatively higher in group A [smoker - diabetic]. Mean levels of bleeding on probing, periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss were significant [<0.05] between groups. Forty five percent subjects of group A [smoker-diabetic] had periodontal pocket depth >4 mm and clinical attachment loss >3mm at more than 30% sites [p=0.01]. This study showed that periodontal disease is significantly associated with coronary heart disease patients and the levels of periodontal parameters were higher in smoker-diabetic coronary heart disease patients suggesting an association between periodontal disease, smoking, diabetes and coronary heart disease

Prevalence of dental caries among 5-14 years old poor locality school children of Lahore

The aim of study was to investigate the Prevalence of dental caries among 5-14 years old poor locality school children of Lahore Pakistan. Sixteen hundred and seventy three poor locality school children aged 5-14 years: 1113,5-11 years old and 560, 12-14 years old were examined for dental caries and oral hygiene status using the World Health Organization criteria for diagnosis of caries and oral hygiene status. The overall caries prevalence among the study group was 71%. The mean df [decayed and filled primary teeth] score in the 5-11 years age group was 2.98. The mean DMFT [decayed, missing and filled teeth] score among 12-14 years old age group it was 3.70. Only 14% of the poor locality school children had good oral hygiene with corresponding mean df of 1.33 and mean DMFT score of 1.97, followed by 31% having fairly good oral hygiene, 26% having poor oral hygiene. 29% of children had a very poor oral hygiene with corresponding mean of score of 2.96 and mean DMFT score of 3.31. The results of the study emphasize the need for re-orientation of oral health services and programs to a more preventive approach. Serious efforts need to be made by focusing on this neglected group of population

Comparison of two surgical procedures in reduction of mandibular angle fracture

The purpose of this study was to determine various post operative complications associated with two surgical procedures used for reduction of mandibular angle fractures. A Quasi-Experimental study was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore. The study was carried out from 30[th] April 2006 to 30[th] April 2007on sixty patients with mandibular fractures. They were divided in to two categories. Thirty patients were treated by intra oral approach [Group A] and thirty by extra oral approach [Group B]. At different intervals of their post operative visits, these patients were evaluated for post operative complications of infection, nerve damage, hypertrophic scar, esthetic dissatisfaction, malocclusion and limitation in mouth opening. 20% of the patients treated with extraoral approach presented with post operative nerve damage and no patient treated by intra oral approach showed nerve damage [p=0.02]. Similarly postoperative esthetic dissatisfaction was present in only 6.67% of the patients treated with intraoral approach as compared to 63.33% patients treated with extraoral approach [p=0.00]. Based on this study intra oral approach was considered as more suitable method for the treatment of mandibular angle fractures

Comparison of surgical with nonsurgical treatment for fractured mandibular condyle - a study

Condylar fractures are the second most-common fractures of the mandible. The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical [open reduction+internal fixation] and nonsurgical [closed reduction+immobilization] treatment of mandibular condylar fracture in terms of occlusion and maximum mouth opening[inter-incisal distance of the jaws] after these two procedures. The study followed a prospective comparative design and was carried out at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, King Edward Medical University/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore on sixty patients with uni-lateral condylar fractures [neck and /or subcondylar]. Thirty patients were treated by nonsurgical method and thirty by surgical method. At different intervals of their post-operative visits, patients were evaluated in terms of occlusion and maximum mouth opening to assess the difference between the two groups. Patients treated by nonsurgical treatment i.e. closed reduction had greater percentage of malocclusions [44%] at the final post operative visit i.e. one year, as compared with patients treated by surgical treatment i.e. open reduction and internal fixation [8.3%] p=0.005. Similarly patients treated surgically exhibited better improvement in maximum inter incisal opening [46mm+4.50] than patients treated non-surgically [37mm+5.50] at the final post operative visit i.e. one year [p=<0.05]. Based on this study, more consistent occlusion and better improvement in maximum mouth opening can be expected when fractures of the condyle are treated by surgical technique

Oral cancer knowledge and awareness amongst undergraduate dental students of Lahore - Pakistan

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and awareness of undergraduate dental students regarding risk factors and signs of oral cancer. A self reported questionnaire comprising of eight questions was given to seven hundred and sixty undergraduate dental students in four of the five dental institutes situated in Lahore, Pakistan during the academic year 2010. The results showed i gradient of responses to questions related to oral cancer awareness and knowledge amongst students of 1[st], 2[nd], 3[rd] and final year BDS. Better knowledge and awareness was found amongst 3rd year students as compared to final year students [p<0.05]. This may be due to the fact that oral pathology is taught in third year. The study highlights the need to improve the knowledge of undergraduate dental students regarding prevention and early detection of oral cancer

University curriculum and perceived tobacco control policies amongst staff and students of university college of dentistry, Lahore

The aim of this study was to investigate the university curriculum and perceived tobacco control policies amongst staff and students of University College of Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan. A modified self reported validated standardized global youth tobacco survey [GYTS] was used amongst two hundred and fifty five staff members and students of faculty of dentistry, the university of Lahore, Pakistan. Of all the participants 59.3% demonstrated below median level of activity in any tobacco related teaching or learning in last one year. Staff [68.7%] members were significantly less likely to have been participated in tobacco related activities over the last one year compared to students [54.7%] p=<0.05. Only 12.3% of all the participants perceived that their institute had all three tobacco control policies [i.e. a policy preventing students to use tobacco in campus, a policy preventing University personnel from using tobacco in campus and / or a policy declaring the campus [Tobacco Free]] out of which at least one was enforced in the campus. Males [19.6%] perceived that their institute was 'Tobacco free'and prevents students and university personnel from in campus tobacco use compared to females [6.4%] p=<0.05. University staff was 2.42 [95% Confidence Interval= 1.05-5.57] times significantly more likely to perceive that their institute had all three tobacco control policies compared to students p=<0.05. The results of the study emphasize the need to amend the curriculum at health care institution / university level towards tobacco control. Stricter policies and better implementation is necessary to meet the international tobacco free campus initiative

Self reported impacts of oral health on quality of life amongst 11-14 years old school children of Lahore, Pakistan

Oral diseases have considerable impact on quality of life. The impacts of oral health on quality of life may be quantified. No study has been carried out in Pakistan to quantify the impact of oral health on quality of life in children. The aim of this study was to quantify the impacts of oral health on quality of life in 11-14 year-old school children in Lahore, Pakistan. A cross sectional self reported questionnaire based survey was conducted in six randomly selected schools of Lahore District. A standardized validated Child Perception Questionnaire CPQ[11, 14][short form] with two incorporated questions regarding "global rating of oral health" and "effects of oral health on life overall" was administered to the six hundred and thirty three school children aged 11-14 years from the randomly selected schools. The data entry and analysis was carried out using SPSS version 15.0 The response rate was 91%. Ninety four percent participants reported some form of impact of oral health on their quality of life. A statistically significant relationship was found between impacts on quality of life and global rating of oral health, effects of oral health on life overall [p=0.000]. This study has shown that oral health has an impact on quality of life in children aged 11-14 years from Lahore, Pakistan