ABSTRACT
Orthodontic treatment is considered successful only if optimal esthetic and function are achieved.The objective of this study was to compare facial soft tissue profile changes produced by a new technique [elastic forces based on skeletal anchorage mini-plates] with changes produced by conventional class-II elastic forces. The study sample consisted of 30 patients with skeletal class-II malocclusion caused by retro-gnathic mandible with a mean age [11.5 +/- 0.5 years]. They were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: the first group included 15 patients [6 males, 9 females] treated by elastic forces based on skeletal anchorage mini-plates. The second group included 15 patients [7 males, 8 females] treated by conventional elastic forces. Lateral cephalographs were taken immediately before and after skeletal treatment. Nine linear and angular measurements related to the facial profile were determined in each cephalograph pairs. Dependent and independent t-tests were performed to evaluate the difference within each group and between the two groups respectively P >/= 0.05. Both techniques were effective in producing changes in facial soft tissue profile. However, those changes produced by elastic forces based on skeletal anchorage mini-plates [G'-Sn'- Pog', G'- Sn', Pog'- G', distance of Li from Pog'-Sn', Stms -Stmi and distance of Ls from Pog'-Sn'] were significantly better compared to that produced by the conventional elastic forces. Both techniques induce changes in facial soft tissue profile. The elastic forces based on skeletal anchorage mini-plates induce desirable facial profile changes in comparison with some undesirable changes induced by the conventional class-II elastic forces
ABSTRACT
The reduction of alveolar crestal bone density is one of the earlier signs of periimplant disease and precedes the loss of height of the alveolar crest, because of that early detection of the small changes in density is important and lead to the early onset of treatment and increases its success's percentage. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the direct conventional digital method in detection of density changes around dental implants by the mean value of the gray level of the histogram of the selected area comparing with radiographic subtraction method. Twenty one Ankylos dental implants in the upper and lower jaw were monitored by standardized direct digital periapical radiographs 1 week after surgery and 4 months later. manipulated by radiographic subtraction method through EMAGO software. Control regions C1, C2, C3 and test regions ROI[1], ROI[2] were selected and the radiographic density was obtained by the histogram of these selected areas. This process was carried out in the conventional digital radiographs and radiographic subtraction images. After that statistical analysis were performed. The mean value of bone density change according to the conventional digital method was 11.19 +/- 5.95 and according to the radiographic subtraction method was13.12 +/- 9.36 . and the conventional digital method confirmed its ability because there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods [P>0.05]. Monitoring of peri-implant bone density by the mean gray value of the histogram in a selected area can be assessed either by the radiographic subtraction method or by the conventional digital method
ABSTRACT
Emergency cases can occur anytime, anywhere and to anyone. Such situations are somewhat more likely to occur within the confines of the dental office due to the increased level of stress which is so often present. This study aims to determine the readiness and the interest of dental clinic for the management of such cases. A question air was designed and delivered randomly to 170 dental practitioners in Damascus during March 2011. Nitroglycerin, aspirin, and adrenalin; sphygmomanometer, disposable syringe and needle, and surgical suction and tips were the most common drugs and equipment. 65% of participants relied on making regular checks on the expiry date of drugs. Most of clinics [61.2%] had a poor preparedness whereas only in 4% their preparedness was excellent. No statistically significant relationship was found in the preparedness and gender or the years of experience, However, the relationship was statistically significant between general practitioners and surgically-specialized doctors [P=0.005]. 92% of participants agree about the importance of having emergency kit in their clinics. The majority of participants evaluate the preparedness of their clinics to be "moderate" to "good". It is hoped that the data will become available to all respective stakeholders, and that it forms baseline information and guidelines in creation of standards and guidelines for dental clinics that do not currently exist
ABSTRACT
Medical emergencies could occur during the practice of dentistry. A dentist must be prepared to recognize and manage of any potential emergency situation. The purposes of the study were to determine the occurrence of medical emergencies in Damascus dental clinics, and to assess the way patients' medical history is taken. A cross-sectional study was performed using a questionnaire regarding medical emergencies, which was sent to 170 randomly selected dentists in Damascus in March 2012. The questionnaire had been prepared based on valid references. The data were analyzed and compared using chi-square test correlation test through SPSS software. The response rate was 98.2%. The statistical study was performed on 160 complete questionnaires. Only 11.3% of dentists use a specially designed medical questionnaire to take the patient's medical history. A statistical significant relationship was found between the way of taking the medical history and whether the doctor was GP or specialist [P=0.002]. The most common medical emergencies was syncope and postural hypotension [75%]. The relation between the occurrence of medical emergencies and whether the doctor was GP, non-surgical or surgical specialist was statistically significant [P = 0.038]. The occurrence of medical emergencies is not rare. The dentists should be encouraged to use a specially designed questionnaire to take the medical history of the patients