Determination of prevalence of dental erosion in 12 -14 years school children and its relationship with dietary habits

Objective: To determine the frequency of dental erosion in 12-14 years school children and its association with dietary habits

Study Design: Observational cross-sectional analytical study

Place and Duration of Study: Fatima Jinnah Dental College, Karachi, from January to June 2010

Methodology: School children aged between 12 - 14 years were included in this study. Dental erosion was detected by visual examination. A self-developed questionnaire was used to assess the dietary habits of children. Acidic diet was considered a diet that has an acidic pH. The amount of consumption of acidic drinks and food per week was categorized into low consumption [1-7 times / week] and medium consumption [8 - 21 times / week]. Chi-square test was applied to see any statistical difference between diet and tooth erosion at 95% Cl

Results: The results showed a high frequency of [46%] dental erosion in children, which was significantly higher [p < 0.001] in children with more acidic diet

Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of dietary habits on the prevalence of dental erosion in children. Acidic diets need to be controlled in frequency to prevent dental erosion

Comparison of conventional glass ionomer cement and compomer in class II restorations in primary molars: six months study

Restorations in primary teeth continue to be an important facet of restorative dentistry. Traditionally, posterior primary teeth have been restored with amalgam. Recently, there has been a range of tooth-colored materials available for restoring primary and young mixed dentitions. These materials are conventional glass ionomer cements and composite resins, resin-modified glass ionomer cements and compomers. To compare the clinical performance of conventional glass ionomer cement with compomer, in class II restorations in primary molars. This was a quasi experimental study conducted at Operative Department of Fatima Jinnah Dental College Hospital, Karachi during period of six months, on 132 patients meeting the inclusion criteria [2 proximally carious primary molars, 264 carious lesions] were included in the study. All 132 patients enrolled in the study were recalled after six months and restorations were clinically examined for marginal adaptation and anatomic form. Out of 264 restorations, 10 teeth were lost because of the normal exfoliation of primary teeth.124 restorations failed during the follow-up period from which 123 [93.2%] were conventional glass ionomer cement and only 1[0.8%] was compomer. In terms of marginal adaptation and anatomic form, compomer performed significantly better than Conventional glass ionomer cement in class II cavity in primary molars

Regenerative pulp therapy

Regenerative Endodontics is a new treatment modality that offers a predictable result in teeth with pulpal necrosis and open apex. This case report describes the treatment of a necrotic immature permanent central incisor with complicated crown fracture, in which a regenerative approach was used. Revascularization procedures may provide a more predicable outcome, while rendering mature root formation at the same time. This article describes an ongoing case of revascularization

In vivo study of antibacterial effect of calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine as intracanal medicaments in a sample of Pakistani population

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antibacterial effects of Calcium hydroxide and Chlorhexidene as intra canal medicaments in a sample of Pakistani population. Eighty, single rooted teeth of patients with necrotic pulps and periradicular lesion who presented at Department Of Operative Dentistry, Fatima Jinnah Dental College Hospital, Azam Basti were recruited in the study. At first appointment the root canals were cleaned, shaped and dried. Initial samples for bacteriological examination were taken. Medicaments to be tested were placed in the root canals and access cavities were sealed with temporary filling material. After seven days, samples were taken again from the root canal and inspected for growth of microorganism to determine the efficacy of the medicament used. Data was compared using 'Pearson's Chi-square test' on SPSS version 10 for windows. Twenty three [57.5%] out of 40 cases with Chlorhexidene dressing yielded negative cultures. Whereas Calcium Hydroxide group showed negative cultures in 18 [45%] out of 40. There were no statistically significant differences between the two medicament groups. [p-value is 0.263]. Chlorhexidene has better antibacterial effects than calcium hydroxide clinically. However, there were no statistically significant differences among the medicaments tested

Experience of early childhood caries [ECC] in children at Fatima Jinnah dental college hospital, Karachi and its relationship with feeding practices

The aim of the study was to find the experience of early childhood caries [ECC] in children at Fatima Jinnah dental college hospital, Karachi in the period of six months and its relationship with feeding practices. A total of 521 children 2- 6 years of age were screened for the present study who came to Fatima Jinnah dental college hospital Karachi in the period of Sept-Dec 2008 and June- July 2009. Examination and detection of the caries was solely based on visualization. A parent or a caregiver was asked to complete a questionnaire regarding information about the child, their oral hygiene, social class and feeding practices. The modification of Kuppuswami scale was used to classify the socioeconomic status. The rate and pattern of caries were analyzed and each child was classified as mild, moderate or severe ECC. There is a strong and significant relationship between the presence of early childhood caries and the degree of feeding abuse. Children from low socioeconomic status have increased early childhood caries. The experience of early childhood caries was 50.1% in the children attending dental opd of Fatima Jinnah Dental College Hospital in the period of six months. Early childhood caries were more in children who were always taking a feeding bottle especially to bed at night and those who consume cariogenic snacks and were increasingly seen in lower socioeconomic groups

Effect of accidental periapical extrusion of calcium hydroxide paste [A case report]

Calcium hydroxide is an effective biocompatible substance that has been widely studied in scientific research, and is regarded as the material of choice for treating intracanal infections. The paper discusses a case of a non vital central incisor with a large periapical lesion, in which calcium hydroxide paste containing iodoform as a radiopacifier was used. There was an un-intentional extrusion of calcium hydroxide during application. The patient was seen at a regular periodic recall for one year. The followup revealed that the accidental extrusion of calcium hydroxide did not have any detrimental effect on periapical healing

Apical barrier therapies in traumatized immature teeth - a case report

This case report reviews the rationale and techniques for treatment of non vital immature tooth. The importance of careful case assessment through clinical examination and investigation, and accurate pulpal diagnosis in the treatment of immature teeth with pulpal injury cannot be overemphasized. The treatment of choice for necrotic teeth is apexification, which is induction of apical closure to produce more favourable conditions for conventional root canal filling. The most commonly adovacated medicament is calcium hydroxide, although recently considerable interest has been expressed in the use of mineral trioxide aggregate

Pattern of traumatic injuries to maxillary permanent incisors related to age and incisal overjet

To determine the pattern of dental trauma to maxillary permanent incisors with relation to age and overjet. A complete history and examination findings of 100 patients, aged between 7 and 17 years, presenting with trauma to permanent anterior teeth were recorded on a specifically designed proforma. Extraoral and intraoral examinations were performed and radiographs were taken when indicated. Andreasen and Andreasen's Classification [1993] was applied for the classification of dental injury, Overjet of the subjects were also recorded and classified accordingly. Hundred patients with one hundred and twenty nine traumatized teeth were observed and recorded. The average age considered was 12 years. It was noted that boys [62%], were more often involved with trauma as compared to girls [38%]. The maxillary central incisors were found to be the most affected teeth [84%], The most common cause of injuries was fall [59%]. Uncomplicated crown fracture cases were more frequently observed [31%]. Compared to patients with normal overjet, trauma was significantly higher in patients with increased overjet [P = 0.001]. Boys suffered more trauma than girls with a ratio of about 1.6:1. Children with increase overjet were two times more prone to dental trauma with normal overjet

comparison of thermomechanical compaction and cold lateral condensation obturation techniques on the basis of density measurements, using digital radiographs

To compare the cold lateral condensation and the thermomechnical condensation obturation techniques by measuring the radiographic density of the obturation. Digital radiographs were used as an aid for the comparison. A total of 100 single rooted teeth mainly central incisors were divided into two groups. Group A comprised of teeth that were obturated using cold lateral condensation and Group B comprised of teeth that were obturated using thermomechanical technique. The canals of all the teeth were prepared with rotary endodontics [Protaper System] with a working distance of 21mm. During the sample preparations irrigation with EDTA was used to remove the smear layer. One group of teeth was obturated with ISO standardized gutta percha points using cold lateral condensation and the other group was obturated using thermomechanical technique [Gutta Condensors-Dentsply]. Digital radiographs were taken processed in Digora System for both the techniques. The apical area was zoomed to 4x and density measurement readings for both the techniques were recorded and compared using Digora Optime. The mean for Group A was found to be 140 while for Group B the value was 136. The difference was statistically significant [p < 0.005]. The study concluded that both the techniques are acceptable clinically. However the cold lateral condensation technique was found to be superior to thermomechanical compaction in terms of radiographic density

Pit and fissure sealants: an update

Fissure sealants are well-established components in preventive dental care, both for individual patients and in public health programs. Resin pit-and-fissure sealants are considered an important adjunct to oral health care strategies and fluoride therapy in preventing occlusal carious lesions, Occlusal caries accounts for 56% to 70% of the lesions in children aged 5 to 17 years. Fissure sealing is an established and effective approach for caries management on occlusal surfaces. The effectiveness of sealants hinges on their ability to isolate pits and fissures from a combination of bacteria, their nutrients, and acidic metabolic products Consequently, poor sealing ability may cause secondary caries and interfere in long term success of this technique

role of essential oils in periodontal health: an appraisal of evidence

The objective of this search was to find out "Do essential oils as a therapeutic agent assist in maintenance of periodontal health?" The article is based on a search which was conducted on Medline to identify the studies related to the topic and published up to Sep 2008. Fifty nine articles were retrieved from the search. Four articles were in languages other than English which have not been included in the appraisal. Thirty two articles had information relevant to the search question. Based on the finding of the search it is concluded that essential oil when used as an adjunct to unsupervised oral hygiene can provide additional benefit in reduction of plaque and gingivitis

clinical success of case post and cores cemented in the restorative dentistry department at Fatima Dental Hospital: a preliminary report

To document the clinical success of cast post and cores fabricated for anterior teeth. Forty three [43] cast post and cores were fabricated and subsequently evaluated. Patients were recalled for evaluation appointments and clinical success and failure recorded on a proforma and then analyzed. This is a retrospective descriptive study done at the restorative department of Fatima Jinnah Dental College over a period of 4 years [Jan 1999 - Sep 2002]. The cast post and cores had been in place for an average of 19.21 months. 41[95.3%] cast post and cores had never dislodged, 1 [2.1%] had a root fracture and 2 [4.7%] were endodontic failures. A high success rate was recorded for metal cast post and cores

Cherubism: Case reports and review of the literature

Four case reports are presented of Cherubism, a rare, often inherited, bone disorder, characterized by giant cell lesional replacement of the facial bones. The lesions manifest as painless jaw swellings seen as characteristic radiolucent bilateral multilocularities arising in young children. When large and symmetric, diagnosis is clinically obvious but, with dental disruption and, in the early stages with seemingly unilateral presentations, diagnosis can be challenging. Early diagnosis is emphasized because general consensus is for the avoidance of surgical intervention where possible. Current modalities and views on the management and treatment options are reviewed

Digital radiography in dentistry

Since its inception in 1895 by Roentgen, the field of diagnostic sciences has undergone constant development. In 1984 Dr. Frances Mouyens introduced digital radiography in dentistry. 10-20% dental practitioners in North America use digital radiography, and the numbers are on an increase. Digital radiography uses intraoral sensor replacing silver halide film. X-rays fall on the sensor and an image is formed on a computer screen instantaneously, avoiding time-consuming chemical processing of conventional radiography. Moreover, there is a 90% reduction in radiation dosage. A digital image can be manipulated in various ways. This article reviews the basic concept of digital radiography. This is a review article

Success rate of resin bonded restorative dentistry bridges

To assess the success rate of resin bonded bridges. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Fatima Jinnah Dental College Hospital, Karachi between August 1998 and August 2002. Subjects and Seventy resin bonded bridges fitted in 60 patients were clinically assessed for debonding. The inclusion criteria included minimal reduction of teeth with minimal occlusal contacts. Patients were excluded if teeth had a large discrepancy of space and heavy occlusion. The retainers were designed self retentive and covered the maximum tooth surface lingually and proximally. Impressions were taken and resin bonded bridges were fabricated and bonded. Information regarding the patient data, bonding and debonding was collected on a proforma and was analysed using SPSS version 10.0. Seventy resin-bonded bridges had been in place for an average of 33 months. The results showed a 94.3% success rate. Statistically significant results were found between anterior bridges and posterior bridges for bonding status [p<0.05]. Results were not significant where maxillary versus mandibular bridges were compared for bonding status. [p>0.05]. Resin bonded bridges achieved a high level of clinical success in the study

Retention and extravasation lesions of the salivary glands

A variety of disorders affect the salivary glands. Many of these are infective inflammatory, neoplastic or autoimmune in origin. A group of more common benign disorders that have salivary retention or extravasation as a common factor are the mucoceles and sialoliths. Since they are fairly common and may often be conservatively or easily managed the general dentist should be aware of these. More important, the dentist should be able to work on a process of exclusion so that more serious disorders do not get mis-diagnosed. This is a review article

Effect of restoration margins on the biologic width

Preserving the biologic width is critical when restoration of the teeth involves placing restorative margins in an area which could encroach on the dentogingival complex. In cases where the clinician is forced to submerge the restorative margin subgingivally in an attempt to reach healthy tooth structure, the dentogingival complex can easily be violated if the concept of biological width is not respected. A tooth prepared in such a manner will result in pathological periodontal response due to impingement of the junctional epithelium and connective tissue attachment. Various unfavorable clinical situations will develop from this response. Such undesirable alterations may include chronic periodontal inflammation with possible subsequent loss of periodontal attachment, resulting in deep periodontal pocket highly susceptible to future breakdown. The objective of this article is to highlight the importance of the biologic width in relation to restoration margins. Appropriate preventive measures should be considered in advance to restorative work and a careful approach for the periodontal health will contribute to the long term stability and success of the restored dentition

Artificial pacemakers and dentistry

Dental management of a patient with artificial pacemaker is not clearly understood. A patient with an artificial pacemaker is at risk from environmental factors, most damaging of which are electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic field can alter, or inhibit an artificial pacemaker and it is an established fact that all electrical dental equipments generate electromagnetic fields. Advancements in pacemaker technology have made them immune to most electrical dental equipment. However, certain equipments like the electrotome, and certain ultrasonic equipments can potentially damage an artificial pacemaker. This article gives an insight into the various parts and normal functioning of a pacemaker, effects of electromagnetic interference and dental equipment interfering with a pacemaker. It also discusses various preventive measures that must be undertaken by a dental professional to avoid a mishap