Wear of Rotary Instruments: A Pilot Study

The aim of this study was to assess the wear of tungsten carbide burs and round rotary diamond instruments through measurements of rake angle and visual observations respectively under a f ield emission scanning electron microscope. Sixty short and long head pear-shaped tungsten carbide burs and 18 round rotary diamond instruments that had been used to complete 5 and > 10 cavity preparations (n=10/ group) were selected from the 3rd and 4th year dental students, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya. There were two control groups consisting of long and short tungsten carbide burs of ten each. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyse the rake angle data. The data from the two control groups were collectively analysed following multiple paired t-test (p > .05) which showed no significant difference between the two types of tungsten carbide bur (short and long head). The mean rake angle of the control group was significantly higher (p 5 and > 10 cavity preparation groups. The rake angle of the > 10 cavity preparation group was significantly lower than the other two test groups (p 5 and > 10 cavity preparation groups showed blunt diamond particles. In conclusion, wear of tungsten carbide burs and round rotary diamond instruments were evident after repeated use. Wear was more pronounced when instruments were used to prepare more than ten cavities.

Review of congenital neck masses in assir central hospital of Saudi Arabia

The aim of retrospective study of 60 patients with congenital neck masses seen in our tertiary institution from 1991-1998 is to highlight their pattern in our local setting and to compare our clinical diagnosis with the results of conventional investigations of fine needle aspiration cytology, ultrasound findings and computerized axial tomographic [CT] Scan.We reviewed all cases of congenital neck masses referred and found in the medical records of this main referral hospital in the Assir region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between January 1991 and December 1998. Ultrasound and CT scan confirmed clinical diagnosis in 90% of cases while only 50% were confirmed by fine needle aspiration cytology. Thyroglossal duct cysts were the most common, accounting for 60% of our cases. The mean age at presentation varied from cyst to cyst.Total surgical excision was the treatment of choice in throglossal duct cysts and branchial cycts. The decision to treat or operate in lymphangioma and haemangioma remains that of the surgeon, especially where there are no obstructive symptoms. Ultrasonography and CT scan are in valuable in the differential diagnosis and management of congenital neck masses

Demographic characteristics of hospitalized patients with hereditary anaemias in Bahrain

The demographic characteristics of the patients with hereditary anaemias, who were admitted to the Salmaniya Medical Centre for the period 1980 - 1982 were reviewed and analysed. The majority of the patients were children, males and Bahrainis. The prevalence of hereditary anaemias was higher in rural areas than urban ones

Demographic characteristics of hospitalized patients with diabetes in Bahrain

The demographic characteristics of patients with diabetes who were admitted to Salmaniya Medical Centre for the period 1980-192 were reviewed and analysed. The results show that the majority of diabetics were more than 50 years of age. 88% of the diabetics were Bahraini and most of the reported cases were in the urban areas. For the year 1982, it was found that the percentage of Bahraini female diabetics was higher than males in all age groups, except in the less than 10 years age group and those older than 49 years of age. Proper health education for the public and training of the physicians on dietary management of diabetes are strongly recommended to control diabetes in the community