Comparison of two different matrix band systems in restoring two surface cavities in posterior teeth done by senior undergraduate students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Dental students commonly face the problem of overhanging proximal margins and unsatisfactory proximal contact points (PCPs) while restoring Class II cavities in posterior teeth. Various matrix band systems are used in dental clinics to avoid such problems. Aims: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of two matrix band systems, circumferential matrix system and sectional matrix system on the PCPs and contours when restoring Class II cavities in posterior teeth. Settings and Design: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial done at College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: Total 1200 Class II cavities in teeth were selected for this study. Treatment was done by senior undergraduate students. Cavities were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1: Total 600 cavities were restored using circumferential band system. Group 2: Total 600 cavities were restored using sectional band system. Teeth were restored either with the composite or the amalgam restoration. Contact points were evaluated. The presence or absence of proximal overhangs was assessed. Overhanging margins were categorized as positive overhangs, negative overhangs, and absent overhangs. Statistical Analysis Used: To identify the relationship between matrix band systems and other factors, Chi-square tests (χ2-tests) and Z-tests were used. Pearson correlation coefficient was computed and logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess variables that can affect proximal margins and contact points of final restorations. Results: All optimum contacts 389 (100%) were found in restorations done using sectional band system. A highly significant association was found between open contact points and negative overhanging margins with the use of circumferential matrix band system (P < 0.00). Conclusion: Sectional matrix band system has been found superior to circumferential matrix band system.

Porcelain fused to metal [PFM] crowns and caries in adjacent teeth

To assess the discrepancies in marginal integrity and contact points of Porcelain Fused to Metal [PFM] crowns and its association with caries in adjacent teeth. Cross-sectional study. Dental section of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January to August 2009. Ninety six [96] patients with PFM crowns on maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars were included in this study. Single unit PFM crowns that were part of fixed bridge with at least one natural adjacent tooth were studied. PFM crown with no adjacent tooth or badly broken down teeth were excluded. Marginal integrity, contact points of PFM crowns and caries in adjacent teeth were assessed clinically and radiographically. The data was collected on a structured Proforma. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis. Marginal overhang and marginal gaps on the mesial surfaces of PFM crowns were observed in 17.7% and 13.5% respectively. Tight contact points and open contacts of PFM crowns with adjacent teeth were 15.6% and 17.8% respectively on mesial surfaces. Caries were present in 33.3% and 20% of teeth present mesial and distal to PFM crowns respectively. The association of marginal discrepancy with caries in adjacent teeth was found significant [p= 0.002]. A significant association of faulty contact points and margins of PFM crowns with caries in adjacent teeth was found

Factors associated with non-carious cervical lesions [NCCLs] in teeth

To determine factors associated with Non-Carious Cervical Lesions [NCCLs] and the teeth most commonly involved in such lesions. Cross- sectional study. Department of Operative Dentistry, Section of Dentistry at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from December 2005 to January 2006. A total number of 95 patients with 671 teeth were evaluated using a pre-coded questionnaire. Subject of evaluation was teeth. Patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic NCCLs and permanent dentition were included. Patients exhibiting active, untreatable periodontal disease, rampant uncontrolled caries, xerostomia, primary dentition, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment or bleaching procedure were excluded from the study. Data analysis was done using Spearman's correlation, Mann Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Mean age of patients was 50.3 years [r=0.22, p=0.028]; males [73%] had more NCCLs than females [23%]. Majority [45.3%] of them brushed their teeth twice a day, with medium type of brush [48.4%] and horizontal [73.7%] brushing technique. Most of the patients were non-bruxists [90.5%], with Angles Class 1 occlusion [48.4%] and canine guidance [50.5%]. Majority [74.7%] of the patients did not have sensitivity. First premolars in all the quadrants were the most frequently involved teeth in NCCLs. More males had NCCLs. Middle aged patients were more involved. A weak positive correlation was found between age and NCCLs. No association was observed between hand used and site of NCCLs, between wear facets and NCCL, Excursive guidance and NCCL, Angles classification and NCCL

Frequency and distribution of endodontically treated teeth

To determine the distribution and pattern of carious teeth involvement in permanent teeth requiring endodontic treatment. Cross-sectional study. Dental Section of The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from September 2004 to March 2005. Data was collected from the dental records of patients. Tooth was the unit of evaluation. Variables studied were demographics, tooth type, etiology of endodontic treatment and pattern of caries involvement. Data was analyzed using chi-square test and Fischer's exact test. The total number of patients was 190; total number of teeth involved were 235. Females had more endodontically treated teeth than males. There was no significant difference in the distribution of etiology of endodontic treatment in both genders [p=0.564]. An increasing trend of endodontic procedure was observed with the increasing age of patients. Caries was the most common etiological factor leading to endodontic treatment [p = 0.011]. Class-II cavity i.e. proximal surface of teeth was the most commonly involved surface in endodontically involved teeth [p < 0.001]. More molars had been endodontically treated followed by premolars and anterior teeth. Caries was the most common etiologic factor; lower molars were the most commonly involved and lower anteriors the least commonly involved teeth in endodontic procedure. Significant association was observed between etiology and tooth type. Significant association was found between cavity classification and etiology of endodontic treatment with class-II caries being most common

Restorations placed in the clinics of a dental college: a crpss sectional pilot study

To conduct a pilot study of the types of various dental restorative materials used, and to determine the reasons for the placement and replacement of dental restorations in the clinics of Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Information was collected by using a specially designed form that was distributed to all dentists in operative dentistry department. The dentists were asked to record specific details for all restorations placed in all of the patients being treated in the department during a period of two weeks in August, 2004. Basic statistical analyses of the data. including the cross-tabulation were carried out, and where appropriate, the chi-square test was used to compare the frequency differences. Data were collected for 84 restorations placed in permanent teeth. Amalgam [60.7%] was the most commonly used restorative material followed by Glass lonomer Cement [G.I.C] [27.4%] and temporary restorations [8.3%] with a minimal use [3.6%] of resin composite, p<0.01. Most of the restorations [88.1%] were initial placements, while [11.9%] were replacement restorations, p<0.01. Primary caries [79.7%] was the major reason for the initial placements and secondary caries [80%] for the replacement of restorations. Amalgam and G.I.C were the most commonly used restorative materials, and primary caries was the major reason for the initial restorations, and secondary caries for replacement restorations