Choice of matrix system for direct posterior composites by the dentists in Lahore

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the preferences of dentists in Lahore regarding the selection of matrix system for posterior composites. 100 questionnaires were randomly distributed to the dental surgeons working in hospitals and clinics in Lahore. The questionnaires were designed to find out the preferences of dentists for selection of matrix system for posterior proximal composite restorations. 92 completed questionnaires were returned. 58 general dental practitioners and 34 specialists responded to the questionnaire. 65.2% of the dentists preferred Tofflemire Matrix System, for 53.3% selection depended upon the final tooth preparation requirements, 41.3% marked sectional matrix system to be the best and 24% of the dentists had a preference of using separation ring with sectional bands. Experience of the dentists had no remarkable effect on the preference. Universal Matrix System [Tofflemire] was the preference of the majority of the dentists for direct class II composite restorations. Sectional Matrix System with separation ring was mostly preferred by the specialists but the selection depended upon the restorative requirements

DMFT index among dental undergraduates of Lahore Medical and Dental College in different professional years of dentistry

This cross-sectional study was carried out at Lahore Medical and Dental College to evaluate dental caries status amongst the dental undergraduates. The decayed, missing and filled teeth were evaluated according to the DMFT scoring scale .310 dental students from first year to final year with age ranging from 18-24 years were included in the study. The overall mean DMFT score was 1.38 +/- 0.54 with decay [D] component of 0.54 +/- 0.62, missing [M] component of 0.01 +/- 0.10 and filled component of 0.83 +/- 0.68. There was no significant difference in mean DMFT score among the different professional years [p=0.192]. However the decay component of the mean DMFT was significantly [p=0.001] decreased and filled component significantly increased [p=0.0001], as the student passed through different professional years, reflecting positive influence of their dental education on their oral health status

Number of rami of marginal mandibular nerve and its communication with other terminal motor branches of facial nerve in adult unclaimed cadavers - an anatomical study

Marginal mandibular nerve is one of the five terminal motor branches of facial nerve given in the substance of parotid gland. Injury to this nerve during surgical procedures hampers the actions of muscles of the lip and chin causing functional and aesthetic impairment. This study on number of rami and communication of marginal mandibular nerve will benefit maxillofacial, general, cosmetic /plastic surgeons to safely prevent iatrogenic injury to this important branch of facial nerve. Dissection of one hundred [100] hemi-faces of adult unclaimed cadavers of both genders was done [from September 2009 to March 2010] in Forensic and Anatomy departments of King Edward Medical University, Lahore. Cadavers with any scar or mutilated face/ neck were excluded from this study. In 100 hemi faces, number of rami of marginal mandibular nerve varies from 1-3. Single branch is most common [74%] followed by two [20%] and three rami [6%]. In 36% of cases communication was seen with buccal branch, 1% with cervical branch, with both buccal and cervical branches in 1% of cases. No communication with either buccal or cervical branch of facial nerve was seen in 62% of cases. Frequency of communication increases with number of Rami of marginal mandibular nerve. In our population single marginal mandibular nerve is most common [74%] which does not communicate with other branches of facial nerve frequently [74.3%]. Therefore transection of this nerve during surgical procedures can result in permanent paralysis