Frequency of dental caries and associated risk factors in patients attending college of dentistry, Aljouf University - Saudi Arabia

The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of dental caries and associated risk factors among patients examined at College of Dentistry, Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia. The study group consisted of 576 subjects with a mean age of 30.4 +/- 9.9 years and 65% males. Carious defects, fillings and missing teeth due to caries were diagnosed and DMFT scores were calculated according to WHO guidelines. Oral hygiene practices and habits were also recorded. Data were collected through a proforma. The prevalence rate of dental caries in the study group was 94%. The mean DMFT was 6.58 +/- 3.7 whereby the D [Decayed] component had the highest proportion 4.44 +/- 3.1, and M [Missing] component the lowest 0.79 +/- 1.6. On average the F [Filled] component was 1.39 +/- 1.9. The mean of DMFT component by gender was statistically significant [p < 0.05] while the difference in the mean of D and F components by age group was statistically insignificant [p < 0.05]. The molars [69%] were the most affected teeth by caries followed by premolars [21.5%] and anterior teeth [9.5%]. The results indicated high levels of dental caries as well as dental treatment needs among the study participants

comparison of thermafil and lateral condensation techniques in obturation of root canal systems

The aim of this study was to compare quality of thermafil obturation technique with cold Lateral Condensation technique in the management of root canal therapy. In this quasi experimental study, a total of 60 patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were selected. They were randomly allocated to two groups, Group A and Group B, each comprising of 30patients. In both groups chemo-mechanical preparation was done in first visit and in the second visit group A was obturated by thermafil technique and group B was obturated by cold lateral condensation technique. Post-operative evaluations of patients were based on peri-apical radiograph. Teeth obturated with Thermafil showed fewer voids and more radiodensity. Hence in terms of quality, obturation by thermafil technique was considered better

Effect of prophylactic amoxicillin on endodontic flare-up in teeth with asymptomatic, necrotic pulps and periradicular pathosis

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of prophylactic amoxicillin used and placebo in preventing endodontic flare-up in teeth with asymptomatic necrotic pulp and periradicular pathosis undergoing root canal treatment. The Quasi experimental study on 125 patients formed the study groups which was conducted at the Department of Operative Dentistry of Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar over a period of 10 months [10-09-2009 to 15-8-2010]. Patients were randomly divided in to two groups; experimental and control groups by selecting convenient sampling. Internationally recommended doses of prophylactic amoxicillin were given to patients in experimental group and placebo in control group one hour before the start of endodontic treatment. On the first visit complete biomechanical preparation was accomplished. Access cavity was sealed with zinc oxide eugenol. Five patients [4%] developed flare-up in experimental and six [4.80%] in control groups. The results demonstrated that 11/125 or 8.80% patients had developed flare-up. Data analysis revealed no significant differences between flare-up and non- flare- up patients for age, sex and tooth location. Prophylactic amoxicillin did not decrease frequency of the occurrence of flareup significantly [P = .33]. Experimental and control groups measured by flare-up index showed almost similar results