Degree of pain/discomfort experienced by patients during and after scaling and root planing

Objectives: To determine: the degree of pain experienced by patients during periodontal probing and periodontal debridement by using a Visual Analog Scale [VAS]

Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study

Place and Duration: Conducted at Periodontology Department of Margalla Institute of Health Sciences [MIHS] Rawalpindi from December 2011 to May 2012

Methodology: Measurements for probing depths were performed, followed by pain ratings by each patient using a VAS. The hygienists also completed a VAS, estimating the pain level perceived by their patients

Results: Among 106 patients, 70% showed low pain responses to both probing and instrumentation. In our study a group of 106 [56 male and 50 female] patients were included, which received scaling and root planing procedures, out of which 36.6% of the patients experienced mild pain, 33.3% felt moderate pain while only 13.3% felt severe pain. In addition the pain and discomfort remain low with 23.3% and 53% during procedures but increases to 53.3% and 86.7% after treatment respectively

Conclusion: Majority of the patients experience mild to moderate pain during scaling and root planing; moreover intensity of pain and discomfort felt after these procedures are greater than the pain sensation felt during the procedures

Pattern and etiology of exodentia in Rawalpindi and Islamabad sample

The aim of this study was to find out the various reasons for which permanent teeth were extracted in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Two centers were selected in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A total of 250 patients [125 patients in each center] were included in this study. The mean age ranged from 7-67 years. The most common cause for tooth extractions in both centers was caries leading to irreversible pulpits which was seen in 137 patients [54.8%]. The second most common reason was periodontal problems seen in 47 cases [18.8%] followed by orthodontic reasons noted in 25 cases [10%]. More teeth's were extracted from the mandibular arch 154 [61.6%] followed by maxillary arch 96[38.4%]. It was concluded that most common cause of extraction was advanced caries followed by periodontal diseases

Surgical correction of bird face deformity-a case report

The bilateral sagital split ramus osteotomy [BSSO] of the mandible is versatile surgical procedure that can be used to correct many skeletal and functional maxillomandibular deformities. The same procedure was adopted for a patient of twenty years of age who reported with the complaint of bilateral TMJ ankylosis since 17 years due to facial trauma during childhood and was with micrognathic mandible and Micronesia [bird face appearance]. He gave a very shy and depressed look due to the awareness of this facial appearance and used to avoid meeting his relatives and friends. He was treated with bilateral condylectomy followed by BSSO and chin augmentation with bone cement. His oral function and facial appearance improved a lot. These days he is walking around confidently