Awareness regarding implant supported dental prosthesis; a survey in tertiary care set up

Objective: This research was aimed to assess the awareness and attitude regarding implant-retained prosthesis as the most advanced option for tooth replacement amongst residents of Karachi visiting tertiary care centre

Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in the department of Prosthodontics at Bahria University Dental Hospital, Karachi. Undertaking the demographic characteristics of patients, the objective was to determine the awareness and attitude toward implant supported prosthesis

Results: Amongst 380 responses retrieved, 9.8% of respondents were aware about the dental implant treatment. While correlating awareness with demographics features, awareness statistically increased with educational level [p= 0.00] and occupational category[p=0.01] of the participants. The friends and relative s[40.5%] were the main source of information regarding dental implant treatment modality. 54.1% were unwilling to undergo treatment with dental implant whereas high cost [55.2%]was the major limiting factor for implant treatment. 64.9% demanded dental insurance for getting the treatment. 45.9% had no knowledge regarding maintenance of implant supported prosthesis .73.0% had no idea regarding longevity of dental implant where as 86.5% were unaware of it's impact on systemic health

Conclusion: The overall awareness regarding implant supported prosthesis was found to be minimal. This underlines the need of efforts and measures that should be made to raise the awareness and thus alter attitude towards dental implant therapy. Expensive rates [55.2%] was found to be the major limiting factor that should be relieved in the form of health insurance policies, especially in the developing countries like ours

Benign migratory glossitis - A neglected oral health issue in pakistan

Objective: To investigate the frequency of benign migratory glossitis [BMG] and its association with medical conditions

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional and multicenter study was carried out in Karachi and Hyderabad city.A total of 2022 dental patients of 10-80 years of age were included. After taking verbal informed consent, clinical examinations and proforma was filled chair side. Descriptive and comparative analysis were done using SPSS version 23 and Chi-square test was the choice of analysis to test the significance of the undertaken objectives

Results: Frequency of BMG was found to be 33[1.6%]. Higher predilection was seen in females 21[1.03%] as compared to males 12 [0.59%]. 10[5.8%] cases were found in 51-60 years of age group followed by 9 cases in 31-40 years. The most common affected site was dorsal surface of the tongue 29 [87.88%]. Cross tabulation of BMG with medical condition revealed presence of BMG in 3hypertensives and 1 diabetes mellitus patient. Remaining 29 cases were not suffering from any medical condition.The association of BMG with fissured tongue was also investigated and found statistically significant in 11[33.3%] cases with a p-value [P<0.001]

Conclusion: Frequency of BMG was found to be 1.6%. Majority of cases of BMG did not have any association with medical conditions. Fissured tongue was found in statistically significant number of BMG cases

Pattern of missing teeth in patients seen in prosthodontic department in a teaching hospital of Karachi

The objective of the study was to determine the frequency and pattern of missing teeth and to establish its relationship with gender. The study was conducted in the Prosthodontics Department of Hamdard Medical and Dental College, Hamdard University, Karachi. A cross sectional study comprised of 500 subjects were selected using utilizing convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through specialized proforma and analyzed using Microsoft Excel Statistical Program. Out of total patients, 262 [52.4%] were males and 238[47.6%] were females. The affected peak age group was 61-70years in males and 41-50 years in females. First molar in maxilla [28.38%] and in mandible [21.45%] was the most commonly missing tooth while canine being the least one with [5.42%] in maxilla and [9.09%] in mandible. Insignificant differences noted between right and left side of the arch. Hence the current study shows the base line data to depict the frequency and pattern of missing teeth in context to the local population of Karachi and highlights the oral health care system and rationale behind prosthodontics