Hazards of pressure pack

The purpose of this study was to find out how the patients disposed off the pressure packs placed on the socket after tooth extraction. The study was conducted on 260 patients who had undergone dental extraction from November 2010 to April 2011. Pressure packs were placed on the socket to stop post operative bleeding. Every study patient was asked where he/she threw his/her pack after use and whether he/she touched it for adjustment before it was finally discarded. 42.3% of the patients threw the packs on the road, and 19.2% did this within the hospitals area, like corridors and toilets. Majority of patients admitted that they touched the pack for adjustment before it was finally discarded. The risk of spread of infection is increased by first touching the blood contaminated pack and then touching the doors, chairs, and tables in the waiting areas. Patients must be informed and educated about the proper handling of the packs to minimize the chances of cross infection

Prophylactic use of antibiotics to prevent flare-up in endodontic treatment

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of giving antibiotics during root canal treatment to reduce pain. Sixty patients with asymptomatic necrotic teeth were included in the study, which was carried out at the Department of Operative Dentistry, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi and was spread over one year. Two groups, A and B, were formed. Thirty patients in group A were given prophylactic antibiotics. Patients in group B formed the study group. Postoperative flare-up pain recorded at 4, 12, 24 and 48 hours was not statistically significant between the two groups. It was concluded that there was no statistical significance of giving prophylactic antibiotics to prevent inter-appointment flare-up. The risk of inappropriate use of antibiotics and widespread antibiotic resistance appear to be far more important than any possible perceived benefits