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

Natal and neonatal teeth- an uncommon oral finding: a cross sectional study in Pakistani subjects

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency, types of teeth present at the time of birth and reasons for extraction of natal and neonatal teeth in Pakistani neonates. This cross sectional hospital based study was carried out during the period February 2011 to May 2013 at different dental colleges of Karachi and Hyderabad. All neonates with natal and neonatal teeth referred from different dental sections of Karachi and Hyderabad were included in the study. Their characteristics, common sites of eruptions, complications and reasons for extractions were observed and analyzed. A total of 22 patients were selected for data analysis out of which 8 [36.4%] were males and 14 [63.6%] were females and standard deviation was SD +/- 9.74. Out of 22 subjects studied, 17[77.3%] had natal and 05[22.7%] neonatal teeth which were uncomfortable both for the mother and the neonate. The most common teeth present at the time of birth were mandibular central incisors. It was concluded that it was a benign but rare condition of oral cavity among Pakistani neonates which requires special attention when causing feeding problems for mothers and children

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

Frequency of torus palatinus; a study done in a teaching hospital in Karachi

The objective of the study was to determine the frequency, size and shape of torus palatinus [TP] in a teaching hospital in Karachi. The study further investigated the relationship with age, sex and ethnicity in the study sample. A total of nine hundred and nine [909] subjects were included in the study. The presence or absence of TP was examined by clinical examination and study casts were made for its evaluation. SPSS version 15.0 was used for data analysis. Out of 909 subjects studied, 34[3.7%] had torus palatinus [TP]. The TP was present in 12 [35.3%] males and 22 [64.7%] females. TP was found to be more prevalent in fifth decade of life [23.5%] and was least recorded in the first decade of life [8.8%]. Most of the patients that is 16 [2.4%] showing TP belonged to Urdu speaking community. Out of 34 cases of TP, medium size and spindle shaped tori were more prevalent with a frequency of 15 [44.2%] and 18 [52.9%] respectively

Masticatory efficiency between balanced and lingualized occlusion in complete denture wearers

The objective of the study was to compare the masticatory efficiency with balanced occlusion and lingualized occlusion in complete denture wearers. The study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore. Sixty edentulous patients were included in this study; patients were randomly divided into two groups by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS version 10] software. Group A was provided with dentures fabricated with bilateral balanced occlusion and Group B with lingualized occlusion. The patient's masticatory efficiency was assessed after 2 months of denture insertion using the sieving method. Masticatory efficiency was statistically better in patients provided with complete dentures fabricated with lingualized occlusion than dentures with bilateral balanced occlusion. It was concluded patients provided with dentures fabricated with lingualized occlusal scheme were more comfortable with their dentures and were able to chew properly with ease and comfort

Prevalence of torus mandibularis among various ethnic groups in Karachi City: a cross sectional study

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of torus mandibularis in dental patients with regard to ethnic population in Karachi city. This study was undertaken at a dentistry teaching hospital of Karachi. Eight hundred subjects were clinically examined, presenting for their common dental health issues with the diagnosis of torus mandibularis [TM]. This study was conducted from January 2011 to March 2012. The location, position and clinical presentation of torus mandibularis were recorded, related to age and sex of various ethnic populations. Subjects participated in the study were 365[45.6%] males and 435[54.3%] females. Its overall prevalence in the study subjects was 8.6%. The mean age of patient was 41.79 and STD +/- 16.61. Torus mandibularis was observed in both genders with females having predominance. Urdu speaking population showed higher frequency of TM as compared to other ethnic sample

Frequency of overeruption in unopposed posterior teeth

The objective of the study was to determine the frequency and extent of over eruption in unopposed posterior teeth. The study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore. Fifty sites of unopposed posterior teeth were included in the study. Broadrick flag technique was used for the generation of broadrick occlusal curve. The measurement of over eruption of the unopposed posterior tooth was measured from the generated curve to the tip of most occlusally projecting cusp by a vernier caliper. Forty seven [90%] of the subjects and sixty teeth [83.3%] out of seventy two had some degree of over eruption. It was concluded that unopposed posterior teeth lead to over eruption of antagonists with clinical and statistical significance [83.3%]