The relationship between intercanthal dimension and the widths of maxillary anterior teeth.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: One of the difficult aspects of complete denture prosthodontics is the selection of appropriately sized maxillary anterior teeth. Many attempts have been made to establish methods of estimating the combined width of maxillary anterior teeth and/or central incisors. PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to determine whether a relationship exists between the intercanthal dimension and 4 mesiodistal width combinations of the maxillary anterior teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The maxillary anterior teeth of 443 adult subjects were examined. Intercanthal distance was measured between the median angles of the palpebral fissure. The mean widths of the 2 central incisors, the combined widths of the central incisors, the combined width of the 4 incisors, and the combined width of the 6 anterior teeth were determined intraorally at their widest dimension. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between intercanthal distance and the 4 measurements of maxillary anterior teeth (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Although the Pearson correlation coefficients were relatively small, a significant relationship existed between intercanthal dimension and the 4 maxillary teeth dimensions (P<.0001). It was found that biometric ratios of 1:0.267 and 1:1.426 could be used to estimate the central incisor width and the combined widths of the 6 anterior teeth, respectively. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that intercanthal distance can be used as a preliminary method for determining the width of the maxillary anterior teeth for edentulous patients.

Prevalence of ocular injuries, conjunctivitis and use of eye protection among dental personnel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

AIMS: To find out the prevalence of ocular injury and infection among dental personnel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and four dental personnel. METHOD: A questionnaire completed by researchers and observation during practice. RESULTS: The response rate was 81%. Dentists and dental technicians had a similar prevalence (42.3%) of foreign bodies in their eyes during the period of one month. Almost 50.5% of dentists rarely had foreign bodies in their eyes, while only 22.2% of dental technicians claimed the same. The majority of dental surgery assistants (73.6%) never experienced foreign bodies in their eyes. Only 27.0% of female personnel had foreign bodies in their eyes as compared to 73.0% of male personnel, while only 28.5% of females had conjunctivitis as compared to 71.4% among male personnel. 75% of regular eye protector wearers (EPW) never had foreign bodies while 67.2% EPW never had conjunctivitis. Dental technicians were more prone to ocular injury, 13.8% as compared to 4.4% of dentists. Only 30% of the regular eye protector wearers suffered ocular injury. CONCLUSIONS: Protection of the eyes should be emphasised and practised at undergraduate level. The awareness of eye protection should be highlighted at all clinical and research symposia. Further studies should be conducted to assess the financial implications of ocular injuries and infections in dental institutions and practices. Recommendations are made for universal precautions and the observation of safety at work guidelines by all dental team members.

Back & neck problems among dentists and dental auxiliaries.

In the practice of dentistry, stress, tension, and postural practices can contribute to back and neck problems. Two hundred and four dentists and dental auxiliary (87 males and 117 females) in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia were surveyed to determine the prevalence of postural problems. The candidates were interviewed and observed during practice. The data obtained showed that 111 (54.4%) of the subjects complained of neck pain and 150 (73.5%) complained of back pain. Only 37% of those complaining of back pain sought medical help. Within the limitations of this study, it might be concluded that neck and back pain among dental personnel are not of a severe nature.

The effect of eugenol-containing temporary cement on the bond strength of two resin composite core materials to dentin.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of eugenol-containing temporary cement on the bond strength of two resin composite core materials (FluoroCore and Ti-Core) to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentin was exposed in three groups of extracted teeth (20 specimens each). In group one, dentin was covered with eugenol-containing temporary cement; the second group was covered with eugenol-free temporary cement; and the third group was left uncovered and served as a control group. All specimens were stored for 1 week at 37 degrees C and 100% humidity. The dentin surfaces were cleaned and treated using the GLUMA adhesive system, followed by placement of composite core build-ups. Debonding of the core material was accomplished using the Accuforce Elite test system. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in bond strength for the specimens covered with eugenol temporary cement (p < .0001), but no significant difference was found between the control group and the group treated with eugenol-free temporary cement. Bond strength of the Ti-Core material to dentin was significantly higher than that of FluoroCore (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: Pretreatment of the dentin with eugenol-based temporary cement adversely affects the bond strength of resin composite core material to dentin.