Mandibular Premolars with Multiple Roots:A Case Report.

Although the human mandibular premolars are known to exhibit variations in their root and canal configurations, multiple roots in mandibular premolars are rare though some cases have been reported. Prevalence of two rooted mandibular first and second premolars have been reported to be 1.8% - 2.1% and 0.4% respectively. Variations in root anatomy have been seen to differ with racial groups, gender and genetics. This case documents anatomical variation of mandibular premolars roots with a view to enhance successful endodontic treatments in Nigerians. A radiological investigation of the right and left mandibular jaw of a 20 year old man revealed that the mandibular right first and second premolars had two roots each. The left second premolar also presented with two roots. The occurrence of anatomical variations in the roots and canals of the human mandibular premolars cannot be overemphasised and should be considered diligently before performing endodontic treatment.

Non-syndromic oligodontia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: oligodontia is a condition with developmental absence of six or more permanent teeth excluding the third molars. It is a rare finding which has not been frequently documented in Nigerian children. OBJECTIVE: to report a case of non syndromic oligodontia. METHODS: The details of the clinical presentation, course and outcome of a 9-year-old child with oligodontia were reviewed. The child was fully assessed clinically and orthopantomography was done. RESULTS: extra-oral examination revealed no abnormalities of the skin , hair, or nails. Intra orally, the primary canines and molars, the permanent upper left canine and permanent first molars were present. Carious lesions were seen on the primary molars present. An orthopantomograph revealed that thirteen permanent teeth were absent excluding the third molars. The carious primary molars were restored with glass ionomer cement and upper and lower acrylic partial dentures were fabricated for the patient. The importance of preventive measures and regular dental follow up was stressed. Mother was educated about probable treatment options for future dental management of the growing child. CONCLUSION: the consequences of missing teeth include abnormal occlusions or altered facial appearance which can cause psychological distress for some patients. For this reason, early diagnosis is important to prevent consequences of aesthetic and functional problems in the dentition.

Selective impression technique for conventional denture rehabilitation in ectodermal dysplasia patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hypodontia or anodontia presents with socio-psychological problems due to impaired aesthetics, masticatory defficiency and underdeveloped jawbone mimicking marked residual bone resorption seen in ectodermal dysplasia patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe a useful impression technique which enhances retention and support of a cheap, functional removable dentures. METHODS: An 18-year old male presented with complaints of poor dental appearance. Full medical and dental histories well-taken before a dental assessment was made. RESULTS: The patient was born to apparently normal parents. His main concern was poor dental appearance owing to failure of his teeth to erupt. He had adopted violent and evasive behaviours to overcome embarrassment in his early childhood. However, as he grew older, these behaviours could not compensate for the psycho-social challenges in his adulthood due to embarrassing appearance. The lips were everted with a prognanthic lower jaw bone. The lower edentulous ridge was poorly formed and small with unemployed mandibular ridge, but the first molars were present. The patient was rehabilitated with relatively inexpensive conventional removable acrylic partial dentures fabricated using selective impression technique, to enhance support, stability and retention for adequate function. CONCLUSION: These well fitting, functional dentures improved the appearance, psychological and social behaviour of the patient while unacceptable social behaviours were prevented.

Proteinaceous diet inhibits gossypol-induced spermatotoxicity.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of a proteinaceous dietary supplement, fishmeal, on gossypol-induced spermatotoxicity. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats, averaging 205 g b.w., were randomly sorted into four experimental groups (I-IV) of 5 animals each, and a control group. Crude cottonseed oil was administered orally to each animal in groups I-IV at a rate that provided 14 mg/kg/d free gossypol; in addition, 3 g/d, 7 g/d, and 10 g/d of fishmeal was provided as meal supplement to each animal in groups I, II and III respectively. The control group received rat pellets and water freely. At the end of the 53-day treatment period, all animals were placed under chloroform anaesthesia; the caudal epididymides were removed, minced and placed in Ham's F10 solution for the evaluation of sperm count and motility. The testes were also processed for histological studies using the eosin and haematoxylin (H & E) method. Our findings revealed a dose-dependent inhibition of gossypol-induced spermatotoxicity by the supplemented fishmeal; this suggests that proteinaceous diets are protective against gossypol-induced male infertility.

Electrospinning of polymer nanofibres from multiple jets on a porous tubular surface.

A novel method for the electrospinning of multiple polymer jets into nanofibres is presented. In this work, 20 wt% nylon 6 solution was electrified and pushed by air pressure through the walls of a porous polyethylene tube. Multiple jets formed on the porous surface and electrospun into nanoscale fibres. The length weighted fibre diameters have a similar mean diameter to those from a single jet but broader in distribution. The mass production rate from the porous tube is 250 times greater than from a typical single jet.

Ectodermal dysplasia with hypodontia in a set of Nigerian twins--a case report.

A set of Nigerian male twins with features of ectodermal dysplasia born to apparently normal parents are presented. The main findings in both children were hypodontia, abnormally shaped teeth and hypotrichosis. The general treatment modalities of the condition, especially in a tropical environment, are discussed.