Unhealthy complacency: The vulnerability of US hospitals to direct terrorist attacks.

Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, terrorists have demonstrated both the intent and capability to execute direct attacks on US public hospitals. Nonetheless, hospital administrators have basically ignored this threat, as they do not view hospitals as likely targets. Unfortunately, it may take a catastrophic event before policymakers appreciate this threat enough to take appropriate actions. However, analyzing and managing these threats is just another part of risk management, as the cost of doing so up front to protect against such loss is no different than other risk management assessments. While the threat may never be completely eradicated, failing to implement reasonable security measures to specifically address the threat of direct terrorist attacks leaves hospitals vulnerable to severe loss.

Rationale for restoration of carious primary teeth: a review.

Early childhood caries (ECC) has consequences, affectng both the child's dental health and his/her general health. This paper reviews the literature regarding ECC and its consequences (pain, sepsis, space loss, disruption to quality of life, failure to thrive, effects on intellectual development, greater risk of new carious Iesions in both primary and permanent dentitions, higher incidence of hospitailisation and emergency visits, and increased treatment costs and time). The effects of treatment of ECC are aIso reviewed, and concerns regarding purported associations between treatment of ECC and dental anxiety are addressed.

Dentoalveolar trauma in a patient with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report.

A case is presented of a 13-year-old boy with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who sustained traumatic labial luxation of both lower central incisors, with partial alveolar fracture resulting in displacement of the labial alveolar plate. Intravenous immunoglobulin (Fleibogamma, 1 g/kg body weight x 2 days) was administered, resulting in the patient's platelet count rising from 15,000/mm3 to 70,000/mm3. Under general anesthesia, the displaced lower labial alveolus and luxated teeth were repositioned and splinted 2 days following trauma. Healing was uneventful. Subsequently, both lower central incisors became nonvital and were endodontically treated. The dental treatment of this patient with ITP is discussed in terms of emergency management, and subsequent care.

External inflammatory and replacement resorption of luxated, and avulsed replanted permanent incisors: a review and case presentation.

External inflammatory resorption and replacement resorption are complicating factors that may result from traumatic dental injuries when the tooth is luxated or avulsed and replanted. Resorption may, ultimately, result in loss of the tooth. However, with appropriate treatment, the prognosis for these teeth is greatly improved, with the possibility of preventing or arresting resorption. The purpose of this paper is to review these trauma entities, to discuss factors that influence the occurrence of resorption and to describe the most appropriate treatment. A case is presented, illustrating both resorption entities, but with varying outcomes.