Connaissances et attitudes face aux péricoronarites: enquête auprès des chirurgiens-dentistes de Dakar (Sénégal)

INTRODUCTION: Une prise en charge efficace des urgences parodontales contribue au bien-être physique et psychologique du patient. L'objectif de ce travail était d'évaluer les connaissances, attitudes et pratiques des chirurgiens dentistes de Dakar face aux péricoronarites. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'est agi d'une enquête transversale descriptive réalisée auprès des chirurgiens dentistes de la région de Dakar et exerçant dans des structures privées, publiques et parapubliques. L'inclusion était basée sur la liste officielle de l'ordre national des chirurgiens dentistes du Sénégal (ONCD) de la région de Dakar de l'année 2015, et de celle du service de santé des Armées Sénégalaises. RÉSULTATS: L'échantillon comprenait 122 chirurgiens dentistes, dont 65 hommes. Le secteur public est le plus représentatif avec un pourcentage de 44,26%. Dans notre échantillon, 84,43% des dentistes prescrivent des antibiotiques et des analgésiques et 41,80% réalisent une détersion des lésions avec une boulette de coton imbibée de peroxyde d'hydrogène à 10 volumes. Cependant, 64,75% des dentistes font une excision du capuchon muqueux en urgence. CONCLUSION: La prise en charge de la péricoronarite n'est pas toujours conforme aux recommandations scientifiques actuelles. Afin de ne pas compromettre le potentiel de cicatrisation du parodonte, la formation continue des chirurgiens dentistes sénégalais devrait être un impératif éthique et légal

Odontogenic Infections: A 1-year Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence, demographic patterns and management of odontogenic infections in patients undergoing treatment in an outpatient dental emergency service of a university hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study of the year 2012, all patients suffering from odontogenic infections were included. Demographic data, diagnosis and the conducted treatment were analyzed. Odontogenic infections were defined as pulpitis, apical and marginal periodontitis, abscesses and pericoronitis. RESULTS: A total of 2,058 out of 4,209 emergency patients suffered from odontogenic infections. The majority (45.0%) had an apical periodontitis, 20.8% abscesses, 17.3% a marginal periodontitis, 16.3% a pulpitis and 5.8% a pericoronitis. Mean age was 37.5 ± 17.0 years standard deviation (SD) (1.2-96.4). Most patients were 20 to 29 years (24.6%), followed by the age group of 30 to 39 year old patients (21.0%). Males were affected more frequently (55.5%) than females (45.5%). Most of the patients (64.5%) of the patients received a dental or surgical treatment. Antibiotics were prescribed in 31.7% of cases. Amoxicillin was the most common prescribed antibiotic (54.5%). CONCLUSION: Odontogenic infections represent one of the main reasons for consulting the emergency service. Due to the high number of cases and the severe complications, dentists have to be familiar with the surgical management of odontogenic infections as well as the appropriate use of antibiotics. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Nearly half of all patients who sought, treatment in the emergency service had an odontogenic infectious disease. This should be considered for the organization and planning of the service.

Non-third molar related pericoronitis in a sub-urban Nigeria population of children.

BACKGROUND: The study will report on the prevalence, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of non-third molar related pericoronitis seen in children below the age of 15 years who report at the Pediatric Dental Clinic, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife over a 4½ year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study of cases of pericoronitis affecting any tooth exclusive of the third molar diagnosed in the pediatric dentistry out-patient clinic in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife between January 2008 and June 2012. Pericoronitis was diagnosed using the criteria described by Howe. Information on age, sex, history malaria fever, upper respiratory diseases, tonsillitis, and evidence of immunosuppression were taken. Radiographs were taken in all cases to rule out tooth impaction and information on treatment regimen was also collected. RESULTS: The prevalence of non-third molar related pericoronitis was 0.63%. More females (63.6%) were affected. Chronic pericoronitis was the most common presentation (73.3%). No case was reported in the primary dentition and the premolar. No case was associated with tooth impaction and the tooth most affected was the lower right second permanent molar (35.7%). Bilateral presentation was seen in 36.4% patients. Herpetic gingivostomatitis was reported in association with one case. Chronic pericoronitis resolved within 3 days of management with warm saline mouth bath (WSMB) and analgesics, while acute/subacute resolved within 10 days of management with antibiotics, analgesics, and WSMB. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of non-third molar related pericoronitis is the low. The most prevalence type is chronic pericoronitis affecting the lower right second permanent molar.

Number of teeth, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and cardiovascular mortality: a 15-year follow-up study in a Finnish cohort.

AIM: To test whether the number of teeth, an inverse proxy for composite oral infection scores is associated with better survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Kuopio Oral Health and Heart study initiated a case-control study in 1995-1996 consisting of 256 consecutive coronary artery disease patients and 250 age and gender-matched controls. We appended the mortality data and formulated a longitudinal study. By May 31st, 2011, 124 mortalities had occurred and 80 of which were of cardiovascular origin. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we assessed the association of the teeth group (Teethgrp) - consisting of 10 teeth - with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality after 15.8 years of median follow-up. RESULTS: In multivariate models, with the edentulous state as reference, one level increase in Teethgrp was associated with significantly increased survival from cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality with a Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.73, p-value = 0.02 but not with all-cause mortality (HR = 0.87, p = 0.13). The findings were not mediated by C-reactive protein (CRP) levels ≥3 mg/L or by median fibrinogen levels, but were mediated by CRP levels >5 mg/L. CONCLUSION: Each increment of 10 teeth from the edentulous state was associated with a 27% improved CVD survival, independent of low-grade systemic inflammation.

Oral health and impact on performance of athletes participating in the London 2012 Olympic Games: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Oral health is important both for well-being and successful elite sporting performance. Reports from Olympic Games have found significant treatment needs; however, few studies have examined oral health directly. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral health, the determinants of oral health and the effect of oral health on well-being, training and performance of athletes participating in the London 2012 Games. METHODS: Cross-sectional study at the dental clinic within the Polyclinic in the athletes' village. Following informed consent, a standardised history, clinical examination and brief questionnaire were conducted. RESULTS: 302 athletes from 25 sports were recruited with data available for 278. The majority of athletes were from Africa, the Americas and Europe. Overall, the results demonstrated high levels of poor oral health including dental caries (55% athletes), dental erosion (45% athletes) and periodontal disease (gingivitis 76% athletes, periodontitis 15% athletes). More than 40% of athletes were 'bothered' by their oral health with 28% reporting an impact on quality of life and 18% on training and performance. Nearly half of the participants had not undergone a dental examination or hygiene care in the previous year. CONCLUSIONS: The oral health of athletes attending the dental clinic of the London 2012 Games was poor with a resulting substantial negative impact on well-being, training and performance. As oral health is an important element of overall health and well-being, health promotion and disease prevention interventions are urgently required to optimise athletic performance.

Aplicación del OLEOZÓN en el tratamiento de las pericoronaritis / Usage of Oleozón in the treatment of pericoronaritis

La atención primaria se orienta hacia los principales problemas de salud de la comunidad, entre ellos los de urgencias estomatológicas, donde es atendida la pericoronaritis, siendo el tratamiento indicado la aplicación de sustancias cáusticas (ácido tricloroacético), que pueden ocasionar daños en los tejidos dentarios. Teniendo en cuenta las características de la pericoronaritis, se utilizó la ozonoterapia, realizando un ensayo clínico fase III, aleatorizado, controlado y abierto, lo cual permitió estudiar la evolución microbiológica después de aplicado el OLEOZÓN en el tratamiento de la pericoronaritis, en la Clínica Estomatológica Docente César Escalante, del municipio Matanzas, de enero 2003 a enero 2008. El universo de estudio fueron los pacientes con pericoronaritis, y la muestra abarcó 90 pacientes, conformándose dos grupos, uno experimental, tratado con Oleozón, y otro control, donde se empleó el tratamiento convencional. La eficacia del OLEOZÓN resultó ser alta en los pacientes tratados(AU)

Primary care is directed to the main health problems of the community, and among them stomatologic emergencies where pericoronaritis is attended, being the indicated treatment the application of caustic substances (trichloroacetic acid), that may damage dental tissues. Considering the characteristics of pericoronaritis, we used ozone therapy, carrying out a Phase III randomized, controlled and open clinical trial, that allowed studying the microbiologic evolution after applying Oleozón in the treatment of pericoronaritis, at the Teaching Stomatologic Clinic Cesar Escalante, municipality of Matanzas, from January 2003 to January 2008. The universe of study was the patients with pericoronaritis, and the sample covered 90 patients. Two groups were formed, one experimental, treated with Oleozon, and the other control, where we used the conventional treatment. The OLEOZÓN efficacy was high in the treated patients(AU)

Cysts and tumors associated with impacted third molars: is prophylactic removal justified?

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective analysis was to determine the frequency and type of cysts and tumors related to impacted third molars (ITMs) in Greek patients. Indications, complications, risks, and benefits of ITM removal are also discussed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 12-year period, 7,782 third molars were removed in 6,182 patients. RESULTS: Of the 417 specimens submitted for histopathologic examination, 167 cysts (40.04%) and 48 tumors (11.5%) were found. CONCLUSION: Surgical removal of ITMs should only be performed in the presence of specific indications. Our study confirmed that the incidence of pathologic conditions related to ITMs is relatively low (2.77%).

Epidemiología y tratamiento de la pericoronaritis aguda en el Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau, Santiago, Chile / Epidemiology and treatment of acute pericoronitis at Barros Luco Trudeau Hospital, Santiago, Chile

La pericoronaritis se caracteriza por la inflamación de los tejidos blandos, que rodean la corona de un diente total o parcialmente erupcionado, acompañado por dolor. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la epidemiología y el tratamiento de la pericoronaritis aguda, en pacientes que acuden al servicio de urgencia del Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se analizaron 9531 fichas clínicas correspondientes a pacientes atendidos en la urgencia dental del Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau, tomando como muestra 456 atenciones con el diagnóstico de pericoronaritis aguda. Se consideraron como variables la edad, el género, la pieza dentaria involucrada y el tratamiento realizado. El análisis de los resultados arrojó una edad promedio de 24 años, con una proporción aproximada de 1:2 de hombres frente a mujeres. Las piezas dentarias más afectadas fueron los terceros molares mandibulares. Respecto al tratamiento, aproximadamente el 70 por ciento de los casos se medicó con antibioterapia y analgésicos no esteroidales (AINES),mientras que sólo en un 40 por ciento se realizó el debridamiento mecánico de la zona. Independientemente del manejo inicial, la mayor parte de las piezas involucradas fueron extraídas de forma inmediata o derivadas para su remoción. Los resultados obtenidos concuerdan con la literatura disponible, en relación a las variables edad, género y piezas dentarias involucradas. Con respecto al tratamiento, la evidencia reporta que lo óptimo es la realización conjunta de una terapia mecánico-local y sistémica, medidas que fueron poco frecuente en el servicio estudiado.

Pericoronitis is characterized by inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the crown of a tooth wholly or partially erupted, accompanied by pain. To describe the epidemiology and treatment of acute pericoronitis in patients attending the emergency department of the Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau. A descriptive retrospective study was carried out. We analized 9531 files of patients treated in the Emergency Department Dental Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau and we obtained a sample of 456 files with the diagnosis of acute pericoronitis. The variables considered were age, gender, tooth and the treatment involved. The analysis of the results showed an average age of 24 years, with an approximate ratio of 1:2 of men versus women. The most affected teeth were mandibular third molars. Regarding treatment, approximately 70 percent of cases medicated with antibiotics and analgesics nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), where as only 40 percent had mechanical debridement of the area. Regardless of initial treatment, most of the parts involved were immediately extracted or derived for removal. Our results are consistent with the available literature regarding the variables age, gender and teeth involved. With regard to treatment, the literature reported that the best evidence is the joint realization of a local mechanical therapy and systemic measures that were rare in the service studied.

Third molar-related morbidity in deployed Service personnel.

INTRODUCTION: The minimisation of disease and non-battle injury (DNBI) is essential for maintaining efficiency in a fighting force. Third molar-related morbidity is a common cause of DNBI. With extended lines of communication in current military deployments, travelling for dental care is often subject to significant danger. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Military dental officers in Afghanistan and Iraq recorded data on patients presenting with third molar pathology. Related previous history was obtained from the individual and from the military dental records. RESULTS: Three hundred and three individuals presented during the 23 month study period; 27.7% were unable to access care immediately, most commonly citing work pressure or lack of safe transport. Of those needing to travel, 70% were moved by helicopter. Pericoronitis was diagnosed in 84.4% of cases, 20.6% of these teeth being extracted; 53.5% of patients reported no prior symptoms, 22.7% with two or more episodes. There was documented evidence in military dental records of previous problems in 29.2% of cases. 11.3% had previously been listed for extraction of the presenting tooth. DISCUSSION: Dental treatment for troops in combat situations is fraught with difficulty. Special consideration must be given to the management of third molars in military personnel.

Actuarial life-table analysis of lower impacted wisdom teeth in general dental practice.

BACKGROUND: The appropriateness of extraction of asymptomatic impacted third molars has been much debated and as a result the number of extractions has fallen in the UK in the past few years. As a direct consequence of this decrease more impacted third molars are left in situ and yet, little is known about the natural history of these teeth. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to create an actuarial life-table and related survival analysis that would shed light on the natural history of an impacted lower third molar. METHODS: Panoramic radiographs taken in 14 different general dental practices in Scotland were analysed and matched with their respective case notes in order to generate a sample of patients with asymptomatic impacted lower third molars. Subjects were assessed to confirm the presence of impaction and absence of symptoms and then re-assessed 1 year later for the development of symptoms during the study period to relate the incidence of symptoms within 1 year in the sample studied to age. Logistic regression was used to construct a life table based on the survival of symptom-free teeth (independently of extraction) during the study period. RESULTS: The number of patients included in the study was 583 and 421 for the baseline and follow-up assessments respectively. The total number of teeth analysed in both appointments was 676; from those 37 (5.47%) were extracted during the study period. About 562 teeth (83.13%) survived the study period symptom-free. There was a statistically significant inverse association between the development of symptoms studied and age. There was no statistically significant association between extraction and age. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that older patients are less likely to develop the symptoms studied. In addition the authors believe that there is evidence to suggest that general dental practitioners might not be following current guidelines when deciding whether or not to extract an impacted lower third molar in the centres studied.

Unerupted mandibular third molars: symptoms, associated pathologies, and indications for removal in a Turkish population.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the occurrence of symptoms of unerupted mandibular third molars, to investigate associated pathologies, and to determine indications for removal of unerupted mandibular third molars in a Turkish population. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A retrospective study was performed by reviewing 832 patients referred to Gulhane Military Medical Academy Dentistry Center for evaluation of their mandibular third molars. The patients were clinically examined, and unerupted and partially erupted mandibular third molars were determined from radiographs. The symptoms and pathologies associated with these teeth were analyzed. The indications for removal were classified into 10 groups. RESULTS: Two-thirds of the patients were between 20 and 29 years of age. Of the 832 unerupted mandibular third molars found, 557 (66.9%) teeth were partially erupted and 275 (33.1%) were completely unerupted. A total of 521 (62.6%) of all unerupted third molars had no symptoms, while 311 (37.4%) were associated with symptoms. The most frequent complaints of the patients were pain and swelling. Pericoronitis was observed as the most frequent pathology, in 142 patients. Of 832 unerupted mandibular third molars, 582 (69.9%) had complete root formation, 177 (21.2%) had two-thirds root formation, and 73 (8.9%) had one-third root formation. CONCLUSION: Patients between 20 and 29 years of age had the highest prevalence of unerupted mandibular third molars (69.3%). However, this figure decreased with increasing age. Partially erupted teeth (n = 228) caused the occurrence of symptoms more than completely erupted teeth (n = 83) in a Turkish population.

The prophylactic extraction of third molars: a public health hazard.

Ten million third molars (wisdom teeth) are extracted from approximately 5 million people in the United States each year at an annual cost of over $3 billion. In addition, more than 11 million patient days of "standard discomfort or disability"--pain, swelling, bruising, and malaise--result postoperatively, and more than 11000 people suffer permanent paresthesia--numbness of the lip, tongue, and cheek--as a consequence of nerve injury during the surgery. At least two thirds of these extractions, associated costs, and injuries are unnecessary, constituting a silent epidemic of iatrogenic injury that afflicts tens of thousands of people with lifelong discomfort and disability. Avoidance of prophylactic extraction of third molars can prevent this public health hazard.

Dental extraction for patients presenting at oral surgery student clinic.

The aim of this study was to examine the reasons for dental extraction and to determine the pattern of tooth loss in patients seeking care at the oral surgery teaching clinics in the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, over a 3-year period. Data pertaining to the dental extractions of 2435 patients were analyzed. The results showed that 63.8% of the teeth included in this study were extracted because of dental caries, 22.9% because of periodontal disease, and 11.0% for prosthetic reasons. Pericoronitis, orthodontic treatment, trauma, and eruption problems accounted for 2.4% of the reported extractions. The upper premolars were the teeth most commonly extracted, and the lower first and second molars were the teeth most commonly extracted because of dental caries. The logistic regression test revealed that extraction because of dental caries occurred mostly in the group aged 21 to 30 years (P < .001). Periodontal disease was not likely the cause of extraction in patients younger than 40 years. Mandibular incisors were the teeth least likely extracted because of dental caries (P < .001), but they were the teeth most commonly extracted because of periodontal disease (P < .001). Extraction for orthodontic reasons mostly involved the premolars (P < .05) and occurred in patients 20 years of age or younger (P < .001). Men were less likely to lose teeth because of caries and periodontal disease (P < .05 and P < .001, respectively) and were more likely to lose teeth for prosthetic reasons and trauma. The information gained from this study is useful to shift oral health planning toward emphasizing the importance of maintaining natural dentition and preventing dental disease.

A retrospective study of some socio-demograhic factors associated with pericoronitis in Nigerians.

BACKGROUND: Pericoronitis is an infectious disease of the operculum overlying an erupting or semi-impacted tooth particularly the lower third molars. It is a painful, sometimes debilitating and common periodontal emergency commonly found in young adults. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the socio-demographic factors related to pericoronitis among Nigerians and compare these factors to other similar studies. METHODS: The patients included in this retrospective study were those who with a diagnosis of pericoronitis from January 2000 to December 2006. Socio-demographic and clinical data such as sex, age, tooth/teeth affected by pericoronitis and date of presentation were retrieved from the records of the Oral Diagnosis Clinic. RESULTS: During the study period, 373 patients presented with pericoronitis, 222 (59.5%) were female and 151 (40.5%) were male. The peak age of occurrence of pericoronitis was 19-23 years, accounting for 170 (45%) of the patients. The occurrence of pericoronitis was highest in the month of February, 67 (18%), followed by January (14.5%). The lower left third molar 169 (453%) was more affected than the lower right third molar 138 (37.1%) or combination of either lower third molars 66 (17.7%). More females 136 (68.1%) than males 64 (32.3%) were affected particularly in the younger age groups 14-23 years. CONCLUSION: Pericoronitis occurs more often in adult female Nigerians while the lower left third molar is the commonest tooth associated with this condition. Further studies are required to elicit the predisposing factors in this group of Nigerians.

Infection frequency of Epstein-Barr virus in subgingival samples from patients with different periodontal status and its correlation with clinical parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the infection frequencies of different genotypes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in subgingival samples from chronic periodontitis (CP) patients, and to discuss the correlation between infection with EBV and clinical parameters. METHODS: Nested-PCR assay was used to detect EBV-1 and EBV-2 in subgingival samples from 65 CP patients, 65 gingivitis patients and 24 periodontally healthy individuals. The amplicons were further identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP) with endonucleases Afa I and Stu I. Clinical parameters mainly included bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL) in six sites of the dentition. RESULTS: In CP patients, gingivitis and periodontally healthy individuals, the infection frequencies were 47.7%, 24.6% and 16.7% for EBV-1, and 15.4%, 7.7% and 0% for EBV-2, respectively. In 2 out of the 65 CP patients co-infection of EBV-1 and EBV-2 was found. The positive rate of EBV-1 in chronic periodontitis patients was higher than that in gingivitis patients (P=0.01) and periodontally healthy individuals (P=0.01). But no significant difference was shown in EBV-1 frequency between gingivitis patients and healthy individuals (P>0.05) or in EBV-2 frequency among the three groups (P>0.05). In CP patients, higher mean BOP value was found in EBV-1 or EBV-2 positive patients than that in EBV negative ones (P<0.01), but with no statistical difference in the mean PD or AL value between EBV positive and negative patients (P>0.05). After initial periodontal treatment, 12 out of the 21 EBV-1 positive CP patients did not show detectable EBV-1 in subgingival samples. CONCLUSION: nPCR plus RFLP analysis is a sensitive, specific and stable method to detect EBV-1 and EBV-2 in subgingival samples. Subgingival infection with EBV-1 is closely associated with chronic periodontitis. Infection of EBV in subgingival samples was correlated with BOP.

[Wisdom teeth-complications requiring in-patient treatment. A 1-year prospective study]. / Weisheitszähne -- Stationär behandlungsbedürftige Komplikationen. Eine Prospektive Untersuchung über 1 Jahr.

BACKGROUND: In view of the conflicting guidelines issued by national and international scientific societies, debate about the indications for prophylactic extraction of wisdom teeth is ongoing. This prospective study was therefore set up to explore the complications associated with wisdom teeth and requiring in-patient treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January /2003 to December 2003, 21 subjects were admitted for treatment of complications associated with wisdom teeth. The medical history was recorded for each of these patients, as were the cause and type of the complications. The parameter used to quantify the severity of any infections was the CRP, and the overall clinical complexity level of each case was assessed by the length of stay in hospital (and the duration of intensive care if this had been necessary). The characteristics of patients in the group with postoperative complications were compared to those of patients with complications attributable to pericoronitis. Moreover, complications in patients who had undergone prophylactic extraction of wisdom teeth that had not been causing any symptoms were compared with those in patients whose wisdom teeth had been extracted because of morbidity. RESULTS: Overall, 18 deep-space infections (15 abscesses, 2 inflammatory infiltrations, 1 case of phlegmonous cellulitis), 2 mandibular fractures and 1 lingual nerve injury were noted within 1 year. The complications resulted from surgical procedures in 15 of the 21 cases, while in 6 they had their origin in pericoronitis. Extensive surgery or intensive care was required only for patients with postoperative complications. The length of stay in hospital was significantly greater for patients with postoperative complications ( p= 0.007, U-test). However, 9 of these 15 patients reported preoperative episodes of infection. Thus, more than two thirds of the complications could be traced back to wisdom teeth that were causing symptoms. CONCLUSION: In our clinic's catchment area, infectious complications were more frequent and more severe and required more intensive and longer treatment in hospital than complications arising from pericoronitis. However, complications of prophylactic extraction of wisdom teeth were decidedly less frequent than direct or indirect complications of extraction of symptomatic teeth. Thus, our data tend to support the concept of elective extraction of wisdom teeth with the aim of preventing serious infections.

The predisposing factors of pericoronitis of mandibular third molars in a Jordanian population.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to identify the most frequently encountered predisposing factors in relation to the etiology of pericoronitis in young adults and to compare these findings with similar studies. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The patients included in this prospective study were those presenting for treatment of signs and symptoms of pericoronitis in the mandibular third molar area during an 8-year period from 1994 to 2001. A standard check sheet of subjective and objective observations was completed, and female patients were asked about menstruation or pregnancy. Each patient with a diagnosis of pericoronitis was interviewed and observations were recorded. Patients were asked about the symptoms relating to the pericoronitis. Patients were divided into five 5-year age groups ranging from 16 to 40 years. RESULTS: During the 8-year period, 2,151 patients presented diagnosed cases of pericoronitis; 932 (43.3%) patients were male and 1,219 (56.7%) were female. The peak age of occurrence of pericoronitis varied from 21 to 25 years (55.2% of the patients). The incidence of pericoronitis was highest in September (207 [9.6%]), followed by April (181 [8.4%]); for subacute pericoronitis, the highest was in February (128 [5.95%]) and April (112 [5.2%]), followed by October (97 [4.5%]). The most frequently seen predisposing factor was upper respiratory tract infection in 815 (37.9%) patients, followed by stress in 473 (22%) patients. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the upper respiratory tract infection was the most frequently predisposing factor, which could precipitate pericoronitis.

The reasons for the extraction of various tooth types in Scotland: a 15-year follow up.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this survey was to investigate the reasons for extraction of the various tooth types in Scotland. This study replicated one which was undertaken 15 years earlier. A further aim, therefore, was to identify any changes in the frequency of extraction of each tooth type in the 15 years between the two studies. METHODS: The names of every fourth dentist on the list of the Scottish Dental Practice Board were obtained. Four hundred and twenty-five general dental practitioners were asked to record permanent tooth extractions for 1 week. Data requested for each extraction were: the patient's age, gender and dental attendance pattern, the type of tooth removed and the reason for the extraction. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty-two dentists participated (a response rate of 82.8%). There were 25% fewer teeth extracted per patient and 30% fewer per dentist than in the 1984 study. In 1999, more teeth of most types were extracted from regular attenders whereas, in 1984, more teeth of all types were extracted from irregular attenders. Premolars and first and second molars were the tooth types most frequently extracted in both surveys. In 1999 premolars were the teeth most commonly removed below 21 years of age, accounting for 57.5% of extractions in this age range. Molars accounted for 33.8% of extractions in this age range compared with 52% in 1984. Overall, caries was found to be the principal reason for loss of all tooth types apart from lower incisors which were extracted mainly for periodontal reasons. However, below 21 years, 84.5% of premolar extractions were performed for orthodontic purposes. CONCLUSIONS: Over the last 15 years, the overall number of extractions has reduced and the proportion of extractions from regular attenders has increased. Proportionately more premolars and fewer molars were extracted from under-21-year-olds. This observation can be explained by an increase in orthodontic extractions or a decline in extractions for caries in this age group. However, when extractions from the population as a whole are considered, caries and its sequelae remains the principal reason for loss of all tooth types other than lower incisors which are extracted mainly for periodontal reasons.

Incidence of deep fascial space infection after surgical removal of the mandibular third molars.

Nine hundred and ninety-three patients who underwent surgical removal of the mandibular third molars with oral antibiotic prophylaxis were examined to determine the incidence of postoperative deep fascial space infection and its background factors. Postoperative deep fascial space infection was observed in 8 of the patients (0.8%; 4 males and 4 females), and submandibular spaces were involved in all infected patients. Only 1 of these 8 patients was an immune compromised host. Patients aged 30 years or more had a significantly higher incidence of deep fascial space infection than those aged under 30. Five patients had partial bony impactions and 3 had complete bony impactions. However, the incidence of infection according to the molar positions was not significantly different between partial bony impaction and complete bony impaction. The 8 patients had not had pericoronitis preoperatively. The clinical courses of all were favorable after antibiotics were administered intravenously. In conclusion, the incidence of deep fascial space infection after removal of the mandibular third molars was low, at 0.8%. However, it may be desirable to remove the molars, if applicable, at a younger age because of the higher incidence of infection in patients aged over 30. The results of this study also offer information that will be useful as a basis for obtaining informed consent from patients whose mandibular third molars are to be removed.

UK National Third Molar project: the initial report.

The National Third Molar (NTM) project was set up to assess current clinical practice in the UK concerning the management of third molar teeth. Patients were recruited from both hospital and general dental practice. During the one month study period 9248 patients with 26,577 third molars were recruited. In this report we present the findings in the 8298 patients with 25,001 third molars who were referred to hospital for assessment. Over half of all patients referred for assessment had either no extractions or a single third molar extracted. Less than a quarter of all patients referred underwent removal of all four third molars. Twenty per cent of all third molars assessed were not extracted. Of all lower third molars listed for extraction, 9574 (78%) were associated with symptoms or disease. Pericoronitis was the commonest indication for extraction and was cited in 39.5% of all extractions. Almost 70% of third molar extractions were done under general anaesthesia while less than a quarter were performed under local anaesthesia alone.