Comparison Between Two Types Of Matrix Systems For Contact Tightness In Class-Ii Composite Restorations.

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of proximal defects with tight contacts has always been a challenge for dental clinicians, especially with composite material. Recent literature shows that the most frequently used matrix systems for the restoration of proximal cavities are circumferential or sectional matrix band systems. The objective of this study was to compare the contact tightness that is achieved with these two matrix band systems when using composite material. METHODS: A total of 30 patients, i.e., 60 cavities were selected in this quasi-experimental study. Patients with two cavities in the posterior teeth were selected. Both the cavities were restored with the circumferential system, i.e., Tofflemire and sectional matrix band system, i.e., Palodent plus on the same appointment. Hence both systems were used in every patient and then contact tightness assess was ed based on an evaluation criterion, i.e., Fédération Dentaire Internationale clinical criteria for evaluation of contact in direct and indirect restorations. To make a comparison between the two systems Chi square test was used and p<0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in the study was 31 years (SD, 7.59 years) with a range from 18 to 45 years. Most of the contact tightness in the Palodent matrix system was score 1 (n=33, 55%) and score 2 (n=17, 28.3%) while in Tofflemire was score 4 (n=28, 46.7%) and score 5 (n=19, 31.7%). Statistical analysis showed significance (p=.037) between Palodent matrix system contact tightness and Tofflemire. Conclusion: The sectional matrix band system was statistically superior to the circumferential matrix band system in achieving a tighter contact for class II composite restorations.

Root Canal Configuration Of Maxillary First Premolar Teeth In A Subpopulation Of Peshawar Using Tooth Cross-Sectioning Method; An Invitro Study.

Background: Knowledge of tooth morphology is obligatory for achieving success in dental treatment. The root canal configuration of maxillary first premolar (MFP) has been shown to be highly varying. The study was conducted to assess the canal configurations in the roots of upper first premolars within a sample population of Peshawar with the help of tooth cross-sectioning method. Methods: The extracted 250 maxillary first premolars had undergone access cavity preparation after cleaning and pulp was removed from each individual tooth. The root canals were located in the pulp chamber floor and then India ink was injected in to their orifices. When the canals get stained the roots were cross sectioned at three levels to assess the configurations of root canals using a categorization method devised by Weine. SPSS version 19 was used to analyze the data. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. . Results: Among 250 maxillary first premolars, the common root canal configuration was Weine's type-IV in 30.4% and type-III in 30.0% teeth. Weine's type-I and type II were observed in 24.8% and 8.8% premolars, respectively. Variable root canal configurations were seen in 6.0% teeth. Apical delta was found in 1 (0.4%) tooth. A highly statistically significant difference was observed when root canal configuration was compared with external root morphology. Conclusion: Weine's type-IV and type-III root canal configurations were frequently observed in maxillary first bicuspids.

Management of Gunshot Injuries of Mandible with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation versus Closed Reduction and Maxillo-mandibular Fixation.

Background/objectives Gunshot injuries are known to cause severe morbidity and mortality when facial regions are involved. Management of the gunshot wounds of the face comprises of securing an airway, controlling hemorrhage, identifying other injuries and definite repair of the traumatic facial deformities. The objective of the present study was to compare the clinical outcome (infection and nonunion) of open reduction and internal fixation versus closed reduction and maxillo-mandibular fixation (CR-MMF) in the treatment of gunshot injuries of the mandible. Materials & methods This study was conducted at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University/Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, Pakistan. Ninety gunshot mandibular fractures were randomly allocated in two equal groups. In group-A, 45 patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation while in group-B, 45 patients were also managed by closed reduction and maxillo-mandibular fixation. Post-operative complications (infection, non-union) were evaluated clinically and radiographically in both groups. Results Patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation were having more complications in terms of infection (17.8%) as compared to closed reduction (4.4%) with a p-value 0.044. Whereas non-union was more in closed reduction (15.6%) as compared to open reduction and internal fixation group (2.2%) with a significant p-value 0.026. Conclusion Both the treatment modalities can be used in the management of gunshot injuries of mandible and there is need for further studies to have clear guideline in this regard in best interest of patients, community and health care providers.

Seropositivity for hepatitis B and C in voluntary blood donors.

BACKGROUND: After the introduction of blood banks and better storage techniques blood is more widely used in patients for various indications. In Pakistan more than 1.5 million pints of blood are collected each year. Hepatitis B and C virus infections are known to occur in the general population and due to their mode of transmission through blood and blood products, it has made safe blood transfusion difficult and screening of blood absolutely necessary. Objectives of this study were to estimate frequency of Hepatitis B and C in blood donors of local area and recommend measures for safe blood transfusion. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conduced at the Blood Bank, Department of Pathology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from 1st January 2007 to 31st December 2008. It was carried out on 32,042 voluntary, non-remunerated healthy blood donors. They were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV antibodies) by ELISA. The patients' age ranged from 18-52 years. They were all males. RESULTS: Out of 32,042 donors, 632 (1.97%) patients were positive for HBsAg, and 502 (1.57%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies. CONCLUSION: Incidence of Hepatitis B and C is varying in different areas. It is recommended that properly screened blood only, using a reliable method like ELISA be transfused to the patients.

Prevalence and management of anencephaly at Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat.

BACKGROUND: Anencephaly is a fatal congenital abnormality characterised by absence of cerebral hemisphere and cranial vault. Overall incidence of anencephaly is 3.8-6.0/1,000 births. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, diagnosis and management of anencephaly in District Swat. METHODS: This prospective study was carried out over a period of one year from January 2007 to December 2007 at Saidu Teaching Hospital/Saidu Medical College Swat. Pregnant women having foetuses with neural tube defects (NTDs) admitted in Labour Room/Obstetric Ward of the Saidu Teaching Hospital Swat were selected as subjects. Those women who delivered normal babies were taken as control subjects. A proper history was taken from each subject and all the relevant information were recorded on a proforma. RESULTS: A total of 5,560 subjects were included in this study. Out of them, 69 were having NTDs, 63 had anencephaly, 4 had spina bifida, and 2 foetuses were having multiple neural tube defects. Prevalence of anencephaly was 11.33/1000 births and that of spina bifida was 0.72/1000 births. Eighty percent (80%) anencephaly and 50% spina bifida were diagnosed by ultrasonography. Most of the cases (52, 75.36%) were delivered through normal vaginal delivery after induction. Twelve (17.40%) had spontaneous vaginal delivery, 4 (5.80%) had caesarean section, and hysterectomy was done in 1 (1.45%). CONCLUSION: Anencephaly is common congenital anomaly in Swat. Complications can be prevented by implementing screening program for early diagnosis, treatment, and management. Prevalence can be decreased by folic acid supplementation periconceptionally.

Comparison of frequency of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in pregnant women in urban and rural area of district Swat.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective analytical study was carried out to observe the frequency of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C among the pregnant women of Swat. METHODS: The study was carried out from January 2008 to December 2008. It was a retrospective study based on review of records of pregnant women admitted to Labour Room of Obstetrics/Gynaecology Unit, Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat. Patients were screened for Hepatitis B and C by Immuno Chromatographic Technique (ICT) device. The findings were recorded on proforma and analysed. Those found positive on screening test were confirmed by ELISA. RESULTS: Total number of patients screened was 5607. The frequency of Hepatitis B and C (Combined) was 223 (3.98%), out of which 77 (1.37%) were HBsAg positive, 141 (2.52%) were anti HCV positive and 5 (0.09%) were both HBsAg and anti HCV positive. The frequency of Hepatitis B amongst age groups 14-19, 20-29, 30-39 and 40-49 years were 2/77, 33/77, 40/77, and 2/77) respectively. The frequency of Hepatitis C amongst age groups 14-19, 20-29, 30-39 and 40-49 years was 4/141, 59/141, 67/141 and 11/141 respectively. The frequency of Hepatitis B and C in multigravida was 41/77, 67/141, in grand multigravida it was 20/77, 43/141 and in primigravida it was 16/77, 31/141 respectively. The frequency of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C amongst urban and rural population was 32 (39.02%) and 50 (60.98%); and 40 (27.40%) and 106 (72.60%) respectively. The frequency of Hepatitis B and C (Combined) in urban, rural population were 72 (31.58 %) and 156 (68.15%) respectively. CONCLUSION: HBsAg and HCV was common infections in pregnant women of Swat. Therefore, every pregnant woman undergoing delivery and/or any other surgical procedure must be screened for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.