Case report: coronectomy of an impacted and submerged second deciduous molar.

Coronectomy is a widely-accepted technique available for the treatment of impacted wisdom teeth. The fundamental principle is to prevent trauma to the inferior dental nerve (IDN). Many publications have demonstrated its positive outcomes but there is no literature available regarding coronectomy of deciduous teeth. This case report highlights the complex approach to managing a severely infraoccluded 85 in the mixed dentition of a 10-year-old female. The report demonstrates and discusses the combined orthodontic and oral surgical approach to prevent damage to the IDN and to allow space for orthodontic movement. This case demonstrates how nerve sparing techniques in the mixed dentition are achievable.Clinical relevance statement When managing severely infraoccluded and impacted deciduous second molars, clinicians must be aware that the option of a coronectomy should be considered and may be the difference between sparing the nerve or causing permanent injury.Objective The reader should understand that coronectomy is a suitable treatment option in managing impacted deciduous teeth.

Gingival liposarcoma: an unusual polyp.

Liposarcomas account for up to 20% of all soft tissue tumours. They are uncommon in the head and neck. Sarcomas of the oral region (excluding lymphoma) account for 5% of all oral cancers, of which 10% are liposarcomas. Fewer than 80 cases have been reported in the world literature, most of which presented as expansile masses. The prognosis of liposarcoma is dependant on the histopathologic type, location, and adequacy of surgical treatment. Well-differentiated types have a good prognosis and minimal metastatic potential. We report a case of well-differentiated liposarcoma (lipoma-like subtype), that presented as a gingival polyp.

Prescribed medication taken by patients attending general dental practice: changes over 20 years.

INTRODUCTION: Drug therapy can influence treatment planning and provision of dental care by general dental practitioners. There is little published information regarding the types of drug therapy taken by patients presenting for dental treatment in the United Kingdom. OBJECTIVE: To record the drug therapy taken by patients presenting to general dental practice in 1995 and 2005 and compare to data reported in 1984. SETTING: General dental practice. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study. METHOD: Patients presenting to general dental practices in 1995 and 2005 were questioned regarding their current drug therapy. Patients' general medical practitioners were contacted if their drug history was unclear. RESULTS: 35%, 21.1% and 43.8% of patients were taking medications in 1984, 1995 and 2005 respectively. Statistically significant increases in the proportion taking three or more medications were evident in both 1995 and 2005. DISCUSSION: In 2005 more patients presenting to dental practice were taking medications compared to 1984. There is an increasing trend toward polypharmacy. Therefore it is important to maintain a contemporaneous knowledge of pharmacology and drug interactions to ensure the provision of safe dental care.