Dental Textbooks Research Articles

Dealing with Evidence in Dental Professional Liability Lawsuits-General Recommendations for Dental Expert Witness Work Using the Example of Germany: A Narrative Review.

Dental treatment can lead to disputes between patients and dentists, which are then brought before the civil courts as medical malpractice cases. The court regularly commissions a dental expert to answer questions of evidence in court. In the majority of cases, the expert is able to answer these questions based on his professional expertise and practical experience. In order to make the assessment comprehensible and credible for the judge and the parties, it can be helpful and reasonable to cite relevant literature references from dental textbooks and specialist journals. In individual cases, it may be necessary to carry out a systematic literature search on specific topics. Based on the situation in Germany, this narrative review makes recommendations of how to perform a literature search and make citations specifically for expert opinions that are generally applicable independent of national jurisdiction.

Transient contribution of the sphenoid ala major to the socket of the temporomandibular joint in near-term fetuses.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure that plays a vital role in the movement of the jaw. Some anatomy and dental textbooks show that, at the medial margin, the TMJ capsule attaches to a suture between the sphenoid ala major and the temporal bone squamosa. In near-term fetuses, the ala major extends posterolaterally to approach the TMJ. In this study, we aimed to investigate the contribution of the sphenoid ala major to the socket of the TMJ in near-term fetuses. We examined histological sections from 22 human fetuses (approximately 15-40 weeks). At midterm, the lateral and superior walls of the TMJ cavity were formed by the temporal bone squamosa, whereas the ala major was distant from the joint. However, at near-term, the ala major formed the medial wall of almost the entire part of the joint cavity. The top of the TMJ was attached to both the squamosa and ala major, with the condylar head consistently separated from the sphenoid by the joint disk. We observed a significant descent of the middle cranial fossa in near-term fetuses, which brought the ala major close to the TMJ. This transient position of the TMJ near the sphenoid is likely due to brain enlargement and posterolateral growth of the ala major. After birth, occlusion causes the anterior growth of the mandibular fossa of the squamosa, which moves the ala major away from the TMJ. Similarly, the lateral growth of the sphenoid toward the squamosa suture may also stop in children.

Some Reflections on Dental Publishing 100 yrs Ago.

Publication of dental textbooks was a thriving business years ago and multiple publishing house entered the work place. Historical reflections on one of the early dental publishers coming in Philadelphia over 100 yrs ago are highlighted.

Is there still a need for dental textbooks when doubts can be clarified by artificial intelligence and open access science?

Is there still a need for dental textbooks when doubts can be clarified by artificial intelligence and open access science?

Pathway to mercury-free dentistry: an insight into past, present, and future.

The popularity of dental amalgam arises from its excellent long-term performance, ease of use, and low cost. However, there is a concern about the potential adverse health effects arising from exposure to mercury in amalgam. This review article critically discusses the safety of dental amalgam as a restorative material and our preparedness for a mercury-free road ahead. A database search was performed on PubMed and Google scholar using the keywords: "mercury-free dentistry", "mercury toxicity", "amalgam substitutes", "amalgam mercury toxicity". Inclusion and exclusion criteria were specified clearly. Relevant literature was also searched in the dental textbooks. Around 40 articles, highlighting mercury exposure among dental professionals and patients were included. Despite the overwhelming body of scientific evidence demonstrating amalgam to be a safe restorative material, concerns about the toxic effects of mercury persist. The real challenge is to find a suitable amalgam substitute and to follow the mercury hygiene measures closely.

TECHNIQUES FOR FIXED DENTAL RESTORATIONS REMOVAL - CLASSIFICATION, DECISION ON THE CORRECT APPROACH, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Introduction: Fixed dental restorations possess a predefined period of use. Most often they are removed by means of sectioning which renders them unusable. Reasons exist when practitioners shall preserve the restoration, applying conservative approaches for removing. In the literature, apart from the classic destructive technique with sectioning, conservative, semi-conservative and combined techniques for removal are described. The aim of this article is to present a complete classification and description of different approaches to remove permanently and temporarily fixed prosthetic constructions. Materials and methods: A literature study was conducted athe beginning of 2019. Information was gathered using dental textbooks on the topic specified and online scientific databases such as PubMed, ResearchGate, etc. Conclusion Through this article, a conclusion was drawn that a full classification or description of removal techniques for fixed dentures has not been done in the Bulgarian literature so far. It is reported that information for patients about advantages, disadvantages and dangers of removing a permanently cemented restoration is of great importance. Except for the destructive ones, all methods described here may be used when removing temporarily fixated constructions. The selection of the ideal system or a combination depends on the clinical situation. Safest and most atraumatic for underlying structures when removing permanently cemented restorations is the destructive approach. Practitioners must be precisely familiar with the techniques so as to be able to preserve the construction, to avoid any danger connected with the clinical case. According to data gathered, no approach is universally applicable when removing fixed prosthetic restorations.

Information Retrieval and Awareness about Evidence-Based Dentistry among Dental Undergraduate Students-A Comparative Study between Students from Malaysia and Finland.

Background: A fundamental skill in education includes the ability to search for, evaluate, and synthesize information, and this cannot be underestimated in dental education. The aim of this study was to assess how dental students from Malaysia and Finland acquire scientific information and to compare their information retrieval skills. Methods: Fourth and fifth-year dental students from Malaysia and Finland were invited to participate. A self-administered structured questionnaire including items about the use of information sources, subjective assessment of literature retrieval skills and knowledge was used. Results: A total of 226 dental students participated in the survey: 131 from Malaysia and 95 from Finland. In both countries, the highest interest for data retrieval among students was found in the oral surgery specialty. The three most used sources of information among Malaysian students were personal lecture notes, dental textbooks, and colleagues; while Finnish students used colleagues, lecture notes, and current clinical guidelines. Students’ knowledge of evidence-based practice was inadequate in both student groups. Though the majority of participants reported that they had good or passable skills in literature retrieval, more students from Finland judged themselves to have at least good skills compared to those from Malaysia. Conclusion: Dental education in both countries includes information retrieval studies and mandatory research projects. However, students did not often use those sources that are considered essential in evidence-based dentistry. Universities should further develop educational and training interventions that guide students to use knowledge resources more effectively for critically appraising scientific evidence.

Does microgravity effect on oral and maxillofacial region?

AbstractSince the beginning of the era of space travel, there have been mentions of related health effects. Various studies have described the effect of space travel and microgravity on health. Some of these studies involved short and extended follow-ups of the effect of microgravity on the head and neck of astronauts. Therefore, we aimed to analyse the oral and maxillofacial health effects associated with this sophisticated mission. It is essential to identify relevant problems and address microgravity complications. Humans have long dreamed of flying and in recent years, the dream has evolved to exploring space and creating new habitats on other planets such as Mars. This led to an increase in the need for dental treatment of the flight crew members, which led to the creation of aviation dentistry for the screening and treatment of the oral cavity of the flight crew. We are moving towards a more conservative approach than before, such as removing pulpless teeth in aircrew patients or extracting roots that had a fracture or incomplete extraction. With all the advancements in aerospace knowledge, the aviation dentistry has rarely or briefly been discussed in dental textbooks. Dentists must screen each flight crew member thoroughly and impose flight restrictions and ground them if necessary; the reasons will be discussed later within this paper. It is the duty of dentists and surgeons to notify their patients (aircrew members) about the postoperative flight consequences and restrictions.

Occlusal Morphology of the Mandibular First and Second Premolars in Iranian Adolescents

In dental textbooks, the mandibular premolar occlusal morphology has been described as having a predominantly “U-shaped” central groove on the first premolar and a “Y-shaped” central groove on the second premolar. In this study, we examined students (n = 400) of Isfahan high schools (Iran) and first and second premolars were examined bilaterally. Morphological features of the crown, number, height and position of cusps, central grooves shape and sex of the teethwere recorded. For the mandibular first premolars, 21.5% of students exhibited H-shape grooves bilaterally; 70.0% had bilateral U-shape grooves; and 8.5% were mixed. For the mandibular second premolars, 73.0% exhibited 2-cusp forms bilaterally; 15.8% had 3-cusp forms bilaterally; and 11.3% were mixed. In the 2-cusp forms, the predominant occlusal pattern was U-shaped (44.0%). In this Iranian sample, the predominant occlusal pattern was U-shaped in both the first premolar and second premolar, which contrasts with conventional textbook descriptions.

An analysis of methods of toothbrushing recommended by dental associations, toothpaste and toothbrush companies and in dental texts.

To assess the methods of toothbrushing recommended for both adults and children by dental associations, toothpaste and toothbrush companies and professional sources such as in dental textbooks and by experts. Secondly, to compare the advice by source and whether recommendations differed for adults and for children. Examination of online material on methods of toothbrushing from dental associations, toothpaste and toothbrush companies and associated organisations providing professional advice; as well as from dental texts. There was a wide diversity between recommendations on toothbrushing techniques, how often people should brush their teeth and for how long. The most common method recommended was the Modified Bass technique, by 19. Eleven recommended the Bass technique, ten recommended the Fones technique and five recommended the Scrub technique. The methods recommended by companies, mainly toothpaste companies, differed from those of dental associations, as did advice in dental textbooks and research-based sources. There was a wide difference in the toothbrushing methods recommended for adults and for children. The unacceptably large diversity in recommendations on what toothbrushing method to use should concern the dental profession. Higher grades of evidence of effectiveness of toothbrushing techniques are required to inform professional bodies that develop guidelines on toothbrushing.

Summary of: An analysis of methods of toothbrushing recommended by dental associations, toothpaste and toothbrush companies and in dental texts

Objectives To assess the methods of toothbrushing recommended for both adults and children by dental associations, toothpaste and toothbrush companies and professional sources such as in dental textbooks and by experts. Secondly, to compare the advice by source and whether recommendations differed for adults and for children. Methods Examination of online material on methods of toothbrushing from dental associations, toothpaste and toothbrush companies and associated organisations providing professional advice; as well as from dental texts. Results There was a wide diversity between recommendations on tooth brushing techniques, how often people should brush their teeth and for how long. The most common method recommended was the Modified Bass technique, by 19. Eleven recommended the Bass technique, ten recommended the Fones technique and five recommended the Scrub technique. The methods recommended by companies, mainly toothpaste companies, differed from those of dental associations, as did advice in dental textbooks and research-based sources. There was a wide difference in the toothbrushing methods recommended for adults and for children. Conclusions The unacceptably large diversity in recommendations on what toothbrushing method to use should concern the dental profession. Higher grades of evidence of effectiveness of toothbrushing techniques are required to inform professional bodies that develop guidelines on toothbrushing.

Evidence Based Review in the Management of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

This evidence-based study of the literature set out to examine the various treatment options for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and identify the best therapeutic choice for managing the condition. Currently, treatment options include symptomatic relief. The review is based on literature from a search of several electronic databases including references from the potential articles obtained, as well as information obtained from dental textbooks and an oral pathologist. A total of 69 randomized control trials (RCTs) were deemed relevant and were critically appraised according to an “efficacy checklist”. Six studies met the criteria of scoring >13/15 on the checklist with statistically significant results and potential applications in clinical treatment. The therapeutic options investigated included 5% amlexanox, penicillin G, silver-nitrate cautery and doxymycine. Benefits versus risk for each treatment option were examined, and the best form of therapy was based on an agent that would encompass reduction in pain and healing time and prevent further recurrences. Based on these criteria, 5% amlexanox was determined to be the most effective form of treatment for RAS.

Electronic Textbooks as a Professional Resource After Dental School

In two previous studies of dental students' attitudes about the VitalSource Bookshelf, a digital library of dental textbooks, students expressed negative opinions about owning and reading electronic textbooks. With the assumption that dentists would find the digital textbooks useful for patient care, the authors surveyed recent graduates to determine if their attitude toward the VitalSource Bookshelf had changed. A brief survey was sent to 119 alumni from the classes of 2009 and 2010 of one U.S. dental school. Forty-seven (39.5 percent) completed the questionnaire. Eighteen respondents (48.3 percent) reported using the e-textbooks often or sometimes. The twenty-nine dentists who said they have not used the collection since graduation reported preferring print books or other online sources or having technical problems when downloading the books to a new computer. Only five respondents selected the VitalSource Bookshelf as a preferred source of professional information. Most of the respondents reported preferring to consult colleagues (37.8 percent), the Internet (20 percent), or hardcopy books (17.8 percent) for information. When asked in an open-ended question to state their opinion of the Bookshelf, nineteen (42.2 percent) responded positively, but almost one-third of these only liked the search feature. Six respondents reported that they never use the program. Twenty-two said they have had technical problems with the Bookshelf, including fifteen who have not been able to install it on a new computer. Many of them said they have not followed up with either the dental school or VitalSource support services to overcome this problem. Our study suggests that dentists, similar to dental students, dislike reading electronic textbooks, even with the advantage of searching a topic across more than sixty dental titles.

Socio-economic and schooling status of dental undergraduates from six French universities.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the socio-economic status of French undergraduate dental students. A 46-item questionnaire was completed by the dental students of six universities between 1992 and 1995. Subjects related to family background, housing, schooling, income, expenditure and participation in student life were investigated. A total of 1192 out of 1207 questionnaires were returned. Both genders had equal access to dental training. The average overall cost of the four last years of the dental course was 30,302 French francs and varied greatly between faculties, as did the number of hours spent at the faculty for lectures, tutorials and practicals, and clinical work. Overall, the majority of students came from a well off social background, and had a relatively high quality of life while a small minority received no support from their families. Thirty-four per cent of students had never worked. One third of students smoked and one third regularly consumed medication of some sort. A third did not participate in any sport. Only 25% students bought dental text books and 42% of the students reported using the library regularly. This study offers an accurate description of the socio-economic status of French dental students that could be used as a reference for comparable studies in other European countries.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A REVIEW AND SUGGESTED DENTAL CARE CONSIDERATIONS

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic multisystem disease of presumed autoimmune etiology. It is estimated that arthritis and other rheumatic conditions affect 42.7 million Americans. Medical complications due to RA and its treatment may affect the provision of oral health care. The authors undertook an extensive review of the English literature relating to RA and dental care. They used primarily MEDLINE searches, which included such key words as "rheumatoid arthritis" and "dental care" and subsequent appropriate subheadings. While the MEDLINE search spanned the years from 1975 to the present, the most recent literature was prioritized. Appropriate medical and dental textbooks were also used. The authors extrapolated information from selected texts based on its relevance to dentistry, oral health and the role of the dental provider in the overall treatment of RA patients. The authors reviewed nearly 200 articles and seven textbooks. Their determination of the texts' relevance to oral health care was based on content, significance, quality, journal in which articles were published and year of publication. Major features of RA--including its diagnosis, pathophysiology, clinical features and medical treatment--were identified, as well as complications due to treatment modalities and various related oral manifestations and conditions. Medical complications due to RA and its treatment can affect oral health care. Oral health care providers need to recognize and identify modifications of dental care based on the medical status of patients with RA. Furthermore, oral health care providers play an important role in the overall care of these patients as it release to early recognition, as well as control of the disease. In most patients with RA, the condition will necessitate few or no changes in routine dental care. However, considerations include the patient's ability to maintain adequate oral hygiene, xerostomia and its related complications, the patient's susceptibility to infections, impaired hemostasis, and untoward drug actions and interactions. Patients with RA may require antibiotic prophylaxis owing to joint replacement and/or immune suppression, glucocorticosteroid replacement therapy and modifications in oral hygiene procedures. Intra- and extraoral conditions such as ulcerations, gingival overgrowth, disease-associated periodontitis and temporomandibular pathology also need to be recognized.

Metal framework design for an onlay removable partial denture

R eestahlishing the occlusal plane and surface of one or both arches is often the goal of treatment planning.‘,’ Alteration of the occlusal morphology is also desired for specific treatment needs. 3 Technically, the dentist has various methods available to accomplish this modification, dependent on diagnostic information and case evaluation. Use of a cast framework onlay for construction of removable partial dentures has been described in the dental literature and standard dental textbooks.“6 This article discusses a mandibular partial denture design for individual clinical situations.

The relationship of facial skin complexion to oral mucosa pigmentation and tooth color

R eliable information about pigmented oral mucosa was not easily available at the beginning of the twentieth century.’ Dental textbooks described the color of normal gingivae as “coral pink,” and implied that any deviation was either abnormal or pathologic. In contemporary textbooks, increased space has been devoted to oral mucosa pigmentations.“. ’ Investigations were conducted to procure quantitative and qualitative information about pigmentations of both healthy and diseased oral mucosa J-6

REACTION OF SILVER-TIN ALLOYS AND MERCURY.

In dentistry one of the most important alloy systems is the ternary mercury-silver-tin system. This is the basis for dental amalgams which constitute by far the greatest percentage of dental restorations. While the dental literature is abundant with studies of the physical properties of silver-tin (copper-zinc) amalgams, little of this work has been related to the mechanism of setting and the metallurgy of the resulting amalgams. Voluminous bibliographies of practical application and techniques of usage of amalgams may be found in the standard dental textbooks.1' 2 Studies of the silver-mercury and tin-mercury systems have been carried out by many workers, and information concerning these systems now appears to be well documented.3 6 While there have also been some attempts to study the mercury-silver-tin system, these have been comparatively few in number. Joyner7 appears to have been the first to study this system. Without doubt, the most extensive study was that of Gayler,8 who was concerned primarily with the silverrich alloys of the silver-tin system (i.e., silver > 74.22 per cent). Gayler used thermal analysis and microscopy to study this system. Troiano9 has carried out an X-ray diffraction investigation, while Stenbeck'0 has attempted to correlate X-ray diffraction studies with mechanical properties. These and other more recent studies of the ternary system have been reviewed and evaluated by Ryge, Fairhurst, and Fischer1 in 1961. Previous work in this field has to a large extent been based on the consideration of