Dentists Research Articles

Dental implantation in patients with comorbid diseases: yes or no?

Patients with multiple pathologies are a high-risk group, which requires a personalized approach to surgical rehabilitation in dentistry. Inadequate diagnosis of clinical manifestations when a patient is in remission often leads to severe surgical complications. However, modern methods of dental implantation and rehabilitation are possible even in patients with oncology, those who underwent surgical therapy, chemo- or radiotherapy. Gilbert syndrome, one of the risk factors for post-surgery inflammatory complications, is associated with defects in bilirubin metabolism. It inhibits platelet activity. It is a genetic disease leading to a loss of liver enzyme activity and the accumulation of indirect bilirubin that can aggravate the course of other diseases in patients. In acute stages, it is characterized by jaundice of the skin, eyes, and mucosa and is followed by immunosuppression and the post-surgical complications associated with it. A patient with Gilbert syndrome was administered for surgical treatment of a chronic infection and follow-up rehabilitation via dental implantation and reconstruction of the bone. In this case, we faced Gilbert syndrome in association with polycythemia (a myeloproliferative disease in the compensation stage). In such cases, dental implantation cannot be achieved in the complex dental rehabilitation process. Such diseases require special attention from dental surgeons due to possible complications (bleeding, thrombosis, or disseminated intravascular coagulation). In this specific case, the patient belongs to the risk group, and its history, although in remission, is still a contraindication for dental surgery and dental implantation.

OSTEONECROSE DOS MAXILARES INDUZIDA PELO USO DE MEDICAMENTOS

The study details the etiology of the disease, associated medications, risk factors, clinical characteristics and diagnosis, in addition to prevention and treatment strategies. MAOM occurs mainly in patients using these medications to treat conditions such as osteoporosis and cancer, due to the inhibition of bone remodeling and angiogenesis. It explores the lack of consensus in the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of AOM, emphasizing the importance of dental surgeons’ knowledge of the medications involved and appropriate management. The work reviews the scientific literature on the topic and proposes that prevention, including a detailed dental evaluation before starting treatment with these medications, is crucial to reducing the risks of osteonecrosis. Treatment, in turn, ranges from conservative approaches with the use of antibiotics and strict oral hygiene to more aggressive surgical interventions, depending on the stage of the disease. Photodynamic therapy is mentioned as a promising auxiliary technique for treatment. In its final considerations, the study highlights the need for early diagnosis and rigorous preventive approaches to avoid severe complications.

Harmonização estética do sorriso com lentes de contato dental: relato de caso

The harmonic smile has taken most patients to the dental office, which becomes a challenge for the Dental Surgeon. Among the various existing techniques for restoring anterior teeth, contact lenses are currently the most sought after. Thus, in this case, the objective was the report that addresses a rehabilitation through 20 ceramic laminates, in a 51-year-old patient, who sought care at the Faculty of Amazonas - IAES. The therapeutic option was discussed with the patient, aiming at the benefits of porcelain, and it was chosen. After previous procedures, the elements were prepared and adapted to receive the porcelain, where there was a minimally invasive preparation, respecting the patient's entire dental structure. This procedure generated better self-esteem and confidence when talking, smiling and eating, considering the cost-effectiveness of the chosen material.

Hipomineralização molar-incisivo - HMI: relato de caso clínico

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative defect in the dental enamel that affects one or more permanent molars, where the permanent incisors may also be involved. The objective of this work was to report a clinical case of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) following a choice of treatments according to the different severities present in the patient. The case report is of a patient, 12 years old, female, who attended the Pediatric Dentistry clinic of Faculdade do Amazonas - IAES accompanied by her guardian, with the following main complaint: “I want to remove these stains”. In the extra and intraoral examination, marked opacities ranging from yellow to brown in elements 26 and 17 and white to yellow in dental elements 11, 21, 23 were observed. 11, 21, and 23 and proservation with fluoride varnish after previous prophylaxis on molars 17 and 26. It is concluded that it is very important for the dental surgeon to know how to identify MIH in order to choose the best treatment for each patient with different levels of severity. And in this way, we provide satisfactory results both in the execution of the treatment of choice and in the patient's life, remedying her main complaint.

Radiographic Study of the Prevalence and Pattern of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars in a Northern Nigerian Population.

Background: The incidence of impacted mandibular and maxillary third molars has become a global public health concern. This study reports a radiographic prevalence and pattern of impacted mandibular third molars among a Nigerian population. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of impacted mandibular third molars in a Northern Nigeria population. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Oral Diagnostic Sciences Department of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Kano State, Nigeria. Digital diagnostic images of patients of record on Planmeca Promax® within the sampling frame and acquired during the two years under review, were included in the study. The images were analyzed on Planmeca Romexis 4.3.0 R software to identify relevant study variables. Descriptive statistics was done using SPSS for windows software version 23.0 (IBM, Chicago IL., USA). Also, Pearson’s Chi‑square (χ2) statistical test was applied while confidence interval and P-value were set at 95% and ≤0.05, respectively. Results: A total of 4,932 pantomographs were reviewed and 576 were selected for the study. There were 824 impacted mandibular third molars within the age range of 18-65 years (mean age±SD = 32.67±9.69). 297 (51.6%) were males, and 279 (48.4%) were females. The prevalence of impacted mandibular third molar was 16.71%. Impacted mandibular third molar occurred more frequently in the 26-35 years age range. The most frequent angle of impaction was horizontal, followed by mesioangular, and the least frequent angulation was distoangular. Conclusion: The prevalence and pattern of impacted third molars among Northern Nigeria population are almost similar to other racial populations with minor variations, and the prevalence decreases with increasing age. A proper radiographic evaluation of the patterns of third molars impaction is, therefore, essential to assist dental surgeons in making decisions with regard to surgical planning and treatment. Key Words: Impacted teeth, panoramic radiograph, third molar.

ASPECTOS ORAIS DO ABUSO SEXUAL INFANTIL E CONDUTA DO CIRURGIÃO DENTISTA: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

The study presents a literature review, the aim of which was to point out the main characteristics for detecting cases of child sexual abuse from the point of view of dentistry, as well as to highlight the importance of the dental surgeon in identifying and reporting cases of suspected child maltreatment and/or abuse. The bibliographic research was carried out in different databases, such as SciELO, Bireme, LILACS and PubMed, selecting studies that addressed the descriptors provided by the DECS database: children, child sexual abuse and dentistry, published between 2015 and 2023. To prepare the literature review, 40 articles were found. However, national and international articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected for the expanded abstract. The literature shows the importance of identifying child mistreatment and abuse in the dental field, listing the main manifestations of injuries in the head and neck region. This research is linked to increasing dental surgeons’ knowledge of child violence, so that professionals are better able to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect in children, which is crucial for identifying cases of violence and taking the necessary measures. Therefore, this paper aims to point out the main characteristics of child sexual abuse, as well as what the dental surgeon’s conduct should be when faced with this occurrence.

Welcoming pregnant women as a strategy for adherence to dental prenatal care and health promotion in early childhood

This research deals with implementing Dental Prenatal Care as a public policy in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) to care for pregnant women and their future babies. The legal framework that assures pregnant women's rights of priority in accessing services is usually not enough to guarantee the health promotion coverage goals for this population group, who frequently have low adherence to dental care. Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (SUS) recommends monitoring pregnant women through eight mensal consultations during healthy pregnancy. Oral health is usually not monitored to the same extent, and many pregnant women still go through pregnancy without any dental consultation. This study was proposed to improve dental prenatal care and program adherence by mothers and children in the Basic Healthcare Unit Amaro José de Souza, in the municipality of Barueri, through the increased participation of the dental surgeon in the pregnant women welcoming team. A cross-sectional cohort study was designed to identify and meet the demands of low-risk pregnant women. For six months, all the women attending prenatal care at BHU Amaro José de Souza in Barueri were invited to participate and receive personal guidance from the multi-professional team. Information on dental health was investigated through questions targeting previous knowledge about the recommended moments for the first dental appointment of a child, the importance of exclusive nasal respiration, the identification of craniofacial asymmetries at birth, and general baby care. Attitudes and self-care were also investigated, including prenatal program adherence. Answers were collected in a Google Form platform and analyzed to characterize the group's literacy about prenatal care and breastfeeding and identify information needs about dental health care during pregnancy. At the same time, a welcoming expanded listening, educational, and preventive health action was developed: conversation and sharing experience groups were promoted monthly for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and their families. 90 pregnant women out of the 104 attending the BHU in the six months of the research were invited, and 83 agreed to participate. All the participants declared at least one previous appointment with the healthcare team, 92.8 % of them, with a gynecologist. The nursing team was involved in 53.0 % of the appointments, but only 6.0 % were reported to have been conducted exclusively by a nurse. A dental surgeon appointment was mentioned by 30.1 % of the research participants. The dental health literacy investigation revealed that 57.8 % believed they should only take their babies to a dental appointment after teething, and 27.7 % were aware of the child's craniofacial asymmetries at birth. Only 28.9 % had previous knowledge about the importance of exclusive nasal respiration. Despite only 34.9 % having their first pregnancy, 78.3 % declared they would appreciate receiving information about pregnancy. After the guidance, 72.0 % of the pregnant women had undergone dental prenatal care. Workshops for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers provided a convenient welcoming space, to listen and provide guidance to pregnant women and their families, in addition to demystifying the fear of dental care during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The intervention to guide pregnant women to perceive the BHU as an educational and health promotion space, not just a curative intervention, effectively increased adherence to dental prenatal care. The contact with the Specialist in Functional Jaw Orthopedics in this first phase of life facilitated dental health education and access to more complex cases. The prenatal program adherence, the pregnant woman’s self-care, and the care of the baby were favored by the welcoming, expanded listening, and personalized service.

Accuracy of Mandibular Foramen Localization Using Digital Orthopantomogram (OPG) in Middle Eastern Population.

Locating the mandibular foramen (MF) through imaging is clinically important for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) anesthesia and mandibular ramus osteotomies. Although cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is superior in imaging the mandible, an orthopantomogram (OPG) is preferred for its ease of use and availability. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of digital OPG in localizing the MF, in a subset of the Middle Eastern population. Radiographic images (OPG and CBCT) of selected patients (adults, dentulous and no mandibular abnormalities) were used to locate the MF through digital measurements (mm) of the anteroposterior distance from the anterior border of the ramus (MF-AP) and the superoinferior position from the mandibular occlusal plane (MF-SI). Measurements were statistically compared between OPG and CBCT for accuracy. Differences in measurements between OPG and CBCT were compared against the anatomic location (right/left), age and biological sex, assuming a p-value < 0.05 as significant. A total of 204 radiographic records (males: 100/females: 104/mean age: 34.65 ± 11.55 years) were evaluated. The measurements for the MF were MF-AP-OPG (right: 13.53 ± 2.44/left: 13.19 ± 2.25), MF-AP-CBCT (right: 13.61 ± 2.39/left: 13.36 ± 2.19), MF-SI-OPG (right: 5.25 ± 1.71/left: 5.41 ± 1.65) and MF-SI-CBCT (right: 5.59 ± 1.66/left: 5.52 ± 1.61). Measurements between OPG and CBCT were not significantly different, except for MF-SI (right) (p = 0.042). While the overall difference between OPG and CBCT (MF-AP/MF-SI) measurements showed a significant association (p < 0.01) with the anatomic location (right/left), a significant association (p < 0.05) with biological sex was observed only for MF-AP. Based on this study's outcomes, digital OPG is an accurate modality to locate the MF based on anteroposterior (MF-AP) and superoinferior (MF-SI) measurements. This would be clinically beneficial for dental and oral surgeons to achieve the optimum IAN block anesthesia based on preoperative panoramic radiographs. Similarly, it would assist maxillofacial surgeons in planning mandibular orthognathic surgeries and ramus osteotomies without complications.

Anatomical variations of the human mandible and prevalence of duplicated mental and mandibular foramina in the collection of the State University of Londrina

BackgroundThe knowledge of the morphology of the human mandible is essential for diverse dental procedures. The potential anatomical variations of the bone, including the presence of accessory foramina, may culminate in significant clinical outcomes and implications, directly impacting dental surgery and anesthesia. Aim of studyThis study aimed to evaluate the general morphology of human mandibles in the collection of the State University of Londrina, South Brazil, and to determine the presence of anatomical variations. Materials and methodsA total of 63 mandibles were measured bilaterally with a pachymeter for various dimensions, and a proportional calculation of each parameter was obtained, based on the size of the length of each mandibular base. In addition to the general descriptive morphology of the mandibles, considering that six mandibles presented duplicated foramina, they were divided into two groups, and the mandibles with no anatomical variation (normal group, N = 57) were compared to those with duplicated foramina (N = 6). Data were checked for normal distribution and then tested statistically. ResultsSix out of 63 mandibles (9.52 %) presented duplicated foramina, either mental or mandibular. Significant differences between the normal group and the duplicated foramina group were found in the lengths between mandibular angle and condylar process on both sides (right: 65.14 mm vs. 74.91 mm, p = 0.001; left: 65.04 mm vs. 72.34 mm, p = 0.019); between mandibular angle and coronoid process on the right side (59.55 mm vs. 67.67 mm, p = 0.007); and in the diameter of the left mandibular foramen (3.71 mm vs. 4.64 mm, p = 0.04), with the duplicated foramina group presenting a higher average for all parameters. ConclusionThese findings provide a morphological pattern for the Department of Anatomy of the State University of Londrina collection and highlight the presence of anatomical variations of the human mandible, specifically regarding duplicated foramina. The presence of accessory mental and mandibular foramina is clinically significant for dental procedures, potentially impacting the anesthesia. Understanding these variations is crucial for dental surgeons to prevent complications. Future research should further explore the functional implications and clinical significance of these variations.

Tratamento de urgência de abcesso periapical agudo em evolução: Relato de um caso clínico

During emergency care, when the patient has pain, it is one of the main duties of the dental surgeon to promote pain relief to the patient. Acute apical abscess (AGA) is one of the most common causes found in urgent care. They are odontogenic infections, consisting mainly of anaerobic microorganisms, which lead to pain and/or edema, and have the potential to diffuse through the cortical bone, with eventual lethal consequences. The present study aims to describe the case report of drainage of an evolved acute periapical abscess and its respective treatment at the Primary Care Clinic II (CAB II) of the Faculty of Dentistry of Pernambuco - University of Pernambuco (FOP/UPE). Where the patient complained of spontaneous, pulsatile, localized pain and edema. Endodontic intervention is essential for immediate symptom relief, and there is no consensus in the literature that establishes a care protocol in these cases. Even though there is no requirement for standardization of the protocol for emergency care, we conclude that it is of great importance to conduct a procedure that performs the drainage of the abscess to avoid systemic compromise.

A cross sectional study to assess the level of awareness of dental surgeons about national oral health program in a city of central India

: In 1999, the Ministry of Health Family Welfare, government of India, launched the first National Oral Health Care Programme on a pilot basis. This cross-sectional study was contemplated in Indore district to assess the awareness of dental surgeons regarding their awareness about the basic tenets of the National Oral Health program. Type of the Study- Cross sectional studyDuration of the Study- 6 months- January-June 2024Site of the Study- Indore districtSample Size- 100Sampling technique- Purposive SamplingStudy method- 1. First of all, the list of dental surgeons operating in Indore district was obtained.2. 100 dental surgeons were randomly identified from this list.3. Their written informed consent was obtained to be a part of the study.4. Pre-designed semi structured questionnaire was prepared and fed in google forms and shared with these identified dental surgeons5. Data collected was entered in MS excel/spreadsheets6. Data was analysed using appropriate statistical software. : 69% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India. 47% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- Manpower support [Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistant]. 41% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- Equipment including Dental Chair, X-ray units, autoclaves etc. 41% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- Consumables for dental procedures. 37% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- IEC/ BCC activities like Posters, TV, Radio Spots, Training Modules etc. 33% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- national and regional nodal officers training programs. 33% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- Preparing State/District level Trainers by conducting national and regional workshops: The present study clearly indicates that there is need to increase the awareness of National Oral Health Programme not only among dental surgeons but also common men. Government should take active interventions to increase the awareness of NOHP so that more and more people can utilize its facilities.

French Dentists’ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward oral cancer detection: A national survey

BackgroundFrance is ranked 6th in Europe in terms of oral cancer incidence. Dental surgeons are on the front line in examining the oral mucosa, but little is known about the knowledge, attitudes and practices of French dental surgeons with respect to lesions suspected of malignancy. MethodsAn online survey including 18 self-administered questions was widely shared on social media using major networks of French dentists. Items included socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, their self-assessed knowledge, screening practices and training on oral cancer detection and care. ResultsA total of 676 dental surgeons participated in this survey. The vast majority, 92.8 %, were general dental surgeons, 83.9 % had a private practice and 49.1 % had less than 5 years of dental experience. Almost 55 % declared that they did not conduct systematic examinations of the oral mucosa and 45 % reported that they did conduct such examinations. In-hospital practice, lower patient age, dental surgeon experience, and specialty were all positively associated with systematic examination of the oral mucosa. Conversely, absence of a patient complaint, absence of an obvious lesion, lack of time, and lack of training/skills were all negatively associated. DiscussionThis is the first survey to analyze the practices of French dental surgeons in oral cancer screening. Only half of the respondents, the best trained, performed systematic oral mucosa examinations which objectively help to early detect mucosal cancer lesions. To improve oral cancer early detection, we recommend mandatory screening training programs for all dental students and dental surgeons.

Difference between hand and forearm transepidermal water loss and skin pH as an improved method to biomonitor occupational hand eczema: our findings in healthcare workers.

The aim of this cross-sectional field study was to establish the condition of hand and forearm skin barrier among dentists and physicians and how it may be associated with personal and work-related factors. The study consisted of an occupational questionnaire, clinical examination of skin on hands, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and pH measurements on hands and forearms. The participants were divided in the following groups (N=37 each, N=148 in total): physicians, medical surgeons, dentists, and dental surgeons. We calculated the difference between hand and forearm TEWL and pH (ΔTEWL and ΔpH, respectively) and divided it by the forearm values (ΔTEWL% and ΔpH%, respectively). There was a clear trend of increasing median ΔTEWL%, starting from physicians with non-surgical specialisation (56 %) to medical surgeons (65 %), dentists (104 %), and dental surgeons (108 %), with the latter two groups showing particularly worrisome signs of work-related skin barrier impairment, since they had double the TEWL on hands than on forearms. Although less prominent, the same worsening trend was noted for skin pH, with dental surgeons having on average a 0.3 points higher skin pH on hands than on forearms. These findings were mainly associated with prolonged glove use and male sex. Our findings also suggest that comparing TEWL and pH between hands and forearms can better establish occupational skin barrier impairment on hands.

Medical Emergency In Dentistry By Local Anaesthetics

Justification: Local anaesthesia is widely used in various procedures in dental specialties. However, even though it is rare, a medical emergency may occur. Objective: The article aims to show the necessary care in the administration of local anaesthetic in dentistry and the medical emergencies, signs and symptoms and first procedures. Show the importance of the dental surgeon be alert to any signs and symptoms during the application of anaesthetic, and able to intercede in any risk to health or the patient's death and knowing the formula and possible side effects of anaesthetic use and their medicine interactions with legal and/or illegal drug. Methodology: research on the main electronic health platforms, BIREME, LILACS and Medline, using as descriptors: LOCAL ANAESTHETIC /+/ ODONTOLOGY and MEDICAL EMERGENCIES/AND/ODONTOLOGY, in Portuguese, French, Spanish and English, and the professional experience of the authors in First Aid and Medical Emergency in Dental Offices. Conclusion: There are risks in the administration of local anaesthetics, however they are minimal and can be predicted when there is a correct anamnesis and treatment plan and/or surgical adequate for each identified situation. Knowledge of the anatomy of irrigation and drainage, foramen, among others, besides of the physiology and neuroanatomy of the region where the anaesthetic will be applied, is important to minimise the risks. The dental surgeon should be alert to any signs and symptoms during the application of anaesthetic, and able to intercede in any risk to health or of the patient's death and knowing the formula and possible side effects of anaesthetic use and their medicine interactions with legal and/or illegal drug. The most serious side effects of a local anaesthetic focus on the central and peripheral nervous system, the cardiovascular tract and renal tract. Hence, there need to know both the physiology of the systems and the interaction of the medications with the specific anaesthetics. However, the patient may not always be able to receive anaesthetics with vasoconstrictors, and surgery is not always elective to know such medicine interactions, and not always is possible to know if there is any allergy to any specific anaesthetic without prior testing before surgery. Hence, there is needed to know emergency medical procedures in dental offices and clinics

Mycosis fungoides refractory to treatment - importance of a multidisciplinary approach.

We report a case of difficult-to-control mycosis fungoides (MF), where the role of the dental surgeon was crucial for the control and prognosis of the disease. A 62-year-old female patient diagnosed with MF had a previous record of red patches and small raised bumps on the face, along with a cancerous growth in the cervical and vulvar region. The patient was initially treated with methotrexate and local radiotherapy without resolution. Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone was then started (CHOP protocol). The dental team of a reference hospital was consulted to evaluate swelling in the anterior region of the palate, which had been developing for two months, reporting discomfort when eating. The role of the dentistry team was fundamental in the differential diagnosis of oral lesions with dental infections, second neoplasia, or even a new site of disease manifestation, in addition to controlling mucosal changes resulting from chemotherapy. After ruling out dental infection, the dentistry team performed a lesion biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis showed atypical lymphoid infiltration of T cells (CD3+/CD4+/CD7-/CD8-), coexpression of CD25, and presence of CD30 cells, corresponding to the finding for MF. Identifying CD30 + allowed for a new chemotherapy protocol with brentuximab vedotin (BV) combined with gemcitabine. This protocol effectively controlled MF, which previous protocols had failed to do. The diagnosis by the dental team was essential for therapeutic change and improvement of the patient's clinical condition without the need for invasive medical procedures.

Association of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is inevitable. The increase in the occurrence of obesity all around the globe has proportionally increased the occurrence of comorbidities. Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammation of the periodontium attributed to dysbiosis in the subgingival microflora which may ultimately result in tooth loss. A triad between T2DM, periodontitis, and obesity is ascertained. Aim The present study focuses on investigating the association of obesity and T2DM with periodontal health. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of six months (September 2022 to February 2023) on 181 subjects, as per the sample size calculated by the statistician, who were previously diagnosed with T2DM and were either obese or overweight. The glycemic control was assessed on the basis of HbA1c values of the subjects. The subjects underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis along with an anthropometric examination. Full mouth examination including bleeding on probing, pocket probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) was also checked to assess the status of periodontal health, and periodontitis was classified according to the new classification of 2017. Results The obtained data was statistically analyzed and p-value≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The maximum prevalence of Stage III Grade C Periodontitis (34.73%) was observed in the diabetic obese group than in the diabetic overweight group. The overall anthropometric variable, abdominal circumference, waist-hip ratio, and basal metabolic index (BMI) were higher in the obese group as they displayed poor glycemic control. BMI and CAL also showed a positive correlation. Conclusion A significant association between obesity and T2DM with periodontitis was confirmed by this study. Hence, a syndemic approach needs to be formulated by the medical fraternity in collaboration with dental surgeons for the effective management of this triad.

Awareness and Knowledge Regarding the Concept of Shortened Dental Arches Among Dental Surgeons in Karachi, Pakistan

Awareness and Knowledge Regarding the Concept of Shortened Dental Arches Among Dental Surgeons in Karachi, Pakistan

Role of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in temporomandibular joint disorders.

To co mpare the e ffica cy of transcutaneous elec trica l ner ve stimulation with commercially ava ilab le analgesics in alleviating symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. The cross-sectional, interventional study was conducted from March 11, 2020, to August 31, 2023, at the Oral and Maxillofa cial S urger y Department of the Armed Forces Institute o f Den tist r y, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised patients aged 18-65 years who were experiencing pain or distress in the temporomandibular joint region. The par ticipants were divided into intervention group A and control group B. Group A treatment involved applying electrodes near the temporomandibular joint, with parameters adjusted as per the treatment guidelines. Group B subjects received only analgesics along with basic care recommendations. Pain intensit y was assessed using visual analogue scale, while functional impairment and adverse effects were monitored. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. Of the 130 patients initially assessed, 100(77%) were included; 50(50%) in each group. In group A, there were 33(66.0%) fema les and 17(34.0 %) male s wit h overal l mean age 42.8±10.12 years. In group B, there were 30(60%) females and 20(40%) males with overall mean age 46.98±14.09 years. Pain intensity was significantly lower in group A compared to group B post-inter vention (p=0.009). Group A sub jec ts also showed significant post-intervention improvement in terms of mouth opening compared to group B patients (p<0.05). There was no significant intergroup difference with respect to adverse effects (p>0.05). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was significantly more effective than commercially available analgesics in alleviating symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.

Acupuncture: Chinese therapeutic technique and its applications in dentistry

Objective: The objective of this article is to talk about acupuncture, showing its origin and history, showing how it works, creating an interface between this practice and dentistry, addressing the benefits of this technique in dental treatments. Methodology: To compose this review article, searches were carried out for studies, articles, monographs and gray literature books that could contain a large amount of information, enriching the manuscript, bringing more scientific and current basis, thus, these searches were carried out on the basis data such as: Science Direct, Web of Science, DeCs, Scielo, PROSPERO, The Brazilian Journal of Health Review, VHL/BIREME, CAPES Journal Portal, The Cochrane Library, PUBMED and Google Academy. Results: Acupuncture is an ancient technique, created in China and which has spread throughout the planet, being something that has great use within medicine and dentistry, in treating problems such as: orofacial pain, TMD, neuralgia of the trigeminal and having anesthesia and analgesia function. Conclusion: It was seen that acupuncture is a Chinese technique that has great utility within dentistry, with a range of benefits within problems that are commonly seen in the clinical life of a dental surgeon and that affect the health of several people during the throughout life, thus being a powerful tool when used appropriately by dentists who are trained in this technique.

Analysis of Shape of Lingula in Dry Adult Human Mandible in a Bangladeshi Population

The lingula is an important anatomical landmark used in oral and dental surgeries and to block the inferior alveolar nerve. Our study aims to analyze different types of lingula found in mandibles of Bangladeshi individuals. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was done on 150 fully ossified dry human mandibles in the Department of Anatomy, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh between July 2019 and June 2020. A non-random purposive sampling technique was adopted. The lingula was classified into four types: triangular, truncated, nodular and assimilated. The triangular shape was most commonly found (67%), followed by truncated (19.33%), nodular (9.66%) and assimilated (4%). On right side of the mandible, the triangular shape was present in 61.33% samples and on left side, in 59.33% samples. Truncated shape was found 25.33% on right side and 26.66% on left. Nodular shape was present in 10% on right side and 9.33% on left. Assimilated shape was observed in 3.33% on right side and 4.66% on left. Knowledge of various morphological shapes helps dental and maxillofacial surgeons to preserve important structures like inferior alveolar nerve and vessels during surgical interventions of mandible. Our data is expected to increase the information pool, which will be useful for further anthropological studies. CBMJ 2024 July: vol. 13 no. 02 P: 223-226