Volume 20 – Issue 3 (Jul – Sep 2011)

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of mixing methods on bi-axial flexure strength (BFS) of experimental resin-based composites (RBCs).

METHODOLOGY

BFS of two experimental RBCs either hand-spatulated or mechanically-mixed and one commercial RBC (30 specimens per group) was determined following 1 week immersion in distilled water at 37±1 ºC. Scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) of fractured surfaces of eachRBC specimen was performed.Results were evaluated by one-wayANOVA, post-hocTukeymultiple comparison tests (P=0.05) and Weibull statistics.

RESULTS

Asignificant difference was identified between theme an BFS of them echanically-mixed (95±13MPa) and hand-spatulated (83±15 MPa) experimental RBCs (P<0.05). The commercial RBC exhibited a significantly higher mean BFS (135±20 MPa) compared with both hand-spatulated and mechanically-mixed RBCS (P<0.05). The Weibull modulus of BFS data of hand-spatulated RBC was considered to be significantly decreased compared with theWeibull modulus of both mechanically-mixed and commercial RBCs as the 95% confidence intervals did not overlap. Greater porosity was observed in the hand-spatulated RBC in contrast to the mechanically-mixed and commercial RBCs under SEM examination.

CONCLUSION

Mixing method has a significant effect on the BFS of RBCs and mechanical-mixing of experimentalRBCsmay be considered as amore reliablemethod.

KEYWORDS

Resin-based composite;Mixing;Porosity,Bi-axial flexure strength

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present experimental study was to report an appropriate electrode placement site on firstmolar teeth.

METHODOLOGY

Fifty volunteerswith soundmandibular andmaxillary firstmolar teeth (without any lesion or restoration) were selected from the DentalOPDof Dept of Operative Dentistry LUMHS Jamshoro from July 2008 to June 2009. Seven sites on each tooth were tested two times. The Elements Diagnostic Unit EPT was used to record the lowest threshold response of each site. Data was analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and the tukey test.

RESULTS

The central fossa/pit of bothmaxillary andmandibular firstmolar teethwas found to be an appropriate site forEPTtesting.Whereas, the tip ofmesiobuccal cuspwas the second sitewhere lowest thresh holdwas found to elicit pulpal response. No significant difference was observed between male and female subjects and between mandibular andmaxillarymolars.

CONCLUSION KEYWORDS

Pulp,molar, diagnosis, endodontics, electrical pulp testing

OBJECTIVE

To determine the change in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in subjects after treatment of chronic periodontitis.

100 patients, aged 30 to 50 years, having chronic periodontitis with a periodontal index (PI) of 6 and 8 were selected from low socioeconomic class. The patients completed a structured questionnaire that included data regarding oral and general health habits. They received treatment for chronic periodontitis and PI was reassessed after 3months.CRPlevelswere similarlymeasured at baseline and 3months after treatment.

RESULT

The mean PI of all subjects was 7.3 ± 0.96 and 4.53 ± 1.93 before and after treatment, respectively. Similarly, the mean CRP level (in mg/L) was 6.34 ± 2.29 and 5.62 ± 2.01 before and after treatment, respectively. CRP levels were higher in males as compared to females, at baseline than after treatment. However, both groups responded equally to treatment (P < 0.0005). CRP levels were also higher in older age groups (> 40 years), both at baseline and after treatment.

CONCLUSION

The CRP levels accompanied the severity of periodontal infection, and decreased significantly after improvement of periodontal health following the treatment.

KEYWORDS

C- reactive protein, Periodontal Index,Chronic Periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between crown margin and type of restorativematerial on the periodontal health of the restored teeth.

METHODOLOGY

This case control study was conducted on 100 patients (50 metal crowns, 50 porcelain fused to metal crowns) whose prosthesis were fabricated in the department of crown and bridge of Fatima Jinnah Dental College Hospital. Contra-lateral tooth of same patient served as control. Clinical evaluation was performed and periodontal indices including Bleeding index, Plaque index, and Pocket depth measurement were recorded on a proforma.CPITN(Ash) “C”probewas used to record the readings.Datawas analyzedwith SPSS forwindows using chi square test.

RESULTS

One hundered patients with either porcelain fused to metal crown (n=50) or metal crown (n=50) with unrestored and healthy contralateral dentition were included in the study. Teeth restored with supra-gingival margins scored better for bleeding index, plaque index and pocket depth as compared to teeth restored with subgingival margins (p value<0.01). The type of restorative material did not have an effect on recorded scores (p value>0.1).

KEYWORDS

Crownmargins, periodontal health, prosthodontic traetment.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was the detection and separation of S. aureus from blood cultures of patients undergoing oral surgical procedures.Antibiotic sensitivity pattern and biofilmformation of S. aureuswere also performed.

Total 250 patients undergoing oral surgical procedures were selected for bacteriological examination. 5ml of Blood sample was collected in blood culture bottles containing tryptone soya broth. Blood sample was incubated at 37°C for 7 days and after incubation subculturing was done on appropriate Media. The plates were then incubated at 37°C aerobically for 24 hours, after which isolated colonies were obtained. S.aureus was identified by Gram staining, colony morphology, pigment production, catalase, coagulase and often biochemical tests.Antibiotic susceptibilitywas performed by disc diffusion technique on isosensitivity agar. Strains of S.aureus were used for biofilm formation by simple tubemethod.With the help of spectrophotometer at 570 nm optical densitywasmeasured. S.aureus (ATTC2523)was analyzed for biofilmproduction.

RESULTS

Bacterial isolates in descending orderwere S.aureus 56%, E.coli 25%, Pseudomonas spp. 13%, S.typhi 4%and Shigella spp2%. S.aureuswas resistant to different antibiotics.Biofilmproduction of S.aureuswas detected in 16.17%of the S.aureus andmostly in associationwith antibiotic resistant bacteria.

S.aureus was the predominant group of bacteria isolated from blood cultures of dental patients. Increased antibiotic resistance of S.aureusmay be due to biofilmproduction resulting in persistent dental infections.

KEYWORDS

Staphylococcus aureus,Biofilm,Antibiotic resistance.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the antibiotic prescription habits and trends of dentists of major cities of Pakistan.

METHODOLOGY

It was a descriptive study of antibiotic usage by dentists of 7 major cities of Pakistan, using data given byAventisPharmaceuticalCompany,Karachi, Pakistan.The data comprise of the total prescriptions, city wise, gender wise, patient wise and specialty wise breakup of sales of antibiotics. The data constituted dental antibiotics prescriptionswhichwere given in percentage and numbers for all the different cities.

RESULTS

The study showed that the antibiotic prescription has increased over the years from 2000 to 2008. Multan 318 to 415 / 1800 showed themost number of prescriptions. Penicillinwas themain group prescribed.Most antibioticswere given for pulpal/periapical disease (343000 in 2008) to the age group 11-40 years old (65-70%from 2000-2008), and in general dental practice clinics (65-68%).

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic prescription habits of dentists vary in different cities of Pakistan. There is a need to develop guidelines to improve knowledge and to prevent antibiotic resistance.

KEYWORDS

Antibiotics, prescription habits, dentists, Pakistan, dental infections, pharmaceutical.

Abstract

Many different kind of ingredients are incorporated in toothpastes and mouthwashes to keep the oral health in a perfect condition. We have different kinds of toothpastes and mouthwashes available in the market like anti-cavity, extra-whitening and toothpaste for sensitive teeth, toothpastes with stripes, clear and even liver flavored toothpaste for dogs. Modern type of toothpaste contains abrasives which help to scour off bacterial films and fluorides to harden the teeth against caries and have thickeners that stay on the toothbrush. The role of detergents is to remove the fatty films, and water softeners to make the detergents work better.The sweeteners play the role as a non-nutritivewhichmay help stop the attraction of bacteria. Different kind of ingredients incorporate such as detergents and phosphates to prevent the awful taste. A variety of mouthwashes are available in the market according to the different oral conditions like antibacterial mouthwash, whiting mouthwash, fluoride mouthwash and bad breath mouthwash which have a strong enough flavor to hide the bad tastes of decaying bits of previousmeals. Both mouthwashes and toothpastes contain active and inactive ingredients which have their own importance and will be recommended according to their different oral conditions.

Keyword:

Toothpastes,Mouthwashes, Fluoride,Abrasive, Potassiumnitrate Chloroxhidine

Abstract

CoeliacDisease is an autoimmune disease. It affects genetically pre-disposed individuals, leading tomalabsorption of nutrients and patients presenting with a multitude of symptoms, which can sometimes go undiagnosed. We present a case where coeliac disease was identified as the cause of a giant cell tumor of hyperparathyroidism in the mandible.

Keywords

CoeliacDisease;Hyperparathyroidism;BrownTumor,Mandible

Abstract

Regenerative Endodontics is a new treatment modality that offers a predictable result in teeth with pulpal necrosis and open apex.This case report describes the treatment of a necrotic immature permanent central incisor with crown fracture, in which a regenerative approach was used. Revascularization procedures may provide a more predicable outcome, while rendering mature root formation at the same time.This article describes an ongoing case of revascularization.

KEYWORDS

open apex, regeneration, revascularization.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new simple technique of fixing a lingual bonded retainer in orthodontic finished cases. The aim of the technique is to simplify the clinical steps that orthodontist will go through and to reduce the chairside time.After ideal isolation of the teeth, an archwire or a long stainless steel twisted ligature wire is placed using tooth separators (spacers) to stabilize the retainer wire during the bonding procedures using lightcured bonding agent to the lingual surfaces of either upper or lower anterior teeth to maintain the result. This technique is practical and effective for both upper and lower arches. It can be carried out at the chair during the debonding appointmentwithout a need for laboratory interventionwhichwill in turn reduce the orthodontist’s chairside time.

KEYWORDS

lingual retainer, bounded retention, orthodontics, chairside bonding

Abstract

This is a case report of a ladywhowas worried about the presence of a small tooth like structure in the area adjacent to root treated leftmandibular firstmolar. Intra-oralX-ray showed that itwas an apically fractured part of themesial root of themolar lodged in the buccal sulcus. The toothwas hemisected andmesial rootwas removed alongwith the dislodged part.Athree unit bridge combining the hemisected root and adjacent second premolarwas inserted which is successfully in service formore than a year.