A survey of complications in segmental orthognathic surgical procedures

This article is a summary of responses of oral-maxillofacial surgeons to a questionnaire related to their experiences in dentoalveolar segmental osteotomy surgery. It is presented as an evaluation of complications and as an overview of medications, splinting techniques, and suggestions on measures to avoid future complications.     

A survey of endodontic procedures performed by practitioners in limited practice

Patients are sometimes referred for treatment to dentists who limit their practices to endodontics. A survey of consecutive referrals to seven such dentists was undertaken. The most common reasons for such referrals were (i) for the retreatment of a tooth with a previous root filling, (ii) because the referring dentist was unable to control pain and/or swelling, or (iii) because the referring dentist was unable to diagnose the endodontic problem. Only 60 (12.8%) of the 469 reasons reviewed were in teeth that were symptomless, uncomplicated and untouched by the referring dentist.     

Treating the atrophic posterior maxilla by combining short implants with minimally invasive osteotome procedures.

Edentulous sites in the posterior maxilla are often compromised by reduced bone volume, prohibiting the placement of 10-mm implants without sinus augmentation. The use of shorter implants minimizes the need for more extensive sinus floor elevation, thus reducing treatment duration and morbidity. Two implant designs are presented in combination with localized internal sinus floor elevation to restore the posterior maxilla. This simplified treatment modality can make implant rehabilitation of the atrophic posterior maxilla more accessible and more palatable to even the most reluctant patients and referring doctors.     

Epilepsy and dental procedures. A review

This paper is a review of the dental management of patients with epilepsy. It includes discussion of the effects anti-epileptic drugs have on dental procedures and addresses complications and side effects of these drugs. A clinical case photo is presented to show gingival hyperplasia, along with four tables on which common antiepileptic medications are enumerated.     

Denture cleansing habits. A survey

A bstract — A survey of denture cleansing habits of 534 complete-denture wearing patients revealed the majority used a mechanical method, seven per cent depended on chemicals, and seven per cent used a combination of both methods.     

A survey on supernumerary molars.

The contemporary literature concerning the etiology, frequency, and classification of supernumerary teeth, specifically molars, is reviewed in this article. Also, methods for their early detection, as well as the prognosis and treatment of supernumerary molars, are discussed. Eight cases at the University of Athens and 105 others obtained from the literature were subjected to statistical analysis to examine sexual dimorphism and the position, impactions, and bilateral presence of supernumerary molars. Super-numerary molars occurred more frequently in the maxilla (79.7%), often were impacted (88.7%), and were found bilaterally 23.9% of the time. No great difference was found between the sexes in the frequency of supernumerary molars.     

Prosthodontic procedures for implant reconstruction. 1. Diagnostic procedures

The University of Sydney Dental School and more recently the Implant Centre have been treating patients with the Brånemark Osseointegration Implant System since 1981. Success depends on close cooperation between surgeon and prosthodontist. This paper describes specific prosthodontic treatment planning procedures based on a general knowledge of prosthodontics, and detailed methods for determining the position, length and alignments of the implants for a specific case by the use of radiographic and surgical templates.     

A 10-year survey of compliance with recommended procedures for infection control by dentists in Beijing

Objectives: This study aimed to survey changes in practices of infection control (IC) procedures by dentists in Beijing between 2000 and 2010. Methods: Data were based on the feedback of 592 and 769 dentists surveyed in 2000 and 2010, respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson’s chi‐squared test. Results: Response rates of 95% (2000) and 94% (2010) were achieved. The percentages of dentists who had received training in IC were 62.96% (2000) and 76.21% (2010). Improvements in practices in 2010 over those in 2000 included increases in: the percentage of vaccination for hepatitis B virus from 32.66% to 68.14%; the routine use of gloves from 73.31% to 99.73%; the use of face shields or eyewear as protection against splatter during dental treatment from 13.94% to 95.45%; the use of protective gowns from 14.51% to 54.23%; the use of high‐volume suction from 11.19% to 74.34%; routine changing of gloves between patients from 63.25% to 99.22%; pressured steam sterilisation of dental handpieces between patients from 41.24% to 96.10%, and the flushing of dental unit waterlines after each treatment from 42.01% to 73.49%. Conclusions: Although compliance with recommended IC practices by dentists in Beijing improved between 2000 and 2010, not all dentists are properly familiar with IC procedures. Education in IC in dental schools and in continuing training in hospitals, and mandatory regulations are needed to improve IC practices in dental health care settings.     

Prosthodontic procedures for implant reconstruction. 2. Post-surgical procedures

There is essentially no flexibility in an osseo-integrated implant system, so that the final fit of the prosthesis must be absolutely precise. A simple approach to this problem is presented with details as to impression taking, confirmation of accuracy of the master cast, fitting of the cast metal framework and construction of the superstructure. The information presented describes a full arch fixed restoration attached to mandibular implants, but may easily be followed for the maxilla or modified for quadrant restorations.     

The retrocuspid papilla. A clinical survey.

1. As mentioned previously in the literature, RCPs are commonly found in the young but become progressively less evident with advancing age. 2. The incidence of the RCP in Negroes is approximately the same as that in Caucasians. 3. Bilateral RCPs are more common than unilateral papillae. 4. The occurrence of RCPs is consistently more common in females than in males, in both Caucasians and Negroes. 5. Histologically, the RCPs are essentially normal, showing features indicative of those seen in frictional irritation during mastication and phonation. 6. The 72.5 per cent incidence of RCPs in children under 11 years of age confirms the trends of past studies and indicates that the RCP is a normal entity in pediatric dental patients and should be included in the literature as such. 7. The clinical significance of the RCP is that it be recognized as a normal anatomic structure that regresses with age and requires no treatment.     

Endodontic patient recall procedures: a national survey of endodontic practices

A survey was conducted to measure the extent of patient recall procedures and perceived success and failure in treatment from a sample of endodontists. A comparison to the accepted Quality Assurance Guidelines set forth by the American Association of Endodontists was conducted. Three hundred surveys were mailed to as many active members of the American Association of Endodontics. Two hundred thirty-three responses were returned for a response rate of 77.6%. The only statistically significant finding was that military practitioners in general do not have an active recall system. This was significant at the p < 0.008 level.