Search

Introduction: The replacement of missing teeth is an increasing concern among the population due to functional and esthetic reasons. Along with the increase in demand for replacement, the need for fixed and permanent replacement is also increasing widely. The use of implants is increasing among the population due to its long term and fixed properties in spite of its high price. Aim: The purpose of this survey was to determine the awareness of various impression techniques used in implant dentistry among the dental interns and practitioners in Chennai. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted among 100 dental interns and practitioners among the South Indian population. A set of 10 questions was created and the questionnaire was distributed. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding the awareness of impression techniques used in implant dentistry. The information was collected from the clinicians and recorded. A comparison of the answers from the collected data was made. Results: There was found to be an awareness of 100% in the impression techniques. However, the awareness of splinting and non-splinting techniques was less (80%) when compared to the open and closed tray techniques (100%). The reason could be the limited use of these practically among the dental interns and a use of these clinically would bring about a full awareness of these techniques as well. Conclusion: A positive response is seen on the basic impression techniques that include open and closed tray techniques, whereas the impressions taken on a multiple implant case with some modifications are yet to be more familiarized. As regards, short hands-on courses can help in teaching the shortcomings of impression techniques for various cases and hence to increase the knowledge on these topics of implant dentistry which is flourishing in the present day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mouth ulcer is a very common and painful condition, which is categorized as aphthous stomatitis. It is most commonly seen in early childhood and adolescence. These ulcers are small round with circumscribed margins with yellow floor. They are pearl coloured flakes in the mouth or inside the lips. These are oral mucosal lesions and these ulcers are commonly called as Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS). There are also different types of ulcers like minor ulcers which are not very large in size and heal within 7-14 days, major ulcers heal slowly which can extend up to weeks or months and the third one is herpetiform ulcer which is multiple pinpoint ulcers that heal within a month. Some reason for the occurrence of ulcers could be stress, trauma, stopping smoking, menstruation and food allergy. Sometimes it could also be due to deficiency of iron, vitamin B12. In children aphthae occurs also due to periodic or high fever, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dental caries is very common in primary dentition because of improper oral hygiene and increased intake of sucrose. Grossly decayed primary teeth require extraction. The space created by extracted teeth should be replaced by primary dentition to avoid migration of adjacent teeth into the space and to prevent the eruption of permanent tooth. Different appliances are used to maintain the space post extraction of the primary tooth to preserve the space for the eruption of the permanent tooth in a sequential manner. Aim: Evaluate the attitude and knowledge of parents toward the importance of maintaining primary dentition in their children. Methods: A survey was conducted among randomly selected 100 parents having children between the ages of 2 and 16 years from the general population of Chennai, India. A questionnaire was created was distributed. The data were later collected and statistical analysis was performed. Results: Hundred percent awareness was seen among parents regarding maintenance of oral hygiene in children. Only 65% parents reported visiting dentists only when the child complains of pain. Eighty-nine percent of the parents were aware of the harmful effects of thumb sucking habits. However, only a minimum percent parents thought that treating primary teeth was not very important as it would shed off. Conclusion: Even though parents were aware that primary teeth have to be managed properly, they were not aware of the various treatment modalities available for treating spaces after extraction of primary teeth and caries management. An increase in the knowledge will encourage parents to provide better oral health to their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Retraction cords are used after preparation of a tooth to push the gingiva away from the tooth to create enough space for recording an accurate impression. Retraction cords are placed with hemostatic agents to constrict the blood flow. Hemostatic agents used for retraction cords are said to have an effect on the systemic circulation, and hence, their use in cardiac patients is restricted. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 participants were divided into two groups of 20 and their normal blood pressure (BP) was checked. The BP of the Group I subjects was checked immediately after placing the retraction cord (without LA) and rechecked after a duration of 5 minutes and noted. The BP of the Group II subjects was also checked and recorded similar to that of Group I subjects, with retraction cord soaked in local anaesthesia containing epinephrine. Results: The mean systolic BP of the two groups was 116.8 ± 12.7 mmHg and diastolic was 74.45 ± 10.6 mmHg. The mean systolic BP of Group I subjects immediately after placing the retraction cord was 115.45 ± 14.21 mmHg and diastolic was 97.1 ± 12.46 mmHg. The mean systolic BP of Group I subjects after the removal of the retraction cord was found to be 114.85 ± 14 mmHg and diastolic was 72 ± 12.65 mmHg. The mean systolic BP of the Group II subjects immediately after placing retraction cord was 119.35 ± 9.6 mmHg and diastolic was 77.5 ± 8 mmHg. The mean systolic BP of Group II subjects after the removal of retraction cord was 116.3 ± 10.25 mmHg and diastolic was 77.15 ± 8 mmHg. Conclusion: There is an increase in the systolic and diastolic BP of the Group II subjects immediately after placing the retraction cord and systolic BP reaching to the normal level after the removal of the cord after a time duration of 5 min and no decrease in the diastolic BP on removal of retraction cord and no significant change in the BP of the Group I participants. The change in the BP on using epinephrinesoaked retraction cord could be of significance for their use in cardiovascular disease or hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]