Search

Mandibular third molar is the most common tooth to become impacted. Mandibular third molars may acquire a range of patterns and positions and may lead to a diverse group of pathologies. The objective of this study was to enlist the different patterns of mandibular third molar impactions and their associated pathologies. This descriptive study was carried out at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of Lahore Medical & Dental College, Lahore from February 2014 to September 2015. A total of 271 patients with 382 impacted mandibular third molars were included in the current study. Their ages were between 20 to 53 years (Mean±SD, 27.81±7.37). 114 (42.07%) were male and 157 (57.93%) females with male to female ratio of 1:1.38. Patients were evaluated with thorough history, clinical and radiographic examination. Periapical and panoramic radiographs were used to assess the pattern of mandibular third molar impactions and their associated pathologies. Mesioangular angulation (45.55%) with class II ramus relation (60.73%) and Position A (54.71%) depth was the most frequent pattern of impaction. A total of 324 pathologies were seen in 271 patients who presented for removal of impacted mandibular third molars. The most common pathology associated with the impacted mandibular third molar was dental caries of third molar (38.89%), followed by pericoronitis (29.01%, periodontal disease (14.19%) and a low frequency of cysts and tumors (3.39%). Prophylactic removal of impacted mandibular third molar with unfavorable patterns and positions may be beneficial for the patients to prevent the patients from associated pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radicular cysts are the most common odontogenic cysts of inflammatory origin affecting the human jaws. Radicular cysts are usually asymptomatic but can result in slow growth tumefaction and involve many adjacent sound teeth endangering their vitality and prognosis. The objectives of this study were to enumerate and evaluate the etiological factors and the pattern of presentation of radicular cysts in a tertiary care centre in Pakistan. A total of 58 patients were included in this case series study after taking history, clinical examination, radiological findings, aspiration test and histological diagnosis of lesion by biopsy report. It was carried out at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore from April 2012 to August 2014. The patients in the study included 30 male (51.72%) and 28 female (48.28%). Most cases were diagnosed in the second decade of life (50.00%) which declined in the later age groups. The most affected region was the anterior maxilla (65.52%, n=38), followed by anterior mandible (18.96%, n=11). The main etiological factor was dental trauma followed by unrestored nonvital carious teeth. Radicular cyst is the most commonly occurring odontogenic cyst which affects the maxillofacial skeleton with varying frequency. A proper early screening of dental trauma can significantly reduce the incidence of some of these cystic lesions. In addition, patient education with regards to improved oral health and regular dental check ups is important for reducing the caries prevalence in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to study the evolution of dental health of dental students during their academic training and to assess the extent to which the knowledge acquired was reflected in their own dental care. A cross sectional survey was carried out in a Dental College of Lahore. The sample was selected randomly choosing 40 students from each year with an age range between 18 and 24 years. The data for this study were collected using a pre-tested self- administered questionnaire and was considered mandatory for all participants to fill out. All participants were clinically examined. Their oral cavity was thoroughly checked for any ongoing disease process and a DMFT chart was filled accordingly. Data entry and analysis was done using the IBM SPSS version 20. Final sample size was 160 (Females: 75.6% / males: 24.4%). The highest frequency of females and males was observed in 3rd year and 1st year respectively Frequency distribution and Chi-Square tests of significance were performed. High levels of DMF were not that evident. Almost 30% (48) students had .00 DMF and 23% (37) had 1.00 DMF (p<0.05). Only a small number of students were found using non-fluoridated toothpaste (p< 0.01). Chi-square Analysis revealed a significant relations between the year of study and DMFT of the students (p<0.05) along with Gender and age as well as year of study and age (p<0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]