Primary dental journal最新文献

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) are uncommon conditions, however when present they have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life and are notoriously difficult to treat. With medical advances resulting in improved survival rates and increased life expectancy, it is likely that general dental practitioners (GDPs) will more frequently be involved in the oral health management of patients at risk of both ORN and MRONJ. Though management of both diseases is beyond the scope of primary care dentistry, the GDP still has a key role in the patient's overall care. It is therefore important to have a good understanding of these conditions and their consequences for dental treatment in order to provide adequate patient support. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and as part of this GDPs are integral in prevention, early recognition and maintenance of oral health following diagnosis. This article aims to refresh the reader's knowledge regarding MRONJ and ORN and support the GDP in managing this patient group.

The extraction of teeth carries a risk of associated complications, some of which may be predicted, providing an opportunity for them to be prevented or their effects minimised. Prior to embarking on any extraction, the dentist must be confident that they are able to deal with any complication that may arise. This paper provides an overview of the complications of dental extraction which are commonly encountered, considers the factors which predispose to them arising, suggests how the risk of them occurring can be reduced, and describes how they should be managed.

The presentation of patients with symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is a common finding in general dental practice. The management of patients with TMDs is often complicated by its multifactorial aetiology. This paper aims to provide a guide for dental practitioners to the clinical examination, diagnosis, and recognition of red flags in relation to TMDs and inform the busy practitioner when to refer patients presenting with TMDs for specialist/secondary care management.

Dental practitioners are well versed in informing patients of the risks and benefits associated with dental extractions. The purpose of this service evaluation was to determine whether patients understood and recalled information relevant to their planned oral surgery procedure, prior to second stage consent.A questionnaire was distributed to patients who were attending for their elective treatment appointment. This explored their ability to recall the planned intervention, the modality of treatment (local anaesthetic, intravenous sedation, or general anaesthetic), understanding of alternative treatment options and the risks associated with the procedure. Completed responses were received from 29 of the distributed questionnaires (response rate=58%). The majority of patients were not aware of the following risks with their procedure: pain, bleeding, bruising, swelling, infection, damage to adjacent structures.Despite a well-documented consent form and comprehensive discussion, we identified that patients may not comprehend or recollect the risks associated with their dental extraction. As dental professionals we have a duty to seek ways to facilitate patient understanding and maximise their autonomy.