Annals of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons最新文献

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomies (BSSO) and mandibular distraction ostoegenesis (MDO) have both been applied in the surgical treatment of Class II mandibular hypoplasia. This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the stability and morbidities of both techniques. From the preliminary data, skeletal relapse seems to be comparable between BSSO and MDO within the first post-operative six months. Objective and subjective neurosensory evaluation showed no significant difference in all mean scores for LT, 2PD and PPPT between both surgical techniques. Localized wound infection was a common post-operative complication for MDO. A greater sample size is required to ascertain which technique is better.

Laser technology is now ubiquitous in science, business, the arts, the military, industry, telecommunications, entertainment and medicine. It is increasingly finding a useful place in dentistry to offer the potential for practical solutions to managing difficult clinical problems. Research into the clinical use of lasers in diagnostic and therapeutic dental procedures has escalated rapidly in recent years. Laser technology has revolutionized the treatment of dental caries. This article reviews the role of laser technology in the clinical management of caries, early caries diagnosis and treatment planning decision making, caries prevention, soft tissue management, fluorescence aided caries elimination and fluorescence feedback-controlled selective caries removal. Laser technology plays a vital role in enhancing caries diagnosis and therapy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current prescription pattern of oral healthcare professionals in the management of patients with trigeminal neuralgia at a local hospital.

Study design: Data relating to a consecutive series of patients (n = 49) with typical trigeminal neuralgia was collected over a period of 6 months.

Results: Over half the subjects (70%) were using carbamazepine as the only form of medical therapy. Gabapentin was used in 20% of the subjects. A combination therapy or Topiramate was used in few of the patients in the study group (7.5%).

Conclusion: Carbamazepine is still the main drug of choice in the management of trigeminal neuralgia. New anti-epileptic drugs have broadened the therapeutic options in those who cannot tolerate conventional carbamazepine therapy or surgical treatment.

The development of new high strength ceramic abutments can enhance the overall aesthetic outcome of an implant-supported prosthesis. This study was to compare the clinical application of alumina and zirconia ceramic implant abutments in the anterior region. Twenty-three consecutive patients requiring single-tooth implants in the anterior region were randomized to receive either an alumina ceramic abutment (CeraAdapt) or a zirconia ceramic abutment. All-ceramic (IPS-Empress 2) crowns were then fabricated and cemented over the abutments with composite cement. Peri-implant mucosal health and bone levels were evaluated by the gingival index and radiographs at 2-week and 1-year follow-up. Aesthetic outcomes as well as technical problems with the restorations were evaluated during the observation period from 12 to 48 months after functional loading. A total of 17 alumina ceramic abutments and 18 zirconia ceramic abutments were evaluated. No patients dropped out during the study period. Eighteen out of the 23 patients maintained good function throughout the study. The median observation period was 21 months. Ceramic crown loosening was found in two restorations at 1-week and 2-years respectively after insertion. One ceramic crown fractured at 1 week after insertion. At 1-year follow-up, mean marginal bone loss around implants was 1.2 +/- 0.5 mm and the peri-implant mucosa in relation to abutment or crown was healthy with a mean gingival score of 0.6 +/- 0.2. All patients were satisfied with the final aesthetic outcome. However, two alumina abutments fractured after two years of loading. In conclusion, both ceramic abutments have shown a favourable biological response and aesthetic outcome; however, zirconia abutments with their superior mechanical properties might be better for supporting single-tooth implant restorations in the aesthetic zone.

Proper root canal instrumentation and disinfection are key objectives in endodontic therapy. This paper discusses the current concepts of root canal instrumentation from a biological and mechanical perspective including the need for an intracanal medication.

Fluoride varnish is developed to prolong the contact time between fluoride and tooth surface, so that the tooth becomes more resistant to caries attack. The active ingredient of fluoride varnish is usually 5% sodium fluoride, (22,600 ppm fluoride). Studies have found that fairly insoluble globules of calcium fluoride-like material formed on the tooth surface after topical fluoride application. These globules act as a reservoir of fluoride in the mouth for a prolonged period of time. Systematic reviews corroborate evidence for the efficacy of fluoride varnish in the prevention of dental caries. Sodium fluoride varnish is used to prevent caries development, arrest early enamel and even soft dentine caries through promotion of remineralization of carious tooth substance. It is also used to treat tooth hypersensitivity. Some use it as a provisional luting agent by itself or combined with other provisional luting agents for cementing provisional crowns. Fluoride varnish has recently gained much attention in dentistry because it is quick and easy to apply. It sets rapidly on teeth, and gagging and swallowing is unusual. Side-effects or complications of its use are rare. Studies show that fluoride varnish is safe for young children and the risk of dental fluorosis is minimal. The simplicity of its application makes it very suitable and practical for use in dental clinics and outreach dental services, especially in young children and in other special needs groups.

Various skin incision for access to the parotid region are described by different authors, which differ in extension and localization of the scar. Therefore after parotidectomy, patients are often left with a retromandibular and cervical depression. Maintaining normal facial contour may be difficult in parotidectomy defects, but a good symmetry can and should be achieved when reconstructing the parotid region with a specific approach. The authors show their experience in parotid gland surgery using a new skin incision to improve the aesthetic and functional results and three different techniques the reconstruction of the parotid region.

Musculoskeletal disorders account for 29.5% of early retirement among dentists. Most work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Dentistry are spinal. Non-specific and insidious gradual onset injuries such as prolonged tension and pressure on muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and discs in poor posture or alignment account for more than 80% of commonly seen musculoskeletal disorders that are often regarded as work-related and repetitive strain injuries, arthritis and degeneration. Work performance and activities of daily living could be severely affected. The source and cause of injuries should be tackled head on with specific but simple self-management programme including understanding of the cause of symptoms, postural correction and specific exercises.

There is no doubt that in special needs dentistry, Australasia is one of the major global players. There is now an accepted scope of practice, accredited training programs and specialists registered with their local dental boards. These early achievements reflect the tremendous input provided by the primary stakeholders, such as the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. But the honeymoon is now over. Where will Special Needs Dentistry be in ten years? This paper discusses the journey so far and where the discipline will be heading.