Le Journal dentaire du Quebec最新文献

A favorite subject of newspapers, periodicals or television programs, is that cholesterol has invaded our lives. Although well known as being undesirable, for blocking the arteries and contributing to cardiovascular diseases which kill thousands of Canadians each year, the flood of information of diverse quality leaves most of us puzzled. This paper aims to answer the main questions about cholesterol, trying to better define its relationship to cardiovascular diseases and to provide useful dietary advice to help control this risk factor.

Quebec presently has 650,000 people over 65 years of age and as many as 900,000 will be alive at the beginning of the 21st century. Quebec epidemiological studies have shown that this group's dental condition is very poor. They feel no need to see a dentist, but 96% of them need treatment and the time elapsed since their last dental visit averages 13 years. It is forecasted that the dental needs of this group will rise, not only because of their increase in number but also because they will retain more teeth. Training in geriatric dentistry is presently deficient in the United States, Canada and particularly Quebec. Researchers have concluded, after studying the U.S. dental schools' current status of geriatric dentistry educational activities, that unless dental students receive training in geriatrics while at dental school, it is likely that they will not treat a lot of seniors in their practice. The teaching of geriatric dentistry is in full swing in the U.S. but knows a difficult birth in Quebec. There is no formal, extensive training program in geriatric dentistry given by the three dental schools in the province. Practicing geriatric dentistry requires special knowledge and skills. If treatment is to be successful, the practitioner must adopt a humanitarian approach and develop close relations and a better understanding of the feelings and attitudes of the elderly. The dentist must know and understand the special dental problems that makes them different from other groups.

This second article deals with the application of basic oncology principles which are described in relation to present research trends in oral oncology. The importance of the immunological aspects relative to detection and treatment in conjunction with a better understanding of the risk factors involved are hallmarks of this recent research.

The application of thermal treatment in medicine has truly developed during the last decade. Whether it be laser therapy or, more recently plasma therapy, clinicians are regularly using these treatments in their everyday practice. They truly appreciate the advantages relative to the precision of the surgical procedure, the absence of bleeding and the ability to preserve the integrity of the surrounding tissues. patient appreciate the comfort associated with the interventions, without practically any post-operative pain and complications. In the field of odontology, several million procedures are rendered each year with these systems which, among many other advantages, do preserve the vitality of the dentino-pulpal area. This article deals with the technology and indications for its therapeutic use today.

The role that the dentist can play in screening for physically abused children is often underestimated. The importance of his young clientele and the fact that the oro-facial area is a primary site associated with child abuse, allows the dentist to intervene in these matters. This article gives a Quebec perspective of the situation. The main points in the Youth Protection Act are discussed and local statistics confirm the extent of the problem. The importance of a proper examination to assist in screening such cases and protocol on what procedures to follow is suggested.

This article briefly describes the fundamental principles associated with the development of cancerous cells in man. The manner in which these neoplastic cells appear and spread are discussed. A better understanding of these phenomena will allow the practitioner to realize the importance and necessity of a systematic evaluation of all patients.

After reviewing the origin and the anatomical path of the mandibular alveolar nerve, the author describes the study techniques used on dry bone: serial frontal sections laid out sagittaly; catheterism prior to standard radiographs; and, fenestration of the external osseous wall. These techniques demonstrate the precise topographical and spatial anatomy of this branch of the trigeminal nerve (V3).

Electrical dental anesthesia has recently been suggested as an alternative to local anesthetics for the control of pain related to certain dental acts. This article updates the evidence which supports the efficiency, indications and contra-indications of such a procedure. Although this technique has certain advantages, its use is limited by: 1) how cooperative the patient may be; 2) the time required to explain the procedure to the patient and that which is required to produce the needed clinical effect; and, 3) how efficient it may be relative to the patient in question and the dental treatment rendered.