Premature exfoliation of primary teeth may be the first manifestation of this serious condition and the general dental practitioner plays an important role in recognizing dental anomalies and referring patients at an app...Premature exfoliation of primary teeth may be the first manifestation of this serious condition and the general dental practitioner plays an important role in recognizing dental anomalies and referring patients at an appropriate time. This is imperative to ensuring early diagnosis and good quality patient care. This article describes the case of a 4-year-old boy affected by childhood hypophosphatasia, who presented with premature exfoliation of his primary teeth as the first manifestation of this condition. An overview of the condition is outlined including a discussion of the likelihood of permanent dentition involvement. Clinical relevance: Oral manifestations of hypophosphatasia may be the first and the only signs of this condition and may be the basis upon which a diagnosis is made.
common diseases that affect the oral cavity. The differential diagnosis between chronic and aggressive periodontitis can be complex for some clinicians and the correct diagnosis is a key element in disease management. Th...common diseases that affect the oral cavity. The differential diagnosis between chronic and aggressive periodontitis can be complex for some clinicians and the correct diagnosis is a key element in disease management. The three-part series will review periodontal clinical assessment and diagnosis, periodontal management and finally will discuss two clinical cases. This paper will focus on periodontal disease pathogenesis, periodontal clinical assessment and diagnosis. Clinical relevance: This paper aims to provide the general dental practitioner with an understanding of periodontal disease pathogenesis and to highlight elements in the clinical assessment which will help to establish the diagnosis
A growing problem in dentistry is complications associated with failing amalgam restorations that have been in place for many years. At present, there is a wide variety of treatment options available in the clinician’s a...A growing problem in dentistry is complications associated with failing amalgam restorations that have been in place for many years. At present, there is a wide variety of treatment options available in the clinician’s armamentarium when this situation arises, however, without the correct diagnosis, the prognosis for the tooth may quickly diminish, despite the clinician’s best efforts. A confusing array of symptoms and failures may confound even the most experienced dentist, which will inevitably lead to invasive and time consuming approaches in a desperate attempt to rectify the initial problem. This paper, the first part of a three-part series, discusses the possible aetiological factors responsible for restoration failure, including occlusal issues and cracks within the tooth structure. The second part of the series will focus on restorative options and root-treated teeth. The third, and final, part of the series will provide an overview of the previous papers and conclude with a case report. Clinical relevance: Failure of amalgam restorations is a commonly encountered clinical problem in general practice and no one case presents in the same way. A competent diagnosis regarding the occlusion and tooth structure, followed with implementation of the most appropriate, minimally invasive treatment option, requires an adequate knowledge of current literature.
The perceived threat to public health from dental unit water line (DUWL) contamination comes from opportunistic and respiratory pathogens such as Legionella spp, Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) and pseudomonads. These...The perceived threat to public health from dental unit water line (DUWL) contamination comes from opportunistic and respiratory pathogens such as Legionella spp, Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) and pseudomonads. These organisms can grow and multiply in the DUWL biofilm to reach infective concentrations, with the potential for inhalation leading to respiratory infections or direct contamination of surgical wounds. In this paper we discuss current legislation and practical methods for delivering water within the DUWL that meets the standards for safety. Clinical relevance: Understanding the clinical relevance and methods for decontaminating DUWL is essential to create a safe working environment in dentistry.
The increasing emergence of antibiotic resistance is a major international public health problem. As a consequence, it is essential that steps are taken to conserve the effectiveness of existing antimicrobial agents. Con...The increasing emergence of antibiotic resistance is a major international public health problem. As a consequence, it is essential that steps are taken to conserve the effectiveness of existing antimicrobial agents. Consumption of antibiotics is the prime contributor to the development of resistance. General dental practitioners write almost 1 out of 10 prescriptions for antibiotics in primary care within the UK and therefore the prudent prescribing of antibiotics in dentistry has never been more vital. This paper outlines the impact of antimicrobial resistance on modern healthcare, describes the current use of antibiotics in general dental practice, and recommends pragmatic ways in which dental practitioners can evaluate and optimize their prescribing. Clinical relevance: Dental professionals have a responsibility to both their patients and the wider community to prescribe antibiotics appropriately.
Fourteen dentists at different practices in the UK assessed the dental charts of 1128 patients who were new to the dentist but not new to the practice; 44% of the dental charts were found to be inaccurate. Inaccuracy of...Fourteen dentists at different practices in the UK assessed the dental charts of 1128 patients who were new to the dentist but not new to the practice; 44% of the dental charts were found to be inaccurate. Inaccuracy of the individual practice-based charts ranged between 16% for the best performing practices to 83% for the worst: 5% of dental charts had too many teeth charted and 5% had too few teeth charted; 13% of charts had missed amalgam restorations and 18% had missed tooth-coloured restorations; 5% of charts had amalgam restorations recorded but with the surfaces incorrect (eg an MO restoration charted but a DO restoration actually present); 9% of charts had tooth-coloured restoration surfaces incorrectly recorded. For 7.5% of charts, amalgams were charted but not actually present. Other inaccuracies were also noted. The authors reinforce the requirements of the GDC, the advice of defence organizations, and the forensic importance of accurate dental charts. Clinical relevance: Dental charting forms part of the patient’s dental records, and the GDC requires dentists to maintain complete and accurate dental records.
The immune system is the body’s primary defence mechanism against infections, and disturbances in the system can cause disease if the system fails in defence functions (in immunocompromised people), or if the activity is...The immune system is the body’s primary defence mechanism against infections, and disturbances in the system can cause disease if the system fails in defence functions (in immunocompromised people), or if the activity is detrimental to the host (as in auto-immune and auto-inflammatory states). A healthy immune system is also essential to normal health of dental and oral tissues. This series presents the basics for the understanding of the immune system, this article covering innate immunity. Clinical relevance: Modern dental clinicians need a basic understanding of the immune system as it underlies health and disease.
Facial nerve palsy has specific symptomology, but varied aetiology. Prompt and thorough assessment is required to ascertain if upper or lower motor neurone damage has occurred. This report discusses a 6-year-old female,...Facial nerve palsy has specific symptomology, but varied aetiology. Prompt and thorough assessment is required to ascertain if upper or lower motor neurone damage has occurred. This report discusses a 6-year-old female, presenting in the Emergency Department with unilateral facial weakness. Initially thought to be facial swelling relating to her carious dentition, clinical assessment from the maxillofacial team identified that the patient had a unilateral facial palsy, later diagnosed as Bell’s palsy. Her delayed presentation was due to initial misdiagnoses in primary care. This case report aims to highlight its aetiology, clinical features and appropriate management. Clinical relevance: To make the general dental practitioner aware of different causes of facial paralysis, and to provide GDPs with an algorithm to follow in the presentation of a facial palsy in the primary care setting.
For several years, all-ceramic resin-bonded bridges (RBBs) have been considered an aesthetic treatment option for the replacement of missing teeth in the anterior region. With continued developments in technology, variou...For several years, all-ceramic resin-bonded bridges (RBBs) have been considered an aesthetic treatment option for the replacement of missing teeth in the anterior region. With continued developments in technology, various different ceramic materials have been used to fabricate all-ceramic RBBs including zirconia, glass-reinforced, alumina-based ceramics, and lithium disilicate glass ceramics. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of all-ceramic RBBs, the advantages and disadvantages associated with these prostheses, as well as to demonstrate their application in replacing missing anterior teeth. Clinical relevance: To present the current literature and clinical application of all-ceramic resin-bonded bridges for replacing missing anterior teeth.
NICE guidance for mandibular third molars has been available since 2000. This was set up to limit the surgical treatment of these teeth to symptomatic patients. There are numerous risks involved with surgical treatment o...NICE guidance for mandibular third molars has been available since 2000. This was set up to limit the surgical treatment of these teeth to symptomatic patients. There are numerous risks involved with surgical treatment of mandibular third molars and these should be explained in detail to the patient. Common and serious complications of mandibular third molar surgery are damage to the inferior alveolar and lingual nerve. Predicting the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury is useful for treatment planning. The orthopantomogram (OPT) is the baseline special test for assessing this and numerous signs on an OPT can predict an increased risk of injury to the nerve. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is being more frequently used to assess this relationship further and can influence treatment planning. Coronectomy is a technique whereby the crown of the tooth is sectioned and removed leaving the roots in situ. This has proven to be a useful technique in high risk cases, but is not without its own complications. The increase in availability of CBCT imaging and the recent resurgence of coronectomy as a treatment modality can increase the number of treatment options available to patients. We have proposed an algorithm to aid the treatment planning and informed consent processes associated with mandibular third molar surgery. Clinical relevance: This article is relevant to primary and secondary care dental practitioners as it will aid the investigation, treatment planning, correct referral and management of patients with problematic mandibular third molars.
Surgical emphysema is a rare complication of dental extractions, often associated with the use of high-speed air rotors. This report describes a case of extensive surgical emphysema following a simple surgical extraction...Surgical emphysema is a rare complication of dental extractions, often associated with the use of high-speed air rotors. This report describes a case of extensive surgical emphysema following a simple surgical extraction of a LL6 under local anaesthetic. There was no use of air-driven handpieces during the procedure. The patient developed extensive surgical emphysema bi-laterally in both cervical neck and facial planes. After prophylactic antibiotics with careful monitoring in a secondary care setting, the patient made a full unremarkable recovery. Clinical relevance: Simple extraction of teeth is a procedure carried out daily by most general dental practitioners. However, the risk of surgical emphysema without the use of high-speed air rotors or instruments using pressurized air/water is not well known or documented.
Salivary gland damage is the most common adverse effect associated with radiation therapy to the head and neck. A combination of hyposalivation and dietary changes, with a reduced emphasis on oral hygiene practices can c...Salivary gland damage is the most common adverse effect associated with radiation therapy to the head and neck. A combination of hyposalivation and dietary changes, with a reduced emphasis on oral hygiene practices can contribute to a massive increase in a person’s caries risk status. This can be further complicated by limited mouth opening. To enable optimal dental care for head and neck cancer patients before, during and after radiation therapy, patients must be informed and educated about the potential risks of dental caries and the preventive strategies available. All patients should receive a pre-radiotherapy dental assessment by a Restorative Dentistry Consultant. This information will be delivered to the patient, often at an emotionally charged time, and can be lost amongst all the information related to other aspects of his/her cancer management. General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) are therefore in a pivotal position to reiterate this information post radiation therapy and ensure compliance with preventive strategies, with the overall aim to improve quality of life and avoid the need for future extractions and the resulting risk of osteoradionecrosis. Clinical relevance: This article highlights the GDP’s role in the shared management of head and neck cancer patients who have received radiotherapy as part of their cancer treatment. The critical issue of dental caries, one of the late effects of radiation-induced hyposalivation, will be focused upon. Other side-effects, such as trismus and osteoradionecrosis, will also be discussed. This article aims to supply GDPs with accurate information to provide to their patients with post radiation therapy, whilst highlighting what treatment is within their remit and when it may be appropriate to refer.
The first part of this two part series discussed the potential barriers and risk factors that may lead to an increased incidence and severity of periodontal disease amongst patients with learning disabilities. Additional...The first part of this two part series discussed the potential barriers and risk factors that may lead to an increased incidence and severity of periodontal disease amongst patients with learning disabilities. Additionally, preventive strategies and tools that can be used by general dental practitioners, oral health promotion teams as well as specialists within the field to control and prevent disease progression were explored. To prevent periodontal disease progression and attain optimal periodontal health, a combination of prevention and professional mechanical instrumentation is usually required. The second part of the series concentrates on the role of the dental professional in implementing professional mechanical instrumentation to attempt to reduce the burden of disease further in this patient group. Clinical relevance: Although research continues into which professional techniques for instrumentation are the most successful amongst patients with periodontal disease, very little data specifically explore the needs of patients with learning disabilities, despite their high unmet needs. This paper aims to report on any available data present to produce suggestions for care.