Wasson W, Woods MA, Holder-Ballard C
… +5 more, Aubertin M, Lewis MW, Ross J, Scarbecz M, Van H
J Tenn Dent Assoc
· 2015 · PMID 26434002
The overall health of the United States' (U.S.) population has been surveyed and reported for several decades in a quest by healthcare professionals to understand the etiology for healthcare disparities and seek to lesse...The overall health of the United States' (U.S.) population has been surveyed and reported for several decades in a quest by healthcare professionals to understand the etiology for healthcare disparities and seek to lessen its effects on individuals and, ultimately, eliminate them. Many of these surveys and reports have illuminated disparities, of access to healthcare by focusing on measures to address health literacy deficiencies. A plethora of information concerning patients' health literacy skills and printed information has been made available for dentists and their staff. The printed information is in the format of published patient- centered educational guidelines and readable dental and medical limited reach media (LRM), such as information sheets and prescription drug leaflets. LRM has great potential to enhance access to healthcare information for the reader of interest--your patient--at a readable and comprehensible level. Printed materials are an effective means to enhance health promotion and education for the lay populace. Tailored LRM protocol and the Patient Introduction Form (PIF) are excellent educational instruments for dentists and the dental/medical team (The Team). These instruments are valuable assets for The Team to assist its patients in monitoring and maintaining dental and medical adherence protocols in their daily lives.
The need for partial removable dental prostheses (PRDP) is increasing as the over-65 partially edentulous population grows. The use of flexible materials in the fabrication of these prostheses has captured a large portio...The need for partial removable dental prostheses (PRDP) is increasing as the over-65 partially edentulous population grows. The use of flexible materials in the fabrication of these prostheses has captured a large portion of the market once occupied by traditional cast metal PRDPs. While there are some clinical advantages to the use of flexible PRDPs, there are also disadvantages and contraindications that must be considered. This paper describes a clinical case in which a patient's dentition is restored with a hybrid partial removable dental prosthesis consisting of a traditional metal framework and flexible denture base and clasps. This design can result in achieving the benefits of each type of prosthesis in an effort to satisfy the needs of the patient.
Oral complications of cancer therapy can be so severe that they can lead to the discontinuation of cancer treatment. This can affect prognosis, patient survival, and alter patient quality of life. Early recognition and m...Oral complications of cancer therapy can be so severe that they can lead to the discontinuation of cancer treatment. This can affect prognosis, patient survival, and alter patient quality of life. Early recognition and management of oral complications in cancer patients is a very important part of the overall treatment. Currently, a large number of cancers are treated at the ambulatory level, and when patients develop oral problems they may seek care from their private dentist. The goal of this manuscript is to discuss common oral complications of cancer therapy, and the role the general dentist can play in diagnosis and management.
Amelogenesis imperfecta is a hereditary enamel protein disorder affecting deciduous and secondary crown formation. The prevalence ranges from 1:700 to 1:14,000 depending on the population. These teeth may be hypoplastic,...Amelogenesis imperfecta is a hereditary enamel protein disorder affecting deciduous and secondary crown formation. The prevalence ranges from 1:700 to 1:14,000 depending on the population. These teeth may be hypoplastic, hypomineralized, or hypermineralized and are often discolored, sensitive and caries vulnerable. Patients often present with psychosocial issues due to appearance. Primary teeth are often treated with stainless steel crowns while secondary teeth are treated with full coverage esthetic crowns. The presenting preteen male here was fitted with Snap-On Smile? (www.snaponsmile.com). This treatment option provided cosmetic enhancement of the patient's appearance besides stabilization without altering the primary and secondary dentition during adolescent development.
Digital impressions and CAM/CAD systems are currently burgeoning dental technologies. This article presents a case study describing the clinical protocol necessary to produce multiple crown restorations supported by dent...Digital impressions and CAM/CAD systems are currently burgeoning dental technologies. This article presents a case study describing the clinical protocol necessary to produce multiple crown restorations supported by dental implants.
Dental trauma is sudden, unscheduled, and the dentist and staff must be adequately equipped to expeditiously and properly treat the patient to assure the best possible outcome. This paper reviews current dental trauma gu...Dental trauma is sudden, unscheduled, and the dentist and staff must be adequately equipped to expeditiously and properly treat the patient to assure the best possible outcome. This paper reviews current dental trauma guidelines to provide the correct treatment protocol to ensure the best prognosis. The case report illustrates the technique of avulsion care, RCT care, and functional splinting in a successful manner.
PREMISE: The epidemiological data from many countries indicates a global increase in dental caries in children and adults. The purpose of this study was to determine if children in a school setting would accept an after...PREMISE: The epidemiological data from many countries indicates a global increase in dental caries in children and adults. The purpose of this study was to determine if children in a school setting would accept an after lunch brushing program and if such program would be effective in reducing plaque. STUDY SETTING: A small school of 300 students in Eastern Tennessee was selected to participate of which 200 elected to brush after lunch for 30 school days. Fifty-four students' anterior teeth were stained with a disclosing solution before, during and at the end of the study. The 54 students represented 4 students from each grade level, kindergarten through eighth grade MATERIALS: An ADA approved 27 tuft brush pre-pasted with a paste made with 49% by weight of xylitol was given to each child after lunch. The paste did not require water or the need to spit. A short, 4 minute, musical educational video on correct brushing was designed with the assistance of the mathematics teacher to be shown while the students brushed. RESULTS: The students, principal, and the staff readily accepted the concept and were very cooperative and appreciative. The reduction in plaque levels was dramatic.
BACKGROUND: Dental caries is a highly prevalent, yet preventable disease that is commonly overlooked in the adult population. It is strongly related to health-related behaviors and knowledge, and therefore, is potentiall...BACKGROUND: Dental caries is a highly prevalent, yet preventable disease that is commonly overlooked in the adult population. It is strongly related to health-related behaviors and knowledge, and therefore, is potentially receptive to a behavioral health intervention. However, prevention strategies that target health behaviors in adults are fundamentally different from those in children, whom most current intervention strategies for dental caries target. This study attempts to pilot design, implement, and assess health behavior intervention tools for adults, in order to improve their oral health. OBJECTIVE: To increase knowledge about dental caries by 80% and increase positive self-reported oral hygiene behaviors by 80% in low-income adult participants at Interfaith Dental Clinic by piloting novel interventional and educational tools based on the Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior. METHODS: A convenience sample of newly registered participants to the Interfaith Dental Clinic between August 2011 and May 2013, were interviewed on each participant's first appointment, exposed to the interventional tools, and subsequently interviewed at their next appointment. A control group, comprised of participants who had completed their caries care as deemed by the clinic and had not been exposed to the interventional tools, were also interviewed on their last appointment before graduating the clinic's program. RESULTS: A total of 112 participants were exposed to the intervention, and forty-two participants comprised the control group. Follow-up for the intervention group was 20.5% (n = 23). Knowledge about the cause of caries increased by 29.9%, and positive self-reported oral hygiene behaviors increased by 25.4%. A Wilcoxon rank sum test showed no significance between the interview scores of the post-intervention group and that of the control group (p = 0.18 for knowledge, p = 0.284 for behaviors). Qualitative results show the vast majority of participants blamed diet for cause of caries, that this participant population prioritized practical advice over factual education, and that flossing was perceived to be the largest barrier to proper oral care, citing pain, lack of time, and technique as common reasons. CONCLUSION: Educational tools based on current models of health behavior theory have the potential to improve participant knowledge and health behaviors, while also remaining low-cost and convenient for clinical use.
Predictable reconstruction of alveolar ridge defects can be obtained by using autogenous bone block. Ultrasonic bone surgery (USBS) is a fast, precise, and simple technique for block graft harvesting. It allows for a cle...Predictable reconstruction of alveolar ridge defects can be obtained by using autogenous bone block. Ultrasonic bone surgery (USBS) is a fast, precise, and simple technique for block graft harvesting. It allows for a clean surgical field with no risk of injury to surrounding neurovascular structures. This article describes a case of horizontal alveolar ridge defect augmented with mental bone block harvested using USBS. The defect was overcorrected using bovine derived xenograft and platelet rich plasma, which is an autologous source of growth factors that helps in early graft consolidation. Platelet poor plasma (PPP) membrane was used for graft containment. After six months, on exposure, it was observed that the block graft was integrated with the alveolar ridge, resulting in increased ridge width. This was confirmed on dentascan and 3D reconstruction images. Implants were placed and restored with satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcome.
Women's health issues are receiving increased attention, including the differences in their dental needs and experiences. Biological and social factors are strong determinants of physical and dental health along the enti...Women's health issues are receiving increased attention, including the differences in their dental needs and experiences. Biological and social factors are strong determinants of physical and dental health along the entire life spectrum. Socio-environmental place also contributes significantly to some of the barriers to quality and quantity of health care received, placing population groups who have less access to care at risk. Considerable disparities exist in who receives dental care and what type of dental treatment is received among different segments of the population. Greater illumination of these issues in all discussions related to healthcare of women and at-risk populations continues to be a needed focus of concern. The plight of women and at-risk populations and problems influencing access to care are addressed.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in reduction of an interproximal surface coating with the use of Sonicare Airfloss, tooth brushing or dental flossing since there are currently no articles avai...The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in reduction of an interproximal surface coating with the use of Sonicare Airfloss, tooth brushing or dental flossing since there are currently no articles available comparing dental flossing to Sonicare Airfloss. Three groups of six typodont teeth were sprayed with Occlude Indicator Spray as a test surface coating. Each group was treated with one removal method: Sonicare Airfloss, tooth brushing or dental flossing. In all groups, when used as a single removal method, Sonicare Airfloss resulted in the least removal of the surface coating when compared to either tooth brushing or flossing.
Braxton A, Garrett L, Versluis-Tantbirojn D
… +1 more, Versluis A
J Tenn Dent Assoc
· 2014 · PMID 25241499
The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs recommends a four-minute application of professionally applied topical fluoride, based on clinical evidence for caries reduction. However, some product manufa...The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs recommends a four-minute application of professionally applied topical fluoride, based on clinical evidence for caries reduction. However, some product manufacturers imply that a one-minute application is sufficient. The purpose of this laboratory study was to ascertain if a one-minute application of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) is equivalent to a four-minute application for reduction of enamel demineralization. We measured baseline hardness of polished bovine enamel before treatment with APF gel or foam for one or four minutes (N = 10). A control group received no fluoride treatment. The teeth were then immersed in pooled human saliva for 30 minutes, rinsed, and subjected to lactic acid gel to simulate the initial stage of dental caries. After three hours, the hardness was measured and the difference in hardness was determined as an indication of demineralization. We found that enamel hardness was significantly reduced after exposure to lactic acid gel. The reduction was significantly less in all APF-treatment groups compared to the control. However, there was no significant difference between a tooth exposed to APF gel or foam for 1 minute or for 4 minutes (ANOVA/Student-Newman-Keuls, significance level 0.05). In conclusion, APF gel and foam reduced enamel demineralization regardless of a one- or four-minute application time.
Mittal M, Vashisth P, Chaubey KK
… +2 more, Dwivedi S, Arora S
J Tenn Dent Assoc
· 2014 · PMID 25241498
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tetracycline hydrochloride has been shown to produce changes on periodontally involved root surfaces that can potentially enhance periodontal regeneration. This in vitro study was carried out t...BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tetracycline hydrochloride has been shown to produce changes on periodontally involved root surfaces that can potentially enhance periodontal regeneration. This in vitro study was carried out to compare the root surface changes after scaling and root planing alone, and scaling and root planing followed by application of 100 mg/ml tetracycline hydrochloride under the Scanning Electron Microscope. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifteen periodontally compromised freshly extracted single-rooted teeth were thoroughly cleaned. The teeth were then sectioned into thirty blocks and divided into two groups. Group I (control) consisted of teeth which received scaling and and root planing alone and Group II received scaling and root planing followed by application of 100 mg/ml tetracycline hydrochloride under the Scanning Electron Microscope. RESULTS: Tetracycline hydrochloride solution showed statistically highly significant removal of smear layer at 100 mg/ml solution (p < 0.001) and enlargement of dentinal tubule diameter (1.46 microm). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that tetracycline hydrochloride at concentration 100 mg/ml effectively removes the smear layer and enlarges the dentinal tubules.
Deletion Syndrome 22q13 (or Phelan-McDermid Syndrome) is a very rare genetic disorder characterized by general neonatal hypotonia, absent to delayed speech, and global developmental delays. With only 600 cases reported w...Deletion Syndrome 22q13 (or Phelan-McDermid Syndrome) is a very rare genetic disorder characterized by general neonatal hypotonia, absent to delayed speech, and global developmental delays. With only 600 cases reported worldwide, the disease remains largely under-diagnosed, but diagnosis is on the rise. Current thinking suggests that 22q13 Deletion Syndrome may be one of the principal causes of idiopathic mental retardation. Patients with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, especially children, can be a challenge for dental professionals, as it is often associated with autism. Dentists see patients with all kinds of special needs, developmental conditions and disabilities. Children with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome need dental care just like every other child. As with other autism-related disorders, children with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome need sameness and continuity in their environment. The dental literature, however, offers very little information to aid the dentist in the management of these children. This article aims to make dentists aware of the disorder and provides tips and recommendations that dentists may find helpful to manage Phelan-McDermid children more effectively.
Wasson W, Scarbecz M, Lewis MW
… +2 more, Ross J, Himel V
J Tenn Dent Assoc
· 2013 · PMID 24611219
Patients are provided limited-reach media materials, such as information sheets and pamphlets, as reinforcement of information when the oral healthcare professional is no longer face-to-face. Patients are more likely to...Patients are provided limited-reach media materials, such as information sheets and pamphlets, as reinforcement of information when the oral healthcare professional is no longer face-to-face. Patients are more likely to use the printed information if text complexity and reader's ability match, or if their need to know the content provokes an urge to read. A number of researchers have developed readability tests. This study used the Fry Readability Graph to plot the results of three independent raters' averages of the number of sentences and the words (syllables) of continuous (prose) and non-continuous (matrix-style) pre-selected passages from several reputable sources. These limited-reach materials are frequently used in academic institutions' community engagement efforts. Several of the limited-reach materials we studied were ranked above the fifth-grade reading level, so consideration must be given to future distribution of these documents in communities where the average reading proficiency is lower. Several limitations, such as the quality of illustrations and measuring the reading level of individuals, were not investigated and must be considered as the authors continue to distribute literature in certain urban and suburban locales. This study is the genesis of an academic institution's community engagement efforts to provide information to clinicians and improve its outreach distribution of limited-reach media for patients who have varying levels of general and health literacy backgrounds.
The use of high-intensity illumination via Light-Emitting Diode (LED) headlamps is gaining in popularity with dentists and student dentists. Practitioners are using LED headlamps together with magnifying loupes, overhead...The use of high-intensity illumination via Light-Emitting Diode (LED) headlamps is gaining in popularity with dentists and student dentists. Practitioners are using LED headlamps together with magnifying loupes, overhead LED illumination and fiber-optic dental handpieces for long periods of time. Although most manufacturers of these LED illuminators advertise that their devices emit "white" light, these still consist of two spectral bands--the blue spectral band, with its peak at 445 nm, and the green with its peak at 555 nm. While manufacturers suggest that their devices emit "white" light, spectral components of LED lights from different companies are significantly different. Dental headlamp manufacturers strive to create a white LED, and they advertise that this type of light emitted from their product offers bright white-light illumination. However, the manufacturing of a white LED light is done through selection of a white LED-type based on the peak blue strength in combination with the green peak strength and thus creating a beam-forming optic, which determines the beam quality. Some LED illuminators have a strong blue-light component versus the green-light component. Blue-light is highly energized and is close in the color spectrum to ultraviolet-light. The hazards of retinal damage with the use of high-intensity blue-lights has been well-documented. There is limited research regarding the possible ocular hazards of usage of high-intensity illuminating LED devices. Furthermore, the authors have found little research, standards, or guidelines examining the possible safety issues regarding the unique dental practice setting consisting of the combined use of LED illumination systems. Another unexamined component is the effect of high-intensity light reflective glare and magnification back to the practitioner's eyes due to the use of water during dental procedures. Based on the result of Dr. Janet Harrison's observations of beginning dental students in a laboratory setting, the aim of this review is to raise awareness of the potential risk for eye damage when singular or combinations of LED illumination are used.
Karunagaran S, Paprocki GJ, Wicks R
… +1 more, Markose S
J Tenn Dent Assoc
· 2013 · PMID 24611217
With an increase in the availability of implant restorative components, the selection of an appropriate implant abutment for a given clinical situation has become more challenging. This article describes a classification...With an increase in the availability of implant restorative components, the selection of an appropriate implant abutment for a given clinical situation has become more challenging. This article describes a classification system that will help the practitioner understand the different implant abutments available and therefore be able to understand the selection of abutments for single and multiple unit fixed implant prosthesis.