Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate attitude and practice of infection control among senior dental students of the College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha. Materials and Methods: The study sample comprised of 191 students of the College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha. A standardized self-administered questionnaire was developed with 25 open- and closed-ended questions related to barrier techniques, vaccination status, infection control practices, and awareness. These questionnaires were distributed among the senior dental students after obtaining the consent form. Each questionnaire was coded to ensure the confidentiality of the response. Results: The compliance with the use of protective barriers was high with the exception of protective eyewear, utilized by only 22% of students. There was a significant difference between 5^th-year, 6^th-year students and interns' attitudes (P < 0.05) regarding the treatment of patients with infectious diseases. About 59% of interns and 27.8% of 6^th-year and 56.2% of 5^th-year students suffered from percutaneous injury (P < 0.05), and needlestick injury was the most common source of accidental exposure. Conclusion: Efforts are needed to improve the attitude and motivate students in the correct and routine use of infection control measures. With all infection control protocols already implemented in dental schools, the challenge remains on improving compliance with infection control recommendations.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Traumatic head injuries (THIs) associated with maxillofacial fractures (MFFs) are large public health concern worldwide, especially among adult-aged males. The MF injuries accompanied with THI involve serious esthetic and functional problems that lead to various consequential complications; therefore, early detection of associated THI in patients with MFF is the urgent need for initial assessment and treatment planning because it can reduce morbidity and mortality and enhance the outcome of treatment in those patients. The present review provides current updates for THI associated with MFF among different countries considering the prevalence, age, sex, etiology, and types of MFF in patients with THI throughout the world. The young adult males in the age group of 20–39 years were the most sustained THI associated with MFF. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the most common etiology of injury followed by assault, fall, and the other causes represent very low percentages. The types of MFF (orbital, zygoma, maxilla, and mandible) were associated with THI in MFF patients. Within the limits of the reviewed THI associated with MFF literature, it was concluded that civilization, culture, adult age group, male gender, RTA, and assault were the major factors that determine the trends of THI-related MFF. In this study, we recommend improving public awareness by applying road traffic regulations, encouraging the rules for compulsory use of seat belts and helmet, avoiding risky driving, and enhancing road quality.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

This literature review was done to estimate the uses and effectiveness of carbon monoxide (CO) breath analyzers in identifying smokers and evaluating the role it can play in tobacco cessation programs. A web-based research on PubMed and Scopus from date of inception till 2016 was done for collecting data for the review. Our inquiry was limited to relevant articles with specific keywords. During the web search title and abstracts, 118 articles were screened for content and quality and 66 articles were selected to get an update on the desired information. As on date, there is enough evidence to prove the reasonably high sensitivity and specificity of CO analyzers in distinguishing smokers and nonsmokers. It also correlates well with smoking status. Its primary application is in validating smoking abstinence and as a motivational tool in smoking cessation programs. Due to its advantages over other biochemical assays, it is used in screening large population, in developing countries and in research. It can also detect pregnant women who are smokers and victims of passive tobacco exposure. However, it does possess limitations which have to be taken into account when using it. It can be concluded that CO analyzers are proven to have great potential and can be used as an adjunct in achieving the goal of combating tobacco addiction. It is cheap, noninvasive, gives immediate results, easy to use, and it can be self-administered by individuals. It should henceforth be considered as an invaluable tool for tobacco cessation programs.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aims: Altered sella turcica morphology, sella turcica bridging, or calcification of the interclinoidal ligament (ICL) of the sella turcica has been associated with various dental anomalies. To investigate whether impacted canines or the presence of hyperdontia (supernumerary teeth) is associated with sellar bridging, a retrospective study was done. The aim of the study was to check the frequency of sella turcica bridging in participants with impacted canines and hyperdontia compared with a control group. Material and Methods: Determination of the extent of sella turcica bridging was carried out using lateral cephalometric radiographs from 39 patients with impacted canines and 23 patients with hyperdontia or supernumerary teeth. The extent of the sella turcica bridging on each lateral cephalogram was assessed based on a standardized scoring scale (Type I, II, and III) and then compared with those of the control group consisting of 36 patients. Results: The frequency of complete calcification of ICL (Type III bridging) in patients with impacted canines and hyperdontia was 17.9% and 21.7%, whereas 5.6% was found in the control group. A partially calcified ICL (Type II bridging) was observed in 43.6% and 21.7% of patients with impacted canines and hyperdontia compared with 19.7% in the control group. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant according to Chi-square statistics which proved the frequency of sella turcica bridging in patients with dental anomalies is increased. Conclusion: The frequency of sella turcica bridging is positively associated and increased in patients with impacted canines and hyperdontia when compared to a control group. Sella turcica bridging can be used as a diagnostic marker of underlying dental anomalies such as impacted canines and hyperdontia.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Pregnancy is a condition in which physiologic changes are continuing to accommodate the developing embryo. Management of trauma in a pregnant patient is complex and involves multispecialty departments. Facial bone fracture is rare. Understanding the physiology is of prime importance for oral and maxillofacial surgeon to provide adequate treatment. This article describes the management guidelines for an oral and maxillofacial pregnant patient.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aims: Tissue stress evaluation at border seal area using patient-manipulated custom tray-modified closed-mouth functional technique for flat mandibular ridges. Materials and Methods: Thirty completely edentulous participants of either sex, between 50 and 70 years of age, requiring Atwood order number five residual ridge were selected. The materials were used to record tissue stress area includes tissue conditioner (G.C. Reline), pattern resin (LS 1:1 PKG GC America INC for patterning), putty addition silicon (Dentsply Aquasil Soft Putty/Regular Set), and low-fusing compound (DPI Pinnacle-tracing sticks). Custom tray was modified at tray handle area by forming new functional handle to enhance patient motivation to perform functional movements. In total, six areas of tissue stress were evaluated under image analyzer stereomicroscope. Results: All values were subjected to ANOVA statistics. However, descriptive analysis of means of test group (pattern resin: 1.897 mm, low fusing compound: 2.817 mm, and putty addition silicon: 2.410 mm) were significantly different compared to that of control group (tissue conditioner 1.512) (P = 0.000). Mean of tissue stress value recorded by pattern resin was nearer to mean of control group. Conclusion: Custom modified tray technique along with pattern resin records the tissue detail more precisely with minimum tissue stress and greater motivation of the patient to perform functional movements.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aims: This study was done to test materials to restore missing mandibular first molar with a new prosthetic design. Materials and Methods: Two three-dimensional finite element models were prepared, especially to simulate missing mandibular first molar. Models geometry was created on commercial engineering computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing package and then transferred to ANSYS for the stress analysis. Posterior inlay-retained fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) was modeled as one piece and as multiple pieces containing metallic substructure, coating layer, and wings resin coating. The dental prosthesis materials tested in this study are full zirconia as one piece or first case study, in addition to chromium cobalt as a substructure, porcelain coating, and adhesive resin as wings coating to be the second case study. Results: Compressive load of 400N was applied on the buccal cusp, and resultant stresses were compared between the two models. Von Misses stress distributions in the two models showed safe values. The zirconia prosthesis showed less stresses. Conclusions: The two case studies showed two equivalent alternatives. Both cases are suitable for FDP manufacturing. Other factors such as lifetime and color matching may govern the dentist selection of material to be used.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]