Are there associations between the occurrence of dental fluorosis and the experience of dentine hypersensitivity? A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Associations between the occurrence of dentine hypersensitivity (DH) and dental fluorosis (DF) have been suggested. Testing this association requires studies among populations with both conditions. This study aimed to determine the association between DF and the experience of DH among a population endemic for DF.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021 over 6 months among 428 adult patients. Participants' demographics were collected, followed by verbal screening for DH and oral examinations. Clinical assessment for DH was carried out by tactile and evaporative methods. The presence and severity of DF were also assessed using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index. Data analysis included Chi-square and correlation statistics to assess the presence and strength of associations.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of DH was 31.1%. A higher proportion (41.1%, P < 0.001) of participants with DF had DH than those without DF. The association between DH and DF was minimal but statistically significant (r = 0.174, P < 0.001). Among those with DF, the prevalence of DH was highest in participants with severe fluorosis (50%, P = 0.740). The proportion of sensitive teeth to the teeth examined was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) for participants with DF (289/4167, 6.9%) than participants without DF (267/6758, 4%). This proportion was also highest for severe DF (20/254, 7.9%, P = 0.572) than the mild and moderate forms.

CONCLUSION

DH was more prevalent among individuals with DF. The prevalence of DH was not dependent on the severity of DF.

An assessment of interocclusal space in a dentate Nigerian population

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To determine the average interocclusal space values in a dentate Nigerian population,and to examine the effect of gender, age and different molar relationships on the values obtained.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Three hundred and fifty one subjects mainly of Yoruba extraction with ages ranging from 16 to 78 years were involved in the study. They included 165 males and 186 females. Inclusion criteria in the study included the presence of a stable posterior occlusion with all first molars present and the absence of moderate to deep wear facets suggestive of parafunction. Subject's occlusal dimensions were measured with a calliper at rest and in occlusion. Interocclusal distances were determined by subtracting the occlusal vertical dimension from the rest vertical dimension. The Angles molar relationship was then recorded for each subject.

RESULTS

The average freeway space was 2.93 mm with a standard deviation of 1.38; with the females having marginally higher values. The mean values according to age groups were 15-25 years: 3.15 mm, 26-35 years: 2.68 mm, 36-45 years: 2.66 mm, 46-55 years: 3.2 2mm, 56-65 years: 2.74 mm and 66 years and over: 3.10mm.Class Imolar relationship predominated in the sample with 312 patients (88.9%).Nineteen patients (5.4%) had Class II and 20 patients (5.7%) had Class III.Mean freeway space values for Class I, Class II and Class III were: 2.84 mm, 3.88 mm and 3.37 mm respectively. The difference in values was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The average interocclusal space amongst the population assessed was 2.93 mm; a value which is similar to that previously reported for Nigerians. Marginally higher values were observed in females while the 26-35 and 36-45 year old groups had lower values than the other age groups. Angle's Class II and III subjects had higher values when compared to class I subjects and was statistically significant. A multi-centre study is recommended to assess possible ethnic variations in these values.

Maxillectomy defects: a suggested classification scheme

INTRODUCTION

The term "maxillectomy" has been used to describe a variety of surgical procedures for a spectrum of diseases involving a diverse anatomical site. Hence, classifications of maxillectomy defects have often made communication difficult. This article highlights this problem, emphasises the need for a uniform system of classification and suggests a classification system which is simple and comprehensive.

METHODS

Articles related to this subject, especially those with specified classifications of maxillary surgical defects were sourced from the internet through Google, Scopus and PubMed using the search terms maxillectomy defects classification. A manual search through available literature was also done. The review of the materials revealed many classifications and modifications of classifications from the descriptive, reconstructive and prosthodontic perspectives.

RESULTS

No globally acceptable classification exists among practitioners involved in the management of diseases in the mid-facial region. There were over 14 classifications of maxillary defects found in the English literature.

CONCLUSION

Attempts made to address the inadequacies of previous classifications have tended to result in cumbersome and relatively complex classifications. A single classification that is based on both surgical and prosthetic considerations is most desirable and is hereby proposed.

Interim prosthetic rehabilitation of postmandibulectomy defect using a single piece acrylic denture: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Prosthetic rehabilitation of mandibular discontinuity defects poses a great challenge to prosthodontists especially when surgical reconstruction is not carried out prior to rehabilitation.

METHOD

A 25-year-old young man was referred to the prosthetic unit of the Dental Centre, University College Hospital Ibadan with an anterior discontinuity defect following resection of a mandibular tumour. After clinical and laboratory procedures, the prosthesis used to rehabilitate the patient is unique because it is simple, made of heat cure acrylic resin, affordable and aesthetically pleasing. It is essentially a single piece removable acrylic partial denture retained with wrought wire clasps.

RESULT

Patient was satisfied with the prosthesis.

DISCUSSION

Although a number of studies have reported procedures for prosthetic rehabilitation of mandibular discontinuity defects, there is a dearth of information on single piece acrylic prosthesis in the management of discontinuity defects. The effect of acrylic denture on residual soft tissue was weighed against the quality of life of patient if left untreated.

CONCLUSION

It is recommended that the National Health Insurance Scheme includes simple interim prostheses as part of its package to improve the quality of life of the people.