Australian Dental Journal

June 2002 - Volume 47 number 2

DENTAL HISTORY

Some early dental extraction instruments including the pelican, bird or axe?
This paper is the result of the cataloguing, preparation for exhibition and the study of some early dental extraction instruments. The artefacts included elevators, pelicans, keys, forceps and pincers produced by unidentified makers or known firms. An evolutionary process is demonstrated from the simplest instrument leading to those used today.

HF Atkinson

REVIEWS

Impact of opioid use on dentistry
The oral consequences of opioid drug use are commonly attributed to personal neglect of general health and financial constraint. These factors are compounded by the increasingly recognized range of physical effects exerted by opioid drugs. The dental management of opioid drug dependents is further complicated by a variety of infections and behavioural modifications commonly associated with opioid use. Adequate strategies for the oral care of opioid users need to take cognisance of the broad medical issues for these people along with an appropriate personal approach.

A Titsas
MM Ferguson

Reconstructive techniques for the repair of oral and maxillofacial oncological procedures: What are they, how do they work and what do they look like?
There are many different ways to reconstruct the oral and maxillofacial region post tumour ablation. In the past, the resection of oral tumours had been associated with significant disfigurement and loss of function. Modern techniques aim to restore function and improve cosmetics. This paper aims to describe the techniques used in patients treated at the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre and to answer the more common questions associated with reconstructive techniques.

A Chandu
AM Bridgeman
ACH Smith
SJ Flood

ADRF REPORTS

Dental erosion patterns from intrinsic acid regurgitation and vomiting
The distribution of lesions from dental erosion due to intrinsic acid regurgitation and vomiting may be different from patterns of dental erosion due to extrinsic acids. To date studies have failed to validate this assumption. This study described the sites and nature of lesions from dental erosion in cases of intrinsic acid regurgitation, and compared them with the distribution of lesions occurring in age and sex matched controls, whose lesions are due to extrinsic acids.

V Valena
WG Young

Morphological study of demineralized dentine after caries removal using two different methods
Caries-affected dentine is the usual substrate bonded to in everyday clinical practice. The first step for most of the current dentine adhesive systems is etching or conditioning. It is therefore important to understand the effect of etchant/conditioner on caries-affected dentine.

R Sakoolnamarka
MF Burrow
S Kubo
MJ Tyas

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES

The prevalence and experience of oral diseases in Adelaide nursing home residents The twenty-first century will see the evolution of a population of dentate older Australians with dental needs very different from those of older adults in past years. This study provided comprehensive information concerning oral disease prevalence in older South Australian nursing home residents.	JM Chalmers C Hodge JM Fuss AJ Spencer KD Carter
Mandibular fracture patterns in Tasmania, Australia No previous studies on mandibular fracture patterns in Tasmania, and very few elsewhere in Australia, have undertaken to discover which identified age, gender, aetiology, anatomical location of the fracture, period of injury, whether alcohol consumption was associated with the injury, and treatment of mandibular fractures.	P Dongas GM Hall
Caries, bitewings, and treatment decisions The most common adjunct to the visual and tactile clinical examination for dental caries is the bitewing radiograph. The aim of this study was to report on treatment planning decisions made by Victorian dentists when given a range of predetermined radiographic scenarios.	PLB Tan RW Evans MV Morgan
A survey of dental and oral trauma in south-east Queensland during 1998 This project investigated the aetiology of dental and oral trauma in a population in southeast Queensland. The literature shows there is a lack of dental trauma studies which are representative of the general Australian population.	EB Wood TJ Freer
Paracetamol versus paracetamol-codeine in the treatment of post-operative dental pain: A randomized, double-blind, prospective trial Codeine is frequently added to paracetamol to treat post-operative dento-alveolar pain; studies have shown effectiveness in relief of post-operative pain at high doses but at the expense of central nervous and gastrointestinal side effects. There has been no trial to compare the efficacy and safety of paracetamol 1000mg with paracetamol 1000mg combined with codeine 30mg.	A Gordon Macleod B Ashford M Voltz B Williams T Cramond L Gorta JM Simpson
Screening for latex allergy with a questionnaire: Comparison with latex skin testing in a group of dental professionals Latex allergy has emerged as an important cause of allergic reactions particularly in health workers. Due to the lack of a standardized extract for objective skin testing a screening questionnaire was developed.	CH Katelaris RP Widmer RM Lazarus B Baldo
Oral health of children with gastro-esophageal reflux disease: A controlled study The aim of this study was to compare the dental health of children with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) with a healthy control group.	V Linnett WK Seow F Connor R Shepherd

CLINICAL REPORTS

Adhesions in the temporomandibular joint: Formation and significance
Adhesions are frequently seen in the deranged temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In the early stage of the degenerative process the adhesion does not seem to be a significant factor in reduced mandibular movement. This is reversed in advanced degenerative joint disease where the adhesion requires release to achieve a satisfactory clinical result. Correlation of clinical history and findings within the joint should increase understanding of limited jaw movement.

M Hase

Maintenance of mouth hygiene in patients with oral cancer in the immediate post-operative period
Little has been written about mouth hygiene measures during the immediate postoperative phase in patients with oral cancer. Mouth hygiene not only involves the care and maintenance of the dentition and its related structures, but also the maintenance of surgical sites, reconstructive techniques such as free flaps and generally keeping the mouth clean, which may optimize healing potential and patient comfort.

A Chandu
C Stulner
AM Bridgeman
ACH Smith

CASE REPORTS

Spontaneous gingival haemorrhage: Case report Clinical observation of our patients forms the basis of the dental examination, along with other more complex diagnostic tests. In this case, the gingival bleeding episode of one patient was initially diagnosed and treated as an acute periodontal episode.	P Gleeson
Successful defibrillation of a dental patient in cardiac arrest Cardiac arrest is a very rare event in a dental patient. However, practitioners have a duty of care to their patients if ever such an event occurs. The cardiac arrest discussed in this case report occurred in an elderly person with an implanted pacemaker whilst undergoing restorative dental treatment.	PJ Chapman HW Penkeyman
Immediate restoration of an immediate single-tooth implant Traditional implant protocol specifies an unloaded healing period prior to restoration. Shorter healing times may be appropriate in some circumstances, and examples of early loading have been reported in the dental literature. This case report involves immediate implant placement at the time of tooth extraction, combined with construction of a restoration, inserted directly after implant surgery. The clinical procedures are described, and the specific indications which may permit this approach are presented.	GF Clausen ST Chen

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Self assessment quiz quiz

The ADA and the Local Organising Committee invite all associated with dentistry to participate in the Australian Dental Congress and Exhibition in Perth.

Mark the dates in your diaries 12-15 March 2009

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Dental Health Week is a community awareness program coordinated and funded by the ADA. In 2008 the ADA is leading a campaign to target 30-50 year olds and has developed a range of Fact Sheets on oral health care. August 4 - 10 is Dental Health Week

Mouthguard Awareness

The ADA is once again conducting a Mouthguard Awareness campaign in 2008.
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On the 23rd July 2007 the ADA wrote to the major political parties seeking their policies on dental health issues. Click here to review the ADA Inc Report Card on Dental Health Policies Election 07 (PDF 122 KB)

As part of a community campaign to promote good oral health care for babies and toddlers the ADA has developed oral hygiene tips for parents and carers of young children.
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Click Here for information on the ADA Awards for Excellence in Dental Journalism

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