Australian Dental Journal

June 2003 - Volume 48 Number 2

REVIEWS

The value of twins in dental research Due to recent advances in molecular genetics, studies of twins will continue to provide important insights into how genetic and environmental factors contribute to variation in human physical and behavioural traits and disorders. This review emphasizes that biometrical genetic studies of twins are particularly valuable in complementing and directing molecular approaches to facilitate the detection of quantitative trait loci. It also describes several other research models involving twins, apart from the traditional comparison of similarities in monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (nonidentical) pairs, that have the potential to provide new information in the future. Current knowledge about the genetic bases of common dental problems is summarized and future directions in dental research involving twins are outlined.

GC Townsend L Richards T Hughes S Pinkerton W Schwardt

Current concepts of the management of dental extractions for patients taking warfarin Controversy has surrounded the correct management of patients therapeutically anticoagulated with warfarin who require dental extractions. The risk of bleeding must be weighed up against the risk of thromboembolism when deciding whether to interfere with a patient’s warfarin regimen. An improved understanding of the importance of fibrinolytic mechanisms in the oral cavity has resulted in the development of various local measures to enable these patients to be treated on an outpatient basis.

G Carter AN Goss J Lloyd R Tocchetti

ADRF RESEARCH REPORT

Endodontic sequelae of dental erosion The incidence of pulp involvement in patients with excessive wear has not been extensively documented.

K Sivasithamparam D Harbrow E Vinczer WG Young

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES

The role of occupational stress in the maladaptive use of alcohol by dentists: A study of South Australian general dental practitioners It is well recognized that dentistry is a stressful profession. However, there are conflicting views about the extent to which such stress contributes to hazardous drinking among dentists. In addition, the relative contributions of stress and pre-existing vulnerability in predicting alcohol problems among dentists generally (and Australian dentists in particular) have yet to be determined.	PC Winwood AH Winefield K Lushington
Microtensile bond strengths to caries-affected dentine treated with Carisolv® Little information is available regarding the bonding performance of adhesive restorative materials to caries-affected dentine after the use of Carisolv®. The aim of this study was to compare the microtensile bond strengths of two resin-based adhesives, a conventional glass ionomer cement and resin modified glass ionomer cement to ‘normal’ dentine and caries-affected dentine after Carisolv treatment.	MF Burrow J Bokas M Tanumiharja MJ Tyas
Minor oral surgical procedures in patients on oral anticoagulants – a controlled study Patients on therapeutic anticoagulation are at risk of bleeding from minor oral surgical sites. When the anticoagulant regime is modified to prevent the risk of bleeding, this at the same time predisposes the patient to risks of the medical condition for which they are being treated.	PD Cannon VT Dharmar
Canine eruption into grafted alveolar clefts: A retrospective study The contemporary treatment of cleft lip and palate involves a sequence of surgical procedures and orthodontic management. Alveolar bone grafting (ABG) is usually undertaken after orthodontic expansion of the maxillary segments between the ages of eight and 12 years. Two of the important goals of alveolar bone grafting are the provision of bony support for the eruption of the canine and the closure of residual oro-nasal fistulae. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the root development and eruption of the canine following ABG.	L Hogan JM Shand AA Heggie N Kilpatrick
Dental caries experience in a young adult military population The purpose of this study was to investigate a group of young Australian adults to determine their caries experience and compare these current levels with similar aged cohorts over the past 30 years.	M Hopcraft M Morgan

CLINICAL NOTE

An overview of drugs and ancillary equipment for the dentist’s emergency kit The concept of a basic (i.e., essential) medical emergency kit suitable for a general dental practitioner varies somewhat between different authorities. This paper provides a selective overview of the subject.

PJ Chapman

CASE REPORT

Crohn’s disease with oral presenting signs masquerading as chronic osteomyelitis A case of Crohn’s disease (CD) was diagnosed following recognition of oral and systemic signs and symptoms in a 19-year-old male patient.

P Aquilina NW Savage A Lynham

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Self-assessment quiz In the review article by Carter, Goss, Lloyd and Tocchetti on page 89 in this issue a number of interesting questions are raised on current concepts of the management of dental extractions for patients taking warfarin. Test you knowledge here by first reading the article entitled: Current concepts of the management of dental extractions for patients taking warfarin, answer the following questions and then forward the completed questionnarie to the Australian Dental Journal Office and we will let you know how you scored. Please note that the answers have been provided in good faith and to the best of our knowledge are correct. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.