rukoma dental answers

IS ROOT CANAL THERAPY A COSMETIC PROCEDURE?

2014-06-18T06:24:00.002-07:00

Rukoma 2014
There is misconception among policy makers and general health stakeholders including patients that root canal treatment is an aesthetic, reconstruction and replacement procedure aiming at just improving the appearance of the affect tooth. It is forgotten that teeth serve more function than appearance; to mention a few, mastication, cutting and speech. It is likely that, the misconception is derived from the fact that most teeth which need root canal treatment are badly destroyed by decay or fracture or are discolored. These destructions, when they occur in the anterior segment of the dentition, they lender the teeth unacceptable appearance. The action of rebuilding the affected tooth to regain its full form and functions has been mistakenly taken as replacement of the whole tooth (artificial tooth). This is attributed to crown used to acquire perfect coronal seal and tooth strength following RCT. This misconception has lead to some health insurance companies’ reluctance to cover for root canal treatment especially those associate with crowning. This is a result of failure to understand that adequate coronal seal is a prerequisite for a successful root canal treatment and that it can be attained only by crowning the remaining part of natural crown and or root. The cost associated with treatment as also contributed to this scenario. The fact that, the tooth is an anatomical structure consisting of root and crown has been ignored, to the extent that replacing the crown or part of it is taken as replacing the whole tooth! Root canal treatment is aiming at maintaining natural root as there is no artificial root which will exactly mimic natural ones. The introduction of implant to replace the missing tooth roots can help to explain the importance of roots. An implant is a natural artificial root made from titanium which helps replace lost natural root and on which the artificial crown is placed. While implant is integrated into supporting jaw bones by osteointegration, the natural tooth root is joined to supporting bone by means of periodontal ligaments; thus, the proprioception function of periodontal ligaments is missing in implants. If maintaining natural tooth is expensive, remove it and try artificial one. People have turned into regular dental clients not because of routine checkups as it is supposed to be but rather because of everlasting problems associated with artificial teeth especially removable dentures. From this it can arguably be concluded that, root canal treatment and associated crown rebuilding is treating and maintaining of natural tooth as opposed to implant which qualify to be called artificial tooth and thus, root canal treatment should be included under primary health care procedures and be given the priority it deserve.
Rukoma AM, (DDS, MDent)

WRONG BELIEFS ABOUT DENTAL CARE

2013-02-27T00:44:00.000-08:00

WRONG BELIEFS ABOUT DENTAL PROCEDURES

2013-02-21T05:35:00.005-08:00

By Dr. Augustine Mbehoma Rukom As news travels faster like speed of light through internet and phones, rumors, urban legends and wrong beliefs spread quickly too. That includes false beliefs about dental care. So I thought I would take a few moments to clear up Misconceptions/ Myths circulating. 1.FALSE: Brushing teeth several times and using too much force help to prevent tooth decay TRUTH: Typically brushing twice a day and in right manner using soft brush with less force is enough to keep your teeth clean. Actually brushing more often and using too much force can destroy/ erode the hard tooth substance leading to sensitivity, pain or even fracture. 2.FALSE: There’s no need to see a dentist if you don’t feel or see apparent dental problem TRUTH: No matter how beautiful or strong your teeth seem to be, a regular dental checkup is the most important thing you can do for your dental health, next to brushing and flossing. You need to have your teeth checked and cleaned professionally near gum line and places you can’t easily see. Also a tooth that looks healthy and white can still have cavities, problem with roots or any issues requiring treatment. A dentist can see these problems and it’s always better and cheaper to start treatment earlier. Remember diseases like HIV/ AIDS, Diabetes, Leukemia and many others manifests in the mouth earlier before the patients gets general symptoms. 3.FALSE: Do not eat anything when you are going for tooth extraction. TRUTH: Hunger can make you collapse during the tooth extraction process. Anxiety when coupled with less blood sugar can lead to less perfusion and hence collapse. This wrong belief is associated with general anesthesia were patients are not allowed to eat for certain period of time. In tooth extraction local anesthesia is used around the area of operation so does not have any systemic outcomes. 4.FALSE: do not extract a tooth or do a root canal treatment when you have a swelling especially abscess. TRUTH: tooth extraction or root canal treatment will help to establish drainage for pus to come out and take care of infection. Sometimes even without necessitating antibiotics and pain killers. Delay in seeking dental treatment may lead to serious spread of infection to other vital parts of the body like brain and chest. 5.FALSE: a pregnant woman is not supposed to have a tooth extraction or any dental treatment until after delivery. TRUTH: A pregnant woman is supposed to live a healthy life free from any type of infections. A good nutrition coupled with healthy teeth and gums will lead to a healthy mother and baby. It is dangerous for a pregnant woman to go without dental care during pregnancy as it can cause serious infections and undue stress and pain. Most gum diseases in pregnancy (esp. periodontal infections) may cause Preterm low birth weight babies. 6.FALSE: the sure way of treating toothache is extraction. TRUTH: There are a lot of treatment options for a diseased tooth than extraction e.g Root Canal Treatment. Tooth extraction as a treatment is only done when other means of treating the tooth are impossible and mostly due to delay in seeking dental treatment. Tooth extraction can lead to some problems like; decreased chewing ability, esthetic (beauty) impairment, speech impairment, jaw joint problems, disturbed teeth relationships. Artificial teeth are available for replacement but they are relatively expensive and care demanding. 7.FALSE: putting powder of pain killers like Aspirin, Panadol and Cafenol in the hole of decayed tooth help to stop pain. TRUTH: like in any other diseases, stopping pain without treating what is causing it is a temporary solution and actually makes the disease to progress further. Further more, these painkillers can burn soft tissues surrounding the tooth and also make the tooth brittle which can lead to difficult extraction 8.FALSE: Good teeth are inherited TRUTH: Genetics contribute very little to appearance and healthy of your teeth, keeping your teeth clean and visiting the dentist regularly are the important things to keep your teeth healthy. A similar oral health status in a family may be related to the same nutritional lifestyle. 9.FALSE: there is no need to worry about baby teeth as they will eventually fall out with time. TRUTH: Children need a good nutrition for good general health and teeth to enable them grow well. Baby teeth if not taken care of may cause pain which reduce chewing ability. Premature extractions lead to improper development of permanent teeth (malocclusion) with associated consequences such as; high risk decaying, beauty and jawing joint problems. 10.FALSE: Teeth eruption causes diarrhea TRUTH: Teeth eruption is a normal biological process and does not cause diarrhea. Teeth eruption Starts almost at the same stage of crawling and passive immunity from the mother is over while child own immunity is not yet mature. As a result of crawling the child may pick and eat anything (dirty or clean) within reach, when this is coupled with immature immunity diarrhea is likely to occur. 11.FALSE : A child born with teeth (neonatal teeth) or whose upper front teeth erupt before the lower teeth is a sign of bad lack in the family TRUTH: The two cases are abnormal like any abnormality of one or many organs/structures in some of individuals are no associated with bad luck like any other abnormalities.

TOBACCO AND ORAL HEALTH

2013-02-08T04:27:00.000-08:00

By Rukoma AM, 2013 Introduction Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. Approximately 6 million deaths related to tobacco use occur each year, including 600,000 from second-hand smoke. If current trends continue, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, approximately 8 million persons will die each year from tobacco use, and 80% of those persons will reside in low- and middle-income countries (WHO, 2012) While it is easy to start smoking, it is very difficult to stop as it is addictive due to nicotine content which it contains naturally and additionally the one in spray to control tobacco bugs. Researches have shown that about 75% 0f those who smoke have tried to stop but failed. Things which contain tobacco can be classified into two forms, those which can be smoked and smokeless. Smoking things include; cigarette, cigar, pipe and hookah while smokeless things include; snuff, chew and snus. There many health problems related to tobacco but while mention those related to oral health which include:- • Stain teeth • Tooth decay • Gum recession • Bad breath • Oral cancer It is important to know that oral health also affects the health of our whole body Know let us look into each of the oral problems related to tobacco Teeth stains There many causes of teeth stain, but tobacco is the leading cause. But tobacco causes two types of staining on teeth. Initially, it accumulates on the surface like a brownish crud, as you see in the photo below. This superficial stain can be removed with a professional cleaning. But, over the years, some of the stain will soak into the teeth and makes the whole tooth turn a darker color. No toothpaste will remove this but tooth whitening. A light tobacco stain on teeth this is a heavier stain Tooth decay Individuals who use chewing tobacco have significantly more decay on the crowns and roots of their teeth than do non-tobacco users, according to a report presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Dental Research. The study suggests that chewing tobacco may pose a cariogenic risk for all tooth surfaces and is potentially a two-pronged threat for tooth roots. There is good evidence, according to the investigators, that tobacco products in general can contribute to gum disease and therefore make roots vulnerable to decay. Furthermore, they say, chewing tobacco is processed to contain higher levels of sugar than other forms of tobacco, and the sugar can encourage bacteria to colonize and attack both the tooth crowns and exposed roots (Carrol; 2004). Gum recession Tobacco users are more likely to have sticky plaque on their teeth that is difficult to remove because of rough surface caused by stain, which can cause gum diseases and associate recession. Bad breath There are several reasons why people who smoke are far more likely to suffer from a particular type oral malodor called smoker's breath. The most immediate way that cigarettes cause bad breath is by leaving smoke particles in the throat and lungs. This effect is typical of nearly any tobacco product that involves inhaling smoke or rolling it around in the mouth. The smell of a freshly smoked cigarette can linger in the lungs for hours, hence the stale scent associated with smoker's breath. A 1968 report published in the journal Chemical reviews found that tobacco smoke contains more than 60 aromatic hydrocarbons, most of which are carcinogenic in addition to conveying a fragrance. A more recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry focused only on which compounds can be found in the saliva after smoking one-half of a cigar. Its authors determined that ethyl pyrrole, 2,3-dimethyl pyrazine and 2-ethyl pyridine are some of the most pungent chemicals found in what is often referred to as cigar breath. They added that many such compounds are generated during the combustion of tobacco and its chemical additives (Katz; 2011). Remember my recent post in mabadilikotanzania@googlegroup.com where I narrated that, I almost failed to finish an hour minor operation because of bad breath from the patient. Oral cancer Tobacco use is known as a major risk factor for oral and other cancers. All tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff, contain toxins (poisonous substances), carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), and nicotine (an addictive substance). Each tobacco product is linked to an increased risk for specific cancers: About 80 percent of people with oral cancers use tobacco. Cigarettes contain more than 60 cancer-causing agents while more than 28 cancer-causing chemicals have been found in smokeless tobacco. The American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association offer the following tips to persons who use tobacco products and are trying to quit: • Think about why you want to quit. • Pick a stress-free time to quit. • Ask for support and encouragement from family, friends, and colleagues. • Start doing some exercise or activity each day to relieve stress and improve your health. • Get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet. • Join a stop-smoking program, or other support group. Conclusion Despite the fact that I have touched only the effects tobacco in the oral cavity its effect on general body health can not be overemphasized. More efforts, both at individual level and community at large should be enhanced to stop this killer source of income tobacco.

TOOTH AN IMPORTANT BUT NEGLECTED PART OF THE BODY

2012-10-27T03:59:00.001-07:00

OUTCOME OF NON-SURGICAL ROOT CANAL TREATMENT AT MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HSPITAL, TANZANIA

2011-11-28T06:17:00.001-08:00

Outcome of non surgical root canal treatment at muhimbili national hospital, tanzania

View more presentations from Augustine Rukoma

2011-11-21T21:41:00.001-08:00

Health talk

View more presentations from Augustine Rukoma

The fourth canal in mandibular first molars-Case reports

2011-11-21T21:31:00.001-08:00

The fourth canal in mandibular first molars case

View more presentations from Augustine Rukoma

MANAGEMENT OF SOME TEETH TRAUMA

2011-11-15T00:25:00.001-08:00

By Augustine Mbehoma Rukoma

1. Intrusive luxation with ankylosis-

· orthodontic uplifting may be done

2. Treatment of tooth fracture at or below cervical level

· Retain coronal part using luting cement and post

· Extrude the tooth orthodontically in order to bring the apical fragment to the level where it can be used to hold a permanent coronal restoration

· Surgical correction of gingival margin

· Final restoration

3. If the fragment is in the apical half

· Remove apical fragment surgically and retrograde filling

· Splinting of the tooth may be done for about 1 year to attain unification of fragment followed by RCT

Cosmetic Dentictry

2011-08-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

COSMETIC DENTISTRY
By Rukoma A.M
During the past decade the demand for esthetic teeth enhancement has improved markedly, this has been ignited by rapid development of new restorative materials and instruments together with improvement or modification of the old ones.
Cosmetic dentistry is a special branch of dentistry dealing with improving the appearance of teeth, especially visible ones when smiling. It includes a variety of dental treatment such as bleaching (teeth whitening), veneer, orthodontic treatment and implants.
Bleaching (teeth whitening)
This is whitening of discolored teeth or even improving the whiteness of the normal colored teeth to meet patient/client desire. A normal color of teeth is milky white; anything out of this is abnormal color (discoloration).
Discoloration of teeth especially the anterior teeth, may become a serious esthetic problem thus, embarrassment to the patient. Bleaching (teeth whitening) is aiming at solving this problem, although its success is dependent to the type of discoloration. Bleaching can whiten mild to moderate discoloration.
Bleaching involve the use of chemicals which oxides the stains. These chemicals include; different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide e.g. superoxol and shofu Hi Lite (30%-35% hydrogen peroxide) and carbamide peroxide 10% such as opalescence (ultradent) and femmiles (Fem). These chemical can removal all general stains caused by foods and drinks, mild tetracycline staining, mild fluorosis and age yellowing or graying. However smokers are contra-indicated because there is concern of about a mixture of hydrogen peroxide with having a potentiating effect on tissue damage already known to be caused by smoking. Pregnant and breast feeding mothers are contra-indicated.
Note: Bleaching can be done in the dentist office or at home.
Causes of discoloration
Teeth discoloration may be caused by one or combination of the following: - 1. Food and drinks such as coffee, tea, red whine and tobacco. 2. High fluoride intake from water or food, thus people in areas with high fluoride in water and those using fluoride salt to soften food are at risk of developing discoloration known as fluorosis. Study done in Tanzania show fluorosis is mainly due to the habit of people using fluoride salt (magadi) to speedup the cooking process of hard food such as dry beans and maize (makande). 3. Any developmental defect which lead to abnormally soft enamel and or dentine. Soft enamel easily absorbs stains. Systemic drugs such as tetracycline when taken during pregnancy or early child may be absorbed developing teeth buds which are not yet or less mineralized. 4. Dental pulp death (pulp necrosis), when the pulp dies the blood clots in the pulp are digested to release bilirubin which penetrates the dentinal tubules and shows up as purple, brown or blackish discoloration. 5. Other causes include secondary mineralization, age yellowing or graying and some restorative materials such as amalgam.
Veneering
This is the removal of a thin layer (about 0.5mm) of a tooth followed by bonding materials on the prepared surface. It used to cover discolored tooth facial surface (outer surface) with the color acceptable/desired by the patient/client.
Types
There mainly two types of veneer; direct and indirect veneer.
1.      Direct veneer, the tooth is prepared and a material of choice bonded to tooth directly in the office at the same sitting. Material of choice in this case is composite.
2.      Indirect veneer, the discolored teeth are prepared, measurements (impression) are taken, and the veneer is fabricated in the laboratory to be bonded on the teeth at a later date.
Under indirect veneer also there is lumineer, an already prepared shell like structures of different sizes, shapes and color; they are like artificial nails. The chosen structure is adjusted to match the intended tooth and then bonded over with or without reduction of the enamel layer.
Note: Apart from changing teeth color, veneer may also be used to correct malformed and fractured tooth to a normal or desired shape.
Orthodontics
Some individuals have improper teeth alignment (mal-occlusion). Their teeth are either abnormally protruded, detruded, overlapping or rotated. This condition leads to improper tooth to tooth relationship or occlusion, thus sometimes known as mal-occlusion. This mal-alignment may be severe enough to embarrass the patient. Treatment needed to correct this imperfection is what is known as orthodontic treatment. The usually involves the wearing of braces (removable or fixed) often the extraction of some teeth, and very occasionally jaw surgery. The braces apply forces which moves and or rotates the mal-aligned teeth to acceptable positions.
The main aim of orthodontic treatment is to improve; the appearance of the teeth and face, the health of the teeth and gums and function i.e. mastication.
The pictures below show the teeth of a patient before and after orthodontic treatment:

Artificial teeth
Missing teeth are linked to a poorer diet. Quality of life clearly suffers when individuals are forced to limit food choices, and the foods chosen do not provide optimal nutrition. Apart from impaired nutrition missing teeth can seriously affect speech (articulation) and facial appearance.
Types of artificial teeth
Acrylic dentures
Dentures (also known as false teeth) are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, and which are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Teeth are embedded in oral acrylic base which resembles the gum. Dentures are either partial (replacing missing teeth in partially dentate patient) of full denture (replacing all necessary teeth in edentulous patient).
They are relatively cheap, but have limited function especially mastication. Their retention depends on surface of oral mucosa and remaining ridge. Though they resemble natural dentition, they are not as good as bridge and implants.
Bridge
A bridge is a structure, supported by teeth on either side of a space, which replaces a missing tooth or teeth. It is called a "bridge" because it spans the gap between two teeth. It is not removable by the wearer. A bridge is a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth. It matches the adjacent teeth. Teeth on either side of the gap are prepared so that they can allow fixation of the caped part of the bridge. The disadvantage of the bridge is that, it entails reduction of sound tooth substances.
Dental implant
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is submerged into the jawbone. It is a screw-shaped threaded cylinders normally made from a very strong material that is biocompatible with the jaw bones. The material of choice is titanium. Implants are more secure and natural looking than dentures and bridges but much more expensive.

Conclusion
With decreasing prevalent of dental caries in developed world, dentists have turned their attention in cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dental treatment is relatively expensive; however, despite this fact that its demand is on the increase both in developed and developing countries. In order to cope with the increased demand, dentists should be prepared with necessary knowledge, equipments, instruments and materials.

THE FOURTH CANAL IN MANDIBULAR FIRST MOLAR- Case reports

2011-06-10T23:46:00.000-07:00

THE FOURTH CANAL IN MANDIBULAR FIRST MOLAR- Case reports
by Rukoma A.M. DDS, MDent (Restorative Dentistry)

Introduction and literature review

The success rates of root canal treatment among others depend on practitioners’ knowledge of the internal dental/root morphology that allows for accurate location of the canals, proper debridement and cleaning together with adequate obturation of the canals and filling of the access cavity. The use of magnification, adequate lighting and modified access may assist in accurate location of the root canals (Amauri et al., 2006).

Some studies on morphology of mandibular first molars have shown that mandibular first molars have three or four canals, Fabra-Compos, (1985), Walker R. (1988), Zaatar el al,(1997) and Al-Nazhal, (2004). Al-Nazhal in Saudi Arabian sub- population found that, 57.67% of all treated mandibular third molars had four canals, and remaining 42.23%, three canals. The fourth canal was always in the distal root. Al-Nazhal, further found that, the two canals in both mesial and distal roots were confluent in the apical third ending in one foramen. Baugh, and James (2004), have found a case of madibular first molar with five canals (two in distal and three in mesial roots).

Other studies have found these teeth to have up to seven canals. Martinez-Berna and Bandanelli (1985) showed two cases with six canals. Amazingly, Reeh (18) has even reported a case with seven canals, consisting of four canals in the mesial and three in the distal root.

With increasing reports of aberrant canal morphology, dental practitioners need to be extra cautious when dealing with these teeth.

Case report-1

On 30^th may, 2011, 26 years female patient reported at our clinic with the main complain of severe toothache not responding to panadol for three days. The pain was disturbing her sleep. On examination, a big and deep cavity on disto-occlusal surfaces of tooth #46 was revealed. Periapical x-ray showed dental pulp exposure.

Upon excavation and access cavity preparation, clearly and separate two root canal orifices were seen in the distal root as well as in the mesial root. The canals were easily penetrated by small K-files (fig.1). the two canals in distal root was located on the buccal and lingual part of the root (fig.2). All canals were prepared and cleaned at working length of 21.5 mm and Master Apical File (MAF) size 35. Obturation was done the same day (single visit technique) and access cavity filled with Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) and composite. A seven day review show the patient being well, to be reviewed three months later.

Fig.1 k-files in 4 different root canals fig. 2: two k-files in the distal 2 root canals

Case report-2

On 7^th june, 2011, a 16-yr-old male patient presented to the dental clinic with a history of severe toothache on the lower right jaw for 2 days. The pain was worse during night hrs and radiating up the same side of her face and ear. Clinical examination revealed a big and deep cavity involving occlusal, buccal and distal surfaces of tooth #46. Periapical x-ray revealed dental pulp exposure with small apical radioluscency around the apex of the distal root of 46.

Root canal treatment was initiated. Taking advantage of the size and location of the cavity, there was direct visualization of the access cavity and orifices of the canals. Two clearly visible canals were seed in the distal root and two in mesial root. In both roots the canals were located on the buccal and lingual sides (fig.3). All canals were easily accessible using k-file #10. The disto-lingual canal was smallest of all canals enlarged up to size 20 (MAF), the rest of the canals were enlarged up to MAF size 35. Obturation of the all canals was done after three days and patient is doing fine to be recalled after 3 months for review.

Fig.3: k-files in the 4 root canals of mandibular 1^st molar

Discussion

Seeing the second root canal in distal root of the patient in case report 1was accidental; however, the location of the second distal canal in case 2, was a result of alert from case 1. This observation indicates that there is a possibility of having second root canal in mandibular first molars.

The observation that the reported two cases with four root canals in madibular first molar were just within one week, suggest that, there is substantial number of mandibular first molars with four canals. This is in agreement with Al-Zantal (2004), who said that, “in general the second canal in distal root is the usual normal”.

Conclusion

· There is a greater chance of having 2^nd root canal in the mandibular distal root

Recommendations

· Clinicians must always attempt to look for the extra- canals when attending mandibular 1^st molars

· Magnification aids are needed when doing root

· Research is needed to find out the number of root canals in mandibular 1^st molars

References

1. Al- Nazhal. S, (1999). Incidence of fourth canal in the root canal treated mandibular first molars in Saudi Arabian sub-population, Int Endod J, 32, 49-52

Amauri F, Fabiana G, Luís C C. (2006) Root canal therapy of a maxillary first molar with five root canals: case report Braz Dent J 17.

3. Baugh, D. and James (2004). Middle Mesial Canal of the Mandibular First Molar: J. Enod 30, 185

4. Fabra-Compos, (1985). Unusual root anatomy of manibular first molar JoE 12, 568-72.

5. Martinez-Bema A and Bandanelli P. (1985). Mandibular first molar with six root canals. J. Endod 11, 348-52

6. Walker R. (1988). Root form and canal anatomy of mandibular first molar in a southern Chinese Population. Endod. and Dent. Traumatol. 4, 19-22

7. Zaatar E I. ¹^,, Al-Kandari A M ², Alhomaidah S, and Al Yasin I M. (1997). Frequency of endodontic treatment in Kuwait: Radiographic evaluation of 846 endodontically treated teeth J Endod 23, 453-456.

Dental pictures

2011-06-05T02:40:00.000-07:00

Fractured tooth before treatment

After treatment

K-file in the dental pulp during root canal treatment

Opening into the dental pulp during root canal treatment

Irrigating the root canal during root canal treatment

A decayed tooth before treatment

A decayed tooth after treatment

Outcome of non-surgical root canal treatment, Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania

2011-06-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

Outcome of non-surgical root canal treatment, Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania A.M. RUKOMA, L.C. CARNEIRO, and G.J. MANDARI, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Abstract for a presentation made in International Association of Dental Researchers, Mombasa Kenya

Background: Non Surgical Root Canal Treatment (NS-RCT) is of major importance in dental practice, its goal being prevention and/or elimination of pathological lesion of endodontic origin in the root canal and periapical areas. Also it has an advantage of retaining teeth which otherwise would have been extracted.
Objective: To determine the types of teeth treated, quality of the obturation and patient satisfaction with NS-RCT among patients attending Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) dental clinics.
Methods: A cross-sectional prospective analytical study assessed the outcome of NS-RCT performed on patients aged 13 years and above attending the dental clinics of MNH (April-October, 2008). Of the 128 patients selected by a convenient sampling method, 120 received NS-RCT on single teeth. Analysis included evaluation of post-obturation periapical radiographs and level of satisfaction was assessed using a Likert scale. Epi Info version 6 was used to analyze data and Chi-square test was used to compare variables. Statistical level of significance was 0.05.
Results: Of the treated teeth, there were significantly more maxillary teeth (75.0%) (p=0.001). Tooth type most treated were the anteriors (40%; maxillary 36.7% and mandibular 3.3%) followed by molars (30.8%: maxillary 14.2% and mandibular 16.6%) and premolars (29.2%; maxillary 24.2% and mandibular 5%). Overall, 65% of the teeth were adequately obturated (apical and lateral seal). Apical seal was adequate (GP tip within 2mm of the radiological apex) in 68.3% while lateral seal was adequate (no lateral voids) in 75% of the obturated teeth and higher in anterior teeth (p<0.05). Almost all patients (96.6%) showed a high level of overall satisfaction with NS-RCT. Satisfaction with mastication (97.5%) was slightly more than with appearance (90.8%). Males were more satisfied than females however, there was no significant difference.
Conclusion: Anterior teeth were the most tooth type treated and adequately obturated. Level of satisfaction was high.

FALSE ASSOCIATION OF DENTAL PROCEDURES WITH SOME OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS-case studies

2011-05-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

FALSE ASSOCIATION OF DENTAL PROCEDURES WITH SOME OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS-case studies

Introduction

Dental treatments, like any other treatments can lead to some complications. However there are false associations between dental procedure and other oral or systemic problems. A tumor inside bone may take chance of socket as a result of tooth extraction to come out of the bone into the oral cavity. Furthermore an underlying systemic disease may coincidently develop symptoms during or after dental procedure.

In this presentation we look at two cases

1. A patient with pleomorphic adenoma which manifested following injection for tooth extraction on the palate

2. A patient with orthodontic problems who developed systemic symptoms following fixation of orthodontic appliances

Pleomorphic adenoma

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common tumour of the salivary glands. Although most often found in young to middle-aged women, they can occur in either sex and at any age.

80% occur in the parotid gland, 5% in the submandibular gland, 0.1% in the sublingual gland and about 10% in minor salivary glands. In the minor glands, pleomorphic adenoma typically presents as a rubbery nodule, principally in the palate and upper lip submucosa. They present as slow growing, painless nodules, often detected on routine intra-oral examination.

Suspected pleomorphic adenomas are normally removed by excision biopsy or conservative surgical enucleation

Case 1

On 22^nd December 2010, a 39 year old female, reported at our clinic with the main complain of painless swelling on the upper part of the mouth for about 10 yrs

The swelling started about 10 yrs ago following injection to extract a tooth from the upper jaw. The swelling was slowly increasing in size.

The patient did not take any step as she was waiting for spontaneous disappearance with time. She strongly believed that the swelling was caused by painful injection during tooth extraction. After noting that it was not disappearing by instead increasing in size; she went to one of general clinic in Kitwe Zambia where she was sent to us for consultation under provision diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma.

On examination, there was a soft swelling on the right palate extending from tooth 18-13, close to mid palate and free gingival margin. The swelling was not fixed to surrounding tissues

Our provision diagnosis was pleomorphic adenoma

After examination we informed the referring clinic our findings and planned management. However the clinic didn’t agree with our findings and plan, so they sent her to two more clinics for further but fruitless consultations. The patient decided to come back to us for the suggested management.

Management- excision biopsy for histological analysis was done and the tumor was found to be pleomorphic adenoma.

The patient is doing fine.

Discussion

An association of the swelling with injection of LA during tooth extraction indicates that, the patient lacked awareness about oral tumors.

Waiting for about 10 yrs without going to hospital when coupled with offended extraction indicate the patient had a tendency to delay reporting oral problems until when signs and symptoms are unbearable (pain or any discomfort due to the swelling).

Discouragement by 1^st medical personnel not to have a tumor removed when coupled with his/her provision diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma indicate that even some medical practitioners lack basic knowledge on oral tumors.

TOOTH AN IMPORTANT BUT NEGRECTED PART OF THE BODY

2011-05-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

TOOTH AN IMPORTANT BUT NEGRECTED PART OF THE BODY

By Rukoma, AM (DDS, MDent-Resorative Dentistry), May 2011.

Introduction

Together with cheeks, tongue and palate, the teeth form the first and important part of the digestive system. They help to breakdown food substances into small particles which are easily swallowed and then acted upon by digestive enzymes to the form which can be absorbed by the body for energy, growth and repair. Loss of teeth through extractions can seriously affect our general health. Further more; teeth help us in speech (articulation) and facial appearance. Imagine a person missing the anterior teeth required to address a public! If you have not experienced it, do not play for it.

Important to note, artificial teeth cost more than treating the natural teeth, at the same time they can not exactly replace the missing natural teeth. However, always something is better than nothing, if your have lost your teeth, artificial teeth is the remaining best option for you.

Interestingly, almost all disease conditions affecting the teeth are preventable and curable, but yet still dental problems remain one of the most common diseases affecting mankind. The physical and economical impact on the individual as well as the nation can not be over emphasized. However, this area of health has not received the attention it deserves both from individuals and organizations. The result is that the age old trend whereby the public visit the dentist when they are in pain and ending up in extractions continues unabated.

Diseases that affect the teeth

All studies so far indicate that, dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) diseases are the most prevalent conditions affecting the teeth and thus the leading cause of teeth loss.

Dental caries slowly destroys the teeth through acid produced from surgery food we eat, if untreated, the disease progresses to the extent where the only remaining option is tooth removal (extraction). On the other hand, periodontal conditions slowly destroys the gums, bones and other tissues supporting the teeth, if left untreated, the affected teeth become loose and later fall on their own or are extracted.

As said in the introduction, these diseases are preventable and curable. And prevention is not even associated with injections or tablets as vaccines, but rather a mere change of habit. Just improving oral hygiene habits and visiting dentist regularly are enough to prevent these diseases and associated teeth loss. Moreover, even if the diseases have occurred in early stages and some cases of advanced stages, the diseases are curable. Surprisingly enough, despite these facts, the rate of teeth loss through extraction is alarming. One has to wonder why?

Injustice people are doing to the teeth

Tooth is the only part of the body which when pain, the patient will just request for its removal (extraction). I have never seen a patient requesting removal of the eye or any other part of the body simply because it pains. No matter how other parts of the body are destroyed, the patients will always ask for the treatment to maintain them, but for the tooth, even if it can be conserved, just remove! Sadly to say, even most medical insurance agents do not cover for scaling and root planning, the procedure which prevent both tooth decay and gum diseases from occurring. It is the same scaling and root planning which is the first line of treatment almost for all forms of gum diseases. Their lay argument is that, removing tarter (calculus) is an esthetic procedure (beauty), a misleading and deadly concept. More badly, some other insurers do not even cover root canal treatment, the treatment which cures advanced form of tooth decay. Another lay argument is that, the sure way of treating the painful tooth is its removal (extraction)! Why not the sure way of treating the incurable heart diseases is the removal of the heart? Unjust indeed to the tooth, stop it.

As a treatment, tooth extraction is supposed to be done only when other methods of saving it are impossible or when such tooth can become a reason for other and more serious complications.

What should you do to prevent your tooth from extraction?

Brushing and flossing twice a day when coupled with visiting a dentist at least twice a year is enough to save your teeth. Is this costly? Every body has the answer. While consultation fee is enough to have your teeth checked routinely by dentist, tooth brush is among the cheapest commodity in the market. Early uncavitated decay can be treated by just medication, while simple fillings can save teeth with small to medium size cavities (holes). Good news is that even majority of teeth with big and deep cavities can also be served by doing root canal treatment. Always ask your dentist if he/she can do a root canal treatment on your badly decayed teeth instead of removal.

Always remember

1. Health teeth = proper teeth brushing and regular dental visits (consultation fee + cost of toothbrush and paste),

2. Diseased teeth cured and retained = filling or root canal treatment or scaling and root planning (consultation fee + treatment charges),

3. Diseased teeth extracted = extraction and or artificial teeth (consultation fee+ extraction charges + cost of artificial teeth + cost of soft diet + teeth loss related problems).

Difference between food debris, dental plaque and calculus

2011-05-01T02:50:00.000-07:00

calculus

Food debris are white small particles on the teeth- easily rinsed off

Dental plaque is a thin film of bacteria that sticks to teeth – yellow in colour can’t be rinsed off, removed only by brushing & flossing

Calculus is calcified plaque- hard, brownish or darkish in colour- only removed by scaling