Quantitative Ultrasound of the Mandible as a Novel Screening Approach for Osteoporosis.

This study used an axial transmission quantitative ultrasound (QUS) device to assess mandibular bone strength. The aim of the study was first to establish the precision and repeatability of the axial transmission QUS measurement for a range of mandibular anatomic sites, and second to investigate the ability of the modality to differentiate between osteoporotic subjects and a control group. Three groups of adult Caucasian women were recruited: (1) healthy premenopausal women (n = 26), (2) healthy postmenopausal women (n = 48), and (3) women with osteoporosis (n = 53). Subjects were excluded from groups 1 and 2 if they had any pre-existing bone conditions. Speed of sound (SOS) measurements were taken from the mandible using an OmniSense multisite QUS device. Group 3 had dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of the lumbar spine and femur. The most suitable site on the mandible was determined by repeat SOS measurements in 10 healthy premenopausal subjects, at 5 different sites. The parasymphysis site had the lowest root mean squared coefficient of variation at 0.74%, and was chosen as the most suitable site for mandibular SOS measurements. Group 1 and group 2 had significantly higher mean SOS measurements than the osteoporotic subjects (group 3), with means of 3683 m/s (210), 3514 m/s (221), and 3312 m/s (264), respectively. A 1-way analysis of variance confirmed a statistically significant difference between mean SOS measurements from the 3 groups (p < 0.0001). Axial transmission QUS of the mandible can differentiate between subjects with osteoporosis and a healthy control group, and shows potential for use as a screening tool for osteoporosis.

The non-healing extraction socket: a diagnostic dilemma - case report and discussion.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Delayed healing, or failure of the alveolus to heal post exodontia, is not an uncommon finding in both primary care and hospital practice. Local factors dominate and the majority of cases are the result of clot dissolution, secondary infection, foreign bodies, etc. However, potentially life-threatening, malignant lesions complicating healing can be overlooked and underestimated due to their rare occurrence. PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: This article presents a contemporary review of the normal physiological process that directs healing within the extraction socket and a differential diagnosis for delayed healing or failure of healing following extraction, with guidance on appropriate management. METHOD: A case report of a squamous cell carcinoma presenting in the clinical setting of a non-healing extraction socket, and a discussion of local and systemic factors that may interfere with healing, are presented. CONCLUSION: The aetiologies of delayed healing and failure of the extraction site to heal are diverse, and the process can be affected by local and systemic factors alike.'Given that neoplastic lesions are relatively rare, it is therefore all the more important for GDPs to remain cognisant of the diagnostic red flags that may raise suspicions of a mitotic lesion to ensure that appropriate referral pathways are instituted.

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Presenting in a Patient Receiving Adalimumab for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The efficacy of biologic agents in the treatment of inflammatory immune-mediated conditions has been clearly shown, but there also are numerous reports of adverse effects. Most reported adverse effects have been associated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors and include a possible increased risk of malignancy. There have been some reported cases of oral cancer developing in patients treated with TNF-α inhibitors. This case report describes a patient who was taking adalimumab for rheumatoid arthritis and who presented with a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the mandible. Diagnosis was complicated because the clinical appearance was of a nonhealing extraction socket and the patient had a history of bisphosphonate therapy. An initial diagnosis of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws was made, which delayed the commencement of appropriate treatment. This case highlights the importance of ruling out SCC in patients taking biological agents with unusual symptoms.

The management of osteoradionecrosis of the jaws--a review.

PURPOSE: To review the conservative and surgical management options of osteoradionecrosis, in particular, highlighting the recent the use of anti-radiation fibrosis drugs (pentoxifylline, tocopherol and clodronate). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a literature review. The management options were divided into two groups, conservative and surgical management. RESULTS: Over the years several treatment options have been proposed including; conservative management (antibiotics, analgesics, oral hygiene), ultrasound therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, surgical resection with reconstruction and more recently the use of anti-radiation fibrosis drugs (pentoxifylline, tocopherol and clodronate). Early or low grade ORN can be managed conservatively using a combination of treatment options. In advanced or refractory cases of ORN (pathological fracture, orocutaneous fistula) surgical treatment, at present, remains the only treatment option available. A new understanding of the pathophysiology of ORN (radiation induced fibroatrophic process) has lead to the development of new therapeutic management regimes. CONCLUSION: In advanced or refractory cases of ORN surgical treatment, including microvascular reconstructive techniques for bone and soft tissue, remains the only option available.

The occurrence of paraesthesia of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve after dental local anaesthetic use: a case report.

Paraesthesia can be a complication of surgical intervention. Its occurrence after dental local anaesthetic use is a rare event in general dental practice. Reported cases have mainly described its presentation for the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve with very few reports for the maxillary division of this nerve. This report describes a case of paraesthesia in the maxillary region following local anaesthetic use prior to removal of an upper molar tooth.

Smoking cessation and the role of the dental practitioner.

As dentists we are uniquely positioned to influence the rate of tobacco smoking and could contribute to a decrease in the associated mortality and morbidity. The detrimental effects of smoking on oral health are well established; thus, a structured approach to initiate smoking cessation, help to manage the initial phase of withdrawal symptoms, and provide long-term support is an important role for our profession. It has been shown that smoking cessation advice for even a few minutes increases long-term smoking abstinence rates by 5%, which can be increased by 50-70% with the use of adjunctive pharmacotherapy, e.g., nicotine replacement therapy, for withdrawal symptoms. This article aims to give a brief overview of smoking in relation to oral health, review the management of tobacco smoking dependence, and discuss how we as dentists can help our patients to quit smoking.

Does access to general dental treatment affect the number and complexity of patients presenting to the acute hospital service with severe dentofacial infections?

AIM: This is a retrospective study to review the treatment and management of patients presenting with odontogenic infections in a large urban teaching hospital over a four-year period, comparing the number and complexity of odontogenic infections presenting to an acute general hospital in two periods, as follows: Group A (January 2008 to March 2010) versus Group B (April 2010 to December 2011). The background to the study is 'An alteration in patient access to primary dental care instituted by the Department of Health in April 2010'. OBJECTIVES: a) to identify any alteration in the pattern and complexity of patients' presentation with odontogenic infections following recent changes in access to treatment via the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) and the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme (DTBS) in April 2010; and, b) to evaluate the management of severe odontogenic infections. METHOD: Data was collated by a combination of a comprehensive chart review and electronic patient record analysis based on the primary discharge diagnosis as recorded in the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) system. RESULTS: Fifty patients were admitted to the National Maxillofacial Unit, St James's Hospital, under the oral and maxillofacial service over a four-year period, with an odontogenic infection as the primary diagnosis. There was an increased number of patients presenting with odontogenic infections during Group B of the study. These patients showed an increased complexity and severity of infection. Although there was an upward trend in the numbers and complexity of infections, this trending did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The primary cause of infection was dental caries in all patients. Dental caries is a preventable and treatable disease. Increased resources should be made available to support access to dental care, and thereby lessen the potential for the morbidity and mortality associated with serious odontogenic infections. The study at present continues as a prospective study.

Weekly cisplatin concurrently with radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell cancer: a retrospective analysis of a tertiary institute experience.

Radiotherapy combined with three weekly 100 mg/m2 of cisplatin is the accepted standard of care in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, this regimen is associated with severe toxicities with devastating effects on patients. Alternative protocols like weekly 40 mg/m2 have been used in an attempt to reduce toxicities. The main objective of the present study is to identify the dose intensities and toxicities of weekly cisplatin in patients treated in a tertiary centre over a 12 month period. Included patients had squamous cell carcinoma arising in the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx. Patients were excluded if they had nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, distant metastasis or if they had prior treatment for head and neck cancer excluding neck dissection. During the study period, 52 patients met the inclusion criteria and their data were retrospectively obtained from the patients' database of St James hospital, Dublin. The median age of the study cohort was 54 years (range 33-73). Of the patients, 40 (76.9 %) were male and 12 (20.1 %) were female. The primary tumour sites were as follows: oral cavity and oropharynx in 38 (73 %), larynx in 10 (19 %), and hypopharynx in 4 (8 %). In total, 33 (63.5 %) patients had stage IV disease, while 19 (36.5 %) had stage III disease. Treatment was definitive in 35 (67 %) patients and adjuvant in 17 (35 %). Full-dose radiotherapy was achieved in 50 (96 %) patients. Only 22 (42.3 %) patients completed the intended six cycles of chemotherapy. Cumulative dose of 200 mg/m2 or more was reached in 37 (71 %) patients. The acute adverse effects included grades 3 and 4 mucositis, which occurred in 22 (43.3 %) and 6 patients (12 %), respectively. Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia occurred in six (11.5 %) and three (5.7 %) patients, respectively. The only other haematological toxicity was grade 3 anaemia in 20 (38.4 %) patients. There was no grade 3 or 4 renal toxicity among the study cohort, although grade 2 was observed in six (11.5 %) patients. Death occurred in one patient due to neutropenic septicaemia. In conclusion, weekly cisplatin is associated with moderate to severe toxicities and might lead to suboptimal chemotherapy delivery. More prospective clinical studies are required to determine the optimal chemoradiation regimen in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Case report: sublingual epidermoid cyst in an elderly patient.

The occurrence of epidermoid cysts in the floor of the mouth is uncommon, particularly in elderly patients. We present the case of a 77-year-old female, who presented with minimal symptoms, despite a large floor-of-mouth swelling, which obscured her tongue from vision. The mass was removed via an intraoral approach under local anaesthesia (LA) and intravenous (IV) sedation, keeping complications and recovery time to a minimum. The mass was revealed to be an epidermoid cyst and the patient made a swift recovery. The features and classification of these cysts are discussed.

Post-extraction inferior alveolar nerve neurosensory disturbances--a guide to their evaluation and practical management.

Inferior alveolar nerve injuries are a recognised complication of mandibular third molar extractions. This paper describes the different types of nerve injuries that may occur. A differential of possible causes is provided and an approach to the immediate and follow-up management is outlined. The prognosis of such injuries is reviewed so that patients can be informed of the possible postoperative outcome. The algorithm shows the timeline for monitoring/referring and the included tables outline the advantages and disadvantages of surgery versus watchful waiting.

New oral anticoagulants and their implications for dental patients.

Anticoagulation therapy is used in several conditions to prevent or treat thromboembolism. Over the last 40 years, warfarin has been the oral anticoagulant of choice and has been considered the mainstay of treatment. However, its use is limited by a narrow therapeutic index and complex pharmacodynamics, necessitating regular monitoring and dose adjustments. Recently, two new oral anticoagulants--dabigatran etexilate (a direct thrombin inhibitor) and rivaroxiban (a factor Xa inhibitor)--have been approved for use in North America and Europe. Unlike warfarin, dabigatran and rivaroxiban are relatively small molecules that work as anticoagulants by targeting specific single steps of the coagulation cascade. Their advantages, relative to warfarin, include: predictable pharmacokinetics; limited food and drug interactions; rapid onset of action; and, short half-life. They require no monitoring. However, they lack a specific reversal agent. The number of patients taking dabigatran and rivaroxaban is increasing. Therefore, it is inevitable that dentists will be required to perform invasive procedures on this cohort of patients. This paper outlines the various properties of the new oral anticoagulants and the most recent guidelines regarding the management of these dental patients taking these medications.

Commonly used topical oral wound dressing materials in dental and surgical practice--a literature review.

A small number of medicaments are used in oral and maxillofacial surgery to dress wounds, relieve pain, prevent infection and promote healing. While these materials are routinely used, their constituents, uses and effects on oral tissues are rarely discussed. This literature review provides an overview of the constituents, uses and effects of the common materials--oxidised regenerated cellulose, Whitehead's varnish, Carnoy's solution, bismuth iodoform paraffin paste (BIPP), zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) and Alvogyl.

Case report: management of broken dental needles in practice.

Breakage of a dental needle is a rare but significant complication of local anaesthetic injections, which causes great anxiety for the patient and dental surgeon, and necessitates investigations and further treatment. It may have important medico-legal considerations. We describe a case where a dental needle broke during the routine administration of an inferior alveolar nerve block for a dental procedure. This broken needle subsequently migrated to the lateral aspect of the neck, confirming that these 'migrations' do occur. We discuss the various causes, and clinical and dentolegal implications, as well as methods of treatment.

Outcomes from the first mouth cancer awareness and clinical check-up day in the Dublin Dental University Hospital.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To increase public awareness about mouth cancer, the Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) hosted an awareness day and free mouth check-up in September 2010. The messages of information, self-examination and risk management, and the importance of early detection, were available to all attendees. The role of general dental and medical practitioners in examination of the mouth was stressed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire regarding knowledge about the causes of and risk factors for mouth cancer, and a clinical check-up, were completed. RESULTS: A total of 1,661 individuals (675 male, 986 female) were examined. The mean age was 59.6 years. Just over one-third (36.5%) of those examined required no action, and slightly less (30%) were advised to return to their general dental or medical practitioner (GDP/GMP). Some 21% were advised about self-examination of the mouth, and 8% about smoking cessation. Of the remainder, 52 people (3.5%) were sent for a second opinion. Of these, 30 individuals were referred for further investigation, including biopsy in 27 cases. Following biopsy, five individuals were diagnosed with carcinoma in situ or carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of five people with mouth cancers, who may not otherwise have been identified for early treatment, highlights the need for regular mouth examination. It is inappropriate that such an exercise would remain the preserve of the dental teaching hospitals, and it is vital that all dentists take on the responsibility for regular mouth checks for all of their patients. More should be done to encourage those identified as high risk to visit their dentist. There is a need for recognition of the additional resources required for the detection and timely management of such cancers.

Dentists' vital role.

More lives can be saved and great suffering avoided by early detection of mouth cancer. This edition is dedicated to this topic.