In vitro vs in vivo corrosion analyses of two alloys.

The in vitro and in vivo corrosion characteristics of two alloys, cast Co-Cr-Mo (ASTM F75) and wrought Ni-Cr-Mo, were evaluated using electro-chemical corrosion analysis. Two in vitro electrolytic solutions were utilized, an isotonic saline solution consisting of 0.9 w/o NaCl in distilled water and an isotonic saline solution with 10 v/o sterile calf serum. The in vivo environment was created by implanting cylindrically shaped specimens of each alloy into the back muscles of New Zealand white rabbits. Cyclic anodic and cathodic polarization curves were generated for the three test conditions and subsequently were compared. Anodic curves conducted using the isotonic saline and isotonic saline plus serum electrolyte solutions were very similar to the anodic curves generated for the implanted alloy specimens for both alloys. The corrosion rates predicted from the in vitro and in vivo cathodic polarization curves were not statistically different for the three test conditions. Overall, the corrosion data generated using the in vitro environmental conditions adequately predicted the in vivo corrosion behavior of the cast Co-Cr-Mo and wrought Ni-Cr-Mo alloys.

British oral and maxillofacial surgeons' views on the aetiology and management of acute pericoronitis.

Acute pericoronitis is a common oral infection characterised by a predominance of anaerobic micro-organisms such as peptococci, peptostreptococci, bacteroides and fusobacteria, and also spirochaetes. Penicillins such as amoxycillin, and metronidazole are effective antimicrobials in the treatment of acute pericoronitis. This study presents the views of a group of British Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons as to the causative microbial agents and the antimicrobial management of acute pericoronitis.

The microbiology and management of acute dentoalveolar abscess: views of British oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Improvements in microbiological technology have established a major role for anaerobes including Gram-positive anaerobes such as peptococci and peptostreptococci and Gram-negative anaerobes such as bacteroides and fusobacteria species in acute dentoalveolar abscesses. Organisms isolated increasingly may be, or may become, resistant to penicillin or erythromycin but metronidazole appears effective against many. These facts have implications for treatment when antimicrobials are indicated. This study presents the current views of British oral and maxillofacial surgeons responding to a questionnaire as to the causative microorganisms, selection of antimicrobial and route of administration and relates these to the current scientific basis for therapy.

How community pharmacy staff manage a patient with possible oral cancer.

Community pharmacy staff were surveyed for the advice they would offer to a patient with a history highly suggestive of oral carcinoma. Less than 10% of 57 pharmacies indicated that a dental or medical opinion should be sought. This study confirms that the knowledge of pharmacy staff about oral disease is as limited as it is about systemic disease and suggests that a dental or medical consultation is necessary for persisting complaints.

Mouth ulcers: a study of where members of the general public might seek advice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate where the public seek advice about mouth ulcers and to what extent the public approach the community pharmacy for advice. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One thousand members of the general public were randomly chosen and surveyed throughout the day in the main shopping streets of two towns in Israel, Haifa and Tel Aviv. All participants were presented with four standard verbal questions designed to identify reactions to and past experience of mouth ulcers. All responses were recorded immediately on to data sheets and transferred to a computer for analysis of frequencies and percentages and Chi-square analysis. RESULTS: Nearly one third of those surveyed admitted to a history of mouth ulceration. The vast majority (66-69%) would first approach their general medical practitioner for advice, 13-17% would first approach a general dental practitioner, and only a small minority of the public (4-10%) would first approach the community pharmacy. Lay persons could not distinguish an ulcer with features that would strongly suggest a malignant neoplasm from other types of mouth ulcer. CONCLUSIONS: The dental profession needs to collaborate more closely with the medical and pharmaceutical professions in order to offer patients better access to information and care.

Orofacial odontogenic infections: review of microbiology and current treatment.

Orofacial odontogenic infections are common. Current evidence indicates that anaerobes play a major role in these infections and that the most common microbial isolates are Bacteroides, fusobacteria, peptococci, and peptostreptococci as well as some viridans streptococci. Drainage must be established where possible. Penicillin is still the drug of first choice for therapy, with metronidazole a good alternative. Nevertheless, not all clinicians are aware of current views and, therefore, this article is a state-of-the-art review for the practicing clinician of the microbiology and antimicrobial therapy of orofacial odontogenic infections.

Update on oral lichen planus: etiopathogenesis and management.

Lichen planus (LP) is a relatively common disorder of the stratified squamous epithelia, which is, in many ways, an enigma. This paper is the consensus outcome of a workshop held in Switzerland in 1995, involving a selection of clinicians and scientists with an interest in the condition and its management. The oral (OLP) eruptions usually have a distinct clinical morphology and characteristic distribution, but OLP may also present a confusing array of patterns and forms, and other disorders may clinically simulate OLP. Lesions may affect other mucosae and/or skin. Lichen planus is probably of multifactorial origin, sometimes induced by drugs or dental materials, often idiopathic, and with an immunopathogenesis involving T-cells in particular. The etiopathogenesis appears to be complex, with interactions between and among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, but much has now been clarified about the mechanisms involved, and interesting new associations, such as with liver disease, have emerged. The management of lichen planus is still not totally satisfactory, and there is as yet no definitive treatment, but there have been advances in the control of the condition. There is no curative treatment available; immunomodulation, however, can control the condition. Based on the observed increased risk of malignant development, OLP patients should be offered regular follow-up examination from two to four times annually and asked to report any changes in their lesions and/or symptoms. Follow-up may be particularly important in patients with atrophic/ulcerative/erosive affections of the tongue, the gingiva, or the buccal mucosa. Much more research is required into the genetic and environmental aspects of lichen planus, into the premalignant potential, and into the possible associations with chronic liver, and other disorders. More clinical studies are required into the possible efficacy of immunomodulatory drugs such as pentoxifylline and thalidomide.