When (and when not) to use the Dahl Concept.

The Dahl Concept describes the re-establishment of occlusal contacts after the provision of a planned localised appliance or restoration in supraocclusion. Initially developed to create space for prosthetic rehabilitation of anterior teeth suffering from localised wear, the principle has later been successfully applied to a variety of situations, including the Hall technique and resin-bonded bridges cemented in supraocclusion. Despite high levels of success seen in the relevant literature and widespread adoption in specialist care, the wider profession appears to be far more cautious in its use. This article aims to provide a brief summary of the Dahl Concept and discuss the local and general factors that influence its successful implementation in the hope of promoting its increased adoption by the broader dental profession.

Calcium channel blocker induced gingival enlargement following implant placement in a fibula free flap reconstruction of the mandible: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gingival tissue enlargement is a common side effect of antiepileptic medications (e.g. phenytoin and sodium valproate), immunosuppressing drugs (e.g. cyclosporine) and calcium channel blockers (e.g. nifedipine, verapamil, amlodipine) (Murakami et al. 2018, Clin Periodontol 45:S17-S27, 2018). The clinical and histological appearances of lesions caused by these drugs are indistinguishable from one another (Murakami et al. 2018, Clin Periodontol 45:S17-S27, 2018). Drug-induced gingival enlargement is rarely seen in edentulous patients. CASE PRESENTATION: This case presents a 72-year-old female with a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth treated with surgical excision and fibula-free flap reconstruction. Following the uncovering of osseointegrated implants placed in the fibular-free flap, the patient developed gingival enlargement of the floor of the mouth. Cessation of amlodipine and switching to an alternative medication lead to a resolution of the enlarged tissue. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that gingival enlargement can occur around dental implants, most notably in rehabilitation cases in patients who have had head and neck cancer. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of gingival enlargement in hypertensive patients taking calcium channel blockers prior to implant placement.

Patients' Priorities and Attitudes Towards Their Temporo-Mandibular Disorders.

The diagnosis and appropriate management of temporo-mandibular disorders (TMDs) remains controversial. Current scientific evidence highlights the importance of psychosocial factors in sufferers and the reducing emphasis on occlusal or dental/prosthetic factors. This paper describes the findings of a survey of 211 patients reporting pain from their temporo-mandibular joint area and associated structures. This article offers busy primary dental care practitioners a cost effective questionnaire for obtaining relevant information from patients about the history of their condition and highlights what patients hope to achieve through the management of their disorder. It also emphasises the importance of communicating effectively with patients and offers practical tips for the management of TMDs in primary care.

Simplified basic periodontal examination (BPE) in children and adolescents: a guide for general dental practitioners.

UNLABELLED: Dental plaque-induced periodontal diseases are common in children and adults. Guidelines were previously not available for the periodontal screening of under 18s. However, new guidelines have been introduced by the British Society of Periodontology and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry which set out recommendations for the periodontal screening and management of under 18s in primary dental care. This article provides a practical guide for general dental practitioners on how to use the BPE in children and adolescents, and highlights the importance of early detection and management of periodontal diseases in this age group. A failure to use the modified BPE in a young patient who is later diagnosed with periodontitis may leave a dentist vulnerable to a medico-legal complaint or claim. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: New BPE guidelines for children and adolescents have been introduced by the BSPD and BSP; it is important that all dentists are aware of these guidelines and how to implement them in general practice.

Avoiding and managing the failure of conventional crowns and bridges.

UNLABELLED: The replacement of crowns and bridges is a common procedure for many dental practitioners. When correctly planned and executed, fixed prostheses will provide predictable function, aesthetics and value for money. However, when done poorly, they are more likely to fail prematurely and lead to irreversible damage to the teeth and supporting structures beneath. Sound diagnosis, assessment and technical skills are essential when dealing with failed or failing fixed restorations. These skills are essential for the 21st century dentist. This paper, with treated clinical examples, illustrates the areas of technical skill and clinical decisions needed for this type of work. It also provides advice on how the risk of premature failure can, in general, be further reduced. The article also confirms the very real risk in the UK of dento-legal problems when patients experience unexpected problems with their crowns and bridges. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This paper outlines clinical implications of failed fixed prosthodontics to the dental surgeon. It also discusses factors that we can all use to predict and reduce the risk of premature restoration failure. Restoration design, clinical execution and patient factors are the most frequent reasons for premature problems. It is worth remembering (and informing patients) that the health of the underlying supporting dental tissue is often irreversibly compromised at the time of fixed restoration failure.

A restorative approach to the clinical and aesthetic management of adult patients with Class II division 2 incisor malocclusions.

UNLABELLED: A Class II division 2 incisor malocclusion may be a cause of aesthetic and/or functional concern for some affected patients. Their particular concerns may include dark spaces around the misaligned teeth or uneven gingival contours. Orthodontic and/or orthognathic treatment can address some of these problems but frequently involves lengthy and expensive treatment in the adult dentition. Sadly, such treatment often produces an unstable result, with significant drawbacks such as the requirement for long-term retention. This article aims to describe alternative strategies for managing patients with this incisor malocclusion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This paper outlines a quicker, pragmatic and minimally destructive restorative treatment alternative to conventional orthodontic treatment and the associated long-term retention.

Oral disease prevention for older people.

This opinion paper reviews trends in oral disease and its management in older people, in response to a challenge, in an editorial in The Lancet, to the traditional curative model of dentistry and the publication of the most recent Adult Dental Health Survey. It highlights the challenge of an ageing population and its oral health needs and management. Professional issues in relation to preventive care are discussed with emphasis on the importance of identifying patient risk and providing preventive care, together with improving the uptake of dental care among older people.

Mandibular implant-retained complete overdenture using retentive abutments: a case report.

UNLABELLED: An implant-retained complete lower denture is considered by many as the gold standard in the oral rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible. Its relative simplicity, minimal invasiveness, predictability, efficacy and affordability make it an attractive treatment option. The commonly used methods for anchoring overdentures to implants utilize bars, studs and magnets. There is little evidence, however, to suggest that any one method is significantly superior to another. This paper reviews treatment options available to restore the edentulous mandible and also reports on a patient treated using the Locator system, which is a relatively new type of stud attachment. This case report describes a chairside technique using the Locator system to retain a complete lower denture. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Locator system provides the dental practitioner with a useful attachment option for patients requiring an implant-retained overdenture.