Authors:
L.T. Koo, N. Vermeij, D.E. van Diermen, I. van der Waal
Source:
NTvT january 2004; 111: 002 - 4
Section:
Summary:
The records of 68 adult patients, referred to a Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for extraction of one or more teeth, have been studied with regard to the complexity of the treatment and the postoperative course. In 11 patients surgical removal had to be performed, while in the remaining 57 patients treatment consisted of simple extractions. Forty-six patients of these 57 patients returned a questionnaire about postoperative problems and use of analgesics. These patients were divided into two groups, one consisting of 17 healthy peatients without any medical disorder and/or use of drugs, and a second sonsisting of 29 medically compromised patients. The postoperative course did not differ between both groups. Four patients (1 healthy, 3 medically compromised) experienced postoperative complaints during more than 6 days. Remarkably, the number of patients who experienced pain but did not use analgesics was considerably higher in the healthy group (29%) compared with the medically compromised group (7%). On the other hand, medically compromised patients more often experienced pain in spite of the use of analgesics (52%) than healthy patients (41%). No differences in wound healing after simple tooth extractions were observed between healthy and medically compromised patients.
Authors:
P.F.M. Gielkens, B. Stegenga, R.R.M. Bos, A. Vissink
Source:
NTvT january 2004; 111: 005 - 9
Section:
Summary:
Currently, there are two fast-resorbing suturing materials on the Dutch market, viz. Vicryl® Rapide and Safil® Quick. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical suitability of both suturing materials, which was defined as minimal discomfort or pain for the patient, good knot security and tensile strength, predictable resorption, minimal tissue response, and good wound healing. In a group of 120 patients (60 patients randomized in each group), who were referred for apectomy, the clinical suitability of Vicryl® Rapide and Safil® Quick as fast-resorbing suturing materials was prospectively studied. The results showed that the tested materials were equivalent with regard to most aspects of their clinical suitability.
Authors:
H. De Clerck, M. Cornelis, H. Timmerman
Source:
NTvT january 2004; 111: 010 - 13
Section:
Summary:
Mini-implants are increasingly used for orthodontic anchorage. Using a mini-implant as anchorage in uprighting a mandibular molar, the need for other orthodontic appliances is minimal. Furthermore, the treatment is nog evoking any risk of disturbing the occlusion, since other teeth are not loaded. Depending on a good control of the applied forces and the extrusion of the molar during uprighting, the orthodontic treatment can be simple and not burdening the patient.
Authors:
P.A.M. Lokin, M.C.D.N.J.M. Huysmans
Source:
NTvT january 2004; 111: 014 - 16
Section:
Summary:
Etiological factors in the development of dental erosion are usually listed as dietary acids, for instance in soft drinks and fruit juices, and intrinsic acid exposure due to gastro-intestinal disease or frequent vomiting. Quite often the list of causes in reviews and textbooks also includes frequent swimming. This paper evaluates the evidence behind this erosion etiology. The main desinfection techniques using gas chlorination and sodium hypochlorite are described, and their relative risk for development of low pH water is discussed.
In the Netherlands only the relatively safe sodium hypochlorite method is used, and the quality of the water in public swimming pools is monitored monthly by independent test laboratories. Data for 2001 from such a test laboratory show that the precentage of low-pH results is very low (0,14%). It is concluded that the risk of dental erosion from frequent swimming in acidic pool water is probably negligible in the Netherlands.
Authors:
A. Vissink, F.K.L. Spijkervet, H. Bootsma, G. van den Berg
Source:
NTvT january 2004; 111: 017 - 19
Section:
Summary:
A 65-year-old female patient with swelling of lips and submandibular glands was referred to the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of an academic hospital. The patient was worried about her changed appearance and her general fatigue. This condition had not changed during the last six months, although she slept more. Despite extensive investigations her complaints could not be diagnosed as of oral or maxillofacial origin. She thereupon was referred to the department of Internal Medicine to screen for an endocrine aetiology. Laboratory tests were positive for acromegaly.
Authors:
R.A. Feelders, E.J. Delwel, C. de Baat
Source:
NTvT january 2004; 111: 020 - 22
Section:
Summary:
During the last few years, a 64-year-old man experienced a progressive enlargement of his hands, feet, and tongue and an alteration in the position of his frontal teeth. In a university medical clinic acromegaly was diagnosed, based on external features, serum tests, and an oral glucose tolerance test. A pituitary microadenoma was discovered. The most common oral features of acromegaly are a prognatic mandible, interdental spaces, macroglossy, and everted, swollen lips. In this article the primary treatment and the possible oral sequelae are described.
Authors:
S.L. Liem
Source:
NTvT january 2004; 111: 023 - 23
Section:
Summary:
The combination of text and graphics is a well-proven and highly effective method for presentations. New techniques in computer animations are offering the possibility of real life simulation software. This article is dealing with the Dental ExplorerŽ, a multimedia program on cd-rom with dental treatment simulations.
