Authors:
V. Zijnge, F. Abbas, J.E. Degener
Source:
NTvT january 2008; 115: 005 - 12
Section:
Summary:
Microbial infections constitute an important reason for medical treatment, especially in dentistry. Ideas about the role played by bacteria in the development of diseases have changed steadily during the past centuries. At the present time much attention is being devoted to the role of biofilms due to their illness-causing influence with respect to stitches on hard tissue and on oral implants, knee-, hip-, and voice prostheses. In biofilms, bacteria function and communicate in organized extrapolymeric structures, attached to a surface. Biofilms provide bacteria with protection against the host’s immune system and antibacterial chemicals. By gaining insights into the creation and functioning of biofilms, it will be possible to develop better antibacterial therapies.
Authors:
A. Scafoglieri, P. Van Roy, J.P. Clarijs
Source:
NTvT january 2008; 115: 014 - 21
Section:
Summary:
The purpose of the study was to investigate left-right asymmetries and other anatomical variants of temporomandibular articular surfaces. Digital photography and macroscopic observation were used to gather information about the shape, size, orientation and degeneration of temporomandibular articular surfaces of 100 skull bases and 100 mandibles. Left-right asymmetries in shape, size, orientation and degeneration were found in 39.5, 26, 16 and 31.5% of the mandibular surfaces respectively. The glenoid fossae showed left-right asymmetries in size, orientation and degeneration in 4.1 and 22.5% of cases respectively. Left-right asymmetries in orientation were found in 24% of the articular eminences. Anatomical variants of the mandibular articular surfaces were found as differences in shape: the majority had horizontal oblong outlines and rounded frontal outlines; one fifth showed pear-shaped horizontal outlines and flat or ridge-shaped frontal outlines. The important incidence of left-right asymmetries and anatomical variants of temporomandibular articular surfaces must be considered when observing and treating temporomandibular dysfunction. It can be expected that these asymmetries and anatomical variants may have arthrokinematic consequences for treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction.
Authors:
M.A.R. Kuijpers, A.M. Kuijpers-Jagtman
Source:
NTvT january 2008; 115: 022 - 28
Section:
Summary:
With regard to the optimal treatment timing for children with an Angle Class II division 1 malocclusion, there is an ongoing controversy on the effectiveness of a two-phase or a one-phase therapy. Two-phase treatment involves a first phase to correct the jaw relationship starting at the age of 7 to 9 years, and, when all permanent teeth are present, a second phase of treatment by fixed appliances. A one-phase treatment involves treatment of the jaw relationship and the dental malocclusion simultaneously or consecutively, starting during the early adolescence period. In recent years, several randomized controlled clinical trials have been performed on this topic. More recently, a Cochrane meta-analysis of these trials has been published. The results show that early treatment of an Angle Class II division 1 malocclusion followed by a second phase of treatment does not have any advantages over treatment that is started later and finished in one phase. One-phase treatment is as effective as two-phase treatment, while the time needed for treatment is shorter and, as a consequence, total costs are lower. Dentists should take into account this information, when treating children with an Angle Class II division 1 malocclusion or referring them to an orthodontist.
Authors:
D.A. Nash, A.J.M. Plasschaert
Source:
NTvT january 2008; 115: 033 - 36
Section:
Summary:
The profession of dentistry ought to serve interests including, but moving beyond, narrow self-serving concerns. Changes are taking place in the profession of dentistry which are eroding the sense of purpose and meaning dentists in the past have derived from their professional existence. The profession of dentistry is granted a virtual monopoly to practice dentistry as a result of the respect society has in the profession’s promise to make patients and society oral health its primary purpose. Two factors are potentially diminishing the meaning and purpose in dentistry. Firstly, an increasing number of dentists are coming to understand dentistry as primarily a business. Secondly, dentists are abandoning the many individuals in society, such as the handicapped, the elderly, immigrants and the socially disadvantaged, who are in need of care but lack the economic wherewithal to pursue care in the marketplace of dentistry as a business. Providing the highest quality of care possible and also empathizing with patients while providing for their oral health, will permit dentists to live their lives with a larger sense of purpose and to leave a genuine legacy.
Authors:
C.G. Griëntschnig, Ph. Scheltens, I. van der Waal
Source:
NTvT january 2008; 115: 041 - 43
Section:
Summary:
A 58-year-old woman came to her dentist with atypical pain on the right side of the mandible.The pain diminished with the use of carbamazepine, paracetamol and diclofenac, and eventually disappeared completely. Magnetic resonance imaging, undertaken at the advice of a neurologist, showed no structural lesions and confirmed the diagnosis of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition which often can be diagnosed on the basis of the clinical history and the specific symptoms. The condition can be divided into idiopathic and symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia. It is important to consider a possible trigeminal neuralgia in case of atypical pain in the oral region in order to prevent unnecessary dental procedures.
Authors:
S.L. Liem
Source:
NTvT january 2008; 115: 044 - 46
Section:
Summary:
Ongoing research techniques have made it possible to explore the structures of human cells, revealing the carriers of hereditary properties. Of many diseases and disorders the associated genes have been found. Internet offers the possibility of distributing this knowledge. There are 2 interesting websites on genetics, providing a lot of information on heredity and congenital disorders for dental practitioners. Erfelijkheid.nl is a Dutch website with general information on heredity. Genetics Home Reference is an extensive, well-structured English-language website, at which the subject is treated in detail.
