Oral Health Case Reports

The influence of oral pathologies on sports performance seems to be clarified, but there are few case reports and research that show this relationship. The aim of the present case report was to show whether a localized oral infection could influence the results of physical tests in an athlete. Patient R.P., 37 years old, physical education teacher, swimmer, hiker and bodybuilder since he was 17 years old, sought emergency dental care due to painful symptoms in element 17. After radiographic examination, a periapical lesion was observed, through the probing, a periodontal pocket measuring 10 mm was observed in the distal and buccal region of this tooth and tooth 18. After the diagnosis of an infectious condition, the patient was proposed to perform pre and post-treatment physical tests at intervals of 30, 90 and 120 days: strength maximal bench press, resistance with 50% of the maximum load in the bench press, 100 meters free swimming and one-minute abdominal resistance applied by a physical education teacher. An extraction was performed. And the new tests were carried out. The physical tests performed show improvement 120 days after the extraction. The bench press maximal strength test had an improvement of 9.3%; the endurance test improved by 21.5%; the 100 meters swimming test obtained an improvement of 3% in the time obtained and in the abdominal resistance test there was an improvement of 10%. The patient reported that he looked like he had peaked during training 4 years ago, and this recent improvement surprised him. The improvement in all tests performed on an experienced athlete in a short period of time may allow us to assume a relationship of interference of dental infection in sports performance.

Introduction: Oral health has not been a priority in most low to middle income countries, Zambia inclusive despite being among the top ten global health challenges. There is a need not only to treat but also to put preventive measures in place to reduce the prevalence and future occurrence of oral diseases.

Objectives: To find out the utilisation patterns, socioeconomic factors that affect the utilisation patterns of dental services, and dental anxiety levels as well as their effect on utilisation patterns of patients visiting the dental department at Ndola teaching hospital.

Methods: The study design was a quantitative study, to be conducted as a cross-sectional survey, gathering information from patients that attend the dental department at Ndola teaching hospital. The information was collected through structured interviews using a modified questionnaire from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Results: Among the participants, 2.08% of patients were currently regular attenders, 3.82% were former regular attenders, 94.10% were never regular attenders and none of the patients were always regular attenders. The time since the last dental visit showed that 31.25% of patients had visited the dentist within a year before the current visit, 12.5% had last visited the dentist within a period of 2 to 5 years prior, 31.25% had visited more than 5 years ago, while 25% had never been to the dentist.

Conclusion: The time since the last dental visit was correlated to both the gender of the patients and the type of insurance policy held by the patient, while the pattern of dental attendance was not correlated with any of the socioeconomic variables investigated.

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic host immune mediated inflammatory response involving the supporting periodontal tissues resulting in tissue breakdown and bone loss. It eventually results in tooth loss. Probiotics are live microorganisms when given in adequate amounts attenuates the normal body health. It recently finds its benefit in oral health. It stimulates the immune response and interfere with the growth and adhesion of microorganisms. Probiotics can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of periodontitis. This is a pilot study which evaluates the clinical periodontal parameters in generalized periodontitis patients, on giving the oral supplement of probiotics or placebo as an adjunct to nonsurgical treatment, Scaling and Root Planning (SRP).

Methods: A total number of 10 generalized periodontitis patients were included. They were divided into two groups randomly. One group were given probiotic blend along with SRP and the other group were given placebo along with SRP. Both the groups are evaluated for periodontal parameters after the period of 4 weeks.

Results: The results were obtained and statistically analyzed. The treatment group where probiotic supplement intake were found to have effective reduction in gingival index, plaque index, probing pocket depth and gain in clinical attachment level than the placebo group. It was found to be statistically significant, p<0.5.

Conclusion: Probiotics can be used as an effective adjunct to SRP, scaling and root planning in treating periodontitis.

In the intricate landscape of healthcare, the fields of oral medicine and radiology emerge as crucial disciplines that intersect to provide valuable insights into the complex world of oral health. "Insights in Oral Medicine & Radiology: Exploring Diagnoses and Therapies" stands as a beacon of knowledge, delving into the multifaceted dimensions of these fields, their significance in diagnostics and treatment, and the holistic care they offer to patients. Oral medicine and radiology represent the convergence of medical expertise and advanced imaging technologies. Oral medicine focuses on the diagnosis and non-surgical management of various oral and maxillofacial disorders, while radiology employs imaging techniques to visualize anatomical structures and pathological conditions. Together, these disciplines provide a comprehensive understanding of oral health, addressing not only surface symptoms but also underlying causes.

Background: Scaling and Root Planning (SRP) alone had been proved to be effective in treating mild to moderate cases of periodontitis. But in molars where complex anatomical features are present, SRP alone had been proven to be least effective. SRP won’t eradicate tissue invading pathogens also. In such situations Local Drug Delivery (LDD) as an adjuvant to SRP seems to be effective, with minimal side effects when compared to systemic antimicrobial therapy. In our study we had evaluated the effect of 0.5% Azithromycin (AZM) gel in LDD form as an adjuvant to SRP in treatment of periodontal pockets of 1st and 2nd molars.
Materials and Methods: The outpatients who reported to the department of periodontics, Sri Ramakrishna dental college and hospital, Coimbatore were included in this study. Maxillary or Mandibular first or second molars were the teeth to be tested. Patients were allocated to two groups: control group (SRP only) and test group (SRP plus 0.5% AZM gel). On baseline and post-operative examination after 45 days, clinical parameters were recorded for the tooth to be tested.
Results: Probing Depth (PD) reduced significantly and significant Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) gain was achieved in both groups, with more gain in test group when compared to control group (p<0.05). The Mean Gingival Index (mGI) and mean modified Sulcular Bleeding Index (mSBI) scores were found to be reduced in both test and control groups (p<0.05) with no significant differences between test and control groups.
Conclusion: PD reduction and CAL gain improved after SRP with 0.5% AZM gel as LDD in 1st and 2nd molars. 

Aesthetic dentistry is undergoing a transformative phase with the integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative techniques. This paper explores the future of smile makeovers, focusing on advancements such as Digital Smile Design (DSD), 3D printing and CAD/CAM technology, minimally invasive techniques, and laser dentistry. These innovations are enhancing precision, efficiency, and patient satisfaction, while also preserving natural tooth structures and promoting quicker recovery times. By examining these developments, this study highlights the evolving landscape of aesthetic dentistry and its implications for future dental practices. Aesthetic dentistry, also known as cosmetic dentistry, focuses on enhancing the appearance of the teeth, gums, and overall smile. It encompasses a variety of procedures and treatments designed to address aesthetic concerns, such as discoloration, misalignment, gaps, and damaged teeth. With the growing importance of appearance in contemporary society, there is an increasing demand for cosmetic dental treatments. Innovations in aesthetic dentistry are continually improving the effectiveness, precision, and patient experience of these treatments. This paper examines the latest advancements in aesthetic dentistry and their implications for the future of smile makeovers.

Digital technology has revolutionized aesthetic dentistry, significantly improving the precision, efficiency, and outcomes of cosmetic dental treatments. This paper explores the various digital tools and technologies, such as Digital Smile Design (DSD), 3D printing, CAD/CAM systems, and intraoral scanners that are transforming the field. These innovations not only enhance the visual appeal of dental work but also streamline workflows, improve patient communication, and increase overall satisfaction. The discussion highlights how these technologies are integrated into modern dental practices and their impact on both dentists and patients.

Laser dentistry has emerged as a revolutionary technology in cosmetic dental treatments, offering numerous advantages over traditional methods. This paper examines the benefits of laser dentistry, including its precision, reduced discomfort, faster healing times, and improved aesthetic outcomes. By exploring various applications such as teeth whitening, gum contouring, and decay removal, this study highlights how laser technology is enhancing patient experiences and outcomes in cosmetic dentistry.

Smile design is an art that combines aesthetic principles with dental science to create harmonious and attractive smiles. This paper explores the key principles of smile design, including symmetry, proportion, and harmony, and illustrates their application through various case studies. By examining the methodologies and outcomes of different cases, the paper highlights how personalized smile design can enhance patient satisfaction and confidence.