How can general dental practitioners help in the management of sleep apnoea?

This article discusses the aetiology, prevalence and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and highlights the important role general dental practitioners can perform in improving the quality of life of patients suffering from OSA. Clinical and laboratory stages of making a mandibular advancement appliance are also highlighted.Members of the dental team have a duty of care to our patients.

Dental drill noise reduction using a commercially-available earplug device.

Aim: The dental handpiece noise in a dental surgery is concerning to both patients and staff as a major cause of dental phobia in patients and potential hearing loss in clinical staff. High-frequency noise generated by dental handpieces is considered to be the worst of the many noises in a dental clinic. Methods to reduce this noise have been proposed and either passive or active noise reduction headphones are often suggested.

Maxillary Midline Diastemas in West African Smiles.

The maxillary midline diastema (MMD) has experienced a renaissance in popular culture over the last 10 years. Current literature states that MMDs should be eliminated where possible or be reduced to 1 mm or less in width. This literature review explores the evidence for this in a West African population.

Dental continuing professional development - Part II: The Malta CPD Pilot Project.

Introduction: Continuing professional development (CPD) remains voluntary in nine European countries. Evidence suggests a move towards mandatory CPD across Europe with the objective of harmonisation of dental CPD. Although the importance of CPD is acknowledged, the literature regarding its effectiveness is limited and under debate.

Dental Continuing Professional Development - Part I: Background on Dental Continuing Professional Development in Europe.

Introduction: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is mandatory in most European countries and evidence shows a move towards mandatory CPD across all Member States in the near future. Malta is one of seven Member States where dental CPD is still voluntary.

Discussion: Although dental CPD is a legal requirement for recertification in many countries, integral aspects of dental CPD remain under debate, like whether CPD is truly effective.

An Analysis of Electronic Primary Dental Practice Tooth Wear Referrals.

We evaluated the quality of general dental practitioner (GDP) tooth wear (TW) referrals to secondary care services in Kent, Surrey and Sussex.Prospective consecutive referrals received via an electronic pathway were assessed from 1 June to 30 October 2019. Reasons for referral, patient demographics, quality of referral, opinion of the triaging clinician and outcome were assessed.

Evaluation of the effects of polishing systems on surface roughness and morphology of dental composite resin.

Objectives The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of five different two-step diamond impregnated polishing systems (Sof-Lex Spiral, Venus Supra, Komet Spiral, CompoMaster and Shapeguard) on the surface roughness and morphology of a submicron hybrid composite resin material (Brilliant Everglow).Materials and methods Two-hundred composite resin discs were prepared with 180 SiC paper to produce a uniform baseline surface. The samples were randomly assigned to one of five groups and polishing was completed by one operator.

Evaluation of the assessment of tooth wear by general dental practitioners.

Aim To evaluate currently available methods for assessing and monitoring tooth wear in a general dental practice environment.Method A questionnaire was developed and used to obtain data. Models were used to test the dentists' assessment of tooth wear.

Articaine hydrochloride: is it the solution?

In recent times there has been raised interest regarding the use of articaine hydrochloride as a dental local anaesthetic solution. The use of articaine hydrochloride as a dental local anaesthetic agent has been reported to be safe and effective. Paraesthesia is a rare but unwanted adverse effect attributed to the use of this local anaesthetic in dentistry, particularly following the administration of a nerve block injection.

An in vitro comparison of four intra-oral ceramic repair systems.

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of different surface conditioning methods on the tensile bond strength (TBS) and integrity of the leucite-reinforced glass ceramic (Cerana(®) inserts)-resin composite interface, using four commercially available ceramic repair systems.

Methods: Two hundred extra-large Cerana(®) inserts were mechanically treated and stored in artificial saliva for 3 weeks and subsequently randomly assigned to one of the following ceramic repair systems (n=40/group): Group 1, Ceramic Repair(®) (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein); Group 2, Cimara(®) (Voco, Germany); Group 3, Clearfil Repair(®) (Kuraray, Japan); Group 4, CoJet system(®) (3M ESPE, Germany); and Group 5, no surface conditioning and no adhesive system applied: the control group. Subsequently, resin composite material was added to the substrate surfaces and the ceramic-resin composite specimens were subjected to TBS testing.

Aesthetic composite veneers for an adult patient with amelogenesis imperfecta: a case report.

Unlabelled: This case has been presented as part of the continual assessment requirement for the MSc in Aesthetic Dentistry, King's College Dental Institute. Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a hereditary disorder of enamel formation, affecting both the permanent and deciduous dentitions. It can be classified into hypoplastic, hypomaturation and hypocalcified types and presents with different hereditary patterns.

Aesthetic resin onlay restorations: 'rationale and methods'.

Unlabelled: Resin composite restorations have gained increasing popularity over the past two decades. This has been largely driven by a patient-orientated demand for the use of aesthetic restorative materials. It has occurred concomitantly with an improvement in the mechanical properties of available materials, and advances in our knowledge of resin bonding.

Aesthetic smile evaluation--a non-invasive solution.

Unlabelled: Enhancement of the aesthetic zone is a common reason for patients to seek dental care. This article describes a protocol for the examination, assessment and treatment planning for a patient seeking a solution to an aesthetic concern. The technique of undertaking an intra-oral'mock-up' using resin composite as a diagnostic approach can be particularly helpful when planning for future prosthodontic rehabilitation.

Pre-warming of dental composites.

Objectives: Cavity lining with flowable composites have been proposed to improve initial marginal adaptation and minimize shrinkage stresses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if prewarming of composites would influence the flow and enhance marginal adaptation thus the effect of pre-warming different types of composites on their properties are reported.

Methods: Six different composites were used in this study including a flowable and a polyacid modified composite.

Survey of the provision of crowns by dentists in Ireland.

Statement Of The Problem: The literature is limited on the detailed description of the practice of Irish general dentists in the provision of crowns.

Purpose Of The Study: To review the provision of crowns by dentists in Ireland and identify opportunities for improving current clinical practices.

Materials And Methods: A questionnaire was posted to 500 general dentists selected randomly from the Irish Dental Register and 150 responded.

Effect of distance from curing light tip to restoration surface on depth of cure of composite resin.

Aims: While light-activating composite resins, the light tip may not always be close to the surface of the restoration. This may be intentional in an attempt to create a ramp cure. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a range of separation distances between the light tip and the restoration surface on the depth of composite cure for different types of light-curing units with a broad range of outputs.

Temperature change in pulp cavity in vitro during the polymerization of provisional resins.

Objectives: To measure the temperature change in the pulp cavity of an extracted tooth during the polymerization of provisional resins within impression putty and polyethylene matrices. The effect of pre-cooling the putty matrix was also evaluated.

Methods: A freshly extracted premolar tooth had putty impressions recorded prior to crown preparation.

Assessment of the safety of two ozone delivery devices.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety of an ozone gas device designed for use in dentistry.

Methods: Two commercially available ozone applicators, Ozi-cure and HealOzone were used in a clinical simulation using a phantom head while recordings of ozone levels were made in pharyngeal and nasal regions of the patient and near the mouth of the operator. Clinical simulations included ozone application for caries management and endodontic treatment.