Bioaerosols and Airborne Transmission in the Dental Clinic.

The importance of aerosols (particles suspended in air) produced during dental procedures became more apparent than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns over transmission of infection in these aerosols led to unprecedented disruption to dental services across the world, adversely impacting patients' oral health. This article discusses the evidence related to airborne transmission of infectious diseases and the relevance to dentistry.

Other Secondary Headaches: Odontogenic Pain and Other Painful Orofacial Conditions.

This article discusses extremely common odontogenic pain conditions, which may occasionally present to the neurology clinic mimicking headache, and other uncommon orofacial pain conditions, which may do the same. Typical presentations, investigative strategies, and management are discussed, as well as highlighting key diagnostic criteria and the importance of involving oral or dental specialists where diagnostic uncertainty exists.

How dental teams can help patients with temporomandibular disorders receive general dental care: An International Delphi process.

Background: Many patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) find it difficult to undergo dental care due to challenges caused by their condition, previous temporomandibular joint surgery or invasive dental procedures, and the impact of comorbid conditions. Managing routine dental care for some patients with TMD can be seen as challenging by some dental practitioners.

Objective: The objective of this study was to work with patients experiencing TMD and clinicians to co-produce recommendations aimed at helping general dentists to provide routine dental care for patients with TMD.

Monkeypox: what do dental professionals need to know?

Infection control is critical for the safe delivery of dental care. Infection control practices must be responsive to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and outbreaks, as was clearly seen during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. An emerging global outbreak of the monkeypox virus has again raised potential challenges for infection control in dentistry.

The effect of magnetic resonance imaging on mercury release from dental amalgam at 3T and 7T.

Objectives: To measure mercury release from standardised hydroxyapatite/amalgam constructs during MRI scanning and investigate the impact of static field strength and radiofrequency (RF) power on mercury release.

Methods: Amalgam was placed into 140 hydroxyapatite disks and matured for 14-days in artificial saliva. The solution was replaced, and samples split into five groups of 28 immediately prior to MRI.

Do oral piercings cause problems in the mouth?

Aim This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesise the current evidence for the association of oral piercings with oral complications.Data sources Research published before January 2022 was identified from the Cochrane Library, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and OpenGrey databases. Experts in the field were approached via email to request access to relevant ongoing studies and unpublished results.

What is the malignant transformation potential of oral lichen planus?

Data sources In this systematic review and meta-analysis, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) to identify studies assessing the risk of malignant transformation in oral lichen planus (OLP).Study selection Observational studies published in English between 2003-2020 were independently assessed for inclusion by two blinded investigators.Data extraction and synthesis Data were extracted independently by two investigators followed by discussion to reach consensus.

DEEP Study: Utility of the multidimensional pain inventory in persistent oro-facial pain.

Background: Persistent oro-facial pain (POFP) is disabling, and patients' treatment outcomes are difficult to predict; psychosocial factors play a role. The West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) is a self-report measure, which to our knowledge, has not been studied across primary and secondary care in heterogeneous POFP.

Objective: Assess the MPI's ability to predict clinical outcome in POFP patients across primary and secondary care settings receiving usual care.

The effect of high-speed dental handpiece coolant delivery and design on aerosol and droplet production.

Objectives: High-speed dental instruments produce aerosol and droplets. The objective of this study was to evaluate aerosol and droplet production from a novel electric micromotor handpiece (without compressed air coolant) in real world clinical settings.

Methods: 10-minute upper incisor crown preparations were performed in triplicate in an open-plan clinic with mechanical ventilation providing 3.

Evaluating splatter and settled aerosol during orthodontic debonding: implications for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction Dental procedures produce splatter and aerosol which have potential to spread pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Mixed evidence exists on the aerosol-generating potential of orthodontic procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate splatter and/or settled aerosol contamination during orthodontic debonding.

Evaluating contaminated dental aerosol and splatter in an open plan clinic environment: Implications for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives: Identify splatter/aerosol distribution from dental procedures in an open plan clinic and explore aerosol settling time after dental procedures.

Methods: In two experimental designs using simulated dental procedures on a mannequin, fluorescein dye was introduced: (1) into the irrigation system of an air-turbine handpiece; (2) into the mannequin's mouth. Filter papers were placed in an open plan clinic to collect fluorescein.

Evaluating aerosol and splatter following dental procedures: Addressing new challenges for oral health care and rehabilitation.

Background: Dental procedures often produce aerosol and splatter which have the potential to transmit pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. The existing literature is limited.

Objective(s): To develop a robust, reliable and valid methodology to evaluate distribution and persistence of dental aerosol and splatter, including the evaluation of clinical procedures.

Predicting orbital fractures in head injury: a preliminary study of clinical findings.

Purpose: Patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs) following head injury often undergo computed tomography (CT) of the head to exclude traumatic brain injury. In many cases, this does not show the maxillofacial skeleton. A proportion of these patients also sustain facial fractures, and when fractures involve the orbits, CT imaging is useful in diagnosis and management; obtaining a second scan may cause delay, incur greater cost, and increase radiation dose.

The Value of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in the Management of Dentigerous Cysts – A Review and Case Report.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has recently seen an expansion in use, however there are few robust, evidence-based guidelines to inform practitioners. This article reports the case of a large dentigerous cyst in the maxilla affecting the eruption of multiple teeth, considers the use of CBCT in the management of such lesions, and discusses guidelines on the use of CBCT in dentistry. Clinical relevance: As CBCT use increases it is important that practitioners understand the guidelines surrounding its use.

Identifying multiple origins of polyploid taxa: a multilocus study of the hybrid cloak fern (Astrolepis integerrima; Pteridaceae).

Premise Of The Study: Molecular studies have shown that multiple origins of polyploid taxa are the rule rather than the exception. To understand the distribution and ecology of polyploid species and the evolutionary significance of polyploidy in general, it is important to delineate these independently derived lineages as accurately as possible. Although gene flow among polyploid lineages and backcrossing to their diploid parents often confound this process, such post origin gene flow is very infrequent in asexual polyploids.