The epidemiology, nature, and impact of eating and swallowing problems in adults presenting with temporomandibular disorders.

Objective: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are the most common non-dental orofacial pain disorders. Research suggests that patients with TMDs experience eating and swallowing problems, although information is sparse, impacting effectiveness of management. Research aims were to investigate the epidemiology and impact of TMD-related eating and swallowing problems.

Magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging using constrained spherical deconvolution-based tractography of the extracranial course of the facial nerve.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) featuring constrained spherical deconvolution-based tractography in tracking the extracranial course of the facial nerve to provide a reliable facial nerve map to facilitate well-tolerated and effective tumor resection.

Study Design: Magnetic resonance DWI was conducted on 2 parotid-healthy cadaveric patients with various protocols to identify the best representation of the extracranial facial nerve tract. This was subsequently correlated to dissection of the facial nerves to ascertain anatomic validation.

Is Eminectomy Effective in the Management of Chronic Closed Lock?

Purpose: This study assesses the effectiveness of eminectomy in the management of chronic closed lock, refractory to conservative medical management in the largest multi-centred study of its kind in the UK, with a cohort of 167 patients. Temporomandibular mandibular joint disorder affects 30% of adults in the UK. Chronic closed lock is a well-documented sub-type.

Effect of One-Suture and Sutureless Techniques on Postoperative Healing After Third Molar Surgery.

Purpose: The wound closure technique for lower third molar surgery (LTMS) is an operative factor that influences wound healing and the occurrence of early postoperative complications. The present study investigated 2 closure techniques (partial closure using 1 suture and the suture-less technique) after use of a modified buccal envelope flap for LTMS.

Materials And Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind, split-mouth, controlled trial.

Prevalence, Nature, and Management of Oral Stage Dysphagia in Adults With Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Findings From an Irish Cohort.

Purpose: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are caused by changes in the structure and/or function of the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and/or osseous components. TMDs can result in oral stage dysphagia (OD) with potential effects on function and patient well-being. Little is known about the prevalence, nature, and management of TMD-related OD.

Quantitative Ultrasound of the Mandible as a Novel Screening Approach for Osteoporosis.

This study used an axial transmission quantitative ultrasound (QUS) device to assess mandibular bone strength. The aim of the study was first to establish the precision and repeatability of the axial transmission QUS measurement for a range of mandibular anatomic sites, and second to investigate the ability of the modality to differentiate between osteoporotic subjects and a control group. Three groups of adult Caucasian women were recruited: (1) healthy premenopausal women (n = 26), (2) healthy postmenopausal women (n = 48), and (3) women with osteoporosis (n = 53).

Preservation of the Vascularised Nasal Lining During Palatal Fenestration Procedures: A Simple 2 Step Technique.

Problem: During palatal fenestration procedure the vascularised, respiratory nasal lining is often sacrificed inadvertently. It normally functions to keep the inhaled air warm, humid and dust free.

Conclusion: This vascularised nasal lining when uninvolved oncologically can easily be preserved.

The non-healing extraction socket: a diagnostic dilemma - case report and discussion.

Statement Of The Problem: Delayed healing, or failure of the alveolus to heal post exodontia, is not an uncommon finding in both primary care and hospital practice. Local factors dominate and the majority of cases are the result of clot dissolution, secondary infection, foreign bodies, etc. However, potentially life-threatening, malignant lesions complicating healing can be overlooked and underestimated due to their rare occurrence.

Prospective audit of postoperative instructions to patients undergoing root canal treatment in the DDUH and re-audit following introduction of a written patient information sheet.

Statement Of The Problem: Concerns were expressed that postoperative written instructions following endodontic treatment are not available in the Dublin Dental University Hospital.

Materials And Methods: Data was collected in three phases: retrospective analysis of clinical notes for evidence of the delivery of postoperative instructions; a randomly distributed questionnaire to patients undergoing root canal treatment prior to the introduction of a written postoperative advice sheet; and, another survey following introduction of the advice sheet.

Results: Some 56% of patients' charts documented that postoperative advice was given.

Does access to general dental treatment affect the number and complexity of patients presenting to the acute hospital service with severe dentofacial infections?

Aim: This is a retrospective study to review the treatment and management of patients presenting with odontogenic infections in a large urban teaching hospital over a four-year period, comparing the number and complexity of odontogenic infections presenting to an acute general hospital in two periods, as follows: Group A (January 2008 to March 2010) versus Group B (April 2010 to December 2011). The background to the study is 'An alteration in patient access to primary dental care instituted by the Department of Health in April 2010'.

Objectives: a) to identify any alteration in the pattern and complexity of patients' presentation with odontogenic infections following recent changes in access to treatment via the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) and the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme (DTBS) in April 2010; and, b) to evaluate the management of severe odontogenic infections.

Sports-Related Maxillofacial Injuries.

Background: Sports-related maxillofacial injuries contribute a significant proportion of the workload in a maxillofacial unit. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of maxillofacial sports-related injuries, treatments required, and assess the impact of the injury on future sport participation.

Method: A retrospective review was carried out on all maxillofacial trauma referrals from September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2010.

Smoking cessation and the role of the dental practitioner.

As dentists we are uniquely positioned to influence the rate of tobacco smoking and could contribute to a decrease in the associated mortality and morbidity. The detrimental effects of smoking on oral health are well established; thus, a structured approach to initiate smoking cessation, help to manage the initial phase of withdrawal symptoms, and provide long-term support is an important role for our profession. It has been shown that smoking cessation advice for even a few minutes increases long-term smoking abstinence rates by 5%, which can be increased by 50-70% with the use of adjunctive pharmacotherapy, e.