Exploring deep caries management and barriers to the use of vital pulp treatments by primary care dental practitioners.

Aim: The European Society of Endodontology outlines best practices for the management of deep caries and the pulp. Despite evidence supporting vital pulp treatments (VPTs) as predictable alternatives to conventional endodontic treatment, studies have shown they are not widely adopted in the UK. This study aimed to explore the barriers to implementation of VPTs by primary care general dental practitioners (GDPs).

Oxford hip and knee scores deteriorate in patients awaiting lower limb arthroplasty during the COVID-19 pandemic and predict a health state 'worse than death'.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to elective orthopaedic services. The primary objective of this study was to examine changes in functional scores in patients awaiting total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Secondary objectives were to investigate differences between these groups and identify those in a health state 'worse than death' (WTD).

Class II composite restoration technique teaching: A randomised controlled crossover laboratory-based trial involving a novel ringless sectional matrix technique.

Introduction: Objectives were to assess how different techniques (including a novel ringless sectional matrix approach) affect students' restorative outcomes, and their preferences for and preparedness to clinically implement new techniques with the aim of introducing appropriate techniques to the undergraduate curriculum.

Materials And Methods: Students performed two class II composite restorations in plastic teeth using two sectional matrix techniques (separating ring vs. without [ringless]), and two composite restorative techniques (incremental vs.

Matrix transfer techniques for direct paste composite resins.

This article discusses potential concerns and important considerations when selecting and using matrix transfer techniques for the direct, definitive addition of composite resin to teeth. It also provides guidance to aid these processes with the use of case studies, primarily focusing on the management of tooth wear.

Sectional matrix solutions: the distorted truth.

Sectional matrix techniques offer more predictable solutions to achieving contact areas when placing direct interproximal posterior composites than circumferential matrix techniques, resulting in reduced reported complaints of food packing from patients. Despite this, a large majority of UK dentists and therapists don't currently use them. Sectional matrix systems are technique-sensitive to use, which can be a barrier to implementation for inexperienced users.

How is carious pulp exposure and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis managed in UK primary dental care?

Aim: To investigate attitudes and approaches of UK primary care dentists to carrying out vital pulp treatment (VPT) after carious exposure and with additional signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis.

Methodology: An electronic questionnaire was openly distributed via publicly funded (NHS) local dental committees, corporate dental service-providers, professional societies and social media. Principally NHS practitioners and those from mixed and private practice were targeted, in addition to community and military dental officers, and dental therapists.

The management of deep caries in UK primary care: A nationwide questionnaire-based study.

Aim: To investigate current approaches and attitudes towards the management of deep caries in primary dental care within the United Kingdom (UK).

Methodology: Open distribution of an electronic questionnaire survey was undertaken to primary care dental professionals working in publicly funded National Health Service [NHS], privately funded, military and community dental services. Demographic variables investigated included the following: place of qualification, method of remuneration, level of restorative training, materials available, years qualified, appointment length and clinician type.

Preserving pulp vitality: part two - vital pulp therapies.

Vital pulp therapies (VPTs) aim to preserve the vitality of the pulp. The European Society of Endodontology have begun a campaign to raise awareness on the efficacy of VPTs following on from the publication of their 2019 position statement, aimed at both specialists and general dental practitioners. This review examines the current evidence surrounding VPTs and provides a rational approach to the management of the exposed pulp with the aid of case studies.

Preserving pulp vitality: part one - strategies for managing deep caries in permanent teeth.

This is the first article in a series reviewing the current literature surrounding the management of deep caries in permanent teeth. Approaches to caries management are continuing to evolve, with more conservative management increasingly favoured. This philosophy has never been more important than in managing the deep carious lesion.

Papilla management in sub-gingival, interproximal, direct composite restoration: a key step to success.

Correctly managing interdental papillae is a key step in producing satisfactory, interproximal, direct composite restorations. This article discusses techniques to facilitate the restoration of sub-gingival cavities and suggests a decision-making workflow that can be applied in this challenging situation.

CRP monitoring in fractured neck of femur. A waste of resource?

Aim: We aim to assess post-operative CRP serum values in a cohort of patients who underwent surgical treatment for neck of femur fracture (NOF#), and whether CRP is a valid tool for the assessment of these patients post-operatively.

Study Design And Methods: Retrospective analysis was carried out on all NOF#'s admitted for surgical fixation between August 2015 and July 2016 in a district general hospital. Primary analysis included serum CRP levels until day 7 post-operatively, with secondary analysis of any documented evidence of post-operative complications (medical and surgical) within 30 days post-operatively.

Novel technique to accurately measure femoral diameter using a Thomas splint.

Introduction: During surgical management of femoral shaft fractures, difficulties arise when treating patients with narrow femoral diaphyseal canals, such as young patients and those with dysplastic femurs secondary to underlying pathology. Accurate pre-operative assessment of the femoral diaphyseal canal diameter would allow the surgeon to plan surgical technique and ensure appropriate equipment was available, such as narrow, unreamed or paediatric sized nails.

Technique: When secured to the patient both longitudinal rods of the main Thomas Splint component lie parallel with the femoral shaft and horizontal to the radiographic x-ray plate.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Closed Surgical Wounds in Musculoskeletal Oncology Patients - A Case-Control Trial.

Unlabelled: Following excision of musculoskeletal tumours, patients are at high risk of wound issues such as infection, dehiscence and delayed healing. This is due to a multitude of factors including the invasive nature of the disease, extensive soft tissue dissection, disruption to blood and lymphatic drainage, residual cavity and adjuvant therapies. The use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has a growing body of evidence on its beneficial effect of wound healing such as promoting cell differentiation, minimising oedema and thermoregulation.