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Dentistry Journal Jun 2024Fear and anxiety are common psychological responses to unpleasant stimuli, with dental fear being the fourth most prevalent type of fear or phobia. However, not all...
BACKGROUND
Fear and anxiety are common psychological responses to unpleasant stimuli, with dental fear being the fourth most prevalent type of fear or phobia. However, not all dental procedures cause the same level of anxiety, with dental surgery and tooth extraction being among the top five most frightening procedures in the field. Tooth extractions are also the most common surgical procedure in dental surgery. It is important to manage anxiety in the dental office by identifying the main factors.
METHODS
The study was conducted on a group of 250 patients. The survey technique and the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) were used in the study. Pain and stress intensity on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were measured in each patient before and after tooth extraction procedures.
RESULTS
Young women and people from small towns had the highest levels of anxiety. The factor causing the highest level of anxiety was fear of complications. Patients undergoing extraction of retained teeth were characterized by higher levels of anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS
Perioperative stress is strongly dependent on numerous factors. For patient comfort, it may be crucial for dentists to have knowledge about these factors and the ability to utilize them to reduce stress before and after tooth extractions.
PubMed: 38920888
DOI: 10.3390/dj12060187 -
Dentistry Journal Jun 2024Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topical solution used for managing dental caries. The mixed-methods study consists of a quantitative study (questionnaire survey) and...
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topical solution used for managing dental caries. The mixed-methods study consists of a quantitative study (questionnaire survey) and a qualitative study (in-depth interview) to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards SDF among dentists in Vietnam. A descriptive approach and a thematic approach were performed to analyze data, respectively. The questionnaire survey invited 436 licensed dentists registered for the national annual dental meeting and 226 dentists participated (response rate: 52%). Among them, 174 (77%, 174/226) dentists knew SDF, and 69 (40%, 69/174) dentists used SDF for caries management. Most of them considered SDF therapy as non-invasive (84%, 146/174) and simple (80%, 140/174). However, most of them expressed concern that SDF could discolor the tooth (74%, 128/174). Their most preferred teeth for SDF therapy were primary posterior teeth (92%, 160/174). The in-depth interview consulted 16 dentists to reach data saturation. They learned about SDF from outside curriculum resources as an effective anti-caries agent. They understood the advantages (simple, non-invasive, timesaving) and disadvantages (tooth discoloring, ammonia odor) of SDF. They used SDF to arrest caries in uncooperative children in the clinic and people living in rural areas in outreach services. Most dentists in Vietnam are supportive of SDF therapy, and they know its advantages and disadvantages for caries management. The results addressed the aim of the study to investigate Vietnamese dentists' perspectives towards SDF.
PubMed: 38920870
DOI: 10.3390/dj12060169 -
Dentistry Journal May 2024Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is recognized as a significant chronic disease which affects the quality of life starting at very young ages and has a very rapid...
BACKGROUND
Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is recognized as a significant chronic disease which affects the quality of life starting at very young ages and has a very rapid evolution towards pulp complication and loss of dental tissue. Children with a high caries index DMFT are more likely to develop high levels of dental anxiety, which will influence the degree of cooperation during dental procedures. Emotions play an important role in the psychosomatic development of children, and all the factors that contribute to the modeling of these emotional states must be known and taken into consideration.
AIM
The aim of this study was to assess the association between dental anxiety in children with S-ECC and the color preferences for the components of the dental environment to reduce the levels of dental anxiety during medical visits.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
For this study, 91 children between 3 and 6 years of age diagnosed with S-ECC were selected from the Pediatric Dentistry Department of UMFST from Targu Mures and from a private dental office. The level of dental anxiety was determined by measuring the pulse rate, and a questionnaire was completed to establish the color preferences for the dental office environment and the dentist's attire. For this purpose, six different colors and their variants with three shades less intensity were chosen by using RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) identification codes for each color.
RESULT
The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the age of the subjects and dental anxiety levels, but there was no significant correlation between the DMFT score and dental anxiety. Also, the results showed that there was no significant difference between girls and boys when choosing the colors preferred by them for the dental office, but when comparing the colors that represented happiness, significant statistical difference was found between the girls' and boys' groups ( = 0.0039). For all the subjects, the colors associated with happiness were light yellow and pink, while the colors associated with anxiety were red and dark blue.
CONCLUSION
The data obtained showed that dental anxiety is strongly influenced by age, and an important role in inducing positive emotions is played by the dental environment if dressed in specific colors in order to reduce dental anxiety and create familiar conditions, especially for young children with S-ECC.
PubMed: 38920856
DOI: 10.3390/dj12060155 -
Dentistry Journal May 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of resident dentists and new graduates regarding the etiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of the main...
The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of resident dentists and new graduates regarding the etiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of the main medical emergency conditions. The study included a sample of 152 new graduates and residents in the first, second, and third year of training in Prosthodontics and General Dentistry from the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Iasi, Romania. Their level of knowledge and the attitudes were assessed using a questionnaire with 24 questions, divided into four sections. The differences among groups were identified using the chi-square test ( < 0.05). A high level of knowledge was found among the three groups of subjects for the questions regarding the recognition of clinical signs in hypoglycemic crisis (88-100%), in anaphylactic shock (83.3-94.5%), and the treatment of angina pectoris (76.2-84.2%). In contrast, a low level of knowledge was found for the questions regarding pulse evaluation in the case of an emergency (26.3-35.7%), the parameters of normal breathing (28.9-43%), and the treatment of hypoglycemic crisis (27.8-44.8%). The study indicated that the dentists had a moderate understanding of dental office medical emergencies and preferred practical training over theoretical courses.
PubMed: 38920849
DOI: 10.3390/dj12060148 -
Acta Odontologica Latinoamericana : AOL Apr 2024Differentiating orofacial odontogenic pain/disorders from pain/disorders associated with maxillary sinusitis is important to avoid unnecessary dentalprocedures and to...
UNLABELLED
Differentiating orofacial odontogenic pain/disorders from pain/disorders associated with maxillary sinusitis is important to avoid unnecessary dentalprocedures and to properly refer patients to colleagues/dentists and vice versa.
AIM
To analyze the association between apical lesions and sinus changes and to evaluate the agreement between the diagnoses of an endodontist, a radiologist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and an otolaryngologist.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
385 axial, coronal, and sagittal MSCT scans were selected using an image archiving andcommunication system (PACS). The examinations had been performed between 2018 and 2022.
RESULTS
Apical lesions were observed in 36.10% of sinusitis cases, 73.8% of unilateralsinusitis cases, 48.7% of sinus floor discontinuity cases, and 67.2% of cases in which endodontic treatment had been performed. Agreement between the diagnoses made by the endodontist and those made by the other investigators was high for most study variables (k > 0.60). The exceptions were mucosal thickening, for which agreement between the endodontist and the other investigators was intermediate (k=0.397), and the presence of periapicallesions (k=0.010), previous endodontic treatment (k=0.013), and mucosal thickness (k=0.024), for which agreement between endodontists and radiologists was low. Conclusions: There was an association between sinus changes and apical lesions.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Multidetector Computed Tomography; Adult; Periapical Diseases; Maxillary Sinusitis; Aged; Young Adult; Adolescent; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 38920129
DOI: 10.54589/aol.37/1/79 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest through various oral manifestations such as glossitis, glossodynia, recurrent ulcers, cheilitis, dysgeusia, lingual paresthesia,...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest through various oral manifestations such as glossitis, glossodynia, recurrent ulcers, cheilitis, dysgeusia, lingual paresthesia, burning sensations, and pruritus. These oral signs can serve as early indicators of systemic conditions such pernicious anemia.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 67 year old northern African female presented at the oral surgery service with complaints of a sore mouth and difficulty eating certain types of food. Her medical history revealed hypothyroidism and no history of gastrectomy. She was diagnosed with pernicious anemia in 2014 and is under hydroxocobalamin injection 5000μg/month since then. Dental history indicated extraction of all teeth, and in 2014, the patient was diagnosed with oral lichen planus. There were no contributory oral habits. Intraoral examination revealed a band like erythematous lesion on the palate with two superficial ulcerations, diagnosed as related to her pernicious anemia. The patient was prescribed a mouthwash containing sodium bicarbonate and corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. A low level laser therapy was also considered to reduce the burning sensations.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Pernicious anemia (PA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the gradual atrophy of the gastric mucosa, predominantly affecting the body and fundus of the stomach, leading to vitamin B12 deficiency. Its insidious onset often masks its presence. Patients have no anemic symptoms. However, they can present with oral manifestations related to vitamin B12 deficiency. Those oral signs can precede hematological symptoms helping in early diagnosis of PA.
CONCLUSION
Dentists and other oral health care providers must be aware of this condition and its oral manifestations. Investigating vitamin B12 levels should be considered in patients presenting with oral ulcers, oral erythema or burning sensations without an apparent origin.
PubMed: 38917702
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109931 -
Pilot and Feasibility Studies Jun 2024Dental caries remains a significant problem in England, affecting 11% of 3-year-olds and 23% of 5-year-olds. While current approaches have been extensively investigated,...
BACKGROUND
Dental caries remains a significant problem in England, affecting 11% of 3-year-olds and 23% of 5-year-olds. While current approaches have been extensively investigated, their ability to (1) control pain and infection; (2) prevent hospital admissions, and (3) be implemented within the National Health Service (NHS) contractual arrangements, remains unsatisfactory. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an alternative, non-invasive approach that has proven efficacy in arresting caries progression in primary teeth, principally from studies conducted outside of Europe. Its use in primary dental care in the UK is limited, despite the acknowledged need. The clinical and cost-effectiveness of SDF has not been compared to usual care in the UK. Before a pragmatic randomised controlled trial (RCT) can be conducted to compare SDF to usual care for caries management in young children, there are several uncertainties that require investigation. This study aims to establish whether such an RCT is feasible.
METHODS
This mixed-method parallel design study is a feasibility study with an embedded process evaluation, to compare SDF with usual treatment in primary dental care in the UK. It will be individually randomised, with 13 dentists and therapists, in 8 different dental primary care sites with a sample size of 80 child participants aged 1-8 years old. The aim will be to recruit ten participants per site with equal arm allocation. Follow-up will be for 1 year. The study will inform whether an RCT is feasible by resolving several key uncertainties. The acceptability and implementation of SDF and the research processes will be explored. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement representatives will be involved throughout recruitment and retention strategies, participant documentation, analysis, engagement and dissemination.
DISCUSSION
The ability to conduct an RCT will be evaluated. If feasible, this RCT has the potential to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-invasive approach for the management of untreated caries in young children. A feasibility study also offers the opportunity to consider factors associated with the implementation of SDF at an early stage through a process evaluation that will inform the definitive trial and an implementation strategy for SDF by identifying relevant barriers and facilitators.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06092151. Date: 19/10/2023.
PubMed: 38915111
DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01519-y -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024Healthy dietary behaviors are fundamental for maintaining optimal health. Understanding the dietary behaviors of dentists is vital for designing effective interventions...
BACKGROUND
Healthy dietary behaviors are fundamental for maintaining optimal health. Understanding the dietary behaviors of dentists is vital for designing effective interventions to foster healthier behaviors. However, investigations into dietary behaviors and their associations among dental professionals have been limited.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the dietary behaviors of dental professionals, along with the associated factors influencing their dietary options.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A self-administered online questionnaire was constructed to collect data from three groups of dental professionals: undergraduates (UG), postgraduates (PG), and practicing dentists (DT). The questionnaire encompassed inquiries regarding demographic characteristics, knowledge assessment, evaluation of attitudes, and examination of dietary behaviors. Data analysis procedures included descriptive statistics, Spearman's rank correlation, and multiple linear regression.
RESULTS
A total of 842 individuals participated in the study (UG: 264, PG: 247, DT: 331). Attitude emerged as the strongest association of healthy dietary behaviors across all groups (UG: ß=0.370, PG: ß=0.512, DT: ß=0.642; P < 0.001), while alcohol consumption showed a negative correlation with healthy dietary behaviors (UG: ß=-0.135, PG: ß=-0.220, DT: ß=-0.216; P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Significant variations in dietary behaviors across diverse educational levels of dental professionals were observed. Attitude emerged as the predominant factor influencing dietary behaviors, while knowledge was found to have a weak association. Tailored interventions addressing individual challenges at different career stages should be considered to enhance dietary behaviors and overall well-being in dental practice settings.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Adult; Dentists; Surveys and Questionnaires; Feeding Behavior; Educational Status; Health Behavior; Middle Aged; Diet; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Diet, Healthy
PubMed: 38914973
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04502-4 -
Cureus May 2024This study aimed to determine the age and reason of pediatric patients at the first visit and the barriers to a late visit.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the age and reason of pediatric patients at the first visit and the barriers to a late visit.
METHODOLOGY
A study was conducted among guardians of children attending the Outpatient Pediatric Dentistry Department. Children who visit the dentist for the first time were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used and the behavior of children was evaluated by using Frankl's scale. Descriptive statistics was used to explore the general data.
RESULTS
A total of 211 children had their first dental visit. The majority (n = 112, 53.1%) visited the dentist for the first time at the age of three to six years. Reasons for the first dental visit for most children were dental caries (n = 118, 32.8%) followed by dental pain (n = 114, 31.7%). More than half of the parents (n = 160, 75.8%) reported that the overall experience of the first visit was very good. The highest reported barriers to a late dental visit were that the child's not complaining of dental problems (n = 60, 20.5%) and dental fear and anxiety (n = 58, 19.8%).
CONCLUSIONS
Most of the children in this study visited the dentist for the first time beyond the internationally recommended age and the reason behind this visit is to relieve a specific chief complaint. Moreover, the barriers contributing to the postponement of a child's first dental visit vary in this study. The child not complaining of any dental problems and dental fear and anxiety were the highest reported barriers.
PubMed: 38910657
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60942 -
Cureus May 2024This study aimed to review the overall knowledge of oral cancer based on its clinical presentation as well as associated risk factors, attitudes towards oral cancer...
AIMS
This study aimed to review the overall knowledge of oral cancer based on its clinical presentation as well as associated risk factors, attitudes towards oral cancer examination, and practices among dentists in the northeastern region of India.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
A total of 300 dentists practicing in various parts of the northeastern region participated in this online cross-sectional study. A questionnaire consisting of 26 questions was mailed to the dentists requesting them to fill in the survey form. Based on their responses, knowledge of the risk factors of oral cancer, information on attitudes towards oral cancer examination, and clinical practices were attained.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Descriptive statistics was used for demographic variables. Unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the mean knowledge scores with demographic variables. The level of significance was set at P<0.05.
RESULTS
Overall, the knowledge of the risk factors of oral cancer was low among dentists. The majority were not familiar with the proper physical oral examination steps and considered oral medicine specialists to have a vital role.
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed areas in which the knowledge, attitudes, and practices were good to below average and identified areas where improvement is required. Gaps in dentists' knowledge of oral cancer could be identified; dentists displayed substandard knowledge of the clinical presentation as well as risk factors of oral potentially malignant disorders.
PubMed: 38910648
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60894