Prevalence and reasons for tooth loss in a sample from a dental clinic in Brazil

Performance of near-infrared light transillumination in the detection of occlusal caries lesions in deciduous teeth

BACKGROUND

This study compared the performance of near-infrared light transillumination (NILT; DIAGNOcam [DC]) in detecting occlusal caries lesions in deciduous molars with the performance of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), digital radiographic method (RX) and laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent pen [LFpen]).

METHODS

Fifty-seven extracted deciduous molars with no frank cavitation caries lesions were selected. One site per tooth was evaluated twice each by two examiners using all methods. Then, a histological examination was performed using a stereomicroscope. The performance of the methods was assessed with respect to two thresholds: D1 (all visible caries lesions affecting enamel) and D3 (caries lesions extended into dentin).

RESULTS

A weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for intra- and inter-observer reproducibilities, varying from 0.31 (RX) to 0.89 (LFpen). The intra-observer reproducibility at D1 and D3 thresholds varied from 0.51 (ICDAS) to 0.85 (DC) and from 0.30 (ICDAS) to 1.00 (RX), respectively. The inter-observer reproducibility varied from 0.28 (RX) to 0.47 (DC) and from 0.22 (LFpen) to 0.75 (DC), respectively. At the D1 threshold, higher sensitivity and accuracy were found for LFpen (0.76/0.71) and ICDAS (0.65/0.66); and higher specificities were found for RX (0.94), DC (0.79), and ICDAS (0.71). At the D3 threshold, all methods exhibited lower sensitivities (0.13-0.35) and higher specificity, accuracy, and area under the ROC curve values (0.70-1.00). All methods showed a correlation with histological results, especially for ICDAS and DC.

CONCLUSIONS

NILT technology (DC) and LFpen exhibited similar performance for the detection of occlusal caries lesions in deciduous molars when compared with ICDAS criteria.

Periodontitis and systemic inflammation as independent and interacting risk factors for mortality: evidence from a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have highlighted the role of low-grade systemic inflammation in linking periodontitis to cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, but many aspects remain unclear. This study examines the independent and reciprocal associations of periodontitis and low-grade systemic inflammation with all-cause and CVD mortality in a large-scale cohort.

METHODS

A total of 3047 participants from the prospective, population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-START) were followed for a period of 13.0 ± 2.4 years. For the association between various inflammation/periodontitis measures and mortality, hazard ratios (HRs) were obtained from covariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Interactions were analysed in joint models: on the multiplicative scale, HRs were reported and on the additive scale, relative excess risks due to interaction (RERI) were calculated. Subject and variable-specific interval records were used to account for time-varying exposures and covariates.

RESULTS

During the observation period, 380 (12.5%) individuals died from CVD (n = 125) or other causes (n = 255). All markers of periodontitis and inflammation showed apparent associations with all-cause mortality (HRs per SD-increase: mean PPD: 1.068 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.988-1.155), mean CAL: 1.205 (95% CI: 1.097-1.323), missing teeth: 1.180 (95% CI: 1.065-1.307), periodontitis score: 1.394 (95% CI: 1.202-1.616), leukocytes: 1.264 (95% CI: 1.163-1.374), fibrinogen: 1.120 (95% CI: 1.030-1.218), CRP: 1.231 (95% CI: 1.109-1.366), inflammation score: 1.358 (95% CI: 1.210-1.523)). For CVD mortality, all PPD related variables showed significant associations. Interaction modelling revealed some variation with respect to mortality type and exposure combinations. On the additive scale, RERIs for periodontitis score and inflammation score implied 18.9% and 27.8% excess mortality risk for all-cause and CVD mortality, respectively. On the multiplicative scale, the HRs for interaction were marginal.

CONCLUSIONS

Both periodontitis and inflammation were significantly associated with all-cause mortality and CVD mortality. On the additive scale, a substantial excess risk was observed due to the interaction of periodontitis and inflammation, suggesting that the greatest treatment benefit may be achieved in patients with both periodontitis and high systemic inflammation. As periodontal therapy has been reported to also reduce systemic inflammation, the possibility of a reduction in CVD mortality risk by anti-inflammatory treatments, including periodontal interventions, seems worthy of further investigation.

Clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with dental extractions in a clinical sample

The objective of the present study was to identify the reasons for dental extractions in patients seeking dental care in a university dental clinic in Mexico. This is a cross-sectional study that assessed 284 consecutive patients at the School of Dentistry, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico between August 2017 and November 2018. In total, 505 extractions were performed. The dependent variable was the reason for extraction: 0) dental caries and ensuing sequels (reference category); 1) periodontal disease and ensuing sequels; and 2) other reasons. Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and clinical variables were included as independent variables. The analysis was done with multinomial logistic regression (Stata 14.0). Out of all extractions, 63.6% (n=321) were due to dental caries and ensuing sequels; 22.0% (n=111) were due to periodontal disease and ensuing sequels; 5.3% (n=27) endodontic failure; 5.1% (n=26) prosthetic indications; 1.6% (n=8) orthodontic indications; and the rest (2.4%) were due to other reasons. In the multivariate model extractions due to periodontal disease vs dental caries were associated with occasionally smoking tobacco (Odds Ratio, OR=3.90) or daily tobacco use (OR=3.19); the tooth to be extracted having been previously restored (OR=2.35); extracted anterior as opposed to posterior teeth (OR =2.63); and patients with multiple extractions (OR=2.68). In the case of extractions due to "other reasons", no variable was significant. Dental caries and periodontal disease were the main reasons for dental extraction in this sample. Several variables, mostly clinical, were associated with extractions for periodontal reasons.

Associations between physical activity domains and oral health: an analysis of a Brazilian population-based study

Physical activity comprises four domains (leisure, transportation, domestic, and work activities) that may be differently associated with oral health. The aim of this study was to assess the association between each physical activity domain and oral health conditions in Brazilian adults. A total of 38,539 participants in the 2019 Brazilian Health Survey aged 30 years or older were analyzed. The outcomes were self-perceived oral health (dichotomous) and self-reported number of missing teeth (counts). The presence, frequency, and time of activity in each domain and their combination were analyzed as main exposures. Odds ratios (OR) and mean ratios (MR) were estimated by fitting multivariable models. Higher leisure time physical activity was the only domain associated with better self-perception of oral health (OR = 1.32; 95%CI 1.26-1.38) and lower tooth loss (MR=0.88; 95%CI 0.86-0.90). Higher levels of work, transportation, and household activities were significantly associated with worse self-perception of oral health, while higher levels of work- and transportation-related physical activities were also associated with greater tooth loss. When the total recommended weekly physical activity time was analyzed, no significant associations were found. Sensitivity analysis suggested that this pattern persists in potential periodontitis-related cases, such as when selecting older age or excluding individuals with no tooth loss. In conclusion, leisure physical activity was the only domain with the potential of reflecting the benefits of physical activity on oral health. The inclusion of other domains can confound this association.

Exodontia skills acquisition: Focusing on clinical teaching and training

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the research was to evaluate the traditional exodontia block course. The objectives were to explore the experiences and views of students, clinical teachers and dental practitioners of the various elements of the course curriculum.

METHODS

The study was a qualitative, participatory action research study using descriptive analysis. The study was conducted at a Dental Faculty in South Africa. A purposive sample of students, clinical teachers and dental practitioners were invited to participate. Focus group discussions were used to collect data which was analysed by an external coder.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 15 undergraduate dentistry students, 10 clinical teachers and seven dental practitioners. Four broad themes with sub-themes emerged from the study. The main themes identified strengths and deficiencies of the traditional course and made recommendations for its improvement. The themes identified were i) Integration of knowledge and skills, ii) Block course structure, iii) Challenges associated, and iv) Recommendations for improvement. Overall, the participants were satisfied that the course met its objectives. The results pertaining to clinical skills acquisition identified that teaching the use of elevators and luxators in the course, and standardisation of terminology among all clinical teachers as areas requiring attention. Teaching and learning strategies such as community-based learning, peer learning, case reviews, feedback and visual technology were viewed by the student, as well as clinical teacher samples, as strategies most beneficial to clinical learning.

CONCLUSIONS

The review of the curriculum for exodontia skills acquisition and development, provided several benefits. Firstly, this research served as a quality assurance indicator. It further highlighted many teaching and learning strategies that would improve clinical skills development, reduce stress and anxiety, and support student learning. To a large extent, pertinent information was obtained that served to inform the subsequent redesigning of the course. The findings of the study augment the literature currently available on the best practice for exodontia skills acquisition and development and provide baseline information for the planning and redesign of related courses.

Reasons for Tooth Extractions in Japan: The Second Nationwide Survey

Background

More than 10 years have passed since the first nationwide study on the reasons for tooth extraction in Japan. In the present study, we conducted the second nationwide survey to update the previous data.

Methods

This was a descriptive study. A sample population consisting of 5,250 dentists was selected by systematic random sampling using the 2018 membership directory of the Japan Dental Association. The reason for each permanent tooth extraction was documented by each dentist during a period of 1 week from June 4 to June 10, 2018. A questionnaire was provided for documentation. Reasons for tooth extraction were categorised into 6 groups as follows: caries, periodontal disease, fracture, orthodontics, impacted teeth, and others.

Results

A total of 2345 identified dentists responded to the questionnaire (recovery rate: 44.8%). Information on 7809 extracted teeth from 6398 patients was obtained. Periodontal disease was the main reason for tooth extraction for both sexes (men: 40.4%, women: 34.9%). Caries accounted for 30.2% of tooth extractions among men and 29.0% among women. Periodontal disease was predominant in the groups older than 55 years of age. Dental fracture accounted for 16.8% of tooth extractions among men and 19.2% among women.

Conclusions

Caries and periodontal disease are still the main reasons for tooth extraction in Japan. Moreover, dentists should note that fractures accounted for approximately one-fifth of permanent tooth extractions after the age of 45 years.

Self-reported prevalence of periodontal disease among the Spanish population and immigrants: 2006, 2011/12 and 2017: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Periodontal disease is one of the most common pathologies in the population. Self-reporting has been used as a diagnostic tool in large populations, among other reasons, to detect the needs of potentially vulnerable groups. This study evaluated the prevalence of periodontal disease in people of Spanish nationality and immigrants in Spain.

METHODS

This population-based, cross-sectional study was carried out using data obtained from National Health Interview Surveys (NHSs) carried out in 2006, 2011/2012 and 2017 in Spain. Subjects aged 16 years and older were included in the NHS-2006 and aged 15 years and older were included in the other NHSs. The following variables were self-reported by the participants: gum bleeding, tooth mobility, tooth extraction and missing teeth. Chi-square homogeneity tests were performed to assess the main associations between the independent variable (nationality) and the dependent variables (bleeding gums, tooth mobility, tooth extraction and missing teeth). Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the influences of the variables age and sex and their interactions on the main associations.

RESULTS

A total of 115,123 participants were included in the NHS-2006 (n = 37,327, 11.38% immigrants), NHS-2011/12 (n = 38,727, 14.39% immigrants) and NHS-2017 (n = 39,069, 13.71% immigrants). The variables directly related to periodontal disease were gum bleeding and tooth mobility. These were significantly associated with nationality in the NHS-2006 and NHS-2017 cohorts. In the NHS-2011/12 cohort, only tooth mobility was associated with nationality. After adjustments for sex, age, and their interactions, immigrant status was associated with increased odds of bleeding in only the NHS-2006 cohort (RR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.38-1.99, p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Immigrants in Spain have a lower probability of developing signs associated with periodontal disease than the Spanish population. Among the immigrant cohort, females and those in adult age groups had lower prevalence rates than their counterparts.

Risk Factors for Tooth Loss in Patients Undergoing Mid-Long-Term Maintenance: A Retrospective Study

In this retrospective study, we identified risk factors for tooth loss in patients undergoing mid-long-term maintenance therapy. We surveyed 674 maintenance patients for ≥5 years after active treatment who visited a dental clinic between January 2015 and December 2016. Of these, 265 were men (mean age 54.6 ± 8.0 years old) and 409 were women (mean age 54.0 ± 7.9 years old). Study variables included patient compliance, sex, number of teeth lost, cause of tooth loss (dental caries, periodontal disease, root fracture, others, vital or non-vital teeth), age at start of maintenance, number of remaining teeth at start of maintenance, smoking, use of salivary secretion inhibitors, presence of diabetes mellitus, condition of periodontal bone loss, and use of a removable denture. Most lost teeth were non-vital teeth (91.7% of all cases) and the most common cause of tooth loss was tooth fracture (62.1% of all cases). A statistically significant risk factors for tooth loss was number of remaining teeth at the start of maintenance (p = 0.003).

Important anatomical variations of the superior posterior alveolar artery: Studied by cone beam computed tomography

The knowledge of anatomical variations of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) is very important in surgeries for maxillary sinus (MS) elevation and subsequent insertion of dental implants, avoiding common and serious surgical complications. The main objective of this study was to analyse important anatomical variations of the PSAA by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations. 180 tomographic CBCT were analysed, and MS was divided into three equal regions: (I) anterior, (II) intermediate and (III) posterior. Variables evaluated were the visualisation of the artery, distance from the artery to the ridge crest, distance from the artery to the sinus floor, alveolar ridge height and arterial diameter. The PSAA visualisation was more prevalent in males and region III (76.7%). The distance from the artery to the sinus floor presented no significant difference between regions II and III, with both regions showing significantly lower values than region I. A significant difference was observed in the diameter of the arteries with higher prevalence of diameters >1.0 mm in males and <1.0 mm in females. The PSAA can be well visualised frequently with a CBCT, and differences in artery diameter were observed in relation to gender (males > females). Additional care is recommended when it is necessary to extend surgeries to the posterior MS region, avoiding haemorrhages that are associated with failures in these procedures.

Masticatory Dysfunction by Extensive Tooth Loss as a Risk Factor for Cognitive Deficit: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: An amount of cognition decline is normal with aging; however, intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors may exacerbate it, affecting social and occupational tasks. Masticatory dysfunction (MD), as a general term, refers to an impairment in the masticatory function triggered by a structural factor, such as tooth loss; functional factors, such as weaker bite force or a poorer masticatory performance; or both factors. MD acting as a source of chronic stress, promotes functional and morphological changes on the hippocampus, a brain area crucial for learning and memory abilities. This study aimed to synthesize evidence on the association between MD and cognitive deficit (CD), and demonstrate whether might be adequately considered as a risk factor.

Methods: Observational studies were screened in seven online databases; the search strategy (PECO) was focused in observational studies with humans as a population (P), presenting groups exposed (E), and non-exposed (C) to tooth loss, in which cognition parameters were measured and compared between groups (O). The final selection included only those studies comparing the effect in cognition between subjects having ≥20 remaining teeth and <20 remaining teeth, considering the latter as a structural factor triggering MD by the literature. Searching and data extraction were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Qualitative and risk of bias evaluations were performed. The meta-analysis (MA) was constructed including the odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) comparing two groups—with/without MD. The level of evidence was rated by Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results: In total, 5,666 citations were identified, 14 accomplished our eligibility criteria, and nine were include in the MA. The MA demonstrates that individuals with MD had 46% higher chance to presented CD (OR 2.24 [1.73, 2.90], p < 0.00001, I² = 46%). The level of evidence was rated as low by GRADE.

Conclusion: Despite the low certainty in evidence, according to our MA, MD is positively associated with increased risk of CD. However, more studies including other factors underlying MD and similar measurements should be conducted to obtain a strong estimate of the risk.

REASONS FOR LOSS OF THE PERMANENT TEETH IN PATIENTS IN KANO, NORTH WESTERN NIGERIA

BACKGROUND

Loss of permanent dentition is often of great concern to patients, apart from the aesthetic consequences in the anterior region of the mouth, such loss has no natural form of replacement.

AIM

To determine the pattern of tooth loss among patients attending the Dental Clinic at a Nigerian teaching hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The case files of patients who attended the Dental Clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano between January and December 2012 with one or more missing tooth were retrospectively analyzed. The information collected included age, gender, educational level, residential area, missing tooth/teeth and reasons for the loss. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 (Chicago, Illinois). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

A total of 1100 missing teeth were recorded involving 960 patients within the period of one year. Males comprises 520(54.2%) and females 440(45.8%). The most predominant age group was the 21-30 years with a mean of 29.53 +12.41 years and this comprised 48.2% of the cases. Caries related extractions (65.6%) were the most common cause of tooth loss followed by periodontal disease in 13.1% of cases and symptomatic impacted tooth in 9.8%. Gender affects the etiology of tooth loss was significant with males having more tooth loss (X²=52.93, df=6, P=0.001). There was a significant association between age and the pattern of tooth loss with tooth loss due to periodontal diseases occurring in the older age groups (X²=1071.67, p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Dental caries and periodontal diseases still remain the main causative factors for tooth loss in this environment, more common in men and rural dwellers.

Subgingival microbiota dysbiosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: association with periodontal status

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis results from the interaction between a subgingival biofilm and host immune response. Changes in biofilm composition are thought to disrupt homeostasis between the host and subgingival bacteria resulting in periodontal damage. Chronic systemic inflammatory disorders have been shown to affect the subgingival microbiota and clinical periodontal status. However, this relationship has not been examined in subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The objective of our study was to investigate the influence of SLE on the subgingival microbiota and its connection with periodontal disease and SLE activity.

METHODS

We evaluated 52 patients with SLE compared to 52 subjects without SLE (control group). Subjects were classified as without periodontitis and with periodontitis. Oral microbiota composition was assessed by amplifying the V4 region of 16S rRNA gene from subgingival dental plaque DNA extracts. These amplicons were examined by Illumina MiSeq sequencing.

RESULTS

SLE patients exhibited higher prevalence of periodontitis which occurred at a younger age compared to subjects of the control group. More severe forms of periodontitis were found in SLE subjects that had higher bacterial loads and decreased microbial diversity. Bacterial species frequently detected in periodontal disease were observed in higher proportions in SLE patients, even in periodontal healthy sites such as Fretibacterium, Prevotella nigrescens, and Selenomonas. Changes in the oral microbiota were linked to increased local inflammation, as demonstrated by higher concentrations of IL-6, IL-17, and IL-33 in SLE patients with periodontitis.

CONCLUSIONS

SLE is associated with differences in the composition of the microbiota, independently of periodontal status.

Evaluation of Root Fracture in endodontically treated Teeth using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

AIM

Our objective was to perform an in vitro evaluation of root fracture in endodontically treated teeth using two cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) machines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sample comprised 86 single-rooted human premolars that had been fractured by a universal testing machine. The tomographic images were acquired using an Orthopantomograph OP300^® and an Orthophos XG 3D^® and evaluated by three examiners, by means of specific software. The teeth were classified into presence or absence of root fracture, then the root third where the fracture occurred, was determined. With regard to the detection of the fracture, the Kappa statistic was used for intra and interexaminer repro-ducibility at two distinct points in time. Chi-squared test was employed to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the two tomographs (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The results showed a good or excellent Kappa index between examiners. As for the absolute frequency, the sensitivity (0.6) of the Orthophos XG 3D^® equipment was superior, while specificity (0.91) was higher with the Orthopantomograph OP300^®. On the receiver operating characteristics curve, moderate performance was found with an accuracy of 0.73 (OrthopantomographOP300^®) and 0.74 (Orthophos XG 3D^®) respectively. As far as the location of the root fracture is concerned, moderate agreement was verified using the Kappa statistic (k = 0.56).

CONCLUSION

Although the regular CBCTs represent the imaging examination of choice for assisting root fracture diagnosis in endodontically treated teeth, their performance in this study demonstrated an imprecise diagnosis of fractures in a good many cases, irrespective of the tomography machine used.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

An early and precise detection of root fractures is of the utmost clinical importance, but the radiopaque and/or metallic filling materials in the CBCT viewing field may generate artifacts, known as the beam-hardening effect, which could compromise root fracture detection.

Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl.) Miers Crude Extract and Fractions: Prevention of Dental Biofilm Formation and Immunomodulatory Capacity

Background:

Caries and periodontal diseases remain as important diseases in the Brazilian population. One important pathogen associated with this situation is Streptococcus mutans and other important factor is this pathogen's ability to adhere firmly to the tooth surface leading to dental biofilm formation and caries development.

Objectives:

Determine the antibacterial and other biological activities of P. venusta related to its potential to be used in the treatment of caries and periodontal disease.

Methods:

The growth inhibition by P. venusta of Streptococcus mutans, S. mitis, S. oralis and Candida albicans was determined using the broth microdilution method. In addition, the effect of the samples in adherence and reducing production of acids by S. mutans, and germ-tube formation of C. albicans was analysed. The Nitric Oxide (NO) production and cytotoxicity of P. venusta to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and RAW 264.7 Cell Line Murine Macrophage from Blood were assessed.

Results:

The crude extract (CE) and ethyl-acetate (AF) and n-butanol (BF) fractions showed antibacterial activity. The ethyl-acetate (AF) fraction showed the highest inhibition percentage against the adherence of S. mutans and C. albicans cells without budding, beyond NO production inhibition. There was not any cytotoxicity in the murine macrophages RAW 264.7 cells.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that P. venusta presents potential to be used as a preliminary source of compounds that can provide helpful activity when used in prophylaxis or treatment of caries or periodontal disease.

SUMMARY

Biological activities of Pyrostegia venusta and its potential for use in formulations for the prevention of oral diseases.

Abbreviations used: NO: Nitric oxide, PBMC: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells, CE: Crude extract, AF: Ethyl-acetate fraction, BF: n-butanol fraction, HF: Hexane fraction, WF: Water fraction, MIC: Minimum inhibitory concentration, MBC: Minimum bactericidal concentration, ATCC: American Type Culture Collection, CFU: Colony-forming units, BHI: Brain heart infusion, RPMI: Roswell Park Memorial Institute, MOPS: 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid, DMEM: Dulbecco's modified Eagle's médium, LPS: Lipopolysacharide, MTT: 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide, OD: Optical density, AC: Acteoside,

Intervention for replacing missing teeth: Different types of implants - evidence summary of updated Cochrane review

Around 1300 different types of dental implants are available worldwide and the implant manufacturers are resorting to aggressive marketing strategies; claiming their implants to provide a superior outcome. The clinician is left with a constant dilemma on which implant to choose for better clinical outcome and welfare of the patient. Moreover, in India, economical consideration is a concern too. The dentist has to select an implant that provides a good result and is economical. Cochrane systematic reviews provide the gold standard evidence for intervention, diagnosis, etc., and follow a strict quality control. A Cochrane systematic review was done to shed light on whether the different implant surface modifications, shapes or materials significantly influence clinical outcomes. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) till January 17, 2014 were searched and out of the 81 trials, only 27 met the inclusion criteria. This evidence summary from the review concludes that based on the available literature; there is no evidence of any one type of implant being superior to another. There is weak evidence showing roughened dental implants are more prone to bone loss due to periimplantitis. This review indicated that there is a need for well-designed RCTs, with long-term follow-up and low bias. Moreover, none of the included studies was from India, which also points out the need for improving the quality of RCTs conducted in India.

Reasons why erupted third molars are extracted in a public university in Mexico

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the reasons for which erupted third molars (3M) are extracted in a sample of Mexican patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 83 patients attending exodontia (minor oral surgery) clinics of a public university in Mexico (Autonomous University of Hidalgo State). The outcome variable was the reason for extractions using Kay and Blinkhorn's classification. The independent variables were age, gender, arch and tooth number according to the World Health Organization (WHO). For statistical analysis, we used the Chi-squared test in Stata 9.0.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients underwent 150 3M extractions. Mean age was 38.67 ± 13.96 years, and 71.1% were female. The four reasons for 3M extraction were prosthetic (44.0%), followed by orthodontic (24.7%), dental caries (20.0%) and periodontal disease (11.3%). Differences were observed in the reasons for 3M extractions across age groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences existed between men and women (p > 0.05), or the WHO tooth number (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Women and patients 18 to 34 years of age had erupted 3M extracted more frequently, primarily for prosthetic reasons. The age profile indicated a trend in demand for services that differ from those of overall tooth extractions, but not for the trend across gender.

Partially Edentulous Arches: A 5-Year Survey of Patients Treated at the Fluminense Federal University Removable Prosthodontics Clinics in Brazil

PURPOSE

This study investigated the number and Kennedy Classification of the edentulous arches in patients treated at the Removable Partial Denture (RPD) Clinics of the Fluminense Federal University School of Dentistry (FO-UFF) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2005 to 2010.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional retrospective survey was conducted on patient record charts to identify gender, age, number, and location of the edentulous arches, and Kennedy Class type.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-six patients were analyzed for this study (96 [65.8%] women and 50 [34.2%] men). Two hundred and ninety-two arches were analyzed: 74 arches (25%) were found with intact dentitions, 18 (6.1%) were edentulous arches, and 200 (68.8%) were partially edentulous arches. Ninety-one patients (62.3%) needed oral rehabilitation with RPDs on one arch and 55 (37.7%) in both arches. One hundred and eight (53.2%) partially edentulous mandibles and 92 (46.8%) partially edentulous maxillae were found. Kennedy Class I was more frequent in the mandibular arch (58 patients; 29%) whereas Kennedy Class III was more frequent in the maxillary arch (40 patients; 20%). Patients aged between 51 and 60 years presented the highest percentage of partially edentulous arches (33.6%).

CONCLUSION

Mandibular Kennedy Class I and maxillary Kennedy Class III presented the highest frequency in patients treated at the FO-UFF. These results are in agreement with previous studies that evaluated the different Kennedy classes in partially edentulous arches.