Dalia Abdullah

Association of dental trauma experience and first‐aid knowledge among rugby players in Malaysia

OBJECTIVES To assess and compare the knowledge of rugby players regarding first-aid measures for dental injuries. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at rugby tournaments in 2009 and 2010 on players aged 16 and over. Convenient sampling was performed. A total of 456 self-administered questionnaires were returned. Data collected were analysed using SPSS 21. Descriptive analysis was undertaken for the demographic data. The subjects were classified according to their experience of sustaining each type of injury. Cross-tabulation and chi-square tests were carried out to compare the responses. When the expected cell count was less than five, Fishers exact test was used. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS The prevalence of self-reported dental injuries was as follows: tooth fracture (19.3%), luxation (6.6%) and avulsion (1.1%). Significant differences were found, whereby 52.2% of those who had no history of tooth fracture were more likely to seek immediate treatment (P < 0.001), whereas 42% of those who previously experienced tooth fracture claimed that they would only visit a dentist if they experienced pain (P = 0.001). Management of luxation and avulsion did not differ significantly between the groups. However, about half of those who did not have a history of tooth avulsion admitted to not knowing the correct answer, while three of five casualties would keep the tooth iced. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of the management of tooth fracture and storage medium differs between previous casualties and non-casualties. Overall, knowledge of dental trauma management was insufficient, suggesting the need to educate and train the players.

An interdisciplinary approach for management of an extensive carious premolar

The principle of ferrule effect is of prime importance when restoring an endodontically treated tooth. A severely broken down tooth due to subgingival caries almost always end up with extraction as inadequate ferrule effect would compromise the predictability of restorative treatment. This clinical case report describes a treatment approach that combines non-surgical endodontic treatment, orthodontic extrusion and prosthetic rehabilitation to restore the function and aesthetic aspect of an extensively carious premolar with compromised prognosis. One year follow-up indicated stable periodontal health with evidence of periapical healing radiographically.

Perception of Final Year Dental Students on Pattern of Medication for Pulpitis

Background: Numerous studies have examined the pattern of various analgesics and antibiotics prescribed by primary dental health care practitioners to manage irreversible pulpitis. Aim: To determine the pattern of medicines for irreversible pulpitis in undergraduate dental students. Methodology: A cross sectional survey of open ended questionnaire based on dental scenarios of irreversible pulpitis for child, pregnant woman and apical periodontitis for man was carried out at department of operative dentistry. The questionnaire sought mock medications by the 5th year undergraduate dental students. Responses (n=111) were collected and analysed by frequency for drug prescribed. Data included the name of medicines, dose and presentation of the drugs. Results: Of the 57 distributed questionnaires, 37 (63%) respondents returned completed forms. A total of 24 (64.8%) of the respondents were female. Majority of mock prescriptions (97.4%) had a combination of antibiotics and analgesics to male patients having apical periodontitis. Almost 25% suggested antibiotics to the pregnant women of 1st trimester, while 81.9% suggested antibiotic and analgesic in tablet form to a child patient. In analgesic and antibiotics groups, acetaminophen (75.5%) and amoxicillin (56.7%) were highest respectively. Abbreviated drug name (11.7% analgesic and 0.9% antibiotic), and incorrect strengths (7.3% antibiotics and 14 % analgesics) were found. Conclusion: Amoxicillin and acetaminophen were primary medication for irreversible pulpitis. More clinical training on medication is suggested.