Go Bassey

Comparative study of the effect of warm saline mouth rinse on complications after dental extractions.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of saline mouth rinse on postoperative complications following routine dental extractions. Patients aged ≥16 years, who were referred to the oral surgery clinic with an indication for non-surgical extraction of pathologic teeth, were prospectively and uniformly randomized into three groups. Group A (n=40) were instructed to gargle six times daily with warm saline and group B (n=40) twice daily; group C (n=40) were not instructed to gargle with warm saline and served as controls. Information on demographic characteristics, indications for extraction, and the development of complications, such as alveolar osteitis, acute inflamed socket, and acute infected socket, was obtained and analyzed. There were no significant differences between patients who gargled six times daily with warm saline and those who gargled twice daily with reference to either alveolar osteitis or acute inflamed socket (P>0.05). However saline mouth rinses at either frequency were beneficial in the prevention of alveolar osteitis in comparison with those who did not rinse. A twice-daily saline mouth rinse regimen is more convenient, and patient compliance may be better than with a six times daily rinse regimen.

Indications and risk factors for complications of lower third molar surgery in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Background: The surgical extraction of impacted third molars is a common oral surgical procedure, and it is often associated with complications such as sensory nerve damage, dry socket, pain, swelling, trismus, infection and hemorrhage. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the surgical indications and risk factors for complications of third molar surgery at a Nigerian teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: Medical records of patients referred to the Oral Surgery Clinic of our institution for surgical extraction of their impacted mandibular third molars from January 2008 to December 2010 were retrospectively examined. Information on patients′ demography, types of impaction, operative parameters and complications were obtained and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 13), Chicago, IL, USA. A P < 0.0.5 was considered significant. Results: A total of 330 impacted teeth were extracted from 250 patients. Male comprises (104/250 [41.6%]) and female (146/250 [58.4%]). The mesioangular (176/330 [53.4%]) and distoangular (73/330 [22.1%]) impactions were the commonest types. Recurrent pericoronitis (154/330 [46.7%]) was the most common indication for extraction. The complications were delayed healing (19/330 [5.8%]), alveolar, osteitis (9/330 [2.7%]) and injury to alveolar nerve (2/330 [0.6%]). Cigarette smoking (P < 0.001), Oral contraceptives use (P = 0.01), age of the patient (P = 0.03) and the surgeon′s experience (P = 0.04) were found to be significantly associated with the development of alveolar osteitis; nerves injuries were significantly associated with the raising of a lingual flap (P < 0.001) and the technique of surgery ( P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The age of the patient, cigarette smoking and oral contraceptive use at the time of surgery are some of the factors affecting outcome in third molar surgery.

Maxillofacial tumors and tumor-like lesions in a Nigerian teaching hospital: an eleven year retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND This paper reviews the types, prevalence and demographic distribution of maxillofacial tumors, cysts and tumor-like lesions in a Nigerian population. METHODS A retrospective analysis of the medical records and histological reports of patients with oral and maxillofacial tumors and cystic lesions who presented to the Maxillofacial Unit of our institution over an eleven year period was undertaken. Information on demographics, histological diagnosis and clinical presentation were obtained and analyzed. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS A total o:f 146 patients, aged 5-70 years (mean 30.5± 12.9) were seen over the period of study. There were 96 males (65.8%) and 50 females (34.2%) giving a male to female ratio of almost 2:1. Benign tumors accounted for 124, 86.3% and malignant tumors (22, 13.7%). Ameloblastoma was the most prevalent benign tumor observed (53, 36.3%) while squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignant tumor. The peak age of ameloblastoma was the fourth decade and squamous cell carcinomas the sixth and seventh decades of life. Jaw swellings were the most common presentation (98, 67.1%), followed by pain (23, 15.9). The duration of symptoms on presentation ranged from 1 to 96 months (mean 23.32 ±15.72) and this was not different for malignant or benign tumors (P=0.886). CONCLUSION Late presentation still remains the main challenging factor in the early detection and management of maxillofacial tumors in our environment. More awareness campaign is necessary, especially at the primary health care level, to educate the populace on the need for early presentation at treatment centers.

Management of Ludwig's Angina in Pregnancy: A Review of 10 Cases

Background: Ludwig′s angina is a rapidly spreading cellulitis that may produce upper airway obstruction often leading to death. Aim: The present paper reviews the management of Ludwig′s angina in the third trimester of pregnancy. The inherent dangers to the mother and her unborn child are highlighted. Materials and Methods: The case files of pregnant patients who had emergent incision and drainage for life-threatening facial cellulitis at the maxillofacial unit of the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano, Nigeria, over a 2 year period were retrieved and demographic and clinical characteristics were retrospectively obtained and analyzed descriptively using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 13.0, for Windows, September 2004, Chicago, Illinois). Comparative statistics were determined using Pearson′s Chi-square, Fisher′s exact tests and independent t tests as appropriate. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 10 patients were seen within the study period, age ranges from 23 to 40 years, mean 29.5 (5.3) years. Majority of the women were in their third decade [60% (6/10)] while the remaining 40% (4/10) were in their fourth decade of life. Two of the patients presented within the period of less than 1 week of onset of symptoms while those who presented within the periods of 1-2 weeks and periods of over 2 weeks accounted for 50% (5/10) and 30% (3/10) respectively. All the patients presented during the third trimester of their pregnancy and odontogenic infections were responsible for 80% (8/10) of the Ludwig′s angina. There were 20% mortality among the patients and this was significant for those with underlying systemic conditions (P = 0.02). The time of presentation was not significant for the survival rate of the gravid patient (P = 0.36) but was significant for survival of the fetus (P = 0.01). Conclusion: During a life-threatening infectious situation such as Ludwig′s angina, risks of maternal and fetal morbidity include both septicemia and asphyxia. Attending clinicians must consider the risks that the condition and the possible treatments may cause the mother and her unborn child.

Oral health among antenatal care attendees in Calabar, Nigeria

The objective of this study is to determine the oral health habits, awareness, oral health education and treatment needs among pregnant women who attend the antenatal clinics at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. A total of 252 women at different stages of pregnancy responded to an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Of those, 238 (94.4%) of the respondents used toothbrush and toothpaste for oral cleaning, while 12 (4.8%) used a combination of toothbrush/toothpaste and local chewing sticks. Two (0.8%) adhered to the use of chewing sticks only. A total of 34 (13.5%) respondents were aware of and used dental services while pregnant; 18 (52.9%) of those who presented with dental complaints during pregnancy had bleeding gums. Based on the level of awareness of the need to attend a dental clinic during pregnancy (26.2%) and the percentage of respondents willing to have a dental examination during pregnancy (83.3%), it is recommended that oral health education be incorporated into the antenatal counselling of pregnant women in Nigeria.

Spontaneous bone regeneration after segmental mandibular resection: a retrospective study of 13 cases

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of cases of spontaneous bone regeneration of the mandible after segmental resection. This retrospective study covered a 23-year period and used data obtained from the hospital records; patient data were entered into a pro-forma questionnaire. Overall, the cases of 636 patients with mandibular lesions treated by segmental resection were reviewed; 13 (2.0%) had spontaneous bone regeneration. The time post-surgery at which bone regeneration was first noticed ranged from 9 to 17 weeks. Seven patients were male (53.8%) and six were female (46.2%), giving a male to female ratio of 1.2:1. The patients ranged in age from 16 to 51 years (mean 26.6±3.6 years). The periosteum was completely excised after resection in eight patients (61.5%), while it was partially preserved in five (38.5%). The younger the patient, the earlier the spontaneous bone regeneration occurred in the defect (P=0.001), particularly in those who had complete excision of the periosteum. Radiographically, the new bone formed was observed to have the same appearance as the cortical bone of the mandibular stumps, but lacked height. This study suggests that bone graft reconstructions may still be necessary for this group of patients who show spontaneous bone regeneration.

Analysis of 46 cases of malignant jaw tumours in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: The occurrence and distribution of malignant jaw tumours differs across the globe because of differences in geographical, cultural, racial, and socioeconomic factors. The aim of this study was to determine the types and pattern of malignant jaw tumours in Calabar, located in South-South Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The histopathologic results, as well as demographic and clinical information of all consecutive patients diagnosed of having a malignant jaw tumour at the Oral and Maxillofacial Unit of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria from January 2000 to December 2013 was retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 46 (25.1%) out of the 180 cases of jaw neoplasms seen over the 14 year period were malignant. There was a slight male predominance with a ratio of 1.7:1 and the age ranged from 4 to 70 years, mean (standard deviation) 34.6 (4.56) years. The most common malignant lesion was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n = 20; 43.5%), followed by Burkitt lymphoma (n = 8; 17.4%). The gender distributions of the lesions were significant, with more SCC seen in females in a ratio of 1.5:1 in relation to males. Osteosarcoma (n = 6; 13%) and rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 4; 8.7%) were observed only in males and females, respectively. About half of the lesions occurred in the mandible (47.8%). The age distribution of lesions was significant (P < 0.001), with SCC frequently seen in the sixth and seventh decades while Burkitt′s lymphoma and rhabdomyosarcoma were seen around the first decade. Clinical presentations ranged from swelling (n = 31), pain (n = 26), loosed teeth (n = 15), toothache (n = 11) to missing teeth (n = 9) among others and occurring either singly or in two or more combinations. The duration of symptoms on presentation ranged from 1 to 46 months, mean 21.7 (13.12) months and this was not different for male or female (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Oral cancer awareness campaign and advocacy is necessary to steer the awareness of the population on the need for regular dental visits, early recognition, and the dangers associated with late presentation of orofacial malignancy.

Prevention of alveolar osteitis after third molar surgery: Comparative study of the effect of warm saline and chlorhexidine mouth rinses

Background: Chlorhexidine mouth rinses have a proven efficacy for the prevention of alveolar osteitis after third molar surgery. This study compares the efficacy of warm saline rinse, a component of postextraction instructions, with that of chlorhexidine in our institution over a period of 2 years. Patients and Methods: Apparently healthy patients who were referred to the Oral Surgery Clinic of our institution, with an indication for surgical extraction of lower third molar were prospectively, consecutively, and uniformly randomized into warm saline and chlorhexidine groups. The experimental group (n = 50/100) were instructed to gargle twice daily with warm saline, whereas the chlorhexidine group (n = 50/100) were instructed to gargle with 0.12% chlorhexidine. Information on demographic, types and level of impaction, indications for extraction, and development of alveolar osteitis were obtained and analyzed. Comparative statistics were done using Pearsons Chi-square, Fishers exact, or Mann–Whitney U-tests as appropriate. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The demographic, types and level of impaction as well as indications for extractions were comparable between the study groups (P > 0.05). The overall prevalence of alveolar osteitis was 5%. There was no statistically significant difference between application of warm saline and 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse with respect to the development of alveolar osteitis (P = 0.648). Conclusion: Warm saline mouth rinse is equally as effective as chlorhexidine mouth rinse, as prophylaxis against prevention of alveolar osteitis after third molar surgery.

Epidemiology and management of life-threatening hemorrhage secondary to maxillofacial injuries: Analysis of 14 cases in a Nigerian tertiary care center

Background: Life-threatening hemorrhage from the maxillofacial region is a rare occurrence. In this study, the management of maxillofacial patients with life-threatening acute blood loss in a Nigerian tertiary health care facility is presented. Materials and Methods: Data on the management of all consecutive patients who presented to the Accident and Emergency department of our institution with life-threatening hemorrhage arising from trauma to the oral and maxillofacial region were prospectively collected over a 4-year period. The information obtained included demographics, etiology, vital signs at presentation, interval between injury and presentation, nature and mechanism of injury, sources of bleeding, treatment done, postoperative follow-ups, and outcome. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 13, SPSS Inc, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Statistical significance was set at a P < 0.05. Results: Fourteen patients (males = 12; female = 2) with age ranging from 17 to 65 years, mean 29.8 ± 12.82 years were managed within the study period. Majority of the victims were students (n = 7; 50%), and assault (n = 6; 42.9%) and road traffic accidents (n = 5; 38.5%) were the dominant modes of injury. The source of intraoral bleeding was from fractured mandible (n = 2) and lacerated tongue. The time interval between injury and time of presentation at treatment center ranged from 50 min to 1380 min (about 23 h), with a mean time interval of 275.1 ± 446.02 min. Ligation of the bleeder vessels combined with suturing of lacerations (n = 10; 71.4%) was the most common methods of arrest of hemorrhage in affected patients. Three of the patients required transfusion of whole blood plus intravenous infusion of crystalloids. The other eleven cases received only crystalloids. Conclusion: Early presentation achieved by prompt referral to a health facility with the requisite workforce and facility will bring about good treatment outcome and avoid preventable deaths.

Use of oral mucoperiosteal and pterygo-masseteric muscle flaps as interposition material in surgery of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: A comparative study

Background: The most common complication of surgery for the release of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is relapse of the ankylosis. To prevent re-ankylosis, a variety of interpositional materials have been used. Aim: The aim was to compare the surgical outcome of oral mucoperiosteal flap, not hitherto used as interpositional material, with pterygo-masseteric muscles flap after surgical release of TMJ ankylosis. Subjects and Methods: This was a prospective randomized study of all consecutive patients treated for the release of complete TMJ bony ankylosis, from January 2003 to December 2012, at the Oral and Maxillofacial unit of our institution. The patients were randomized into two groups: The pterygo-masseteric group comprises 22 patients while the oral mucoperiosteal group had 23 patients. Information on demographics, clinical characteristics, and postoperative complications over a 5 year follow-up period were obtained, and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 13, Chicago, IL, USA). A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 15 to 28 mean 20.3 (3.35) years while the duration of ankylosis ranged from 2 to 16 mean 5.1 (3.4) years. The baseline demographic (gender; P = 0.92; side; P = 0.58) and clinical characteristics in terms of etiology (P = 0.60) and age (P = 0.52) were comparable in both treatment groups. All the patients presented with complete bony TMJ ankylosis with a preoperative inter-incisal distance of <0.5 cm. The intraoperative mouth opening achieved ranged from 4 cm to 5 cm, mean 4.6 (0.27) cm and this was not different for either group (P = 0.51). The patients were followed up postoperatively for a period ranging from 3 to 5 years, mean 3.4 (0.62) years. The mouth opening decreased, over the period of postoperative review, from the initial range of 4-5 cm to 2.9-3.6 cm, and this was not different in both groups (P = 0.18). Conclusion: This study suggests that oral mucoperiosteal flap could be an option in the choice of interpositional materials in surgery of TMJ ankylosis.