Rafi Ahmad Togoo

Conversion of palatal rugae pattern to scanable Quick Response code in an Arabian population

Backgroud/purpose Palatal rugae (PR) are situated in the anterior part of the hard palate and possess unique and stable characteristics that can be used in human identification. Their pattern of orientation is established early in life and remains stable thereafter. The purposes of this study were to convert PRP into alphanumeric codes in order to generate scanable Quick Response (QR) codes, to demonstrate uniqueness of PRP using the codes in the study population, and to determine the sexual dimorphism of PRP in the study population. Materials and methods Orthodontic dental casts of 256 Saudi male and female patients were photographed after ensuring standardization. Individual rugae characteristics, strength and their displacement from incisive papilla and midpalatine raphe were recorded in the form of an alphanumeric code which was subsequently converted to a QR code. Computer assisted check was performed for possible match in the 256 alpha numeric codes while QR codes were scanned using a bar code scanner to determine uniqueness. Sexual dimorphism of palatal rugae (PR) was also analysed. Results All alphanumeric codes of the study population were unique. Mean number of PR in males and females differed significantly (P = 0.0001). Differences in rugae characteristics and strengths in males and females were also present. Conclusion The alphanumeric and QR code of the rugae pattern are unique for each individual and can be used for digital record keeping and person identification. A high degree of sexual dimorphism in PR exists in the studied Arab population studied.

Knowledge and Practice of Pulp Therapy in Deciduous Teeth among General Dental Practitioners in Saudi Arabia

Background: It has been observed that the general dentists and pedodontists differ in their treatment recommendations for pulp therapy in deciduous teeth. Aim: To determine the knowledge and practice of pulp therapy in deciduous teeth by general dental practitioners (GDP) in two cities of southern Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: Fifty GDP selected at random from government and private dental clinics were questioned about pulp therapy in deciduous teeth in Abha and Najran cities using a 10-item questionnaire. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 11.0 and descriptive statistics were obtained. Results: All 50 participants responded to the survey. Pulpotomy was suggested as the first line of treatment for pulp-exposed primary tooth by 32 respondents with 44 using Buckleys formocresol and 32 applying it on the pulp for 5 minutes. 43 respondents squeeze dried the cotton pellet before application on the pulp. In pulpectomy procedure 44 respondents preferred zinc oxide eugenol as obturation material with 22 using handheld reamers and 15 using slow-speed lentilospirals for obturation. 12 respondents used obturation techniques which had no scientific relevance. In order of preference Glass ionomer cement (GIC), silver amalgam, and stainless steel crowns were the materials of choice for final restoration of endodontically treated deciduous teeth. All 50 answered in the affirmative when asked if they would like to have additional information about pulp therapy in deciduous teeth. Conclusion: The study concluded that general dentists were regularly performing pulp therapy in decidous teeth and therefore need to be frequently updated about these procedures.

Knowledge of Saudi parents toward the emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth: A cross-sectional survey

Introduction: Traumatic dentoalveolar injuries are frequent in children, affecting teeth, their supporting structures, and adjacent soft tissues. Parents are among the first people to deal with tooth avulsion among children at home or at play. This study, therefore, aimed to examine parental knowledge and attitudes about avulsed permanent teeth and their emergency treatment in children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 274 parents of children receiving care at KKU College of Dentistry, Abha. Informed consent was obtained after explaining the nature of the study and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were entered in MS Excel Sheet, and descriptive statistics were obtained. Results: Sixty-one percent of the parents reported dental trauma at home or school. 67.2% were not aware of the steps to be taken in tooth avulsion. The percentage for the source of information for avulsed tooth was a dentist (38.8%) and the internet (34.5%). 73.8% were unaware of the fact that permanent avulsed tooth can be replanted. 56.3% parents said that they would discard the knocked out tooth. Regarding knowledge about traumatic dental injuries 43.9% said it is imperative to know about it. Conclusion: This survey reflected the lack of awareness and adequate knowledge regarding the avulsed tooth. There is an imperative need for educating the parents regarding management of avulsed tooth permanent tooth.

Self-perception of personal oral health in Saudi population: a social media approach

Subjective perceptions and perceived needs for dental care in a population can provide important information for policy-makers. This study aimed to assess self-perceived personal oral health status among the Saudi Arabia population who could be accessed through social media. A pre-tested questionnaire for completion online was designed to assess self-perceived oral health via 13 items in 4 domains with weighted scores from 1-3. The questionnaire was uploaded to the Internet and the link to it was made available through popular social networking sites in Saudi Arabia. With respondents recruited by snowball methods a total of 4618 people (57.2% males, 42.8% females) completed the questionnaire. The total mean score for the participants was 23.0 (SD 5.0) (scale range 13-39). Self-perceived oral health was rated as poor by 24.2% of respondents, average by 50.6% and good by 25.2%. Educational level, age and region but not sex were significantly associated with self-perceived oral health.

Instructions Manual for Patients Visiting Pediatric Dentistry Clinics: A Sample Draft for Use in Dental Colleges

The Division of Pedodontics at King Khalid University College of Dentistry Abha is one of the major service providers patients instruction manual is provided to all patients in Arabic and English and is hereby presented as sample for other institutions in Southern Saudi Arabia. A patients instruction manual is an important component of any institution providing dental services to the community. This instructions manual of the Division of Pedodontics covers the services provided and general patient information for Pre and post treatment procedures. The aim of the manual is to ensure that patient and parents are well aware of all aspects of comprehensive pediatric dental treatment. This patients instruction manual is provided to all patients in Arabic and English and is hereby presented as sample for other institutions.