A Survey of Knowledge and Practice of Regenerative Endodontics Among Nigerian Dental Residents

The aim of this survey was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of regenerative endodontics among dental residents in selected Nigerian hospitals. A self-administered questionnaire was used for the survey. It consisted of three parts

Introduction of Laboratory Endodontics: Evaluating the Perception of the Undergraduate Clinical Dental Students at a Nigerian University

Background: Root canal treatment (RCT) forms a  part of the requirements for graduation for dental students. The students are expected to perform the procedure during their clinical training. However, most students are presented to the clinic without formal laboratory practical training. Aim: To introduce laboratory endodontic training and evaluate the perception of Nigerian undergraduate clinical dental students about the program. Methodology: A two-day hands-on training on RCT was done for a set of final-year dental students in the operative technique laboratory of the Department of Restorative Dentistry of the Institution. The training included taking the participants through all the steps involved in RCT. The participants performed all the stages of RCT on extracted lower molar teeth mounted on a phantom head with paraffin wax. Each student performed the two methods of biomechanical preparation taught: manual and rotary instrumentation, and later evaluated the training in terms of confidence and preparation for clinical exposure. Result:  Twenty-one (53.9%) students within the age range of 23 to 30 years and a  mean age of 25.4±1.7years completed the program. The majority, (81%) of the participants claimed the hands-on demonstration was very helpful in performing the procedure, and all submitted it will help their confidence during clinical exposure to RCT. The participants further suggested the incorporation of training into the regular school program. Conclusion:  The laboratory endodontic hands-on training was accepted by all the participants, and it was opined that it will boost their confidence in performing the procedure in the clinic

Dental implant as an option for tooth replacement: The awareness of patients at a tertiary hospital in a developing country

Aim: A survey was set out to evaluate the knowledge of patients about tooth replacement as a whole, and assess their awareness of implant-retained prosthesis as an option of tooth replacement. Materials and Methods: Information on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about implant-retained tooth as an option for missing tooth replacement, cost implication, source of information and knowledge about other options of tooth replacement were obtained from patients attending the dental clinics of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, using structured self-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Result: A total of 220 patients aged 18-84 years with a mean age of 37.6 (±16.5) years participated in the study, with a male to female ratio of 1:1.1. The majority (92.5%) knew that missing teeth can be replaced, while a significantly lower proportion (28.9%) knew about dental implants as an option (P < 0.01). Dentists were the major source of information on dental implants (68%). Only 21 (36.8%) of those who had heard about dental implant had knowledge about the cost (P < 0.000). Conclusion: A low level of awareness about dental implant as tooth replacement option exist in this environment, although most of the study participants were aware that missing teeth can be replaced

Patient's perceived satisfaction and quality of life with fixed partial denture: A 10-year retrospective assessment in a tertiary institution, South-West, Nigeria

Background: Tooth loss is a disease of public health concern and defines the oral health status and quality of life of an individual. Aim: This study assessed the level of satisfaction and the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients that received fixed partial denture (FPD), for the replacement of teeth, at a Nigerian tertiary health facility. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective evaluation of the clinical records of patients who received FPD within a period of 10 years was done. The eligible participants (44) were contacted by telephone and data on satisfaction and OHRQoL (using Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP]-14 questionnaire) were collected. Descriptive analysis was used to report satisfaction and OHRQoL. The association between categorical variables was tested with Chi-square. P value was set at ≤ 0.05. Results: The conventional fixed–fixed prostheses supported mostly with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were the most used. High satisfaction with the appearance was reported by 22 (48.9%) at delivery as against 14 (31.1%) after use. Decementation was the most recorded failure, (26, 57.8%) and the total OHIP-14 score was 21.71 ± 9.47, indicating poor quality of life. Forty-four participants (18, 40.9% males and 26, 59.1% females) underwent oral rehabilitation with FPD within the study period. The age range and mean age of the participants were 21–72 years and 46.8 ± 13.8 (standard deviation) years, respectively. Significantly higher aesthetic satisfaction was reported at delivery of FPD compared to the present time of assessment (P 0.05. Conclusion: A decline in satisfaction with aesthetics of FPD postdelivery was observed and the psychological domains of OHIP-14 were mostly affected showing a better quality of life