Holdaway’s analysis of the nose prominence of an adult Nigerian population

Background: Facial beauty is a function of harmonious balance among all parts of the face, and the nose plays a dominant role in this because of its location exactly in the middle of the face. Therefore, an evaluation of the nasal form and its position relative to other facial structures should play an important part in the assessment of patients before orthognathic surgery, rhinoplasty or orthodontics.Aim: The aim was to establish normative values for the nose prominence of an adult Nigerian population using Holdaway’s soft tissue cephalometric analysis.Methodology: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 100 adults aged 18–25 years, with normal occlusion and a harmonious facial appearance were analyzed. The nose prominence was assessed using Holdaway’s analysis. Twenty radiographs randomly selected, were retraced to assess for errors. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Student’s t‑tests and analysis of variance using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.Results: The mean value recorded for the nose prominence of the study population was 3.49 mm (standard deviation [SD], 3.26 mm), with a range of −5.0 mm to 15.0 mm. Mean values obtained for females were 3.73 mm (SD, 2.88 mm) and males 3.19 mm (SD, 3.70 mm). No statistically significant gender difference was observed (P > 0.05). In addition, no significant difference was observed between the nose prominence values recorded for different age‑groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Normative values were established for the nose prominence of an adult Nigerian population. The values obtained for Nigerians in this study are comparatively lower than that reported for other populations. These values would aid in treatment planning for orthognathic surgery, rhinoplasty and orthodontics in Nigerians.Keywords: Cephalometrics, Holdaway’s analysis, nose prominenc

Biometrics of the primary dentition in a Nigerian sample

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine normative values of crown dimensions, arch dimensions, and amount of interdental space in the primary dentition of Nigerian children. Method: Dental casts from alginate impressions obtained from 125 randomly selected nursery school children (65 boys, 60 girls) aged 3 to 5 years, were measured with electronic caliper. Independent tests were used to analyze sample differences between sexes. Result: There were significant gender differences in arch width, depth and length dimensions, with the exception of the left mandibular anterior length. The boys showed significantly larger mesiodistal crown dimensions, except in the maxillary and mandibular primary lateral incisors. Gender differences in buccolingual crown diameters were statistically significant for maxillary second primary molars. There was no significant gender difference in amount of interdental spaces. Conclusion: It can be concluded that males had larger tooth/arch dimensions than females in the primary dentition stage. Key words: Biometric, dental arch, primary dentition, Nigeria

Occlusal Variations in Nigerians of Yoruba Ethnic Group

Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol.10(1) 2000: 51-5

Talon cusp: clinical features, diagnosis and orthodontic consideration in management

Talon cusp is a rare odontogenic anomaly of tooth shape comprising of accessory cusp-like structure often present on the palatal surface of maxillary or mandibular incisor. This developmental anomaly causes clinical problems including unsightly dental appearance, occlusal interference, and displacement of the affected tooth, irritation of the tongue, caries and malocclusion. Few cases have been reported in this environment. Management of the talon cusp varies according to the circumstances of the individual case and should be as conservative as possible. This report presents a case of a 15-year -old Nigerian girl with talon cusp on the maxillary left central incisor. The talon cusp was managed conservatively and orthodontic treatment was concurrently carried out. It is concluded that when talon cusp occur in association with an occlusal anomaly, careful evaluation of the patient is crucial for successful talon cusp occur in association with an occlusal anomaly, careful evaluation of the patient is crucial for successful orthodontic treatment.Keywords: talon cusp, clinical features, diagnosis, orthodontic management.Nigerian Dental Journal Vol. 15 (1) 2007: pp. 44-4

A Review Of 39 Cases Of Unerupted Maxillary Incisors

Objective: To study the prevalence, aetiology, gender and site distribution of unerupted maxillary incisors at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos Methods: Clinical records of 2,240 patients that attended the Orthodontic Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos Nigeria between June 1998 and December 2000 were retrieved and reviewed. Date extracted included age, gender, tooth type(s) and aetiological factors causing delayed eruption were recorded. Result: Out of 2,240 patients seen during the period of the study, 39 cases (1.7%) presented with a total of 41 unerupted maxillary incisors. Maxillary right central incisor was found to be most frequently involved tooth 16 (39.0%). The left central incisor involvement was in 13 (31.7%) of maxillary incisors. There was bilateral involvement of the central as well as the lateral incisors in 2 cases representing 4.9% each of the samples studied. Of the lateral incisors, the right one was similarly more often affected (12.2%) than the left one (7.3%). The presence of isolated odontomes was the most common cause of lack of eruption of the maxillary incisors with a prevalence of 20.5%. Other factors causing delayed eruption were odontomes with retained primary tooth (15.4%), presence of supernumerary teeth of especially the mesiodens type (15.4%), retained primary teeth (12.8%), rotation and trauma constituting 7.7% each. An inverted tooth that failed to erupt was recorded in only one case of the population (2.6%). Fibrous tissue delayed eruption of the maxillary incisors in 5.1% and in about 12.8% the etiological factor could not be ascertained Conclusion: All the teeth that have not erupted six months after its normal eruption date should be subjected to radiological examination to ascertain any possible cause. The earlier the removal of the causative factor preventing eruption of the maxillary incisors, the better is the prognosis KEY WORDS: Unerupted, Teeth, Maxillary and Incisors. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.6(1) 2003: 60-6

Incidence of Impacted Mandibular Canine and Associated Pathologies in an Orthodontic Patient Population in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Mandibular canine impaction is less frequent in our environment with various factors implicated in the aetiology and with several associated pathologies. the advent of the technique of panoramic radiography has helped with the diagnosis of this condition.Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of impacted mandibular canines and the classification of associated pathology.Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 1250 panoramic radiographs taken of patients who presented to the Orthodontic Unit of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria between January, 2001 and September, 2008. The clinical data and panoramic radiographs were reviewed and observations on the status of missing permanent mandibular canine, symptoms as well as treatment methods employed were made.Results: The incidence of mandibular canine impaction was found to be 1.36 % in the studied demand population. A total of 17 patients (10 females and 7 males) had impacted mandibular canines. In this study 5 (27.8%) impacted canines were extracted, seven canines (38.9%) were attached to bonded brackets after surgical exposure and traction was applied while six (33.3%) impacted mandibular canines were left in place for periodic observation.Conclusion: The incidence of impacted mandibular canines was found to be high in the subpopulation studied. However, this may not be unrelated with the fact that this is a demand population.Keywords: impacted canine, mandibular canine impaction, incidence

Preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment need in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

No Abstract

Multiple maxillofacial fractures in a patient undergoing orthodontic treatment: a case report

Severe maxillofacial injuries among patients receiving orthodontic treatment are very rare. When they occur, they can be life threatening with several complications which include neurologic deficits, malunion of fracture segments secondary to delay in reduction and immobilization of fracture segments and massive blood loss. Delay in treatment of such maxillofacial injuries in the presence of other life threatening injuries predisposes the patient to residual and minor malocclusion. The interdisciplinary management of injuries sustained by an orthodontic patient and the challenges associated with its management are highlighted in this report.Reduction and immobilization was carried out under general anaesthesia using an arch bar in the mandibular arch. Direct bonded brackets in the maxillary arch with additional eyelet wires were used in the management of the fractures. An acceptable reduction of bilateral parasympseal fractures was obtained with available intermaxillary fixation. There was some residual and minor malocclusion attributed to the delay in treatment and possibly the method used.A multi-disciplinary team approach for the management of maxillofacial fractures in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances is suggested. Orthodontic treatment with surgical involvement has been found to improve both facial aesthetics and occlusal function.Key words: Maxillofacial, trauma, reduction, immobilization, orthodonti

Replantation of Avulsed Permanent Anterior Teeth: A case report

Tooth avulsion in the permanent dentition constitutes a dental emergency. Replantation of the avulsed tooth restores aesthetics and occlusal function shortly after the injury. This article describes the management of a 13-year old male with four avulsed anterior maxillary permanent teeth. The avulsed teeth were replanted and root canal treatment carried out after a short fixation. The result obtained was very satisfactory and the teeth remain in good functional status one year after replantation. Early treatment and regular attendance to clinic following replantation is an important factor for good result. Key Words: Permanent teeth, avulsion, replantation. Nig. J. Health and Biomed. Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 83-8