Quintessence international
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Objective: Calcified carotid artery atheroma (CCAA) detected by panoramic radiographs has been suggested as an accurate biomarker for cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs). However, there has not been agreement on the relationship between CCAA and risk for stroke or other CVA. Method and materials: The question asked was, "Are patients with CCAA detected on panoramic radiographs more likely to get a stroke or CVA in the future compared to those who do not have CCAA and, further, would Doppler ultrasonography of the neck obtained secondary to panoramic radiography in suspected individuals add value to this association with stroke or CVA?" This meta-analysis was conducted by searching PubMed, Ovid Medline, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov. ⋯ Multiple random effect meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.2 software. Conclusion: Evidence from this meta-analysis shows that although detection of CCAA via panoramic radiography to predict risk for stroke may be comparable to Doppler ultrasonography, risk prediction is somewhat more significant when diagnostic confirmation is made using Doppler ultrasonography than panoramic radiography alone. Clinical implications: Because stroke risk assessment is complicated and comprises many additional systemic factors beyond calcification of the carotid artery, CVA prediction is more reliable when Doppler ultrasonography is used after panoramic radiography. Managing hypertension, diabetes, and smoking habit are far more important in risk management of patients with CCAA detection on panoramic radiography.
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At a time when access to health care and services for the global population is a concern due to the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals and their teams are struggling to find a way to adapt their practices. Dental professional organizations and decision-makers are required to provide guidance in a rapidly evolving environment based on the current data, available research, and existing knowledge. ⋯ The aim of this paper is to provide insight and propose future directions concerning the use of teledentistry for dental care in crisis situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the continuous implementation of teledentistry in noncrisis scenarios. This paper provides information to support the use of teledentistry as a promising avenue for dental professionals when possible, during and possibly beyond the outbreak.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) encompasses a broad spectrum of emerging technologies that continue to influence daily life. The evolution of AI makes the analysis of big data possible, which provides reliable information and improves the decision-making process. This article introduces the principles of AI and reviews the development of AI and how it is currently being used. ⋯ The authors believe that an innovative inter-professional coordination among clinicians, researchers, and engineers will be the key to AI development in the field of dentistry. Despite the potential misinterpretations and the concern of patient privacy, AI will continue to connect with dentistry from a comprehensive perspective due to the need for precise treatment procedures and instant information exchange. Moreover, such developments will enable professionals to share health-related big data and deliver insights that improve patient care through hospitals, providers, researchers, and patients.
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This paper is aimed at addressing the urgent need to develop a protocol that will address the operatory and clinical aspects of dental care during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. ⋯ Logistic and clinical steps are required to provide dental care during the COVID-19 outbreak while preventing cross-contamination and protecting the dental team during the provision of care.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effectiveness of topical lidocaine in relieving pain related to intranasal midazolam sedation: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Intranasal midazolam (INM) is an increasingly popular agent for sedation in the emergency department and outside the hospital in physician, imaging, and dental offices, to facilitate diagnostic and minor surgical procedures and avoid the need for an operating room and general anesthesia. The use of INM has been commonly associated with a burning sensation of the nasal mucosa. Despite its significance, this subject has received little adequate research focus. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of topical lidocaine in relieving pain related to INM administration. ⋯ INM administration results in burning sensation in the nasal mucosa with high levels of pain. Using topical lidocaine 2% counteracted the burning sensation and achieved a higher acceptance rate and lower pain scores.