Swed Dent J
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Midazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine with rapid onset, short duration of action and minimal side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral administration of midazolam as pre-operative sedation in the dental treatment of uncooperative pediatric patients. Included in the study were 160 children with a mean age of 6.7 +/- 2.6 years (1-14 years), 83 boys and 77 girls. ⋯ All the children were able to leave the clinic one hour after treatment. In conclusion, we consider oral administration of midazolam a safe form of premedication. The route of administration, the short waiting-time and half-life, in combination with a level of sedation that allows treatment to be performed, are the principal advantages of conscious sedation with orally administered midazolam.
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Our objective was to describe the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms and how they affect the daily life of three different occupational groups of dental personnel. A cross sectional-study was performed among 268 dental staff members and 111 referents. Female dental hygienists and female dentists showed, compared with their referents, higher prevalence of symptoms during the past 12 months from neck, shoulders and hands/wrists. ⋯ The high frequency of musculoskeletal disorders probably reflects the specific work load in dentistry, with high demands on vision and precision and fine manipulative hand movements and work with unsupported, elevated arms. The symptoms might impair work capacity and the future possibility to stay in the profession. Further studies are needed to verify this.
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Comparative Study
Caries risk assessment: a comparison between the computer program 'Cariogram', dental hygienists and dentists.
The 'Cariogram', which is an interactive PC-program for caries risk evaluation, illustrates the interaction between caries related factors and expresses the caries risk graphically. It also demonstrates a weighted impact of the different etiological factors on the risk. The aim of this paper was to use the Cariogram program on a set of patients, and to compare the outcome of its risk evaluation with those made by dental hygienists and dentists. A questionnaire, containing the descriptions of five patients with detailed information on nine factors generally associated with caries, was given to the participants. They were asked to rank the patients according to their 'chance to avoid dental caries' during the coming year. The results were compared with the assessments obtained from the Cariogram. ⋯ 73.5% of the dental hygienists and 78.5% of the dentists ranked the patients for caries risk either identically or with only one deviation when compared to the Cariogram. It was concluded that the 'opinion' of the Cariogram on caries risk was in agreement with that of the majority of the participants. In addition, the Cariogram program induced discussions about the relative impact of etiological factors of caries. It is envisaged that the Cariogram can serve as one further tool in the teaching of caries risk.
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Presence of orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorder in fibromyalgia. A study by questionnaire.
The objective of this study was to evaluate subjective symptoms from the temporomandibular system in patients with fibromyalgia. Two hundred and thirty-seven individuals with fibromyalgia affiliated to the Stockholm Rheumatologic Association were included in the study. A questionnaire about symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) was mailed and returned by 191 (81%). ⋯ Fibromyalgia is thus a probable cause of TMD. In conclusion this study shows that patients with fibromyalgia often suffer from symptoms of TMD, and that the intensity of the pain is correlated to general body pain. These findings indicate that fibromyalgia is one of the causes of TMD.
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Comparative Study
Identification of caries risk children and prevention of caries in pre-school children.
A special model for dental care in pre-school children was used in a small clinic in the county of Blekinge in southern Sweden. The model is based on screening of caries risk performed by a dental assistant before the caries attack. Any single risk factor or risk behavior in pre-school children was considered. ⋯ The total time spent per child in the test clinic was 22 minutes more than the county mean. However, dentist's time, excluding assistance, was 28 minutes less in the test clinic. The results suggest that the model used for caries prevention in pre-school children is cost-effective, and that dental health can be remarkably improved.