Journal of the California Dental Association
-
Dental trauma due to sport is devastating to any athlete but is made worse when the athlete is young and still growing. Orofacial trauma is relatively common in the pediatric population and can have significant management problems. ⋯ Children and youths have increased risk factors for dental trauma due to sports, including untreated malocclusions, an increase in risk-taking behavior, and undeveloped coordination and skill levels. This review article aims to increase awareness as to the role of sports in dental and orofacial injuries, discuss risk factors for this trauma as well as its prevention, and outline risk minimization for the pediatric athlete.
-
As a result of periodontal regeneration research, a series of clinical techniques have emerged that permit tissue engineering to be performed for more efficient regeneration and repair of periodontal defects and improved implant site development. Historically, periodontal regeneration research has focused on a quest for "magic filler" material. This search has led to the development of techniques utilizing autologous bone and bone marrow, allografts, xenografts, and various man-made bone substitutes. ⋯ The advantage of recombinant growth factors is this tissue engineering device is consistent in its regenerative capacity, and variations in regenerative response are due to individual healing response and/or poor surgical techniques. In this article, the authors review how tissue engineering has advanced and discuss its impact on the clinical management of both periodontal and osseous defects in preparation for implant placement. An understanding of these new tissue engineering techniques is essential for comprehending today's ever-expanding oral plastic surgery procedures.
-
Dental health care workers are vulnerable to back and neck pain resulting from poor occupational posture. While numerous choices exist for treatment, this article will provide them with a practical approach to seeking out appropriate care for this common malady. The McKenzie treatment approach is discussed and recommendations for its application are presented to provide the reader with a starting point for treatment. For the dental health care worker experiencing pain and dysfunction of the back and/or neck, as more than half will during their careers, this article will seek to provide an overview of potential causes while creating a roadmap for seeking the most appropriate conservative "antidote" for their care.