Dental Did You Know: Alcohol and Maxillofacial Fractures

In a study of 2581 patients that presented with facial fractures in New Zealand,  49% were alcohol related. Males accounted for 88% while 59% were males in the 15-29 age group. 78% of the fractures were due to interpersonal violence and 13% to motor vehicle accidents.

Source: Lee K et al, Role of Alcohol in Maxillofacial Fractures, Oral Health, Vol 100, No 6, pg 40-49.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: The Central Core Theory

This theory stated that in the mandible, the outer nerves innervated molars while the inner nerves supplied incisors. The theory was suggested when studies showed that local anaesthetic failure after a mandibular block was highest in incisors, followed by premolars and  molars.

Source: Lecture from David Isen, May 26, 2010 (d.isen@rogers.ca) from a Powerpoint Slide referencing Kanaa et al, J of Endo, 32:919-923, 2006.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD

Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga

2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada

(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)

(905) 273-7100

Made it on to a Top Fifty List of Dental Blogs

Hi Everyone,

Saw this nice review of 50 great dental blogs at the Masters in Public Health website and we are on the list! Hooray!

Source: http://www.mastersinpublichealth.net/top-50-blogs-covering-dental-and-oral-health/ Top 50 Blogs Covering Dental and Oral Health, Read June 19, 2010.


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Medication Protocol for Severe Dental Pain

For severe dental pain, one of the recommended protocols is Motrin (ibuprofen) 600mg every six hours, in combination with two tablets of Percocet Endo (5mg oxycodone and 325mg acetaminophen per tablet) every 6 hours. This multimodal approach affects a number of pain pathways and mediators. As always, close examination of the patient's individual medical history is needed and the use of percocet should be limited due to its street desirability and addictive properties. 

Source:  Frydman W, Effective Post-Surgical Pain Management, Oral Health, June 2010, Vol 100, No 6, pg 27-38.
 
Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Fake 'Dentists' Take Advantage of Immigrants

A nice story from the Toronto Star Online on unlicensed dentists. Here's the teaser quote:

In basements and backrooms across the province, with outdated and unsterilized tools, a cottage industry of illegal and sometimes dangerous dentistry is thriving among immigrant communities, a Toronto Star investigation has found.

Offering cut-rate prices for inferior dental care, these bogus dentists attract patients, overwhelmingly new immigrants, who share the same culture. Vulnerable, ill-informed and desperate to save money, they have low expectations for care.

You can read the rest of the story here:  Bogus `Dentists` Prey on Immigrants

Source: Toronto Star Online, Bogus 'Dentists' Prey on Immigrants, June 10, 2010 http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/821527--bogus-dentists-prey-on-immigrants?bn=1, Read on June 17, 2010

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Dental Injection Pace

Giving a slower injection (60 sec) when giving a mandibular block increases the number of teeth that can be frozen vs. giving a fast injection (15 sec). 

(Slow injections are more accurate) 

Source: Lecture from David Isen, May 26, 2010 (d.isen@rogers.ca) from a Powerpoint Slide referencing Kanaa et al, J of Endo 32:919-923 2006.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD

Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga

2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada

(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)

(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Mandibular Block Failure Rates

On average, when giving an mandibular block (to freeze the lower teeth), the failure rate is approximately 20%. On teeth that are infected, this rises to 55%.

Source: Lecture from David Isen, May 26, 2010 (d.isen@rogers.ca) from a Powerpoint Slide referencing Claffey et al, J of Endo Aug, 2004.


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology

The specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Pathology (OM-OP) deals with the nature, identification and management of disease affecting the oral and maxillofacial areas. This specialty in Canada is currently only taught at two dental schools: The University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia.

Source: Hagen K, Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology: The Everyday Practice, Ontario Dentist, Vol 87, No 5, pg 20-22

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Our New Logo!

Our New Logo!

Thanks to all our family, friends and patients who gave us very valuable feedback on our new logo. We are now getting new stationary to match and will be implementing a new website, facebook and twitter pages as well as new signage around the practice.

Thanks everyone!


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Long Term Care Residents and Lack of Denture Hygiene

In a UK study, 78 to 94% of long term care residents were unable to clean their dentures themselves.

Source: Hase H, Oral Health and Aging: Addressing Issues and Providing Solutions, Oral Health, May 2010, Vol 87, No 4, pg 18-23.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD 

Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga 

2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada 

(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building) 

(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Long Term Care Residents and Lack of Tooth Hygiene

In a UK study, 72 to 84% of long term care residents were unable to brush their own teeth.

Source: Hase H, Oral Health and Aging: Addressing Issues and Providing Solutions, Oral Health, May 2010, Vol 87, No 4, pg 18-23.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Vacation Day Today: Office is Closed

Hi everyone,

I am taking some time off this weekend for my wedding anniversary. (7 years on May 10th!) Oh my, time has flown by! The practice will be closed on Saturday and will resume normal operations on Monday afternoon at 3pm. As always, our emergency number is available by calling our main number and you can always leave a message on the voicemail. Jodie and I will be checking the messages over the weekend.

Take care

Hans.


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Increases in Blood Pressure with Dental Anesthetics

Hi everyone,

Most dental anesthetics that are typically used contain epinephrine (adrenaline). Studies have shown an increase of 10-20 mmHg (to between 130-150 mmHg) in the systolic blood pressure vs non-epinephrine containing anesthetics.

Source: Wahl M and Brown R, Dentistry's Wonder Drugs: Local Anesthetics and Vasoconstrictors, Dental Style (Canadian Edition-Academy of General Dentistry), May 2010 pg 48-66.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Dental Infections Part 4...The Three Stages of Infection (Abscess)

Having an abscess is the third stage of dental infection and it usually happens between days 4-10. It is characterized by:

1. mild, localized discomfort 
2. usually fluctuant and tender to touch
3. pus is present
4. skin is usually red in the periphery

The bacteria species involved are generally anaerobic (oxygen hating)

Source: Gregoire C, How are Odontogenic Infections Best Managed?, JCDA, April 2010, Vol 76, No 2, pg 114-116

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Dental Infections Part 3...The Three Stages of Infection (Cellulitis)

Cellulitis is the second stage of infection. It is usually occurs in days 2 -5 of an infection and is characterized by severe and diffuse discomfort, areas that are firm and indurated to touch, no sign of pus, red skin and is the stage with the highest risk to the health of the patient. The bacterial species involved are mixed, both aerobic and anerobic (oxygen loving and hating bacteria)

Source: Gregoire C, How are Odontogenic Infections Best Managed?, JCDA, April 2010, Vol 76, No 2, pg 114-116


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Dental Infections Part 2...The Three Stages of Infection (Inoculation)

Inoculation is the first stage of a dental infection. Typically 0-3 days in duration, with mild discomfort, no pus, but a soft and doughy feel from the tissues involved. The bacterial species involved are usually aerobic (oxygen loving) and the skin displays as normal.

Source: Gregoire C, How are Odontogenic Infections Best Managed?, JCDA, April 2010, Vol 76, No 2, pg 114-116


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building) (905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Dental Infections Part I

Most dental infections are caused by more than one type of bacteria. About 50% are caused by anaerobic bacteria alone, 44% by a combination of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and 6% by aerobic bacteria alone.

The first line of defence is a prescription for Penicillin V, 600mg every six hours, supplemented with 500mg of Metronidazole twice a day for advanced cases.

Source: Gregoire C, How are Odontogenic Infections Best Managed?, JCDA, April 2010, Vol 76, No 2, pg 114-116

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Tooth Whitening in the Past

Dental researchers as early as 1877 noticed that oxalic acid could be used to whiten vital teeth.

Source: Alford A, Clinical Report: The use of 10%, 16%, 22% Carbamide Peroxide and 3%, 7.5%, 9.5% Hydrogen Peroxide Materials for at-home Vital Tooth Bleaching in Combination with Active and Passive Treatment Modalities for Control of Tooth Sensitivity and Gingival Irritation, Oral Health, March 2010, Vol 100, No 3, pg 90-101.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Practice Philosophy

Hi everyone, I thought that posting our practice philosophy would help our new and existing patients better understand my clinic:

Dear Patient,

We understand that choosing a new dentist and dental health team can be a challenge, leaving you feeling somewhat uncertain. Let us welcome you and share some insights about what we do for our patients. The philosophy guiding our practice is as follows:

"Our purpose is to help people achieve the highest level of dental well-being and in so doing, to enhance the quality of their lives."

In other words, we help you be or become as healthy as you choose. Instead of just telling you how healthy you ought to be, we will try to help you understand your choices about dental health and then let you make a free and informed decision. Your first choice in this regard is how you would like to begin with us. There are five levels on which people may choose to be seen in our practice:

• Level 1...URGENT CARE: People in crisis or with an emergency problem such as pain, swelling, or bleeding that need our immediate help are at this level. We see urgencies immediately, whenever possible.
• Level 2...REMEDIAL CARE: People who choose this level of care desire treatment only when something breaks or becomes uncomfortable. Generally people at this level expect a limited type of examination, focusing on obvious problems. They usually want to correct immediate problems with as little effort and cost as possible.
• Level 3...SELF-CARE: Patients who choose this level of care want a thorough examination and take an active part in the treatment and prevention of present and future disease problems. However, they usually choose repair solutions that are short range in nature.
• Level 4...COMPLETE DENTISTRY: Patients at this level are similar to people described in level 3. They choose to have a thorough examination. However, they decide on a MASTER PLAN to formulate a long-term treatment plan for health and repair. These patients are very concerned about treating the causes of dental disease, not simply the effects. These patients want all dental treatment provided to be completed in the most lasting fashion possible.
• Level 5... LOOK YOUR BEST: People in this group are in level 4 as far as dental health is concerned, but also want to look their best at all times. They know that their smile is one of the first things others notice about them and want to put their best foot (face) forward.

We hope these levels of care make sense to you. It is not uncommon for people to begin at one level and progress to another over time. We are here to help you discover and decide at what level you are most comfortable. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and provide you with the best dentistry appropriate for you.  

To YOUR health,

Dr. Hans Skariah, Jodie and Gloria

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Baby's Death Linked to Pregnancy-Related Gingivitis

Hi everyone,

In a landmark case, researchers were contacted by a 35 year old woman who had recently delivered a still-born baby at 39 weeks and 5 days gestation: full term. Postmortem microbial studies found the presence of F. nucleatum in the lungs and stomach. The baby died from a septic infection and inflammation caused by bacteria.

Researchers used DNA-cloning technologies found a match between the oral bacteria of the mother and the bacteria in the baby's lungs. Bleeding associated with gingivitis allowed the bacteria to enter the bloodstream and work its way to the placenta. The mothers immune system usually takes care of this situation, but she also experienced a upper respiratory infection which may have weakened her immunity enough to allow the bacteria to colonize the uterus.

Source:  Han Y et al, Term Stillbirth Caused by Oral Fusobacterium nucleatum, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feb 2010, Vol 115, Issue 2, Part 2, pp 442-445.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100