Knowledge and Practice of Dentists Managing Patients on Antithrombotic Medications: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Objectives In this article, we explored the level of knowledge and practice of licensed dentists in the United Arab Emirates regarding managing patients on antithrombotic medications. Moreover, to assess the need for educational intervention in this area is one of the objectives. Materials and Methods A total of 502 dentists answered 22 close-ended questionnaires. The sample size was determined based on the registry of the Ministry of Health. Results Only 5.6 and 5.9% showed satisfactory overall awareness about aspirin and plavix, respectively, as drugs may hamper hemostasis. A substantial proportion of dentists consider aspirin (63.1%) and clopidogrel (52.2%) discontinuation before treatment. More than one-third of the participants shall not consider extracting teeth before physician approval, and one-quarter to one-third of them refer patients on such medications to oral surgeons to perform tooth extraction. Most respondents did not adequately answer the questions about the additional hemostatic measures and postoperative analgesia. A significantly high number of participants (n = 440, 87.6%) want to attend updated courses on the dental management of such patients. Conclusions The dentists demonstrate a contrasting diversity of knowledge and practice approaches to patient management on antiplatelet agents. There is an apparent demand to raise understanding of the evidence-based management of a patient on such medications. It is vital to keep formalized training sessions and provide the necessary expertise to students and dentists to prevent unwanted complications.

Knowledge and attitude of dental students in treating patients on antiplatelet and/ or anticoagulant medications

Background: Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications are widely prescribed for the prevention of thromboembolic events. Dental management of patients taking such medications can be troublesome because of the possibility of excessive bleeding during surgical procedures. On the other hand, stopping these medications will increase the risk of thromboembolic complications. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitude of dental students and internship trainees at King Saud university in treating patients on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications.Methods: A 17-question survey was distributed among dental students in third, fourth, and fifth (seniors) academic year levels, as well as internship trainees. The survey included questions aiming to evaluate participants’ knowledge in treating patients on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications. A total of 281 surveys were returned complete.Results: In our study, most participants were aware of aspirin (86.1%) and warfarin (92.2%) but only a few were aware of newer medications like rivaroxaban (10.7%) or apixaban (8.2%). The majority of participants would consult with the patient’s physician (76.9%) before stopping any medications and/or would rely on local hemostatic techniques to control bleeding (70.8%).Conclusions: In this study, we concluded that only a small percentage of participants were aware of and following the latest guidelines. The findings of the present study suggest a need for educational programs and workshops regarding this topic.

Dental Management of Generalised Developmental Defect of Enamel in A Child with Global Developmental Delay

Development Defect of Enamel (DDE) although not common, can bring about serious sequelae and needs immediate action. If we leave the teeth untreated, many complications such as poor dental aesthetics, chipping of teeth and dental pain often set in. These complications are further aggravated if the patient has any coexisting medical issues, such as Global Developmental Delay (GDD). Children with GDD often exhibit poor oral health with an abundance of plaque that leads to caries and periodontal disease progression because of poor motor and cognitive development. Many of them also exhibit negative behaviour toward dental treatment. This case describes the dental care for a Global Developmental Delay (GDD) child with sporadic generalised Development Defect of Enamel (DDE). The case management touches on the appropriate behaviour guidance strategies used to aid the child’s unfavourable behaviour towards treatment and the restorative treatment performed to preserve the structural durability of the affected teeth in a general dental setting.

GENETIC ASSOCIATION OF HYPOXIA INDUCIBLE FACTOR (HIF) – 1 ALPHA GENE AND RESIDUAL RIDGE RESORPTION OF JAW BONE

Due to considerable alterations in individual bone structure, the residual ridge is constantly under the stress of bone resorption. In certain circumstances, this can cause disproportionate bone deterioration, making restorative dental management difficult. This inimitable curative procedure in the oral cavity is affected by specific factors in the oral tissue. A variety of HIFs are expressed during the healing of oral wounds in comparison to skin wounds. The target of this review article was to look at a cistron tic connotation among SNP of the HIF-1 α gene that is understood to own great genetic diversity, and also the residual ridge reabsorption (RRR). Hence, this review concentrates on the association and genetic basis of HIF α gene in residual ridge resorption.

Complete Dental Management of an Autism and Intellectual Disability Patient under General Anaesthesia: A Case Report

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. Comorbidities following ASD, such as seizure, intellectual disability, and sensory impairment worsen patients’ ability to care for themselves. We present the case of a 22-year-old man with autism, intellectual disability and visual impairment who had recurrent pain in his upper and lower left posterior teeth that had cavities. On the first visit, the patient was observed and had panoramic x-ray. Clinical examination could not be done properly due to lack of patient cooperation. Restoration, pulp capping, tooth extraction, and odontectomy were planned under general anaesthesia.