Nigerian Journal of Dental Research

Giant Cell Fibroma in an Elderly Woman: A Report of a Rare, Late and Unusually Large Presentation

Remilekun T. OLUWAKUYIDE, — 2023-02-28

Background
Giant cell fibroma (GCF) is a rare benign oral fibrous lesion which is predominantly found in the mandible of Caucasians but rarely in the maxilla and black population above the third decade of life.

Objective: To draw the attention of clinicians to a rare, late and unusually large presentation of Giant Cell Fibroma

Case report: The index case was a 68-year-old fisherwoman with a ten-year-old slow-growing painless swelling occupying the left anterior maxilla. The lesion crossed the midline to the right causing incompetent lips and teeth displacement leading to aesthetics and functional problems.
Upon clinical examination, a provisional diagnosis of peripheral giant cell granuloma was made. Radiological essentially revealed a soft tissue mass, histopathological evaluations confirmed the diagnosis of GCF and the patient was prepared for surgical excision. A surgical excision of the soft tissue mass and peripheral ostectomy was performed.

Conclusion: GCF has distinct histopathologic features occurring in any age, race, site and decades of life; growing very large causing aesthetics and functional problems. Immunohistochemistry if available is an additional resource to unequivocally establish the diagnosis.

A review of the presentations and treatment of oral pigmentation.

Mercy OKOH — 2023-02-28

Background
Oral pigmentation can be either normal or abnormal discolouration of the oral mucosa.

Objective: To help clinicians establish a better approach towards the care of patients with pigmented oral lesions and to establish early diagnosis and treatment of such conditions.

Data source: Works of literature concerning oral pigmentations, clinical features and treatment were reviewed thoroughly from renowned electronic databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library and personal clinical experience in managing such conditions. The following words were used for the search: oral pigmentation, aetiology, and clinical presentations.

Findings: Oral pigmentation presents in various clinical patterns that can range from just physiologic changes to oral manifestations of systemic diseases and malignancies. Oral pigmentation may be physiological or pathological. Knowledge of the different presentations of oral pigmented lesions is quite crucial to improve and mastering the skill of differential diagnosis, definitive diagnosis and prompt treatment. The deposition of pigments in oral tissues may be due to various etiological factors. It can arise from intrinsic and extrinsic factors and can be physiological or pathological.

Conclusion: A good understanding of the various presentations of oral pigmented lesions would aid in the proper diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

Buffering of Local Anaesthesia in Dentistry: A Review

Bala MUJTABA — 2023-02-28

Background: Local anaesthetics (LA) constitutes one of the most important aspects of pain management in dentistry. It is currently being stored and marketed in an acidic form to maximize stability, and water solubility and prolong shelf life. However, acidic local anaesthetic solution has been associated with certain disadvantages including the slow onset of action and, pain during its administration. Buffering of the local anaesthetics has been documented to decrease the pain of injection and, shorten the onset time of the anaesthesia thereby, providing more comfortable and reliable anaesthesia.
Objective: To present a review of local anaesthetic buffering in dentistry
Data Sources: PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL and, MEDLINE databases were searched without a date limit. The phrases “local anaesthetic buffering” and Alkalinisation of local anaesthetics” were used to find articles related to local anaesthetic buffering.
Study Selection: A total of 24 publications were included in this review and, buffering agents, mechanisms, methods and, benefits of local anaesthetic buffering were discussed.
Finding: There was a paucity of literature on the effect of buffering on the duration of action of local anaesthetics.
Conclusion: Dental professionals are advised to adopt chair-side buffering of LA to increase patient confidence and acceptance of dental treatment.

Local anaesthesia, pH, Pain.

Oral Health Knowledge Attitude and Behaviour among Secondary School Children – a quasi-experimental study.

Henry Uyi IGBINEDION — 2023-02-28

The Role of Socioeconomic Class on Oral Healthcare Practices and Oral Health Status of Secondary School Students in Lagos, Nigeria

Uchenna P. EGBUNAH — 2023-02-28

Background: Secondary school students are at a crucial stage in their life where decisions on oral health transit from the role of parents/guardians to their sole responsibility. Understanding factors that influence their oral healthcare practices is of paramount importance. Socioeconomic class (SEC) has been suggested to have a varied effect on oral health.
Objective: To determine the effect of SEC on the oral healthcare practices and oral health status of secondary school students

Methods: The research was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Information collected via a self-administered questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, SEC, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, oral healthcare utilization and oral health perception.

Results: A total of 370 students with mean age 15.0+1.44 participated in the study. SEC distribution was low class 32%, middle class 55%; high class 13%. There were significant associations between high SEC and twice-daily tooth brushing (p<0.05), frequent change of toothbrush (p<0.05), use of dental floss (p<0.05), consumption of carbonated drinks (p<0.05), low oral hygiene index score (p<0.05), high caries experience (p<0.005) and high oral healthcare utilization (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Higher SEC is associated with better oral hygiene and oral hygiene practices, poorer dietary habits and higher caries experience.