Nigerian Journal of Dental Research

Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition Device in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorder Secondary to Parafunctional habit: A Case Report

Mariam Alayo, Oluchi Okolie, Ifeoluwa B Falokun, Bolanle Akinboboye — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a prevalent condition often associated with pain, functional limitations, and a significant impact on quality of life. Parafunctional habit is recognized as a contributing factor in the etiology and perpetuation of TMD symptoms. This case report presents the successful management of a patient with TMD resulting from parafunctional habit using a nociceptive trigeminal inhibition (NTI) device. The patient, presenting with chronic jaw pain, muscle tenderness, and restricted mandibular movement, showed marked improvement following the introduction of the NTI device as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Within weeks, there was a notable reduction in pain intensity and muscle hyperactivity, as well as improved mandibular function. This case highlights the clinical utility of the NTI device in alleviating TMD symptoms linked to parafunctional habit, underscoring its potential role in non-invasive, conservative management strategies for TMD patients. Further studies are recommended to elucidate long-term outcomes and optimal patient selection criteria.

Non Syndromic Upper Double Lip: A Rare Case Report.

Ernest A. Ikekhuamen, Desmond Agbonifo — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Double lip is a rare developmental anomaly. It may present as a single entity or as a feature of a syndrome. It usually causes aesthetic and functional problems, with aesthetic consideration the major reason for seeking medical intervention. We present a report of a 35-year-old male with this rare anomaly treated surgically.

Immediate Complete Upper Denture in a Patient with Preserved Occlusal Vertical Dimension: A Case Report

Tunde Joshua Ogunrinde, Deborah Mojirade Ajayi, Shakeerah Olaide Gbadebo — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this period of time where high value is placed on aesthetic, immediate replacement of the teeth is a desirable option for patients that require extraction of all the remaining teeth in the upper or lower jaw. This article presents a process of using immediate upper complete denture to manage a busy and socially active elderly patient who cannot tolerate a state of edentulism without replacement, but had a failed (twelve-unit PFM) upper fixed denture. The fabrication of the denture was done in two appointments and the patient was satisfied with the outcome of the treatment.

Development of an Animated Video to Improve Knowledge and Attitudes of Women attending Antenatal Clinics in Ibadan, Nigeria, towards Prevention and Treatment of Cleft Lip and Palate

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: This study highlighted the development and validation of an animated video aimed at improving knowledge and attitude of women attending antenatal clinics in Ibadan, Nigeria towards the prevention and treatment of cleft lip and palate.

Methods: This animation video spanned 6 minutes and was developed by a team of professionals from dentistry, epidemiology, communication and language arts, and animation. The development involved desktop review on video production; development of the key messages on prevention and treatment of cleft lip and palate; script development and sketching; development and selection of characters; visual style decision; voice-over narration recording; video production; and post-video production processing. The message focused on the myths versus facts about orofacial clefts and management options. The video was created in Yoruba with English subtitles. The development processes were validated for face and content quality amongst women attending antenatal clinics, dentists, public health nurses, and community health officers through individual feedback and group discussions.

Results: Feedback from validation participants confirmed the clarity, cultural appropriateness, and relevance of the key messages. Suggestions from the validation exercise were incorporated to improve the video’s accuracy, engagement, and usability.

Conclusion: This study successfully developed and validated a culturally appropriate animated educational video to address misconceptions and improve awareness about cleft lip and palate among antenatal women. The animation has the potential to serve as an effective communication tool in low-resource settings with high illiteracy levels.

Perception and barriers to quality oral healthcare in hospitalised patients at a teaching hospital in Nigeria: The nurses experience.

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Oral healthcare is one aspect of healthcare that’s more often neglected in hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ perception of oral health in hospitalised patients and also to ascertain the nurse’s barriers to quality oral care during their routine nursing procedures.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria. A proportional sampling method was used to select respondents and well-structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 21. Chi square test was used to determine association between variables and statistical significance was set at p<0.05 for all statistical association.

Results: Nurses' perception to oral health importance in patients was good (54.4%), but better among females (55.4%). Nurse perception increased with increasing level of education: Diploma 34.7%, Bachelor 60.0% and postgraduate 65.6%. Nurses perception also increased with years of experience; < 1 year 41,7%, 1-5 years 56.5%, 6-10 years 60.5% and >10 years 61.5%

The study showed that 82.7% of the respondents identified one form of barrier or the other in rendering quality oral healthcare. These barriers cut across all the sociodemographic variables. Lack of oral care equipment (64.8%), shortage of nurses (46.3%), high workload (42.6%) and time constraint (35.8%) were the major barriers identified in this study.

Conclusion: The nurses’ perception to quality Oral Healthcare Care in hospitalised patients was good and identified barriers to quality Oral Healthcare if adequately addressed, will go a long way in improving the quality of Oral Healthcare in hospitalised patients by nurses.

Buffered Local Anaesthetic and Its Effects on Haemodynamic Stability during Conventional Root Canal Treatment in Normotensive Patients: A Comparative Analysis

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The injection pain and ineffective local anaesthesia (LA) can be a source of anxiety during root canal therapy (RCT) and can alter haemodynamic parameters. Buffering of the local anaesthetic solution has been shown to shortens anaesthetic onset time and injection pain thereby providing more effective anaethesia. The effect of local anaesthetic buffering on haemodynamic stability during RCT has not been widely explored. Hence this study aimed to investigate the effects of buffered and non-buffered LA on haemodynamic parameters in normotensive patients undergoing RCT.

Methods: This was a randomized controlled study conducted among 80 normotensive subjects undergoing RCT over 15 months (January, 2024 to March, 2025). After obtaining ethical approval from the research and ethic committee of the institution, subjects were randomized in to group A and B who received buffered and non-buffered LA respectively. Haemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, SpO?) were measured at presentation, 10, 20, and 30 minutes post drug administration. The data obtained was analyzed using IBM-SPSS (version 25).

Results: There were 39 (48.7%) males, 41(51.3) females in the age range of 19-69 years with a mean±SD of 38.34±13.44 years. No statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, or oxygen saturation at presentation, 10, 20, and 30 minutes post LA administration. (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Buffered lignocaine with sodium bicarbonate was not found to significantly affect haemodynamic stability in normotensive patients when used during RCT, hence can be used safely.

Evaluation of the Effect of Atmospheric Pressure Variations on the Marginal Seal of Class I Composite Resin Restorations Bonded with a Three-Step Etch-and-Rinse Adhesive: An In Vitro Study

Victor Manyong Makanz, Ons Chabchoub, Amir Shayegan — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The durability of composite resin restorations under pressure variations (e.g., diving, air travel, hyperbaric oxygen therapy) remains a concern due to potential microleakage at the tooth–composite interface.

Objective: To assess whether a single exposure to hyperbaric or hypobaric pressure affects the marginal sealing of Class I cavities restored using a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system (Optibond FL).

Methods: Forty extracted human molars were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 5) and restored with Ceram.x Spectra ST HV composite resin following standard adhesive protocols. The groups were exposed to simulated hyperbaric (up to 3.5 × 10³ hPa) or hypobaric (down to 0.75 × 10³ hPa) conditions for varying durations. One group served as a control (no pressure change). Specimens were immersed in 1% methylene blue dye for 24 hours, sectioned, and analyzed using a VR-H4J profilometer to measure dye penetration at the tooth–composite interface. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test and Kruskal–Wallis test (? = 0.05).

Results: No statistically significant differences in microleakage were observed between the control group and pressure-exposed groups (p > 0.05). In total, 87.5% of the samples showed no detectable microleakage. Only 5 out of 40 teeth showed minimal dye penetration.

Conclusion: Within the limits of this in vitro study, a single exposure to hyperbaric or hypobaric conditions did not affect the marginal integrity of Class I restorations bonded with the ER3 adhesive system. Pressure variations of the magnitude and duration tested appear unlikely to compromise the seal when proper adhesive protocols are followed.

Awareness and Attitude of Patients Presenting at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital to Tooth Replacement Options

Ayamma Udo Umanah, Cynthia Osarugue Omoruyi — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

ABSTRACT

Background: Tooth loss has significant functional and psychosocial consequences. Patient choice among available tooth replacement options is influenced by their awareness and attitudes, which are not well-documented in our setting. This study assessed the awareness and attitudes toward tooth replacement options among patients presenting at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 171 patients aged 18 years and above using a self-administered questionnaire. Data on socio-demographics, awareness of various treatment options, sources of information, and attitudes were collected. Analysis was performed with SPSS version 22.0 using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

Results: The mean age was 39.0 ± 8.1 years. Most respondents (90.1%) were aware that missing teeth could be replaced. Awareness was highest for removable acrylic dentures (78.6%) and lowest for dental implants (24.0%). The leading sources of information were dentists and the internet (42.2% each). A majority (86.5%) believed tooth replacement was important, primarily to improve function (75.0%) and aesthetics (70.7%). The primary determinants of choice were cost (100%) and the longevity of the prosthesis (79.1%). No significant associations were found between socio-demographic factors and awareness or attitude.

Conclusion: While general awareness of tooth replacement was high, knowledge of advanced options like implants was low. Attitudes were positive, but cost was the overriding factor influencing patients' decisions. Dentists need to provide more comprehensive counseling on all available prosthetic alternatives.

Midline Diastema: A Retrospective Presentation in a Tertiary Hospital, South- South, Nigeria

Sylvia Simon Etim, Joycelyn Odegua Eigbobo — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Midline Diastema is a common malocclusion trait with various aetiological factors which timely clinical intervention is important. Its presentation varies among age groups and gender. The objective of the study was to assess the pattern of midline diastema among patients at a tertiary hospital, South-South, Nigeria.

Methods: An eight-years (2017-2024) retrospective study of four hundred and sixty patients who presented to the Child Dental Health department at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital during the period. Relevant information regarding their socio-demographic data, midline diastema and other occlusal characteristics were collected from their medical records. Only records of patients with complete information were included in the study. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. Association between parameters were determined with chi square test and the level of significance was set as p<0.05.

Results: Four hundred and sixty subjects, comprising of 182 males and 278 females, with a mean age of 15.3 (±8.2) years, were seen during the study period. One hundred and forty-one (30.7%) had mid line diastema (?0.5mm). Majority of the subjects were in the 10-19 years age group. Majority (75.2%) had midline diastema in the upper jaw only. Most (48.5%) had intermediate type of diastemata. There were no statistically significant differences in the types of diastemata in gender and age. The association of diastema and the occlusal characteristics showed more prevalence in Angle’s Class I malocclusion, Skeletal pattern I, increased overjet and deep overbite with no statistically significant associations.

Conclusion: Midline diastema is found more in the upper jaw and among females. It is more prevalent among adolescents.

The Impact of Single Suture Closure Technique on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) Following Mandibular Third Molar Surgery; A Prospective Observational Study.

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars is commonly associated with postoperative pain, swelling, trismus, and reduced oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Closure technique influences recovery. The single suture closure technique has been proposed to reduce morbidity. This study aimed to assess the impact of single suture closure techniques on the OHRQoL of patients following impacted mandibular third molar surgery.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, involving 47 participants undergoing mandibular third molar extraction with the single suture technique. OHRQoL was measured using a modified Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) at baseline, Day 1, Day 3, Day 7, and 1 month postoperatively. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 24, with significance level set at p ? 0.05.

Results: At baseline, most patients reported impaired OHRQoL due to impacted teeth. Postoperatively, severe impacts were greatest on Day 1 and Day 3, consistent with inflammatory phase. By Day 7, OHRQoL improved significantly, with fewer severe impacts. At 1 month, nearly all patients reported moderate or no impacts, reflecting recovery to baseline or better. No significant associations were found between socio-demographics and OHRQoL outcomes (p ? 0.05).

Conclusion: The single suture closure technique was associated with progressive improvement in OHRQoL following mandibular third molar surgery. By balancing flap stability with adequate drainage, it offers a reliable and patient-centered alternative to conventional closure techniques.

Pattern of Presentation and Management of Ameloblastoma in a Nigerian Regional Reference Hospital

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Ameloblastomas are benign but locally aggressive tumor that arises from the odontogenic epithelium. It primarily affects the jaws and is the most common benign odontogenic tumour second only to odontomas. The aim of the study was to review the records of all patients who presented with jaw ameloblastoma cases at the Oral and Maxillofacial surgery clinic of Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe, from January 2000 to December 2024 with special attention to their management, complications following treatment as well as the challenges related to the management of these cases.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of medical records of all patients with histopathologically diagnosed jaw ameloblastoma at the Oral and Maxillofacial surgery clinic of FTH, Gombe. The data on patient’s socio-demographics, tumour location on the jaw, clinical and histopathological parameters, treatments instituted, complications and management challenges were extracted from the patient’s folder using data abstraction form. This information was analysed using collection was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.

Results: 219 cases of ameloblastoma were histologically diagnosed during the period of the study; this amounted to an average of 9 cases per year. The mean age of the patients treated was 33.0 years (SD ±12) with a male: female ratio of 1.13: 1. All the cases reviewed were located in the mandible with 161(73.4%) of them found in the posterior aspect. The conventional ameloblastoma is the most common clinical presentation 150(69.2%). Follicular variant was the most common histological subtype 123 (56.1%). One hundred and eighty nine (189) patients were treated with resection and non-vascularised iliac crest bone reconstruction. There were 4 recorded cases of tumour recurrence.

Conclusion: The result of the study revealed that jaw ameloblastoma cases in this locality shared similar clinico-pathologic presentations as commonly reported in the literature.

Dentistry as a Career Choice: Perception and Motivation 0f Dental Students Attending a Nigerian Tertiary University

Oghenebor Michael Oghenenevwefe, Grace Onyenashia Alade — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Dentistry, though an essential component of healthcare, is often perceived as a secondary career option in Nigeria. Despite the increasing number of students enrolling in dental schools, perception and motivation about the profession remain varied and under-explored.

This study aimed to assess the perception and motivation towards the choice of dentistry among dental student at the University of Port Harcourt.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 91 dental students using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: section A included questions on demographic information: age, gender, academic level and religion, section B included questions on motivation towards Dentistry, section C included questions on perception of Dentistry, while section D included questions on the impact of perception on academic performance. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25.0 with significance set at p <0.05.

Results: Sixty-six participants (72.5%) chose dentistry as first choice. Overall perception of the participants for dentistry was high. Key motivators for choosing dentistry included personal interest (23.1%), financial prospects (29.7%), and flexible working hours (30.8%). A significant relationship was found between positive perception and better academic performance (p = 0.009).

Conclusion: The study shows that 72.5% of participants chose dentistry as their first choice. 48.4% of the participants had high perception about dentistry. 49 (28.5%) participants indicated personal interest and passion as motivation for choosing dentistry. There was a significant negative relationship between students' perception scores of dentistry and academic performance (? = -0.274, p = 0.009)

Predictors of Bracket Bond Failure among Orthodontic Patients undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment in Lagos, Nigeria

Onyinye D Umeh, Sylvia Simon Etim — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Bracket bond failure is a common complication of fixed orthodontic treatment and can prolong treatment duration and increase patient burden. Reported bond failure rates vary widely, and the relative contribution of patient- and treatment-related factors remains inconsistent across studies.

Objective: This audit aimed to identify predictors of bracket bond failure, with particular emphasis on age-related differences and treatment variables, including bracket system and treatment duration.

Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted of 103 patients who completed fixed appliance therapy over a three-year period. Demographic data and treatment characteristics were extracted from clinical records. Bracket failures were defined as debonding events requiring rebonding. Patients were classified into low (<2) and high (?2) failure groups. Statistical analyses included bivariate tests and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of failure.

Results: The mean patient age was 24.7 ± 9.9 years, with adolescents comprising 30.1% of the cohort. Overall, 81.6% of patients experienced at least one bond failure, and 75.7% sustained two or more failures. The mean failure rate was 0.2 ± 0.2 per treatment month. Age category was significantly associated with failure, with adolescents experiencing proportionally more failures than adults. Gender, bracket system, and dental anomalies were not significantly associated with failure occurrence or burden. Treatment duration was not associated with overall failure occurrence; however, in multivariable analysis, longer treatment duration was a modest but significant predictor of high failure risk, with each additional month increasing the odds by 7% (OR 1.07, p = 0.028).

Conclusion: Bracket bond failure was frequent in this cohort. Age category and treatment duration were the most relevant predictors, while bracket system and gender showed no independent effects. These findings highlight the importance of patient-related factors and prolonged treatment exposure in managing bond failure risk.