• Bacterial infection of root canals :
Endodontic infection is a polymicrobial infection with a dominant of obligate anaerobic bacteria in primary infections. Microorganisms in the root canals can grow in different form as planktonic cells, or in aggregates, co-aggregates and they can also form biofilms consisting of a complex network of different microorganisms 1,2.
After the first invasion of the pulp chamber by planktonic oral microorganisms biofilm formation in root canals is probably initiated after some tissue breakdown3.
Biofilm is a matrix consists of exopolysaccharides, proteins, salts and cell material in an aqueous solution in which microcolonies of bacterial cells are distributed in it. This matrix form about 85% of the volume o Extraradicular infections
Due to the defense barrier, intraradicular microorganisms usually constrain themselves in the root canal. In specific circumstances, extraradicular infection can be established whenever microorganisms overcome this defense barrier. This may lead to purulent inflammation in periapical tissues and development of acute apical abscess. The extraradicular infections may be dependent or independent on the intraradicular infection. The dominant microorganisms present in extraradicular infection are anaerobic bacteria8,9 like: Actinomyces spp, Propionibacterium propionicum, Treponema spp.
Some microorganisms can survive in the root canal after chemomechanical preparation due to its resistant to antimicrobial treatment. The most commonly species repeatedly associated with failed endodontic therapy and canals with persistent infections are Enterococcus faecalis and yeast, mainly Candida
The nail is a complex cutaneous structure that consists mainly of the nail matrix, nail plate, nail bed, cuticle (eponychium), and nail folds. The cuticle is an outgrowth of the proximal fold, which is situated between the skin of the digit and the nail plate, providing a waterproof seal from external irritants and pathogens.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa; often resulting from a Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a bacterial infection in the sinus cavity (Suh JD. & Kennedy DW., 2011). S. aureus can be treated with antimicrobial mupiriocin (MUP). Nasal irrigation is employed for the current delivery of the drug, however the system lacks effectiveness. Copious amounts of solution need to be directed into the sinus cavity with majority of it pouring back out of the nose and hence decreasing the drugs efficacy. In addition to this, the planktonic bacteria in the cavity can amalgamate into biofilms; an exopolysaccharide matrix which is highly resistant to antimicrobials. These biofilms specifically require a novel drug delivery system in order to be successfully eradicated.
Candida can be obtained by rubbing a sterile cotton swab over the affected tissue lesions in the mouth and then inoculated in Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA). Another technique is using sterile foam pad that has been dipped in a liquid medium, such as Sabouraud's broth. The pad is then placed on the affected lesions in the mucosal cavity for 30 seconds and then transferred to an agar for culture. The last method is the oral rinse technique which require the patient to hold a sterile phosphate buffered saline in the mouth for one minute. The solution is then inoculated on an agar media at 37oC for 24-48 hours (1).
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gingiva and alveolar bone. Periodontal disease increases in prevalence and severity as people age. Periodontal disease is precursored by gingivitis.
Hospital acquired infections are one of the most common complications of care in the hospital setting. Hospital acquired infections are infections that patients acquired during the stay in the hospital. These infections can cause an increase number of days the patients stay in the hospital. Hospital acquired infections makes the patients worse or even causes death. “In the USA alone, hospital acquired infections cause about 1.7 million infections and 99,000 deaths per year”(secondary).
Infection control is a central concept to every practice of health care providers. Its main objective is to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases from both patients and health personnel (Martin et al., 2010). In dental clinic, infection control is a continuous concern for its professionals. They have to contact patients routinely and be exposed to their blood, saliva, dental plaque and pus that may contain infectious pathogens. It is important for the dental professionals to treat these fluids as if they are infectious and special precautions must be taken to handle them. In this essay, I will highlight the scope of infection control practices in dental clinics and the ways through which infectious microorganisms are transmitted in the dental clinic. Also, I will talk about some infection control guidelines implemented in dental clinics and how they meet the needs of the patients. Finally, from a personal perspective, I will mention some factors that affect the implantation of infection control guidelines and procedures.
-Characterized by the elongation and hyperkeratosis of the filiform papillae, resulting in this hairlike appearance. The elongated papillae usually exhibit brown, yellow, or black pigmentation. Most patients are asymptomatic, but occasionally patients complain of irritation, gagging, or an altered taste. Patients are usually heavy smokers with poor oral hygiene and some have vitamin deficiencies, GI problems, or radiation therapy. Cures range from just brushing the tongue to corticosteroid therapy.
Periodontal disease also known as periodontitis is the inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth caused by specific microorganisms resulting in progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone with pocket formation, recession, or both. This includes gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gingiva and is the milder form. This later on progresses to periodontitis and is a more severe form. Periodontitis affects the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and cementum.
On his initial examination dated 23/06/13 the patient was seen for a routine full mouth scale and polish with reinforced oral hygiene instruction including flossing technique. He presented with excellent oral hygiene at this appointment which was a reflection of his commitment to good oral hygiene; tooth-brushing twice daily and dental flossing once daily. This was further supported by the patients plaque scores at 5% and bleeding scores at 4% with only minimal supra gingival calculus on lower anterior teeth. There was no erythema or oedema present on the gingival tissues.
Dental plaque is the combination of bacteria embedded in a matrix of salivary proteins and bacterial products superimposed on the acquired pellicle (Berkovitz, et al., 2011). It is an example of a biofilm, a term used to describe relatively undefinable microbial community associated with a tooth surface or any other hard, non-shedding material (Reddy, 2008). Plaque can also be described as
The infection is now destroying the bone that supports your teeth. Eliminating bacteria through good oral hygiene is not possible.
Biofilms can form on many surfaces, including natural aquatic systems, human teeth, medical devices like artificial heart valves and catheters,
Biofilms are formed by a six step process. First is a reversible process, when an organic monolayer(made of polysaccharides or glycoproteins) absorbs to the surface, altering the chemical and physical properties of the surface. This makes the surface more conditioned and increase the chance that planktonic bacteria will attach. Secondly, also a reversible step, is when the free-floating or planktonic bacteria encounter the conditioned surface, and some attachment of the bacteria may occur. The third step is when the bacteria is left attached too long, then an irreversible attachment occurs. F...
The root canal is a procedure in which and endodontist or dentist will perform to remove an infection from the pulp of the tooth canal. There are many indications to show that the patient will need this work completed such as pain, tenderness and sensitivity to warm and cold tempetures. When the endodontist is doing the procedure he will use many different tools such as endodontic explorers, files, peso reamers and gutter purcha. Once complete the patient will be a little sore but the initial pain will be gone.
This may be required in cases when the conventional root canal treatment is unable to save the tooth. It is a minor surgical procedure that involves the removal of the very tip of the tooth after which the gap is sealed. An apicoectomy also enables the endodontist to remove any infection or dead debris at the tip of the root. Once the canal is cleaned up and sealed, the risk of infection is very low. In some cases, the endodontist may use bone grafts or other implant techniques to assist with bone growth, especially in cases where the infection has left a big gap. In most cases, the tooth will be salvaged and normal function is