Zygomatic bone fractures are common. The importance of zygomatic bone fractures is due to its cosmetic and functional implications. Treatment of zygomatic bone fractures varies among surgeons and failure to achieve good reduction may lead to infraorbital nerve and maxillary sinus dysfunction, molar asymmetry and orbital complications.

A series of 100 cases of zygomatic bone fractures treated in Riyadh Medical Complex in the last 5 years are reviewed with respect to age, sex, distribution and method of treatment. Results of the study will be presented and the complications encountered will also be discussed.
Saudi Dental Journal 1994;6(SI)-Abstr.031:p34

Surgical reconstructions of orbital blow out fractures have been accomplished over the year by a variety of autografts, allografts and alloplasts all of which have drawbacks of their own. As in reconstruction of other areas of the body, autografts have proved to be the best in the orbital region also, but for the increased morbidity in lieu of the second surgical site from where the graft is to be obtained.

Twelve patients with post-traumatic blow out who reported at the maxillo­facial unit of the Assir Central Hospital in Abha underwent orbital floor reconstruction using cartilage harvested from the nasal septum or external ear. The criteria for selection of the graft site and reconstruction of the defect are described. The advantages of using the cartilage grafts from these sites and the consistently good results obtained with regard to ocular mobility and aesthetics are discussed.
Saudi Dental Journal 1994;6(SI)-Abstr.032:p35

The superficial temporal fascia (temporoparietal fascia, epicranial aponeurosis or galeal extension) lies immediately deep to the hair follicles of the temporal region. It drives its blood supply from the superficial temporal artery.

The technique for using this flap in reconstruction of different assymetries of the face and neck is described. The advantages and applications of this flap are discussed and illustrated with case reports. This report evaluates the versatility and low morbidity encountered with this thin, vascular and pliable flap in reconstruction of different defects of the auricle, face and neck.
Saudi Dental Journal 1994;6(SI)-Abstr.033:p36

 
034. Restoration of badly decayed anterior primary teeth

Children with severely carious primary anterior teeth were ashamed from their teeth, and caused them to shy and smile rarely. The children who require restoration of these teeth were usually among our youngest and most challenging patients.

In situations whether there was inadequate amount of enamel, a material is required that will bond both to dentin and enamel with ease and speed of application, whether to save time and expense for these very young patients. The procedure should provide a restoration that is strong enough to withstand the forces of occlusion in the primary dentition, maintaining aesthetic requirements, as well as ease of repair with average life span of 4 years.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of direct bonded glass ionomer (Ketac-fil capsules) crown technique.

This clinical study included 320 teeth from 100 patients, followed up to about 24 months. The success rate was 80%, the main disadvantages were poor finishability and limitations of colour shades.
Saudi Dental Journal 1994;6(SI)-Abstr.034:p37

Caries rates have decreased in many western industrialized countries but in some populations, caries is approaching epidemic proportions. Existing measures of treatment and prevention are not adequate to reverse this trend because they are either ineffective, not available, inappropriate, too expensive, or not accepted by the patient population.

A combined fluoride-sealant procedure for caries prevention and control using existing technology and resources will be demonstrated. It can be performed by minimally trained persons virtually anywhere. All posterior teeth are completed in less than three minutes using type 2 glass ionomer cement. The procedure has been used for over eight years in a group practice and on over 23,000 children in school programs. It is scientifically-based, simple, safe, effective, low cost, painless and follows current principles of infection control.

For such procedure of prevention and control, the use of glass ionomer cement has been demonstrated elsewhere for use in a non-clinical setting. Because it involves covering caries with glass ionomer cement and eliminates or alters other standard techniques, it is controversial among dentists. The technical and conceptual areas of conflict will be described and refuted.

In addition to covering caries, technical issues include : placing the material with a finger; minimal tooth cleansing, drying and isolation; a unique infection control method. Conceptual areas of disagreement include: private practice vs. public health; tooth restoration vs. caries control and pain avoidance; responsibility for dental health - individuals, parents, dentists, governments, society. These issues are central to reaching the World Health Organization oral health goals for the year 2000 and for facing the problem of millions of future carious lesion.
Saudi Dental Journal 1994;6(SI)-Abstr.035:p38