Journal - Canadian Dental Association = Journal de l'Association dentaire canadienne
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease with far-reaching systemic implications. The hallmark feature in SLE is chronic inflammation. ⋯ This review article offers an overview of the multiple organ systems affected by this complex heterogeneous disease process that are most relevant to both the general practitioner and the dental specialist. In particular, ways to recognize and manage the oral and dental manifestations of this systemic illness are presented.
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Since the late 1960s, investigators have assessed the risks associated with exposure to a variety of potentially harmful agents used in dental practice. This paper provides a brief overview of the epidemiologic literature examining the associations between occupational exposures to elemental mercury and anesthetic gases and reproductive outcomes, such as spontaneous abortion, congenital abnormalities and reduced fertility. ⋯ At this time, evidence of a relationship between exposure to elemental mercury and spontaneous abortion, congenital abnormalities and reduced fertility is limited. Good mercury hygiene by dental personnel and the use of scavenging equipment on nitrous oxide systems and exhaust systems on ethylene oxide sterilizers may reduce the risk of adverse reproductive outcomes.
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Review Case Reports
Pigmented lesions of the oral cavity: review, differential diagnosis, and case presentations.
Pigmented lesions are commonly found in the mouth. Such lesions represent a variety of clinical entities, ranging from physiologic changes to manifestations of systemic illnesses and malignant neoplasms. Evaluation of a patient presenting with a pigmented lesion should include a full medical and dental history, extraoral and intraoral examinations and, in some cases, biopsy and laboratory investigations. In this paper, an algorithm is proposed for the assessment of pigmented lesions of the oral cavity, and 3 patients with such lesions are described.
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Adjunctive local anesthetic techniques and their armamentaria, such as intraosseous injection, computer-controlled delivery systems, periodontal ligament injection and needleless jet injection, have been proposed to hold particular advantages over conventional means of achieving local anesthesia. This article describes the use of each technique and proprietary armamentarium and reviews the literature appraising their use.
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Smokeless tobacco use has increased rapidly in North America. This form of tobacco use has many oral effects including leukoplakia, oral cancer, loss of periodontal support (recession), and staining of teeth and composite restorations. Systemic effects such as nicotine dependence, transient hypertension and cardiovascular disease may also result from smokeless tobacco use. This paper aims to guide dental practitioners in identifying oral lesions that occur due to the use of smokeless tobacco and also offer guidelines on how to counsel patients who express a desire to stop using smokeless tobacco products.