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Biomedical subjects

T S Tilliss

Publications and source records attributed to T S Tilliss.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Oral and perioral piercing: a unique form of self-expression.

A comprehensive review of oral and perioral piercing is presented. This contemporary phenomenon has many implications for the piercee and for the oral healthcare professional. Oral and perioral piercing, which have become prevalent recently, both have historical antecedents. The implications of piercing are described in detail including sites at the tongue, lips, cheeks, frenum, and uvula. Complications occurring immediately after, soon after, and long after the piercing are detailed with special emphasis on the possible deleterious effects on hard and soft oral tissues. Suggestions are provided for patient education including a pamphlet for downloading. Appropriate jewelry selection is described and accompanied with a video clip demonstrating removal of jewelry during the dental appointment and a suggested technique for keeping the piercing hole patent while the jewelry is out. Reviewing this information should educate the oral healthcare professional to be prepared for the patient presenting with an oral or perioral piercing.

Cosmetic Techniques↗
PubMed1999

Use of a whitening dentifrice for control of chlorhexidine stain.

A major drawback to clinicians prescribing and patients using chlorhexidine rinse is the development of extrinsic staining. In order to assess the effectiveness of a whitening dentifrice in controlling chlorhexidine stain, fifty-seven subjects rinsed with chlorhexidine twice daily while brushing twice daily with either fluoridated whitening or a fluoridated regular dentifrice. Stain was assessed at 1, 2, and 3 month intervals using a stain index with two components; one with parameters for color intensity and one for tooth percentage covered with stain. Facial surfaces accumulated less stain than lingual surfaces. For many, although not all surfaces, and at many, although not all time periods, the group utilizing the whitening dentifrice exhibited less staining. It is advantageous to recommend a whitening dentifrice that has demonstrated stain suppression when prescribing a chlorhexidine rinse. Improved patient satisfaction leading to increased compliance with the antimicrobial regimen is a desired outcome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Geriatric education in dental hygiene programs.

This study examined the current status of geriatric curricula in dental hygiene programs in both the United States and Canada and was comprised of a twenty-six-item survey sent to dental hygiene programs. Responses (82 percent) revealed didactic requirements in 89 percent of programs and clinical requirements in 54.2 percent of programs surveyed. Mean didactic clock hours were ten (+/- 8.2), while clinical clock hours were 21.8 (+/- 27.5). Specific geriatric courses were found in only 18.8 percent of programs, while 81.2 percent integrated geriatrics with other coursework. Both clinical (98.8 percent) and didactic courses (81.5 percent) were taught primarily by dental hygiene faculty. Clinical experiences were primarily provided at extramural sites (79 percent). Half of schools surveyed (49.5 percent) felt their geriatric curriculum was less than optimal. The authors conclude that current levels of geriatric dental hygiene education may not meet the increasing demands of this growing population.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Examination of skin moles.

The extraoral and intraoral examination should be part of the clinician's examination process. During the extraoral portion, it is necessary to assess skin moles that may be present in the head/neck region or on other accessible skin areas. This review paper is a discussion of melanoma and provides information on evaluation of moles to determine need for referral.

Dental Care↗
PubMed1995

Recommending serologic HIV testing for the dental patient.

This article provides information for dental clinicians to enable them to make appropriate recommendations to patients needing HIV antibody testing. Information concerning serologic tests for HIV, the decision to/not to test, characteristics of the compassionate HIV counselor, pre-test and posttest counseling are detailed. Competence and confidence in addressing these issues is imperative for the dental clinician.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed1993

Identification of HIV/AIDS-associated oral lesions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the degree to which dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants could recognize possible HIV/AIDS-related intraoral lesions. Recognition of such lesions is important since they are often early manifestations of this disease. METHODS: Following a regional pilot study (n = 234), a national convenience sample of 486 dentists, 124 dental hygienists, and 25 dental assistants was examined and their abilities to recognize HIV/AIDS-associated intraoral lesions were compared. Subjects attending a national dental meeting in November 1989 were shown six color photographs (2.5" x 3.5") and asked to determine which conditions could be depicted from a provided choice list. RESULTS: Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed no significant differences in recognition scores among the three groups. However, results suggest that individuals in all groups may not be adequately recognizing the oral clinical manifestations of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Although study limitations such as non-random sampling and methodology constraints must be considered, one can conclude that HIV/AIDS pathology should receive greater educational emphasis in dental, dental hygiene, and dental assisting curricula and continuing education programs.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1993

Behavior management techniques in predoctoral and postdoctoral pediatric dentistry programs.

This study surveyed predoctoral and postdoctoral pediatric dental programs, to determine what behavior management techniques are being taught. The expected didactic and clinical proficiency levels were determined for behavior management techniques in four categories: sedation, restraint, parental presence, and communicative behavior management. Postdoctoral programs expect clinical proficiency in most of the 20 selected management techniques while predoctoral programs expect clinical basic competency in some techniques and do not teach others. Both program levels emphasize communicative behavior management techniques. A high percentage of both programs anticipate no change in the teaching of most of the 20 selected techniques. For both types of programs, less emphasis or elimination of "hand-over-mouth" techniques but more emphasis on parental presence for the introductory visit, using positive reinforcement, and using age-appropriate language and descriptions is anticipated. The two most influential factors affecting these anticipated changes were parental preference and changing standards in pediatric dentistry.

Anesthesia, Dental↗
PubMed1992

Change in occlusal height resulting from placement of pit and fissure sealants.

This in-vitro study was done to identify the amount of change in occlusal height resulting from standard sealant application technique and to determine whether this change was uniform for both a filled and an unfilled sealant material. Twelve dental hygienists experienced in sealant technique each applied 10 filled sealants and 10 unfilled sealants in standardized artificial teeth mounted in a dentiform and mannikin setup in a dental unit. The teeth were measured with a digital caliper before and after sealant placement. Measurements were from a predetermined point at the apical area of the teeth to the depth of the central fossa. For the sample of 240 teeth, the mean sealant thickness was 0.43 +/- 0.20 mm. When the data for the filled and unfilled sealants were examined separately, the means were 0.47 +/- 0.23 mm and 0.38 +/- 0.16 mm, respectively. A t-test indicated a significant difference at p < 0.001. Analysis of variance revealed significant interoperator differences in sealant thickness (p < 0.01).

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1992

Occlusal discrepancies after sealant therapy.

To date there has been no evidence concerning the need for adjusting the occlusion after sealant placement. Thus, this study investigated the occlusal effects of filled and unfilled sealants. For each of 18 subjects a sealant was applied and the occlusion monitored for 1 week. Each participant received a filled and an unfilled sealant for the specified period. With the filled sealant, nearly all subjects experienced a perceptable occlusal change and most were unable to abrade the interferences to a comfort level. These results indicate that the occlusion should be routinely verified and, if necessary, adjusted immediately after placement of a filled sealant.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed1992

Use of toothpicks for chlorhexidine staining.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the extrinsic dental staining associated with the use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) mouthrinse could be prevented or controlled by the patient with the use of toothpicks. 25 subjects received a prophylaxis to establish a stain-free baseline and were then randomly assigned a control and experimental side of the mouth. The rinsing regimen was 1/2 oz of 0.12% CHX mouthrinse 2x a day for 3 months. Subjects self-examined daily for the appearance of stain. Where stain was visible, a toothpick was used to 'rub it away' on the distolabial, labial and mesiolabial surfaces of the experimental side only. The rubbing action was similar to the use of an eraser to remove a pencil mark from paper. The amount and intensity of stain was photographed and graded by a blinded examiner after 2 weeks, 1, 2 and 3 months. Subjects kept calendars to encourage and document compliance. When analyzed across time, teeth and surfaces, there was a statistically significant difference in stain between the control and experimental sides for stain amount, intensity, and for a composite of amount/intensity. Clinical differences were slight. The study indicates that the use of a simple toothpicking technique can affect chlorhexidine stain.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1989

A closer look at tartar control dentifrices.

A variety of tartar control dentifrices is currently on the market. This has led to some confusion on the part of both clinicians and the public about the need for and efficacy of these products. A description of the effects of these dentifrices on calculus, a discussion of the commercial products available, and comparative research findings are presented.

Dental Calculus↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A six-week study comparing the efficacy of a rotary electric toothbrush with a conventional toothbrush.

The rotary electric toothbrush, Rota-dent, is often recommended and used as an alternative to the conventional toothbrush. The purpose of this short-term study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Rota-dent on plaque removal and gingival health in comparison to a conventional toothbrush. Twenty-four subjects were divided into two groups. For 6 weeks one group used the Rota-dent, while the other group used a conventional (Oral-B 40) toothbrush. Plaque and gingival indexes were evaluated each week. Results indicated that the Löe and Silness Gingival Index scores improved significantly for both groups. There was a significant improvement in plaque removal as measured by Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index for the Rota-dent group, while there were no significant differences in the Silness and Löe Plaque Index for either group. Thus, both devices had a positive effect on gingival health, and the Rota-dent removed plaque better than a conventional toothbrush as measured by one but not another plaque index.

Dental Plaque↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effectiveness of a continuing education course in local anesthesia for dental hygienists.

The knowledge, skill level, and clinical practice habits of 97 dental hygienists were assessed after the hygienists completed a 24-hour continuing education course in local anesthesia. Three survey methods were used to assess changes: a written pretest/posttest, self-reports, and employer-reported behavior change. The self-report was completed prior to the course and again one month and six months after completion of the course. The dentists/employers completed the survey after six months. Data were analyzed by paired t-tests. There was a significant improvement in knowledge between the pretest and posttest, an increase in the number of dental hygienists administering local anesthesia, and an increased frequency of its use in the practice setting at both one and six months after the course. The majority of the dentists/employers stated that completion of the course by the dental hygienists had a positive impact on their practices as demonstrated by the practice running more smoothly, improved quality of dental hygiene services, more satisfied patients, and increased productivity of the dental hygienists.

Anesthesia, Dental↗