Health

Cinematic and Volume Rendering of the Facial Skeleton CT can aid Visualization

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An interesting article titled “Three-dimensional perception of cinematic rendering versus conventional volume rendering using CT and CBCT data of the facial skeleton,” written by Tobias Steffen and et al. appears in the April 2022 edition of the Annals of Anatomy (151905). The article sought to explore if three-dimensional cinematic rendering image re-constructions offer advantages over conventional volume rendering to visualize cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and computed tomography (CT) images of the facial skeleton. In the study, ten dentists reviewed 10 different patient cases of CT or CBCT exams of reconstructed cinematic rendering or volume rendering of the orofacial skeleton. The dentists were given a questionnaire to assess objective and subjective criteria of image perception. To assess objective criteria, predefined questions on the visual perception of anatomical image characteristics, were given to the denists. To assess subjective criteria, a visual … Read more

The Relationship Between Bruxism and Vitamin D

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An interesting article titled “Association between bruxism severity and serumconcentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels” appears in the 2022 edition of Clinical and Experimental Dental Research written by B. Allaf and M. Abdul-Hak (pp. 1-9). In the article discussion is made of a study that was conducted to investigate the relationship between bruxism, when someone unconsciously clenches or grinds their teeth, and blood levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, commonly known as Vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essenetial vitamin found in foods, like salmon, eggs, and dairy products. Vitamin D can also be obtained from mainly through skin exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Obtaining a low amount of vitamin D has been linked to greater risks of diseses ike cancer and heart diasese and could help prevent gum disease. In the study, 100 patients who had dental treatment peformed at Damascus … Read more

Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Viagra

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If you suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), you may be looking for something to help you with this condition. Viagra, a common medication for erectile dysfunction, can help you overcome this condition. Below, is some more information about Viagra’s effectiveness, side effects, and overall safety. Effectiveness Viagra increases blood flow to the penis, which helps men achieve and maintain an erection. The effectiveness of Viagra varies from person to person, but it has been shown to be effective in about 70-80% of men with erectile dysfunction. It is important to note that Viagra does not work for everyone and will not increase sexual desire. Make sure you consult a doctor before taking Viagra, as it can result in serious side effects in some users. How to Take Viagra Viagra is taken orally, usually around 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. The … Read more

Looking at the dentition of several million year old skull

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An interesting article titled “Preliminary paleohistological observations of the StW 573 (‘Little Foot’) skull” appears in eLife written by Amélie Beaudet and et al. (March 2, 2021). The article explores initial results an X-ray based imaging investigation of the skull of a 3.67-million-year-old Australopithecus specimen which is a prehuman ancestor known as Little Foot. In the study the authors presented initial results of the investigation of the dentition and cranial bones of Little Foot. Little foot was found in a cave in the 1990s in South Africa. It took 15 years to completely remove Little foot from the ground and is regarded as the most complete skeleton of the early hominin lineage leading to humans. The researchers brought Little Foot’s skull from South Africa to the U.K. to scan it with a synchrotron x-ray microcomputed tomography system. The authors were able to, for the … Read more

Dental Anxiety for Post Traumatic Stress Survivors

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An interesting article titled “Dental anxiety in relation to torture experiences and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder,” written by Høyvik et al. appears in the European Journal of Oral Sciences (vol. 127, pp. 65-71, 2019). The article sought to explore dental anxiety amongst those who have suffered torture experiences and have experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The article describes how in recent years Europe has received an increase in refugees and asylum seekers from countries experiencing war. As a group these refugees and asylum seekers have a high amount of mental health issues which could be due to experiencing stressful events in their life such as torture. The authors state: “Several aspects of the dental visit resemble the torture situation. The patients may feel tied to the dental chair and are literally underneath health personnel in white coats … Read more