Human saliva contains a large number of proteins which can be separated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). In this study the protein profiles of whole saliva of diabetic and non-diabetic were compared. Considerable variations between individuals in the protein profiles were observed. The saliva from diabetic patients appeared to have more of proline-rich protein bands in the molecular weight region below 56 KOa. Further investigations using individual gland saliva should be carried out.

A pilot study was conducted on 135 sixteen-year-old students from three rural schools in Kelantan to establish the prevalence of orofacial pain and discomfort. About 44% reported to have experienced some oro-facial pain in the preceding four weeks. About 27% of those with pain, still experienced the pain at the time of clinical examination but only 8% have consulted professional help. Most of the pain encountered were only mild or moderate in nature. Only 7% and 10% respectively, reported that the pain affected their sleep and concentration to study. The main cause was toothache and sensitivity. The prevalence of discomfort was 22%, the most common causes being recurrent oral ulcers and bleeding gums. The impacts of orofacial pain was mainly manifested at the personal level, and very few affecting social functioning. However, untreated decay and missing teeth were very low (mean DT 0.47, mean MT 0.27), while filled teeth (mean Ff 2.9) was the main component of the DMFf (mean 3.66, sd ± 2.6). Severe periodontal disease and the prevalence of traumatised teeth was not a major public health problem. The high prevalence of pain merit further research. Therefore a larger study involving other age-groups in other states is planned.

The construction of an electrical pain stimulator was described. The parameters of pulse width and frequency on the quality of pain stimulation was determined. The best design and construction of the electrode for the stimulator was produced.

The study was undertaken to analyse in vitro biodegradation of stainless steel crowns, and space maintainers (stainless steel band materials) by keeping the respective number of samples in the artificial saliva incubating at 37°C. Nickel and chromium release after 1,7,14,21 and 28 days was analysed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that there was statistically significant release of both nickel and chromium which reached maximum level at the end of 7 days and gradually reduced thereafter. The maximum release of nickel and chromium was much below than the dietary intake even for four crownsjband used and are not capable of causing any toxicity.

A technique for the fabrication of an orbital facial prosthesis using a soft autopolymerizing acrylic resin is presented. The material used has been found to be acceptable to most patients treated. The use of this material offers easy access for wound care and is ease to removal and maintenance of hygiene.

Microleakage testing has been used to determine the possible clinical performance of a restorative material. Many microleakage testing materials have been developed and performed through the years. There has been no agreement as to which testing methodology would give the most accurate results. Attempts have been made to simulate the oral conditions and to give a more quantitative representation of micro leakage. The different micro leakage testing methodologies are presented in this paper.

Endoseous Implant insertion for the replacement of missing teeth is the state of the art at present times. An understanding of the biology of the perimplant tissues is imperative for the overall success in the dental rehabilitation of a patient with fixture supported prosthesis. The dental implant tissue interface comprises bone, both cortical and cancellous bone; supracrestal connective tissue and the epithelial attachment. A comprehensive review of the response of bone during the postoperative or healing phase, the loading or remodelling phase and during the steady phase is described.

The calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour (CEOT) is a rare benign odontogenic neoplasm which was first described by Pindborg in 1955. It accounts for less than 1% of all odontogenic lesions. A case of CEOT which presented together with cardiac abnomlalities is presented here and the literature of CEOT is reviewed.

The palatal root of the first permanent molar is the most commonly deflected root into the maxillary sinus during extraction. A rational approach to the surgical removal of a root from the antrum is important. Some surgeons prefer the alveolar approach while others prefer the Caldwell-Luc operation. A case is presented where the palatal root tip of the left upper first molar was removed from the maxillary sinus by the Caldwell-Luc approach with simultaneous closure of the oro-antral fistula resulting from dental extraction. A fibreoptic light probe was used. The advantages and disadvantages as well as how to avoid the common complications of this surgical technique are discussed. A good result was achieved with successful removal of the root and no loss of sensibility of the teeth and/or gum for this case.

Surgery done around gingival margin may eventually result in loss of attachment and recession of the gingiva. Root hypersensitivity is another possible complication when coupled with overzealous tooth brushing by the patients. This paper presents an alternative method to remove a lesion located at the lateral cervical third of a root. Its advantage is that the gingival margin is kept intact.