Ohasa Journal - 1st Quarter 2023 - Vol 24 No 1

Introduction

Available to OHASA members only.

CANNABIDIOL IN DENTISTRY

A Scoping Review

Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring molecules in mammals produced in the endocannabinoid system, which interact with endogenous substances (e.g., anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), phytocannabinoids (e.g., cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol), or synthetic cannabinoid analogs. Cannabinoids can bind to specific CB1 and CB2 receptors found in plasma membranes, nerve fibers (CB1), and tissue cells (CB2). CB1 receptors in the brain are predominantly presynaptic and responsible for regulating memory, mood, sleep, appetite, and pain by releasing neurotransmitters. CB1 receptors are also present at lower concentrations in peripheral tissues, including cardiac, testicular, muscular, hepatic, pancreatic, and adipose tissues. CB2 receptors are probably responsible for the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids and are expressed in the spleen and hematopoietic cells. 

SYSTEMIC DISEASES AND BIOLOGICAL DENTAL IMPLANT COMPLICATIONS:

A Narrative Review

According to the report from the World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions in 2017, peri-implantitis is a pathological condition due to plaque forming in the tissues around dental implants. It is characterized by inflammation of the mucosa and a subsequent gradual loss of the underlying bone. Judging from a meta-analysis conducted by Lee et al., weighted mean implant-based and subject-based peri-implantitis prevalences were 9.25% and 19.83%, respectively. Weighted mean implant-based and subject-based peri-implant mucositis prevalences were 29.48% and 46.83%, respectively.

THE PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ACT (POPIA) AND THE PROMOTION OF ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT (PAIA):

It Is Time To Take Note

The Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) was first published in the South African Government Gazette and signed by the President of South Africa in November 2013. Recognising that everyone has the democratic right to privacy (Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, Section 14) and in line with international standards, an important aim of this Act is to protect personal information processed by public and private bodies. In parallel with the POPI Act, the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA) deals with the legal and transparent regulations which determine how an individual’s personal information may be accessed. The POPI and PAI Acts complement each other. These regulations do not replace the standard Health Professions Council of South Africa’s (HPCSA) patient confidentiality and other legal policies. In short, the POPI and PAI Acts deal with protection of personal information held by any company or institution, including medical practices and hospitals in the government and state sector, and simultaneously govern the flow of personal information from one party to another. Although the POPIA and PAIA are ‘old’ laws, a formal deadline for implementing these policies within private and public bodies has only recently been finalised. In order to oversee and regulate the implementation of these Acts, an independent governing body, the Information Regulator, was appointed by the President of South Africa. These laws are not aimed at adding another dimension to medical practices’ standard operating procedures but are implemented to prevent reckless handling of patients’ personal information.

“MARY-LAND BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN”

A team approach in dentistry case report

This report will discuss a case of gingival hyperplasia due to prosthesis (Maryland Bridge) of a young female patient at a multidisciplinary Maxillo- Facial and Oral Surgeon clinic. It describes the clinical characteristics of gingival hyperplasia, a complete diagnostic evaluation, management, and follow-up. A few images are illustrated as well as a complete review of the relevant literature to date about gingival hyperplasia, a maryland bridge and the placement of an implant.