Marie Adou-Assoumou

Abstract

Background : The amalgam, a material that has been used for more than 150 years for posterior teeth restoration, has been controversial because of the poisoning risk related to its mercury-content. Its manipulation exposes the practitioner and his staff members to chronic mercury poisoning, which causes some pathologies. It is, therefore, less often used or even abandoned in developed countries. However, in Côte d’Ivoire, it remains the material of choice for posterior restorations for its mechanical properties and relatively low cost. Aim: This study aimed to analyze mercury vapor levels measurement within dental clinics. Materials and Methods: The study involved forty-six dental clinics in the district of Abidjan using exclusively or not the amalgam. A spectrophotometer, Lumex, was used to measure mercury vapor at two levels (garbage cans and ambient air) at the opening of dental offices’ doors. Ten measurements equally spaced by ten seconds were done for each level. The data were analyzed using the SPSS and the Student test as a statistical test. Results: Very high levels of mercury vapors have been recorded in 3/4 of dental clinics using exclusively or not the amalgam compared to the WHO threshold value (999ng/m3), whatever the measured level. Conclusion: Mercury poisoning remains a reality within dental clinics in Abidjan. Keywords: Dental clinic, Mercury vapor measurement.

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Abstract

Background : Glass-ionomer cements (GICs) are biomaterial compounds of basic glasses and an acid polymer with a setting reaction of acid-base type. They are booming these decades due to the improvement in their properties and the development of minima dentistry. Aim: The present study aims at assessing the awareness, aptitudes and practices of dental surgeons in Abidjan with regard to the use of glass ionomer cements. Methods and Materials : A cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire to 102 dental surgeons in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire). Results: This study has shown that 100% of the surveyed practitioners were trained to use the glass ionomer cements restorations at the university, but 19.61% did not realize it. For 22.55%, GIC restorations concern only primary teeth while 55.88% concluded that they concern both primary and permanent teeth. Finally, for 1,96%, GIC concern solely permanent teeth. In their daily practice, 14.71% of practitioners had made GCI their preferred material in restorative therapeutics. Conclusions: A better indication accuracy of those materials and practitioners’ motivation is needed with the view of increasing their use. Keywords: Abidjan, Glassionomer cements, Restorative dentistry.

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