The Federation of Operative Dentistry of India (FODI) and the Indian Endodontic Society (IES) jointly organized the 26th FODI & 19th IES National Conference in New Delhi recently.

Of the 1650 registered participants, nearly 450 presented papers. There were also an equal number of poster presentations.

Dr. Sreedevi N. B. from the Amrita School of Dentistry won the best paper award in the conference for her presentation titled Attaching the Detached: A Case Report.

The paper described the treatment procedure followed for a 24-year-old male patient who reported with an Ellis Class III fracture, involving damage to the enamel, dentin and pulp layers.

Teeth fragments were reattached by reinforcing with fiber post in a single-sitting treatment for root canal. Significant initial loss of the tooth structure notwithstanding, favourable results were obtained through post-operative follow-ups for six months.

“Dental trauma or injury of the tooth often has a severe impact on the social and psychological well-being of an individual and requires immediate functional and aesthetic rehabilitation,” stated Dr. Sreedevi.

“No restorative material can simulate the original tooth structure. Replacement by the same fractured crown segment and reinforcing it using fiber post is a good option,” she added.

Fiber posts were first made in the 1980s using pre-tensed carbon fibers. The material, manufacturing process and clinical technique have been enhanced in three decades where now several styles and shapes of translucent and tooth-colored posts are available.

They are studied, researched and used all over the world today.

Fiber posts do not corrode and are preferable to using metallic or ceramic materials. The stiffness of fiber posts is comparable to that of the original tooth, they function with the tooth, helping prevent fractures and other problems.

“Tooth fragment reattachment using adhesives offers a conservative, aesthetic and cost effective restorative option. Reinforcing with tooth colored fiber post has several advantages over conventional treatment options, such as tooth extraction,” added Dr. Sreedevi.

“With materials available today, in conjunction with an appropriate technique, aesthetic results can be achieved with predictable outcomes. Thus, reattachment of a tooth fragment should be considered when treating younger patients.”

Currently pursuing post-graduation studies in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dr. Sreedevi received support and guidance from her professors, Dr. Baby James, Dr. Sapna C. M., Dr. Priya R. and Dr. Rakesh Rajan.

This is not the first time Dr. Sreedevi has won a best paper award. She has to her credit several more awards at previous state-level and national-level conferences, both for paper and poster presentations.

We congratulate her on her latest accolade!

February 7, 2012
School of Dentistry, Kochi