The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 at the end of 2019 sparked the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though it was a novel virus, the workup of suspected COVID-19 included standard protocols used for the investigation of similar respiratory infections and pneumonia. One of the most important diagnostic tests in this regard is computed tomography (CT). CT scans have a high sensitivity in diagnosing COVID-19, and many of the characteristic imaging findings of COVID-19 are used in its diagnosis. The role of CT in COVID-19 management is expanding as more and more hospital practices adopt regular CT use in both the initial workup and continued care of COVID-19 patients. CT has helped hospitalists diagnose complications such as pulmonary embolism, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumothoraces, and nosocomial pneumonia. Although mainly used as a diagnostic tool, the prognostic role of CT in COVID-19 patients is developing. In this review, we explore the role of CT in the management of hospitalized patients with COVID-19, specifically elucidating its use as a diagnostic and prognostic modality, as well as its ability to guide hospital decision-making regarding complex cases. We will highlight important time points when CT scans are used: the initial encounter, the time at admission, and during hospitalization.
Dental caries is considered to be one of the most prevalent and chronic oral disease. 1 It is an infectious microbial disease of the teeth that results in localized dissolution and destruction of the calcified tissues often resulting in cavitation. 2 Consequences of dental caries include pain, discomfort, eating difficulty, tooth loss, bacteremia, malocclusion and lower self-esteem. 3 Moreover, it can have financial burden on the individual and families as millions of dollars are being spent worldwide every year to manage pain and discomfort. 4 Certain risk factors are associated with prevalence of dental caries and they play a significant role in the disease process. These factors include socioeconomic status, age, gender, brushing habit, dietary habit, xerostomia due to medications or Sjogren's syndrome, patient education and attitude towards oral hygiene and access to dental services. 5 Early education in dental care is critical among children. Tooth brushing technique, flossing and proper dietary habits are necessary contributors for good hygiene practice. Lower socioeconomic status carries significant caries rate because of poor oral hygiene practices, malnutrition and lack of awareness. 6 Frequent sweet intake, dryness of mouth, and poor oral hygiene increase the likelihood of caries. 1 Dental caries has been the focus of interest of many
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