Background: Dental caries is one of the most common oral problems affecting children globally involving the people of all region and society. It can be seen in all age groups of children involving both deciduous and permanent teeth. Dental caries is a lifetime disease, and the highest priority risk group is between 6 and 12 years of age. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries in both primary and permanent dentition among the school-going children in Mahbubnagar district. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2000 children in different areas of Mahbubnagar district in age group 6–12 years. The dental caries status was assessed by decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT)/dmft index using the World Health Organization criteria 1997. Statistical Analysis: Collected data from each patient is subjected to statistical analysis to know the prevalence of dental caries. Results: Dental caries in both primary dentition and permanent dentition was 64.2% and 26.6%, respectively. The prevalence of dental caries in primary dentition was more in 7–8-year-old children and less in 11–12-year-old children (P > 0.05). Overall, mean dmft score of both males and females is 1.49 ± 1.56, the overall mean DMFT score of both males and females is 0.57 ± 1.23. Conclusion: The present study showed that the frequency of caries was found to be a higher in the Northern region of Mahbubnagar district. The dental caries was more in 7–8 years and less in 11–12 years children, whereas less in local villages of Mahbubnagar.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Vascular lesions are among the most common congenital and neonatal abnormalities. These anomalies can occur throughout the whole body, with 60%, however, being located in the head and neck region probably due to its intricate vascular anatomy of region. There is a significant confusion in the literature because of the use of confusing descriptive terminology for the same vascular entity and eponyms. Correct naming of lesion, appropriate classification, and clinical appearance of vascular lesions have a direct impact on understanding of etiologies of these complex lesions, diagnosis, and in treating patients. Thus, the aim of this article is to provide comprehensive knowledge about classifications and to have an insight of various important vascular lesions affecting head and neck region based on its pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: An adequate width of the attached gingiva helps in maintaining esthetics and proper plaque control. A thin gingiva may lead to recession after trauma or surgical and inflammatory injuries, thus sufficient thickness of the attached gingiva is desirable. Studies have shown considerable intra- and inter-examiner variation in both width and thickness of attached gingiva, which might be due to the presence of different gingival biotypes present in the adult population. By ascertaining gingival thickness, we can diagnose periodontal diseases and plan a proper treatment which is important for a good prognosis. Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the variations in the thickness of gingiva with respect to age, gender, and location in the dental arch. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 (45 males and 45 females) periodontally healthy subjects were divided into three different age groups. These individuals were examined for their gingival thickness in the maxillary and mandibular arches. Results: It was observed that the thickness of gingiva significantly decreased with age in both the arches and was significantly higher in females than males. The maxillary arch had thicker gingiva as compared to mandibular arch. Conclusion: In the present study, we concluded that the thickness of the gingiva varies with age, gender, and arch location.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: On account of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), education in higher institutes was strongly affected and they were shut down. The education shifted from “face-to-face” learning to online learning in the dental universities. The aim of this study was to assess the students' perspective on the implementation of online learning due to COVID-19, using a questionnaire-based survey in India. Materials and Methods: The authors sent out an electronic survey to the undergraduate dental students from October 17, 2020 to October 25, 2020. The online questionnaire had a combination of multiple-choice, Likert scale, and open-ended questions which gave insight into the demographics, access to technological sources, didactic benefit, study habits, perceived issues with e-learning, conduction of examinations during the pandemic period, and their mental health. Students were also asked for their views on the inclusion of online learning in the future curriculum. Qualitative data was expressed as number and percentage. A comparison was performed using Chi-square test. Kruskal-Wallis test was done for Likert scale questions and Bonferroni test was used for post hoc comparisons. Results: Among 2319 dental students, 63.9% exclusively used smartphones and 8.5% used laptops for classes. The rest of the students used both devices. To access online resources, about 2262 (97.5%) had Internet connection. Only 943 students (40.7%) did not encounter any difficulty while engaging in online learning. About 1466 students (63.2%) appeared for examinations. About 1261 students appeared offline for both theory and practical examinations. Fifty-five percent of the participants felt offline examinations to be a better alternative. About 69.6% of students preferred “face-to-face” learning instead of solely online learning. Nearly 19.4% of students wanted online education to be continued, while 28.5% wanted to keep both offline and online courses in the future curriculum. Most frequently encountered problems were difficulty in adjusting to new learning styles, having to perform responsibilities at home, and poor communication between educators and learners. Conclusion: Students showed a little reticent attitude towards on the implementation of online learning and were hopeful of engaging in online learning after improvisation in the future curriculum.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

In the recent times, chair-side/bed-side monitoring tests have gained importance over the routine laboratory tests as they are easier and faster to perform without requiring skilled personnel. Biosensors refer to such type of point-of-care devices that are developed to help in the early diagnosis, periodic monitoring, and treatment of disease. These devices utilize biological reactions for detecting and measuring a particular substance (analyte) of interest. Till date, blood has been the gold standard diagnostic fluid for various diseases. However, oral fluids such as saliva and gingival crevicular fluid offer advantages such as noninvasive collection of sample, smaller sample aliquots, easy storage and transportation, repeated sampling for monitoring over time, and greater sensitivity, making them an alternative clinical tool over serum and tissues for many biomedical diagnostic assays. This review highlights the use of oral fluid-based biosensors for diagnosis of caries, periodontitis, oral cancer, and various systemic diseases.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

The paradigm shift in our understanding of the dynamic, multifactorial nature of dental caries and the resultant change in caries preventive and treatment strategies necessitates that caries risk assessment (CRA) should be an integral part of any caries management protocol. This review discusses the rationale for CRA and the role various risk indicators play in the fluctuating demineralization-remineralization cycle of dental caries. It also provides an overview of different CRA methods and a risk-based clinical protocol for dental caries management in infants and children.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

The healing of hard and soft tissue in mediated by a wide range of intracellular and extracellular events that are regulated by signaling proteins. Platelets can play a crucial role in periodontal regeneration as they are the reservoirs of growth factors and cytokines which are the key factors for regeneration of bone and maturation of soft tissue. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is first generation platelet concentrate. However, the short duration of cytokine release and its poor mechanical properties have resulted in search of new material. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a natural fibrin-based biomaterial prepared from an anticoagulant-free blood harvest without any artificial biochemical modification (no bovine thrombin is required) that allows obtaining fibrin membranes enriched with platelets and growth factors. The slow polymerization during centrifugation, fibrin-based structure, ease of preparation, minimal expense makes PRF somewhat superior in some aspect to PRP.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aim and Objectives: Stress and burnout are the wave of the present decade and dentists and dental specialists are found repeatedly on top of the charts of the more stressed occupation; however, the prevalence among orthodontic postgraduates in India has not been well researched. The present study aimed to investigate the stress and burnout levels of postgraduate students of orthodontics in India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate stress and burnout in postgraduate students of orthodontics in India. A stratified randomized sampling method, with stratification as North, East, West, South, and central population was employed. A questionnaire format formulated by the International Stress Management Association, including Maslach burnout inventory was filled by each of these individuals. Results: A total of 284 individuals showed significance for stress and personal accomplishment (PA) (P < 0.05) whereas statistically insignificant for genders. There is statistically significance for geographical distribution to depersonalization and PA. The Pearson's correlation is positive for stress and components of burnout in postgraduates and is negative for undergraduates. Conclusion: This study was the first of its kind to explore stress, burnout, and its association among orthodontic postgraduate students and undergraduates in the country. There are significant levels of stress and burnout in both undergraduates and postgraduates. There is a statistically significant positive correlation to the components of burnout found in postgraduates. These findings may help orthodontic community in planning, management, and prevention of stress and burnout.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Any occlusal force which goes beyond the adaptive capacity of our periodontium causes injury to periodontal structures, and the resultant trauma is called as trauma from occlusion (TFO), several schools of thoughts are there that whether TFO is an etiological factor or cofactor for the occurrence of periodontal diseases. Present review paper is an effort to clear the actual concept of TFO along with its historical background, etiological factors, relevant terminologies, signs and symptoms, and advanced diagnostic methods.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Plaque control is the daily removal of dental plaque, oral biofilm and also prevention of their accumulation on the teeth and other parts of oral cavity. Dental plaque is the major etiology of maximum gingival and periodontal diseases. It is also related with various dental problems. Mechanical plaque control is a very effective method to get rid of plaque accumulation in oral cavity. In 3000 BC there was the first toothbrush invented by human beings. With time several modifications came in toothbrushes to make mechanical plaque control more effective in day to day oral hygiene practice. This article emphasizes on the advanced and emerging tools in mechanical plaque control methods in attaining an optimal level of oral hygiene standards and maintenance of oral health.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Statement of the Problem: Sorption and solubility by soft liners is accompanied by volumetric changes, microbial infestation, distortion, hardening, color change, and reduced bond strength between the liner and denture base. Water sorption and solubility of soft liners are, therefore, of obvious importance because of their influence on the long-term stability of a soft liner. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the water sorption and solubility of two chemically distinct soft liners (acrylic-based soft liner, Viscogel and silicone-based soft liner, Mollosil) at different storage intervals over 3-month period. Methods: Sixty disc-shaped specimens (30 mm × 1 mm) of each liner were fabricated, weighed, and divided into six groups of ten specimens each. The specimens were immersed in distilled water and in artificial saliva, and their weight data following immersion and subsequent drying were collected at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. The percentage sorption and solubility were calculated, and the data were submitted to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The means were compared using Tukey's honest significant difference post hoc comparison. Results: One-way ANOVA revealed significant difference in the sorption and solubility between the two materials. Acrylic-based soft liner, Viscogel, demonstrated higher percentage absorption and solubility than its silicone-based counterpart, Mollosil, at all-time intervals in both distilled water and artificial saliva. Conclusion: On the basis of lower water sorption and solubility, silicone-based soft liner, Mollosil, may provide for better clinical success than acrylic-based soft liner, Viscogel.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Bonding of brackets to enamel has been a critical issue in orthodontic research since the significance of achieving a stable bond between the tooth and its bracket was obvious from the onset. This study aimed to determine the shear bond strength (SBS) of self-adhesive system, to compare SBS of conventional etchant, self-etching prime and self-adhesive system under dry condition, and to estimate the chair-side time saved for the application of the bonding agents.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the anterior and overall tooth size discrepancies in different malocclusions and evaluate its effect on gender in a sample of South Telangana (Khammam) population and to compare it with Bolton standards. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 311 pretreatment study casts, which were selected from records of orthodontic patients, who were residents of Khammam, South Telangana. The sample was divided into three groups based on Angle Class I, II, and III malocclusions and further subdivided into male and female groups. The mesiodistal diameters of the teeth were measured using digital calipers, and the Bolton's analysis was carried out. Statistical Analysis Used: Intraclass correlation coefficient was assessed using Dahlberg's formula. ANOVA and post hoc least significant difference test were used. Results: The mean anterior and overall ratios were 79.17 ± 2.91 and 92.3 ± 1.88, respectively. A total of 64% and 45% of the study population had tooth size discrepancies in the anterior and overall ratios when assessed for >±1 standard deviation (SD). When the sample was assessed for discrepancies >±2 SD, it was observed that a total of 33.8% and 5.5% patients had anterior and overall tooth size discrepancies. Conclusions: With significant differences being observed between Bolton's and the present study values, the need for population standards gains importance for better results at the end of orthodontic treatment.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

The history of operative dentistry dates back to the era when Babylonians, Assyrians, and Egyptians (4500–4000 BC) were familiar with gold, and Etruscans and Phoenicians (2700 BC) were practising gold crowns. Since then, there have been numerous advances, developments, and researches which have proceeded continuously. These inventions have transformed the practice of operative dentistry into one which is more efficient and more comfortable for the patients as well as for the operating team. This article highlights the significant advancements in the field of operative dentistry which have occurred over a period of time and have helped us to serve our patients better.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Treatment of plaque-induced periodontal disease is largely based on the mechanical debridement of the tooth surface and meticulous maintenance of oral hygiene thereafter. Various chemical plaque control agents are used as adjuncts along with the mechanical plaque control methods for this treatment. Most of these chemical plaque control agents have varied side effects. This has led to the search of natural products which are highly effective in controlling plaque microbes while being biocompatible. Turmeric is one such well-known plant product, known for its varied medicinal value. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Curcuma longa oral formulation in treatment of infective inflammatory early periodontal diseases. Materials and Methods: This clinical study comprised twenty individuals presenting with clinical features of plaque-induced gingivitis and mild periodontitis. Three groups were randomly made in mouth of each patient selected for the study. Group I was treated with scaling and root planing (SCRP) only. Group II was treated with SCRP plus C. longa oral formulation topical application for 2 weeks. Group III was treated only with topical application of C. longa extract oral formulation for 2 weeks. Gingival index, sulcus bleeding index, and plaque index were scored in each group before and after the treatment. Results: The results showed statistically significant improvement with respect to all the clinical parameters in all the three groups. However, Group II showed the maximum improvement (P < 0.001), followed by Group I (P < 0.001) and Group III (P < 0.05). The intergroup difference between the three groups for the improvements in clinical parameters was statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion: The oral formulation containing C. longa extract is effective in treating early infective-inflammatory periodontal diseases not only when used as an adjunct to SCRP but also when used alone.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Introduction: Professional education can be a stressful experience for health-care students and may impact negatively on emotional well-being and academic performance which leads to psychiatric morbidity. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among the professional health-care students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among professional health-care students in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Telangana state. The information regarding demographic data, academic achievements, and positive and negative events in the recent past was collected using semi-structured pro forma, and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-28 is used to assess the psychiatric morbidity. Descriptive analysis and Pearson's correlation analysis were done to analyze the data. Results: A total of 836 students participated in the study, and the overall mean GHQ total score in the study population was 26.8, which is above the cutoff (24) score. The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among study population is about 58.7%. Academic achievement and negative events in the recent past had effect on psychological morbidity and showed high GHQ scores among study population which was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The poor academic performance and negative events had a strong impact on psychological morbidity of students. The higher level of psychological morbidity warrants need for intervention such as social and psychological support to improve the quality of life for the health-care students. Further, a creation of positive academic environment as a teamwork of faculty, administration, educational experts, and students helps to develop psychological healthy dental and medical professionals who can perform better in a coming future.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Dental caries is the predominant cause of tooth loss in children and young adults. Mutans streptococci are the principal etiological agents of dental caries, of which Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Streptococcus sobrinus are most important in terms of human caries. Genetic factors also contribute to dental caries of which dermatoglyphics is one. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the unique relationship between genetic component (dermatoglyphics) and dental components (dental caries, salivary pH, SM level) and to identify children at particular risk of dental decay. Settings and Design: One hundred children, 6–12 years of age, were selected and divided into two groups: Group 1 (children with dental caries, subject group) and Group 2 (children without dental caries, control group). Methods: Dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using a digital scanner (CanoScan LiDE), and dental caries status was recorded with “decayed-extracted-filled teeth” index for primary teeth and “decayed-missing-filled teeth” index for permanent teeth. Salivary pH was determined using pH meter strips. SM level was estimated by microbial culture of collected saliva samples. Statistical Analysis: Mann–Whitney test, Wilcoxon test, and Z-test were applied. Results and Conclusion: (1) Subject group had a decreased frequency of loops, whereas control group had increased frequency of loop pattern on palmer digits (P < 0.001). (2) Subject group had a low salivary pH toward normal and control group had high salivary pH values toward normal (P < 0.001). (3) Subject group had high SM level as compared to control group (P < 0.001). Therefore, there exists a relationship between genetic component (dermatoglyphics) and dental component (dental caries, salivary pH, and SM level).

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aims: The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of nutrition on salivary flow rate (SFR) (unstimulated and stimulated), dental caries status, and eruption pattern in healthy and malnourished children. Materials and Methods: The study participants were categorized into healthy (Group I, n = 37) and malnourished groups (Group II: Malnourished height-for-age [n = 30] and Group III: Malnourished weight-for-age [n = 30]) as per classification of chronic malnutrition. SFR, dental caries status, and eruption pattern were noted for all groups. Statistical Analysis: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the differences in unstimulated and stimulated SFR and dental caries among three groups. The lowest square difference was used for post hoc comparison and Pearson's correlation to investigate the association between SFR and dental caries. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The unstimulated SFR values were found to be 0.53 ± 0.15 ml/min (Group I), 0.14 ± 0.04 ml/min (Group II), and 0.21 ± 0.20 ml/min (Group III). For stimulated SFR, the values were 1.94 ± 0.44 ml/min (Group I), 1.17 ± 0.48 ml/min (Group II), and 1.07 ± 0.52 ml/min (Group III). Dental caries status was recorded to be 2.43 (Group I), 6.4 (Group II), and 4.66 (Group III). The participants with delayed eruption pattern were 8.10%, 23.30%, and 16.60% for Group I, Group II, and Group III, respectively. Conclusion: The values for unstimulated and stimulated SFR were significantly less, but dental caries status and delayed eruption were found to be more in malnourished groups as compared to the normal group.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aims: Evaluation and comparison of solubility, pH, and calcium ion release of calcium-silicate based root-end filling materials mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and biodentine. Methodology: The total sample size for the study was 120. Sixty samples were for solubility of MTA and biodentine and sixty for pH and calcium ion release of MTA and biodentine. MTA and biodentine were added to sixty stainless steel ring molds. The mass of 60 dried glass bottles was measured. Shifting of samples to bottles containing 5 mL of distilled water was done and was stored for 24 h. The bottles were dried at 105°C and weighed. This procedure was repeated for 3, 10, 30, and 60 days. Data obtained for solubility were analyzed with independent t-test. Sixty polyethylene tubes 1 mm long were filled with MTA and biodentine and placed in lidded flasks containing 10 mL distilled water and were preserved in an oven at 37°C. After 2 h, the flasks were removed from hot air oven, and the water was assessed for pH and calcium ion release. pH readings were performed with an pH Meter. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for the detection of calcium ion release. Preservation of the tubes containing the cements was done in new flasks containing 10 mL of distilled water for further detection of pH and calcium ion release in the different time periods of 6, 24 h and 7, 28 days, respectively. Data were analyzed with independent t-test. Results: Significantly higher solubility was exhibited for biodentine for 30 and 60 days than MTA. Statistical difference was observed between the solubility, pH, and calcium ion release values of MTA and biodentine. Conclusions: Biodentine exhibited higher solubility, pH, and calcium ion release in comparison with MTA.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aims and Objectives: Curing units in dental offices across Punjab are analyzed for a practical purpose. Materials and Methods: One thousand light-curing units regularly used by the dentists in dental offices across the state of Punjab were examined for their output intensity. Various factors include as follows: type, power of light-curing unit, material molecule formation on tip (YES/NO), diameter of guide tip, and frequency of bulb replacement. A radiometer, a magnifying glass, and a Vernier caliper were used. Data were collected and analyzed. Results: About 75.80% of dentists use light-emitting diode (LED) lights, while 24.20% utilize halogen lamps to cure dental composites. 36.60% of light-curing units of the state had light intensity below 300 mW/cm², out of which 61.60% were quartz–tungsten–halogen (QTH) and 28.60% LED light-curing units. 17.40% of light-curing units recorded light intensity between 301 and 400 mW/cm². 46% of light-curing units registered an output intensity of >400 mW/cm². 79.60% of light units showed material particle buildup on light-curing tips. 62.40% of dentists never replaced the bulbs of their light-curing units. Two-third of dental the practitioners avoided infection control barriers on the tips of curing units. Conclusions: There is a deficit of knowledge among dental practitioners in Punjab regarding care of light-curing units. Dental light-curing units should be regularly checked and infection control remedies should be opted.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of periodontal disease, oral mucosal lesions, and tobacco usage among rubber factory workers of Bahadurgarh, Haryana, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a total sample size of 3290 workers with an age group of 19–60 years old. Tobacco-related habits, periodontal health, and oral mucosal lesions were recorded using the modified World Health Organization pro forma (1997). Descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-square, and one-way analysis of variance were used. Results: Higher tobacco usage frequency (78.28%) in both forms smoking and smokeless was found. The prevalence of periodontal disease and oral mucosal lesions was 87.4% and 41.24%, respectively, among the study population. The most common oral mucosal lesion found was leukoplakia (10.13%), followed by oral submucous fibrosis (4.67%) among the 50–60 years age group. The most commonly involved site in the present study for the occurrence of oral mucosal lesions is buccal mucosa (30.5%), followed by vestibular region (22.3%), tongue (16.1%), labial mucosa (10.3%), and palate (9.7%), whereas floor of mouth (6.4%) and commissures (4.7%) were the least involved. Conclusions: The findings of this study provided an insight into the periodontal health status, adverse oral habits, and the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions of factory workers, which may be useful in planning oral health programs and free services for tobacco cessation and dental treatment, especially to this industrial sector.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Nanotechnology has delivered is impact on almost every facet of science and development. It is but natural that medicine and dentistry too are being influenced by this recent entrant which has immense potential. In contrast to bulk material, these nanoparticles are much more potent and can be manipulated for surface chemistry, charge and bonding capability. This article is a brief overview of current knowledge of nanoparticles and their actions, especially in reference to dentistry.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Crossbite can be treated using both removable and fixed appliances. This paper describes the report of two cases by a method of treating anterior single tooth in crossbite which is locked out of arch form with a simple fixed partial appliance. Orthodontic treatment was initiated by creating space for the locked out incisor using open coil spring and further corrected using MBT brackets and nitinol archwire for alignment. Treatment goals were achieved, and esthetics and occlusion were maintained postoperatively. Treatment objectives were obtained within a short duration using this technique, and there was an improvement in patients' smile.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Dental and medical students are the healthcare takers of the general population. They play an important role in oral health care and its promotion in the society. Hence, their self-awareness regarding periodontal health and oral hygiene practices is mandatory. Aim: This study aims to evaluate awareness regarding periodontal health and oral hygiene practices among dental and medical undergraduate students. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 participants, out of which 100 medical and 100 dental undergraduate students were selected for this study. Structured questionnaires regarding teeth cleaning habit, use of tooth brushing, tongue cleaning, perception of halitosis, and treatment taken for halitosis were prepared and distributed to collect information regarding awareness of periodontal health and oral hygiene. The data were subjected to statistical analyses. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test was applied for comparison among dental and medical undergraduate students. P value was considered statistically significant at P < 0.005 level. Results: Strongly significant differences were observed among the dental and medical students in brushing teeth twice daily, routine dental visit for oral hygiene maintenance, self-perception for halitosis, and treatment taken for halitosis (P < 0.005). Conclusion: Both the medical as well as dental professional students must be encouraged to be a good role model in promoting oral health education for their families, friends, patients, and ultimately for the society.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aims and Objectives: Tooth color is a major factor with regard to dental esthetics. Restorative dentistry has evolved from its previous dentist driven to patient driven service and patient opinion plays an important role in selecting the treatment plan. Whitening teeth and smile designing for esthetic purpose is currently fashionable. Selection of appropriate tooth shade for edentulous patients is an important part of teeth replacement. Most patients prefer having lighter shades. However ultimate objective of esthetic dentistry is to create a beautiful smile, with teeth of pleasing inherent proportions to one another and color in harmony with gingiva, lips and face of the patient. Proper shade selection has a positive impact on the patient's acceptance of the treatment. The present study was designed to measure the tooth colors in a particular age group of North Indian population. There is enough data to support the use of objective methods of measuring shade and dentists are shifting to these newer technologies but subjective methods of shade selection are still popular as the digital devices are expensive. Materials and Methods: In the present study, shade of cervical, middle and incisal third of the facial surface of natural maxillary central incisor was measured with digital colorimeter, VITA Easyshade^® Advance 4.0. It is an optical reading device that can assess the wavelengths reflected back to its sensors. Lighting in operatory does not affect the shade measurement. It is extremely accurate. The limitation of study was its small sample size. Conclusion: It was concluded that the most prevalent shade in cervical third was 1M2, middle third was 1M1 and incisal third was 2M1.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]