Pathologic changes in dental follicle associated with third molar impactions - a study

The aim of this study was to establish radiographic criteria for early diagnosis of cystic changes in dental follicles associated with impacted third molars and thereby prevent the development of a pathological cyst and its associated complications. This case control study was performed involving 20 cases of impacted third molars with follicle size measuring <2.5mm and 4 controls with follicle size measuring >3mm, as measured on panoramic radiographs, followed by histopathologic evaluation of the follicles for cystic changes. 55% of follicles associated with impacted third molars, with pericoronal radiolucency less than 2.5mm actually showed presence of stratified squamous epithelium consistent with a dentigerous cyst. Thus on the basis of the results obtained in this study, it was concluded that a pericoronal radiolucency associated with impacted third molar and measuring less than 2.5 mm in the greatest dimensions should be considered as a potential source for the development of a dentigerous cyst when seen in an OPG

Multiple talon cusps and dens invaginatus associated with other dental anomalies - an unusual report

Talon cusp is a dental anomaly that occurs as an accessory cusp like structure from the cingulum of maxillary or mandibular anterior teeth. Dens invaginatus is a developmental variation which arises as a result of an invagination on the surface of a tooth crown before calcification has occurred. An unusual case of multiple talon cusps affecting the maxillary central incisors and the canines bilaterally together with other dental abnormalities viz dens invaginatus affecting the maxillary lateral incisors, microdontia, short roots, reduced alveolar bone height, dilaceration of the described posterior teeth, anterior open bite and bilateral posterior cross bite in a 35 year old male. The presence of these dental anomalies in a single patient is very rare and this is perhaps the first case report of this nature. None of these anomalies alone are particularly uncommon but they have not previously been reported together. The occurrence of these anomalies is probably incidental as the conditions are aetiologically unrelated and no developmental syndrome was identified

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor of the mandible - extrafollicular variety: a rare case report

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor [AOT] is an uncommon benign odontogenic lesion that affects young patients, with female predominance, mainly in second decade, representing approximately 3% of all odontogenic tumors. It is of interest that in about 74% of cases, this tumor is associated with an unerupted tooth, and in over two third of cases associated with maxillary [65%] or mandibular canine [35%]. Very rarely the lesion occurs without any impacted tooth. In this report a case of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor of right side of mandible in the canine premolar region not associated with an impacted tooth in a 14 years old female patient is described

Unilateral mandibular central giant cell granuloma in a child: a case report

A 10 year old female child was seen in the Department of Pedondontics of Rama Dental College and Hospital [India] with a diffuse swelling about 2 into 3 cm in size on the left side of her face. It was firm but not tender. Left sub-mandibular lymph nodes were palpable, mobile, soft and tender. Intra oraly a growth about 3 into 4 cm was present in the lower left vestibule. CT 3D reconstruction image showed destructive lesion in 33-37 region. Histopathology of incisional biopsy revealed predominantly sheets of spindle to ovoid fibroblastic cells with interspersed osteoclast like giant cells. Enucleation was done under GA and tissue subjected to histopathology which confirmed the diagnosis

Linking general health with oral health in ageing societies: a review

This paper highlights the factors that interact and determine the oral and general health of older adults. It also describes in brief various components of staying healthy in ageing population. Nutrition, systemic conditions and pharmaceuticals play vital role in determining good oral health care of elderly population. This article also explains various age related changes in the oral cavity and the role of care givers to detect and report these changes to oral health care providers. Thus this article not only provides an insight on the oral health and its significance in geriatric population but also mentions the ways to develop a senior-friendly dental officer