Low level laser therapy [lllt] for orofacial pain

Low-power lasers are a group of lasers with a power less than 500 mW and unlike high-power lasers they have no effect on tissue temperature; they produce light-dependent chemical reactions in tissues. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical applications of these lasers and their success rate in different studies in orofacial pains. The articles with the key word "low level laser therapy" were extracted from pubmed. Clinical trials, meta-analysis, randomized clinical trials, and review articles were selected. Related articles to orofacial region were gathered and selected from the search results and carefully reviewed. Laser therapy may affect many cellular and sub-cellular processes, although exact mechanism has not been well-defined yet. Articles had different points of views as mentioned in the context of this article. Low level laser therapy was effective in orofacial pain relief in most studies, but the use of laser remains controversial. These lasers have analgesic features, and it is according to these features they have been used in the treatment of orofacial pain, including myofacial pain, mucositis, facial myalgia, temporomandibular joint disorders and neuralgia. It seems that laser therapy can be considered as an alternative physical modality in treatment of orofacial pain.

General dental paractitioners awareness of the guidelines about post-exposure procedures relating to Hepatitis and HIV

To evaluate awareness of general dental practitioners [GDP] in Iran about the post-exposure management of hepatitis and HIV. A randomly selected sample of 136 registered GDPs who were practicing dentistry in Khorasan [Iran] completed the questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed by use of SPSS 11.5 Software and One way test and Student t-test for parametric data and Chi-square tests for non-parametric data. The average score was 11.8% showing the low level of awareness among GDP in Iran. The awareness level was higher in relatively more experienced GDPs. The age group between 25 and 34 years had the highest knowledge. Awareness of the participating GDPs about HBV was of higher level than that related to AIDS and HCV. The results of this study showed a significant lack of awareness among GDPs in Khorasan about post exposure management of hepatitis and HIV. An educational program focusing attention on post exposure management of hepatitis and HIV for GDPs is needed

Laser application in periodontics

The use of lasers for treatment has become a common phenomenon in the medical field. Currently, numerous laser systems are available for dental use. The use of lasers for periodontal treatment becomes more complicated because the periodontium consists of both hard and soft tissues. Related articles were gathered and selected carefully and reviewed. Among the many lasers available, high power lasers such as Carbon Dioxide Laser [CO2], Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet [Nd:YAG] and diode lasers can be used in periodontics. The use of these lasers is limited to gingivectomy, frenectomy and similar soft tissue procedures including the removal of melanin pigmentation of gingiva. Recently, Erbium: Yttrium Aluminium Garnet[Er:YAG] and Erbium, Chromium doped Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet [Er,Cr:YSGG] lasers are used for scaling, root debridement, cutting, shaving, contouring and resection of oral osseous tissues. In addition to their surgical applications, low-level lasers such as Er:YAG laser irradiation promotes osteoblast proliferation showing higher and favorable bone tissue regeneration. These findings suggest faster bone tissue healing following periodontal and peri-implant low level laser therapy. Advantages of laser treatment in periodontics are effective and efficient soft and hard tissue ablation with a greater hemostasis, bactericidal effect, minimal wound contraction, faster bone tissue healing, minimal collateral damages along with reduced use of local analgesia

Neoplastic transformation of oral lichen plan in young patients

Oral lichen plan is a relatively common chronic disorder that occurs in 0.5 to 2.2 percent of the population. Controversy exists in the literature about malignant potential of OLP. Two cases of oral SCC within pre-existing OLP lesions were diagnosed in our department. One of patients was a 31 years old man and another was a 29 years old woman. Location of the lesions was border of the tongue. Both patients had OLP in oral mucosa for many years. They didn't have any known risk factors and were healthy. No viral infection was detected by PCR analysis

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome

We report a case of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome in a 21-year-old man. Gorlin-Goltz syndrome [basal cell nevus syndrome] is an infrequent hereditary disease with its prevalence varying from 1 / 57,000 to 1/250,000. It is principally characterized by a wide range of developmental abnormalities. Main clinical manifestations include multiple odontogenic keratocysts of the jaws, facial basal cell carcinomas and skeletal anomalies. The prevalence varies from 1/57,000 to 1/250,000