Prevalence And Distribution of Vertical Osseous Defects In Patients Being Treated For Chronic Periodontitis.

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of vertical osseous defects in patients who underwent open flap debridement. Methods: A total of 83 subjects were examined for prevalence of vertical defects using direct observation during periodontal surgery. All patients required periodontal surgery in one or more segments. The diagnosis of periodontitis was made after clinical and radiographic examination. Periodontal surgery was performed on each patient and full thickness mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated to gain access to root and osseous structures. The vertical osseous defects were explored surgically using mouth mirror, explorer and a periodontal probe. Results: A total of 141 vertical osseous defects were detected in the 677 teeth assessed during surgical exposure. Of these 81 vertical defects were found in the maxilla and 60 vertical defects were found in the mandible. Craters accounted for almost 44% of the total defects. The posterior maxilla had the highest percentage of teeth with vertical defects (26.23%) while the mandibular anterior segment had the lowest percentage of vertical defects. Conclusion: The posterior maxilla had the highest percentage of vertical osseous defects which can be explained by the fact that greater thickness of supporting bone allows formation of a greater number of infrabony defects. Craters were found to be the most common defect.

Toothbrush selection: a dilemma?

The toothbrush is a fundamental tool used for accomplishing plaque control. Various types of toothbrushes available in the market keep the buyer in a state of dilemma as to which one to choose, due to lack of information about the "quality" of it. This study has been designed to understand whether all the products available in the market adhere to the specifications laid down by the ADA, which is universally accepted in standardization of a tooth brush. 95% of the brushes surveyed contain less number of bristles per tuft than specified and a large percentage deviate from the standard prescribed value for their bristle diameter and other dimensions. Few brushes labeled as "Soft" were "Medium" and labeled "Medium" were "Hard". The study will bring to light the quality of toothbrushes available in India for a rationalised selection of appropriate toothbrush by the community at large.

Periodontal diseases and awareness among patients.

Awareness of periodontal problems and how they interpret this and their timely intervention affects periodontal health. Many people neither recognize the symptoms of periodontal disease nor do they associate existing symptoms with the disease. Hence one should ensure that the routes of science transfer are open so that the appropriate knowledge regarding the prevention and control of periodontal diseases are available to the public.