Correlation and comparative evaluation of nasal index and nasal cavity volume in nasal and mouth breathers A preliminary cone-beam computed tomographic study

Introduction: Mouth breathing is one of the most deleterious oral habits with a prevalence of 4%–6% among children. Due to the wide range of comorbidities associated with mouth breathing, early diagnosis and prompt treatment is indispensable. At present, there are very few objective methods available for the diagnosis of mouth breathing. The present study was planned to evaluate a possible correlation between nasal index (NI) and nasal cavity volume (NCV) among nasal and mouth breathers (MB). In addition, the average NCV of nasal and MB was also computed. The foresight of this research was to establish the significance of NI as an objective diagnostic tool for mouth breathing. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 8–11-year-old children. The NI was determined using a digital Vernier caliper and NCV was calculated using dolphin imagingsoftware. Results: There was a significant difference in NCV and nasal width (NW) in both groups, but no difference was seen in nasal height and NI. There was no statistically significant correlation between NCV and other parameters in both groups. Conclusion: The present study was a baseline analysis in this line. Even though this study did not reveal any significant correlation between both parameters, future studies are recommended to explore a plausible correlation.

Evaluation of the average pulp cavity volume of primary second molar and canine for obturation of a single primary tooth A preliminary cone-beam computed tomographic study

Objective: Metapex/Vitapex is one of the most commonly used obturating materials in pediatric dental practice in recent times. It is available in a premixed syringe which poses numerous practical difficulties. This study aimed to calculate the root canal volume of maxillary and mandibular canine and second molar using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to determine the quantity/grams of obturation material to obturate a single tooth (mass = density × volume). Materials and Method: This nonrandomized clinical trial is comprised of two parts. The first part involved calculation of average root canal volume using CBCT which was used to calculate the quantity/grams of obturating material. This predetermined quantity was used to obturate primary mandibular second molars and canines, and the quality of obturation was assessed. Results: Assessment of quality of obturation showed optimum length obturation in 53.33% primary second molars and 66.66% primary canines. Conclusion: It can be inferred that even with the use of exact predetermined quantity/grams of obturating material, optimum quality obturation could be achieved, thus avoiding wastage, preventing cross contamination, and simultaneously offering good clinical results. Hence, this study opens further gateways to device ampules containing predetermined mass of obturating material for a single use for obturation of a single primary tooth.

Loss of permanent mandibular lateral incisor and canine tooth buds through extraoral sinus: report of a case.

Extraoral sinus tract may occur as a result of an inflammatory process associated with the necrotic pulp. Several non odontogenic disorders may also produce an extraoral sinus tract, the differential diagnosis of these clinical findings is of prime importance in providing appropriate clinical care. Presented here is a case report of 4 year old female child with extraoral sinus tract through which the tooth buds of mandibular permanent left lateral incisor and mandibular permanent left canine were lost. The extraoral sinus was due to mandibular left primary canine with class IX fracture (Ellis and Davey's classification).