Effect of Mobile Phone Usage on Nickel Ions Release and pH of Saliva in Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Hand held mobile phones are presently the most popular means of communication worldwide and have transformed our lives in many aspects. The widespread use of such devices have resulted in growing concerns regarding harmful effects of radiations emitted by them. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of mobile phone usage on nickel ion release as well as pH of saliva in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. AIM: To assess the level of nickel ions in saliva and pH of saliva in mobile phone users undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 healthy patients with fixed orthodontic appliance in mouth for a duration of six to nine months were selected for the study. They were divided into experimental group (n=21) consisting of mobile phone users and control group (n=21) of non mobile phone users. Saliva samples were collected from both the groups and nickel ion levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The pH values were also assessed for both groups using pH meter. Unpaired t-test was used for the data analysis. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that though the pH levels were reduced and the nickel ion levels were higher in the experimental group compared to the control group, the results were non significant. CONCLUSION: Mobile phone usage may affect the pH of saliva and result in increased release of nickel ions in saliva of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances in the oral cavity.

CBCT in orthodontics: the wave of future.

UNLABELLED: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has probably been one of the most revolutionary innovations in the field of dentistry in the past decade and it provides a novel platform for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Current imaging techniques are essentially two-dimensional (2D) representations of threedimensional (3D) objects and suffer from several limitations. Hence, fulfillment of ideal imaging goals has been limited. Twodimensional radiographs are insufficient, especially in complex cases like impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth and orthognathic surgeries. CBCT images provide far more detailed information than conventional 2D radiographs and are user friendly. Soft tissues, skull, airway and the dentition can be observed and measured on CBCT images in a 1:1 ratio. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CBCT provides an excellent tool for accurate diagnosis, more predictable treatment planning, more efficient patient management and education, improved treatment outcome and patient satisfaction. This article focuses on various applications of cone beam CT technology in orthodontics.

Classic tongue lipoma: a common tumour at a rare site.

Lipoma is the commonest benign tumour occurring at any anatomical site where fat is present, but occurrence in the oral cavity is rare. Tongue which is totally devoid of fat cells is a rare site for lipoma. This is one such rare case of the universal tumour, presenting at the lateral margin of the tongue, for which complete tumour excision was done. Macroscopically the mass had a hard consistency and measured 3.0 × 2.0 cm. From microscopic examination, diagnosis of lipoma was made. Recurrence of tongue lipoma is rare.

Non-syndromic multiple supernumerary teeth: a rare entity.

Hyperdontia or supernumerary teeth without associated syndromes is a rare phenomenon, as supernumerary teeth are usually associated with cleft lip and palate or other syndromes such as Gardeners syndrome, cleidocranial dysplasia, trichorhinophalangic syndrome, etc. A 15-year-old girl reported for orthodontic treatment with a chief complaint of irregular teeth and unaesthetic smile. On examination class I malocclusion with severe crowding of upper anteriors, anterior open bite of 5 mm, cross bite with upper right posteriors, upper midline shift to right by 5 mm and two supernumerary teeth placed buccally in between 16 & 17 and 26 & 27, respectively, were found. On routine radiographical examination, two additional impacted supernumerary teeth were noticed distal to 18 and in mandibular arch in between roots of 35 and 36. A general physician was consulted who confirmed that there was no associated syndrome. Family history did not reveal any positive findings.

Oral manifestations of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica: a rare genetic disease.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) constitutes a group of phenotypically diverse genodermatoses, which manifests with blistering and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes as the unifying diagnostic feature. It is an acquired disease or inherited as either autosomal-dominant or recessive with an incidence of 1/50 000. The prominent clinical characteristic of the disease is the development of bullae or vesicles in mucosa or skin in response to minor trauma. It is a chronic mechanobullous disease characterised by auto antibodies against Type VII collagen. This paper documents a case of a man diagnosed with dominant dystrophic EB; describing the measures that dentists and healthcare providers should adopt in order to provide a safe and effective dental treatment. Early prevention protocols for these patients have also been discussed.

Surgical-orthodontic management of bilateral multiple impactions in non-syndromic patient.

Several surgical and orthodontic treatment options are available to disimpact the impacted teeth. But the closed eruption technique has the best long-term prognosis. The tooth is surgically exposed, an attachment is bonded to it, flap is resutured over it and an orthodontic extrusive force is delivered to bring the tooth into occlusion. This case report presents a case with multiple impacted teeth in which no syndrome or systemic conditions were detected. A 20-year-old female patient reported for orthodontic treatment with chief complaint of multiple unerupted permanent teeth and retained primary teeth. Radiographic examination revealed impacted 14, 15, 24, 25, 33, 34, 43 and 44. Surgical exposure of the impacted teeth was done after extraction of retained primary teeth. Forced eruption of these teeth was done by applying traction with closed eruption technique. After careful treatment planning followed by guided eruption of impacted teeth, patient finished with a significantly improved functional and aesthetic result.