ABSTRACT
Background: Recently researches in the field of dental implantology have increased, in spite of that very limited knowledge is available to the patients about dental implants as an option for replacement of missing teeth. Goal of replacement of missing teeth is not only functional rehabilitation but overall improvement in quality of life of the patient. Aim: To assess the awareness of dental implants and to compare oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients treated with implant supported fixed prosthesis (ISPs) and teeth supported fixed prosthesis (FPDs). Methods: & Material: General implant awareness questionnaire was used to assess the awareness of dental implants in 500 participants. Oral health impact profile (OHIP) questionnaire was used to compare OHRQoL between 300 patients treated with ISPs and 300 patients treated with FPDs. Statistical analysis: Sample size was taken to estimate difference between groups at 30 % & 80% power and 5% risk. IBM SPSS 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) was used for statistical analysis. Chi square test and independent t- test was used to find statistical difference between variables. Results: 27.2% participants were aware about dental implants. 74.4% participants agreed that missing teeth should be replaced with prosthetic options. Dentists were primary source of knowledge (66%) of dental implants for patients. Parameters like functional limitations, psychological discomfort and pain during mastication were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in FPDs compared to implant supported prosthesis. Conclusions: Awareness of dental implants in general population needs to be increased. Functional and psychological comfort was significantly higher in ISPs compared to teeth supported FPDs.
ABSTRACT
The tongue is an important oral structure that affects speech, position of teeth, periodontal tissues, nutrition, swallowing, nursing, and certain social activities. Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie, is a congenital anomaly characterized by an abnormally short lingual frenulum, which restricts mobility of the tongue. Though the ankyloglossia is not a serious condition, it may lead to a host of problems including infant feeding difficulties, speech disorders, and various mechanical and social issues related to the inability of the tongue to protrude. Hence, management of ankyloglossia should be considered at any age considering the risk-benefit evaluation. Tongue being highly vascular and mobile structure, laser-assisted lingual frenectomy is the simplest, safest and less traumatic of all the treatment modalities available, with most promising results in minimally invasive dentistry. Here, a case of ankyloglossia is reported with its management by diode laser.