Complications following dental treatment in a child with haemophilia A: lessons to be learnt.

A boy in his middle childhood with severe haemophilia reported with facial swelling following dental treatment for a carious upper primary molar done at a private dental clinic elsewhere. On presentation, he had a large, tense and tender swelling of the left cheek and a haematoma on the buccal mucosa adjacent to the treated tooth. The child was found to have a low haemoglobin level. He was taken for an emergency procedure under general anaesthesia for dental extraction with incision and drainage, and simultaneously underwent packed cells and factor replacement. He recovered in the ward postoperatively with no complications and with a gradual reduction of the swelling. This report highlights the importance of caries prevention in children, especially those with haemophilia. They need to be educated about restricting cariogenic foods in their diet and maintaining good oral hygiene. Management of such patients should be carefully coordinated to minimise undesirable outcomes.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-associated juvenile osteomyelitis of mandible: a rare variant.

Mandibular osteomyelitis in paediatric population presents as painful swelling with progressive trismus. Often the aetiology for this form of progressive osteomyelitis is inconclusive. The infective aetiology in this condition is difficult to assign as bone tissue culture is found to be seldom positive. We present a case of an 11-year-old girl, with hearing and speech impairment, who presented with report of painful right-sided mandibular swelling with progressive trismus. Clinical, radiographic and histopathological findings were suggestive of sclerotic osteomyelitis. Bone tissue culture grew Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, indicating a rare infective variant. Unlike the common belief, where osteomyelitic mandible needs a combination of medical and surgical management, our case was managed conservatively with only antibiotic therapy. Our patient responded well to the treatment with reduction in pain and gradual improvement in the mouth opening. Radiographically the mandibular involvement also showed complete regression.

Time required for haemostasis under pressure from dental extraction socket.

INTRODUCTION: It is generally expected that the time required for a clot to form in an extraction socket must be similar to that of the average physiological bleeding time (2-9 minutes). However, in dental practice does hemostasis require the full clot to form or does it occur earlier? Conventionally there is no accepted average time range for socket hemostasis with estimates ranging from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. This study is an attempt to quantify the average time period required for hemostasis to occur in an extraction socket. METHODOLOGY: 1205 consecutive patients attending the dental clinic and requiring dental extractions were evaluated for the average duration of hemostasis after extraction. Exclusion criteria were children (<15 years), pregnant mothers and patients who had a systemic bleeding disorder or were on anticoagulants. The socket was inspected first after five minutes after an extraction and later at 10 minutes and 15 minutes if bleeding continued. RESULTS: Bleeding from an extraction socket settled in less than five minutes in about 83% of individuals and in 10 minutes in 96.5% of cases. Hence it is expected that in an otherwise normal healthy individual socket compression by biting over gauze for around 10 minutes will produce adequate haemostasis. Prolonged bleeding beyond 10 minutes was rare and was controlled with suturing and pressure applied with a gauze pack in healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: Checking for hemostasis after placing a pressure pack for 5-10 minutes over an extraction socket is a useful act of risk management before discharge of the patient from the clinic to rule out any hemorrhagic tendency.

Spontaneous bone regeneration in a large haemophilic pseudotumour of mandible.

Pseudotumours of haemophilia (PTH) are locally expansile destructive haematomas which result in varying morbidity among haemophilic patients. Adequate haematological treatment and prophylaxis helps in preventing these haematomas. Currently, there is no uniform standard management protocol for this entity due to rarity of these lesions. PTH are seen in 1%-2% of the severe haemophilic patients. They may also be seen in moderate cases when adequate factor coverage is not provided or in cases with factor VIII inhibitors. We report a rare case of mandibular pseudotumour in a patient with moderate haemophilia and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, treated successfully with decompression of the haematoma. Postdecompression, sequential radiography revealed spontaneous bone regeneration at the site of the lesion. With 2 years follow-up, the mandible had no residual lesion. This reveals the role and potential of conservative decompression even in cases with severe osteodestruction secondary to developing haematoma of the mandible in haemophilic patients.

Assessing perceptions of oral health related quality of life in dental implant patients. Experience of a tertiary care center in India.

BACKGROUND: Patients perception of treatment outcomes are invaluable assessment tools and are effective indicators for future prognosis. Various tools of measurement have been used to assess the same. The oral health impact profile questionnaire (OHIP 14) has been effectively used to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) with regards to individual perceptions. This study was conducted to assess OHRQoL in patients who have had dental implants to replace missing teeth in the Department of Dental Surgery, Unit 1, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, TN, India by using the OHIP 14 questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 107 patients who had treatment with dental implants were sent a modified form of the OHIP 14 questionnaire. An attempt was made to draw an inference by correlating scores of the OHIP 14 with data pertaining to key independent variables. Gamma regression was applied to the results as the outcome score distribution was skewed. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 21.0. RESULTS: The mean score for the OHIP 14 was 16.82 with the highest score of 30 for a total score of 70. OHIP 14 scores were higher in patients with implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis as compared to patients with single implant supported crowns (P = 0.0069). Patients with no complaints scored 9% lesser than those who reported complaints (P = 0.0438). CONCLUSION: Assessing quality of life with regards to specific treatment interventions may help to draw critical inferences that determine overall success. Results from the study enabled us to delineate and appreciate the success imparted by esthetics and function from the general well being imparted by treatment with dental implants. Social media could be used to positively improve responses in questionnaire based studies. Future studies using implant specific OHRQoL questionnaire may help to elicit unbiased patient perception in dental implant patients.

Osteoradionecrosis of Jaw: An Institutional Experience.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw is a significant yet rare complication of radiotherapy (RT) associated with the management of head-and-neck malignancies. Recent decrease in the incidence of ORN following RT to the head and neck is being mainly attributed to refinement in RT techniques and improvement in our understanding of this morbid disease. The aim of this study is to assess the patients with ORN following head-and-neck RT to determine the various contributing risk factors involved in the development of ORN. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective data review from 2003 onward was conducted on the cases of ORN which presented to the Department of Dental and Oral Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore. Details of the patients with regard to the site of primary malignancy, type of treatment provided - RT alone or in combination of surgery and chemotherapy, dose of RT, presenting complaint, duration between the RT and presentation of ORN, and method of management considered were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were evaluated. The average age of the 25 patients in our study was 58 years. Oropharynx (about 50%) was the leading site of primary malignancy. More than half of the patients in the study (52%) had undergone radical RT for the primary malignancy and all the patients were given >60 Gy dose of RT. About 48% of the patients in the study reported with pus discharge as their chief complaint. The average intervening time period from completion of RT to the presentation of ORN was 48 months. The mandibular alveolus was the most common site for ORN. Twelve of the 25 cases in the study were managed conservatively with only 3 patients requiring major resection. CONCLUSION: Due to its rare presentation, ORN still remains a challenge for the clinician in its management. Our study revealed that radical RT and concurrent chemo-RT for the oropharyngeal and base of the tongue malignancies have a higher risk of developing ORN. Patients subjected to the dose of RT above 60 Gy for head-and-neck malignancies have an increased risk of future ORN; henceforth, newer modality treatment like intensity-modulated RT regimen is recommended for such sites. Most of the patients in the study were satisfactorily managed of the symptoms with conservative modality treatment; hence, it is recommended to consider for surgical methods only in severe end-stage form of ORN.

Chronic periodontitis among diabetics and nondiabetics aged 35-65 years, in a rural block in Vellore, Tamil Nadu: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic periodontitis is a common cause of poor oral health globally. Those at higher risk of this preventable and easily treatable condition need to be identified so that efforts can be taken to decrease disease burden and subsequent consequences. AIMS: The aims of the study were (1) To compare the prevalence of chronic periodontitis among individuals with and without type 2 diabetes, aged 35-65 years from a rural block in Vellore, Tamil Nadu and (2) to assess risk factors for chronic periodontitis among individuals with diabetes. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was done in nine villages of Kaniyambadi block, Vellore, between October 2015 and July 2016 among participants aged 35-65 years of a previous cross-sectional survey which had identified individuals with and without type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chronic periodontitis was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index and Treatment Needs index. Oral hygiene was assessed clinically using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index. Diabetes was defined as on medication for type 2 diabetes or detected to have fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dl (in a previous survey). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square test and odds ratios (adjusted using logistic regression) were used to study risk factors for periodontitis among those with diabetes. RESULTS: Prevalence of chronic periodontitis was 45.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.88%-50.9%) among 98 individuals with diabetes and 35.6% (95% CI: 30.91-40.29%) among 104 individuals without diabetes. Poor oral hygiene (odds ratio: 8.33, 95% CI: 3.33-25.00), low socioeconomic status (odds ratio: 3.19, 95% CI: 1.00-10.12), and smoking (odds ratio: 3.51, 95% CI: 1.17-10.51) were associated with periodontitis among diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with type 2 diabetes have a higher prevalence of periodontitis. As poor oral hygiene is a strong risk factor for periodontitis, there is a need for targeted education regarding dental hygiene to reduce this preventable condition.

A Novel Technique To Correct Multiplanar Maxillary Hypoplasia.

Dental malocclusion and facial deformity are frequent observations in patients with clefts of the orofacial region. These patients have a low self perception secondary to their aesthetic appearance. Cleft palate patients are further affected in their speech and oral function with direct impediment to their quality of life. Early identification and treatment in cleft lip and palate patients may directly enhance their overall well being and productivity with sustainable prognosis when managed by skilled and evidence informed operators. We present a successful case management of a patient with a cleft palate and dentofacial deformity with a past surgical history, treated with an anterior maxillary advancement osteotomy, stabilized with an interpositional non vascular iliac bone graft. The posterior open bite was corrected using overlay full coverage crowns. Both these techniques are rarely reported in the literature. The procedure positively improved the quality of life in our patient with regards to her aesthetics, speech and function. This treatment approach could be considered in similar cases to achieve predictable outcomes.

Total Extraction as a Treatment for Anaemia in a Patient of Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia with Chronic Gingival Bleed: Case Report.

Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder affecting the megakaryocyte lineage and is characterized by lack of platelet aggregation on stimulation. The molecular basis is linked to quantitative and qualitative abnormalities of αIIbß3 integrin. Most of the patients with severe Glanzmann's thrombasthenia have spontaneous gum bleeding and persistent low haemoglobin levels. Often these patients are addressed with local haemostatic measures and platelet coverage. We report a case of a severe Glanzmann's thrombasthenia with chronic gingivitis and associated spontaneous gum bleed with chronic low haemoglobin levels, managed subsequently with total dental extraction under appropriate platelet and recombinant factor VIIa coverage. Further follow up of the patient substantiated the treatment protocol with increased and stable haemoglobin levels, thus emphasizing the need for total dental extraction in patients with severe Glanzmann's with chronic spontaneous gum bleed, as a definitive treatment option, which has not been reported so far in the literature.

A review of clinical and radiological features of cleidocranial dysplasia with a report of two cases and a dental treatment protocol.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare autosomal dominant condition with generalized dysplasia of bone characterized by delayed closure of cranial sutures, hypoplastic or aplastic clavicles, short stature, dental abnormalities and a variety of other skeletal abnormalities. We report two cases presenting with classical features of CCD because of its rarity.

Spontaneous Bone Regeneration After Enucleation of Large Jaw Cysts: A Digital Radiographic Analysis of 44 Consecutive Cases.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the healing in cystic defect of the jaw to substantiate our understanding of spontaneous bone healing after enucleation of jaw cysts subjectively and with analysis of digital postoperative panoramic radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourty four consecutive patients reporting to the Department of Dental and Oral Surgery, during the period between 2008-2012 having maxillary and mandibular cysts treated by either surgical enucleation or by marsupialization followed by enucleation were evaluated for subsequent bone formation at the site of cystectomy defect by subjective clinical examination along with digital radiographic examination. Postoperative clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at 6,9,12, and 24 months. Bone regeneration was evaluated by reduction of the size of residual cavities at the cystectomy defect using digital orthopantomogram. RESULTS: Out of 44 patients 15 patients completed two years of follow-up with all the patients having 6 months follow-up. The maximum size of the cystic pathology was 150.40mm and minimum of 14.73mm at the time of presentation (average size of 58.16mm). Twenty patients were diagnosed with odontogenic keratocyst, with one patient having multiple OKC associated with Gorlin Goltz Syndrome, 17 patients had dentigerous cyst, 5 had Radicular cyst; solitary bone cyst and globulomaxillary cyst formed one each. Uneventful healing and spontaneous filling of the residual cavities were obtained in all cases. The digital analysis of the postoperative radiographs showed mean values of reduction in size of the residual cavity of 25.85% after 6 months, 57.13% after 9 months, 81.03% after one year and 100% after two year. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous bone regeneration can occur after surgical removal of jaw cysts without the aid of any graft materials even in large cystic cavity sufficiently surrounded by enough bony walls. This simplifies the surgical procedure, decreases the overall cost of surgery, and reduces the risk of postoperative complications associated with grafting.

Primary Malignant Mixed Germ Cell Tumour with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Mandible; A Rare Entity.

Germ cell Tumours (GCT) are neoplasm derived from germ cells. GCT usually occurs inside the gonads. Extragonadal GCT's are rare. Most common GCT associated with head and neck region are the teratomas. Of the few teratomas found in the head and neck, malignant transformation of a teratomatous element is very uncommon, and primary bone involvement within the head and neck is even rare. We present a case of primary malignant mixed germ cell Tumour involving the mandible, the present case presented malignant transformation of the epithelial component showing foci of squamous cell carcinoma within the GCT.

Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint caused by Aspergillus flavus infection as a complication of otitis externa.

Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a very rare complication of otitis externa that can lead to ankylosis and destruction of the joint. We report the case of a 74-year-old man who developed aspergillosis of the TMJ following otitis externa. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of TMJ septic arthritis secondary to otitis externa caused by Aspergillus flavus. The patient was successfully managed with condylectomy, debridement, and drug treatment with voriconazole.

Audit on titanium reconstruction of mandibular defects for jaw lesions.

AIMS: The aim of the study is to audit the titanium reconstruction of jaw defects in benign conditions in Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A retrospective study of titanium reconstruction of mandibular defects due to jaw lesions at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India, between May 2008 and May 2011. RESULTS: Mouth opening, facial symmetry, occlusion, chewing ability, plate exposure and patient satisfaction were used as outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: The three-dimensional titanium plate is a reasonable material for immediate mandible reconstruction after surgical resection of benign jaw pathologies.

Trismus as a first presenting complaint in a case of myasthenia gravis.

The initial presentation of myasthenia gravis as trismus is very rare and no previous reports have been found in the literature. A 35-year-old male presented to the outpatient unit of our department with inability to clench well and to open his mouth. Physical examination revealed that he had clinical findings consistent with the signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis. He was immediately referred to a neurologist, who confirmed that he was in an advanced stage of myasthenia gravis with severe deficit to his respiratory muscles and he was promptly treated. He is presently on a maintenance drug therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of myasthenia gravis whose initial presentation was trismus. This case presents a rare but important diagnosis that should be added to the differential diagnosis of trismus.

Primary oral tuberculosis: report of two cases.

Oral lesions of tuberculosis though uncommon, are seen in both the primary and secondary stages of the disease. In secondary tuberculosis, the oral manifestations may be accompanied by lesions in the lungs, lymph nodes, or in any other part of the body and can be detected by a systemic examination. Primary oral tuberculosis may present as a diagnostic challenge for the clinician. Here we report two patients with primary tuberculosis in the oral cavity who presented to the dental department, were diagnosed and referred for medical management.

Guidelines for management of impacted canines.

Though the management of impacted canine is considered a multi-disciplinary entity requiring the expertise of a number of specialists, the general practitioner needs to coordinate care and must know about the diagnosis and management of canine impaction. The management of canine impactions can be simplified by following a logical and systematic approach. The schematic treatment plan for impacted canines and the factors influencing and determining the plan are discussed in this article.