Comparative evaluation of the effect of impregnated retraction cord versus laser on gingival attachment level and pain perception following retraction for subgingival margins - A prospective, split-mouth, controlled, clinical study.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the effect of impregnated retraction cord vs Laser on gingival attachment level and pain perception following retraction for subgingival margins. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Many methods for achieving and measuring the amount of gingival retraction in fixed prosthodontic work have been advocated. Though the gingival attachment level is crucial in Periodontology, the literature available regarding the effect of these retraction methods on the same is scarce. Hence, this clinical study was designed to compare the pain perception and amount of gingival recession when impregnated cord and laser were used for retraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 40 subjects (age range of 20 to 40 years) with single missing maxillary incisor, the abutments were prepared with subgingival margins, to receive a full coverage metal-ceramic fixed dental prosthesis. The gingiva was retracted on one of the abutments with impregnated retraction cord and on the other with diode laser. Gingival attachment levels were compared at six sites per abutment using superimposition of digital scans, preoperative and four weeks after cementation of final prosthesis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis of the data for gingival recession was done using t-test. Pain perception was analysed with Chi-square test. Pain perception by patients following retraction was compared with VAS scale. RESULTS: The average values of gingival recession on buccal side were 0.61 mm and 0.38 mm and on the palatal side were 0.58 mm and 0.35 mm for impregnated retraction cord and laser respectively. The P values of <0.01 indicated a highly significant difference between the two groups. Intragroup comparison did not show significant differences between various sites. Pain and discomfort produced by cord method was moderate in comparison with mild/no pain with diode laser and the difference was highly significant.Conclusion: Retraction cord produced more gingival recession than the diode laser, which was statistically highly significant on both buccal and palatal aspects of the teeth. Patients experience with diode laser technique was less painful in comparison with retraction cord method.

Gauging the knowledge, attitude and practice of interns and dentists about obstructive sleep apnoea-A cross-sectional study.

CONTEXT: Obstructive sleep apnoea is less known and lesser practised in dentistry. Dentists often struggle to educate, diagnose or offer treatment to the patient. Hence, the disorder of the patient and the opportunity for the dentist both go unnoticed. AIM: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding aspects of obstructive sleep apnoea among dental practitioners, faculty and interns in India. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A self-constructed validated questionnaire was prepared and circulated online among dental interns and professionals in India. Responses received from 237 participants were evaluated and statistically analysed. RESULTS: Only questions about diagnosis and symptoms of OSA were correctly answered by more than 50% of the participants. In all other questions, the knowledge was poor. Only 11.4% of respondents felt that they are well equipped to diagnose OSA. The general attitude of the participants was favourable but with poor practice. Only 5.1% of participants were ever involved in the treatment of OSA. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence of OSA among the population, along with widespread ignorance among dentists for the same as found in our study, there is an urgent need to spotlight OSA in the dental curriculum at an undergraduate level. To complement this, extensive training and motivation must also be provided so that dental graduates can identify, refer and participate in the treatment of OSA.