C-kit Expression in Oral Leukoplakia.

Oral leukoplakia is the most common potentially malignant oral disorder. Oral leukoplakia's malignant potential is independent of the histopathological grade, and the malignant transformation rate varies greatly from 3% to 50% even in the case of severe epithelial dysplasia. Ethnic & environmental variables may contribute to this variation. C-kit immunohistochemistry was performed on 15 oral leukoplakia (OL), two oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and two dentigerous cysts (DC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the c-kit expression in oral leukoplakia. The use of various immunohistochemical markers to differentiate between OLs with a high and low risk of malignant transformation has been investigated. Only four OL exhibited a faint cytoplasmic expression in basal cells. Whereas, OSCC and DC were devoid of c-kit expression. Thus, this may not be a unique marker for identifying OL at high-risk. Further research with larger sample size is required. Key Words: CD 117, Disease progression, Oral dysplasia, Oral leukoplakia, Risk prediction.

Surgical management of wide intrabony defect underlying midline diastema using Whale's tail flap technique: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Management of wide midline diastemas accompanying an underlying osseous defect is cumbersome which sometimes yields unpredictable results. However, regenerative therapy of these highly aesthetic zones using a Whale's tail flap technique obtains a maximum papilla fill after placement of the bone graft. This case report illustrated the utilisation of Whale's tail technique of flap for a large interdental defect. CASE PRESENTATION: A young healthy 31-year-old male patient presented with maxillary midline diastema. Probing depth of 6 mm was also noted over the mesial aspect of the same teeth with localised osseous defect radiographically which lead to a diagnosis of localized chronic periodontitis in relation to those teeth. A Whale's tail technique flap for papilla preservation was performed together with a regenerative procedure using bone graft and GTR membrane. DISCUSSION: Midline diastema is a common reported complaint in dentistry due to both aesthetic and functional reasons. Following the treatment, 12 months postoperatively, patient had a probing depth reduction of 3 mm and a gain in clinical attachment of 2 mm. The surgical technique allowed regeneration of wide intrabony defects involving the maxillary anterior teeth with notable interdental diastemas. CONCLUSION: This lead to significant improvement of the hard and soft tissue contour as well as it recreated a functional reattachment which was documented up to 12 months postoperatively.