ABSTRACT
Background: Teeth, one of the strongest structures of the human body, stands as reliable evidence in forensic odontology. The gender and age can be estimated from a tooth using various methods. We aimed to estimate the calcium content of an intact tooth and compare it with its average weight and dimension and also to find the possible correlation with the age and gender of an individual. Materials and Methods: A total of 180 extracted teeth were divided into group A (21-40), group B (41-60) and group C (61-80). Calcium estimation by decalcification followed by ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid method analysis was performed. Results: Greatest calcium values were found in the males with mandibular premolars in group A, of maxillary premolars and mandibular molars in group B, as well as of maxillary canine, maxillary molars and mandibular incisors in group C. Greater calcium levels in the age of group B and C in mandibular incisors and male maxillary molars and in the jaws of group B, group C incisors and group C canines with P < 0.05. Calcium content and the weight of the teeth decreased with ageing. Conclusion: Calcium levels significantly varied in each tooth type, arch, gender and age.
ABSTRACT
Objective Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a multifactorial disease that is classified into muscular and joint disorders. The etiology of TMD is unknown but it is related to various factors such as bruxism, uncorrected high dental restorations, and occlusal prematurities. This study aims to provide treatment modalities for TMD patients with supraerupted and/or distoverted maxillary third molars that have premature contact with the opposing arch. Methods A total of 430 subjects diagnosed with TMD were included in the study and randomized into study and control groups based on their treatment needs. A detailed case history was taken, and findings of intra and extra oral examination were recorded along with other investigations such as study model analysis, orthopantomogram (OPG), cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and MRI. The multiphase treatment included counseling in phase I, extraction in phase II (only for the study group), and oral appliance in the third phase. The final phase involved the restoration of edentulous areas or reduced vertical dimension. Results Extraction of supraerupted and/or distoverted maxillary third molars in the study group during phase II showed a 96% reduction in TMD when compared to the control group who did not undergo extraction. Conclusion TMD is a repetitive motion disorder, and the success of treatment relies on the elimination of causative factors, the type of appliance used, and the establishment of ideal occlusion. This study suggests that the extraction of supraerupted and/or distoverted maxillary third molars is a prerequisite for treating TMD patients.
