Comparison of Pre- and Posttreatment Airway Volume in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Treated with Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

Introduction Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) present with a multitude of symptoms that can range from headaches to shoulder pain. Patients frequently present with pain in the ear, dizziness, and vertigo. It is noted that some patients who report TMDs also have a history of sleep disturbances, which is noted in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a reduction in the oropharyngeal airway volume. Objective To evaluate the airway volume in pre- and posttreatment of TMD with the use of neuromuscular orthotics made with ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS). Methods A total of 15 patients were evaluated for TMDs using the related criteria. Those included were treated with ULF-TENS with evaluation of the airway volume both pre- and posttreatment using CBCT and the Dolphin 3D volume analysis software. Results While the symptoms were shown to be significantly reduced in patients who were treated with this particular modality, the airway volume varied in those who reported a reduction after a period of 3 months and those that reported after a period of 6 months. Conclusion Posttreatment evaluation of the airway should be done after a period of 6 months for a more objective evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the patient is required in such cases.

Evaluation of presence of nasal deviation in patients presenting with obstructive sleep apnea using cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the presence of nasal septal deviation in patients presenting with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). METHOD: Patients diagnosed with OSA using polysomnography were further evaluated radiographically for the presence of nasal septal deviation, maxillary sinus septa, and oropharyngeal airway volume using CBCT. RESULTS: Nasal deviation was present in all the patients and was classified according to Negus et al classification, further categorized with Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score, maxillary sinus septa in those patients were classified according to Al Faraj et al, and the oropharyngeal airway volume was found to be an average of 10,086.37 ± 3966.116 mm2 airway volume. CONCLUSION: All the patients in the study had nasal septal deviation, hence it can be considered as a radiographic marker in suspecting OSA.

Comparison of Pre- and Posttreatment Airway Volume in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Treated with Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract Introduction Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) present with a multitude of symptoms that can range from headaches to shoulder pain. Patients frequently present with pain in the ear, dizziness, and vertigo. It is noted that some patients who report TMDs also have a history of sleep disturbances, which is noted in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a reduction in the oropharyngeal airway volume. Objective To evaluate the airway volume in pre- and posttreatment of TMD with the use of neuromuscular orthotics made with ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS). Methods A total of 15 patients were evaluated for TMDs using the related criteria. Those included were treated with ULF-TENS with evaluation of the airway volume both pre- and posttreatment using CBCT and the Dolphin 3D volume analysis software. Results While the symptoms were shown to be significantly reduced in patients who were treated with this particular modality, the airway volume varied in those who reported a reduction after a period of 3 months and those that reported after a period of 6 months. Conclusion Posttreatment evaluation of the airway should be done after a period of 6 months for a more objective evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the patient is required in such cases.

Effect of deprogramming splint and occlusal equilibration on condylar position of TMD patients - A CBCT assessment.

Objective: Assessment of clinical symptoms and condylar position of TMD patients using CBCT imaging with deprogramming splint therapy and occlusal equilibration. The hypothesis tested was the alleviation of symptoms of TMD with possible changes in condylar position occurs with this treatment.Methods: The condylar position of 12 TMD patients was observed from CBCT images, and clinically, symptom severity score, mouth opening, and range of motion were compared pre- and post-treatment.Results: All patients reported a statistically significant decrease in the symptom severity score and increase in mouth opening and range of motion (p < .05). A significant decrease was only achieved in the left anterior joint space (p < .05).Conclusion: Deprogramming splint therapy and occlusal equilibration benefitted patients with a reduction in clinical symptoms, and minor changes in condylar position were observed.

Evaluation of Efficacy of 1% Curcuminoids as Local Application in Management of Oral Lichen Planus - Interventional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease affecting the oral cavity which has been associated with severe burning sensation which in turn affects the quality of life of the patients. Currently, the effective treatment of choice remains the use of corticosteroids. The chronicity and recalcitrant nature of the disease demand the long term use of these drugs with ensuing adverse effects. Turmeric and its active ingredient, "curcumin", have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. Hence, this intervention study was done to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin oral gel in the management of oral lichen planus. AIM: The study was conducted to compare the efficacy of 1% curcumin gel with the conventional mid-potent topical corticosteroid, triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% in managing the signs and symptoms of OLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An intervention study was conducted on 75 patients diagnosed with OLP divided into three groups, Group 1 (0.1% triamcinolone acetonide oral paste thrice daily in tapering doses), Group 2 (curcumin oral gel thrice daily) and Group 3 (curcumin oral gel six times daily). The patients were analysed for the symptom (burning) and sign (erythema and ulceration) using the numerical rating score and Modified Oral Mucositis Index (MOMI) for a period of three months on a bimonthly basis. The results were analysed using Students t-test and unpaired t-test. RESULTS: Intragroup comparison using paired t-test showed statistically significant reduction in burning sensation (p<0.001) as well as erythema and ulceration (p<0.001) in all the three groups. However, when the three groups were compared Group 1 showed the maximum reduction in burning sensation (77%) and erythema and ulceration (67%). Among the curcuminoid group, increased frequency was found to be more beneficial. CONCLUSION: Curcumin oral gel can bring about clinical improvements in OLP patients; however it cannot be used as a mainstay drug. Instead, it can be used as a maintenance drug after the patient is treated with an initial course of corticosteroids. Further studies with larger sample size and increased drug concentrations may be required.

Cervical lymphadenopathy: Unwinding the hidden truth.

Lymphadenopathy is a common clinical finding in a patient seeking oral health care. It may be in a localized, limited, or generalized form. Malignancies, infections, autoimmune disorders, iatrogenic, and other miscellaneous conditions are considered as the causes for cervical lymphadenopathy. Unexplained cervical lymphadenopathy is a cause of concern for physician and patient because sometimes it could be the manifestation of an underlying malignancy. However, a methodological approach to lymphadenopathy can disclose the accurate diagnosis causing minimal discomfort for the patient and in a short time. This paper reports the significance of cervical lymph node examination and ensuing investigations, which led to a diagnosis of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Systemic absorption of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide as topical application in management of oral lichen planus.

CONTEXT: Topical corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for oral lichen planus (OLP) due to its potential anti-inflammatory effect. However, chronic nature of OLP often requires long-term and frequent applications, exposing patients to local and systemic side effects. AIM: To detect the systemic absorption of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) through the oral mucosa of patients with OLP. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a pilot pharmacokinetic study carried out in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology in collaboration with the Department of Toxicology, over 10 months. A total of twenty patients with OLP were included and advised to apply 0.1% TAC 3 times/day for 2 weeks and 2 times/day for next 2 weeks. Blood samples were obtained on the first and second visits and analyzed for triamcinolone using High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Paired t-test was done to compare visual analog scale (VAS) score for burning sensation at the first and second visits, statistically significant if P < 0.05. The baseline demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Paired t-test was done to compare VAS score for burning sensation at the first and second visits, which turned to being statistically significant (P = 0.001). Although HPLC is an established method for the detection of TAC, none of the study populations showed evidence of steroid (TAC) in the blood sample during 4 weeks of treatment duration. CONCLUSIONS: 0.1% triamcinolone is a relatively safe drug to be used with no systemic absorption in the standard dose regimen for oral lichen palnus.

Facial Swelling as a Primary Manifestation of Multiple Myeloma.

Facial swellings are commonly encountered in the dental office, the cause of which could range from a congenital etiology to an acquired one or it may even be a manifestation of an underlying systemic disease. The clinician must have a thorough knowledge of the various clinical and imaging manifestations and the sites of occurrence of the various conditions to arrive at the appropriate diagnosis. Facial swellings can be classified into different groups which include acute swellings with inflammation, nonprogressive swellings, and slowly or rapidly progressive swellings. The various imaging modalities like CT and MRI are useful for assessing the extent of the swelling as well as evaluating the soft tissue and osseous involvement of the swelling. Multiple myeloma represents clonal proliferation of plasma cells and is a condition in which a facial swelling might be present, though not common. This paper reports a case of a patient with a unilateral facial swelling, which on investigation led to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

Diagnostic utility of galium 67 SPECT/CT and role of pentoxifylline-tocopherol in chronic multifocal osteomyelitis.

Advances in radiology have helped in early diagnosis, surveillance and proper management of disease processes. SPECT scintigraphy is an imaging modality that helps in the detection & diagnosis of facial & skull osteomyelitis and is also useful for detecting silent lesions. Pentoxifylline-tocopherol together helps in faster healing of diseased bone. Pentoxifylline reduces blood viscosity and thus improves microcirculation. Tocopherol has a synergistic action with pentoxifylline and increases the oxygenation of tissues. Here, a case of chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, involving the mandible and occipital bone is presented which was diagnosed with conventional radiographs and gallium 67 bones SPECT. Simultaneous treatment with pentoxifylline-tocopherol and antibiotics relieved the patient's symptoms.

Prevalence of oral and systemic manifestations in pediatric HIV cohorts with and without drug therapy.

The prevalence of orofacial and systemic manifestations and their association with drug therapy in pediatric HIV patients is scarce in the literature. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of oro-facial and systemic manifestations in HIV sero-positive children with and without highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The study population consisted of 100 pediatric HIV patients (n=47 on HAART and n=53 not on HAART). The majority of the children (n=56) had at least one or more oro-facial manifestation associated with HIV. Oral candidiasis was the most common oral finding present in the HAART (14/33) and non-HAART groups (19/33). Recurrent aphthous ulcers was the only significant oral finding, present more in the HAART group. The percentage of children with upper respiratory tract infection was also more in the HAART group. The other lesions which were found to be significant were seborrheic dermatitis, pulmonary tuberculosis and otitis media. There was no significant difference in the participants' oral findings based on CD4 counts in the HAART and non- HAART groups. The prevalence of oral and systemic manifestations is a persistent feature associated with pediatric HIV, though of moderate intensity in those using HAART and may vary according to individual immune status.

Filariasis of the buccal mucosa: A diagnostic dilemma.

Filariasis is an endemic disease in tropical and subtropical countries. Filarial nematodes can infect humans through vectors, commonly mosquitoes. Human infection can manifest as lymphatic filariasis, subcutaneous or pulmonary nodules and with eye involvement. Intra-oral presentation is very rare and often poses a diagnostic dilemma to the dentist. We report a case of intra-oral Dirofilaria repens infection in a 54-year-old female patient, involving the buccal mucosa. History was unremarkable and on clinical examination, a diffuse swelling with no significant signs and symptoms was seen. Laboratory investigations and radiographs were non-contributory to diagnosis. Ultrasound findings revealed a hypo-echoic lesion in the muscular layer of the left cheek. Differential diagnoses considered were minor salivary gland tumor, parotid sialolith, and cysticercosis among others. The presence of a Dirofilaria worm in the excised nodule confirmed the diagnosis. Medical awareness of the risk of intra-oral nematode infection is essential. A detailed travel history, awareness of endemic status of certain diseases, proper diagnosis and management helps in better prognosis for the patient.

A radiographic evaluation of temporomandibular and hand (Metacarpophalangeal) / wrist joints of patients with adult rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: A review of literature revealed that, although the involvement of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is not uncommon, variation in presentation persist. Comparative studies of bony changes in the right and left TMJ with the right and left peripheral hand (Metacarpophalangeal-MCP)/wrist joints have not been done, to the best of our knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the temporomandibular and hand (MCP) and wrist joints of fifteen rheumatoid arthritis patients were evaluated with questionnaires, clinical and lab assessment and radiographically using conventional radiographs and computed tomography. Students t-test was applied for the statistical analysis of the data obtained and a P value of 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Comparisons between the right TMJ with right MCP/wrist joint and left TMJ with left MCP/wrist joint did not reveal statistically significant results. Radiographically, flattening and erosions were the common manifestations. MCP joints were more affected than the wrist, but whenever the wrist was involved, it was more likely to be bilaterally affected. CONCLUSIONS: Although the TMJ showed osseous changes of a higher grade than the hand (MCP) and wrist joints radiographically, it was observed that patients were more aware of the peripheral joint discomfort. There were no significant differences between TMJ and peripheral joints on both right and left sides.