ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this article is to summarize, compare, and assess possible association in individuals with or without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for periodontitis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Three study repositories were searched for quantitative studies examining the relationship between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis between 2000 and December 2022. Quality was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). The standardized mean difference (SMD), with a random effect model and a P value of 0.05 as the significance level, was utilized as a summary statistic measure. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Fourteen papers were included in the descriptive synthesis. Thirteen were qualified for meta-analysis. Our findings suggest a link between the two conditions in terms of clinical attachment levels (CAL), tooth loss, Plaque Index, and probing depth. The estimated SMD for CAL was found to be 0.68 (95% CI: 0.15-1.21) (P<0.01). For tooth loss, the forest plot analysis revealed an SMD of 1.62 (95% CI: 0.48-2.76) (P=0.005). Similarly, for pocket depth, the SMD was 0.53; CI: 0.07-0.99 (P>0.05). The pooled estimates for plaque index were 0.29; CI: 0.03-0.61 (P>0.05). The funnel plot showed a symmetric distribution with the absence of systematic heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Although our data suggest a link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, larger population-based investigations are needed to validate this connection. Case-control studies must pave the way to more rigorous investigations with well-defined populations and clinical outcomes as primary outcome measures.
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus pandemic, constantly mutating virus, and newer complications arising with each passing day have put health workers in jeopardy. One such serious complication being reported is mucormycosis. It is a deadly and rapidly spreading infection resulting in angioinvasion and tissue necrosis. In precoronavirus disease (COVID) era mucormycosis was observed mainly in patients having comorbidities such as diabetes, neutropenia, or previous history of organ transplant. In the present case report, a systemically healthy patient presented with mucormycosis postcoronavirus disease-2019 infection. The patient presented with atypical periodontal findings such as multiple periodontal abscesses, segmental teeth mobility, and deep periodontal pockets confined to the maxillary right quadrant. This form of presentation should be a wake-up call for all dental professionals to be in the constant lookout for any signs and symptoms of mucormycosis even in seemingly nonhigh-risk patients.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To measure the arch width and Median mandibular flexure (MMF) values at relative rest and maximum jaw opening in young adults with Dolichofacial, Mesofacial, and Brachyfacial types and tested whether the variation in the facial pattern is related to the MMF values in South Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This Prospective clinical study consisted of sample of 60 young adults. The subjects were grouped into 3 groups: Group 1: Brachyfacial, Group 2: Mesofacial and types, Group 3: Dolichofacial. Impressions were taken for all the 60 subjects and the casts were scanned and digitized. The intermolar width was measured for Dolichofacial, Mesofacial, and Brachyfacial subjects at relative rest (R) and maximum opening (O). RESULTS: The statistical analysis of the observations included Descriptive and Inferential statistics. The statistical analysis was executed by means of Sigma graph pad prism software, USA Version-4. Kruskal wallis (ANOVA) followed by Dunns post hoc test was performed. Mann Whitney U-test was performed to assess the difference in MMF values between Males and Females of the three groups. The Mean (SD) Mandibular flexure in individuals with Brachyfacial type was 1.12 (0.09), Mesofacial type was 0.69 (0.21), and Dolichofacial type was 0.39 (0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The Mean intermolar width was maximum in Brachyfacial type and minimum in Dolichofacial type. MMF was maximum at the maximum mouth opening position and was maximum in individuals with Brachyfacial type.
