Effect of Nicotine on the Thickness of Gingiva: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Gingival thickness plays a very important role in framing the protocol in various dental treatments such as implantology, prosthodontics, and more importantly in periodontics. During periodontal management, it is important to consider the gingival thickness of the patient, which can result in more satisfactory treatment outcomes. Smoking has its effect on periodontium, affecting the physical and functional properties. Assessing the relation between these two entities is becoming important. This clinical study is sought to compare the thickness of gingiva in systemically healthy smokers and nonsmokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 periodontally healthy patients were divided into smokers and nonsmokers, and subdivided into Group 1 (18-25 years), Group 2 (26-39 years), and Group 3 (>40 years). Gingival thickness was assessed 6 mm from the gingival margin in the midbuccal area between maxillary central and lateral incisor. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the difference in gingival thickness among smokers and nonsmokers and correlated with age. RESULTS: The results showed the presence of changes in gingival thickness for all the age groups. But, a significant P value was not obtained for the age groups 18-25 and 26-39 years. In >40 years of age group, there was a statistically significant change in the P value (0.008) of the mean and standard deviation in smokers and nonsmokers ( significance: P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: On the basis of the results of this study, gingival thickness was decreased with age among smokers and nonsmokers. This study also proved that smoking has a negative influence on the gingival thickness.

Ratio of Salivary Sialic Acid to Fucose as Tumor Markers in Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Lack of noninvasive and economically feasible laboratory investigations in the early detection of cancer is a set-back in the prognosis of oral cancer (OC) patients. AIMS: The aim of the study was to evaluate the ratio of sialic acid to fucose in salivary samples of OC and oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 participants were selected and divided into three groups based on clinical and histopathological diagnosis: OC patients (n = 20), OPMD patients (n = 20), and healthy patients (n = 20). Unstimulated whole saliva of 1.5 ml was collected from the selected individuals for evaluating the salivary levels of sialic acid and fucose using the biochemical assay. RESULTS: The difference in mean salivary sialic acid and fucose among the study groups was statistically significant (P = 0.001); one-way analysis of variance. The mean sialic acid to fucose ratio in the control group, OPMD group, and OC group were 0.34 mg/dl, 0.88 mg/dl, and 0.89 mg/dl, respectively. OC patients had significant elevation in the levels of salivary sialic acid, fucose, and their ratios (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.003, respectively); Tukey's post hoc test. CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of salivary sialic acid to fucose is a predictable tumor marker for the diagnosis of OC. Further investigations are required to evaluate the influence of OC grading on this diagnostic marker.

An In vitro evaluation of the reliability of QR code denture labeling technique.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Positive identification of the dead after accidents and disasters through labeled dentures plays a key role in forensic scenario. A number of denture labeling methods are available, and studies evaluating their reliability under drastic conditions are vital. AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the reliability of QR (Quick Response) Code labeled at various depths in heat-cured acrylic blocks after acid treatment, heat treatment (burns), and fracture in forensics. It was an in vitro study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 160 specimens of heat-cured acrylic blocks (1.8 cm × 1.8 cm) and these were divided into 4 groups (40 samples per group). QR Codes were incorporated in the samples using clear acrylic sheet and they were assessed for reliability under various depths, acid, heat, and fracture. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, test of proportion. RESULTS: The QR Code inclusion technique was reliable under various depths of acrylic sheet, acid (sulfuric acid 99%, hydrochloric acid 40%) and heat (up to 370°C). Results were variable with fracture of QR Code labeled acrylic blocks. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, by analyzing the results, it was clearly indicated that the QR Code technique was reliable under various depths of acrylic sheet, acid, and heat (370°C). Effectiveness varied in fracture and depended on the level of distortion. This study thus suggests that QR Code is an effective and simpler denture labeling method.

Plasma cell gingivitis: treatment with chlorpheniramine maleate.

Plasma cell gingivitis is a benign lesion of unknown etiology characterized by massive and diffuse infiltration of plasma cells into the gingival connective tissue. Clinically, it can be seen as a diffuse, erythematous, and edematous swelling involving the marginal gingiva and extending into the attached gingiva. Although usually painless, the lesion can be esthetically unappealing, especially when anterior gingiva is involved. Although the usual line of management is removal of the offending agent, this report describes the treatment of plasma cell gingivitis with the topical application of chlorpheniramine maleate (25 mg) for a period of 10 days.

Students' perceptions of educational climate in a new dental college using the DREEM tool.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate students' perceptions of conditions prevailing in Tagore Dental College. METHODS: Data were collected from all students enrolled in 2013, using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) forms filled in by them. For this exercise, prior approval from the Tagore Dental College Ethics Committee was obtained. RESULTS: The global score for EC was 124 (interpretation: predominantly positive). The scores obtained in the different domains were 31.03 in Learning (interpretation: a more positive perception); 26.69 in Teachers (interpretation: moving in the right direction); 21.48 in Academics (interpretation: feeling more in the positive side); 28.23 in Atmosphere (interpretation: a more positive atmosphere); and 16.52 in Social (interpretation: acceptable), all the points indicate that the institution is moving in the right direction. The DREEM score assigned by female students was significantly greater (P=0.048) than that assigned by male students. The second-year students were more positive in their perception of EC than students of the other classes. CONCLUSION: Overall, Tagore Dental College students felt the EC to be acceptable. Admittedly, some areas need to be revisited to make improvements.

Platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of periodontal bone defects.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is characterized by the formation of true pockets, bone loss and attachment loss. Various techniques have been attempted in the past to truly regenerate the lost periodontal structures, albeit with variable outcome. In this evolution, the technique being tried out widely is the use of platelet rich concentrates, namely platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). CASE DESCRIPTION: In this report, we present a case of surgical treatment of osseous bone defects namely two walled crater and dehiscence treated in posterior teeth with autologously prepared platelet rich fibrin mixed with hydroxy apatite bone graft and PRF in the form of a membrane. CONCLUSION: Our results showed clinical improvements in all the clinical parameters postoperatively namely the pocket depth reduction and gain in attachment level and hence, PRF can be used alone or in combination with the bone graft to yield successful clinical results in treating periodontal osseous defects. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Platelet-rich fibrin is an effective alternative to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in reconstructing bone defects.