Utility of Panoramic Radiographs in the Screening of Individuals with Edentulous Arches: A Need-Analysis Study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the utility of panoramic radiographs in pre-prosthetic screening of edentulous arches. Material and Methods: Panoramic radiographs taken for three years were retrospectively analyzed. Observations from the radiographs shall be categorized and classified into either of the two categories, namely: 'findings with minimal impact on denture fabrication' and 'findings which affect denture fabrication and require further evaluation.' Anatomic variations, jaw pathologies, and residual ridge resorption patterns were assessed. Results: This study included the initial screening of 23,020 panoramic radiographs, out of which 505 (showing either one or both edentulous arches) were included for the study purpose. The age range of the subjects was from 21 to 94 years. 52.6% of the radiographs showed positive findings. More than half of the radiographs belonged to the males (52.5%). Hyperpneumatization of the maxillary sinus, crestal position of the mental foramen, and retained root fragments were the most common entities noted in the radiographs. Changes in the mental foramen were significantly higher in males than females (p=0.002). Conclusion: Observations from this study showed that panoramic radiographs have high utility for screening edentulous arches, and they should be used in routine clinical practice before denture fabrication.

Oral Hygiene and Dentition Status in Patients with Congenital Hemorrhagic Disorders: A Comparative Study

Abstract Objective: To compare the status of oral hygiene and dentition in patients with congenital hemorrhagic disorders with their age-matched healthy counterparts. Also, the prevalence of fear of dentists/ dental treatment among these patients was assessed. Material and Methods: This study was performed on children and adults with von Willebrand disease (vWD), hemophilia (A or B), and healthy subjects. Oral health and dentition status was assessed using the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), plaque index, and the decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index. One-way ANOVA test was employed to compare the oral hygiene and dentition status of subjects in the three groups. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The DMFT score did not vary significantly between the groups (p>0.05). Higher OHI-S scores and a poor oral hygiene status was observed more in the hemophilia group than the vWD group and healthy controls. A total of 27.3% of the subjects in the vWD group, 18.2% of subjects in the hemophilia group, and no subjects in the healthy group had a fear of dentists or dental treatment. Conclusion: Subjects with vWD had a higher number of carious teeth when compared to the other groups. Poor oral hygiene status was observed in subjects with hemophilia.

Association of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar with Caries on Distal Surface of Second Molar

Objective: To evaluate the relationship of impacted mandibular third molars (M3M) status with caries on distal surface (CODS) of mandibular second molars (M2M). Material and Methods: A retrospective study on digital panoramic radiographs. Information on age, gender, eruption status of impacted mandibular third molars and mandibular second molars caries on distal surface were recorded. Winters' classification and Pell and Gregory classification were used to classify impacted mandibular third molars. The Chi-square test and Poisson regression were used. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 1497 radiographs were evaluated out of which 2704 sites were recorded. A total of 33.2% M3M were impacted and 1053 (38.9%) M2M had caries on distal surface. Among the total M3M teeth, 39.1% of erupted and 38.6% of impacted teeth had CODS of M2M. However, there was no significant difference in the distribution of CODS of M2M in erupted and impacted mandibular third molars teeth (p=0.796). As per Winters classification, mesio-angular and horizontal impaction types were significantly associated with CODS (p<0.001). Conclusion: All impacted mandibular third molars may not be associated with caries on distal surface of mandibular second molars. But, the angulation like mesioangular and horizontal, class I and II may predispose to caries on distal surface of mandibular second molars.

Assessment of Awareness About Various Dental Waste Management Practices Among Dental Students and Practicing Clinicians

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of students and dental practitioners about dental and biomedical waste disposal and to impart emphasis on important aspects such as eco-friendly waste management. Material and Methods: This questionnaire-based study involved 186 participants which comprised of 5 domains, namely laws regarding biomedical waste, steps of waste management, categories of dental waste, general hazards of improper waste disposal and certain material/process specific questions Results: Assessment of the first domain showed that only 58.4% of participants were able to correctly identify the Pollution Control Board of India as the regulatory body for the transport of medical waste. The second domain assessment revealed that 55.9% of subjects were adequately aware of the knowledge handling hospital waste. Assessment of the third domain displayed that the majority of the respondents (91.9%) knew categories of dental waste generated. Evaluation of fourth domain exhibited that 89.8% students agreed that biomedical waste management (BWM) must be made a practical exercise in dental schools to reduce "Know-Do gap" between undergraduates and postgraduates and the last domain demonstrated that only 32.3% of the participants knew the environmentally friendly technique to convert organic waste into commercially useful byproducts Conclusion: It was found that postgraduates had a better awareness of the proper methods to dispose of healthcare waste when compared to students and interns. However, the overall level of awareness was less than adequate. The need for special training in BWM in the clinical set up was highlighted through this study.