MUC4 and MMP7 in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in adolescents at West Bengal, India.

Mucin 4 (MUC4) and matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) have been reported to be associated with chronic periodontitis as seen in gingival tissue biopsies. Therefore, it is of interest to estimate the levels of MUC4 and MMP7 in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples of periodontitis in adolescents patients at West Bengal, India. MUC4 levels were significantly lower in saliva and GCF from periodontitis patients compared to healthy controls. However, MMP7 levels were found to be significantly higher in saliva and GCF from periodontitis patients. Thus, MUC4 and MMP7 are biomarkers for periodontitis diagnosis and towards further consideration.

The ironies of human mind: a case of Rett syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Rett Syndrome (RS) is a chromosome X-linked genetic neurological disorder characterized by developmental regression, particularly in relation to expressive language and use of the hands. It is also associated with profound mental retardation and almost exclusively affects females. CASE DETAILS: A four and a half year old girl reported to our dental OPD for a dental checkup. On complete examination, she was diagnosed to be suffering from Rett syndrome. Preventive therapies and proper oral hygiene instructions were explained to her mother. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of such disorders is extremely important along with treatment of patients' problems with love and care to prevent them from further pain and stress.

Self-inflicted herpetic whitlow.

A 25-year-old dental radiographer reported to the outpatient department with lesions at the lower and upper lips which had later spread to his finger. On the basis of the given history and clinical features, a diagnosis of primary herpetic infection on the mouth followed by secondary infection on the finger was made and the patient was advised systemic and topical antiviral therapy following which his lesions healed uneventfully.

Shear punch strength evaluation of nanocomposite and compomer, post-conditioning in dietary solvents - An in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Perpetual research in esthetic dentistry has stupendously contributed in improving the mechanical and esthetic properties of restorative materials. Recently introduced nanocomposite claim to possess higher optimized esthetic and mechanical properties superior to other esthetic restorative materials in clinical use. It has been highlighted in many studies that intraoral degradation of composites is a consequence of both mechanical factors and chemical degradation. Thus, this in-vitro study was conducted to determine the strength of commonly used esthetic restorative materials after conditioning them in dietary solvents, thereby, simulating the intraoral environment. AIM: Evaluation of shear punch strength of nanocomposite and compomer, post-conditioning in dietary solvents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two test groups mentioned above, each containing sixty preconditioned samples, divided into four subgroups of fifteen samples each and conditioned in different dietary solvents, were subjected to shear punch test in custom designed shear punch apparatus in Universal Testing Machine. RESULTS: Among the dietary solvents, citric acid caused maximum decrease in the strength while conditioning in heptane showed increase in strength of the test restorative materials. CONCLUSION: Nanocomposite revealed to have higher strength, thereby indicating its better application universally.

Comparative evaluation of retention ability of amorphous calcium phosphate containing and illuminating pit & fissure sealants in 6-9 year old age group.

AIMS: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate and to compare the retention of two different pit and fissure sealants on permanent mandibular 1 st molar teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 110 children aged between 6-9 years were selected. In each child, Aegis with amorphous calcium phosphate sealant was applied on the permanent mandibular 1 st molar of the right side while Delton the illuminating sealant was applied on the permanent mandibular 1 st molar of the left side, keeping the permanent maxillary 1 st molars as control. The treated teeth were evaluated for retention of sealants at 3, 6 and 12 months interval. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Chi-square tests and Statistical Package for the Social Science version 15.0 statistical analysis software. RESULT: The results were showed that retention and loss of sealant from the occlusal surfaces of the sealed teeth in both groups was maximum between 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSION: Though statistically no significant difference was observed between the two groups, sealant with ACP showed better retention than the illuminating sealant.

Combined endodontic therapy and periapical surgery with MTA and bone graft in treating palatogingival groove.

A 37-year-old male patient reported to our department with chief complaint of pain and pus discharge from the labial marginal gingiva in the maxillary right lateral incisor region since last 4 months. Clinically, the tooth was hypersensitive to percussion and palpation but failed to respond to pulp sensitivity testing. After periodontal probing, a palatal groove was observed which started at the cingulum and travelled apically and laterally, associated with a pocket depth of 8 mm. Occlusal radiograph showed circumscribed radiolucency measuring 5 mm×7 mm in diameter at the apex of the tooth. A clinical diagnosis of chronic apical abscess was established. The case was treated with a combination of mineral trioxide aggregate and bone graft. At the 6-month follow-up visit, the tooth showed progressive healing without sinus track and sulcular bleeding.