Estimation of Serum Beta 2-Microglobulin Levels in Individuals Exposed to Carcinogens: Clinical Study in Indian Population.

AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the prognostic value of ß2-m as a biochemical parameter for the diagnosis and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 60 patients (15 oral SCC, 15 leukoplakia, 15 individuals exposed to various carcinogens and without oral cancerous or precancerous lesions, 15 healthy individuals). The levels of ß2-m were estimated using chemi-luminescent immunometric assay on Immulite fully automated machine. Statistical analysis of the data was done using Tuckey's test, ANOVA and independent sample t test. RESULTS: Results showed that ß2-m was increased in individuals exposed to carcinogens without precancerous and cancerous lesion. CONCLUSION: Serum ß2-m can be used as a better indicator and can give an early indication of malignant change and therefore malignancy can be detected at an early and treatable stage.

Age estimation in Indian adults by the coronal pulp cavity index.

BACKGROUND: Age estimation from tooth coronal index (TCI) using intraoral periapical radiographs by paralleling technique based on a reduction in the size of the dental pulp cavity with advancing age as a result of secondary dentin deposition. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to estimate age for Indian adults using radiographs of mandibular first molar and second premolar teeth using coronal pulp cavity index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study material consists of 400 intraoral periapical radiographs of mandibular second premolar and mandibular first molar from enrolled participants of either gender in the age group of 20-60 years. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was used to find the correlation between age (years) and TCI. RESULTS: TCI was computed for each tooth and regressed on the real age of the sample. The correlation coefficient "r" was -0.865 (for premolar combined sample) and -0.850 (for molar combined sample). The obtained equations were tested on test sample of fifty teeth and age was determined. The absolute mean error between actual and predicted age for premolars was 6.72 months and for molars, it was 9 months. CONCLUSION: Age estimation using TCI is a precise, noninvasive, less time-consuming, and an inexpensive method.

Evaluation of Osseointegration in Implants using Digital Orthopantomogram and Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate assessment of osseointegration in dental implants requires precise radiographic visualization of pathologic conditions as well as anatomical structures. The present study aimed to evaluate the formation of bony tissue (osseointegration) using digital orthopantomogram (OPG) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) immediately after implant insertion (within 7 days) and 3 months postinsertion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty single-implant sites on mandi-bular posterior regions were selected on patients irrespective of their gender. Both digital OPG and CBCT were done within a week and again after 3 months of implant insertion surgery, using the same exposure parameters. RESULTS: Three of the 20 implants were submerged and were excluded as the crestal bone height could not be measured. The participants were recalled for radiographic measurements after 3 months of implant placement. On an average, there was 0.03 mm of osseointegration at the apical portion after 3 months of implant insertion on digital OPG; 0.04 mm of osseointegration at the crestal bone height after 3 months on digital OPG; and 0.01 mm of osseointegration at the apical portion after 3 months on CBCT. No change or ≤0.02 mm of osseointegration at crestal bone height after 3 months on CBCT. CONCLUSION: Both digital OPG and CBCT are significant for the assessment of osseointegration in implants, and hence, endow definite benefit for accurate assessment in terms of the success of the implant placement. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: However, CBCT is a better mode of evaluating dental implants but one should keep in mind that radiographic examination must be conducted to the benefit of the patient by application of the lowest achievable dose.

Multidisciplinary approach for reconstruction of cranial defect with polymethyl methacrylate resin reinforced with titanium mesh.

Cranial defects occur most commonly as a sequelae to trauma, the incidence being as high as 70%. The successful management of a case of trauma in an emergency situation requires quick evacuation of the hematoma, repair of the dura, and the scalp but not necessarily the integrity of the calvarial segment as an immediate measure. So the reconstruction of the calvarial defect in these cases is mostly carried out as a secondary procedure. Various materials are used for reconstruction of cranial defects, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin being one of them. In this article, we report a case which was successfully treated by PMMA resin in combination with a titanium mesh for reconstruction of the cranial defect as a secondary procedure.

Is post-operative antibiotic therapy justified for surgical removal of mandibular third molar? A comparative study.

Surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar (SRIMTM) is the most common procedure performed in oral and maxillofacial surgery. In the literature, many complications associated with lower third molar removal are described such as pain, swelling, trismus, infection, inflammation, and nerve damage. Antibiotics are routinely used either pre-operatively or post-operatively to reduce the chances of surgical site infection (SSI). However routine use of antibiotics for SRIMTM is still controversial. For antibiotics to be effective in reducing post-operative infective complications, the time of administration is very important. Adequate serum concentration of antibiotic must be achieved prior to the procedure. In a developing country like India, antibiotics are routinely prescribed post-operatively. The current study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of post-operative prophylactic antibiotic in SRIMTM.

Is use of laser really essential for release of tongue-tie?

Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, is a congenital condition characterized by a short, thickened, or abnormally tight lingual frenulum. This anomaly can cause a varying degree of reduced tongue mobility and has been associated with functional limitations including breastfeeding difficulties, atypical swallowing habits, speech articulation problems, mechanical problems such as inability to clean the oral cavity, and psychosocial stress. In this article, we report a 50-year-old female patient with tongue-tie having difficulty in speech and maintenance of oral hygiene due to high attachment of lingual frenum. The patient was managed by frenectomy by conventional method (scalpel and blade) under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure without any complications. She later required speech therapy lessons for improvement of speech.

Role of cone-beam computed tomography in diagnosis and management of nasopalatine duct cyst.

Nasopalatine duct cysts (NPDCs) are the most common nonodontogenic cyst of the jaw, with a reported prevalence of between 1% and 11.6% of all jaw cysts.1 It is believed to arise from epithelial remnants of the nasopalatine duct, the communication between the nasal cavity and anterior maxilla in the developing fetus. For huge NPDCs, total excision is difficult, and there is an increase in the possibility of postoperative complications including submucosal hematoma, wound dehiscence, wound infection, injury to tooth roots, injury to nasopalatine neurovascular bundles, paresthesia of the anterior palate, facial swelling, and oronasal fistula formation. This article discusses a case with a large NPDC, which was managed surgically without any complication. Radiological findings emphasizing the importance of cone-beam computed tomography in diagnosis and optimized treatment planning of NPDCs are discussed.