Unicystic ameloblastoma of the mandible- report of two cases with review of literature.

Ameloblastoma is classified into solid/multicystic, extraosseous/peripheral, desmoplastic and unicystic types based on the clinical appearance by WHO (2003). Unicystic ameloblastoma is the 2(nd) and far less frequent growth pattern seen in intra-osseous ameloblastoma. It tends to occur in younger population and constitutes approximately 6% of ameloblastomas with no sexual or racial predilection. Here in, reporting 2 cases of cystic ameloblastoma in the mandible, in varying age groups.

Prevalence, severity and associated factors of dental caries in 3-6 year old children.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and the severity of dental caries in 3-6 year old children in Chennai and to elucidate the factors which affect the dental caries in 3-6 year old children. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional survey which was done on 527 children who were in the age group of 3 to 6 years, who were from 6 private and 6 corporation schools in Chennai, India. Two instruments were developed, pre-tested and validated for the study. One questionnaire which contained the various risk factors which had to be measured and the dental caries indices were used on children to collect the relevant data. A separate questionnaire was distributed to the parents to measure the socio economic status and to know the parents' educational levels. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was found to be 63.4% in the study samples. The association between dental caries and the associated factors was determined by calculating the Odd`s ratio. Logistic regression was performed to test the magnitude of the association between dental caries and the factors which were associated with it, and linear regression was done for the continuous variables. There was a statistically significant high association between the oral hygiene practice, the eating habits of the children, the economic status and the parents' literacy levels and the caries prevalence in this study. CONCLUSION: This study showed that preventive efforts should be focused on young children, as the benefits are cumulative. The oral health promotion should particularly be targeted to the areas of need, to redress the inequalities.

To compare standard incision and comma shaped incision and its influence on post-operative complications in surgical removal of impacted third molars.

OBJECTIVES: To compare standard incision and comma shaped incision and its influence on post operative complications in surgical removal of impacted third molar. METHODS: This was a cross-over trial. Twenty subjects with bilateral impacted mandibular third molars were recruited for the study. A standard incision was made on one side of the lower jaw and a comma incision was made on the other side to reflect the mucoperiosteal flap, after which the common steps for removal of impacted third molars were followed. The post- operative parameters were recorded immediately on the post -operative days 1, 3 and 7 respectively. RESULTS: The pain scores which were recorded on days 1, 3 and 7 in the surgical area with comma incisions were found to be significantly lower as compared to the pain scores in the area where standard incisions were made. Similarly, swelling was lesser with comma incisions than with standard incisions. There was a significant difference in mouth opening between the two incisions on day 1, but no significance was seen on days 3 and 7. All these findings showed significant statistical differences. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that the new incision design was preferable over the conventional method, considering the lesser degree of post-operative complications. The cross-over design of the study greatly enhanced its statistical power and validity.

Dental considerations in pregnancy-a critical review on the oral care.

Pregnancy is a dynamic physiological state which is evidenced by several transient changes. These can develop as various physical signs and symptoms that can affect the patients health, perceptions and interactions with others in the environment. The patients may not always understand the relevance of the adaptations of their bodies to the health of their foetuses. A gestational woman requires various levels of support throughout this time, such as medical monitoring or intervention, preventive care and physical and emotional assistance. The dental management of pregnant patients requires special attention. Dentists, for example, may delay certain elective procedures so that they coincide with the periods of pregnancy which are devoted to maturation versus organogenesis. At other times, the dental care professionals need to alter their normal pharmacological armamentarium to address the patients' needs versus the foetal demands. Applying the basics of preventive dentistry at the primary level will broaden the scope of the prenatal care. Dentists should encourage all the patients of the childbearing ages to seek oral health counseling and examinations as soon as they learn that they are pregnant. This article has reviewed some of the physiologic changes and the oral pathologies which are associated with pregnancy, and how these alterations can affect the dental care of the patient.