Examination of the radiographic visibility of the root pulp of the mandibular second molars as an age marker.

Forensic odontologists often confront with conceptually simple medicolegal question of whether an individual is a juvenile or an adult. The demand for additional research into extending dental age estimation methods in late adolescence is never the less, especially in those who have passed 15 years and are suspected older than 18 years. The present research investigated the regressive dental characteristic, i.e. radiographic visibility of the root pulp in mandibular second molars for the purpose of age assessment, especially for determining the age over 18 years. Nine hundred thirty-six orthopantomograms comprised of 436 males and 500 females aged from 14 to 22 years were examined. Descriptive statistics were performed for each stage in both sexes. The correlation statistics revealed that there is a strong, positive correlation between the chronological age and root pulp visibility stages. The analysis revealed that stage 0 occurred first at the age of 14 years in both sexes. Stage 1 first occurred at the age of 14.26 years in females and 14.74 years in males. Stage 2 was first achieved at the age of 18.6 and 15.2 years in males and females, respectively. The suitability of the studied characteristics in mandibular second molars for age estimation could be confirmed but of limited value. The presence of this stage 2 root pulp visibility in male subjects represents a potential criterion for indicating the age over 18 years. In future studies, the pattern of secondary dentin formation in other tooth types should be investigated.

Post-surgical dentofacial deformities and dental treatment needs in cleft-lip-palate children: a clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate is a common congenital defect. It is one of the most common facial deformities occurring in major racial and ethnic groups. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to record the post-surgical dentofacial deformities in operated cleft lip and palate children, as well as to assess the multitude and magnitude of their dental and other related problems so as to formulate an appropriate treatment plan for complete oral rehabilitation of these children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present in vivo study was conducted on 50 operated cleft lip and palate children (23 males and 27 females) ranging from 3 to 14 years of age in an attempt to evaluate the post-surgical dentofacial abnormalities in these children. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that the distribution of cleft deformity is shown out of 23 male children, 11 children with unilateral cleft lip, 9 children with bilateral cleft lip palate, and remaining 3 children were with cleft palate. Out of 27 female children, 19 children with unilateral cleft lip palate, 3 children with bilateral cleft lip palate, and 5 children with cleft palate. This study showed a wide range of surgical, dental, and functional problems in all operated cleft lip and palate patients. Hence, the study concluded that the effect of timing of the cleft repair on the overall development of facio skeletal-dental structures showed insignificant differences among the various operated cleft-lip-palate children.

ABCD of Safe Dental Practice.

Dental practice is the integral component of the oral health. Though the dental practice is in close relation with that of the medical practice, it has its own distinctiveness in relation to safe practice. The safe dental practice should not only assure good oral and general health but also improve social interaction by enhancing physical appearance, esthetics, etc. For the safe dental practice, dentists must excel in patient care and standard of treatment. The interlocking missions of education, research, and patient care are the cornerstones for the safe and healthy dental practice. This paper is designed to bridge the gap between the educational preparation of the dentist and the reality of the working world in a simple way.