Meditation, well-being and cognition in heartfulness meditators - A pilot study.

Meditative practices can vary considerably in technique as well as their effects. Heartfulness is a popular meditation technique that includes in its repertoire, a unique passive form of meditation. We carried out a pilot study recruiting male heartfulness meditators (proficient n = 24, with 6-28 years of meditation experience; novice n = 24, 5 to 16 months of experience) and subsequently recruited matched controls (n = 15). We examined well-being, and carried out high-density EEG recordings to examine indices of meditation and cognition in these groups. Well-being scores were significantly higher for the proficient meditators as compared to novice and intermediate for the controls. We did not find any group differences in cognitive processing. During meditation, enhanced occipital gamma was found in proficient meditators as compared to controls. We discuss the findings from this pilot study and suggest avenues for future research.

Periodontal flap closure using a simplified autologous fibrin glue preparation: A report of two successful cases.

Although suturing is an integral part of periodontal flap surgery, it has disadvantages such as difficulty in plaque control, increased postoperative discomfort, and higher infection rate. To overcome these problems, a search for alternatives and possibly a sutureless technique has continued. Fibrin glue is one such biological tissue adhesive, mimicking the final stages of coagulation with several advantages. This report shows the use of an autologous fibrin glue in two cases, prepared using a simplified method. At the end of periodontal flap surgery, the flaps were closed with sutures in two papillae and fibrin glue in other two papillae in both cases. The papillae closed with fibrin glue showed better healing and good stability after flap closure. This simplified preparation of autologous fibrin glue has not been reported till date as found from literature search.

An innovative and less invasive management of recurrent pyogenic granuloma in the esthetic zone: A case report with 18-month follow-up.

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a nonneoplastic, tumor-like growth commonly seen in the oral mucosa or skin. Although nonpathological, its existence might lead to complications such as secondary infections or diastema formation. Hence, surgical removal of the growth seems mandatory. Histopathologic and radiographic evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and to rule out malignancy. A 28-year-old systemically healthy female patient reported with a swelling which involved the interdental space of maxillary left central and lateral incisors. The lesion initially developed as a "pimple-like" swelling and gradually increased in size over 2 years. It was managed in a novel method by reflecting a papilla preservation flap, excising the lesion from inside the flap till healthy tissue was visible, and then exposing to diode laser to prevent recurrence. Subsequent histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of PG. This novel, less invasive esthetic procedure employed a papilla preservation flap and laser irradiation technique. This simple modification not only helped in healing by primary intention and producing a good esthetic outcome but also showed no recurrence till date.

Haptics in periodontics.

Throughout history, education has evolved, and new teaching/learning methods have been developed. These methods have helped us come a long way in understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the oral cavity. However, there is still no one good way to render a student/clinician the tactile sense for detecting calculus/caries or placing the incisions or detecting the smoothness of a restoration or any treatment procedures before entering the clinics. In the education field, to improve the tactile sensation, the sense of touch and force-feedback can offer great improvements to the existing learning methods, thus enhancing the quality of education procedures. The concept of Haptics, which is extensively in use and indispensable in other fields like aviation, telecommunication etc., is now making its way into dentistry. Against this background, the following write-up intends to provide a glimpse of the coming wave of Haptics - A virtual reality system in dental education and discusses the strengths and weak points of this system.