Investigate how Frequently Dental Professionals Conduct Oral Cancer Screenings During Routine Dental Check-Ups and the Methods they Use.

Background: Oral cancer is a significant global health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection during routine dental check-ups is crucial for improved patient outcomes. Dental professionals play a pivotal role in conducting oral cancer screenings, but the frequency and methods they employ remain understudied. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the frequency of oral cancer screenings during routine dental check-ups conducted by dental professionals and the methods they commonly use. Materials and Methods: A survey was administered to 500 dental professionals, including dentists and dental hygienists, representing diverse demographics and practice settings. The survey collected data on the frequency of oral cancer screenings and the primary methods employed. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Results: The study found that 85% of dental professionals conduct oral cancer screenings during routine dental check-ups, with 48% performing them annually and 33% at every visit. Visual inspection (97%) and palpation (83%) were the most commonly used methods, while adjunctive screening tools (45%) were less frequently incorporated. Conclusion: Dental professionals are actively engaged in oral cancer screenings during routine dental check-ups, demonstrating a commitment to early detection. Visual inspection and palpation are commonly employed methods, but there is room for improvement in the adoption of adjunctive screening tools.

Effectiveness of Online vs. In-Person Periodontal Health Workshops for Public Awareness.

Background: Periodontal health is a critical aspect of overall oral health, yet public awareness and education on this topic remain limited. With the increasing prevalence of online health education platforms, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of online periodontal health workshops compared with traditional in-person workshops on improving public awareness. Materials and Methods: Study Design: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the impact of online and in-person periodontal health workshops on public awareness. Participants (N = 500) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the online workshop group or the in-person workshop group. Online Workshop: Participants in this group accessed an interactive online periodontal health workshop, consisting of video presentations, animations, and quizzes. The workshop covered topics, such as gum disease prevention, oral hygiene, and the importance of regular dental checkups. In-Person Workshop: Participants in this group attended a traditional in-person periodontal health workshop conducted by dental professionals. The content and duration of this workshop mirrored the online version. Pre- and Postworkshop Assessments: Both groups completed pre-workshop and postworkshop assessments, including a knowledge questionnaire and a self-assessment of oral health habits. Arbitrary scores were assigned to quantify knowledge gain (0-100%). Results: Participants in the online workshop group showed a mean knowledge gain of 30% (standard deviation (SD) = 5.2), while those in the in-person workshop group exhibited a mean knowledge gain of 35% (SD = 4.7). The self-assessment of oral health habits indicated an improvement in both groups, with 60% of participants reporting better oral hygiene practices. Conclusion: Both online and in-person periodontal health workshops demonstrated effectiveness in improving public awareness and promoting better oral health habits. Combining both modalities could be an effective strategy for comprehensive public education on periodontal health.

Determination of Palatal Soft Tissue Thickness and Safe Zone for Palatal Soft Tissue Harvest Using CBCT: A Retrospective Study.

Aim: Our decision to conduct this study was motivated by the dearth of knowledge on geographical variations in the thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa. The aim of the present study is to comprehensively analyze the palatal mucosal thickness and indicate the safety zone for palatal soft tissue harvesting using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods. As this was a retrospective analysis of cases previously reported to the hospital, written consent was not acquired. The analysis was carried out on 30 CBCT images. Two examiners evaluated the images separately to avoid bias. Measurements were done from the midportion of the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the midpalatal suture in a horizontal line. Measurements were recorded from the maxillary canine, first premolar, second premolar, first molar, and second molar and were marked in axial and coronal sections at distances of 3, 6, and 9 mm from the CEJ. The relationship between palate soft tissue thickness in relation to each tooth, palatal vault angle, teeth, and the greater palatine grove was evaluated. Differences in the palatal mucosal thickness according to age, gender, and tooth site were evaluated. Categorical data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Numerical data are presented as mean and standard deviation values. They are explored for normality using Shapiro-Wilk's test. Data are normally distributed and are analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test for independent variables and paired t-test for repeated measures. The significance level is set at p ≤ 0.05 for all tests. Statistical analysis is performed with R statistical analysis software version 4.1.3 for Windows. Results: For sex and nationality, there was no significant association (p > 0.05), while for age, cases 35 years and older had significantly higher mucosal thickness than cases younger than 35 years old (p < 0.001). For all teeth, the association was statistically significant (p < 0.001). For the canine and first premolar, cases with deep angles had significantly higher mean values than those with moderate angles (p < 0.001). For other teeth, cases with deep angles had significantly higher mean values than other angles (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Palatal mucosal thickness varied significantly from the canine to the second molar; the most appropriate site for graft harvesting is the canine to second premolar area which is 9-12 mm from the midpalatal suture aspect and is considered a safe zone for harvesting palatal graft.

Regeneration of periodontal ligament fibers around mini dental implants and their attachment to the bone in an animal model: A radiographic and histological study.

Background: Tissue-engineered periodontal ligament (PDL) around a dental implant by using PDL stem cells (PDLSCs) may be useful in periodontal regeneration and can reduce or eliminate certain shortcomings of dental implants. Materials and Methods: PDLSCs were isolated from extracted human PDL cells and cultured in a bioreactor. They were identified using markers CD45, CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD146. After the formation of multiple cellular layers, they were then attached on titanium mini dental implants and placed in rabbit tibia. The rabbits were sacrificed after 9 months, and the implants were analyzed histologically and radiographically by Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Results: Isolated PDLSCs obtained from human premolars showed a colony-forming ability on the 7th day and 14th day. Immunocytochemistry revealed that cells had taken up the adequate positive stains for primary antibodies CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD146 and negative staining for CD45. The histological sections obtained from sacrificed rabbits, when viewed under the light microscope, clearly showed the presence of PDL around dental implants. CBCT examination showed that the implant was well within the bone and did not migrate. The site appeared to be normal without any lytic changes in the bone. Conclusion: It can safely be postulated from the present study that tissue engineering of PDL can be achieved around dental implants using PDLSCs. Important inter-tissue interactions like the formation of a functional PDL around the implantation site, and induction of bone formation in the vicinity of the implants may be possible. Future research in humans is required for further research.

Evaluation of immuno-histochemical markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Evaluation of immuno-histochemical (IHC) markers like p53, p63, PDPN, C-erb-B2, CK19, and VEGF in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCCs) is of interest to dentists. Sixty formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks from the Department of Oral Pathology, New Horizon Dental College and Research, Institute, Sakri, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India. The conventional IHC method was used to assess the expression of p53, p63, PDPN, C- erb-B2, CK19 and VEGF using the different antibodies. Data shows that P53, p63 had high values of labeling index (LI) of staining while PDPN, C-erb-B2 had low values of LI of staining. The values of LI of staining for CK19, and VEGF were in between the two types of IHCs. Combining the analysis of multiple IHC markers for OSCC can yield precise cancer diagnosis results.

Treating short upper lip with "Unified lip repositioning" technique: Two case reports.

Excessive gingival display can be an esthetic concern for the patient. Conventional lip repositioning provides a conservative surgical option with less patient morbidity. The unified technique is a modification of conventional lip repositioning technique using the orthodontic brackets as anchorage to provide better soft-tissue closure with the lesser chances of relapse. This technique has been modified to be less invasive with better results. In this case report, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with short upper lip were recommended for the surgical lip repositioning to reduce excess gingival display. Cases were treated with conventional lip repositioning technique and with unified lip repositioning technique, and after evaluation, comparison was done postoperatively. The unified lip repositioning technique showed better results with a significant decrease of gingival appearance and more patient compliance. Thus, in patients with short upper lip, unified lip repositioning technique can be a viable conservative treatment option.

Periodontal and Dentition Status among Psychiatric Patients in Indore: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

AIM: To assess and record periodontal and dentition status among psychiatric patients using modified WHO Oral Health Assessment form 1997. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences and PG Institute, Indore, among the inpatients and outpatients. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from Institutional Review Board of Sri Aurobindo College of Dentistry. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS, IBM version 20.0. Descriptive statistics was used to find the frequencies, mean, and standard deviation of variables considered in the study. RESULTS: Among all the disorders, schizophrenia subjects had shallow pockets 28 (25.2%) and deep pockets 55 (49.5%). Only 2 (2.6%) study subjects who had major depressive disorder had more than 12 mm loss of attachment (LOA). The highest mean DMFT score was recorded for schizophrenia patients (13.0 ± 7.09). CONCLUSION: The results reveal an unmet need of projecting effective planning and implementation strategies toward the improvement of periodontal and dentition status health of the psychiatric patients. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The study highlights the importance of incorporating dental health education to psychiatric rehabilitation programs.

Isolation and immunohistochemical characterization of periodontal ligament stem cells: A preliminary study.

CONTEXT: It is a known fact that periodontal tissue regeneration can be achieved by the use of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Current mainstay of periodontal treatment is focusing on stem cell tissue engineering as an effective therapy, making it important to isolate PDLSCs from periodontal tissues. AIMS: The present research endeavor was undertaken to elucidate a technique for isolating PDLSCs for in vivo reconstructing the natural PDL tissue. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study design involves In vitro prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Premolar teeth were extracted from 12 patients who were under orthodontic treatment. PDL cells were scraped from their roots. Using 10 ml of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with pH 7.2, the specimens of the periodontal tissue were transferred to laboratory where cell culture was done. Isolated stem cells were grown on 24-well microtiter plates-containing cover slips. They were incubated overnight at approximately 37°C in 95% air and 5% humidification. Anti-CD 45, CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD146 antibodies were used. After staining, cells were observed under phase-contrast microscopy and in inverted microscope. RESULTS: The cells showed a marked growth and 90% confluence at day 6. Cells presented thin and long fibroblastic spindle morphology. Isolated PDLSCs showed colony-forming ability at the 14th day after seeding. Immunohistochemical staining of PDLSCs showed positive uptake for CD146, CD90, CD73, CD105, and negative uptake for CD45. CONCLUSIONS: The human PDLSCs can be clearly isolated and characterized by using CD90, CD73, CD146, and CD105 markers of stem cells.

A comparison of the efficacy of scaling and root planning with application of pomegranate chip, pomegranate gel, and scaling and root planing in sufferers with adult periodontitis - A prospective study.

CONTEXT: The use of herbal compounds is a comparatively safer alternative to synthetic compounds for periodontal therapy. AIM: This study aims to investigate effect of extracts from pomegranate in a chip and gel form on periodontitis following scaling and root planing in adult periodontitis patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: An in vivo prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients of adult periodontitis with initial pocket depth ≥4 mm were enrolled into the research and divided randomly into three groups, (10 in every group). After baseline examination, scaling root planing of tooth was achieved. Then subgingival application of medicated chips in Group 1, gel in Group 2, and placebo in Group 3 was done. Plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and relative attachment ranges were recorded at baseline, 21 days and 45 days. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Analysis of variance test. RESULTS: The study confirmed significant improvements of plaque index ratings in Group 1 at day 21. It showed significant improvements of gingival index scores, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment at day 21 and 45. Gingival index rankings and probing pocket depth were extensively elevated altogether in three groups at day 21 and 45. Relative attachment degree was extensively raised in Group 1 and Group 2 at day 21 and day 45 and in Group 3 at day 45. The relative attachment degrees confirmed significance at day 21 between Group 1 and Group 2, and Group 1 and Group 3. CONCLUSION: Pomegranate extracts in chip and gel shape may offer additionally advantages to scaling and root planing for remedy of periodontal pockets.

A comparative evaluation of platelet-rich plasma in combination with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft and DFDBA alone in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: A clinicoradiographic study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present clinical trial was to compare PRP combined with a DFDBA to DFDBA mixed with a normal saline solution in the treatment of human intrabony defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty interproximal intrabony osseous defects in twenty non-smoking, healthy subjects diagnosed with chronic periodontitis were treated in this study. Ten subjects each were randomly assigned to the test group (PRP + DFDBA) or the control group (DFDBA + saline). Clinical and radiographic measurements were made at baseline, three month and at six-month evaluation. RESULTS: The results at three and six months, when compared to the baseline, indicated that both treatment modalities resulted in significant changes in all clinical parameters (gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment level and gingival recession; P < 0.01) and radiographic parameters (hard-tissue fill and bone-depth reduction; P < 0.01). However, the test group exhibited statistically significantly greater changes compared to the control group in plaque index at three months (P = 0.00), probing depth reduction at 6 months (P = 0.02) and the radiographic defect fill at 6 months (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with a combination of PRP and DFDBA led to a statistically significantly greater improvement in plaque index at 3 months, probing depth at 6 months and radiographic defect fill at 6 months in intrabony periodontal defects as compared to DFDBA with normal saline.

Periosteal fenestration vestibuloplasty procedure for sulcus deepening in a hemimandibulectomy patient following implant therapy.

Ablative surgery of the jaws may be necessary when malignant disease or destructive benign disease occurs. Surgical reconstruction needs to include the restoration of masticatory function so that the quality of life after the operation is optimal. When resection includes part of the upper or lower jaw, the aim of reconstruction should encompass not only the restoration of aesthetics, speech and swallowing, but also the recreation of an alveolar ridge suitable for prosthetic rehabilitation of the dental occlusion. In the present case, depth of vestibule was inadequate following implant placement thereby severely compromising prosthetic rehabilitation. Hence vestibuloplasty was done with periosteal fenestration operation, which provided retention and stability of mandibular prosthesis and hence greatly improved his overall quality of life.

Effect of locally delivered tetracycline hydrochloride as an adjunct to scaling and root planing on Hba1c, C-reactive protein, and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes: A clinico-biochemical study.

AIM: The aim was to assess the levels of HbA1c, C-reactive protein, and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by treating the pockets using collagen impregnated sustained release resorbable tetracycline fiber (periodontal plus AB fiber) following scaling and root planing (SRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly distributed into two groups receiving either SRP and tetracycline fiber or SRP alone. Patients were evaluated clinically with gingival index, plaque index, probing depth, and relative attachment level, and bio-chemically with HbA1c, C Reactive Protein, and lipid profile at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. RESULTS: Significant reduction in all the clinical parameters was seen in the tetracycline group compared to the control group. Bio-chemical analysis also revealed similar results except for cholesterol and High density lipoprotein who did not show any significant reduction. CONCLUSION: Locally delivered tetracycline as a better treatment modality compared to SRP alone.

Propolis mouthwash: A new beginning.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of a propolis-containing mouthrinse in inhibition of plaque formation and improvement of gingival health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty subjects were selected and randomly assigned into three groups of ten subjects each, which received a propolis-containing mouthrinse, or a negative control (Saline) or a positive control (Chlorhexidine 0.2%). Plaque index and gingival index were assessed at baseline and at a five-day interval. RESULTS: Chlorhexidine mouthwash was found to be better than propolis and saline in inhibiting plaque formation. Propolis was found to be only marginally better than chlorhexidine in improving gingival scores. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that propolis might be used as a natural mouthwash, an alternative to chemical mouthwashes, e.g., chlorhexidine. Further, long term trials are required for more accurate data and any conclusive evidence.