A comparative evaluation of dental calcification stages and skeletal maturity indicators in North-Indian children.

BACKGROUND: Many researchers have reported relationships between the calcification stages of individual teeth and skeletal maturity. A few studies are available in the literature about Indian populations. In view of this fact, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the dental calcification stages and skeletal maturity stages among North-Indian individuals. The objective of this study was to determine whether dental calcification can be used as a first-level diagnostic tool for assessment of skeletal maturity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study participants included (60 males, 60 females) ranging from 7 to 13 years. A total of 120 dental panoramic radiographs and hand-wrist radiographs were obtained and analyzed. Calcification stages of the mandibular dentition (canines, first premolars, second premolars, and second molars) were rated according to the system of Demirjian et al. Skeletal maturity indicators stages were determined using the Fishman method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Bivarate correlation ranged from 0.58 to 0.75 for males and 0.73 to 0.84 for females. Canine showed the highest correlation in males and second molar showed the highest correlation in females. Canine calcification Stage H represent prepeak of the pubertal growth spurt in male patients. Calcification Stage G for second molar represents the prepeak and Stage H represents the peak of pubertal growth spurt in females.

Proposal for clinical classification of multifactorial noncarious cervical lesions.

Noncarious cervical lesions often present with overlapping symptoms and have a multifactorial etiology. The dimensions of the lesion axially (depth) and occlusogingivally (width), along with the orientation of the walls of the lesion to each other (angle), are the 3 factors that can be quantified to classify the lesion and assess its progress over time. This article analyzes these factors and proposes a simple classification system based upon the clinical appearance of the lesion in order to derive simple, therapeutic, treatment-based classifications.

Management of a dentigerous cyst in a medically compromised geriatric patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Because of the increasing number of older persons seeking dental care, the growing trend towards a longer dental appointment and increased administration of drugs in dentistry, the possibility of occurrence of medical emergencies in dental offices has shown an upward trend. OBJECTIVE: This case report discusses enucleation of a central dentigerous cyst in a 72-year old male on long-term low dose aspirin therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Surgical removal of impacted tooth with total enucleation of cystic lesion was performed in the dental chair under 2% lidocaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline, 3 days after aspirin cessation. After complete debridement of the surgical site, the wound was sutured and a gauge saturated with 10% tranexamic acid was placed on surgical site for 30 minutes. RESULT: No post-operative complications or bleeding was seen on subsequent appointment and healing was normal. CONCLUSION: A geriatric and medically compromised patient demands special care and attention; and the decision to cease aspirin before surgery or not is of critical importance.

A proposal for classification of tooth fractures based on treatment need.

Accuracy in defining a disease makes it easier to study and understand. Similarly, with injuries to the teeth, a comprehensive classification is an aid to correct diagnosis and treatment planning. A thorough review of various classifications of tooth fractures shows that, despite an emphasis on traumatic dental injuries, a consensus needs to be arrived at, especially among clinicians and general/family dentists. The ideal classification would be applicable to both primary and permanent dentition, based on tooth fractures in both the horizontal and vertical planes, encompassing all possible sites, easy to comprehend, communicable amongst health professionals and clinically relevant. With recent improvements in conservative techniques, it is now clinically possible to preserve natural teeth even if they have been horizontally or vertically fractured, and thus an in-depth understanding and knowledge of tooth fractures, together with a simplified classification, is now more than ever essential.

Interdisciplinary approach to palatally impacted canine.

Interdisciplinary approach for the management of malocclusion provides a holistic approach of patient management. Prudent treatment planning is necessary to achieve the various treatment goals. The article highlights the salient features and various surgical and orthodontic considerations to approach cases with impacted canines. It is exemplified with a case in which a palatally impacted canine and a highly placed canine in the buccal vestibule have been surgically intervened and orthodontically extruded with sequential traction and aligned in the arch.