Treatment outcomes of digital nasoalveolar moulding in infants with cleft lip and palate: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the treatment outcomes of digital nasoalveolar moulding (dNAM) technique with conventional nasoalveolar moulding (cNAM) or non-presurgical intervention protocol in infants with unilateral (UCLP) or bilateral (BCLP) cleft lip and palate. A bibliometric search by MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Library, grey literature and manual method was conducted without language restriction until November 2023. Literature screening and data extraction were undertaken in Covidence. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and RoB-2. Pooled effect sizes were determined through random-effects statistical model using R-Software, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Among 775 retrieved articles, nine studies were included for qualitative synthesis (6-UCLP, 3-BCLP), with only three eligible UCLP studies for meta-analysis. In the UCLP group, very low certainty of evidence indicated no difference in alveolar cleft width (SMD, 0.13 mm; 95% CI, -0.31 to 0.57; I2, 0%), soft tissue (lip) cleft gap, nasal width, nasal height, and columellar deviation angle changes between dNAM and cNAM. In the BCLP group, qualitative synthesis suggested similar changes in alveolar, lip, and nasal dimensions with dNAM and cNAM. In both cleft groups (UCLP, BCLP), reduced alveolar cleft width was observed in the dNAM group compared to the non-presurgical intervention protocol, along with fewer clinical visits and reduced chairside time for dNAM compared to cNAM. It can be concluded that the treatment outcomes with dNAM were comparable to cNAM in reducing malformation severity and were advantageous in terms of chairside time and clinical visit frequency. However, the overall quality of evidence is very low and standardization is needed for the virtual workflow regarding the alveolar movements and growth factor algorithms. Registration: PROSPERO-database (CRD42020186452).

COVID-19 associated oral and oropharyngeal microbiome: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Three years into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there are still growing concerns with the emergence of different variants, unknown long- and short-term effects of the virus, and potential biological mechanisms underlying etiopathogenesis and increased risk for morbidity and mortality. The role of the microbiome in human physiology and the initiation and progression of several oral and systemic diseases have been actively studied in the past decade. With the proof of viral transmission, carriage, and a potential role in etiopathogenesis, saliva and the oral environment have been a focus of COVID-19 research beyond diagnostic purposes. The oral environment hosts diverse microbial communities and contributes to human oral and systemic health. Several investigations have identified disruptions in the oral microbiome in COVID-19 patients. However, all these studies are cross-sectional in nature and present heterogeneity in study design, techniques, and analysis. Therefore, in this undertaking, we (a) systematically reviewed the current literature associating COVID-19 with changes in the microbiome; (b) performed a re-analysis of publicly available data as a means to standardize the analysis, and (c) reported alterations in the microbial characteristics in COVID-19 patients compared to negative controls. Overall, we identified that COVID-19 is associated with oral microbial dysbiosis with significant reduction in diversity. However, alterations in specific bacterial members differed across the study. Re-analysis from our pipeline shed light on Neisseria as the potential key microbial member associated with COVID-19.

Stimulation phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysacch aride mediates interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 mRNA/protein expression in pulpal inflammation.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The signaling mechanisms for Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (PgLPS)-induced inflammation in human dental pulp cells are not fully clarified. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway in PgLPS-induced pulpal inflammation. METHODS: Human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) were challenged with PgLPS with or without pretreatment and coincubation with a PI3K/Akt inhibitor (LY294002). The gene or protein levels of PI3K, Akt, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin and osteonectin were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescent staining. In addition, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze IL-6 and IL-8 levels in culture medium. RESULTS: In response to 5 µg/ml PgLPS, IL-6, IL-8, and PI3K, but not Akt mRNA expression of HDPCs, was upregulated. IL-6, IL-8, PI3K, and p-Akt protein levels were stimulated by 10-50 µg/ml of PgLPS in HDPCs. PgLPS also induced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion at concentrations higher than 5 µg/ml. Pretreatment and co-incubation by LY294002 attenuated PgLPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression in HDPCs. The mRNA expression of ALP, but not osteocalcin and osteonectin, was inhibited by higher concentrations of PgLPS in HDPCs. CONCLUSION: P. gingivalis contributes to pulpal inflammation in HDPCs by dysregulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to stimulate IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA/protein expression and secretion. These results are useful for understanding the pulpal inflammation and possible biomarkers of inflamed pulp diagnosis and treatment.

Does a high-sugar diet alter the bacterial diversity of the oral cavity?

DATA SOURCES: The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct from 2010 onwards were searched to identify the eligible studies to determine the effect of sugar intake on oral microbiota diversity. STUDY SELECTION: Clinical trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies in English and Spanish language were selected by four reviewers independently. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data extraction (which comprised authors and year of publication, type of study, patients, origin, selection criteria, method of determining sugar consumption, amplified region, relevant results, and bacteria identified in patients with high sugar intake) was performed by three reviewers. Quality assessment of included studies was done by two reviewers using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: 374 papers were identified through three databases searched, out of which eight studies were finally selected. These included two interventional studies, two case-control studies, and four cohort studies. All except one study reported that the richness and diversity of oral microbes in the saliva, dental biofilm, and oral swab sample were significantly lower in participants with higher sugar consumption. There was a decrease in the population of certain bacteria but an enhancement of specific bacterial genera, such as Streptococcus, Scardovia, Veillonella, Rothia, Actinomyces, and Lactobacillus. Additionally, communities associated with high sugar intake showed enrichment of sucrose and starch metabolism pathways. All eight included studies had a low risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the included studies, the authors concluded that consuming a sugar-rich diet leads to dysbiosis of the oral ecosystem, thereby increasing carbohydrate metabolism and the overall metabolic activity of oral microorganisms.

Does periodontal treatment improve glycaemic control in periodontitis patients with diabetes mellitus?

DATA SOURCES: The electronic databases Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, CINAHL EBSCO, LILACS BIREME Virtual Health Library from inception to September 2021, along with trial registers and journals (hand searching) were searched to identify the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers independently identified and selected RCTs of at least three months' duration, comparing the effectiveness of subgingival instrumentation relative to no active intervention or usual care (oral hygiene instruction, education, or supportive interventions, and/or supragingival scaling) in the reduction of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in periodontitis patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed by two reviewers independently. Data were synthesized quantitatively with meta-analyses using a random-effects model, and pooled outcomes were expressed as mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. In addition, subgroup analysis, heterogeneity assessment, sensitivity analyses, summary of findings, and assessment of the certainty of the evidence were performed. RESULTS: Out of 3109 identified records, 35 RCTs were included for qualitative synthesis, and amongst them, 33 studies were included for meta-analysis. Meta-analyses showed that periodontal treatment with subgingival instrumentation, compared to usual care or no treatment, led to a mean absolute reduction of 0.43% in HbA1c at 3 to 4 months, 0.30% at six months, and 0.50% at 12 months. The certainty of the evidence was assessed to be moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The authors concluded that periodontitis treatment by subgingival instrumentation improves glycaemic control in diabetic patients. However, there is insufficient evidence about the effect of periodontal treatment on quality of life or diabetic complications.

Is periodontal disease a risk factor for oral cancer?

Aim This study aimed to investigate periodontal disease as a non-genetic risk factor for oral cancer.Design Case-control study.Patient population Two hundred patients, regardless of periodontal and adverse habits (smoking and alcohol) status, in the age group of 18-90 years were included in this institutional study. One hundred patients with histologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were included in the case group, while the control group had 100 patients without any oral cancer.Methods Multivariable examination to obtain socioeconomic and lifestyle risk factors was performed with a questionnaire for both the groups and compared statistically. Additionally, oral status (periodontal stage, clinical attachment loss, periodontal pocket depth, bleeding on probing, Silness-Loe plaque index, and decayed, missing, and filled teeth [DMFT] index) of both the groups was recorded and compared statistically.Results A significant correlation was found between age, gender and development of oral cancer. There was a significant co-relation between alcohol intake and oral cancer development. Surprisingly, there was no correlation between smoking habits and passive smoking with oral cancer development in the case group. Overall, 72.1% of case group patients had Stage 4 periodontitis, whereas 51.6% of control group patients had Stage 2 periodontitis. A significant correlation was found between the incidence of oral cancer and the stage of periodontitis.Conclusion The findings of the study support the hypothesis that periodontitis is an independent risk factor for oral cancer.

Are partially edentulous patients with a history of severe periodontitis more prone to develop peri-implantitis over the long term?

Aim This study aimed to compare the long-term outcome of implant therapy in partially edentulous patients with severe periodontitis compared to those with no history of periodontitis.Design Retrospective cohort study.Cohort selection Eighty-eight patients (34 men and 54 women; age ranging from 28 to 45 years) with severe periodontitis (47 patients with 108 implants) and no history of periodontitis (41 patients with 78 implants) were included in this institutional study. All these cohorts had received implants 6-8 years previously.Data analysis Probing pocket depth, radiographic marginal bone level and peri-implantitis were the primary outcomes, while bleeding on probing was the secondary outcome. The effect of variables was measured by odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Both patient-level and implant-level analyses were used to evaluate the association between peri-implantitis and potential risk factors. In addition, the association between probing pocket depth and radiographic marginal bone level with potential risk factors was assessed at implant-level analyses. In contrast, for patient-level data, a positive relationship was assessed with the Chi-square test.Results Patients with a history of severe periodontitis (OR = 11.13; p = 0.045), implants with a lack (<2 mm) of peri-implant keratinised mucosa (OR = 14.94; p <0.001) and implants placed in bone-grafted sites (OR = 4.93; p = 0.047) were associated with greater risk of peri-implantitis, at 6-8 years post-implant placement. The risk of developing radiographic marginal bone level ≥3 mm was significantly greater (OR = 1.20; p <0.001) in patients with higher full-mouth bleeding scores. The chance of peri-implant bleeding on probing was independently and especially higher in patients who brushed their teeth at most once per day (OR = 3.20; p = 0.04), with higher full-mouth bleeding score values (OR = 1.16; p <0.001) and irregular recall visits (OR = 15.34; p = 0.001).Conclusion This retrospective cohort study concluded that partially edentulous patients with a history of severe periodontitis were more prone to develop peri-implantitis at 6-8 years post-implant placement.

Does periodontal disease elevate the risk of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment?

Data sources The electronic databases Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Data, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, from inception to September 2020, were searched to identify the eligible studies measuring the association between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment.Study selection Cohort, cross-sectional and case-control studies, without any language restrictions, were selected by two reviewers independently.Data extraction and synthesis Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two reviewers independently. Data was synthesised quantitatively with meta-analyses using a random or fixed-effects model, with P <0.1 considered statistically significant. Quality assessment of cohort and case-control studies was carried out using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) and quality assessment of cross-sectional studies was undertaken using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) tool. Heterogeneity of included studies was assessed with I2.Results Thirteen studies, including five cross-sectional studies, five case-control studies, two retrospective cohort studies and one prospective cohort study were found to be eligible. Meta-analyses showed elevated risk for Alzheimer's disease (odds ratio = 1.78; random-effects model; significant heterogeneity) and mild cognitive impairment (odds ratio = 1.60; fixed-effects model; low heterogeneity) in patients with periodontal disease. One case-control study and all cohort studies had high quality, while four case-control studies had medium quality, as evaluated by the NOS. Among the cross-sectional studies evaluated by the AHRQ tool, only one had high quality, whereas other studies had medium quality.Conclusions Within the limitations of the included studies, the authors concluded that periodontal disease is related to an elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.

3D printing for fostering better dental education.

Aim This pilot study evaluated a novel method of teaching dental caries removal to overcome the drawbacks in using plastic teeth that neither simulate carious lesions nor emulate the hard tissues of the tooth.Methods This study evaluated the students' perception of a novel method of pre-clinical teaching of caries removal on 3D-printed teeth with a simulated carious lesion. The lesion was simulated by creating an area of low density within the printed tooth. The study also examined the variation in location and extent of cavity preparation by the participants using a heat map analysis. Students who were in their final year of graduation, in the same university of the researchers, prepared cavities on the 3D-printed teeth and answered a questionnaire on their perceived readiness for clinical practice with conventional teaching versus the 3D-printed teeth.Results Among the 14 participants, a majority stated that they had high levels of anxiety when treating their first carious lesion and that the 3D-printed teeth would have better prepared them to treat patients. More than half indicated that the 3D-printed teeth had a better haptic simulation of caries removal and would have reduced their stress/anxiety when treating their first caries patient. There was a wide variation in the perimeter and the surface area of the cavity preparations by the participants.Conclusion Teaching caries removal with 3D-printed teeth that emulate a carious lesion could help students gain confidence and make them feel better prepared to treat patients in clinics.

Inducing cathepsin L expression/production, lysosomal activation, and autophagy of human dental pulp cells by dentin bonding agents, camphorquinone and BisGMA and the related mechanisms.

Camphorquinone (CQ) and resin monomers are included in dentin bonding agents (DBAs) and composite resin to restore tooth defects due to abrasion, crown fracture, or dental caries. DBAs, CQ, and bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) applications influence the biological activities of the dental pulp. The current investigation aimed to delineate the effect of DBAs, CQ, and BisGMA on cathepsin L production/expression, lysosomal activity, and autophagy induction in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). HDPCs were exposed to DBAs, CQ, or BisGMA with/without inhibitors for 24 h. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the cathepsin L level in culture medium. The cell layer was utilized to measure cell viability by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl -tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the mRNA expression. Western blotting or immunofluorescent staining was used to study protein expression. Lysosomal density was evaluated by lysotracker red staining. We found that DBAs, CQ, and BisGMA stimulated cathepsin L mRNA, protein expression, and production in HDPCs. In addition, CQ and BisGMA induced lysosomal activity, Beclin1, ATG12, LC3B, Bax, and p53 expression in HDPCs, indicating the stimulation of autophagy. Glutathione (GSH) prevented CQ- and BisGMA-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, E64d, cathepsin L inhibitor (two cathepsin inhibitors), and Pifithrin-α (a p53 inhibitor) showed little preventive effect toward CQ- and BisGMA-induced cytotoxicity. Autophagy inhibitors (NH4Cl, Lys05) mildly enhanced the CQ- and BisGMA-induced cytotoxicity. These results indicate that DBAs stimulated cathepsin L, possibly due to their content of CQ and BisGMA that may induce cathepsin L in HDPCs. CQ and BisGMA stimulated lysosomal activity, autophagy, and apoptosis, possibly via induction of Beclin 1, ATG12, LC-3B, Bax, and p53 expression. In addition, CQ and BisGMA cytotoxicity was related to redox change and autophagy. These events are important role in pulpal changes after the restoration of tooth decay using CQ- and BisGMA-containing DBAs and resin composite.

Gingival overgrowth in partially edentulous ridges in an elderly female patient with epilepsy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Drug-influenced gingival overgrowth is an unaesthetic overgrowth of gingiva principally associated with intake of drugs like phenytoin, cyclosporin A and nifedipine. Its occurrence in both dentate and edentulous regions of oral cavity is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: This report highlights clinical and histological description, aetiology and management of gingival overgrowth in a partially edentulous (non-denture wearer) 60-year-old female patient with epilepsy on phenytoin and phenobarbital drugs from past 7 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient's intraoral examination revealed lobulated and fibrotic consistency gingival overgrowth around teeth and on partially edentulous ridges of upper and lower arches along with generalised tooth mobility. Under medical consultation, full mouth extraction, surgical excision of overgrowth followed by complete denture rehabilitation and replacement of combination drugs with sodium valproate were accomplished. RESULTS: Histologically, the lesion showed fibro-epithelial hyperplasia. Clinical results after 6 months demonstrated almost complete resolution of gingival overgrowth. CONCLUSION: The findings of present case suggest that gingival overgrowth can occur even in partially edentulous ridges (not exposed to denture wear) that could be due to persistence of gingival overgrowth, which may not resolve completely following tooth extraction or occurs because of incorporation of specific subpopulation of gingival fibroblasts in alveolar ridge mucosa.

Oral rehabilitation considerations for partially edentulous periodontal patients.

Traditional tooth-supported and implant-supported fixed/removable restorations are currently used to replace teeth lost due to periodontal disease. This article reviews the existing literature for oral rehabilitation of partially edentulous periodontal patients with various designs of removable dental prosthesis (RDP), fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) and implant-supported single crown (SC), by addressing their (a) general features, (b) survival and complication rates, along with considerations for treatment planning in periodontal patients, and (c) preference by patients. To answer these issues, relevant articles were searched and critically analyzed, and their data were extracted. Data reviewed indicated that despite many advantages, implant-supported restorations have higher complication rates than tooth-supported restorations. Systematic reviews on conventional RDPs are lacking, but existing literature reviews provide limited evidence suggesting the use of RDPs with design modifications along with strict periodontal care in periodontal patients. Numerous systematic reviews on conventional FDPs and implant-supported restorations provide a moderate level of evidence favoring their survival in periodontal patients; however, for long-term success of these restorations, the patient's periodontal condition needs to be stabilized. In terms of patient preference, no restoration is superior, as they all are governed by their cost, advantages, and disadvantages. Thus, in the wake of existing weak evidence for prosthodontic rehabilitation of periodontal patients by these restorations (especially, conventional RDPs and for FDPs and SCs in implant-supported restorations), longitudinal studies with standardized treatment protocol and methodology are needed to evaluate and compare tooth-supported and implant-supported restorations in periodontal patients with regard to survival rates, cost, maintenance, and patient-centered outcomes.

Mucoadhesive silver nanoparticle-based local drug delivery system for peri-implantitis management in COVID-19 era. Part 1: antimicrobial and safety in-vitro analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major respiratory pathogen, has been isolated from peri-implant sites and is associated with dental implant failure. This in-vitro study (part 1) aimed to fabricate a novel mucoadhesive silver nanoparticle-based local drug delivery chip, evaluate its antimicrobial efficacy against P. aeruginosa, and its safety for the treatment of peri-implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Silver nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The local drug delivery chip was fabricated using gelatin, glycerol, silver nanoparticle solution (2.5 µg/ml, 5 µg/ml, 7.5 µg/ml, and 10 µg/ml), glutaraldehyde, and sodium alginate solution. These chips were evaluated for physical parameters, effect on viability of murine macrophage cell line J774A.1, and antimicrobial activity (using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method with 18 h incubation period) against P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853. RESULTS: Silver nanoparticle antimicrobial chip exhibited dimensions of 4 mm × 5 mm x 0.4 mm, 5.8 mg weight, pH 5-6, folding endurance 1.04, and one-year stability. P. aeruginosa was susceptible to ≥ 7.5 µg/ml concentration of silver nanoparticles (spherical shape with particle size ranging from 10 to 100 nm). Murine macrophage cells exhibited 93% viability after 24 h incubation with silver nanoparticle chips. CONCLUSION: The novel silver nanoparticle chip showed dimensional stability, minimal effect on murine macrophage cell viability, and significant antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa. With the further establishment of its effective dosage and safety, this chip could be used as an adjunct to mechanical debridement (as a non-aerosol generating procedure) in treating peri-implantitis, especially during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Efficacy of digital nasoalveolar molding in reducing severity of cleft lip or palate malformation in infants: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: This review will compare the efficacy of nasoalveolar molding plates fabricated using a digital workflow to conventional fabrication methods or no intervention in infants with cleft lip or palate. INTRODUCTION: Nasoalveolar molding reduces the severity of orofacial defects in infants with cleft lip or palate using a series of adaptable plates for the maxillary arch. The conventional method needs multiple patient visits at short intervals for treatment. A digital workflow can be used to fabricate multiple plates in one appointment, which eliminates human error, reduces the number of appointments, and allocates more time for patient care for the orthodontic team than appliance fabrication. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will consider clinical studies that report the results of digital nasoalveolar molding in infants with cleft lip or palate and compare it to the conventional method or to no treatment. Outcomes of interest will be objective measures of craniofacial form, nasolabial measurements, or palatal form. METHODS: This review will be conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Oral Health Group Trial Register, and ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched using appropriate keywords. Publications in English will be considered. Screening based on titles and abstracts will be done after de-duplication, followed by full-text reading for selection based on the inclusion criteria. Data extracted from the studies will be tabulated and assessed for risk of bias. If applicable, a meta-analysis of the pooled data will be conducted. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020186452.

Emulating Clinical Diagnostic Reasoning for Jaw Cysts with Machine Learning.

The detection and classification of cystic lesions of the jaw is of high clinical relevance and represents a topic of interest in medical artificial intelligence research. The human clinical diagnostic reasoning process uses contextual information, including the spatial relation of the detected lesion to other anatomical structures, to establish a preliminary classification. Here, we aimed to emulate clinical diagnostic reasoning step by step by using a combined object detection and image segmentation approach on panoramic radiographs (OPGs). We used a multicenter training dataset of 855 OPGs (all positives) and an evaluation set of 384 OPGs (240 negatives). We further compared our models to an international human control group of ten dental professionals from seven countries. The object detection model achieved an average precision of 0.42 (intersection over union (IoU): 0.50, maximal detections: 100) and an average recall of 0.394 (IoU: 0.50-0.95, maximal detections: 100). The classification model achieved a sensitivity of 0.84 for odontogenic cysts and 0.56 for non-odontogenic cysts as well as a specificity of 0.59 for odontogenic cysts and 0.84 for non-odontogenic cysts (IoU: 0.30). The human control group achieved a sensitivity of 0.70 for odontogenic cysts, 0.44 for non-odontogenic cysts, and 0.56 for OPGs without cysts as well as a specificity of 0.62 for odontogenic cysts, 0.95 for non-odontogenic cysts, and 0.76 for OPGs without cysts. Taken together, our results show that a combined object detection and image segmentation approach is feasible in emulating the human clinical diagnostic reasoning process in classifying cystic lesions of the jaw.

Indices for measuring periodontitis: a literature review.

Indices are important tools to measure, quantify and treat periodontitis both in epidemiological and clinical situations and are based on the prevailing understanding of the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. However, there is dearth of literature on collective information of periodontal indices formulated to date. This article collectively describes the evolution and the present concept of formulation of periodontal indices based on the multi-factorial nature of periodontal disease and also provides some direction for future periodontal indices. Periodontal indices have evolved from the simple Russell's index to the current usage of measurement of clinical attachment level in the recording of indices. The use of dichotomous measurements and the Genetic Susceptibility Index are the new additions to the periodontal indices. Nevertheless, an ideal would be an index that will keep pace with the ever changing concept of the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Current Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Cleft Care: A Scoping Review.

Objective: This scoping review aims to identify the various areas and current status of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for aiding individuals with cleft lip and/or palate. Introduction: Cleft lip and/or palate contributes significantly toward the global burden on the healthcare system. Artificial intelligence is a technology that can help individuals with cleft lip and/or palate, especially those in areas with limited access to receive adequate care. Inclusion Criteria: Studies that used artificial intelligence to aid the diagnosis, treatment, or its planning in individuals with cleft lip and/or palate were included. Methodology: A search of the Pubmed, Embase, and IEEE Xplore databases was conducted using search terms artificial intelligence and cleft lip and/or palate. Gray literature was searched using Google Scholar. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA- ScR guidelines. Results: The initial search identified 458 results, which were screened based on title and abstracts. After the screening, removal of duplicates, and a full-text reading of selected articles, 26 publications were included. They explored the use of AI in cleft lip and/or palate to aid in decisions regarding diagnosis, treatment, especially speech therapy, and prediction. Conclusion: There is active interest and immense potential for the use of artificial intelligence in cleft lip and/or palate. Most studies currently focus on speech in cleft palate. Multi-center studies that include different populations, with collaboration amongst academicians and researchers, can further develop the technology.