The incisive papilla as a guide to maxillary anterior teeth position for complete dentures.

CONTEXT: The incisive papilla as a guide for complete dentures. AIMS: To evaluate incisive papilla as a guide to maxillary anterior teeth position for complete dentures. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: To measure the linear distances from the incisive papilla to the maxillary central incisors in Odia population and compare it to other ethnic groups. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The subjects were selected following inclusion & exclusion criteria. The impressions of maxillary & mandibular arches were taken and poured with die stone to produce the cast. The incisive papilla & incisors were marked on casts with a pencil. The photographs of casts were traced on an acetate tracing paper. The anterior-most points of maxillary incisors, anterior, middle & posterior-most points of incisive papillae were marked on the tracing as A, I1,M, I2 respectively. The A to M and A to I2 distances were measured, analysed and compared with Caucasians, Southern Chinese, and Dravidians. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Independent sample "t" test and Analysis of Variance followed by the post-hoc Bonferroni test were used. RESULTS: A sample of 100 subjects in the age group of 20 to 40 years with was selected. The A to M measurements of Odia population differed significantly from Caucasians but were similar to Southern Chinese population. The A to I2 measurements of Odia population differed significantly from Caucasians & Dravidians but were similar to Southern Chinese. CONCLUSION: The linear measurements from incisive papilla to maxillary incisors of the Odia population are similar to that of Southern Chinese but differ significantly from Caucasians and Dravidians.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology as a useful diagnostic adjunct in the management of ameloblastoma: A report of four cases.

Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive common odontogenic tumor of the jaws. Although histopathological and radiological findings have been extensively studied for the diagnosis of ameloblastoma, usefulness of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has not been explored much. Here, we have reported four cases of ameloblastomas diagnosed by FNAC and subsequently confirmed by histopathology.

Preoperative evaluation of cervical lymph nodes for metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: A comparative study of efficacy of palpation, ultrasonography and computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer is a major health threat in a country like India, where patients frequently present with advanced disease with regional dissemination to cervical lymph nodes. The management and prognosis depend on the status of cervical lymph nodes. Thus, it becomes imperative to diagnose and evaluate them preoperatively. AIM: This study aims to compare the efficacy of palpation, ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) in the preoperative evaluation of cervical lymph node for metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. SETTINGS: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, SCB Dental College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India. METHODOLOGY: A total of thirty patients of either sex of age group 20-70 years, diagnosed with oral cancer were randomly selected for the study and subjected to palpation, USG and computer tomography followed by histopathology for confirmation. The results were evaluate statistically by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value and accuracy. RESULTS: For level IA palpation, USG and CT were equally sensitive (100%) and specific (100%). Although palpation, USG and CT were equally sensitive (80%) for level IB, the specificity of palpation (70%)

Sedation in oral and maxillofacial day care surgery: A comparative study between intravenous dexmedetomidine and midazolam.

INTRODUCTION: Sedation is an important component of day care oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures under local anesthesia. Although various sedative drugs in different regimens have been used for sedation, an ideal agent and regimen are yet to be established. AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine and midazolam as a sedative agent for day care oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, SCB Dental College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of sixty adult patients of age group 18-65 years, of either sex were randomly selected equally in two groups for the study. One group named Group D received dexmedetomidine and the other named Group M received midazolam. Patients were evaluated for oxygen saturation (SPO2), respiration rate (RR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Ramsay sedation score, bispectral index (BIS) score, amnesia, Aldrete score, relaxation during the surgery, and drug preference. RESULTS: Midazolam was associated with greater amnesia. Dexmedetomidine was associated with lower heart rate, SBP, and DBP. There was no significant difference in SPO2, RR, Aldrete score, Ramsay sedation score, and BIS score between the two drugs. Patient preference and relaxation were more in dexmedetomidine group. CONCLUSION: IV dexmedetomidine is a comparable alternative to midazolam for sedation in day care oral and maxillofacial surgery under local anesthesia. It is the preferred drug when a lower heart rate and blood pressure or less amnesia is needed without any serious side effects.

Karapandzic Flap in Reconstruction of Post-traumatic Lower Lip Defects: Report of Two Cases.

Reconstruction of lower lip is a challenge to the surgeon who seeks excellence in restoration of both aesthetics and functions. The defects may arise either due to trauma, developmental anomaly or post-excision of malignant conditions. The reconstruction of rectangular shaped full thickness defects of lip may be achieved with bilateral advancements of the remaining lip segments. We report two cases with post-traumatic full thickness avulsion of central two third of lower lip, reconstructed with Karapandzic flap.

Facial pain due to elongated styloid process.

Pain is the most frequent cause of suffering and disability. The etiology of orofacial pain is still elusive. However, the etiology has to be ascertained for definitive treatment. Only after a systematic and careful evaluation can a treating surgeon be aware of the underlying cause. Though dental causes predominate in the diagnosis of orofacial pain, the rare cause of facial pain have to be excluded, which would prevent unnecessary and fruitless dental treatment. The present case is an example of a rare condition that may be overlooked during examination. This paper will describe a case of vague unilateral orofacial pain, the diagnosis of which zeroed down to an elongated styloid process.