Comparative evaluation of manual scaling and root planing with or without magnification loupes using scanning electron microscope: A pilot study.

AIM: The aim of the present study is to compare the amount of remaining calculus, loss of tooth substance, and roughness of root surface after scaling and root planing with or without magnification loupes using scanning electron microscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study, 30 teeth indicated for extractions due to severe chronic generalized periodontitis were included in the study. In test Group I, scaling and root planing was performed without magnification loupes, and in test Group II, scaling and root planing was performed with magnification loupes before extraction. In control Group III, no procedure was performed. After scaling and root planing, teeth were extracted followed by preparation of specimens. Specimens were then sent for scanning electron microscope study. RESULTS: Statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences were found among different test groups. Results showed that test Group II with magnification loupes had less remaining calculus and smoother surface with lesser amount of loss of cementum layer. CONCLUSION: From this, it was concluded that test Group II was more efficient in root debridement than test Group 1, so scaling and root planing done with magnification loupes will cause less damage to the tooth surface.

Variations in the frenal morphology in the diverse population: A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The upper labial frenum is a normal anatomic structure with inherent morphological variations. Frenum has variations depending upon the attachment of fibers along with the presence of structural variations. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of frenal variations in a diverse ethnic population of Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 500 subjects within age group of 16-40 years (285 females, 215 males). Intraoral examination was done to evaluate the variations in frenum and photographs were taken. RESULTS: In this study, depending upon structural variations, normal frenum was most common followed by frenum with nodule while frenum with appendix was found to be least common. However, no significant difference was found between males and females (P > 0.05) with respect to all frenal attachments. Furthermore, other structural variations were found in the diverse population of Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh. CONCLUSION: Upper labial frenum is a small anatomical landmark in the oral cavity found to have diverse morphology. The dentist needs to give due importance for frenum assessment during the oral examination.