Effect of Radiotherapy on Cariogenic Organism Streptococcus sobrinus in Saliva in Head and Neck Cancer: A Clinical Study.

AIM: Aim of the study was to assess salivary Streptococcus sobrinus in head and neck cancer using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from head and neck cancer patient preradiotherapy. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from oral and laryngeal cancer patients after 6 weeks of radiotherapy (dose 60 Gy). The subjects were explained not to consume solids or liquids or carry out any dental hygiene activity 1 hour prior to saliva collection. Accumulated unstimulated saliva was collected in cylindrical tube through funnel. The collected saliva was then transferred to Eppendorf tube containing Tris-ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) (TE) buffer and was transported to lab for real-time PCR analysis. RESULTS: Streptococcus sobrinus significantly increased post-radiotherapy as compared with preradiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, we conclude that amount of S. sobrinus increases postradiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: As radiation therapy has harmful effects on hard and soft tissues of oral cavity, dentists should provide motivation for oral health care to the patients.

Comparison of Cone-beam Computed Tomography and Periapical Radiography to Determine the Proximity of Periapical Lesions to Anatomical Structures in Premaxillary Area prior to Surgical Endodontics: A Clinical Study.

AIM: In the anterior maxillary region when periapical (PA) surgery is contemplated, knowledge of relation between root apices and lesion, spatial relationship of tooth root to adjacent anatomical structures is essential. The aim of this study was to compare cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and PA radiography to determine the proximity of PA lesions to anatomical structures in the premaxillary area for decision-making before apical surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty subjects were selected. Three endodontists viewed PA radiographs and CBCT images. These observers (1) determined proximity of lesion to anatomical structures and (2) made decisions on treatment based on each imaging modality. Chi-square test was used to check the relationship between the treatment plans given by PA radiographs and CBCT images. Reliability of the observations was evaluated using intraclass correlation (ICC). RESULTS: Significant difference was noted in the treatment plan selected by the observers using the two modalities (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After the lesions were observed with CBCT, there was an increase in the number of teeth involved with the lesion. A change in the observer's treatment plan was recorded after viewing the CBCT scans. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Sheth K, Kapoor S, Daveshwar S, et al. Comparison of Cone-beam Computed Tomography and Periapical Radiography to Determine the Proximity of Periapical Lesions to Anatomical Structures in Premaxillary Area prior to Surgical Endodontics: A Clinical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(4):322-326.