Radiographic localization of mental foramen in Northeast and South Indian ethnic groups of Indian population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The position of mental foramen varies in different ethnic groups. The position of mental foramen is mainly important for achieving effective mental nerve block to carry out dental surgical procedures in mandible. Deviation in its position can be a cause of complication during local anesthesia or surgical procedures. The position of the mental foramen in South Indian and Northeast Indian population has not been reported. The purpose of the current study was to determine the most common location of the mental foramen (MF) and its bilateral symmetry in selected Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 380 digital panoramic radiographs (DPR) of a randomly selected 2 Ethnic groups of Indian population were studied. RESULTS: The common position (59.2%) of the mental foramen was located between the 1st and 2nd premolars (P3) in Northeast Indians and in South Indians the common location (62.8%) was in line with the long axis of the 2nd premolar (P4), which was statistically significant in both Populations. CONCLUSION: A bilateral symmetry was observed in the location of mental foramina, either mesial to or in line with the long axis of the 2nd premolar, which is consistent with the observations of similar studies in various ethnic or racial groups. In our study a statistically significant association between the 2 ethnic groups and the position of mental foramen exists. Therefore the position of mental foramen may be specific to racial groups facilitating accurate landmark for mental nerve block depending on the ethnic group. Further, studies are required with larger sample for better understanding of mental foramen location in different ethnic groups.

Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Surgeons about Ocular Complications Due to Dental Infection.

BACKGROUND: Ocular complications such as ophthalmia, defective vision, orbital cellulitis, and blindness (temporary or permanent) are rare complications due to dental infection. Currently, there is lack of guidelines in preventing and managing ocular problems. Hence, we assessed the dentist's knowledge and attitudes about ocular complications due to dental infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective survey selecting practicing dentists or academicians was carried out through e-mail using a standardized self-administered questionnaire. The data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage). RESULTS: Only 25% participants knew about ocular complications due to dental infection. Journals and internet were the key sources of information among dentists. Majority of participants responded that ocular complications are underreported in the literature. Large proportion (90%) of the participants advocated research on ocular complications due to dental infection. Many participants indicated the prevention of ocular complications. CONCLUSION: In our observation, dentist's knowledge about ocular complications due to dental infection was poor, and the awareness and practice of taking preventive measures were satisfactory. There is need for providing adequate information about ocular problems in the curriculum of dentistry. Dentists should be trained about prevention and initial management of ocular complications due to dental infection through special educations such as continuing dental educations, workshops, and symposium.