Separation Effect and Perception of Pain and Discomfort from Kesling and Elastomeric Orthodontic Separators: An In Vivo Study.

AIM: To scrutinize Kesling and elastomeric orthodontic separators, focusing on the separating effect as well as patients' perception of pain together with discomfort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The separators tested were elastomeric as well as Kesling separators. Thirty subjects, scheduled for treatment having a fixed orthodontic appliance, were categorized into two groups. In group I subjects, elastomeric separators were placed, whereas in group II subjects, Kesling separators were placed. After 3 days, the extent of separation was recorded with a leaf gauge. A questionnaire of eight questions and visual analog scale were used to note the patient perceptions of pain and discomfort. RESULTS: The mean separation formed by elastomeric and Kesling separator was 0.0457 and 0.0437 mm, respectively, of which elastomeric separator had made highest separation than the other separator used for the generation of separation at day 1 whereas the mean separation created by the elastomeric and Kesling separator at day 2 was 0.2327 mm and 0.1903 mm, respectively. 46.7% of patients on day 1, and on day 2, 56.7% of patients reported discomfort but not pain, while 73.3% of patients on day 3 reported discomfort but not pain from both types of separator. On day 1, 6.7% of patients, 13.3% on day 2, and 6.7% again on day 3 reported feeling pressure but no pain or discomfort. CONCLUSION: Elastomeric separators exhibited the highest separation compared to Kesling used for the separation, at all three days. The Kesling separator was a separator of choice in cases where the interproximal contact was tight. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Discomfort and pain due to separator will be minimized by reducing the duration of separator placement. Hence treatment acceptability will be more. There is no significant difference found in separation by increasing the day.

A Comparative Radiographic Evaluation of Occlusal Plane in Dentulous and Edentulous Subjects: A Clinical Study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to establish a proportion between the inferior border of mandible and lower edge of the mental foramen and inferior border of mandible to occlusal plane for dentulous subjects and to evaluate the validity of this proportion in orienting the occlusal plane for edentulous subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The occlusal plane was evaluated in the selected 50 dentulous and edentulous subjects for its relation to the mental foramen and inferior border of the mandible. The orthopantograms obtained were traced with the markings and the measurements were tabulated under different headings. After measuring the distances, the proportion between the distances was determined. The mean proportions of dentulous, edentulous, male, and female subjects were evaluated. Then the proportion of male subjects was compared with that of female subjects and dentulous subjects with that of edentulous subjects. Comparison of proportion between the different groups was done by using unpaired t test. The mean and standard deviation (SD) were determined for each group separately and were compared within each group. From the calculated "t" value, "p" the probability for error was found out. RESULTS: In dentulous subjects, the proportion ranged from 1:3.53 to 1:4.40. The mean was 1:3.90. In edentulous subjects, the proportion ranged from 1:3.50 to 1:4.15. The mean was 1:3.84. On comparison, the difference between both the groups was 0.06. The difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.14). In the comparison of dentulous male and female subjects, the difference obtained was 0.02. The difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.77). The comparison of edentulous male and female subjects and the difference obtained was 0.03. The difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.51). CONCLUSION: The derived proportion of 1:4 between the inferior border of mandible and mental foramen and inferior border of mandible and occlusal plane in edentulous patients as measured on an orthopantogram may yield a plane of occlusion similar to that existing in the dentulous state. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The above-drawn proportion between the inferior border of the mandible to the lower edge of the mental foramen and between the inferior border of the mandible and the occlusal plane in edentulous patients may yield a plane of occlusion which is oriented similar to that existing in the dentulous state. The proportions derived radiographically in this study can serve as a basis for future studies to establish the occlusal plane for edentulous subjects.

Oral Health Behavior and Factors Influencing the Selection of Oral Hygiene Products among the Adolescent Tobacco Consumers in Jharkhand.

AIM: To identify the oral health behavior and factors influencing the selection of oral hygiene products by the adolescent tobacco consumers in Ranchi district, Jharkhand. This study will also attempt to identify the factors related to the selection of toothbrushes for oral hygiene maintenance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 800 adolescent tobacco consumers were selected from Ranchi district. A self-administered questionnaire collected information on the oral health behavior and factors influencing the selection of oral cleansing aids. Logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Toothbrush (83.0%) and toothpaste (78.0%) were the most common oral cleansing aids. Media played an important role in the selection of toothbrushes and toothpaste. The dental visit (15.0%) for preventive dental care was reported to be less. The individuals belonging to upper class (OR = 2.8, p value < 0.001*), of nontribal origin (OR = 3.21, p value < 0.001*, and residing in urban areas (OR = 5.6, p value < 0.0001*) were more likely to use a toothbrush. CONCLUSION: The consumption of tobacco should be discouraged. Promotion of oral cleansing aids and interdental aids should be carried out using support from media. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The oral health behavior of adolescents needs to be improved. The adolescents should be promoted to quit tobacco, and education and counseling should be provided to them for the oral health promotion. Regular dental check-up for preventive care should be encouraged. How to cite this article: Shahi AK, Chandra S, Kumar S, et al. Oral Health Behavior and Factors Influencing the Selection of Oral Hygiene Products among the Adolescent Tobacco Consumers in Jharkhand. J Contemp Dent Pract 2019;20(10):1200-1205.

Age Estimation of Children and Young Adults of Jharkhand Using Mineralization of Third Molars and Its Relation to Chronological Age: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background Dental age estimation plays an enormous role in the determination of an individual's identity and age in forensic and anthropological fields. The estimation of the chronological age of the individual is also important in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment outcomes in the dental field. The third molar has some inimitable characteristics in terms of its size, shape, formation, and long path of eruption and usually erupts after puberty, which seems to be a reliable method of age estimation in adulthood. To establish the individual's identity, inference of age has gained considerable attention in forensics, and the aspect of dentistry has broadened nowadays. Thus the present study was conducted. Methodology The digital orthopantomograms of 720 patients who were exposed to X-rays for routine examination were assessed, and calcification of the tooth was observed. In order to ensure the blinding of the examiners, radiographs were numerically coded. Clinical stages of the tooth were categorised into erupted, pre-erupted, and missing. Statistical analysis was performed by IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), with a level of significance set below 5%. Results The age of the patients whose OPGs were assessed ranged from 6 to 22 years, with a mean age of 18.93±3.129 years. Among the 720 participants, 370 (51.4%) were male and 350 (48.6%) were female. When the clinical status of the third molar among all the participants was assessed, in 148 (20.6%) subjects, third molars had erupted; in 188 (26.1%) subjects, the third molars were in the pre-erupted stage; and in 384 (53.30%), third molars were missing. When comparing the clinical status of the third molar in both arches and between genders, it was found that missing molars were common in females and the mandible arch, with statistically significant p-values. A comparison of Demirjian's stages between genders showed that the mean age to attain stage H was 21.37±0.774 years among males and 21.69±0.616 years among females. This means that the calcification of third-molar attainment occurs earlier in males compared with females. In a similar comparison between the upper and lower arches, it was found that calcification of the third molar was attained earlier in the maxillary arch compared to the mandibular arch. Conclusion It was concluded that the third molar is a versatile tooth and its path of mineralization can be used in orthodontics, pedodontics, and forensics to estimate chronological age, and chronological age significantly follows Demirjian's stages of third molar calcification. Third molar calcification occurred earlier in the maxillary arch and males, whereas several impacted molars were higher in females.

Research Landscape of Lymphovascular Invasion in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Bibliometric Analysis From 1994 to 2023.

The primary factor affecting tumor biology is neo-lymphangiogenesis in solid epithelial malignancies like oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Determining the impact of lymphovascular invasion is critical in order to determine OSCC's locoregional and global dissemination. Bibliometric landscapes are vital to learning about the most recent advancements in the aforementioned topic because the ongoing research in OSCC is multifaceted. This analysis can reveal the progressions that might modernize OSCC diagnosis and treatment. The present analysis has been therefore undertaken to study the relevance and effects of lymphovascular invasion in OSCC utilizing co-occurrence of keywords analysis and co-authorship analysis in the PubMed database. The keywords included "lymphovascular invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma" using the Boolean operator (AND). A cross-sectional bibliometric analysis of full-text articles from 1994 to 2023 using VOSviewer (Version 1.6.19; Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, The Netherlands) was performed. The data obtained was analyzed for co-occurrence and co-authorship analysis using the VOSviewer standard protocol. The query revealed 296 searches in the PubMed database. Seven clusters were found with default colors in the representation of the entire term co-occurrence network, which also displayed a total link strength of 22,262. The items were categorized into clusters based on their commonalities. The labels' weights, as determined by links and occurrences, did not depend on one another, and the co-occurrence of keywords does not imply a causal association. In the item density visualization, item labels represented individual things. The number of items from a cluster that was close to the point was represented by the weight given to its color, which was formed by combining the colors of other clusters. A network of 57 authors who matched the search parameters was discovered by the co-authorship analysis. The network visualization map displayed three clusters with a total link strength of 184. The quantity of co-authorship relationships and the number of publications did not appear to be significantly correlated. In conclusion, this investigation uncovered a sizable body of bibliometric data that emphasizes key trends and advancements in the aforementioned theme. The observed variances may be a result of the various objectives of the researchers and journals, who collaborate to provide the best possible literature dissemination.

Comparative Study of the Surgical Excision of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars Using Surgical Burs and an Erbium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er:YAG) Laser.

Background The use of lasers has increased in the field of dentistry in recent years. However, in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, the use of lasers has been largely restricted to soft tissue, and less focus is placed on the use of lasers for hard tissues. Aim The present study aimed to comparatively evaluate the efficacy of a erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser for cutting the bone while removing the impacted mandibular third molar with the use of a surgical bur. Methods The study assessed 80 subjects undergoing removal of impacted mandibular third molars. The subjects were recruited from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Luxmi Bai Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Patiala, Punjab, India. They were randomly divided into two groups, each consisting of 40 subjects. Group I used an Er:YAG laser to remove the bone, while Group II used a surgical bur. Assessments and comparisons were made for complications, wound healing, trismus, edema, bleeding, and pain. Results The study examined the efficacy of the Er:YAG laser for cutting the bone and extracting the impacted mandibular third molars using a surgical bur in two groups of 80 patients each. When the laser was used in place of a surgical bur, Group I patients experienced less edema, bleeding, and discomfort; nevertheless, the difference was not statistically significant. Time taken by laser for bone cutting was significantly higher compared to the surgical bur. In Group I (laser), trismus existed for a longer time. For mouth opening, the preoperative mouth opening was comparable in the two groups with p = 0.87. Conclusion Pain, hemorrhage, and edema were lesser, and the time required for bone cutting was substantially longer in the laser group. Apart from these, laser-assisted intra-oral bone cutting should be preferred because of its less invasive nature, simpler procedure, and simpler osteotomy when compared to traditional surgical burs and also in anxiety-prone patients.

Prevalence of Oral Submucous Fibrosis, Its Correlation of Clinical Grading to Various Habit Factors among Patients of Bihar: A Cross Sectional Study.

Aim: To find out the prevalence of OSMF and its Co-relation of clinical grading to various habit factors (time span of habit practiced in years, repetition of habit practiced per day, time of habit practiced in minutes per use). Method: This descriptive, cross-sectional survey was carried out and close ended questionnaire was used for data collection. Demographic details like gender & age and different tissue exploiting habits like, chewing gutkha, chewing areca nut, chewing panmasala with or without tobacco, plain tobacco, mawa, smoking, alcohol was recorded. Also, duration of habit in years, repetition of habit per day, time of habit per use & site of involvement was recorded. Results: Among 5297 patients examined at OPD, 120 were diagnosed with OSMF. The present study found no statistical relation between age, gender & OSMF. The present study concluded that majority 83 (69.17%) of the OSMF patients are guthka user and buccal mucosa was most affected site. OSMF was more prevalent in patients who practiced the habit for more than 15 years. Conclusion: Among the OSMF patients, guthka was most commonly practiced & buccal mucosa was most commonly involved. Duration and frequency of consumption were significantly associated with severity of OSMF.

State of Dental Health and Management Needs of Young Hemophilic Patients: A Case-control Study.

Background: In particular, when it comes to systemic diseases like hemophilia, good dental health is crucial to a person's overall health and wellness. Through the means of this study, we aim to assess the prevalence of various dental anomalies in children suffering from hemophilia in comparison to healthy children and assess their treatment needs. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive, case-control study with 400 subjects, 200 each in the study (hemophilic) and control (nonhemophilic) groups. The subjects' ages ranged from 5 to 15 years. Utilizing the oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S), the state of oral hygiene was documented (OHI-S). Using decaying extracted filled tooth (DEFT) and decayed, missing, and filled tooth (DMFT) for the primary and permanent dentition, respectively, teeth afflicted by dental caries and teeth restored/extracted as a result of dental caries were assessed. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 27.0) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Hemophilic people had a considerably greater incidence of dental caries. Furthermore, even though their DMFT/DEFT and OHI-S scores were barely poorer than those of healthy people, children with hemophilia had a significantly larger percentage of dental treatment needs across all age categories than the other group. Conclusion: The percentage of hemophilic children who needed dental treatment across different age groups was significantly higher than the other group, which supports our observations that the dental health status of hemophilic children was poor and treatment requirement was high among them as well. This is true even though the DMFT/DEFT scores and OHI-S scores in hemophilic children were only slightly worse than in healthy individuals. How to cite this article: Sharma S, Shahi AK, Chandra S, et al. State of Dental Health and Management needs of Young Hemophilic Patients: A Case-control Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):380-387.

Estimation of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies in Healthcare Worker-Administered Covishield and Covaxin Vaccines at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Jharkhand, India.

Introduction To mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, global distribution of vaccines such as Covishield and Covaxin has been undertaken. This research aimed to assess the responses and potential differences between these vaccines by examining the presence and levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in healthcare professionals who received them. Methodology A comprehensive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care facility in Ranchi involving 227 healthcare professionals who had completed both doses of either Covishield or Covaxin. Blood samples were collected and subjected to chemiluminescence immunoassay analysis to measure IgG antibodies. Demographic data, immunization records, and previous COVID-19 infections were recorded. Statistical analyses, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), linear regression, and independent sample t-tests were performed. Results Antibody titers exhibited variability, potentially influenced by factors. There was no difference in antibody titers between recipients of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines. Linear regression analysis revealed a correlation between antibody levels and the number of days after vaccination. Factors such as age, gender, blood group, and prior COVID-19 infections did not significantly impact antibody titers. Conclusions This study contributes to responses elicited by Covishield and Covaxin vaccines among healthcare workers. The results highlight that Covishield showed a higher mean titer value than Covaxin, which is not statistically significant. The overall model showed statistically significant results indicating age, type of vaccine, number of days after vaccination, blood group, and previous history of COVID-19 infection collectively influenced the CoV-2 IgG titer values. The findings indicate that age, number of days after vaccination, and prior history of COVID-19 infection have substantial relationships with the CoV-2 IgG titer, but sex, vaccine type, and blood group show lesser, nonsignificant associations.

Prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among 12-15 years old school children in Patna, Eastern India.

CONTEXT: The people around the world are concerned about the aesthetic oral-facial structures as it is more important in interpersonal interactions and dictates vocal, physical, and emotional communication. AIMS: The present study was conducted to assess the severity of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need among 12-15-year-old school children of Patna, Eastern India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study design was used to assess the severity of malocclusion using Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) index among 12-15-year-old school-going children. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A specially prepared and pretested format, exclusively designed for recording all the required and relevant general information and other clinical findings was used in the study. The sample size consisted of 902 children from middle schools (Government and Private) in Patna. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test was done for the categorical data to compare differences between two independent groups. Data were presented as Mean ± SD and "P" value of less than 0.05 was accepted as indicating significance. RESULTS: Around 5.3% had a DAI score of ≤25 which signifies that there is "no abnormality or may have minor malocclusion"; 15.3% had a DAI score of 26-30 which signifies that there is "definite malocclusion"; 6% had a DAI score of 31-35 which signifies that there is "severe malocclusion" and 4% had a DAI score of ≥36 which signifies that there is "very severe or handicapping malocclusion". The finding was more commonly seen among 14 years age group. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded from the present study that the prevalence of malocclusion is reasonable high in this part of the region, and it is very important to bring in more awareness at the school level as primary prevention can be the most effective tool in control this menace.