Retrospective quality assurance audit of Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs at postgraduate teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our audit was to assess the quality of lateral cephalometric radiographs by investigating the percentage of lateral cephalometric radiographic images that satisfied the good quality standards. METHODS: The standard-based retrospective audit was conducted at Riphah International University, Pakistan, from April to September 2018. The sample size was 50 radiographs that were randomly selected from the radiographs taken over one year. The radiographs were graded according to the standards set by the National Radiation Protection Board by two evaluators after the necessary calibration. Moreover, the percentages of images that met the criteria set by the Royal College of Surgeons of England were identified. The data analysis was carried out by the SPSS software version 23. RESULTS: Out of the 50 radiographs, thirty-one were Grade-I, sixteen were Grade-II and three radiographs were Grade-III. Furthermore, out of the criteria set by Royal College, one criterion met the 100% standard that was correct head positioning. Less frequent errors were comprised of poor visibility of soft tissue structures (16%), teeth not properly occluded (14%), Incorrect positioning of labels (12%), Sella and Nasion not visible (8%). According to the results of the quality assurance audit, the radiographs fell short of the required standards. CONCLUSION: Quality assurance by periodic auditing is important to yield radiographs with maximum diagnostic value, minimal errors, and avoid unnecessary radiation exposure by repeat radiographs. Recommendations were made for the formulation and implementation of comprehensive radiation protection regulations, at all the Dental institutes of Pakistan.

Quantifying OHIP in the Context with Oral Health Literacy in Rural and Urban Population.

AIM: The present study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and awareness of oral health literacy among rural and urban people and to correlate it with the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted among the rural and urban population visiting the outpatient department. The study questionnaire was used to assess oral health literacy and these questions were framed based on the various aspects like general demographics, dental visit, and dentition status. A validated questionnaire to record the oral health impact profile (OHIP) was used to assess the quality of life. Further, the rapid estimate of adult literacy in dentistry-30 (REALD-30), the word recognition test, was used to assess oral health literacy. RESULTS: Out of 1,000 participants, 500 were from the urban population and 500 from a rural area. The mean age of participants in the rural and urban population was 32.22 ± 10.66 and 30.43 ± 10.3, respectively. The mean score of OHIP in rural and urban participants was found to be 6.46 ± 6.815 and 6.34 ± 8.492, respectively. The mean score of REALD-30 in rural and urban participants was found to be 12.88 ± 7.214 and 20.9 ± 7.334, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that dental health literacy have an independent effect on dental health outcomes.

Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Analysis of C-shaped Canals and Radicular Grooves in Mandibular Premolars: Prevalence and Related Factors.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of C-shaped canals and radicular grooves (RGs) in mandibular premolars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and correlating it with other factors like age, sex, unilateral, and bilateral prevalence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of 242 patients with an age group of 13-70 years were selected from pre-existing database. The prevalence of C-shaped canal and RG was recorded along with variables such as age, sex, and bilateral prevalence. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Prevalence was compared using the Chi-square test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The prevalence of C-shaped configurations in the mandibular first premolars (17.4%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) as compared with the mandibular second premolars (7.4%). CBCT analysis revealed that in cervical third, 88% of canals were found to be C4 type. A high prevalence of C2 type canal was found in middle (68.6%) and apical third (31.3%). The prevalence of RG in the mandibular first premolars (13%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) as compared with the mandibular second premolars (4.3%). There was no statistically significant difference between sex and prevalence of C-shaped canals and RG but it was significantly higher in the age group of <50 years (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed a high prevalence of C-shaped canals and RG in mandibular first premolars as compared with mandibular second premolars. The prevalence of the C-shaped canal and RG was significantly higher in the age group of <50 years. This knowledge may aid the clinicians for good endodontic prognosis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study result provides valuable insight into the prevalence of C-shaped canal and RG among the premolars which can help clinicians to prevent perforations or root fractures. How to cite this article: Srivastava S, Gaikwad RN, Alsalhi N, et al. Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Analysis of C-shaped Canals and Radicular Grooves in Mandibular Premolars: Prevalence and Related Factors. J Contemp Dent Pract 2019;20(11):1350-1354.

Comparative efficacy of flapped versus flapless dental implant procedures: A meta-analysis.

Objectives: Dental implant procedures are crucial for replacing missing teeth, with various surgical techniques impacting the outcome. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of flapped and flapless surgical techniques on implant survival and marginal bone loss (MBL). Methods: We included clinical studies with at least ten subjects, excluding review articles, editorials, and conference abstracts. Studies were sourced from PubMed, Medline, ERIC, and Wiley, published between 2000 and 2022. Data were analyzed using random-effects models to compare implant survival and MBL between flapped and flapless techniques. Results: The review identified 21 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Flapless techniques showed a higher implant survival rate with an approximate survival rate of 98.6% in prospective cohort studies and 95.9% in retrospective studies. MBL was consistently lower in the flapless group, averaging 0.6-2.1 mm, compared to 1.5-3 mm in the flapped group. Low-risk studies demonstrated more consistent and reliable results, supporting the efficacy of flapless procedures. Conclusion: Flapless implant surgery offers a viable alternative to traditional flapped surgery, showing higher rates of implant survival and less MBL. However, successful outcomes depend on advanced imaging, precise surgical techniques, and adequate training. Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings and refine clinical recommendations.

Smoking cessation interventions in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: According to findings from the previous studies, quitting smoking can significantly reduce mortality from all causes and is linked to better treatment results. Even though quitting smoking has many benefits, little is known about the evidence supporting the particular quit services offered to smokers after a cancer diagnosis. Methods: To find the articles related to area in question, different electronic databases including PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and EBSCO were searched on April 1st, 2023. All full text randomized controlled trials with one or more intervention and control groups that assessed the outcomes of smoking cessation interventions were included. Participants of included studies were adults diagnosed with head and neck cancer (HNC) and current smokers or those who had recently quit. There were interventions (pharmacological and/or pharmacological) that aimed to help patients with HNC succeed in quitting smoking. Results: We identified 15352 papers from the initial search from different electronic databases, 2560 remained after excluding duplicates. After screening titles and abstracts for relevance, 2345 articles were removed. Full text articles of remaining 215 papers were assessed in depth by two reviewers for their eligibility, amongst which, 210 articles were excluded. Finally, we included five papers that met the inclusion criteria in the present systematic review. Conclusion: According to the findings of this review, a multi - component strategy might very well benefit patients with HNC who smoke cigarettes after diagnosis. More studies with high methodological quality and standardized outcome measures must be conducted in this population to inform the development of smoking cessation program.

Prevalence of palatogingival groove affecting maxillary anterior teeth in Saudi subpopulation: A cone-beam computed tomographic study with literature review.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of palatogingival groove (PGG) affecting maxillary anterior teeth, bilateral occurrence, and distribution among sex in the Saudi subpopulation and to review the literature on the prevalence of PGG. Introduction: Palatogingival groove (PGG) primarily affects maxillary lateral incisors and, when present, may contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontal and endodontic lesions. Materials & methods: A total of 509 CBCT scans of Saudi patients with 2747 maxillary anterior teeth were included in the study. Patients' information, the tooth type, the presence/absence, the unilateral/bilateral distribution, and the type of PGG according to Gu's classification (type I, II, or III) were recorded. Results: The prevalence of the PGG in maxillary anterior teeth was 1.3%, affecting 32 (6.3%) patients. The PGGs were mostly detected in lateral incisors 25 (2.77%). The PGG was found to be unilateral in most patients (96.9%), with higher frequency in males than in females without significance for sex. Conclusion: PGG is not a rare anomaly in the Saudi population and is most frequently found in maxillary lateral incisors. Type I Gu's classification was mostly detected.

Insight of New Generation Dentists towards the Shifting Trends of Three-dimensional Printing for Patient Management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background: There is a lack of information in the few studies reporting on the use of three-dimensional (3D) Printing for Patient Management. However, few studies have been found about recent advances in 3D printing technology, and biomaterials are revolutionizing medicine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of new generation dentist towards 3D printing and its application in various aspects in the field of Prosthodontics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on dental practitioners/Prosthodontist throughout Saudi Arabia using a self-administered questionnaire, which had items to assess the knowledge attitude and practices of study participants toward the use of 3D printing in dental management. Results: It was observed 17.5% of our participants had complete information and 10.5% had no information about 3D printers in the field of dental medicine. When assessed, male dentists had complete information about 3D printers (17.5%) than females (0%). 43.9% of our participants "strongly agreed" for 3D printers to be implemented in dentistry, 40.4% had "no idea" regarding the experience of 3D prints. Conclusion: Very few dentists have knowledge of 3D printing application in dentistry. Hence we strongly recommend organizing continuing dental education programmed on 3D printing either with hand on workshops, conferences and regular updates on the use of this technology.

Mount Vernon Index vs Yen Angle for Assessment of Anteroposterior Apical Jaw Base Relationship.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to determine the predictability and variability of the Yen angle and Mount Vernon Index (MVI) in relation to the other four sagittal discrepancy parameters, as well as to evaluate and explain any correlations that exist. The Lateral Cephalograms of 100 Class I Indian participants aged 17-24 years were recorded. The lateral cephalograms were traced for six distinct AP characteristics, including ANB, Wits appraisal, facial convexity, and beta angle, Yen angle, and MVI. The gathered data were evaluated statistically using S.P.S.S. version 10. To determine the difference between males and females, an independent "t" test was used. The coefficient of variability and correlation methods were used to determine the correctness of the Yen angle and MVI, as well as the association between the variables. RESULTS: The results of this study indicate that the most predictable and highly dependable parameter was the Yen angle (CV = 5.63), followed by the beta angle (5.63), the MVI (CV = 13.6), the ANB, Rickett's analysis, and Wit's analysis. Throughout all five analyses, the most statistically significant positive association between the MVI and the BETA angle was determined. CONCLUSION: The derived inferences from the study included the high reliability of the yen angle for assessing the AP skeletal patterns of a patient, followed by the beta angle and MVI. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Doshi JR, Jain P, Jain M, et al. Mount Vernon Index vs Yen Angle for Assessment of Anteroposterior Apical Jaw Base Relationship. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-1):S35-S38.

Oral Psychosomatic Disorders in Family Caregivers of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the oral psychosomatic disorders (PSDs) in family caregivers (FCs) of oral cancer (OC) patients and to evaluate the correlation between these oral PSDs to severity of depression anxiety and stress. METHODS: A total of 50 participants were included each in first degree relative (FDR), second degree relative (SDR) and control group. All the participants completed DASS-21 questionnaire and were subjected to thorough clinical history and oral examination. RESULTS: All the FCs reported statistically significant higher mean levels of depression, anxiety and stress compared to controls (p˂0.001). A significantly greater number of FCs (40.00%) reported oral PSDs than control group (12.00%). Most prevalent oral PSD in FCs was aphthous stomatitis followed by oral lichen planus, bruxism, burning mouth syndrome and myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome. Moreover, there was a preponderance of these diseases in FDR (60.86%) compared to SDR (26.08%). FCs with moderate to very severe depression, anxiety and stress showed higher prevalence of these oral PSDs compared to the ones with mild depression, anxiety and stress. CONCLUSION: The observations of higher prevalence of oral PSDs in FCs with psychological alterations can enhance healthcare professionals' awareness to better understand FCs' oral healthcare needs.
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Prevalence of Trismus and Its Impact on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma, one of the most common malignancies, has a poor prognosis due to impairment in oral functions secondary to treatment. Trismus one of the major causes of impairment of oral function. The present study investigated the prevalence of trismus and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients treated for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The maximum inter-incisal mouth opening of hundred OSCC patients was recorded at post-treatment and 3 months post-treatment. OHRQoL questionnaire (OHIP-14) was intervened to assess the OHRQoL of patients post-treatment and 3 months follow-up, with emphasis on correlation with grades of trismus. The prevalence of trismus was 16% pre-treatment, 72% post-treatment, and 62% at 3 months after treatment. The overall OHIP-14 scores indicated that patients with trismus reported greater impairment of OHRQoL than those without trismus at the end of treatment and 3 months follow-up. At the end of treatment, patients with severe trismus demonstrated a higher mean OHIP-14 score (23.47 ±3.34) than those with moderate (17.72 ±2.83) and mild trismus (12.66 ±3.84) with statistically significant differences (p <0.001). Equivalent results were obtained at 3 months follow-up period. Patients with trismus suffer greater impairment of OHRQoL. The findings demand the need of identifying risk factors for developing trismus and early institution of newer/modified treatment approaches for better OHRQoL in OSCC survivors.
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Oral and general health-related quality of life in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients- comparative analysis of different treatment regims.

BACKGROUND: Modern aggressive oncological treatment options for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are inevitably associated with impaired general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and oral HRQoL (OHRQoL). However, there is dire need for prospective and concomitant assessment of HRQoL and OHRQoL after different treatment regims. Hence, present study was designed to investigate HRQoL and OHRQoL in patients treated for OSCC using various modalities. METHODS: 135 OSCC patients were grouped according to treatment rendered into Group A: surgery only; Group B: post-surgical radiotherapy (PRT); and Group C: post-surgical chemo-radiation (PCRT). The 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) were intervened to assess HRQoL and OHRQoL respectively at 1-month and 6-months post-treatment. RESULTS: At 1-month post-treatment, patients who received PCRT showed significantly lower mean values for physical and mental domains of SF-12 and higher mean subscales and overall OHIP-14 (24.57 â€‹± â€‹2.62) score than those treated by surgery alone (10.55 â€‹± â€‹2.26) and PRT (20.20 â€‹± â€‹3.80), with largest differences between PCRT and surgery alone groups (p â€‹< â€‹0.001). Social functioning, general health and bodily pain of SF-12 and functional limitations, physical pain and physical disability amongst OHIP-14 domains were greatly affected. Although few physical domains of SF-12 showed significant improvement, mental domains remained a greater problem after 6 months. However, OHRQoL was significantly poor in all the three study groups (p â€‹< â€‹0.001). CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the post-treatment duration, patients who received PCRT had worse HRQoL and OHRQoL. There is a need to identify factors associated with impaired HRQoL and OHRQoL to customize better therapeutic decisions.

Clinical efficacy of mouth exercising devices in oral submucous fibrosis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The management of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is primarily focused towards minimizing patient's symptoms and to prevent cancer development. Mouth exercise physiotherapy independently or in combination with other modalities is considered to be a mainstay for increasing the mouth opening (MO). The present systematic review was performed to identify different mouth exercising devices (MEDs) used and to provide detailed information on the fabrication and clinical efficacy of these devices among OSF patients. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and CINAHL were searched for relevant literature until February 2019 and the information was extracted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All full text papers describing use of MED in OSF patients were considered eligible. RESULTS: Initial search resulted in 88 hits. After removing duplicates and screening of titles and abstracts, five papers that met the inclusion criteria were included. We identified five MEDs used for increasing the MO in OSF patients. Only one study administered additional treatment with topical steroids, oral antioxidants and ice-cream stick regime. The follow-up across studies ranged from 8 weeks to 6 months. Majority of the studies reported significant improvement in the MO without any relapse and side effects. CONCLUSIONS: MED could play an important role in the management of OSF. Limited researches in this area suggest a dire need for the further investigations using randomized controlled trials.

Comparison of two different matrix band systems in restoring two surface cavities in posterior teeth done by senior undergraduate students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

CONTEXT: Dental students commonly face the problem of overhanging proximal margins and unsatisfactory proximal contact points (PCPs) while restoring Class II cavities in posterior teeth. Various matrix band systems are used in dental clinics to avoid such problems. AIMS: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of two matrix band systems, circumferential matrix system and sectional matrix system on the PCPs and contours when restoring Class II cavities in posterior teeth. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial done at College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Total 1200 Class II cavities in teeth were selected for this study. Treatment was done by senior undergraduate students. Cavities were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1: Total 600 cavities were restored using circumferential band system. Group 2: Total 600 cavities were restored using sectional band system. Teeth were restored either with the composite or the amalgam restoration. Contact points were evaluated. The presence or absence of proximal overhangs was assessed. Overhanging margins were categorized as positive overhangs, negative overhangs, and absent overhangs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: To identify the relationship between matrix band systems and other factors, Chi-square tests (χ2-tests) and Z-tests were used. Pearson correlation coefficient was computed and logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess variables that can affect proximal margins and contact points of final restorations. RESULTS: All optimum contacts 389 (100%) were found in restorations done using sectional band system. A highly significant association was found between open contact points and negative overhanging margins with the use of circumferential matrix band system (P < 0.00). CONCLUSION: Sectional matrix band system has been found superior to circumferential matrix band system.

Fibrolipoma of buccal mucosa.

The lipoma is a very common benign tumor of adipose tissue, but its presence in the oral and oropharyngeal region is relatively uncommon. Fibrolipoma, a histological variant of lipoma, mostly affect the buccal mucosa and causes functional and cosmetic disabilities. Hence, accurate histopathological examination of lipomas is important for a correct treatment plan. This article describes a case of 10 year old girl with fibrolipoma of the buccal mucosa with a relevant review of tumors.

Morphological study of the palatal rugae in western Indian population.

The aim of this study was to identify and compare the different morphological rugae patterns in males and females of western Indian population, which may be an additional method of identification in cases of crimes or aircraft accidents. A total of 108 plaster casts, equally distributed between the sexes and belonging to similar age-group, were examined for different biometric characteristics of the palatal rugae including number, shape, length, direction and unification and their incidence recorded. Association between these rugae biometric characteristics and sex were tested using chi-square analysis and statistical descriptors were identified for each of these parameters using the SPSS 15.0. The study revealed a statistically significant difference in the total number of rugae between the two sexes (P = 0.000). The different types of rugae between the males and females were statistically compared. The female showed a highly significant difference in the sinuous (P = 0.002) and primary type (P = 0.000) while the male had a significant difference in the unification (P = 0.005). The predominant direction of the rugae was found to be forward relative to backward. It may be concluded that the rugae pattern can be an additional method of differentiation between the male and female in conjunction with the other methods such as visual, fingerprints, and dental characteristics in forensic sciences.